Freelancing 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.A part-time freelancer's strugglesWhile working graveyard shifts in my new career, I found an opportunity to work online. It was an excellent 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 to work on my online tasks by the end of the shift.So, I quit and focused on my regular job.Villains of my freelancing story: Fear and ContentmentTwo things were stopping me from focusing on freelancing: my fear of uncertainty (I had zero ideas about freelancing back then) andthe contentment and security a regular job offers.I was at peace knowing I would get a certain amount of money by the end of the month.Change saved the dayAfter 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, took advantage of the free training they offered, and liked 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 freelancing's armsBefore I decided to freelance full-time five years ago, I had a lot of apprehension.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 was time to bid the traditional office setting goodbye.My will to find better opportunities was stronger than my fear.So, even though I was afraid, I decided to own it.TenorMan, it was terrifying. And tough at the start.The first few months of working online full-time were terrifying but liberating.I left the comfort and security of my job in one of Forbes' Fortune 500 companies. I made do with what little knowledge I 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 in the time of C O V I DI knew there was more to 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 die.There's more to life than keeping your nose to the grindstone.If this C OVID has taught me one thing (or validated what I already know), it's that nothing's sure 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, the change could be challenging, 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 because of this guy named John R Pagulayan.If there's one thing I can advise my younger self about freelancing, there are better, higher-paying clients.And I'd say:Younger self, go find John now, so you don't waste your time and energy with these cheapskate clients!I can't teach you how to become a freelancer, but the 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 CO VID 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 in getting 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 and not be in close physical contact with people, I urge 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 again.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 HustleContains affiliate links.
Lux Thinking Aloud Ending 6:20 PM Enhanced Community Q uarantine 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 c oronavirus.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!
Lux Thinking Aloud 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 lo ckdown 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 p andemic, 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 p andemic, 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?
Lux Thinking Aloud 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?
Faith 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 C OVID-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 p andemic 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 p andemic, 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.
Lux Thinking Aloud 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, more exciting world through movies and books.I enjoy being an adult. I thought my 27th was the best time of my adult life. But when I turned 30, things just continue to get better.Don't believe the lie that your life goes downhill when you hit 30. Especially if you're still single.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?
Lux Thinking Aloud Better 4:01 PM "If you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up."I wouldn't say this crisis got me hitting rock bottom. But man, the past days have been tough, tough, tough! Not only for me. I know the whole world can relate. Glad to see things are finally starting to look better.BetterThough it's too early to say as we're only at the beginning of the 2nd quarter of the year, I'm holding on to my faith.I know it's hard to believe that we're not even halfway through the year. 2020, 'yer a mess!But, I believe things are getting better. We Heart ItThe sweltering heat of summer is finally coming to an end. Rainy season has begun! Community quarantine has been lifted in most areas.More establishments are starting to operate again.A lot of businesses especially in the vegan niche are seeing a huge increase in their revenue. 💚A case has been filed against officers who violated the quarantine protocols (with how the government is handling things though, I'm not hoping on this so much...but it's a good start!)On a personal note:My favorite plant-based restaurant is opening soon. I've found another online class for writing.My face is clearing up. 💆♀️I'm able to sleep normally again.I'm still seeing opportunities and getting collaboration requests on my website. THANK YOU all for the support!I think more people are getting the hang of staying home too. I see people opening up to the idea of working remotely.As I've said on my 9th day of C oro na Chronicles:This crisis will not be the end of me. I refuse to be defeated by this invisible enemy.I'm confident of this, that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)Yes, I made that verse personal. As it should be. The Bible is God's love letter to His people.Here's a song full of hope which I've heard years ago when I was starting on my spiritual journey.I Have a HopeTommy WalkerI have a hope, I have a futureI have a destiny that is yet awaiting meMy life's not over, a new beginning's just begunI have a hope, I have this hopeGod has a plan, it's not to harm meBut it's to prosper me and to hear me when I callHe intercedes for me, working all things for my goodThough trials may come I have this hopeI will yet praise Him, my great RedeemerI will yet stand up and give Him glory with my lifeHe takes my darkness and He turns it into lightI will yet praise Him, my Lord my GodMy God is for me, He's not against meSo tell me whom then, tell me whom then shall I fearHe has prepared for meGreat works He'll help me to completeI have a hope, I have this hopeGoodness and mercy, they're gonna follow meAnd I'll forever dwell in the house of my great KingNo eye has ever seen all He's preparing there for meThough trials may come, I have this hopeThere's still hope for me today'Cause the God heaven loves meI think another reason why I feel better today is that it's Friday. The thought of another two days of doing what I want to do or not doing anything is at hand. Don't you sometimes know it's going to rain just because you have a gut feeling that it will? I have that gift.I'd tell my husband to bring an umbrella but he wouldn't because he doesn't think it would rain. And he'll end up regretting it.GfycatMaybe it's because I've lived here much longer than him that my body knows what a slight change in temperature means.What I'm trying to say is that...I can feel it in my gut that things are finally getting better. For the first time since 2020 started, I have a good feeling about what's going to happen next.I could be wrong. I'm more of a realist now, you know. But I'm feeling a shift. A good one.How about you? Are you feeling better?
