Dating 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 12:00 AM Single is no longer a lack of options – but a choice. A choice to refuse to let your life be defined by your relationship status but to live every day Happily and let your Ever After work itself out. -Mandy Hale While everyone my age is getting married, having a baby, or seriously dating, here I am...still single.In a world full of gooey-eyed couples, why am I still single? Here are 17 reasons why: 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 1. I finally know my worth. After all that I went through, heartbreak after heartbreak, I've finally realized my worth.I used to accept anyone who offers me love and sweet promises. Even though they don't treat me right.In short, I used to shortchange myself. I now know my value. I've woken up to the truth; that I've been fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)And so I deserve to be treated with honor.I'm still single because I believe I deserve more. Giphy 2. I love my own company. I enjoy my own company so much I don't need a man to entertain me or make me happy. I can eat out and watch a movie alone (or with my friends). I revel in my Me Time. I'm still single because I love spending time with myself. Being alone doesn't bother me. Giphy 3. I rediscovered myself. I've rediscovered who I really am after losing myself to someone...And I love what I've found. I didn't know this stronger and better version of myself before. Maybe because I didn't get the opportunity to tap into this strength and potential because of people holding me back. Or because I thought I was already okay with who I was.I'm still single because I've discovered who I really am and I fell in love with that person. (Not in the self-absorbed, arrogant way. But in a selfless, kind-to-myself way). Giphy 4. I refuse to be dictated by society. People around me are concerned about my relationship status. They think it's not normal for people my age to not be married or at least dating.I know these people mean well but what they don't understand is that I am single by choice. Not because there are no other options or that I'm too scared. Even in this day and age, people put a stigma on single women over the age of 30. I can't blame them. But I also refuse to be influenced by them.I'm still single because society has no say in my romantic choices. Giphy 5. I finally feel at peace with myself. I've been trying to figure out where I'm supposed to be for the longest time.I've been trying to reach other people's expectations. I've been searching, chasing, hustling. For what? I don't even know.I was like a dog who keeps chasing his tail day in and day out. Finally, when he caught it, he doesn't know what to do. It's silly and a total waste of time. Now, I feel at peace with myself knowing that I'm on the right track. I am exactly where my heart wants me to be. And that's another reason why I'm still single. Tumblr 6. I'm piecing myself back together. I have been broken, battered, bruised. I'm now learning to put back the pieces together.I've learned to embrace the present. To appreciate the people I'm with, the experience, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. It wasn't easy. Sometimes I still fall short. But I'm a work in progress.I'm still single because I'm still putting back my broken pieces together and this is something I've got to do on my own. Giphy 7. I'm making the most of all the time in my hands. I know this phase won't last. I don't know how long I'll be single.I'm certain that I will sooner or later find my better half. Now more than ever is the best time to spend serving, growing, and being with the people who matter to me. It's the best time to travel and experience new things.I'm still single because I want to take advantage of my free time doing things I've always wanted to do. Giphy 8. I'm enjoying my freedom.I love the freedom that comes with being unattached. 😊I can drop whatever I'm doing, pack my things and go out of town. I can head to the movies, or have tea with someone at a moment's notice. One text or call from a friend and I'm on my way to where the fun is. No one to ask permission to, no one to stop me, no dates to cancel, no compromises, no hassles.I'm still single because this freedom will not last forever and I'm here to enjoy it while it lasts. Tumblr 9. I still have trust issues. Somewhere not so long ago, my trust has been broken. And you know what they say about a broken trust...Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.I try so hard to shake the doubts off and give humanity another chance.I've never stopped believing in love but finding a genuine one has been challenging. Especially when you start to question everything.I'm still single because I haven't found the courage to trust again. Giphy 10. My Love Tank is still filling up. I am still filling up my love tank and I don't want to selfishly drain another person just to fill up mine.The way I've been drained before. I'm still single because I can't give something I don't have. If I want to give love to someone someday, I have to have healthy, selfless love in my heart first. Giphy 11. I have respect for myself and for others. I don't want to play with other people's feelings. I don't want to waste their time and lead them on. I have enough