Life Lessons 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For 7:12 PM 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For Here are 13 things you should never apologize for, ever again. Because...There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you. -Steve Maraboli 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For1. You should never apologize for your beliefs. I avoid using the term 'religion' because many people say "my religion" this and "my religion" that. Why should it be "my" religion? I just believe what's in the Bible about which religion is involved. I simply believe... I believe in it, and I get down on my knees every night, thank God, and ask Him to lead the way. -Michael JacksonDon't apologize for your beliefs and for being passionate about them.We were raised in different homes and have different cultures. It's okay if you don't share the same faith with the people around you. Respecting others' beliefs and having an open mind signify spiritual maturity. 2. You should never apologize for the way you look. You're fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)You are beautiful just the way you are, and no one can argue with that. Who says you need to have perfectly straight hair to be beautiful? Those curls are enviable.Who says you need to be voluptuous or slim? A person who is confident in her own skin is sexy.If someone only loves you because you have the perfect curves in the right places...you should be worried. You don't have to buy designer clothes to be accepted. It's not about the clothes you wear. It's about who's wearing them.There's beauty in diversity. 3. You should never apologize for being honest.The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.Expect to be attacked when you speak the truth. Because the fact makes people uncomfortable. It's not your fault if they choose to live a life of pretense. So don't apologize for it.Just remember to still be respectful and tactful when telling the truth. Don't use honesty as an excuse to be mean.4. You should never apologize for your relationship status.Embrace this season of life, for it is just that. A season.As long as you're not wrecking lives or destroying relationships...You're not offending anyone...You're not wasting people's time...You're not causing harm to yourself or to another person...Don't apologize wherever you are in your life right now. Whether you're still figuring out what you want in life, happily single, or in a relationship, you do you. 5. You should never apologize for sleeping in or taking a break. Breaks can lead to breakthroughs.Sleep in on the weekend. Book a vacation. Go out and see new places. Or stay at home and watch your favorite movie or show. Read a good book. Do nothing. If you've been working like crazy and giving your best, you deserve to have a break. Don't apologize for not being productive for a day or two. Save yourself from breaking down and burning out. Take a break. 6. You should never apologize for your standards.Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is raise your standards. -Tony RobbinsDo you want a raise or see an increase in your profit? You've worked hard for it. You deserve to receive more. You also need to choose the people you allow in your life. Remember: You become the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. (Jim Rohn)Who are the people in your circle? Set your standards, and don't apologize for it. It's the same as setting boundaries. They're there to protect you from abusive people or distractions, direct your path, and remind you of what you really want. 7. You should never apologize for making wrong choices in the past.Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default. -J.K. RowlingIf you haven't made bad decisions, you wouldn't realize what's best for you. Don't let your past prevent you from moving forward, define who you are, and shape your future.Own up to your mistakes. 8. You should never apologize for asking for help. Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either falls down, one can help the other up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9You can't do everything on your own. No matter how smart and great you think you are, there's always something someone knows that you don't. Or something you haven't discovered yet that someone is already an expert in. Don't apologize for asking questions. It's better to admit that you don't know something than pretend to know it all.All the experts were once newbies too. 9. You should never apologize for your quirks. I think everybody's weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it. -Johnny DeppSo what if you still read fairy tales or young adult fiction before going to bed even when you're...not young anymore? So what if you dress like a lady but love heavy metal music? So what if you're the odd one out? Start loving and appreciating yourself more. How? There are several ways to stop hating yourself and help you achieve healthy self-love. Start with accepting yourself for who you are. Embrace your quirks. You're unique, and you've got something only you can offer.Celebrate your weirdness. Don't apologize for it. 10. You should never apologize for your dreams. Don't let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.Don't let people who lack imagination look down on your creativity. Sometimes critics discourage you from reaching your goals, not because they don't believe you can do it. But because they know you can, they don't want you to. They're afraid of your success because you remind them of their mediocrity and failure.Sometimes it's not because you shine too bright. It's just because they choose to live in the shadows. 11. You should never apologize for choosing to be healthy. The food you eat can be the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann WigmoreYou don't have to eat less. Just eat right. Choose foods that are packed with nutrients and are healing. Try a vegan or plant-based diet.Some websites and vlogs provide easy-to-make plant-based recipes. Going vegan will not only make you healthy, but it's also kinder to the animals and better for the planet.You'll be more sorry if you keep choosing food that risks your health and slowly kills the Earth. 12. You should never apologize for walking out of a relationship. Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is brave. -Mandy HaleMaybe you stopped being friends because they seemed to be holding you back. Or you feel like you're going in different directions after reaching a certain point. Maybe your relationship was draining you because it was demanding too much of your time.Maybe you're the only one who's trying to work things out.Don't apologize for putting yourself first and walking away from a toxic relationship.You deserve better. 13. You should never apologize for saying 'no.'Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough. -Josh BillingsIf you're uncomfortable with the idea or think it's too much for you...If you don't feel like doing it for no selfish reason...Say 'no.'Don't be guilty of turning down an invitation, a job offer, a proposal, or even what appears to be an opportunity. If your gut feeling tells you to say 'no,' listen to it. Over apologizing makes it easier for people to treat you like a doormat. It invites abusive people to come into your life. It will not correct anything. Don't apologize for not being sorry for certain things. You don't owe it to anyone.
