Lux Thinking Aloud Monday Gratitude List 2 2:05 AM Another Monday. A brand new start for everyone. What better way to start this day than having a heart full of gratitude. So here's my... Monday Gratitude List 1. As I've mentioned in my last Monday Gratitude List, I started on a new social entrepreneurship (dream big, start small). Since then, the orders are just coming in. It's amazing! What I love about this business is that I don't just profit from it, I'm also promoting goodness. The company supports The Filipino farmers, uses purely organic and natural ingredients and supports charities including building villages for the poor. Also, I've been a loyal user of their products since they launched. So it's so easy for me to promote them. Talk about profit, pleasure and purpose rolled into one. Update: My online dealer shop Human Nature Lucky Shop is now open! So you can order from me wherever you are! 2. I met two good friends without planning to. It was a brief meeting, just a hi and goodbye kind of meeting. But it's knowing that despite the distance and the long time of not seeing each other, you're still friends that gives a certain feeling of belonging and comfort. 3. Another beautiful and enlightening talk at The Feast with their brand new series Haunted House Talk 2: Monster Kids. The big message of the talk: To hold on, you must let go. 4. I've just received my dividend from my insurance. Hurrah! 5. Receiving heart warming comments and emails from readers I don't know. Oh, such delight! What are you grateful for? See also: Monday Gratitude List 1 Monday Gratitude List 2 Monday Gratitude List 3 Monday Gratitude List 4 Monday Gratitude List 5 Happy Thanksgiving! Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. 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 Mid-Year Review 2:53 AM Allow me to share my mid-year review. Time flies so fast! One moment we were all welcoming 2014, the next thing you know it's already July! Mid-year. So many things have happened in the past 6 months. Mid-Year Review I have visited five new different places; from the mesmerizing beaches to simple yet relaxing resorts. I went to see these new places and experienced new things with old friends, acquaintances and colleagues. It was a summer worth remembering...and repeating. I para-sailed! I know it's not much for some daredevils, but for an introvert and once-a-very timid girl, that is an achievement. I surfed! Something I never thought I would do in this lifetime. I went snorkeling. What's the big deal? I'm scared of the open water and I'm not a good swimmer. I decided to live on my own. Sure I was living away from home since college, but I always have roommates and housemates. This time, I'm living alone. The bills are a far cry from what I've been paying when I was sharing, but the privacy and the freedom I'm enjoying now is priceless. I get to do what I want whenever I want to without considering another person's feelings or opinion. I have been actively serving in our ministry. Something my soul direly needs. Speaking of serving, I have started volunteering my time for the Cancer Support Group that my oncologist friend organized. Although it's not a regular thing, it's something to look forward to and an opportunity to be grateful for being blessed enough to help. I've read a LOT of books. I'm quite apprehensive about the 100 books challenge I signed up with. I think the most I can read for the year is only 50. Then again, it's only July. I have reunited with some old friends, and said goodbye to a few. Time will come when you have to ditch some friends who have stopped acting as friends. Whoever makes the effort to keep you in their lives are those who matter most. So, every time a friend texts or calls to schedule a meeting, be it a brief dinner or a movie date, I readily go. My submissions on Thought Catalog and The Praying Woman have been published. I finally bid farewell to my Jurassic phone. Sad, but life goes on. Sad part: a close friend died. Consolation: I gained another guardian angel. I joined and survived the 100 Happy Days Challenge. Not as easy at is seems. How I Met Your Mother ended. It didn't make me happy. I've started my online business (books for sale). I'm still surviving the daily chaos at work. There's more, but this is already enough to make me grateful for what I have done so far. So many things left behind, so much more to look forward to. So thankful for where I am today. 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 Monday Gratitude List 3 10:38 AM Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. -Epicurus Monday Gratitude List Monday! Time for another Monday Gratitude List. This Monday is special because... 