Lux Thinking Aloud Incredible 1:29 AM Incredible I decided to reflect on a random verse every day. To help myself focus on God's magnificence and not on this p andemic. To find encouragement when doubt and fear creep in. To hear God's voice louder and clearer. To remind myself that I worship a powerful, incredible God. Today's verse is Jeremiah 32:17: Dear God, my Master, You created earth and sky by Your great power--- by merely stretching out your arm! There is nothing you can't do. Wow. Isn't that amazing? God's incredible. He created the earth and sky without tools. Just His words. And according to this verse, just by stretching out his arm. He didn't toil. There is nothing my God cannot do! When faced with difficulties, I get discouraged sometimes most of the time. I am an over-thinker and a worrier. I have a tendency to get too focused on the problem that even if it's just a molehill, it becomes a giant mountain. And because of these negative thoughts, I project negative actions and react negatively to things. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 It's true what they say: What you focus on grows. What I do when I catch myself getting too engrossed in the issue or problem (in no particular order): literally stop thinking about what bothers me take a shower watch some relaxing videos remember the times God delivered me write Gfycat Sometimes I do all these, other times just one or two. The problem doesn't go away instantly. C OVID-19 is still here even after I practice these steps. But at least my perspective has changed. I feel lighter afterwards. I remind myself of the times God has shown me how incredible He is and I instantly look at my problem as nothing my God cannot handle. I think back to when I thought were impossible situations for me to get out of. Suddenly there's God showing me the door. When life left me black and blue and I felt like I couldn't get up anymore, God lifted me up and carried me until I got my strength back to walk again. There is no shortage of God's blessings. We just become short-sighted we couldn't see it. God never stops being incredible. We just become incredulous. God never loses His love for us. We just lose sight of how much we are loved. There is nothing God cannot do. He is bigger than this virus. He is more powerful than this p andemic. I keep repeating that to myself. More often now than I used to because of this crisis. Tumblr Things to remember: The same incredible God who parted the sea to free His people is the same God who will remove the obstacles along my way. The same incredible God who healed the leper and raised the dead is also the God of my health. The same incredible God who provided manna for His chosen people is choosing me every day and knows what I need before I even ask. The same incredible hands that painted the skies with the perfect sunset colors that no artist can replicate are the same hands that intricately molded my body and designed my life. The same incredible God who named all the stars above is the same God who called me by my name. How amazing is that?! I pray you find hope and peace in Him too. I pray you remember the times He turned things around and showed you how highly favored you are. I pray you find strength and refuge under the shadow of the Almighty. And I pray you know you are also incredible. For He made all the delicate, inner parts of your body and knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) Your turn Do you keep a record of experiences when you felt God's incredible power? Are you also an over-thinker? What do you do to stop worrying?
Faith Grace 11:16 PM Grace I watched separate interviews of two C OVID-19 survivors today. What they both went through was scary, painful and life-changing. They both said two things that are noteworthy. We should never underestimate the virus. They survived purely because of God's grace. Grace. Gift Received At Christ's Expense I used to take this gift for granted. But now I know I am still here only because of God's grace. I realized grace is: being able to wake up every morning and being given the chance to experience life again having a normal and healthy body family and friends surrounding me having enough food still earning despite the crisis being under God's protection just being able to breathe normally (because those C OVID survivors said breathing was a difficult task) I didn't receive any help from our government (despite being a taxpayer) but at least I don't go to bed hungry. I am safe. I am well. I am loved. I have grace. This C OVID-19 made me more content. But I hope this ends soon and that we change for the better. Your turn What are you thankful for today?
