Lux Thinking Aloud Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & Julia 12:58 PM I just had my worst breakup and was still picking up the pieces of my shattered self-worth.I turned to blogging to distract myself. Who am I kidding? I wrote my bleeding heart out hoping my ex would read how I felt after he left. So he'd realize what a monster he was.After slaving myself away in a job that sucked the life out of me, I’d come home to a noisy, chaotic house I shared with other OFWs. I'd watch movies until I was too sleepy to think about anything. Until I was too numb to feel anything.Then I found Julie and Julia.Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & JuliaJulie Powell was a frustrated writer stuck in a job she hated in a house she didn’t like. She lived in a city where dreams were made of but she felt as though her life was a nightmare.Her only escape from reality was cooking. She loves American cook Julia Child so much. She’s her heroine. After her husband suggested she blog about her cooking, her life turned around. The recipes on her blog were from Julia’s cookbook.BloglovinIn a different time, Julia's life in Paris began. She was traveling with her husband who works for the US government. They lived in a gorgeous big house in the City of Light. She's learning the culture, enjoying the savory food and exploring things, trying to find her passion.Primo GifThe movie was about their lives intertwined; their struggles in searching for their purpose, finally finding what they’re good at, the obstacles in pursuing what they love and the imperfections of their personal lives.Aside from these amazing women's journey, I love the gentle forces behind them---their partners. I adore their husbands. Hurting as I was back then, I didn’t swear off love. And every time they show how supportive, loving and encouraging Julie and Julia’s husbands were, I find myself whispering a prayer, “Lord, I want a husband like that.”Julie and Julia became my comfort movie.It gave me hope that someday, I’ll get out of the job I was stuck in. I will find what I truly love to do and earn while doing it.GiphyJulia wrote award winning cookbooks and became a TV personality despite having zero knowledge in cooking at first. Julie’s blog became a hit that her story was turned into a book and a movie.Julie’s story is every blogger’s dream. It was my dream. Maybe not in the same scale. But the thought of getting something out of what I spend most of my time on sounds appealing to me.Fast forward to today, there are brands and clients who trust me to feature them on my blog (THANK YOU!). I get paid for writing and by God's grace, I've found my dream husband. But I'm still a frustrated cook. 😂Julie and Julia’s husbands possessed the traits I was looking for in my ideal life partner. TumblrI saw this movie at a time I NEEDED to know people like them exist. Real people. Not fictional. It was refreshing to see that there are real men who are sweet and supportive but also strong and reliable.If it wasn't for their husbands' encouragement, push and humor, they may not have soared as high as they did. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in your dreams and push you to become the best that you could be.GiphyLet me borrow Julie’s words describing Julia as I explain why I love this movie so much:“It saved me. I was drowning and it pulled me out of the ocean.”What's your favorite or comfort movie?Contains affiliate links.
Love and Relationship 5 Reasons Why It's Good To Marry Your Best Friend 6:29 AM Marry your best friend.You may have heard that line many times before that it’s already lost its profundity. I used to not take that seriously. I thought it's impossible for all people to marry their best friend. And that it's unnecessary...Until I got married.Now, I couldn’t emphasize enough the importance of this truth. And I’m one of those annoying people who will remind the singles out there to marry your best friend!Before you protest...I'm not telling you to start forcing yourself to love your best friend. Or pressure your best mate to marry you.If you and your best friend are already falling for each other and there's a high chance of tying the knot soon, congratulations!If it's far from reality, don't fret.My husband and I didn't start our relationship as friends. We went from meeting to getting to know each other and dating. But I can say I my husband has become my best friend.Why is it good to marry your best friend?5 Reasons Why It's Good to Marry Your Best Friend1. Instant and constant support.Your best friend will cheer you on and support you. Even when no one else does. Even when you're not entirely confident with what you're pursuing.No matter how strong you are, it's good to have a sturdy shoulder to lean on from time to time.You can always count on your partner's emotional support. And that means a lot especially when you are second guessing yourself.Life is not easy. But knowing you have a partner you can count lightens the load.2. Round-the-clock conversation.Remember when you were in high school? You'd sleepover at your best friend’s house and talk all night. It feels like time flies when you’re together. And you never run out of topics.Marriage is like sleeping over with your best friend every night.When you couldn’t sleep because worry keeps