1. Today is Labor Day in America! No work for me since our company follows the US timezone. So today is "pamper-me" day for me with a girlfriend. Thank you, America! 2. My blog traffic has never been this high! Thanks to all the bloggers from the blogging communities I have joined in for being supportive and generous with their time and inputs. 3. Since I became a social entrepreneur for Human Nature, I get orders non stop. When your product is really good, you won't have a hard time convincing people to try it. They will be coming after you and loyal users endorse them to others themselves. 4. I hear stories about women who are struggling in their relationships (or a lack thereof). I can only thank God for bringing me where I am right now. No, I don't have everything I want but He sees to it that I have exactly what I need. 5. I met two of my closest friends whom I haven't seen for a long time. We went to celebrate mass, attended The Feast and swapped funny and stories and juicy scoops (who's dating/flirting with who haha) over sumptuous local pizza and pancit at Buddy's. It was my first time to dine there and I wasn't disappointed. The service was superb, the food was heavenly, and the place looked festive. A new found favorite! There's something about gratitude that magically changes everything. It makes you more open to more blessings and makes you see more opportunities. Start your week with a grateful heart and watch how it turns your life around. Some photos from yesterday Us at The Feast Buddy's in Makati Pizza has never tasted this goooooood! Lucban longganisa (sausage with special spices) with kesong puti (cheese from unskimmed carabao's milk) with bell pepper. #foodgasm If you think this pancit couldn't taste better, pour on some Lucban vinegar. Excuse me while I drool. Great to be united with good friends over great food Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here 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
Faith Possible 10:31 PM Is it possible that this crisis will end soon? Is there something good that will come out of this p andemic? Will we ever survive this challenge? Is everything going to be okay? Possible If you're an over-thinker like me, you may have also suffered from anxiety attack during this quarantine. So many questions. I continue to believe that no matter how difficult the situation we are in right now, we will survive. We will even thrive. Not with our own strength, but with the help of God. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26 All things are possible. The good kind of possible. Because our God is good. When I feel like we're trapped in this situation and fear starts rearing its ugly head, I think about the times God made what's impossible for men possible. It's impossible for women of old age to conceive a baby. But God made it possible. He blessed Sarah and Abraham with a son. Elizabeth was at least 60 years old when she gave birth to John the Baptist. It's impossible to divide water. But God parted the Red Sea and made it possible for His people to escape their enemy. It's impossible to walk on water or to turn water into wine. But Jesus did so. God is unchanging. He is just as merciful, powerful and infinite now as He was before. For that, I will always be grateful. Grateful for my husband's love and service health and safety of loved ones the ability to work despite the crisis more opportunities coming my way nature healing; lesser pollution, animals are more free little luxuries like being able to watch shows and movies online Citron tea---oh, how comforting the taste! my blog which has always been my favorite therapy healing songs Speaking of songs and all things being possible with God, here's an old song I like. Maybe not too old but it's been a while since I've heard it. All Things are Possible Hillsong Worship Almighty God my Redeemer My hiding place, my safe refuge No other name like Jesus No power can stand against You My feet are planted on this rock And I will not be shaken My hope it comes from You alone My Lord and my salvation Your praise is always on my lips Your word is living in my heart And I will praise You with a new song My soul will bless You Lord You fill my life with greater joy Yes I delight myself in You And I will praise You with a new song My soul will bless You Lord When I am weak, You make me strong When I'm poor, I know I'm rich For in the power of Your name All things are possible Feels good to be reminded that we worship an awesome God with whom all things are possible. Your turn What uplifting song is on your playlist? List down 3 old songs that you still love to listen to.
