Listicle The Best Things That Happened In My 30's 6:00 AM But the thirties are a specially dangerous time for women. They have outlived the shyness and restraints of girlhood, and not attained to the caution and discretion of middle age. They are reckless, and consciously or unconsciously on the lookout for adventure. They see ahead of them the end of youth, and that quickens their pace. -Rose Macaulay The Best Things That Happened In My 30's Acceptance I got comfortable in my own skin. I grew up with insecurities. Although they're not that many and I never allowed myself to be envious of anyone (thou shalt not covet, right?), I still went through that phase of not liking what I see in the mirror. In my 20's, I started to appreciate myself more and accepted my flaws. It's only now that I'm in my 30's though that I can honestly say I don't give a damn about what people think about how I look anymore. I am so much comfortable in my own skin now. And that's very liberating. Freedom Speaking of liberty, I can freely express my feelings without fear. I was once oppressed and never really heard (hello, middle child syndrome), and I was always criticized and laughed at when I express my views. So I settled on not saying how I really feel or what I really think. I guess that's why I was always sick before. Thanks to writing and thanks to well, life experiences, I have now found my voice and am not afraid to use it. I am genuinely happy regardless of my relationship status, wherever I am, and just as sincerely happy for others. I don't think you can fake happiness for too long. It's either you're really happy or stop pretending that you are. And I couldn't care less about stereotyping of women especially women past their 20's. That's freedom right there. Better version I've been through hell and back and I've never been better. My pruning stage may not be over yet in my 30's but I can say I've emerged better than I first step into this stage. Believe it or not, I only started using makeup when I reached my thirties. I guess you can say I'm a late bloomer. Abundance I used to be laughed at because I'm very practical and frugal. I don't buy branded clothes and I seldom buy gadgets. I only do when what I have dies on me. I follow frugal tips I read. Funny thing is that instead of feeling deprived, I feel freer. Maybe the thought that I am actually buying myself a better and more secured future keeps me from feeling inadequate. When those people who laugh at my frugal ways run out of cash, do you know who they turn to? Me. Empathy I am more empathetic now to those suffering from heartbreak, loss, loneliness, confusion and dilemma. Because on my way to my 30's, I went through them too. I know what I love, what I want, what I need. I can clearly see what my desires are, I can better hear what my heart whispers. I can sum this up by saying the best thing to happen on my 30's is knowing myself more than I did years ago. In knowing myself I've learned what I deserve and to take better care of myself, love myself more, and accept me for who I am. I have learned that happily ever after indeed happens to everyone. We just make our own version of it. Sometimes we don't recognize it because it's different from what we expect and from what we see in others but it does happen. It took me 3 decades to finally see this beautiful truth but it's worth the journey. At your age, what has been the best thing to happen to you? 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 The Incredible Power Of Your Name 6:00 AM What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. -Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare There's an incredible power in your name. In the olden days, a name is more than what people call someone. It describes the person. More importantly, it defines them. The Incredible Power Of Your Name Your name defines you and your destiny Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. -Isaiah 43:1 In the Bible, there are those who changed their names or whose names were changed for them, ultimately changing their destiny. Jacob, for instance, means "deceiver". But God changed it to Israel which means "God rules" or "strives with God". It also means "God's fighter". (Genesis 35:10) Hello, my name is NOT Lux April 9, believe it or not, is National Name Yourself Day. Just for fun, given the chance, what would you rather name yourself? Lux isn't my real name. But I use it for my online profiles. Why Lux though? First because that's what some of my college friends call me. I like the ring of it. Also, a priest friend told me that Lux means "light" in Latin. Made me like it even more. Incidentally, I've always been an optimistic person. No matter what the situation is, I always tend to look at the bright side. I do get sad but I don't dwell. I don't care if the glass is only half-full. What's important is that it's not empty. I like to bring my "light" everywhere I go. Some people don't