Lux Thinking Aloud Thank You For Being Here: Thanksgiving Message 3:38 PM Thank You For Being Here Thanksgiving Message It's been a while since I wrote something personal here. Not a life hack, love advice, or raving over my current book obsession. Not thinking about SEO or engagement. Just a raw, straight-from-the-heart message. Since it's time to express gratitude, let me give you my Thanksgiving message: thank you for being here. Especially if you've been around before I even took blogging seriously.To my OG readers, thank you for staying.I started writing because I'm too much of an introvert to talk about my feelings and thoughts. So, if you've been here since 2011, you've seen me pour my broken heart out over breakups, friendships that drifted apart, or generally over how messed up the world has become. But you didn't leave. As I evolved into a more mindful writer (yeah, I don't rant so much about life online anymore 😄), you stayed. My shift in interests and topics of choice might have given you a whiplash over the years, but you stayed. I'm eternally grateful for that. You're the real MVP. I consider you my friend, albeit online, so know that you're more than welcome to message me if you want to talk about life. To my new visitors, thank you for being here.You could've been doing something else with your time, but you chose to spend it reading my thoughts and sharing my experiences with me. Time is one of the most incredible things you could give someone, and I thank you for giving me a little bit of yours. I hope you stay!To my clients, thank you for your trust.Thank you for making this girl's dream come true: getting paid by doing what I love. Writing for your brand gives me purpose and pleasure. Your business has supported my passion, allowing me to maintain this website...and buy as many books as my storage can hold. To my favorite authors, thank you for sharing your world with me.I've been to many places. And lived multiple exciting lives thanks to the beautiful books you've written. Your mind is a treasure trove. Thank you for introducing me to those unforgettable characters and allowing me to visit those charming places that could only exist in your imagination. They could've stayed in your brilliant minds, but you chose to share them with the world. Thank you for being so generous.To my naysayers, thank you for inspiring me.Thank you for telling me, "You're not a writer, and you'll never be one." Your comments surely have fueled me to learn more and be better at what I do. I am truly, sincerely, genuinely touched by the amount of time and energy you spend thinking and talking about me. You're one of the reasons I keep going. Thanks for keeping me grounded.To my amazing husband, thank you for being the best.I knew you were the one from when you told me you read my blog to get to know me more. 😅Marriage may be a roller coaster ride, but I'm beyond grateful you're the one I'm riding this crazy life with. I couldn't ask for a better partner. You never made me doubt or second-guess our marriage. I sleep better knowing that you always have my back. Thank you for showing me how to be unequivocally loved, accepted, appreciated, and celebrated by simply being myself.To myself, thank you for not giving up!Don't get weirded out if I address myself here. Because I give myself a pep talk and hype myself up all the time (studies show that it's actually healthy). So, allow me to write this Thanksgiving message:Dear Self,Oh, the battles we've been through the past few years! But look at you still standing. Still fighting. Still finding joy and beauty in your every day.Thank you for being strong and kind and for not losing your humor and sense of wonder. You are magnificent. You got this!Thanksgiving MessageMy life is not perfect, but my heart is filled with gratitude. Who or what are you thankful for the most this year?