For Moms Top Ways To Keep On Top Of Household Stress This Winter 4:00 AM When trying to keep track of a household and ensure everything’s in tip-top shape, it can be easy to forget about yourself and let the stress get to you. Especially when the winter blues start to hit. If you’re juggling parenting, your job responsibilities, and generally looking after the household, keeping track of your health is important so you don’t burn out. Otherwise, you’ll be no help to anybody.If you want to keep on top of your household stress this winter, read on! 1. Create a chore rotation. One surefire way to lessen the stress at home is by setting out a chore rotation schedule.If you find that much of your time is spent cleaning up after your family and sharing the load, you will find that tidying and maintaining your household will become more manageable. Your children don’t have to get involved with every single household task, rather share the responsibility with some age-appropriate jobs they can do.This could be unloading the dishwasher twice a week, or tidying their room, for example. Teaching them the importance of taking responsibility and ownership for their mess will only stand them in good stead for later life. 2. Prepare your meals ahead. Meal prep is one aspect of running a household that can take up much time and mental energy.Make life easier for yourself by cooking large meals in bulk and putting food in the freezer to enjoy later in the week. One idea is to prep these meals on a Sunday when you have time. You’ll be grateful when you have had a particularly long day mid-week, and you can simply take out your pre-prepared food, defrost it and add some fresh veg! 3. Schedule some me-time. If you are a busy parent and work as well, it can be easy to get caught up in various tasks every day and find no time for yourself. This isn’t sustainable over a long period, especially as you won’t be the best parent you can be if you haven’t looked out for yourself first. That’s why it's important to ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and take every opportunity to mentally and physically reset.This doesn’t mean you stop parenting – rather, you set some time aside, so you can let any stress or tiredness go and get back to doing what you do best.Check out The Chopra Center's meditation retreats which can be the perfect setting to switch off and let go. You’re only human and can benefit from much-needed time to rejuvenate and reset. 4. Budget when you can. You can take the stress out of running a household if you regularly track your finances. Doing this will stop you from finding yourself in a tight spot when you unexpectedly need money because of family car repair or household maintenance. Depending on how much you save, this can even go towards a family vacation or trip that everybody can enjoy.There will always be various tasks to juggle when you run a household, but by planning in advance, asking for help when necessary, and taking a break, you’ll soon find yourself less stressed. How do you keep your household stress level low during winter?
Dating 15 Signs You're Comfortable Being Single 2:14 AM It's good for a person to spend time alone. It gives them an opportunity to discover who they are and to figure out why they are always alone. -Amy Sedaris This post was originally written for and posted on Thought Catalog. 15 Signs You're Comfortable Being Single 1. You’re okay staying in on a beautiful weekend. You don't call random people to hang out on a sunny Saturday. You'd raYou’dcatch up on your reading or watch your favorite re-runs. 2. You are sincerely happy about your friends' milestones, engagements, weddings, and new babies. 3. You don't get uncomfortable when you go out with other couples. 4. You can dine out, watch a movie or travel alone. 5. When someone asks about your relationship status, you answer honestly without batting an eye because you don't think it's embarrassing or lame to be alone in a couple-filled world. 6. Your calendar is always full: vacations, breakfast/lunch/dinner with old friends, movie dates with your siblings or friends, seminars, and other essential activities outside work/school.7. When people think something's wrong with you because you’re single, you conclude that there’s wrong with them. 8. You don't know how it is to be dating or in a relationship anymore, and it doesn't bother you one bit.How many times do you need to send them messages? Which decisions do you need to consult with them about? (And why?). 9. You ignore the sweet nothings you receive in your inbox or phone because you don’t have time for someone you know is not severe or is not showing potential for a partner. 10. You are genuinely happy with where you are right now, even when things aren't going your way.11. Your plans may involve settling down, but you're not pressured to do it any time soon. 12. You hate asking someone's permission to buy something or go somewhere. So you come, and you go as you please. 13. You enjoy your own company, so you don’t feel like missing out on something. 14. Your heart goes out to those who are afraid to be alone and wish they’ll see the light and embrace singleness rather than be in an unhappy relationship only because they want to feel secure. 15. You’re not bitter about your failed relationships anymore. You are actually grateful that it ended. If it didn’t, you wouldn't be this happy right now.How comfortable - and happy - are you with your status?Hero image
Books Overcome Failures And A Free eBook Giveaway 8:00 AM What you think about your story greatly influences how you tell it. -Dr. Ifeoma Samuel Competition has ended. Congrats Jayson Santos for winning! Overcome FailuresFailure is a topic many people---myself included---can easily relate to. How many times have I failed in life? I lost count. Bruised. Battered. Badly wounded. Scarred for life. Not so different from most of you, I presume. But hey, here we are. Still standing. Still smiling. What keeps me going?I'm too stubborn to let life knock me down. I chose to be happy a long time ago. That, and God's grace. Mostly His grace. You know who else is an expert in overcoming failures? My friend Ifeoma. If you've been a follower of this blog (I am eternally grateful to you), you might have read her guest article Ultimate 30 While In Your 30’s Checklist. Guess what? She's launching her new book Overcome Failures: Get Back On Your Feet. It comes with a companion study. So, you don't just read her story and reflections, you get to write down your own reflection from your own story. Reading it feels like you are walking in your journey and Ifeoma is there to hold your hand every step of the way. Such a gift she is. And her book. eBook giveaway! Speaking of gifts, I am giving away a free copy of her eBook Overcome Failures and a companion study! This is Ifeoma's offer for the launch of her book. The book launch is on August 16. This giveaway is open internationally. Enter below and be blessed with this amazing and uplifting eBook. Overcome Failure Book and Companion Study Giveaway What's your back-on-your-feet story? Click to read the Goodreads reviews here. You can pre-order the book here until the book launch on the 16th of August, 2016.