respect for them and for myself.Wasting my time and energy on something I'm not serious about and will not help me grow is not honoring myself. I'm still single because I have self-respect and I respect others. Giphy 12. No chasing. Most guys think being mysterious is sexy. Maybe at some point. But having to guess what men think about all the time isn't fun.They tell you they like you today and then stop talking to you for days. And expect you to still be there and believe them when they come around.There may be a thrill in the initial chase but it eventually gets boring and discouraging. Especially when it makes you ask...What role am I playing here? Where is this going?The doubts take away the fun. If I have to chase you, if I have to guess, then I think it's not worth my time.I'm still single because I don't want to chase after something inconsistent and unsure. I'm too old for that game. Giphy 13. Preparing for the real thing.There are many times I thought a relationship was real but it wasn't. I've learned to discern if someone's sincere or not. If a relationship is going somewhere or will just go around in a toxic circle.I've grown because of my mistakes and shortcomings.I'm still single because I'm still being prepared for my prince. So when he arrives, I'm ready. To give my all.Giphy14. I'm waiting.A friend once told me, "Stop waiting for Mr. Right. He doesn't exist."I agree.I'm not waiting for Mr. Right. I'm waiting for Mr. Right One For Me.I'm looking for the one I can spend my life with.He doesn't have to be perfect as long as we're perfectly imperfect for each other.I'm still single because I choose to wait for the right time for the right person with the right love. Tumblr 15. I have this boldness. Not everyone walks this path because it could be scary and intimidating. It's a lonely road when you're walking on your own.People tend to follow where the crowd goes. But I've learned that the more I follow the crowd the more lost I become.Because where they're going is not where I want to be.I'm still single because I am bold enough to take the road less traveled. Giphy 16. I complete me.Of course, I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in. -Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieDo I need a man to live the life I've always wanted? No.Do I need a man to pay for my bills, finance my travels, and buy me things that I need and want? No.Am I incomplete, miserable, helpless, and unattractive without a man to call my own? No.I complete me. And that's why I'm still single. Giphy 17. I'm too fabulous to settle.That's what my favorite single woman author Mandy Hale said. Not in an egotistical, self-righteous kind of way.I know I am no damsel in distress.I am already living a fabulous life that I'd rather have someone with whom I can share that or enjoy it on my own.I have my family and friends who cheer me on.I have my dogs to care for and love and who give me unparalleled loyalty.I've got a God who's always got my back.And I've got me to give me what I want.I'm still single because I know I already got it good. I'm too fabulous to settle. GiphyWhat about you? Are you still single? Why did you choose singlehood? This is my entry for The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge: Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”.
Lux Thinking Aloud #Blessed And Not Bragging 8:00 AM You don't see the world as it is; you see it as you are.-Krishna Saagar They say #blessed is the new way to brag. Humble bragging, they call it. I don't get it. Since when did knowing, believing, claiming, and declaring that you are blessed become bragging? Here's my take on the #blessed. Believe and declare At The Feast, we are encouraged to dream big. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Because we are blessed. We learn to focus on the good things in life and see them as blessings.We practice declaring we are blessed every day, no matter what the situation is. We are reminded to always have a grateful heart. Part of the Feast's Declaration of Abundance says: Today, I proclaim that I'm God's Beloved, I'm God's Servant, I'm God's powerful champion. And because I am blessed, I am blessing the world. In Jesus' Name, Amen. I don't see anything wrong with declaring that beautiful truth. If you believe you are blessed and want to use that blessing to bless others, that's a winner's mindset. Everyone will benefit from it. "Faith Words aren't just mere positive affirmations; they open your life up to the supernatural power of God." (Bo Sanchez). Giphy Crab mentalityThe term "crab mentality" refers to a mindset that can be summarized as "if I'm not able to have it, then neither are you." Can't we be genuinely happy for others and allow their story to inspire us instead? Envy kills. Giphy Choose what you propagate. If you can spread rumors, trash-talk the government, cancel a celebrity or someone you hate, or share disturbing viral photos and videos, why can't you spread positivity? In the world today, when you feel crappy or angry, you can vent out so easily. People like it when you air your dirty laundry. But when you post feel-good words or photos, you are a hypocrite, a liar, or a bragger. Sharing motivational quotes or heartwarming stories can make another person's day. Sharing your blessings has always