Lux Thinking Aloud Confusing 10:27 AM That ex who tells you one thing and does another. 🙄 Do you remember how that made you feel? Confusing isn't it? It's like that Katy Perry song.You're hot then you're coldYou're yes then you're noYou're in then you're outYou're up then you're downYou're wrong when it's rightIt's black and it's whiteConfusingWe're in this confusing time right now. They tell you to follow the rules and they strictly (and violently) implement it to ordinary citizens. But the same law doesn't apply to them. They say enhanced community q uarantine is over but the day isn't over yet and they change their statement. Again. Ayayay.SpiceYourSillyLifeBut...I don't want this post to be political.Writing is my escape. It's my antidote for all toxicities around me.So, that's the end of my rant for today. 😎Let me instead share some things I do when negativity like today happens. Please indulge me as I recommend my previous posts.How to Feel Good When You're Having a Bad DayChange the Way You Think and Set Yourself Free25 Powerful Declarations that Will Shape Your Day and Ultimately Change Your LifeDetox from Negative ThoughtsDetox From Toxic Feelings5 Simple Ways to De-Stress At Your DeskThings Work Out Even When You Think They Don'tI wish I'm always this optimistic and strong. Human as I am, I sometimes give in to my weakness. Like those times I shared in my other diary entries.Diary Day 3: King of the JungleDiary Day 5: DisconnectDiary Day 8: Trade OffDiary Day 34: SleeplessDay 41: InsomniaI am extremely grateful for writing. It's a venue for me to air my overwhelming thoughts. When I put my musings to writing, I feel better. I change my perspective. I get clarity.It's the same as when I'm organizing things. Once I put everything in containers and arrange them, my mind automatically calms down.Chaos turns to peace. It gives me hope.I totally get Marie Kondo.NetflixWell, lockdown is almost over. At least that's what they tell us. I won't be getting my hopes up. I don't want to be disappointed.I'd rather be realistic. Knowing how fickle-minded and apathetic this government is, I know it can change anytime.I'm adaptable.Am I going to reach day 50 of recording my life in the time of c oronavirus? Gosh, I hope not. (It's really been longer than 50 days. I started only when our city began the enhanced community q uarantine. Maybe that's when my mind couldn't take it anymore. So, I sought for refuge in blogging again.)I'm glad we're nearing the end. Even when at the moment, it's still a little confusing. Just adding a little spice to this life, I guess?Your turnWhat do you do during confusing times?