like me because of my RBF (resting bitch face). It doesn't help that I'm an introvert either. Some gets intimidated. So they told me once we become friends. But those whom I'm close with knows I like to make things better for everyone. I bring with me encouragement and sense of hope for those who want to give up. I offer a word of advice for the confused. I try to bring comfort when I know someone isn't well. I'm not a perfect friend, but I try to be a friend. I try to make people laugh. Family and some close friends are tired of my puns (I'm a punny person) and would tell me that I'm the corniest person they know. That doesn't discourage me from making jokes (to their dismay). I know some things should be taken seriously. But I always make things lighter and more fun. I believe Elbert Hubbard. He said and I quote, "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." Lux seems to suit me that I claim it. That's how I introduce myself now to strangers (it's not far from my real name anyway). I realized Lux is perfect for my personality. I've always been Lux all along. Why Name Calling Should Stop That's why it's important to choose the names we call people, especially children. It becomes their identity. I don't approve of negative name-calling even when it's done with fondness. I've been called silly and weird and not in a good way. Stupid, slow, ugly, ordinary, loser, and what-have-yous. Naturally, I grew up insecure. It felt off when someone tells me I'm smart and beautiful because that's not what I identify with. I thought, "That couldn't be right. I'm not smart nor beautiful." It took me a long, long time to get comfortable with who I really am and finally realize I am not what people call me. It was a challenge discovering and knowing my true worth. The truth is that I am a child of God. I've been intricately created and woven by His own hands so there's nothing ordinary about me. I am brilliant. I am not perfect but God created me perfectly for my purpose, just the way I am. When I look in the mirror, I see God's beautiful creation. And I don't say that with conceit. I say it because I believe I am God's very own and I praise Him for creating me so. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14 People underestimate the power of name-calling. Sometimes name-calling come from other people, but it also could come from our most powerful critic---our own voice. We could be harsh towards ourselves. We sometimes forget that what we call ourselves make us into who we are. Change the way you think. Change what you call yourself. And ultimately, change your life. I remember one Batman Beyond episode I saw. There was a voice only Batman could hear and it kept calling him Bruce. They thought he's crazy, but he knew he wasn't. Excerpt: Terry McGinnis: Tell me something - why were you so sure those voices weren't coming from you? Bruce Wayne: Well, first, I know I'm not psychotic. Terry McGinnis: I hope your other reason is more convincing. Bruce Wayne: The voice kept calling me "Bruce." In my mind, that's not what I call myself. Terry McGinnis: What do you call yourself? [Bruce just looks at him for a moment] Oh, yeah. I suppose you would. [Batman voice] But that's my name now. Bruce Wayne: Tell that to my subconscious. When you know who you really are, no one can make you think otherwise. So...what's your name 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
Events Only The Best For The Best - Mother's Day Giveaway 7:15 PM Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation. -Robert A. Heinlein Contest closed. Congrats Jenny and Angie. Mother's Day is fast approaching. For the best, it's only right to give the best. Who are mothers and why are they the best? We have all been mothers in one way or another. Mothers are those who... ...carried another human being for 9 months in her tummy and braved the incomparable pain of labor and child birth, nurtured her child and selflessly put her kids' needs over hers, or those who... ...did not necessarily give birth to a child, but has generously shared her all to those she considers her children, gives motherly love and care to people---or pets regardless his/her gender, has loved and continues to love unconditionally his/her kids or those s/he considers family. Dear mother, If you have lost a child, my heart goes out to you. I wish I have the right words to make you feel better but I don't. Let me send you my cyber hug and whisper a prayer for you instead. If you are a full-fledged mother---by blood, affinity, circumstance or choice, I honor you. You are our everyday hero. You are more important than you realize. If you have always been waiting for a child and have not been blessed with one yet, let me assure you that God has heard your prayers and He has great plans for you. Mother's Day Giveaway Time and service are great gifts, but here's another one to make their day extra special. A Touch of Dazzle has once again generously