been a good thing. I don't see any reason why we should stop now. Tenor There's no pleasing everybody.There will always be those who are quick to find fault in everything. If there is none, they will make something up. Not everyone will be happy for you. Not everyone will celebrate with you. And that's okay. Unsubscribe From Other People's Drama. Giphy Sad reality It's sad when you think about it. That the world does not believe in blessings anymore. For many, the concept of being blessed seems hard to process, accept and understand. That to be blessed looks too good to be true. Are we really that far from believing the truth? Giphy Sharing the good is false and prideful, while rumors, scandals, and bad news spread like wildfire and amuse and entertain the public. The truth that you are blessed is implied and written throughout the Bible. Regardless of your religion, is it really that hard to believe that it is possible to live a blessed life? What's your take on #blessed? Do you think that people who use that hashtag are merely bragging?
Listicle 20 Things Women Do More And Better Than Men 7:22 PM 20 Things Women Do More And Better Than Men Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.-Timothy Leary Whether women are better than men or vice versa has always been an argument. But today, let’s celebrate the gentle force that makes the world more beautiful, colorful, and fun...Women! Here are 20 things women can do more and better than men.This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. 1. Women have more taste buds than men.Women tend to have more sensitive palates than men, which is why more women are in the sensory panels (Sensory Value).Our sense of smell and taste are closely linked, and the olfactory bulb in women has 43% more cells than in men. Giphy 2. Women can multitask better than men.A study was conducted to see who’s really better at multitasking - men or women. When the tasks were mixed up, both men and women made mistakes and slowed down.But men were significantly slower - taking 77% longer to respond, whereas women took 69% longer.We don’t need experiments to prove this, though. How many men do you know who can multitask better than women? Virality 3. Women live longer than men.Women outlive their male counterparts by about 5.5 years. According to Eurostat, life expectancy at birth for women was 84 years and 78.5 for men. Women’s sex hormone estrogen can combat heart disease, which according to the CDC, killed 357,761 men in the US in 2019.Women are also believed to have a stronger immune system. Giphy 4. Women talk more than men.Generally, women talk more than men. (Although in some cases relationships, it’s the opposite).Women speak about 20,000 words daily, while men speak only 7,000. Giphy 5. Women cry more than men.On average, women cry 30-64 times a year, while men cry 6-17 times yearly.Could it be because the patriarchal society has made us believe that crying is a sign of weakness for men?Or are men more discreet in showing their emotions? Giphy 6. Women’s hearts beat more than men’s.A woman’s heart can beat as many as six beats per minute faster than a man’s.According to the Cardiology Associates of Michigan, a woman’s heart and some of its chambers are smaller, the walls that divide some are thinner, and the veins are finer.Though a woman’s heart pumps faster than a man’s, a man’s heart ejects more blood with each pump. Tumblr 7. Women blink twice as often as men do.In an optoelectronic study of eyelid motion, the blink rate was significantly larger in women than in men.Women blink 19 times per minute vs. men, who blink 11 times per minute. During eyelid closure and opening, women moved faster than men.Batting eyelashes look better in women than men, don’t you think? 😁 Giphy 8. Women orgasm better than men.Though men orgasm in 95% of encounters compared to women’s 69%, their orgasm only lasts 3 to 10 seconds.Women’s orgasms can last as long as around 20 seconds to 2 minutes.The nerve endings in a woman’s clitoris are approximately more than 8,000. That’s double the number of nerve endings in a man’s penis.Women would have the best sex when they turn 28, while men reach their peak at 33.Yeah, women may fake it more often to please the man, but when they do orgasm, it’s better. 9. Women are more attentive and organized than men.Study shows that women’s brains were significantly more active in many areas than men’s, especially where focus and impulse control are involved.Women are more on top of things when it comes to meeting deadlines.In terms of home organization, women do it better than men. Gfycat 10. Women have higher IQs than men.Marilyn Vos Savant is not only the most brilliant woman but the smartest person in history, with an IQ of 228 (Guinness Book of World Records).In the men category, Christopher Michael Langan has an IQ score between 195 and 210. Giphy 11. Women are more likely to graduate from college compared to men.US Department of Education data shows that 65% of women who matriculated at a US four-year university in 2012 had graduated by 2018, compared with 59% of their male counterparts.Men who enrolled in a four-year college in 2013 were 10% less likely to graduate within 4 years.There are many factors to consider. As a woman, I say women are more committed to graduating because of the