you up, it’s good to have someone you can talk to. It eases the anxiety somehow.When you’re both wrinkled and grey, and your hip and joints ache of old age, what you'll have left is conversation.Find someone you'll be comfortable sharing even your deepest darkest fears with.Be with the person you can talk to about anything at anytime without worrying about being judged.3. Sacred silence.Spending time in silence together is equally important as having a meaningful conversation.When you’re weary and you need a day of doing nothing, it’s reassuring to have a best friend who can sit with you in comfortable silence.To know when to be quiet and enjoy that precious moment is vital. Especially when your partner is an introvert.Silence is a soothing and gratifying remedy for the toxicity of the world. 4. Worst critic.Your best friend will tell you what you NEED to know, not what you want to hear. Because your growth and success are as important to them as they are to you.There may be misunderstanding and fights along the way. That happens to the bestest of friends. Let it strengthen your relationship and not shatter it.TIP: Be careful with honesty. Don't use the truth as an excuse to be cruel.5. Unconditional love.Your best friend can give you unconditional love.I've heard this from one of the talks in The Catholic Marriage Summit: As humans, we have a deep desire to be known by another soul. And to be loved despite the knowing is a beautiful gift.There is something liberating and satisfying in the knowledge of being bound to a person who loves you despite of and not because of who you are. Beautiful isn't it?I'm thankful and blessed to marry someone who puts my needs before his. Who considers me in all things even with something as trivial as deciding what to eat. Who listens patiently and loves me for who I am flaws, pimples, moods and all. 😁So marry someone you like to be with, talk to, and someone who brings out the best in you. Marry your best friend or work towards becoming best friends with your spouse.Forever sounds like a long time. Might as well spend it with someone you love and like. Spend it with your best friend.
Faith 7 Benefits And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer Fear 6:10 PM Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? …And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.-Marianne Williamson7 Benefits and 7 Easy Ways To Conquer FearA little dose of fear could be healthy.Imagine if you're not afraid of falling down a cliff. Then you wouldn’t be careful and end up hurting yourself or others with you. Or even die. What's your deepest fear?When I was still single, I fear the what ifs of the future.I wasn’t afraid of growing old alone. Maybe because I enjoy my own company being the introvert that I am. I have made small investments to secure my future.Today, I'm happily married. And sometimes I wonder, what was I so afraid of then?Even now, I have fears.What are they?Still some of the same things…What if I’m not enough?What if I can't do it and fail my client or my own business?What if something terrible would happen to my loved ones? I know it's inevitable but I still fear losing them.I fear not having enough time to do the things I want.I fear that this pandemic will go on for a long time and our economy will plummet farther.The fear of uncertainty is my deepest fear.I think as humans, fear is embedded in our DNA. It is essential for survival. Giphy7 Benefits of FearFear can make you wise. It encourages critical thinking.Fear helps you focus or keeps you on your toes.Fear can give you the feeling of anticipation which could be exhilarating.Fear makes you attentive. When you fear for your health, you become more conscious about your lifestyle. You consider what you put in and on your body.Fear makes you cautious.When you fear for your and others' safety, you become attentive.Fear drives you to change. Fear can push you to be bold. Ironic, right? But it's only when we are fearful can we be brave. It's only when we are afraid can we make bold moves.If I wasn't afraid when I was single, I wouldn't have been careful of choosing my future partner. I would have just settled for anyone.When you fear losing something precious, you take care of it, hold on to it tighter and even fight for it.Giphy7 Easy Ways to Conquer FearIdentify what's making you afraid.Confront the feeling. Understand why you are afraid of something.Embrace fear.Laugh.Plan.Pray.Do it afraid. (Joyce Meyer) 1. Identify what's making you afraid.What is making you afraid?Fear of commitment? Fear of speaking in front of people?Fear of the unknown?Fear of the "result"?They say fear is just an illusion. It's an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Identify the fear. Is it real? Or are you just overthinking it?2. Confront the feeling.Why are you afraid of ___? It is only when you've identified your fear can you confront and understand why you're feeling that way.Some people give up on dating and marriage altogether because they've been hurt too hard or too many times in the past. Fear usually involves a focus on the past.3. Embrace fear.We're all afraid of something. Some are irrational some are a rational reaction about a real threat.How do you embrace fear?Use fear and don't let it use you.Embracing fear means using it as a tool. A small amount of fear is a good thing. Use it as a guide or instruction. 