offered to give away coupons and gift cards especially for the best person in your life. Get them for your biological mother, soul mother, motherly friend, or for yourself. Because why not? Here are few samples of the many, many gorgeous items you can find on their Amazon store and their A Touch of Dazzle website as well. This is the best giveaway I’ve ever partnered with A Touch of Dazzle so far. Because we're giving away not only 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 gifts! (1) $30 worth of gift card from their Amazon store - (expires 12/31/16) (2) $25 worth of gift card from A Touch of Dazzle website - (expires 12/31/16) Just enter below to get the chance to win these exciting prizes. (First name to be picked will get the $30 gift card and the 2nd will get the $25 gift card. Accepting entries until May 5, 2016. Winners will be contacted via email.) Mother's Day Giveaway Amazon is restrictive on jewelry shipping internationally, so this contest is only for US residents. And because we want everyone (well, all US residents that is) to enjoy something dazzling, we'll give 2 more coupon codes with 15% discount without you doing anything. I'd appreciate a quick hello or a follow but here they are: (1) Amazon store coupon code MOMS2016 (expires 6/30/16) (2) A Touch of Dazzle website coupon code MOMS2016(expires 6/30/16) Please note that when you add any locket to your cart (on A Touch of Dazzle website, not Amazon) you will be offered a free Birthstone Charm Pack (April 8, 2016 - May 8, 2016). If you grew up with a selfless loving mother, I congratulate you. For not everybody has been blessed with one. Let's celebrate these wonderful beings and offer them the best that we can give. They deserve nothing less. This post may contain affiliate links. 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
Listicle How To Choose A Dating Agency: Tips to Avoid Scams, Find Love 6:00 AM People always fall in love with the most perfect aspects of each other's personalities. Who wouldn't? Anybody can love the most wonderful parts of another person. But that's not the clever trick. The really clever trick is this: Can you accept the flaws? -Elizabeth Gilbert In recent years, primarily thanks to the internet, dating has become big business indeed (especially when it comes to Russian brides). Just search for marriage agencies on Google, and you will find almost 3 million results. In fact, there are thousands of dating websites out there trying to get your attention. Some of them are highly reputable, while others are simply scams that exist purely to take your money. However, online dating is still a fantastic way to meet your soul mate who is serious about getting married, but, in most cases, joining a marriage agency is actually not a cheap option. In this way, if you are thinking about signing up to such a website, in particular, a Russian women dating agency, you should be confident that you find the right one, as you will be investing both financially and emotionally. How To Choose A Dating Agency The first thing you should do is to pay attention to the following:A reliable dating website, like https://www.marriageagency-nataly.net, should include sections such as "Terms and Conditions" and "Refund Policy," as well as contact information and support. That's actually the main guarantee that you won't be cheated in the future.Make sure that profiles published on the website belong to the real-life women. Check the photos (absolutely all Russian girls cannot be supermodels; there should be just pretty ordinary women) and the personal information (look for details written instead of general phrases).Don't hurry to pay at once. First, learn everything you can about the chosen dating agency. For example, how many profiles they have, whether they have partners or not, what are the fees, and so on. By the way, the reliable dating agency has no need to charge much as they usually earn from a large number of letters. Moreover, they will most likely offer some services for free. Some words about scams Scams are the main problem in the online dating world. That is especially true for small Russian women's dating agencies that lack credit in international databases. What they do is they ask you to send lots of cash, promising a desired happy ending with a beautiful Russian girl. Here are some scam warning signs you should pay attention to:similar, impersonal letters;plane ticket/insurance/visa charges soon after you start communicating;style of writing often changes.unanswered questions;odd emails;All photos are too good to be true.sudden tragedy or illness in the family. These are just a few of the possible scenarios taking place in the online dating world. So you should be very careful when selecting a marriage agency. Try to learn as much as you can before you sign up to one of them. Anyway, it's always better to choose a big player with years of experience and a plausible membership size. Good luck!