For Moms You Don't Have To Celebrate Mother's Day And That's Okay 4:40 PM You Don't Have To Celebrate Mother's Day And That's Okay Mother's Day is a special holiday honoring mothers and mother figures. But not everyone feels comfortable celebrating this day. Maybe you prefer not to celebrate this occasion. Or you're a "mother" who doesn't fit the traditional mold. Know that you don't have to celebrate Mother's Day, and that's okay.You may have had a complicated relationship with your mother or experienced the loss of one. You may not identify as a conventional mother but as a single parent, a non-binary parent, or a same-sex parent. You may be someone who has chosen not to have children or is struggling with infertility.Or maybe you've chosen to be a foster mom or mother of stray animals, providing them with a loving home.Whatever your situation, it's essential to recognize that motherhood comes in many forms, and all should be honored and recognized. Here's a heartwarming video from BBDO Asia featuring unconventional moms and the beautiful love they share with their kids. Prepare some tissues. You don't have to celebrate Mother's Day, and that's okay.Mother's Day should be a day of inclusivity and empowerment, not exclusion.If you don't like celebrating Mother's Day, know you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. It's okay to acknowledge and honor them. Take this day to focus on self-care and do something that brings you joy. Spend time with loved ones who support you and respect your feelings.If you're an unconventional mother, know that you are still amazing, just as you are. Your unique experiences and perspectives bring diversity and richness to motherhood. So celebrate your journey and the love you give to your children, regardless of how society may define motherhood.Let's celebrate everyone who gives their love unconditionally, regardless of their title or label. Celebrate Mother's Day. Or don't. No pressure. 😉
Books 2022 Reading Challenge With Bookstagram Questions 4:39 PM I read 45 books in 2022. So instead of doing a short review for each book like I did in 2021, I'll answer some questions about the books I completed in my 2022 Reading Challenge with bookstagram questions. First book of the year:Lost Wife's Tale by Marion McGilvaryLast read of the year:Reminders of Him Colleen HooverFavorite book characters:Lady Johanna in Saving Grace by Julie GarwoodChristina Bennet in Lion's Lady by Julie GarwoodJade in Guardian AngelSpenser in Bad Business by Robert B ParkerAva Knight in Tempt Me, Your Grace by Tamara GillRavenna Caulfield in I Adored a Lord by Katharine AsheCampbell Barker in You Dropped a Blonde on Me by Dakota CassidyJason Curtis in Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonFavorite author/s?Julia QuinnRobert FulghumRobert B. ParkerGenres you read this year:RomanceYoung AdultRegency Drama Fantasy FictionCrime Mystery Detective ThrillerMemoirSelf-help Christian LiteratureFavorite genre so far:Regency Drama RomanceCrime Mystery Detective ThrillerFavorite romance trope:Different Worlds / BackgroundsBooks that you finish in one day:The Quickie by James PattersonReminders of Him by Colleen HooverNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonUnputdownable books:The Quickie by James PattersonReminders of Him by Colleen HooverNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonGlass Sword by Victoria AveyardBooks that made you cry:King's Cage by Victoria AveyardReminders of Him by Colleen HooverBooks that made you laugh:Bad Business by Robert B ParkerAll I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert FulghumBooks that upset you:The Quickie by James PattersonNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonKing's Cage by Victoria AveyardWar Storm by Victoria AveyardBook you think has a frustrating plot or ending:The Blue Bistro by Elin HilderbrandEternity by Jude DeverauxThe Gift by Julie GarwoodBooks with covers you love: Book series you read:The Red Queen Series (complete)Hunger Games (complete)Crown's Spies Series (books 1-3 only)Books with steamy scenes:All Julie Garwood booksAll Julia Quinn booksIf You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran KramerBooks that made you want to fall in love again for the first time:A Night Like This by Julia QuinnThe Girl with a Make-Believe Husband by Julia QuinnSaving Grace by Julie GarwoodThe most remarkable book:Reminders of Him by Colleen HooverNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonEasiest read:Bad Business by Robert B ParkerNovel that took you a long time to finish:Unbecoming by Jenny DownhamThe longest time it took you to finish a book:2 weeksAn author whose work you want to read more of:Robert B ParkerColleen HooverJulia QuinnKate