4. Laugh at it.Seriously, humor is the best remedy.Have you seen Harry Potter where they had to fight a boggart?A boggart is a shapeshifter that usually lurks in dark spaces. It has no definite form, taking the shape of that which is most feared by the person who encounters it. (Wikibooks)Meaning, it plays with the person's weakness. It's not real yet its effect on the target is.The spell to defeat the boggart is Riddikulus. It will then turn from your menacing fear into something, well...ridiculous. But what finishes it off? Laughter.GiphyIn real life, you can tell your fear that it's ridiculous and then laugh at it.Learn to laugh at yourself.5. Plan.Before the emotion get the better of you, take a walk. Or shower. Shower thoughts are the best, yes?Play some feel-good movies.Try to recall all the hard times you went through and how you miraculously managed to still be alive and well.And then plan your next move.Are you afraid of confronting your boss or colleague about an issue at work that's been bothering you? That's good because you don't just walk right up to them. There may be consequences.So take some time to plan what you need to do next.Learn from your past experiences or from other people.6. Pray.Go back to the fact that the phrase fear not has been mentioned 365 times in the Bible.It’s like God knows that we will always be afraid of something. So, he reminds us to not fear every single day in every year (365 days in one year).Fear not. God is still in control.You have 24/7 access to the Lord of all. Pray.And remember, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18)7. Do it afraid.When you fear not being heard or being oppressed, speak. Even when your voice is shaking.Your fear will always be there rearing its ugly head unless you learn to conquer it.You don't have to wait for fear to go away (it may never happen) before you act. Have you stopped and consider that maybe, just maybe you're only afraid of how powerful, brilliant and amazing you can be.If it's holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself, do it now and do it even when you're trembling with fear.Your turnWhat is your greatest fear?How is it beneficial to you? How do you conquer it?This post may contain affiliate links.
Food My Love Story With Citron Tea 8:08 PM Let me share my short and sweet love story with Citron tea. But first...What is Citron tea?Honey Citron tea or simply Citron tea is a traditional tea in Korea. It's a mixture of water, sugar and the fruit Yuja or Yuzu (citrus family). It's also known as Korean honey citron tea, yuja tea or yuja-cha. It's a favorite in Korea especially during the cold season. It is popular not only for its sweet citrusy taste but also for its health benefits.Health benefits of Citron teaRelieves sore throat and coughTreats common cold Increases blood circulationSuppresses feverEnhances skin complexionHelps balance hormonesGood anti-aging as its rich in antioxidantsFull of vitamin C thus boosts immune systemBelieves to help protect from viral and bacterial infectionBefore I've read about the benefits of Citron tea, I already experienced it first hand. So I highly recommend it. I'll never forget that day I've discovered Korean Citron tea.My love story with Citron teaEvery inch of my body was aching. It felt like my limbs were tied to a heavy lead. Every move was painful. I was weak and lethargic.Heat was coming out of my eyes. Was I turning into Cyclops about to shoot laser?You know that unpleasant feeling when fever is about to set in? I was feeling that.But I didn't want to miss the reunion with my high school friends. I had to go. After we caught up with what’s going on in our lives over sumptuous lunch, we decided to wind down in a new posh Korean coffee shop nearby. Because I’ve never been a fan of coffee---I love the aroma but not the taste---I ordered tea. Not just any other tea, mind you. At the counter by their menu, there was a photo of a tea which I’ve not heard before with a tagline: Tea full of Vitamin C. GiphyI thought, “Well, I need that right now for sure.” I ordered the smallest size. I took one sip and that’s the start of my love story with Citron tea. It was love at first sip.I've never had tea like that before. And I've tried a LOT.Sweet. Aromatic. Comforting. I love the aftertaste too.It's like a warm hug on a cold weather.It soothed my dry throat.When I was on my way home at 3 pm after the reunion---(we’re officially old! We used to go out until the wee hours of the morning)---I felt...normal again.A wonderful surprise.An effect I didn't expect right away despite the promise that it's full of vitamin C.Me in the coffee shop before I started buying Citron tea by the jarNo more heaviness in my joints. My headache was gone. No more heat coming out from my eyes. I was feeling my old healthy self again! What’s in that cup?! It's like magic!Apparently, they weren’t kidding around when they said it's a tea full of vitamin c. Because, my goodness it only took that one small cup to kick the symptoms of fever away. So now, every time I feel like I’m about to go down with a fever or cold, I make myself a cup of citron tea. Preparing a tumbler of Korean Citron tea at homeI often buy 2 or 3 jars. Each weighs 1 kilo. I