Faith 7 Stages of Moving On: Back to Wholeness 5:00 PM Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. -Louise Erdrich 7 Stages of Moving On I’ve spent years chasing my dreams, turning my ambitious thoughts into beautiful things. I donned medals of academic rewards, earned certificates that attest to my competencies, obtained the trust of key people in their respective domains of expertise, and conquered worlds that gave me a rightful place. I’ve surpassed seemingly insurmountable challenges and with these, I have learned so much. I resolved that as a dreamer, I would never fall in love. I spent a great deal of conscious effort to guard my feelings because I know it is my greatest weakness. Then it came. Nothing has ever prepared me for this. I fell in love deeply. I’ve been hurt badly. Pain and Denial My heartbreak was like a giant tidal wave that came crushing over me. The whole world collapsed before my eyes. I felt defeated and helpless. Until now, I couldn’t find the exact words to explain the gravity of my pain. All I ever wanted was to make the pain go away...faster! It was very hard for me to see things beyond my pain. There were many questions that I begged answers for and the worst part of it all was that I denied myself of the reality. I convinced myself that my love just needed time and space to think things over and we would be together again. Lost and Shattered As the reality of my broken heart sank in my stricken mind, I found myself in the middle of nowhere. I didn't know how to proceed with my life. I lost my direction. I suddenly stopped doing my routine. I lost interest in the things that I used to find pleasure in. To top it all, I gave up my recent career promotion which resulted to financial difficulties. I wanted to protect myself from further pain so I shut my world, disconnected from life, and lived in darkness. Emotional Paralysis It was the stage when my heart became cold and hard. I was so focused on my pain that I became very insensitive to the needs and feelings of others. I felt lonely. I trusted nobody. I did not allow anyone to comfort me. It was as if the colors of life have faded away. Every comforting word fell on my deaf ears. Bitterness was everything I could taste. Prisoner of the Past I couldn't remember how long have I been a prisoner of the memories that I couldn't let go. I always saw my object of affection in everything I set my eyes on. Even when I closed my eyes, a vision of my beloved haunted me in my dreams. I kept loving this person so much; yet, I wasn’t receiving the treatment that I deserve. I was out of my mind! The Awakening I could still recall those lonely mornings when I wondered what I was waking up to. I dreaded the time between sunrise and sunset because I knew I was going to put up another exhausting battle with my emotions. One time, I happened to see my naked self on the full length mirror. I shuddered at seeing my appearance. This is no longer me! I realized that my life was going nowhere; that I was wasting so much time wallowing with my pain; that I've allowed myself to suffer terribly; that I needed to be kind to myself; that I needed to give myself a chance to be happy! Discernment and Acceptance It’s important to reflect on the desires of our heart before we engage in any relationship. If you're intention is to find someone to “complete” you, then you're setting yourself up to failure. The one you'll find might just be as broken as you are. Two hurt people coming together to find happiness isn’t a good start of a romantic relationship. In my case, at least, this is true. I didn't realize that I was already broken before I even entered the relationship. This is where I’ve gone wrong. It only made sense to me now after I've graciously accepted my pain. It put me to the right perspective that my struggle had a meaning. God allowed things to fall apart so certain family relationships would be restored. My heartbreak led me to rediscover a lot of things about myself, including my faith. I realized that fixing my broken relationship with God is the key to having a happy relationship with people. Relaunching My Spiritual Life When I surrendered my brokenness to God, my path to healing has started. More blessings initially disguised by pain have been unleashed. I'm closer now with my family. I’ve also found a new rewarding career that meets my learning and financial expectations. Sometimes, I think that I'm better off to be just on my own, with my God who truly completes me. About the author: Jayson Santos is a spiritual seeker, a dreamer, and a runner. On his blog, The Dreamer Writes, he devotes a special section called Dear Love, where he writes and collects stories, poems, unsent letters, love notes, and all other messages of joy and sorrow from a heart that faithfully loves.