Lux Thinking Aloud Steadfast 11:12 PM Steadfast Congratulations! Yes, congrats to us! Why? Look at where we are now. We're still here. We're still standing, breathing, functioning. Dare I say it, we are thriving. We are resilient. The q uarantine in our country has been going on for more than a month now. I just wasn't able to start journaling about it because like you, I was confused, anxious, discouraged. Or was it just me? But here I am on my 21st entry. Writing will always be my favorite therapy. So is hugging dogs but they're not here so, writing it is. Today is a normal work day. The only difference is that I woke up earlier than I normally do since the start of this p andemic. It's hard when you're body's used to getting up at 9 am but I know I can do it. I used to wake up 5:30 am to start my day. Giphy I was listening to Quaretreat again and they're talking about God's unwavering love. We need to build our foundation on God because He is solid. He's the same God yesterday, today and forever. So no matter what the external forces we are battling, no matter how strong the storm is, we will survive and thrive with God. In the end, when the flood subsides so to speak, we will still be standing. Because we are standing on God's steadfast love. It's the strongest and surest foundation we will ever find. Don't let the devil's lies bring you down. Just put your trust and hope in God. Your turn How did your day go? Where do you place your hope?
Lux Thinking Aloud Unproductive 6:42 PM Unproductive And on the seventh day, I allowed myself to rest and be...unproductive. 😌 ✅ Did not check email. ✅ Did not look at LinkedIn. ✅ Did not glance at my blog's stats. I can't even remember if I checked Facebook. Pat on the back, self! Disconnecting on socials a few weeks ago helped me realize I can live without it. This has been an unproductive day. Obviously. Which is what Sundays are for, right? After watching an online Sunday service and worship, it was all about binge-watching. Oh, and my friends from my Caring Group (Light Group or Small Group) called too. My husband and I had different shows and movies in mind so we watched them separately. New on my watch list 1. Another Korean ASMR mommy vlog I've discovered a new Korean mom who's posting ASMR videos of her cleaning and organizing. Quite similar to the Hamimommy channel I recommended in my previous post. I don't know why. But these cool and tidy Korean homemakers going about their day is giving me such inner peace. I like that they have small limited spaces but they make use of every nook and cranny of their pretty homes. They can transform the simple into fancy by just adding a trinket or a small plant. It's so welcoming. Plus, they use eco-friendly products and systems. This new mommy vlogger cardsu까르슈 살림 has a really cute cat and his antics are adorable. Watching her do her self-care and mom duties gives me a feeling of warmth and makes me feel at home. 2. House & Home I love a beautiful house makeover. The simple elegant interior designs in this YouTube channel are gorgeous. The orderly homes are again relaxing to watch. It has that kind of effect on me. 3. Epic Gardening Because of this quarantine, I've realized that it's wise to grow your own food. It's earthy-friendly, practical, and healthy. If we take care of them, plants are gifts that keep on giving. I don't have a green thumb though. We're surrounded by concrete. And with the many tasks I need to do every day, I can only wish I have the time. But, who knows? Maybe when I have my own garden someday. For now, I'll be living vicariously through Epic Gardening. My friends are all talking about the Korean dramas and Netflix shows they watch during this quarantine. And I'm just here watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and these home and gardening YouTube videos. No judgment on our watch list, right? We all have our own way of coping with this crisis. As for me, this is my escape and "mini-vacation". Being unproductive for a day after a week of hustle is a must. Your brains need a reboot too. So lean back, relax, and hit that play button. Your turn What's your usual Sunday activity during q ua rantin e? What movies and shows are on your watch list?