WhiteCheapest book you bought:Robert B Parker ($0.63 second-hand bookstore)Books that disappointed you:War Storm (Victoria Aveyard)The Blue Bistro (Elin Hildenbrand)Books that you will recommend:Bad Business by Robert B ParkerThe Girl with a Make-Believe Husband by Julia QuinnNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonBooks that you are less likely to recommend:Eternity (Jude Deveraux)Books that made you want to reach out to the author:Lost Wife's TaleBooks that you wish to have an epilogue or sequel:Lost Wife's TaleBook character you want to swap lives with for a day:Lady Johanna (Saving Grace)Princess Christina (The Lion's Lady)Book character you hated:Lorna on Foursome by Jane FallonBook character you wish you were friends with:Paige Turner (Nothing Lasts Forever)Ravenna Caulfield (I Adored a Lord)Princess Christina (The Lion's Lady)Jade (Guardian Angel)Book boyfriend/husband:Ledger Ward (Reminders of Him)Daniel Smythe-Smith (A Night Like This)Major Edward Rokesby (The Girl with a Make-Believe Husband)Laird Gabriel McBain (Saving Grace)Campbell Barker (You Dropped a Blonde on Me) Book setting you wish you could see in real life:Julie Garwood's in the Scottish HighlandsThe Blue Bistro The Christmas Village in How the Grump Saved Christmas (Claire Kingsley)What book color do you have the most of?Shades of BlueBooks you wish will be made into a movie or series:Julie Garwood's and Julia Quinn'sAppointment with Death by Agatha ChristieHow do you rate your books?I base the rating on entertainment or emotions, storytelling, readability, and plot. Emotions. I laughed, cried, got confused, got upset and frustrated, got scared, got angry, and got giddy. I felt all the emotions the author wanted me to feel. Or if it made me feel better after closing the book.Storytelling. I like stories that are easy to read. Or storytelling style makes me feel like I'm talking to someone sharing a fascinating story that I can't wait to hear the rest of it.Readability. Is reading it like pulling teeth, or do I find myself breezing through the pages?Plot. What happened to the story? Is there character development? Did it surprise me or keep me guessing? Did the whole point of the story make sense? Did I learn something from it or at least left thankful I picked up the book? All the Books on My 2022 Reading Challenge⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten Appointment with Death Saving GraceSlow BurnThe BrideBad BusinessLethally BlondeGuardian AngelThe Lion's LadyThe Glass SwordHeartbreakerThe QuickieRattled!Heaven Changes EverythingThe SecretA Night Like ThisNothing Lasts ForeverCatching FireThe Girl with a Made-Believe HusbandHow the Grump Saved Christmas ⭐⭐⭐⭐FoursomeShoe Addicts AnonymousThe WeddingThe Debutant DivorceeAnna and the French KissYou Dropped a Blonde on MeKilljoyI Adored a Lord Ali's Pretty Little LiesMockingjayTempt Me Your Grace ⭐⭐⭐A Lost Wife's TaleIf You Give a Girl a ViscountWar Storm Honor's SplendorUnbecoming⭐-⭐⭐Mr. & Miss AnonymousThe Blue BistroThe GiftEternityWant to earn a commission by promoting books online? Be my sub-affiliate on Blackwell's.This post contains affiliate links, so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!Hero image
Lux Thinking Aloud The Word I Choose For 2023: No 5:59 PM What word are you choosing for 2023? I started my Word for the Year instead of New Year's Resolution years ago, and this year is no different. My word for 2023 is only a two-letter, monosyllabic one, but it's powerful. So powerful that even though it denotes negativity, you are encouraged to say it more often so you can live happy and healthy. The word I choose for 2023 is No.My Word for 2023: NoWhat is Saying No? Saying no is more than just refusing, declining an invitation, or disagreeing.Saying no is an art. It takes gumption to say no, especially to people you don't want to disappoint.Saying no shows how much you believe in what you stand for, regardless of how persuading or discouraging eternal forces are. (Remember the War on Drugs slogan, 'Just Say No'?).Saying no is an expression of self-love and self-respect. It's about being unapologetically you.Saying no means protecting yourself from people and things that can harm or distract you from your goals.Saying no is okay. It is healthy.And saying no is important if you want to improve your life.This 2023, I choose to say No more often.Because I want more sh** done. (That's my phrase for 2023, by the way. "Get it done.")How often do you say no? To other people and, most of all, to yourself? TenorWhy No is my word for 2023I choose to say No more this year, so I can say yes to better things.No to rehashing traumatic experiences in my head. Yes to acceptance, contentment, and peace.No to overthinking and