prefer the variety with ginger.My love story with Citron tea is getting sweeter by the day.For me, one cup of citron tea keeps the doctor away. (I know it sounds exaggerated. A love story with a tea? But if you're a tea-lover, you'll understand.)Me on one of our trips last 2018FAQs about Citron teaHow often should you drink Citron tea?You can drink Citron tea once a day. It could be quite addicting though especially if you like sweets and enjoy the fruity aroma. Directions in preparing Citron tea?Add 2-3 teaspoonfuls into a cup of water. Stir. Serve hot or cold. Do you need to refrigerate Citron tea?You may store the unopened bottle in a shelf. Refrigerate after opening.Can you drink Citron tea every day?Yes, you may. But if you are diabetic, you may want to avoid it as it's rich in sugar and/or honey.Is Citron tea good for weight loss?Citron fruits are good source of soluble fiber. As such it helps lower cholesterol and helps in digestion which could help in weight loss.How much is Citron tea?It depends on the brand, variety (with ginger or none) and where you'll buy it. As of this writing, Korean Citron tea ranges from $10 to $60. Price based on Shopee and Amazon. Contains affiliate linkHow to make Citron tea?Recipe for Korean Citron tea from vlogger doomandoo두만두:Ingredients:2 kg citron2 kg sugar50 g baking soda1 T vinegarRub yuzu with baking soda to remove impurities.Add water and vinegar to the citron soaked in baking soda and let stand for 30 minutes.Rinse with water.Wipe the water on the citron and dry with a dishcloth.Divide the citron horizontally into two and remove the seeds with a fork.Separate the skin and flesh.Chop the skin finely.Cut the pulp finely with scissors.Weigh the skin and flesh and prepare sugar in the same amount.Add sugar to the peel and mix well.Put the pulp in the skin and add sugar and mix.Put it in a bottle sterilized in hot water. Store at room temperature for 3 days.Here's her calming ASMR video preparing Citron tea. Citron tea can also be used as marmalade because of its consistency and taste.How about you? What's your favorite tea and why do you love it?
Business 5 Small Business Tips To Survive And Thrive During The Pandemic 4:59 PM One moment you’re standing strong and steady, and the next you’re grasping at straws. “What now?” That must be what everyone’s thinking when COVID-19 hit. Especially small business owners. Some companies temporarily closed and others even filed bankruptcy because of this pandemic. How about you? If you’re a small business operator trying to survive or wanting to thrive, here’s some practical advice: 5 Small Business Tips to Survive and Thrive During the Pandemic Business Tip #1: Put everyone’s safety first. If you’re a brick and mortar business, practice safety protocols. Open the door for your customers to lessen their surface contact.Have an alcohol or sanitizer ready at the entrance.Take their temperature and if convenient, have someone ask them about symptoms.Wear face masks (and PPEs if needed) to make your customers feel safe.Disinfect the place regularly.Have your employees checked and tested.Monitor your team’s condition. If someone feels sick, let them take the day off or let them work remotely.Take health precautions seriously. A decrease in productivity is better than the whole business shutting down because of the virus spread. Business Tip #2: Adapt to change. Be like the bamboo. Strong but adaptable. If this crisis has taught retailers something, it is to be flexible. Change with the times. Use modern technology to your advantage. Let your customers find you online. “Grocery retailers have to realize online order and click-and-collect will become 30-40% of their business,” Brittain Ladd, Global Business and Strategy Consultant. Here are a few new normal most businesses are adapting to keep their businesses surviving and thriving: Operate with a skeletal workforce.Offer house delivery or partner with delivery apps.Have a pick-up or take-out only option.Adjust your space to ensure social distancing inside your store/office.Ask customers to give the exact amount.Provide online payment options or cashless transactions.Offer subscription services. Subscription box is flourishing in health, beauty, fashion and even in the pet industry.Go digital. Even companies as big as Target are turning to online shopping because of COVID.Putting up an online shop is not as hard as you think. There are online tutorials you can check. Or you can book a consultation with a digital marketer and plan a strategy. Business Tip #3: Stay connected with employees. Your employees need you now more than ever. And you need them too for your business to survive. Thank heavens for technology, working remotely is now possible. Establish a work from home option with your team. You have the advantage if you’ve already created a remote work system before COVID. If you don’t have one, don’t fret. It’s not rocket science. Have a clear work from home guideline for your employees. Here are 3 tools you can use for productivity: Slack is a great tool for chatting and simple project management. Google Meet, Zoom and Skype for calls.Trello is an amazing app you can use for keeping track of your team’s daily tasks.Talk about your deliverables---who should do what and when is it due? Clear communication is the