Lux Thinking Aloud Laugh 11:33 PM When's the last time you laughed so hard your facial muscles hurt? It's hard to laugh when you're bombarded by bad news day after day after day. Sometimes the day is not yet over and there it is on your screen again---another grim update. But we have to learn to laugh and find a reason to do so. As cliché as it may be, laughter is the best medicine.LaughAfter a week of not watching, I had my dose of the TV show Friends again. Thank God for humor. Thank God for comedy shows. What a dreadful life it would be without laughter, no?I like that I can laugh about the silliest things. That I'm able to find humor even during this time. God gave us joy. He brings us reasons to laugh and be happy.Don't you just love laughing?When I need a good laugh, I look at videos and funny photos of our dogs. They can surely make me smile every time.I watch funny guilty dog compilations online.I look at memes.I recount funny experiences or hilarious conversations.My husband does a good job of making me laugh with his silly remarks.Which is another answered prayer, by the way. I asked God to give me a partner who can make me laugh. I remember my exes couldn't. 😆We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh. -Agnes RepplierMy brother introduced to me Key & Peele of Comedy Central. I think the actors there are superb. For them to be able to shoot the scene without losing it is beyond professional.Sharing some Bible verses about laughing:He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. - Job 8:21And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me." -Genesis 21:6Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. -Luke 6:21Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. -Proverbs 31:25And some quotes too:Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer. — Reinhold NiebuhrA good laugh is sunshine in the house. — William ThackerayRemember this: very little is needed to make a happy life. — Marcus AureliusLaugh my friend, for laughter ignites a fire within the pit of your belly and awakens your being. —Stella & BlakeThe human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. — Mark TwainFrom there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere. — Dr. SeussA well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert ProcknowWhen you laugh, aside from the endorphin rush, there’s also a spiritual opening. You’re not so tight inside yourself. That opening I’ve found to be a real gift, in people being able to absorb spirituality. —Rabbi Sydney MintzLaughter is God’s hand on the shoulder of a troubled world. — Bettenell HuntznickerYou don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. — Michael PritchardStay young. Stay sane. Keep laughing. Yes, even especially during this crisis.Your turnWhat's your favorite comedy show?What makes you laugh?
Lux Thinking Aloud Rested 9:07 PM Have you seen the movie Jumper? It's about people who have the ability to jump from one place to another. Like apparating in Harry Potter. When I lack sleep, that's how I feel. I sometimes come to my senses and wonder how I got to Location B when my last memory was I was in Location A. Thankful that it's not one of those days today. My mind finally succumbed to sleep and today I feel rested. Ahhh, power naps. Short but effectual. RestedAnother realization in this c oronavirus lockdown life: sleep is vacation in itself.I still look forward to having a real vacation once the dust settles. But really, sleep is a good escape from this daily hullabaloo.I'm amazed by how our mind works. Especially how we dream.For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let them swim in the deepest ocean, or glide over the highest cloud.-Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling)My dreams are weird. Even I myself wake up and wonder why it's like so sometimes.I've dreamed about:talking with people I know already passed awaybeing dead myself and feeling free because I could flyflying and not being dead 😂surfing in the middle of the ocean (that was more of a nightmare)warcelebritieshigh schoolIt depends on what I last saw or read before going to bed. But most of the time, they're random.TenorI've not been thinking about a dead person for example and then I would see him/her in my dreams. Not being scary but just there talking casually.Sometimes in my dreams I know they're dead, sometimes I'd only remember when I wake up.Some sleep leaves me more tired than rested. I'm a workaholic and my mind has a hard time shutting down especially after a long day.Sleep is one of the things I took for granted when I was a kid. I used to dread it when my parents tell me to take an afternoon nap. All I wanted to do was play. Or watch TV.When I went to college and started working, that's when I realized the value of sleep.Kids, if you're reading this, sleep!Get all the rest you need. Don't believe the people who say you can sleep when you're dead.Without sleep, you'll be like a zombie. Not dead but also not truly alive. What a waste of life.GiphySleep is important to stay sane, healthy and to live a good life. You can't enjoy life when you lack rest. As I've mentioned before, based on my personal experience of forgoing sleep, I felt like a jumper.In this time of crisis, rest is necessary and beneficial both for our mental and physical health.Even during this p andemic, we can rest easy because:He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.-Psalm 121:3-4Gosh, I hope I can remember those words every time worries start to creep in.Your turnWhat's your weirdest dream?