what-ifs. Yes to embracing the present and all its beauty and ugly.No to believing and giving the time of day to the lies of the enemy. Yes to loving who I am and thanking God for making me this way.No to growing and nourishing the seed of doubt that past experiences and toxic people planted in me. Yes to seeing and treating myself with kindness and compassion.And No to little everyday things that impact my life significantly.GiphyEveryday things I'm saying No toNo to buying and eating cakes for no reason. I'm reserving that for special occasions now. No to One more chapter and One more episode. Oh, the lies we tell ourselves! I'm tired of waking up to dull-looking skin and breakouts because of lack of sleep. Of my growing eye bags and sluggishness the following day. Of rereading and redoing my work multiple times because my brain's not functioning well.No to procrastination. This 2023, I'm saying no to putting off to tomorrow what I can finish or at least start on today. The main culprit for my procrastination is mindless browsing on my phone. I put off doing my chores, stretching and strengthening my back, and working on a project. And would you believe it, I even procrastinate on ordering online. So my floor gets dirtier than I would admit. My laundry piles up. I feel weaker, and my lower back hurts. So I'm saying enough of that this 2023.TenorNo to baseless worries. Even the Bible reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).But more often than necessary, I worry. Anxiety has been a part of my day, and when things are going right, my brain automatically finds something to worry about. Or worries that there's nothing to worry about. 🤷 It could be a result of growing up in the environment I was in. Or talking to people who are more anxious than I am. But I'm saying No to that more often and with more conviction this year. And remind me to focus on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable, or admirable, or on something praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).No to another year of hiatus on my blog. My blog is my baby. It's one of the few things I can call my own. And I have neglected this baby for a while now. I've not been deliberate in writing more often. In encouraging my readers, which I claimed to be the purpose and reason for this blog. In reaching out and updating my subscribers and sending Soul Food that I promised. So I'll be more active on my blog again. I'll write more often (not as often as when I started - daily or weekly. Gosh, where is that girl with so much time in her hand now?). I'd be a more responsible and doting mother to this love child of a blog. Effects of Not Saying No I know the results of not saying No all too well.My mental and physical health suffers. My relationships suffer. My work quality suffers.I burn out when I don't say No to clients' demands.I get lethargic when I don't say no to another episode of Outlander or Miss Scarlet and the Duke. I go through the day like a zombie desperate for brains when I can't say no to Miss Julia Quinn, Julie Garwood, or Colleen Hoover's stories.TenorIn Summary: No for 2023This year, more than saying no to working myself like a slave one moment and procrastinating the next, I'm saying no to my bad habits.To the lies in my head. To activities that don't help me grow, make more money, and fill my heart with joy.My word for 2023 is No because I want to say yes to more substantial, better possibilities.I'm choosing the word No because I want to say Yes to my health, my peace, and seeing things accomplished.Have you chosen a word for the year?What things are you saying No to this 2023?Hero image
Lux Thinking Aloud My 2022 Wrapped 5:02 PM How has your year been? I saw a meme saying this year is a perfect blend of losing my mind and having the time of my life. And I couldn't relate more. Here's my 2022 wrapped. Not that you care, but I do. 😁My 2022 WrappedI turned 40.Though I still feel like I'm still 21. I think I'll forever be in my heart. The only indications that I've aged are that I'm starting to see lines near my eyes, I gain weight faster and find that I can't lose them as quickly as I used to, and I just don't give a damn anymore.I'm more comfortable with my choices, not having to think if this is what society would approve of or what people would say.I spent my birthday and Christmas by myself. Peacefully, contentedly, joyfully.I read the most books in my life in one year.Last year, I gave myself the Read One Book or Series in One Month Challenge. However, I found that after reading one book, I'm itching for the next month to start so I can begin reading again. So this year, I didn't give myself a limit.Result: I finished reading 45 books this 2022.We Heart ItNewfound