key. More than work, ask your team about how they’re coping during this crisis. Offer support. There are free mental health consultations online you can refer them to. Your employees should feel heard. If you take care of them, they will take care of your business. Business Tip #4: Keep your clients/customers in the loop. Like you, your customers are trying to figure out what’s going on and where they should go from here. Be their guide. Be the constant and the normal they know they can still depend on. How to stay connected with customers when everyone’s staying home? According to International Telecommunication Union, over 4 billion people are now using the Internet. That’s a whopping 53.6% of the global population! Make sure someone’s manning your communication channels. Set up a Messenger bot for FAQs. Have someone check message inquiries.Send emails and/or post updates about new policies, process change, store hours or promos.Get their feedback. Ask your customers what they need from you as a business and what changes they want to see.Use social media to share your behind the scene stories with your followers and engage with them.Customers will appreciate your effort to ensure they’re still getting the service or product they need even during this crisis. Be transparent with your company’s plans. A well-informed customer is a happy customer. Show them you care and that their needs come first. Don’t leave your loyal customers in the dark. Trust goes a long way. Business Tip #5 Give back. Some companies involve their customers in giving back to the community by asking them to donate. Human Nature offers Pledge a Package wherein you can shop online for natural hygiene kits. They will then deliver these to healthworkers in different hospitals. Some restaurants offer their kitchen for organizations preparing free meals. What can you offer? Remember: whatever you give comes back to you a hundredfold. ✨ Bonus Business Tip: Change your mindset! Now is not the time for victim and scarcity mentality. Now is the time to think out of the box. Your business will not move forward if you as the business owner stays stuck. Condition your mind as it is your most important asset. The more you master your mind, the more you can take control of your business no matter what the circumstances. The resources you have at your disposal or your skills will all go to waste if you have a poverty mindset. Take this pandemic as an opportunity to grow not only your business but yourself. When you feel lost, go back to your business’ mission and vision. Why did you start? What are your goals? This crisis will end soon. But your business doesn’t have to. Use these tips to keep your small business surviving and thriving during the pandemic. Hang in there. You’re not alone in this journey. 😉
Lux Thinking Aloud Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever Made 9:11 PM I'll be celebrating my 5th anniversary as a full time freelancer this year. 🥳 I gotta say, freelancing has been the best decision I ever made career-wise.Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever MadePre-freelancing lifeFor those who don't know, I'm a licensed pharmacist. But, I've always known my heart is in writing. When I was in college, I thought I'd work in a hospital, put up my own drugstore and maybe even have a few branches in different cities. Or franchise an already established pharmacy...and live happily ever after.But, things don't always work out the way we planned.I worked in a hospital and drugstore but putting up my own pharmacy didn't come to pass.One day I realized mixing and dispensing drugs weren't the things I wanted to do all my life.I really tried, but the heart wants what it wants. We heart itOne day, I passed by a BPO company and thought, "Well, why not?"I went in and applied. By the end of the day, I got a new job.Part time freelancerWhile working graveyard shifts on my new career, I came across an opportunity to work online. It was a good way to get my foot inside the door of the freelancing world.But, it wasn't enough.I was underpaid plus working at night was exhausting. I could barely function by the end of the shift to work on my online tasks.So, I quit and focused on my regular job.Fear and contentmentTwo things were stopping me from focusing on freelancing: my fear of the uncertainty (I had zero idea about freelancing back then) andthe contentment and security a regular job offers.I was at peace knowing by the end of the month, I'll get a certain amount of money.ChangeAfter I transferred to a different company, I had a prodding to find an online gig again.My job then actually pays me more than the previous ones.The task was more difficult but I was having fun.I enjoyed learning things, I took advantage of the various free training they offered and I like where I was at that point in my life.I was more confident, independent and dare I say it---I was bolder in making decisions.That's a totally different story though.GiphyBack to freelancingBefore I decided to do freelancing full time five years ago, I had a lot of apprehensions.What if it won't work and I'll be out of money in no time?What if I can't do it? There's no one to ask. What if they won't pay me?I wasn't happy with my work anymore though. I knew it's time to bid the traditional office setting