Faith Insomnia 8:52 PM Another night spent battling for sleep. I can't remember the last time I've had insomnia. Even during the stressful wedding planning stage, I was still able to sleep. Lack of sleep is bad for the body. Our health gets affected negatively. Immune system lowers. Every system seems to malfunction. Like an overworked machine, it crashes.InsomniaWhat to do when you can't sleep? Does counting sheep still work? Or counting 1 to 100? That one used to work for me. When I was about ten.Being an adult (ugh), I'm going to need more than that. I'm tired but my mind won't shut down.GiphyI don't like being idle because "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."It's when I'm sleepless that the devil whispers lies in my ears. Reminding me of my awful experiences. Plants worries in my head. Sometimes I stay and wait for sleep to come. When it's impossible to happen, I get up and start working again. Or blogging.I'm only human. And an over-thinker and worrier too. When crisis like this happens, I'm at my worst.I've said this before and I'll say it again:I won't be here without God's grace. My helpline, my refuge, my strength. Here I am running back to the word for comfort to help me deal with my insomnia.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. -John 14:27When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. -Psalm 94:19This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? - Luke 12:22-26Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." - Mark 5:36Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5Here's a beautiful Psalm 23 song to calm the anxious mind.The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.-Psalm 23Your turnWhat bible verse do you read to calm your mind?How are you holding up during this time?
Faith How to Prosper 1:35 PM My body clock has gone haywire since this lockdown life started. This Sunday, I woke up who knows when. Thank God for recordings. I got to watch today's Feast Bellevue service and was blessed by God's word. Core message: prosper.ProsperBuild houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters.Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper. -Jeremiah 29:5-7This is a part of the letter of the prophet Jeremiah to the surviving elders exiled to Babylon. They were in a crisis.I like how Bro Arun broke this down.How to Prosper During a Crisis1. Build houses and settle down.I don't think we'll ever go back to the normal we used to know. That normal didn't work. It's what brought us here.This crisis unfortunately is taking longer than expected. To build houses and settle down means we stay. We adjust and adapt to the new normal.If we keep whining and forcing everything to be back to what it used to be, there will be consequences.We have to change our perspective. This is where we are now. What to do with what we have and where we are? That should be our focus.Or else, we'll go insane.Sadly, this c oronavirus is causing a spike in suicide rates. Please know you're not alone.I started this blog to not feel alone myself and to reach out to those who need someone to walk to. Someone to share their life journey with.Message me if you need someone to listen to you.Gfycat2. Plant gardens and eat their produce.Literally, we need to grow our food. I wish I have a garden where I can harvest potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lemons, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs. Someday I will.Figuratively, we need to grow during this crisis.I admit I paused for a while. When the lockdown started, it took me some time to wrap my head around what's going on. I got stuck.I had so many questions.I was in denial and disbelief. I was in shock with the whole nation.But when I got a grip of myself, I started hustling again.Remember that famous line of Robert H. Schuller? Tough times never last. Tough people do.I can't watch myself staying stuck after falling. One day I decided enough is enough. I stood up again, dusted myself off and moved forward.Oh, it was hard. I literally dragged myself out of bed every morning.Anxiety still rears its ugly head once in a while. But I don't succumb to it anymore.I choose to plant seeds. Now, I'm harvesting little by little. Reddit3. Take wives and have sons and daughters.I know children are blessings. They're gifts from God. My sister gave birth just before the lockdown happened and our family's excited and glad to welcome her cute bundle of joy.I also know this crisis is not a good time to have a baby. There's a time for everything.So, when I read this passage, I got worried and confused.Have children during the crisis when there's shortage of essentials and there's a global economic crash?But as Bro Arun explained it, this crisis should be a time to strengthen our relationship with each other especially with our family. Or those we're stuck with during the q uarantine.This time is about discipleship. We should make disciples. We should propagate the Good News.Those disciples will make disciples who will make disciples in return.Phew!Giphy4. Multiply. Do not decrease. Prosper. Most of all pray. Pray for the city. For when it prospers, you prosper.I love that verse. 👆Most of us complain about what's happening and how the people in authority respond to it. I've been guilty of that. Especially when I see injustice.When I hear people cry dura lex sed lex when it's for the poor or powerless but seeks to extend compassion for those who are in position, that's too preposterous to stay quiet.Despite that, I keep praying for my country and for the world. For I believe that when the leaders fail, we all fail. How they think, what they decide are out of my control. But...I know Who's in control of everything and we have an open line communication through prayers.GiphyI love that God's plans for His people, even in the midst of crisis, is not to harm but to prosper.His promise is a life of abundance and not a life of insufficiency. How marvelous He is!Your turnHow's your Sunday?How do you think can you prosper during this crisis?