limited opportunity available after college than men. We want to achieve more and feel more accomplished; a college degree is one way to do it. Giphy 12. Women have higher investment returns than men.Women are better investors outperforming their male counterparts by 40 basis points or 0.4%.Women are more cautious when taking risks, which shows in their investments. Giphy 13. Women can handle job interviews better than men.Women show that they can manage stress better, which helps them handle job interviews. Although HR managers click the male profile more, according to LinkedIn, women are 16% more successful in landing a job. Giphy 14. Women are most likely to survive car accidents compared to men.In a car crash, women are more likely to get injured (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) because a car’s safety features are designed for male drivers. Crash dummies, for instance, are modeled after an average man. Nevertheless, as of this writing, reports show that women are more likely to survive car accidents than men. Giphy 15. Daughters are more likely to care for their parents.Probably because women are naturally more nurturing and caring, daughters are found to care for their aging parents more than their sons.The University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study shows that daughters give an average of 12.3 hours of elder care per month, while sons provide just 5.6. Giphy 16. Women are better communicators than men.Women’s brains are wired in a way that they excel in verbal tasks.Communication is a two-way street. Women are found to be better listeners and are more polite and empathetic than men, which makes them more effective communicators. Giphy 17. Women outperform men in memory tests.It’s normal for both men and women to get more forgetful, especially aging.Menopaused women experienced brain fog and continued memory depletion.Still, women outperform men in memory tests from childhood to adulthood.Here’s what they found out in a test conducted:Females generally access their memories faster than males and date them more precisely Women use more emotional terms when describing memoriesSuperior verbal memory for females appears to be independent of intelligence levelFemales also have greater specificity for events imagined to occur in the futureBe careful what you say because a woman remembers everything.And they may forget where they put their keys or phone, but they remember what you said 4 years ago at 3:27 PM.I wish I’m just kidding. Giphy 18. Women are more adept in languages compared to men. Girls’ language ability develop earlier compared to boys.In the early stage, girls, on average, acquire language faster than boys and have a more extensive vocabulary.Estrogen was found to promote the growth of language centers and related areas in the brain, while testosterone had the opposite effect.Women show superior verbal performance not only for first language acquisition but also for acquiring a foreign language. Giphy 19. Women can sustain relationships better than men. It’s no secret that women are more emotional than men.Women show more emotions, listen emphatically, and are more open in sharing their stories, so they build stronger relationships with their peers.These traits come in handy at work or in business. Giphy 20. Companies with women bosses perform better than those led by men.Because they’re more organized and attentive to details...Able to multitask better and be more productive...Are better communicators...Have sharper memories and a higher IQ...Can build better relationships at work...It’s no surprise that companies with female bosses perform better.Here’s what The Pipeline report says:“London-listed companies with no women on their executive committees have a net profit of 1.5%, whereas those with more than one in three women at that level reach a 15.2% net profit margin.” Giphy How amazing it is to be a woman.It’s not always fun, but oh, the things a woman can do!And they do it better. In high heels even! Hug a superwoman in your life today! Sources:Medical NewsHarvard Business NewsDaily MailPubmedGeorgetown UniversityBrookingsCNBCNBC NewsNCBIBBC
Listicle 8 Feel-Good Movies to Binge-Watch 11:22 AM Any weekend plans? How about binge-watching some feel-good movies? God knows we need some sanguine flicks to help us get through where we are right now. Here are my favorite feel-good movies in no particular order.8 Feel-Good Movies to Binge-Watch 1. Flipped An adaptation of the Flipped novel by Wendelin Van Draanen. These middle school kids in the early 60's will prove to you that even at such an early age, love can happen. Flipped is more than just conquering the awkwardness of growing up. It shows how girls think differently than boys. As with Juli, it shows how girls are not all hair and no substance. This coming of age movie is also about families and the different views of people who live different lives. Some of us lives in a fancy house, but all rotten and broken inside (like Mr. Loski) while others live simply yet are genuinely happy and have hearts of gold (like Juli's family). Why I like itJuli Baker. Her family's love and values, her brilliant perspective, and her strong character. She maybe young, but unlike girls her age, she's got substance. As Bryce's grandfather described