Faith Expectant 9:20 PM Expectant Expectant ex·pect·ant (/ikˈspektənt/) having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant and interesting. When you pray for rain, bring an umbrella. That's expectant faith. That's it. That's the post for today. Thank you. Goodbye. 😛 Okay. I want to write more than that. I'm sharing about one of my favorite stories about faith which involves rain and the prophet Elijah. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees. Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea." Giphy Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. -1 Kings 18:42-45 About this story Elijah prayed earnestly and desperately. When was the last time you prayed down low to the ground with your face between your knees? This position denotes desperation, right? Seven times he asked his servant. The experts say that seven indicates perfection and completion in the Bible. How many times do you pray and try again before you give up on what you're praying for? A big storm starts with a tiny cloud. The cloud the servant saw was the size of a man's hand rising from the sea. Imagine the tiniest cloud you've ever seen. That must be how small it was. For Elijah though, he saw a storm coming. And he was right. Life lessons from Elijah and the rain See things with the eyes of faith. Prayers can move mountains. Or bring rain in the dessert. 😉 God favors those whom He chose. Breaking news: He chose us! Pray unceasingly. Again, when you pray for rain, bring an umbrella. Pinterest This is how I'm trying to deal with the uncertainties today. The world says there is drought, but my God brings the storm. The world says impossible, I say with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) The world says C OVID-19 will kill us all, but my God will restore us to health and heal our wounds. (Jeremiah 30:17) Your turn What are you expecting to receive today? Do you like the rain too? 😊
Faith Adaptable 7:39 PM Adaptable Notice the glorious bamboo tree. It is tall and sturdy but when the wind blows strongly, it bends. It's resilient even during a raging storm. Because it is adaptable. It goes all the way down to the bottom and all the way up that the camera can't capture the actual size 📸: Instagram husband We need to learn this important life lesson from a bamboo tree. Now more than ever, we need to be adaptable. Because all of us are going through a crisis. The whole damn world. No one's exempted. This p andemic is perhaps the biggest change and challenge the modern world has experienced so far. And I couldn't agree more. Giphy Aside from this global crisis, we each are going through major life-altering events. We need to adjust. If we keep resisting change, we will break. Personal change I've seen this change in my career recently. I know it will be tough in the coming days and if I keep thinking about the what ifs, I will be having fresh breakouts and be losing sleep again. Anxiety ain't pretty. So, instead I decided to declare this: My God is bigger than this crisis. My God is more powerful than this p andemic. He will never let my cup run dry. Here are other encouragement I keep in my heart to help me get through this like a warrior I was born to be: You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. -Psalm 23:5 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. -2 Corinthians 9:8 The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. -Deuteronomy 28:12 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD! - Job 1:21 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken! - Isaiah 54:17 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. -Hebrews 13:8 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. -James 1:17 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. -John 10:10 And when it gets overwhelming I have to remind myself of this verse: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. -John 16:33 Realizations I don't think I'll be standing here today if not for God's grace. He is my hope and my strength. There are many times in my life when He delivered me and fulfilled His promises. He never fails and He won't stop now. (I got that from this song. 😛) I've realized that if we want to thrive in our lives during this c oronavirus p andemic, we need to adapt. In the end, the strongest among us is not the one who looks and acts tough. It is the one who learns to bend. Be strong. Be adaptable. Your turn What quotes or verses do you read when things get tough? How do you adapt to change?
Lux Thinking Aloud Lover 10:13 PM Lover Ever since Taylor Swift released her Lover album, I listened to it almost every day. It's not only a feel-good love-filled album but I like the theme of it. I love pink (as you can see on my page). But since c oronavirus hit the world, I stopped. I did not only disconnect from the news and social media, I also stopped listening to Lover. You may not know the weight of that but that's a big deal for me. Lover by Taylor Swift is my mood booster. It's my upper. But because I was so mentally affected and drained by this pa ndemic, I had to listen to only worship songs and inspirational talks for weeks. Looking back, I think I shouldn't have stopped listening to Lover. If it can lift my spirits, that's God's way of cheering me up. God can be found even in the secular. So, today I listened to Lover again. I sang along, I danced a little (while sitting on my office chair) and yes, my spirits have been lifted. Thank you Taylor Swift for your songs. Thank you God for the gift of music. I am writing this with Lover playing in the background and I'm swaying to it. Hang in there. Soon we'll get better (like what she said in one of her songs in this album). Your turn What playlist are you listening to at the moment? Who's your all time favorite artist?
Lux Thinking Aloud Catch Up 9:22 PM Catch Up I was going to watch Friends again after my work but my former office mates started a video conferencing. So, we had a catch up session for a few minutes. We just checked on each other, talked about life in this time of c oronavirus, memories we share and and our work when we were still in the same company. It gave me a sense of normalcy. Talking with people I've known before this pandemic about our lives pre-c oronavirus helped my sanity somehow. Gratitude list Catching up with friends God's steadfast love Entertaining videos on YouTube This imperfect but blessed life By the way, here's the Oratio Emparata you can pray for C OVID-19: Oratio Emparata God our Father, we come to you in our need to ask your protection against the C OVID 19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives. We pray that you guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission. Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion. We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon. Protect those who care for them. Grant eternal rest to those who have died. Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need. We implore you to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears. Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh, glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. St. Roch, pray for us. St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. Your turn When was the last time you called someone? What do you always pray for?
