Books Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies 6:18 PM I would rather be a little nobody, than to be an evil somebody. -Abraham Lincoln Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies Here's another Life Lesson post from my favorite book series Harry Potter. In the magical world of Harry Potter, there are purebloods (family from both sides are all wizards), half-bloods (the other parent is a Muggle or non magical) and Muggle-borns (both parents are non magical but they possess magical powers, like Hermione Granger). There are three distinct characters in the book that are half-bloods; Severus Snape, Dolores Umbridge, and the Dark Lord Himself---Voldemort. All these three characters despise those who are not pureblood giving you the impression that they are purebloods themselves. They regard themselves superior than the rest. In the Muggle world, I mean today in our world we find people like them. People who feel superior than the rest. People who look down on you because you don't fit. People can be mean for two possible reasons: 1. They hate your guts, because you've got something they don't or will never have. 2. You remind them of themselves. Envy Number one reason roots from envy. Envious people won't admit they are envious. That will be admitting defeat. That will be accepting the fact that you are better than them. So envious people will undermine you. They will do everything they could to ruin your reputation, stop people from seeing the good in you because they fear that you will stand out and be loved while they stand in your shadow. They will hate you simply because they already see that you are more than them in every aspect. Envious people can't stand people who make them see their weakness and flaws. Number two reason is due to denial and nonacceptance. There are things about themselves that they can't change. When they see these in you, they see themselves reflected back and they hate you for that. Also, you might be in the position that they are aiming for. You maybe reminding them that they are still stuck. Your success intimidates them because they want to be where you are badly. You remind them of their mediocrity and failure. And that is hard to swallow if you have not accepted and fully embraced who you are and where you are at the moment. That's exactly what Snape, Umbridge and Voldemort were like. They despise the half-bloods because they remind them of themselves. They cannot accept that they fall short to the standard they imposed on themselves. And since half-bloods show them that people like them exist, they loathe them. They hate the Muggle-borns because they feel more superior than them. They try to fit in with the purebloods, so people may think they are one of the royalties. How to deal with bullies Easier said than done, but bullies need our kindness and understanding more than anyone does. They are lost and confused. They don't even know why they hate you. Half-bloods and bullies in the magical world of Harry Potter were actually ignored by those who know better. Sure they sometimes can get to their nerve (the trio Harry, Ron and Hermione were easy targets of bullies---a Muggle born, a pureblood but from a poor family, and an orphan half-blood). But they always take the high road, defend other victims, and were not afraid to fight back if needed. Remember Hermione Granger punching Draco Malfoy in the nose? Epic. Because you're the better person, take the high road. Never stoop down to their level and take the gutter. That is what being royal is all about. Always. Gif from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Life Uncertainties And Remembering Our Dearly Departed 8:47 PM Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:4 Life Uncertainties And Remembering Our Dearly Departed Life is uncertain. We'll never know when our time will be over. Today is All Soul's Day. Though we must be remembering our dearly departed often, today is especially for them. It sure hurt when we said our last goodbyes, and even more hurtful when we didn't get the chance to do so. Life goes on though. And our dearly departed will certainly want us to move on. To continue living and enjoy the privilege that has been taken away from them. I have relatives and friends who have passed away. Some were taken at their prime, others while they are still too young to go. This taught me that life is full of uncertainties. You can be healthy now and be struck down by some serious illness tomorrow. Which is why everyday is a good day to live with a purpose. Everyday is a good day to leave a good legacy. You don't have to make a big impact to the world. Just touching one life is enough. You don't have to live like Mother Theresa. Simply being there for a friend who is going through a tough time, saying hello to a stranger, doing your part in saving the environment count. Life is full of uncertainties. But one thing is for certain: our lives on earth is but temporary. It is a preparation for something eternal. Or if you believe in reincarnation, a preparation for your next life on earth. Let us remember and pray for the souls of those whom God has already called in His kingdom. How are you preparing for it? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud First Blogging Award: Liebster Award 10:53 PM First blogging award: Liebster Award I got my first blogging award--- the Liebster Award. According to Gigi The Snooper, the blogger who was kind enough to nominate and award me with Liebster Award: Liebster comes from the German language, and it means "beloved". This award exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers and it follows similar principles as a chain letter, in the sense that it should be passed forward to a certain number of people. Before I proceed with the rules to officially receive Liebster Award, I'd like to express my gratitude. Thank you for wasting a minute or two with me. For reading my thoughts, for allowing me to share my stories with you, and for being generous and respectful with the comments you leave. Thank you also to those who send me sweet messages thanking me for the encouragement they receive by just reading my posts. Special thanks to those who trust me enough to share their stories with me and even ask for my advice. I'm also in the stage of figuring out life so knowing you trust me enough to ask for my opinion is an honor. And to finally make it official, here are the things required to receive the Liebster Award: 1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog. My favorite online snooper Gigi The Snooper, thanks so much for considering me worthy of the Liebster award. I love snooping around your page. You post interesting facts I don't usually see on the web. I especially love the gory, creepy, crazy story of the countess who bathes in and drinks blood. Haha. Keep snooping around! 2. Display the award on your blog. Google images 3. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you. Why did you start blogging? Has it turned out to be what you expected? I started my blog for 2 reasons: (1) I think more and talk less. My thoughts are overflowing I have to write some down. (2) And I use it as a portfolio for online jobs. It turned out to be more than I expected. When I started receiving emails and comments about how much people appreciate what I write, and how it affected them or made them feel better, I realized that blogging is not just for my entertainment and profit anymore. It became my purpose. Now I write with the goal of informing, entertaining and inspiring others. Before I write, I consider those who will be reading; will it help them, enlighten them, make them feel good about themselves, or provoke their thoughts? Is this what God wants to tell them? I've got readers who are non believers and I also try to consider their views whenever I write. What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self? Oh, I have a looot. I wrote them on 21 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger and Unsolicited Advice To The Struggling 20-Something. If I must pick one, it's to believe in myself and ignore the critics. If you could live one day over again, what day would it be? I couldn't choose a day, but if I were to choose a phase, it would be when my brother was just a toddler. I especially miss those times when I have to bathe him myself, when we share stories over Koko Krunch, when he would ask me to read him bedtime stories, when he would sit on my lap and we would watch his favorite cartoons together. What is the story behind your blog name? I'm planning to change my blog name soon. I created it when I was at a rather vulnerable stage so it sounds cheesy. Now that I'm back to my normal happy self, I'm thinking of a better name, something more specific. If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fruits! I love Philippine mango so much I can eat it everyday. What’s your greatest fear? I fear for the safety of my loved ones. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Just a while ago. ;) What’s your favorite quote? All things work together for good to them who love the Lord.---Romans 8:28 What has been your biggest challenge? Taking the high road and being the better person. Some people are born to test your patience. If you were going to live on a deserted island, what three things could you not live without? Things: Clean water, books, comforter. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? To forgive quickly like Jesus. 4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself. I'm an introvert. I believe I'm Italian in my past life judging by my liking for Italian food especially pizza and pasta. I'm a frustrated globe trotter. I tsunduko like all other bibliophiles. More than just a fan, I love Zac Efron. I'm a Potterhead and forever will be. I love organic products. I want to try scuba diving but I'm scared of the open water. I'm a perpetual dreamer. I'm a sucker for chick flicks. Pet peeves: People who can dish it out but can't take it. 5. Nominate 5 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 1000 followers: The Beautiful Eagle Welcome To My Life Somewhere-In-Between Life Out Loud Chelsea Write 6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer. What drives you? What's your mantra? What is your belief or principle? What do you value the most in your life? Which TV series are/were you addicted with? The song that sums up your life. What's your greatest regret? Your favorite movie of all time. Your best childhood memory. Your dream vacation destination. If you can change one thing in the world, what will it be? 7. Rules to follow to officially accept the Liebster Award. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog. Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you. Provide 11 random facts about yourself. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 1000 followers. (Note that you can always ask the blog owner this since not all blogs display a widget that lets the readers know this information!) Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer. There you go. Now, I'm a Liebster Award recipient. 2014 has been an enjoyable year, full of surpirses. This is one of them. My heart is bursting with gratitude. See also: Liebster Award Recipient---Again! Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons Life's Best Kept Secret Discovered 8:35 PM I had an epiphany. I just discovered life's best kept secret. Life's best kept secret to living the best life with ease is actually, well no secret at all. Most of you may already have known it. If so, congratulations! It didn't take you decades like I did. What's life's best kept secret I've discovered, you ask? It is this: To live the best life, align your passion with your purpose. If you are a believer like me, align your life mission with God's will for your life. That's it. No magic trick. No special formula. No complex and mind boggling philosophy. One day, I just sat myself down and got really personal with myself. Sounds weird and crazy, huh? But, when was the last time you really got to know yourself on a deeper level? When was the last time you truly listened to your body? When was the last time you assessed what you really want and what you really need? When I tapped my inner self, it's like a veil has been lifted from my eyes. It's like seeing the world for the first time. Everything seems to fall into place. I've discovered (1) what I really want to do, (2) what legacy I want to leave, and (3) what I can live without. It's one great way of de-cluttering yourself from unnecessary baggage. Here's a bonus: You can profit from your passion while doing it with your purpose. Amaaaaziinggg! Know your life's mission. Know your purpose. If you do, you will wake up every day with a sense of direction and meaning. You won't go autopilot like a zombie. When you know what you're living for, life becomes an adventure, not a burden. Learn to enjoy life, not endure it. Have you discovered a secret worth sharing lately? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons 10 Little Things You Can Do To Make The World A Better Place 1:43 AM No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. -AESOP You don't have to wear a cape or possess superpowers to save the world. There are just 10 little things you can do to make the world a better place. You don't have to invent a fascinating piece of technology to change people's lives tremendously. You can do simple acts in your everyday "mundane" life and make the world better than you found it. 10 Things You Can Do To Make The World Better 1. Pay someone a compliment or speak words of kindness. One kind word could mean so much to someone who's having a bad day. At least once in your life you've met someone who can say just the right words to turn things around, enlighten you, or help lift the burden that's been weighing you down. Someone who can make you feel awesome when you're feeling lousy. Why don't you be that someone to somebody today? Kind words are like honeysweet to the soul and healthy for the body. -Proverbs 16:24-33 2. Send a note, email, or text message to a friend. In the middle of a busy day, a simple and maybe short note asking the person how they're doing can make them pause and remember that life is not just about boring work. Knowing that someone thinks of you and cares enough to want to know how you're doing can be an instant mood booster.3. Do a random act of kindness to a stranger. Everyone seems preoccupied doing their own business. Break the ice. Help a stranger carry a heavy package. Give up your seat for someone who needs it more. Give a drink or a snack to the guard in your building or the traffic enforcer. Let the person behind you in a line go first as long as it won't cause others any inconvenience.4. Donate to charity. Your contribution can go a long way for those who need it. Bonus: What you give comes back to you a hundred folds. Your cup will never be empty.5. Organize a charity event or volunteer to one. Plan and initiate an activity that will bring a smile to those who can't pay you back. Throw a party in an orphanage. Schedule a day when you and your friends can spend with and serve the elderly. Set up a show to entertain persons with disability or children suffering from a terminal disease. Organize a cleanup day in your area. Sometimes, all the world needs is a little push for it to open its generous heart to the needy. 6. Say "hello" or initiate a conversation with the janitor, guard, or delivery guy. They work laboriously the whole day. A stranger stopping by to greet them and to make them feel valued and appreciated is enough to break their routine.7. Leave a generous tip, even to those who gave you a lousy service. Maybe the waiter who took your order and delivered your food is preoccupied because of some problems at home. Maybe he's running out of cash and he needs to pay for his kid's tuition. Or maybe that waitress is just having a PMS. As long as they weren't rude to you (in which case you may report them to the management), give them a tip that can bring a smile on their faces. Don't let other people's mood affect you and ruin your day. Giphy 8. Forgive your enemies. I will even go as far as saying pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). It is crazy. But the world needs crazy, less bitter souls and more forgiving ones. Forgiveness opens the door of blessings to come in, which anger and resentment have been blocking. Giphy 9. Respect the environment. You don't have to sweep the whole city. Just do your part in keeping your place clean. Don't throw your garbage anywhere. Participate in plant-a-tree events or do so in your own backyard. Recycle. You don't need to be Captain Planet to save the earth.10. Follow The Golden Rule. It's not called The Golden Rule for nothing. It is the basic, most important, general, ultimate rule for all. It's the simplest yet most powerful and effective way of living a peaceful life. Don't be one-sided. Treat others as you want to be treated. Don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you. Life is as simple as that. Let's not complicate it. Never underestimate the power of one. Pay it forward. You can change the world and make it a better place one person, one little act of kindness at a time. Will you do it?