goodbye.The will to find better opportunities was stronger than my fear.So, even though I was afraid, I decided to own it.TenorMan, it was really scary. And tough at the start.The first few months of working online full time were terrifying but liberating at the same time.I left the comfort and security of my job in one of Forbes Fortune 500 companies. I made do of what little knowledge I've had about freelancing.I made Google and YouTube my teachers.I did what I could to survive.But surviving is not what I came here for. I believe God put me here to do great things.Freelancing and COVIDI knew there was more to me accepting what cheapskate clients were giving me.Getting paid just enough to cover my bills and my necessities beat the purpose of leaving the corporate world.I always knew I wasn't born just to work, pay my bills and then die.There's more to life than keeping your nose to grindstone.If this COVID has taught me one thing (or validated what I already know), it's that nothing's certain in this world.You can lose the normal you know in an instant. Heck, our global economy was crashed by an unseen enemy.But...Like anything in life, change could be hard but we learn to adapt. It's human nature. 💪Some changes are forced upon us, others we decide for ourselves.Freelancing is one of the best decisions I made. I found a gig as a content writer and haven't looked back since.Though it wasn’t always easy, the past year has been the best all because of this guy named John R Pagulayan.If there’s one thing I can advise my younger self about freelancing it’s that there are better, higher paying clients out there.And I'd say:Younger self, go find John now so you don't waste your time and energy anymore with these cheapskate clients!I can't teach you how to become a freelancer, but great news is that my coach John Pagulayan is about to hold a FREE Workshop and I highly recommend you join because he’s done a LOT to change my mindset and the way I treat my freelancing business.He’s going to share how COVID accidentally created 6-figure earners and how anyone can do it too even if you have✔️ no experience✔️ no skills✔️ no prior credentialsThis can also help you if you're already working online but✔️ sick and tired of working with cheapskates✔️ want to turn your freelancing into a lucrative business✔️ willing to learn how to win in your niche✔️ interested to get more clients to find you and not the other way aroundUPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. If you’re interested to learn more, you can click here to register.If you have any questions about John, feel free to email me or leave your comment below.Happy to help!Now more than ever, we need to seek more opportunities online.Times have changed. During this pandemic when we're advised to stay home, not be in close physical contact with people, I advise you to try out freelancing. It's the best decision you'll ever make. UPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. Feel free to subscribe to be notified when the doors open on 2021.READ 👉 How A Former Executive Assistant Got An ₱80K Per Month Consultant Role in 42 Days… Even Without ExperienceREAD 👉 How A Corporate Employee Earned An Additional P50K Monthly Income From A Side HustleNote: May contain affiliate links.
Coronavirus Lockdown Diary Day 50: Ending 6:20 PM Enhanced Community Quarantine has been lifted a week ago in specific areas. Since we're not included in the hot zone, we've now moved to General Quarantine. I honestly am not keeping track as my husband takes care of that. I'm just glad we finally reached an ending.EndingYou may have heard before that an ending is just another beginning. Agree to that. This end of quarantine for us seems to be the start of new cases. 🙄 Because look at the road situation as soon as the lockdown has been lifted.RapplerIn life, end of a career is start of a new one. Or a new business.End of a relationship is the beginning of another. It could be about you finding yourself again, renewing your relationship with some people in your life or a new person walking into your life.End of your Netflix show means you can binge-watch a new one. That is, if you even wait for one to end before you start another.I know endings could be hard sometimes. Heartbreaking. Life-changing.Especially when it ends because it's beyond your control. Like a loved one's death.It's a new journey for the departed (if you believe in the afterlife).Ending opens new doors you didn't even know exists.I hope the end of this quarantine is the beginning of a step closer to the healing of our land.I'm both happy and sad that my Lockdown Diary is finally over.TenorI think I'm having separation anxiety to my daily entry about my life in the time of coronavirus.Maybe I'll start on a new series soon. What do you think?Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.-Isaiah 43:18-19Thank you for journeying with me during this lockdown; in all the ups and downs, during my sleepless nights and unproductive days, on my grief and in my joy.It's been only 50 days and so much has happened. Even without me having to leave the house.Writing keeps me sane. I hope reading my lockdown diary helped you realized you're not alone in your journey too. Hang in there. We'll see the ending of this crisis soon. Meanwhile, stay safe!