Faith Bible Verses For Stress And Anxiety 4:57 PM Bible Verses For Stress And Anxiety With the daily pressure and challenges, it's no surprise that many of us suffer from stress. Family issues, relationship strains, and setbacks at work or business could really take their toll on our mental health and make us spiral into depression.Even the heroes in the Bible weren't exempted.Since April is Stress Awareness Month, let's reassess our priorities to focus on caring for our mental wellness and reducing our stress levels. How about some encouraging Bible verses to help you deal with stress and anxiety and get through the hard times?Bible Verses For Stress And AnxietyI have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33Cast your cares on the Lord; He will sustain you, and never let the righteous be shaken. - Psalm 55:22Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7I can do all things through Him, who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13GiphyThe Lord is my rock, fortress, and deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. - Psalm 23:1-3Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. - John 14:27Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me. - Psalm 23:4Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you. - Deuteronomy 31:8Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that testing your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. - Psalm 34:19But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles and run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31PinterestHow do you handle stress biblically?Handling stress biblically involves relying on God and his word for comfort, strength, and guidance. Here are some ways to manage stress biblically:Pray - Talk to God about your worries and concerns, asking for his guidance, comfort, and strength. Prayers may not change the situation but they will change how you see and feel about the issue.Meditate on Scripture - Find comfort and guidance in the Bible by reading and reflecting on verses that speak to your situation. Memorize and recite these verses when you feel stressed.Surrender - Trust in God's sovereignty and plan for your life. Let go of control and surrender your worries to Him.Seek Support - Reach out to other believers or a spiritual community for encouragement, prayer, and support. Sign up for our newsletter, where we send you Soul Food straight to your inbox.Self-care - Take care of your physical and emotional health through healthy eating, exercise, rest, and relaxation. Look for sources of entertainment that can make you feel good. Whether it's a good book, show, or fun activity, find a way to increase your happy hormones.Practice Forgiveness - Holding onto grudges and bitterness only increases stress. Forgiveness frees you from the heavy feeling in your heart. Forgive not based on your emotions, but make it a decision. Decide to forgive your transgressor even when they never apologized. It's the most beautiful and satisfying revenge.Serve Others - Find ways to serve and help others. Serving others can bring joy and purpose, and it can help put your own stress into perspective.Stress may have become a normal part of life, but with God's help, you can handle it in a way that honors Him and brings peace to your life.When you feel frustrated at work or drained from all the things you have to deal with, here's what you can do:Inhale seven counts. Hold for seven, and breathe out for another seven.List down at least five things you're grateful for.Walk away for a bit.Trust God.Don't do something you'll regret later on.The next time your stress levels are high, stay calm and re-read these scriptures for stress and depression. Let God's words soothe your anxiety and frustrations away.How about you?What's your favorite Bible verse for stress and anxiety? What do you do when you're feeling out of it?