Freelancing Accomplished 6:15 PM Accomplished Like what Alanis Morissette said (or sang), I'm tired but I'm happy. I took two training courses and certification tests today. Thankfully, I passed. So that's two additional badges to show my clients. And a lot more info I can use as a copywriter, content strategist and email marketer. And that left me feeling exhausted but accomplished at the end of the day. Giphy What's new Browsing through my YouTube feed, I saw this video about organizing and I was instantly hooked. I love the ASMR in the video and how good she is in organizing her house. Her home is so neat and clean and her daughter is cute. I love to keep my closet and our apartment orderly as much as possible too. But this woman is goals! You should check out her channel Hamimommy. Gratitude list My husband who takes care of me every day and supports my endeavors. I still get clients and inquiries. Citron tea. 🍵 I was able to watch an online rosary live from the Cathedral. My newborn nephew. I still haven't seen him personally but my sister keeps sending his photos. He's so cute! My family and friends are safe and healthy. The certificates I've earned in the online courses I took. And to DigitalMarketer for giving them for free for a limited time. Their courses are really expensive, mind you. After getting a taste of what they offer, I know why. It's high quality education for online workers. Screenshot from my Credly Your turn What's your greatest accomplishment? What are you thankful for today?
Lux Thinking Aloud Self-growth 10:24 PM Self-growth It may still be Easter holiday and it's my paid day off but I thought I'd make this day productive for my self-growth. I finished my Direct Email Marketing certification training and got my certificate from Digital Marketer. In case you don't know, that is a big deal for online workers. It's an 8-hour course plus quiz. I also took their Copywriting Jumpstart Pack. I was a little exhausted from information overload but that's okay. I'd rather be exhausted from learning than from doing nothing. Giphy This c oronavirus may have given me some anxiety but I promised myself I won't let it be the end of me. This crisis will not paralyze and stop me from moving forward and onward. I refuse to get stuck. My God is bigger than this p andemic, more powerful than this virus. I may have slowed down but I will not stop. Giphy I went back to social media after a week of disconnect. I'm taking it slow as I know I'm still not 100% okay. Filtering the news and info I consume, trying to avoid toxic topics and forcing myself to focus on my faith and not on my fears. These are just a few of the things I'm trying to do now. The enemy is so good at discouraging me a lot lately. I think all of us right now are being attacked more than ever. Hell must be buzzing right now from all the minions busy going around torturing God's people. I know we're all affected by this p andemic. We may be safe from the virus but mentally and emotionally, we're all suffering. But I know we can get through this. I decided I will end this p andemic with a bang in my self-growth. When all of this is over, I want to see myself victorious and not defeated. Your turn What areas of your life do you need improving? How has this p andemic helping you grow?
Faith Easter Sunday 9:54 PM He is risen! I don't know about you but I felt I finally put down that heavy weight I've been carrying around for a while now when I realized it's Easter. I love this day. Easter is a wonderful reminder that all sufferings end. There may be hardships today. Our cry may feel like it falls on deaf ears. It may seem as though the night never ends but Easter is here to remind us that morning is not too far away. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. -Psalms 30:5 Easter Sunday Today is different of course because we can't leave the house. But I told my husband we need to celebrate somehow. Jesus defeated death! Giphy That is HUGE. And 2,000+ years may have passed but it's still worth celebrating. So, after almost an hour of browsing through my food delivery apps, we finally ordered pizza. Maybe because we've not been eating outside food for quite some time now due to the q uarantine, I thought that pizza was hea-ven-lyyyyy. Gifling Binge-watching We spent the rest of the day watching movies. At first we watched Onward. A kid's movie that has a surprisingly deep and emotional message about family. A touching story of two brothers who both wanted to see their deceased dad one last time. I highly recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We also watched the last episode of Young Sheldon season 2. As usual, we laughed out loud. And finally, we finished the first season of The Chosen series. Also a must watch! For the first time since the q uarantine, I can honestly say that this has been a great day. Your turn How did you celebrate Easter Sunday? What are you thankful for?