Coronavirus Lockdown Diary Day 49: Fruitful 4:52 AM Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. I love proverbs that's simple but with a profound meaning and has been proven to be true through time. Yesterday I went to bed as early as 9:30 PM. 💃My sleep has been erratic since the lockdown started so I woke up...12:59 AM! Crazy.I was happy when I got out of bed thinking that I finally would be able to start early. I thought it's 4 AM.That's alright. I love starting my day while the world is still asleep (although I didn't expect to be starting while the world was just starting to fall asleep). I've made this a fruitful day.FruitfulRundown of my day (not because you asked for it but because I want to remember)I started my day listening to a reflection on Spotify. I've newly discovered All Things Catholic by Dr. Edward Sri.Since I'm a multitasker, I was doing some stretching while listening to him preach about The Wedding at Cana. My husband woke up after an hour and we had our breakfast...at 2 AM! Then I started working on my tasks. By 4 AM I was dozing off and I haven't even opened my phone yet! I was winning my morning. So i took a nap break.Woke up at 8 AM because it's starting to get warm.Lunch at 10 AM. I'm usually just waking up around this time.Worked on more tasks.We're eating dinner by 5 PM. That's normal to us. What's not normal was that I helped start cooking our meal. 😂I was planning to skip my weekly Accountability Call because I didn't want to stay up beyond 9 PM. But I attended anyway. It helps me stay on track to speak with my fellow freelancers.In bed by 10:30 PM.GiphyThat may be a boring day for some most people. For to me that's a day of hustling and I love it. It's been productive.It's fruitful too because:I got an invitation to send a proposal.I got additional prospects on my list.I got to finish tasks I've been setting aside.I started my day with the Word again! I remembered to pray The Millionaire's Prayer.I was able to spend more time with my husbandDuring this pandemic, I allowed myself to just listen to worship songs while working. That's good but my attention is more on my tasks than on the worship.If I'm not tired, I'd insert a few minutes listening to a reflection. That shouldn't be the case.God should be first and center. Today wasn't a perfect day...I encountered some technical problems.Someone forwarded to me a news link about our government saying they're "not obliged" to conduct mass testing and leaving it to the private sector to do something about it. 🤦 Elect a clown, expect a circus. Am I right?I wish tomorrow's election day so it's still fresh in the people's mind what these clowns got us into. We forget easily. That's the problem. That's why history keeps repeating itself. We never learn.Well, that's it for today.Looking forward to another fruitful tomorrow because even in the midst of this pandemic, my God remains faithful and generous.I can be rest assured that He will never let my cup run dry.There is cornucopia even in this crisis because my God is the God who can make the impossible happen.Indeed His people can be fruitful even in the wasteland. What an amazing God we have!And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. - 2 Corinthians 9:8Your turnHow did your day go?What time of day do you get more productive?
Coronavirus Lockdown Diary Day 48: Early 6:57 PM After almost two months of erratic sleep, I'm finally going to bed early today. How early? 9:30 pm. Yes! I would normally be starting on my next task around this time. But, not today. What a good start of the week! I'm an early bird.EarlyMy lack of sleep in the past few weeks has finally caught up with me. I also listened to the brilliant Marie Forleo while preparing the squash for dinner. On one of her podcast, Marie was interviewing author Robin Sharma.They talked about the benefits of the 5 am club.I don't have to join the club to know and understand how great it is.Before the quarantine, I was good at waking up as early as 4 am and as late as 6 am. My alarm is always set to 5. When the lockdown started, my husband was staying up calling airlines and agencies. I was staying up with him. But also I had trouble sleeping because the sudden change and thought that we're in a crisis was waking up the anxiety demon in me.GiphyI was going through changes in my career. Dealing with a family's sickness and eventually...death. Thinking about what our future will be like now.I can't even get a clear picture of what 2021 will look like because all I'm concerned about is how to survive thrive this 2020. Oh, what a big Queen B this year has been.I was optimistic to welcome the new year. I had so much hope that this year would be better than last year. Man, 2020 must be looking at me back then like:TenorTragedy after tragedy both in our personal lives and in the world. Sending my virtual hug to you if you're going through a bit of a rough patch.After a few days of letting Sadness rule the emotions headquarters, I let Joy take over.In case you haven't seen Inside Out, these emotions were the characters' names. Also, why haven't you yet? It's a great movie!There was (still is) a ramble between Fear and Anger too trying to take control but ultimately, I choose Joy. I have to. For the sake of my sanity.It's a decision I have to make on a daily basis.PSABecause when bad news and conspiracy theories flood my feed every day, it can get overwhelming and it's easy for Joy to slip and Fear would hold the handle with much eagerness.And when I see how full grown adults take turns blaming and burning each other instead of helping and actually doing their jobs, Anger has no problem stepping in. Oh, it's so effortless.Thankfully, I've arrived at the acceptance stage.When the pandemic hit, I felt like going through the stages of grief at the beginning.Denial.Anger.Bargaining.Depression.Acceptance.The early stages of the crisis (in my personal life and in the world) were the toughest ones.It took me a while to believe that this is actually happening. It's not another Hunger Games movie. It's real! And we're all in it.Life could get messy sometimes. But it changes. We're not here permanently. We're just passing through.The earlier we accept this fact, the faster we can move our lives forward. I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.-Philippians 3:13-14Your turnWhat life stage are you in now?What do you hope to happen after the crisis?