obsessionWe always keep discovering new things. I've found that this year, I can be into something I used to ignore. For example:garlic breadthe period drama, both in books and seriesHuman Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracleTaylor SwiftI failed in my cooking challenge.Just like my reading challenge, I gave myself a cooking challenge. It's to make one dish I haven't made before every month. I think I only got to March. I still cook, but they're the same dishes like pasta arrabbiata (already bottled and ready to add), pasta basil, and basically heating up meals I order.GiphyI wrote more than 3 million words this 2022.I stressed myself out by getting more projects than usual. I ended up not taking a day off for three months, not going out (which is not an issue for introverts like me), and watching days go by like a blur. I'm glad that's over now.Not surprising that Grammarly counted more than 3 million words I checked on their tool.I look forward to a more productive but less anxiety-driven year this 2023.GifimageI went on a solo trip.Thanks to my husband's insistence, I booked a weekend getaway on the mountain, read a book (period drama, of course), ate organic food, and reveled in that soothing Pinoy hilot massage. It was so relaxing and pleasing that I had to extend it another night.SelfMy 2022 in SummaryMy 2022 can be wrapped up in four things:WorkingReadingNappingEatingBut for everything that happened, I can describe my feelings in one word: Thankful.Thankful for better health.Thankful for more clients and projects.Thankful for my husband.Thankful for an imperfect yet blessed life.I'm thankful to not have any huge challenges this year - except for losing some of our dogs which was heartbreaking. This 2022...There were significant events in our family. I pushed myself too far with work.Rebounded in my health.And I know I still need to get better at blogging. 2023 will also have its own set of challenges, triumphs, and breakthroughs. And I'm ready.How's your 2022?Hero image
Listicle 17 Things I Love About My Husband 2:00 PM I want to honor my better half as we celebrate our wedding anniversary. Allow me to share 17 things I love about my husband. 17 reasons why I'm thankful to have him as my life partner.17 Things I Love About My Husband1. He is patient.Marriage is a big adjustment, from deciding on everything by myself to sharing my life with someone.Our cultural differences also make it difficult for us to understand each other.Despite our contrasting personalities and shortcomings, my husband is patient with me. I love that about him.2. He's responsible. My husband sees I don't have to worry about things around the house. He ensures we are comfortable, from fixing leaks to running errands. He takes care of and provides for our needs. I love that he has the initiative to take out the trash without being asked. He doesn't put off until later what needs to be done at the moment.3. He makes me laugh. I love it when he does silly things to give me a little break from working. He shares amusing stories to help keep my stress level down.4. He's smart. He thinks like an engineer; he's math-savvy, inquisitive, methodical, and systematic. My husband is perceptive, thorough, logical, and analytical.He's an eloquent speaker, and I couldn't be prouder.5. He's loyal. When my husband finds a good restaurant, we return to that place, order the same food, and even sit at the same table whenever possible. He asks for the same hairstylist, masseuse, and driver whenever he needs their service.Most of all, he is loyal to me. 6. He makes me feel at peace.Because I know that no matter what happens, he will take care of me, fight for our relationship, and never hurt me intentionally.I know how it is to be in a relationship without your partner's loyalty. Or when there's always a conflict to work on.You're always on edge. I appreciate not having to worry about these things anymore.7. He is thoughtful.My husband always thinks about me and my needs, no matter how busy he gets. He knows my language of love gifts, so he sees that I receive a gift, even if it's just a flower he's picked on his way home.8. He puts Christ first.When I was single, someone said, "Find a man who puts God first and your second. He will not look for a third."I don't mind being my husband's second priority as long as God is his first. As it is, marriage is a covenant between you, God, and your partner. 9. He wants me to take care of myself.My husband always reminds me to pamper myself. He's also willing and eager to wait while I get my hair and nails done.I love that he doesn't just follow me when I shop. Instead, I can ask for his opinion, and he'll give me honest feedback and suitable suggestions.10. He's humble. Our marriage is not perfect, but he's willing to change his ways to improve.Being the leader in our relationship, he's humble enough to apologize first - even when sometimes I'm at fault. 