Lux Thinking Aloud Life So Far This 2016 8:00 AM It's my birthday week y'all! Time flies. It seems only yesterday when I was reflecting on my past birthday. And here we are again. Will I write another reflection? Another lesson learned? Will I post about my plans? Will I share my wishes? Don't think so. I'll just post about my life so far this 2016. This year has been kind of slow...and fast at the same time. I know that sounds crazy, but that's how my life is. Crazy. (Click individual photos to view in full size) Life So Far This 2016 Beef's back in the menu! I started eating beef again. I've shared here before that my sister and I are planning to open a cafe restaurant and burger, nachos and other dish with beef is in the menu. So we started trying out burgers and other food in cafes and restaurants near our area to see what we can do to top them. After years of not eating beef (by choice), 2016 is the year I've reconciled with this juicy meat. I don't enjoy it as much as other people do, but that's something notable I did this year. Cutting ties I started unfriending people on my FB list. You remember back in the days when FB started, we accept invites from people we barely know and see, just as long as they're familiar faces and names? I did that. And now when I see my feed and I'm like, "Who are these people?" I don't hesitate clicking that Unfriend button. Because I'm sharing my life with people who don't really care or who may care but only so for them to have something to talk about. It came to a point when it became clear to me that when it comes to friendship, quality over quantity is better. I stopped or at least avoided speaking to people who LOVE to talk down on me. Like, wow, do I really have the time and energy for this crap? Not anymore. And I don't have to endure your emotional punches just because we're related by blood. Who's with me? Expanded dating market This single is ready to mingle. I've realized though that with the nature of my job, I don't get enough time and "exposure". So this year...I joined a dating site. Yep, I finally did it. Maybe it's not a major thing for some, but if you know me, this is so out of character. I have to talk to myself several times into doing it. And hey, it's not as bad as I thought it will be. More time with family Removing unnecessary people from your life gives you more room and time for the people who matter most. So this year, moving back to my hometown gave me more time to bond with my family, and our dogs. Whether it's just us chilling playing Uno or going for some island hopping, I enjoy every moment with the fam. More travels Traveling is so addicting. Once you start, there's no stopping. But this is one thing I'd be happy to be addicted to. Life so far this 2016 has been about a lot of traveling. As for my 2016 goals, I wrote I will visit 5 new places. I didn't. I exceeded that number! These photos don't do justice to the beauty of the Philippine beaches. You should come visit someday. :) With my birthday coming, I have to remind myself not to fret. Not all my goals have been achieved but at least most of them have. And some things take time. Right? I've got to be firm with my goals but flexible with the process. Maybe I need to adjust my target date for it. Maybe I need to change strategy to achieve it. You too. Wherever you are, I wish you'll always be grateful for what you have with what's happening in your life so far this 2016. 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
Rants Ramblings Of An "Old" Woman 5:22 AM Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age. -Gloria Steinem Ramblings Of An "Old" Woman What’s the fuss about getting old? I've never made it a big deal. I actually still feel like I’m just starting. Call it Peter Pan Syndrome, call it immaturity, call it denial, if you please. Honestly, age never bothered me. What bothers me are the people who are making a fuss about it. I started working when I was 20. At that time, my youngest colleague was 27. The rest are in their early and mid thirties and even fifties. I never called them “old” because I don't consider them as such. I never made snide comments about their age and their status though majority were still single at that time. First, because I think it’s rude and inappropriate. Second, because I don't think being old is a bad thing. Why would it be? And third, because I think it’s none of my business what they do with their lives. When people tell me I'm old I don't argue, because I know I am definitely not that young anymore. But, when people say it like it’s a bad thing, like it’s a curse, like I’m suffering from this pathetic life and doomed to be alone and lonely forever, it bugs me. It shocked me at first. It also bothers me that there are people who have such an idiotic mindset. You'd think people will be more progressive in this modern world, but no. There are still those who choose to live backwards. I didn't realize we are living in a world full of morons until I hit 27. It was then when people started asking me the stupidest questions from, “You’re really that old?” (which is flattering at some point because it is followed by “You look so young!”) to “Are you gonna be an old maid?” and “Don’t you want to have babies?” Valid questions, yes. But to a 27-year old who just got out of a toxic