Faith Black Satruday 5:09 PM Black Satruday A day of total bleak silence for Jesus' followers after His death. Imagine their grief from losing a friend and a teacher. Their hope. Wow, imagine losing your hope! Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air...but only for one second without hope. -Hal Lindsey That must be one difficult time for the disciples. They had to deal with their personal loss, their confusion of what's happening, maybe even pain of betrayal (I really thought He was the One. Why did He let it happen? Why did he not fight back if He was powerful?). They also had fear. What if they would come after them next and make them suffer the same way? There was uncertainty of the future. Black is an apt word to describe that day. It must have been figuratively the darkest time of their lives. Our Black Friday It got me thinking about what we're going through today. Our present life is filled with uncertainties. When is this l ockdown going to end? What will happen after this? What changes await us? What kind of person are we becoming during the darkest moment of our lives? Do we doubt like Thomas did? Do we hide from the world like an injured dog? Or do we, like the women of Galilee continue our connection with the Lord and follow His commandments? The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. They went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. -Luke 23:55-56 I'd like to claim I did what those women did when I had my Black Friday. But I'm more of a hiding and doubting kind of person and it will take me a few days before I get a grip and move on. This crisis is like the longest, most silent, most excruciating Black Friday we're all experiencing at the present. This will be over soon. While it isn't, I will keep holding on to God's promises. That's all I can do really. He is my hope, my refuge, my source of strength, my inspiration. He went through all the pain of Good Friday and went radio silent on Black Saturday because He knew Sunday is coming. Your turn What is your Black Friday? How do you deal with times like these?
Faith Good Friday 12:21 AM In my Catholic faith, we commemorate Jesus' passion and death today. Good Friday. Have you seen the movie The Passion of the Christ? It's controversial. It's bloody. It's horrific. At every whip, splatter of blood, Christ's cry in pain and tears in Mother Mary's eyes, I could feel my heart crushing. And I find myself asking God, "Why me, Lord?" Why did you allow Yourself to go through all those pain and suffering to save someone like me? For all the sins I've committed, I deserve such punishment. But, not You. When I think about it, it makes me wonder why we call this day Good Friday. There wasn't good from what Jesus went through that day. That one movie's title is more fitting. Today is a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day. I watched today's The 7 Last Words Good Friday presentation by The Light of Jesus Family. And this is what I've learned. Good Friday It may seem for Jesus' enemies that He was defeated effortlessly today. He did not resist arrest. He allowed the mob to mock him. He didn't fight the soldiers. He didn't flee. He didn't perform any mind-blowing miracle to show off His power and glory. He was seized, scourged and persecuted like a common criminal. What's good about Good Friday? It's good because on this day, God manifested His great love. That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Giphy It's good because God sent Jesus to bridge the gap between us and Him that was brought about by our sinful ways. It's good because Jesus showed us the best example of humility, obedience to the Father, surrender and faith. It's good because in Jesus' human form, He exhibited remarkable courage. That while He was praying at the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in such agony and fear that He sweat blood. Scientifically speaking, hematidrosis or sweating blood generally happens when a person feels intense fear or stress. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that soldiers sweat blood before battle. This gives me hope. That even when situations get extremely scary, I can carry on knowing that God's is with me and His will I just need to pray and surrender. Good Friday is still good maybe not while it's happening, but because of the promised victory that comes after it. Giphy It may feel like we're defeated by the enemy, but the final battle is not over yet. We have this saying in Filipino, "Ang bida ng pagpapabugbog sa simula." The protagonist of the story---the hero---makes it look like the bad guys are winning at the start. Plot twist! He wins in the end. In our lives, many times it seems the enemy is winning. Good Friday is proof that suffering and setbacks happen. But it is only a set up for our success. Giphy Plot twist: God always wins. Ah, what a beautiful thought to carry in our hearts. Good Friday is a really, really REALLY good day. Your turn What is your Good Friday reflection?