😛11. He's romantic.My husband is my most loving, caring, and romantic partner. He can make me feel special and loved even in ordinary times. He makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world, even when I don't think at my best.12. He's selfless.He puts my needs and comfort first before his. Yet, I am included in all his dreams and plans.13. He's clean.My husband takes hygiene seriously. He smells fresh and is always clean. We don't have a messy house; he cleans the kitchen even before eating (unlike me, I wait until we're done before I wash the dishes), and most of all, we always sleep with clean sheets. I can't imagine living with a sloppy person. I'm glad my husband isn't one.15. He has no vices.My husband doesn't smoke and has not had alcohol for a decade. He doesn't gamble, and he has no bad habits.He loves watching movies so much that I could say that's his only "vice," but I get to binge-watch with him sometimes, so all good. 16. He's the best travel companion ever.I love finding the best travel planner and partner I could ever ask for. From making sure we get the best deal without compromising comfort and safety, planning our itinerary, and packing our travel needs, he's on top of things.On the day of the trip, from waking me up (forcing me out of bed, really lol), preparing our breakfast and bags, securing our house, carrying my luggage, and ensuring that we enjoy the trip, I can rely on him.Can't wait to travel with him again.17. He's an excellent life companion. There are days when I need my space, and he respects that. We can sit in silence comfortably or talk endlessly ---mainly depending on my mood. 😁Why I love my husbandMy husband and I couldn't be more different. I can multitask, but he needs to focus on one thing. As all men do, I think.I'm 99% introverted (according to the personality test we took), and he's a full-blown extrovert.Yet I know we can turn our differences into delight.I prayed for a good partner, and God gave me more than I asked for. My husband is another reason I love my life and consider myself blessed.I love my husband because he could be my best friend, most trusted confidant, most supportive cheerleader, and worst critic. I love many things about my husband and am excited to discover more in the coming years.Happy anniversary, Honey! 😘
Listicle 10 Things I Wish They Taught Us In School 5:47 AM Another day passed, and I didn't get to use Algebra and Calculus once. Phew! 😂Why did I take them up again? Oh, right. It's required to get my degree. I wish they'd allowed us to choose what we want to learn. Or change the curriculum and teach us the essential things in life.Do you also wish that sometimes? I mean, do you even remember what the Pythagorean theorem is and its purpose?Here are 10 things I wish they had taught us in school.10 Things I Wish They Taught Us in School1. Filing taxes and how we can save or pay lessI remember taxes being explained in school. Briefly.I don't remember our school teaching us how to lessen the amount we need to pay. I know some wealthy people find a loophole in taxes. They're so rich because they can get around it. I wish they had taught us an easier way to file taxes. The basic ones. So we don't dread tax season and do not have to hire a bookkeeper or accountant as much as possible.Thankfully, there are YouTube channels now explaining how certain taxes should be filed.2. Mental Health Care There's a stigma about people suffering from mental health problems.I wish they taught us how to deal with anxiety, for example, not only when taking up psychology, psychiatry, or the like.Taking care of our mental health should be taught early on to avoid making it worse. And for the person suffering from it to not be scared to open up and seek help.Let young people know what they feel is expected or if it's time for them to get professional help. What can they do when they feel paralyzed by fear?How should we talk to someone who is going through depression?If mental health had been given the focus and importance it deserves, maybe more suicides and self-harm could've been avoided.More people wouldn't feel bad, lost, or guilty for feeling their feelings.People would be more sensitive and empathetic towards others.3. The truth about animal agriculture or how our food is made.This is not to force people to go vegan (though it would be nice if you would). This is to give you the option. To know what you're choosing and the consequences of your choice.When I learned about what they do to animals and how unpleasant and dreadful the