Books Book Recommendation: The Turtle Always Wins By Bo Sanchez 6:38 PM We've heard of the fable about the tortoise- and, in some versions, the turtle- and the hare. This simple story shows us what humility, patience, and perseverance can do. The Turtle Always Wins by Bo Sanchez teaches us that we can build wealth and also win in the race of life by applying the principles we learned from this famous children's book.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost.Book Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The Turtle Always Wins by Bo Sanchez Book ReviewWhen it comes to living simply yet abundantly, Bo Sanchez can indeed preach. He's living it. In his book, The Turtle Always Wins, Bro Bo explains how long-term investment in the stock market is the best way to build wealth. If someone with a love-hate relationship with numbers like me can easily understand this book and start investing, you can, too.The Turtle Always Wins will teach you that true wealth can be achieved using the Turtle Strategy. You can reach financial success through:strategic planningplanting seeds and caring for them regularlywaiting patientlystaying calm during a crisis consistently doing the "boring" work The Turtle Always Wins by Bo Sanchez is more than just a financial book that aims to help those with zero to limited investment knowledge. It's also about having the right attitude to win in the race of life.This book is NOT for you if...You're a trader and an aggressive investor who wants to get rich quickly despite the high risk.This book is for you if...You want a slow, steady, sure way of building wealth through time.The slow turtle winning the race over the fast hare is an excellent reminder of Ecclesiastes 9:11:The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.The Truly Rich ClubInvesting slowly but surely is the principle we follow in the Truly Rich Club. It was founded by Bo Sanchez with the mission to help good people become rich- truly rich. So you'll not just be financially wealthy but also spiritually well-nourished. What is your approach when it comes to investing? Are you a more aggressive hare or a conservative "slowly but surely" turtle-style type? Why You Should Read The Turtle Always WinsBo Sanchez's book The Turtle Always Wins is an inspiring guide to building wealth and success in all aspects of life.Can you recommend a book about investing like The Turtle Always Wins?
Lux Thinking Aloud Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & Julia 12:58 PM I just had my worst breakup and was still picking up the pieces of my shattered self-worth.I turned to blogging to distract myself. Who am I kidding? I wrote my bleeding heart out hoping my ex would read how I felt after he left. So he'd realize what a monster he was.After slaving myself away in a job that sucked the life out of me, I’d come home to a noisy, chaotic house I shared with other OFWs. I'd watch movies until I was too sleepy to think about anything. Until I was too numb to feel anything.Then I found Julie and Julia.Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & JuliaJulie Powell was a frustrated writer stuck in a job she hated in a house she didn’t like. She lived in a city where dreams were made of but she felt as though her life was a nightmare.Her only escape from reality was cooking. She loves American cook Julia Child so much. She’s her heroine. After her husband suggested she blog about her cooking, her life turned around. The recipes on her blog were from Julia’s cookbook.BloglovinIn a different time, Julia's life in Paris began. She was traveling with her husband who works for the US government. They lived in a gorgeous big house in the City of Light. She's learning the culture, enjoying the savory food and exploring things, trying to find her passion.Primo GifThe movie was about their lives intertwined; their struggles in searching for their purpose, finally finding what they’re good at, the obstacles in pursuing what they love and the imperfections of their personal lives.Aside from these amazing women's journey, I love the gentle forces behind them---their partners. I adore their husbands. Hurting as I was back then, I didn’t swear off love. And every time they show how supportive, loving and encouraging Julie and Julia’s husbands were, I find myself whispering a prayer, “Lord, I want a husband like that.”Julie and Julia became my comfort movie.It gave me hope that someday, I’ll get out of the job I was stuck in. I will find what I truly love to do and earn while doing it.GiphyJulia wrote award winning cookbooks and became a TV personality despite having zero knowledge in cooking at first. Julie’s blog became a hit that her story was turned into a book and a movie.Julie’s story is every blogger’s dream. It was my dream. Maybe not in the same scale. But the thought of getting something out of what I spend most of my time on sounds appealing to me.Fast forward to today, there are brands and clients who trust me to feature them on my blog (THANK YOU!). I get paid for writing and by God's grace, I've found my dream husband. But I'm still a frustrated cook. 😂Julie and Julia’s husbands possessed the traits I was looking for in my ideal life partner. TumblrI saw this movie at a time I NEEDED to know people like them exist. Real people. Not fictional. It was refreshing to see that there are real men who are sweet and supportive but also strong and reliable.If it wasn't for their husbands' encouragement, push and humor, they may not have soared as high as they did. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in your dreams and push you to become the best that you could be.GiphyLet me borrow Julie’s words describing Julia as I explain why I love this movie so much:“It saved me. I was drowning and it pulled me out of the ocean.”What's your favorite or comfort movie?Contains affiliate links.