Faith Holy Thursday 12:17 AM Holy Thursday I've said it before and I'm going to say it again: thank God for technology. Today I get to watch The Feast's Holy Thursday retreat. Reflection God's rejection is God's redirection. How many times have you experienced rejection? I think it's one of the most painful feelings in the world regardless of who or what caused it. It feels like somebody grabbed your heart from the inside your chest, crushed it mercilessly and threw it away. You feel helpless. Worthless. It's like all your dreams ended in just one snap. What to do now? What happens next? This is one of my favorite verses: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11 I like to go back to this verse especially when (1) my plans didn't work out or (2) when I face uncertainties. Like this life in the time of c oronavirus. When is this going to end? What do we do now? What happens after the l ockdown has been lifted? What if clients would stop paying because of this crisis? Too many questions. Even the experts can only give us an estimate. It feels like all the plans we have for 2020 and the years to follow have been put on hold. Is God rejecting my dreams? Are my plans not going to come to pass? Hundreds of questions sure kept me awake during the first few weeks of the C OVID-19 outbreak. I believe right now we are all being redirected to something better. Tenor Better for nature Hey, nature is thriving. People are enjoying cleaner air. Even water in famous Venice canal is now clearer. Animals freely strolling without the danger of humans and cars. Ducks in the streets. Cows at the beach. Deers and goats going around the cities. I don't know about you but I find it lovely seeing that we share this planet with these beautiful creatures. Giphy (A little scary too though because they also spotted a cheetah in India. Predators roaming around your neighborhood is not a good thing.) But live animal markets or meat markets are closing. What environmentalists and animal rights activists have been trying to do for decades, Mother Nature only did for months. Of course it's not over yet. The use of animals as commodity for food, accessories and lab testing is not going to end altogether soon. But it's a good start. People are realizing that growing your food in the garden is more practical especially during a p andemic. We are learning that plants are safer and better alternatives because you'll never find a broccoli with a flu. A carrot does not carry a virus. We're seeing how the earth thrives if we respect other creatures and care for nature. Be still We are so busy with our modern fast-paced life that sometimes it feels as though life is just passing us by. This l ockdown has forced us to stay still. If you're used to juggling many tasks and a busy lifestyle, you may feel restless at first. Just be in the moment. Enjoy this break while it lasts. Indeed there is a blessing behind this challenge. I declare with faith that there is something good that will happen to you and me. Your turn What are you thankful for during this l ockdown? Share you experience of rejection and how it redirected you to something better.
Lux Thinking Aloud Hustle 10:30 PM Hustle I have been working online as a copywriter and content writer even before the C OVI D-19 outbreak. But like the rest of the world, my life in the time of c oron avi rus has been drastically changed too. I've not been this anxious since after my wedding. (Brides will understand) For a few weeks, I was demotivated. I used to wake up as early as 5:30 am before this crisis. Now I can't sleep before midnight and the earliest time I get out of bed is 10:30 am. And only because my husband wakes me. What's happening right now is undeniably depressing. But as I mentioned in my previous post, I could be stubborn. I refuse to let this crisis get the better of me. I dismiss the thought that this invisible enemy will be the reason for my defeat. Not to sound dramatic or anything but after this l ock do w n, I choose to emerge as a winner. So, I decided to hustle again. Giphy Back to the grind I started to journal again. This time here on my blog as daily posts. I became active in my Freelance Tribe again. I participated in the challenges. I read the resources they send. I followed the tips they share. The Digital Marketer is generous enough to make their (expensive but valuable) training courses available for free. It's only for a limited time so I am hoping to finish all the training that I can apply in my online career. I am reaching out to my clients again. Not really to sell anything but to just check on them. Relationship building is crucial in online businesses. And also, I'm sincerely wishing them well. I will be scheduling emails for my subscribers and posts on my social media accounts soon. So if you're one of my subscribers (THANK YOU!) or if you follow me on socials, expect to hear from me soon. 😉 Giphy Shameless plug Follow me on my blog's: Instagram lifeandlove_blog Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/aboutlifeandloveblog/ I also have a vegan Instagram account. Follow vegancopywriter for tips, facts, memes, and beautiful photos of animals and nature. Physical hustle The other day, I was looking at simple yoga poses I can try at home. Sadly, I don't have a yoga mat, and doing it on a hard floor or soft bed is challenging. The first item I will purchase after the lockdown? A yoga mat. For now, I just did some stretching exercises on a ball. It's important to stay physically strong and healthy especially during a global p ande m ic. Giphy Keep hustling If you were like me who was hit emotionally and mentally by the crisis and felt like life knocked you down, here's my hope for you: that you get back up, dust yourself off, and keep on keeping on. This virus will soon be eradicated. This global crisis will soon end. As the saying goes: Tough times never last, but tough people do. -Robert H. Schuller When all this is over, I want to look back and say that I conquered my fears and I am still victorious. How about you? Your turn What is your biggest challenge during this C OVI D-19? How do you keep yourself motivated? What is the first thing you will buy after the l oc kd own?