situation is, I felt duped. Why didn't anyone tell me how horrible the process was for my cheeseburger to be made?Thank goodness for plant-based alternatives now.Show your kids actual footage and not staged videos of animals killed for food. Then let them decide for themselves.4. How to live more sustainably. Rich people are trying to discover how we can thrive on other planets, but...Shouldn't we spend more time and money to save what we have instead of looking for another planet to abuse and corrupt live on?There's nothing wrong with progress. I'm here for a future with flying cars and all the high-tech fun.But it shouldn't mean we should trash our planet while working our way to a better future, right?May we learn to live sustainably even when schools don't focus on teaching us how.5. Laws and rightsMore than 30,000 statutes have been enacted in the US since 1789.We studied the basics of law and those necessary in your field. For example, we have a subject on Ethics and Jurisprudence in Pharmacy.But some people are unaware of their fundamental rights, like the right to fair wages. Unfortunately, that's especially true in my country.Side note: Do you know that it's illegal to fly a kite in Victoria, Australia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina?What other crazy laws do you know of?6. How to invest or the different kinds of investmentIs there a conspiracy theory that keeps the poor poor and helps the rich become richer? Because why aren't they teaching us how to grow our money properly in school?I learned all about investing and growing your money exponentially from financial gurus.If I could learn simple investment through a one-day seminar and follow it up with YouTube videos, imagine what we could do if we discover it in all our years spent in school. I'm sure you've heard stories of Chinese families talking about money at the dining table, even with their young kids, as naturally and casually as talking about their favorite Disney characters.No wonder they're good at businesses and investments.7. How to start and grow a businessSpeaking of business, not everyone's good at it.But maybe because we just don't know what we can sell or how to sell. Our every day involves marketing. We use marketing to convince our parents to give us money. Why did you add that product to your cart even if you don't really need it? Effective marketing.We recommend products to our friends. We are natural salespersons. Might as well use that skill to start a business and help us grow our money.In Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, his rich dad taught him about selling and business while he was young. Imagine if he waited for school to teach him what he knows now.8. The power of the law of attraction or having the right mindsetWhy don't they teach us the importance of having the right attitude? The winning mentality? Or that we have the power to make things happen?We see it in movies and in other people we know. We read it in self-help books. Some of the people we met are generous enough to share this with us.Why not start this in school?9. Self-defenseSelf-defense should be mandated to be taught in schools. It's vital for survival. Not every parent has the time and resources to bring their kids to a martial arts class.Since we're already going to school every day, we might as well teach ourselves how to deal with a possible assault. ROTC was a requirement when I was in school. So what did we get out of it, really?Here are 27 basic self-defense tricks for women.10. The importance of marriage. I used to think that marriage was only a contract between two people. A piece of paper you sign for legal purposes.Maybe that's why people jump into it and walk out just as quickly.Marriage is a covenant. After the beautiful wedding ceremony is the actual relationship test, and it's not always easy.The enemy doesn't need to destroy a nation. He just needs to target the family, the basic unit of our society. And it's easy to destroy a family when the husband and wife are at war.Final thoughts Education should give us a solid foundation before going into the world.But how many of those lessons taught in the classroom can we use daily?I've not looked for the value of X since I graduated.If life is a battle, we must be equipped with the right weapon.Sometimes when I do "adult" things that are pretty challenging, like filing my taxes or struggling with stress, I can't help but wish they taught us how to properly handle these things in school. Instead of wasting our time memorizing formulas we'll never use or terminologies we forget the moment we step out of school, why not learn things that are more life- and sanity-saving.What are the things you wish they had taught us in school?