Love and Relationship 5 Reasons Why It's Good To Marry Your Best Friend 6:29 AM Should you marry your best friend?I thought not everyone could marry their best friend. That's impossible. And unnecessary...Until I got married.Now, I couldn't emphasize enough the importance of marrying your best friend.I'm one of those annoying people who will continue to remind the singles out there:You should marry your best friend!Before you protest...What does marrying your best friend mean?To marry your best friend doesn't mean you start forcing yourself to fall in love with your best friend. Or pressure your best mate to marry you.To be friends first before you become lovers is ideal. A successful relationship or marriage is built on a solid friendship.If you and your best friend are already falling for each other...congratulations!If it's far from reality, don't fret.My husband and I didn't start our relationship as friends. We went from meeting to getting to know each other and then dating. It was fast. We both are not getting any younger, you know?But I can say my husband has become my best friend.Is it a good idea to marry your best friend? I'll give you five reasons why it is.1. Instant and constant support.Your best friend will cheer you on and support you. Even when no one else does. Even when you're not entirely confident yourself.No matter how strong you are, it's good to have a sturdy shoulder to lean on occasionally.You can always count on your partner's emotional support. And that means a lot, especially when you are second-guessing yourself.Life is not easy. But knowing you have a partner you can count on lightens the load.2. Round-the-clock conversation.Remember when you were in high school? You would sleep over at your best friend's house and talk all night. It feels like time flies when you're together. And you never run out of topics.Marriage is like sleeping over with your best friend every night.When you can't sleep because worry keeps you up, having someone you can talk to is good. It eases the anxiety somehow.When you're both wrinkled and grey, and your hip and joints ache of old age, what you'll have left is conversation.Find someone you're comfortable sharing even your deepest, darkest fears with.It's beautiful that you're with someone you can talk to about anything at any time. And not worrying about being judged.3. Share sacred silence.Spending time in silence together is equally important as having a meaningful conversation.When you're weary and need a day of doing nothing, having a best friend who can sit with you in comfortable silence is reassuring.Knowing when to be quiet and enjoy that precious moment is vital. Especially when your partner is an introvert.Silence is a soothing and gratifying remedy for the toxicity of the world. Having someone to share that with is bliss.4. Having your worst critic.Your best friend will tell you what you NEED to know, not what you want to hear. Because your growth and success are as significant to them as they are to you.There may be misunderstandings and fights along the way. It happens to the bestest of friends. Let it strengthen your relationship and not shatter it.TIP: Be careful with honesty. Don't use the truth as an excuse to be cruel.5. To love and be loved unconditionally.Your best friend can give you unconditional love.I've heard this from one of the talks at The Catholic Marriage Summit: Humans have a deep desire to be known by another soul. And to be loved despite the knowing is a beautiful gift. There is something liberating and satisfying in being bound to a person who loves you despite and not because of who you are. Indeed, it is gratifying to know that you are loved and adored even when you feel unworthy of it.Why It's Good To Marry Your Best FriendI'm thankful and blessed to marry someone who puts my needs before his. Who considers me in everything, even with something as trivial as deciding what to eat. Who listens patiently and loves me for who I am, flaws, pimples, moods, and all. 😁So, marry someone you like to be with, talk to, and someone who brings out the best in you. Marry your best friend or work towards becoming best friends with your spouse.Forever sounds like a long time. You might as well spend it with someone you love and like. Question for YouWhat is your take on marrying your best friend?