her, she's "a girl with an iron backbone" and is "iridescent". She's got no time for shallow things and people. I also like the way Bryce finally caught up with her, saw what a gem Juli is, and did everything he could to make it up to her. Click image for details 2. About TimeAbout an awkward 21-year-old guy who discovered that he can travel in time. He used this "gift" to find his one true love. As he travels back in time, he learned that what he does today affects everyone else's future. And that there are things we take for granted that we can never get back. Time is the most valuable asset we possess and the best gift we can offer. Why I like itI like Rachel McAdams. There was never a boring scene in the movie. I like Tim's character. All the sacrifices he did for Mary---even sacrificing their first date for his obnoxious friend, and the way he loves and puts his family first. My favorite part, which is also the saddest in the movie was when he traveled back in time with his dad, back when he was a kid and they would spend quality time by the beach.Click image for details 3. Julie & Julia Two women from different generations, going through different things every day, but with the same passion and spirit. This movie is about Julia Child's journey to becoming the famous professional cook that she is today. And Julie Powell, a telephone operator and a food blogger turned author whose book was made into this movie...and how their lives were changed by finding their passion. Why I like it Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are a delight to watch. How Julie Powell's blog gained traffic is every blogger's dream. I've always been a frustrated cook, too. Julie and Julia are inspiring because they both didn't give up on what they want in life despite the dream stealers around them. I love their wonderful husbands! They're both extremely blessed to have such supportive partners. Click image for details 4. Serendipity Two good-looking strangers met, fell in love instantly, separated, hoped they'll meet again someday...and always believed they'll end up together. Finally, after years of not seeing each other, their paths crossed again. And they found what they felt was missing in their lives after their first meeting. Why I like it It's every hopeless romantic's kind of movie. Click image for details 5. 50 First Dates A romantic comedy film about Lucy, a girl with Goldfield Syndrome (a type of anterograde amnesia), and Henry, a guy working in Sea Life Park who loved her despite their challenging situation. He did everything to make Lucy love him even if it means introducing himself to her, and making her fall in love with him every day for the rest of their lives. Why I like it It draws a beautiful picture of how love should be - persevering, patient, and selfless. Love is not just lip service. Love is action. It's serving the other person every day. It's about being there in sickness and in health. Love makes you face the uncertain with a sense of security knowing that someone's got your back. Click image for details 6. Bruce Almighty A comedy about a regular guy with great life ambitions who met God. Bruce's arrogance turned into humility after he was given God's tasks and power. At first, he used it to his advantage. But eventually, he lost the one thing that's most important to him. Why I like it Jim Carrey is hands-down hilarious. What I like most is the way the movie demonstrates that God gives us everything we need, not what we want. It also shows how genuine His love for us is. Though He can do the impossible, He gave us the choice to whether accept His love or not.He never forces us to love, worship, or serve Him. This movie has shown me how beautiful the gift of free will is. Click image for details 7. The Lake House A remake of Korean film II Mare, The Lake House is a romantic drama about an architect living in the past and a doctor who lives two years ahead. They communicate by sending each other mails until they finally decided to meet. Why I like it The uniqueness of the plot is captivating. I just can't imagine holding on to something as strange and as beautiful as loving someone from a different time. It's not every day you encounter a love story as admirable as this. And of course...Keanu Reeves. Click image for details8. Just Like Heaven A fantasy love story about unfinished business. Elizabeth is a dedicated doctor whose life revolved around her work. David Abbott is a landscape architect who's mourning his wife's death. Both have emotional and personal issues. Both will discover what they need, what they're missing, and how to resolve their issues in an unexpected way. Why I like it Mark Ruffalo seems like the nice unassuming guy you can't help but adore. He's so winsome. The movie is about knowing that there are more important things in life than work or career. It also shows how we stop ourselves from experiencing beautiful things in life if we keep holding on to our past. Yet another movie that shows love as the most powerful force on earth. Click image for details Afterthought: Looking at this list made me realize what a sucker for love stories I am. 😅How about you? What's your favorite feel-good movie to binge-watch? Maybe you can add these to your list. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance!