Faith Trade Off 12:05 AM Trade Off I'm still listening to husband and wife Arun and Lallaine Gogna's Quaretreat every night. This helps me a lot with my mental health. The c oronavirus may only have infected a certain number of people but psychologically and mentally, we are all affected. On this day 8 of my l ockdown diary, they talked about trade off. Is there something you thought was important that during this q uarantine you realize you can trade off for essentials like food, sanitizer and masks? What are they? Best trade God always asks us to trade. In my life, He's asked me many times to let go of what I've been holding on to dearly: my work, old friends, failing relationships, my plans. It's hard. It takes a while. I could really be stubborn. Good thing is that God doesn't give up on us. He is patient and gentle. But He doesn't stop until He brings us safely to where He wants us to be. Until we are cut off from the people who bring us harm. Until we are protected from which we thought was good for us. Today, I remember yet again how blessed I am to have an amazing God. He has my best interest in mind. God's plans are better than what I have for myself. Pinterest This life in the time of c oronavirus may feel like a struggle for me many times but He has something special in store for me, that I'm sure. There is a purpose behind this predicament. There is a blessing behind this burden. There is a beautiful story waiting to unravel, a wonderful lesson that needs to be learned. I am trading off my comfortable life and temporary freewill to surrender to His will. I may not see it yet, but I know the ending will be amazing. For me and for all of us. We just need to trust in Him. After all, He traded His majesty to be with us and be one of us. All because He wants to save us. That is hands down the biggest trade off ever. Your turn What are you willing to trade off or let go? How has this crisis been affecting your mental health? P.S. Yesterday I shared about my fondness for gardening. So today I searched more videos about gardening. It's addicting. And my husband picked a branch of beautiful pink flowers for me on his way home from the groceries. It's a good day. 😊
Lux Thinking Aloud The Simple Life 10:43 PM The Simple Life This qu arantine life is forcing us to go back to the simple life, doesn't it? No excessive shopping, traveling or partying. Gardening My husband and I were talking the other day and thinking how nice it would be to grow our own garden. Just our usual meal staples like tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, carrots and some herbs. I've always been amazed by vertical gardens especially those in the kitchen. Generally, a house with greens and blooms in my opinion is both beautiful and practical. Not to mention refreshing. What do you think? Giphy I don't think I have the patience and the green thumb for starting a garden, but I'm glad my husband has. 🙂 Genuine connection Since I've been watching a lot of Friends lately, I miss those old times when people get together and REALLY connect. I'm lucky to grow up without gadgets. I feel nostalgic remembering that simple life pre-internet. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for this technology. I wouldn't have married my husband if not for it. Nowadays, even in family gatherings people are mostly busy with their gadgets. It would be nice to be in the moment and connect with the people around rather than online. Giphy Great equalizer Right now especially because of this crisis, there just seems to be so much noise outside. Do you agree that because of social media, there is more pressure in your life? Do you find yourself trying to keep up with your peers? I hope not. I hope you continue to revel in your quirks, stay comfortable in your individuality and be proud of your lifestyle choice no matter how simple it may be. As long as you're not hurting anyone with your choices, you do you! There's nothing ordinary about you. Remember that. Giphy One other good thing about this crisis that I can think of is that it became a great equalizer. Millionaire, poor, famous stars, ordinary people, young, old, regardless of a person's sexual orientation or religion, they can get infected by the virus. I hope we're coming to our senses now and seeing the huge difference between the essential and the excess. The necessity versus the fancy. I hope we realize now that we are all the same underneath. My life in the time of co ronavirus during this lo ckdown makes me appreciate the simple life I used to know and see things from a different perspective. How about you? Your turn What is your idea of a simple life? What do you miss most about your childhood?