Faith 7 Benefits Of Fear And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer It 6:10 PM 7 Benefits And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer Fear What is fear?Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. (Oxford Languages)Why is fear so important? A little dose of fear could be healthy and helpful. Imagine if you're not afraid of falling down a cliff. You wouldn't be careful. You'll end up hurting yourself and others with you. Though fear is considered a negative emotion, good things come with it. Fear alerts us of potential danger. It makes us more cautious. It gives us a chance to protect ourselves from peril.Fear only becomes harmful or unhealthy when you let it rule your life and paralyze you from moving forward.How can you use fear to your advantage?Use fear as motivation instead of a deterrent. We all have fears. But we can use it for our benefit. Here are 7 benefits of fear and 7 easy ways to conquer it.7 Benefits Of Fear And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer ItWhat's your deepest fear?When I was still single, I feared the what-ifs of the future.I wasn't afraid of growing old alone. Because I enjoy my own company. I have made small investments to secure my future.Today, I'm happily married. And sometimes I wonder what I was so afraid of back then.My fears are different now. It changes as we grow, although some things remain.I'm still afraid of these things:What if I'm not enough?What if I can't do it and fail my client or my own business?What if something terrible happened to my loved ones? I know it's inevitable, but I still fear losing them.I fear not having enough time to do the things I want.I fear that this p and em ic will continue for a long time, and our economy will plummet further.The fear of uncertainty.As humans, fear is embedded in our DNA. It is a primitive human emotion. Fear is essential for survival. Giphy7 Benefits of FearFear can make you wise. It encourages critical thinking.Fear helps you focus or keeps you on your toes.Fear can give you the feeling of anticipation, which could be exhilarating.Fear makes you attentive. When you fear for your health, you become more conscious about your lifestyle. You consider what you put in and on your body.Fear makes you cautious. When you fear for your and others' safety, you become attentive.Fear drives you to change. Fear can push you to be bold. Ironic, right? But it's only when we are fearful we can be brave. It's only when we are afraid we can make bold moves.If I wasn't afraid when I was single, I wouldn't have been careful in choosing my future partner. Instead, I would have just settled for anyone.When you fear losing something precious, you take care of it, hold it tighter, and even fight for it.Giphy7 Easy Ways to Conquer fearIdentify what's making you afraid.Confront the feeling. Understand why you are afraid of something.Embrace fear.Laugh.Plan.Pray.Do it afraid. (Joyce Meyer) 1. Identify what's making you afraid.What is making you afraid?Fear of commitment? Fear of speaking in front of people?Fear of the unknown?Fear of the "result"?They say fear is just an illusion. It's an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Identify the fear. Is it real? Or are you just overthinking it?2. Confront the feeling.Why are you afraid of ___? Only when you've identified your fear can you confront and understand why you feel that way.Some people give up on dating and marriage because they've been hurt too many times in the past. Fear usually involves a focus on the past.3. Embrace fear.We're all afraid of something. Some are irrational, and some are rational reactions to a real threat.How do you embrace fear?Use fear, and don't let it use you.Embracing fear means using it as a tool. A small amount of fear is a good thing. Use it as a guide or instruction. 4. Laugh at it.Seriously, humor is the best remedy.Have you seen Harry Potter, where they had to fight a boggart?A boggart is a shapeshifter that usually lurks in dark spaces. It has no definite form, taking the shape of what is most feared by the person who encounters it. (Wikibooks)This means it plays with the person's weakness. The spell to defeat the boggart is Riddikulus. It will then turn from your menacing fear into something, well...ridiculous. But what finishes it off? Laughter.GiphyIn real life, you can tell your fear that it's ridiculous and then laugh at it.Learn to laugh at yourself.5. Plan.Before the emotion gets the better of you, take a walk. Or shower. Shower thoughts are the best, yes?Play some feel-good movies.Try to recall all the hard times you went through and how you miraculously managed to still be alive and well.And then plan your next move.Are you afraid of confronting your boss or colleague about an issue at work that's been bothering you? That's good because you don't just walk right up to them. There may be consequences.So take some time to plan what you need to do next.Learn from your past experiences or from other people.6. Pray.Go back to the fact that the phrase "Fear not" has been mentioned 365 times in the Bible.It's like God knows that we will always be afraid of something. So, he reminds us to not fear every day of every year (365 days in one year).Fear not. God is still in control.You have 24/7 access to the Lord of all. Pray.And remember, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18)7. Do it afraid.When you fear not being heard or being oppressed, speak. Even when your voice is shaking.Your fear will always be there, rearing its ugly head unless you learn to conquer it.You don't have to wait for fear to disappear (it may never happen) before you act. Have you stopped and considered that maybe you're only afraid of how powerful, brilliant, and fabulous you can be.If it's holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself, do it now, even when you're trembling with fear.Your turnWhat is your greatest fear?How is it beneficial to you? How do you conquer it?Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? …And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.-Marianne WilliamsonThis post may contain affiliate links. It means I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost. This helps me maintain my site.