Listicle 10 Common Misconceptions About Introverts 9:24 AM 10 Common Misconceptions About Introverts Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to hell. - Criss Jami They're the silent ones in a gathering. You see them eating alone. Sometimes they avoid your eyes. You get misconceptions about them, thinking they're snobs or lonely. Or that they hate people.Introverts. They are easily misunderstood. Maybe because they don't talk much, their silence could be interpreted in many ways.But introverts are extraordinary beings. Here are 10 common misconceptions about them. 10 Common Misconceptions about Introverts 1. Introverts are nerds. That is not always the case. This stereotyping may be because introverts don't always go out and are often seen absorbed in their own thoughts. Geeks may be busy thinking about and tinkering with technology, science, and other fields of interest, but introverts may just be enjoying their alone time without doing anything geeky. Sometimes they write or blog (ahem), read a book (not necessarily the geeky ones), stay in and watch Netflix, or dabble in art like painting or drawing.Speaking of drawing or illustrations, check out how artist Lingvistov captured introverts in these cute and funny illustrations.If you're looking for a fantasy illustrator, or an illustrator of any kind, to capture your imagination or daily life, you can find a few online.And that's another thing introverts love. Doing transactions online. No face-to-face meetings and no requiring them to speak to people. 2. Introverts are snobs. Probably the most common misconception about introverts is that they are snobs.It's nothing personal. Introverts don't particularly like small talk and don't consider social pleasantries a must in life.You'd get a slight nod of acknowledgment and a small smile, and that's already a huge deal. Be appreciative. 3. Introverts are depressed or lonely. Just because they'd rather be alone and often retreat to their peaceful and private world doesn't mean introverts are going through something depressing. Scientifically, introverts need to be alone because that's how they recharge. Dopamine levels tend to go down in a crowd, and they need to pump it up with peace and quiet. It's biological. 4. Introverts are shy. There are a lot of successful speakers who are introverted in person. A shy person can't talk on stage in front of a crowd. Introverts aren't shy. They just don't enjoy the limelight as much as others do. Introverts don't avoid the crowd because they're shy, but they're not comfortable in it. 5. Introverts are people-haters. Introverts don't hate people. They just don't like social gatherings.Introverts like to meet up and hang out with friends. Some even love to travel. They prefer a more intimate or one-on-one interaction over partying. Introverts have a tight circle that they adore and cherish. 6. Introverts are boring. Fun is relative. It may be fun to go bar-hopping, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, or cliff diving, but it may be dull or scary for others. You may get bored watching reruns, curling up on a couch and reading a good book, or sitting quietly and watching the sunset. But, some people get a high doing that. We often associate quiet and serenity with dullness, but you won't really know or understand how fun it is just sitting in a corner, watching people, or enjoying the moment---unless you're an introvert. 7. Introverts don't work well with a team or can't lead a group. Introverts can function well alone, but that doesn't mean they can't work in a group.Introverts can get along well with others, and you'd be surprised that these leaders are introverts: Eleanor RooseveltBill Gates Abraham Lincoln Warren BuffettElon MuskMahatma GandhiBo Sanchez 8. Introverts can't be happier than extroverts. Extroverts are loud, so you'd know when they're happy. You can see it. That doesn't mean they're happier than introverts, though. Happiness is a choice.Just because you're the life of the party and outgoing doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. 9. Introverts don't like to talk. Give them a topic they love and surround them with people they're most comfortable with, and they can talk for hours. David Letterman and Susan Cain are both introverts. 10. Introverts won't make it big. Never underestimate the power of silence. And never take calmness for timidity. Most of the time, there's boldness, waiting for the right moment to strike...and shake the world. "Still waters run deep." Just ask these introverts who made it big: J. K. RowlingMichael Jackson Warren Buffett Steven Spielberg Johnny Depp Albert Einstein Mahatma Gandhi Mother Teresa Emma Watson Are you an introvert? What do people assume about you?What misconceptions do you have about introverts? Gifs from Google images