Coronavirus Lockdown Diary Day 47: New 8:25 PM For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. -Isaiah 43:19NewOur lives pre COVID-19 is out. We will NEVER go back to that kind of life. It's time to let go. Of the old system, habits and practices we used to know. New normal has come.It's scary to face the unfamiliar and the uncertain. I know. I've been anxious since the pandemic started. But verses like this is giving me hope:God is doing something new and He has already begun.This may have taken place during the time of Isaiah, but He is an unchanging God. And oh, how apt it is for today's situation.He is that same God who is right now giving us this same promise.What a wonderful thought, isn't it? Uplifting!From the Feast service I saw today, Bro Arun talks about remembering God's greatness in our past as we speak good things for our future. Especially when we're in a crisis.Allow me to share God's greatness in my life:I had a hard time during college. I was struggling with the lessons, the adjustment, the hostility, the financial constraints. Thankfully, God helped me graduate. I was the first in our family to do so.When I was worried sick that my valuables would be stolen from my luggage during one trip, God kept them safe.When I needed a new phone but couldn't afford a new one, I won a blogging contest for a new smartphone.When I got sick, God restored my health.When I had only like $10 left in my wallet, God provided for me everything I needed.God brought me to the right people and circumstances. He steered me away from the wrong crowd.God orchestrated my meeting with my one true love. He gave me someone far better than what I asked for.I thank God for my job that allows me to stay home and work comfortably and more effectively. (I'm an introvert and this set up works best for me).When it's been raining for two weeks straight but He made it sunny on the day of my trip. Oh, it was a beautiful sunshiny day! When my clients terminated their contracts, I never ran out of blog sponsors and writing clients. Every day I'd get an email inquiring about how to collaborate with me. God provides abundantly!I'm surrounded with people who are generous with their time, talent and treasure.GfycatI could go on and on. From the most trivial to the life-and-death events, God has remained faithful to me.I think about how I was feeling before these things happened.I was scared, worried, frustrated, impatient, doubtful.Lo and behold! God turned things around and showed me that I am highly favored. Even though I would once in a while feel anxious during this pandemic, I know God is doing something behind the scene.He's preparing us for another breakthrough.We see a dead end but He's paving a pathway.We see drought and desert and wasteland, but He's creating rivers.And one day you and I will exclaim, "Lo and behold! God's made something new."Your turnRemember the times God turned a situation around for you. What did you learn from it?List down the things you are thankful for.
Coronavirus Lockdown Diary Day 46: Childlike 7:01 PM Kids couldn't wait to grow up and adults wish they could go back to being a child again. Ah, the irony of life.Personally, I love being an adult but I like to stay childlike. Children don't need a lot to be happy. They find genuine joy in the little things. I like to hang around people who don't take themselves or things seriously. Those who can laugh at themselves, are not afraid to be silly and those who keep their sense of wonder alive.On the contrary, toddlers throwing tantrums trapped in an adult's body riles me up. 🙄ChildlikeThere are many things I'll never be too old for.Cartoon and Anime Fairy tales or children's fantasy booksCandy barsPlaying (with dogs and kids in the family)Cute things like cartoon-themed cakes and foodSwing and seesaw Board gamesThis weekend, I'm excited to watch another Ghibli film. The Secret World of Arrietty!PinterestAlthough Ghibli is known for movies that are animated but have deep meaning and sometimes even poignant and tragic stories (Grave of the Fireflies got me bawling), I know I'm in for a treat.I love being transported in a totally different, more colorful and "kinder" world through movies and books.I enjoy being an adult. When I was 27, I thought it's the best stage of my adult life. Maybe it was the best of my 20's. But when I turned 30, things just continue to get better.Don't believe the lie that your 20's is your best or your prime. You're not even close. At least from my experience.There's more to life! So, don't fret or pressure yourself. Just enjoy the journey.We age. We grow up. But we shouldn't allow ourselves to be less joyful just because. Growing old is not a bad thing!No, we don't deny our age. 😛 Okay, maybe you can if you want to. Your life, your rules.But, I think it's more liberating to embrace who and where we are.Some verses about age:Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who sustains you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. -Isaiah 46:4Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. -2 Corinthians 4:16They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. -Psalm 92:14Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. -Job 12:12Always have a childlike wonder in your heart, even as your view of the world changes. -Lidia LongorioYour turnWhat childlike things/activities do you still enjoy doing?