Food Korean Citron Tea Health Benefits: Why I Love It 8:08 PM What is Citron tea?Honey Citron tea, or simply Citron tea, is a traditional tea in Korea. It's a mixture of water, sugar, and the fruit Yuja or Yuzu (citrus family). It's also known as Korean Yuja tea or Yuja-cha. Citron tea is a favorite, especially during the cold season. It is popular not only for its sweet taste but also for its health benefits. Which is why it's my go-to drink whenever I feel like coming down with a cold or flu.Health benefits of Citron teaRelieves sore throat and cough.Treats common cold.Increases blood circulation.Suppresses fever.Enhances skin complexion.Helps balance hormones.Good anti-aging as it's rich in antioxidants.Full of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.Believes in helping protect from viral and bacterial infection.Before I read about Citron tea's benefits, I experienced it firsthand, so I highly recommend it. I'll never forget that day I discovered Korean Citron tea.Why I love Citron TeaEvery inch of my body was aching. Every move was painful. I was weak and lethargic.Heat was coming out of my eyes.You know that unpleasant feeling when fever is about to set in? I was feeling that.But I didn't want to miss the reunion with my high school friends. After we caught up with what was going on in our lives over sumptuous lunch, we decided to wind down in a new posh Korean coffee shop nearby. I ordered their tea that was advertised as Tea full of Vitamin C. GiphyI ordered the smallest size. I took one sip, and that’s the start of my love story with Citron tea. It was love at first sip.I've never had tea like that before. And I've tried a LOT.Sweet. Aromatic. Comforting. Citron tea is like a warm hug in the chilly weather.It soothed my dry throat.When I was on my way home I felt...normal again.An effect I didn't expect to happen right away. Despite the promise that it's full of vitamin C.Me in the coffee shop before I started buying Citron tea by the jarNo more heaviness in my joints. My headache was gone. No more heat coming out of my eyes. What’s in that cup?! It's like magic!Apparently, they weren’t kidding around when they said it's a tea full of vitamin C. It only took that one small cup to kick my symptoms away. Now, every time I feel like I’m going down with a fever or cold, I make myself a cup of citron tea. For me, one cup of citron tea keeps the doctor away.On one of our trips last 2018FAQs about Citron teaHow often should you drink Citron tea?You can drink Citron tea once a day. It could be quite addicting, though, especially if you love sweets. I drink it 2-3 times a day when I'm feeling under the weather. Go easy on the amount, especially if you have a high sugar level. Too much could also give you a sore throat. When is the best time to drink Citron tea?You can drink Citron tea whenever you want. I recommend drinking it hot during rainy or cold weather. Directions in preparing Citron tea?Add 2-3 teaspoonfuls into a cup of water. Stir. Serve hot or cold.Do you need to refrigerate Citron tea?You may store the unopened bottle on a shelf. Refrigerate after opening.Can you drink Citron tea every day?Yes, you may. But if you are diabetic, you may want to avoid it as it's high in sugar and/or honey. It will help if you consult your doctor first.Is Citron tea good for weight loss?Citron is a good source of soluble fiber. As such, it helps lower cholesterol and improves digestion which could help in weight loss.How much is Citron tea?The price of Citron tea depends on the brand, variety (with ginger or none), and where you'll buy it. As of this writing, Korean Citron tea ranges from $10 to $60. Price based on Shopee and Amazon.How to make Citron tea?If you want to make your own Citron tea at home, here's an easy recipe from doomandoo두만두:Ingredients:2 kg citron2 kg sugar50 g baking soda1 T vinegarRub yuzu with baking soda to remove impurities.Add water and vinegar to the citron soaked in baking soda and let stand for 30 minutes.Rinse with water.Wipe the water on the citron and dry it with a dishcloth.Divide the citron horizontally into two and remove the seeds with a fork.Separate the skin and flesh.Chop the skin finely.Cut the pulp finely with scissors.Weigh the skin and flesh and prepare sugar in the same amount.Add sugar to the peel and mix well.Put the pulp in the skin and add sugar, and mix.Put it in a bottle sterilized in hot water. Store at room temperature for 3 days.Here's her calming ASMR video preparing Citron tea. Citron tea can also be used as marmalade because of its consistency and taste.How about you? What's your favorite tea, and why do you love it? This post contains affiliate links, so we get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance!
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?