relationship, and is finally starting to enjoy being single? Unfair. Some of these people? They’re 27 now or thereabouts, and they claim that they're still young. Uhm, okay. I think I'm missing something here. Fast forward to today, comments are getting worse, nastier and somewhat more hilarious. I know that some of these people are only concerned with my well-being. They are good friends with good intentions. They just want me to be happy. They just want to see me “normal”, and I'm thankful for that. Not everyone's blessed to have people looking out for them. On the other hand, there are still those who see me as a freak. "Single and over 30? Oh, dear. What's wrong with you? You're doomed." Am I really? Funny, because most of those who are pushing me to be in a relationship are those who are not happy with where they are, some obviously miserable and would want to get out of their relationships given the chance. Others are not even half as experienced as I am. What do they know about what I need and what’s best for me? Modesty aside, it’s not like I don't have a choice. There are those who express their interest. I still have strangers approach me for my number and send random messages online saying they want to get to know me (Now, that’s not flattering. It’s creepy and annoying). If I wanted to, I could easily text someone to come to my place and bring some foods (Filipino inside joke). If I wanted to. But, I don’t. When I say I don’t like this guy, it’s not me playing hard to get. It’s just that I respect their time, and I don't want to waste it as much as I don't want them to waste mine. If I think it’s not going anywhere, why give my attention? Now, you may be asking, how do I know if it’s going nowhere if I don’t give it a try? My answer is, if he really, truly, seriously, undoubtedly, sincerely wants to get to know you, he will find a way. He won't easily give up. Nothing worth having comes easy. And I'd like to believe that I am worth having. So, suck it up. It’s not because I have sky-high standards. After dating frogs, my image of the prince just got clearer. I now know what I want. I have non-negotiables. I think when you've had your fair share of unsuccessful relationships, and have been single for quite a while, you realize that, to be alone is not scary. To be with the wrong person is. Biologically, I know they have a point that my body clock is ticking. I may or may not get pregnant and if I would, it will be risky. So, what about Sarah (wife of Abraham)? What about Elizabeth? Or Ruth? Weren't they way past pregnancy age, and were still blessed? Are you saying they're more favored than you and me? That God has stopped making miracles with the people in the Bible? Even in the present, there are women I know, or whose stories I've heard of that are over 30, but are still able to give birth. I know I sound over-confident here, but I believe that if God is calling me to be a mother, He will make me. There’s a reason why He is infinite. There’s no limit to what He can do. If He’s got other plans, it surely is for the best. I've also got friends who are happily married, in a relationship, and also happily single who tell me to take my time, never rush it, never force it, and be grateful for this special time I have for myself. Guess who I listen to? If your relationship status defines your worth and is tied up to your identity, then you are doomed. If your relationship is making you a better person, by all means, stay in that relationship. If it makes you a miserable human being, leave. Difficult, but not impossible. Same goes with being single. If being alone makes you lonely, it’s best to go out there and meet new people. But, if you’re comfortable and at peace with yourself, there’s no rush in changing that. You can’t stop people from thinking the way they do. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion---no matter how moronic they may be sometimes. At the end of the day, it’s your opinion that matters, because it is your life. When all the noise of the world fades away, it’s about what your heart whispers. It’s not about what the society dictates, it’s where you feet leads you. When you’re alone in a cold rainy night, are you wishing to be somewhere else, or are you happy exactly where you are? In solitude, it’s not those comments, or insults, or genius suggestions from people who don’t even know what you went through that you will hear. It is your inner voice that will resonate in the silence. What does it say? via Some eCards Photo credit: The Odyssey Online 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
Faith Hair Trouble And The Truth About True Beauty 3:21 AM That's human nature. You always want something more than what's been given to you. Hair Trouble And The Truth About True Beauty Everyone, especially women suffer from hair trouble. Years ago shampoo commercials featured girls with perfectly straight or "bagsak" hair and convinced the consumers that "bagsak" hair is the standard for beautiful hair. Thus, those with wavy or curly hair are somewhat considered outcasts when it comes to hair fashion. So off the gullible consumers march to their favorite salons to have their stylists relax and straighten their crowning glories and make it perfectly bagsak like models on TV. Hair Trouble I am one of those fortunate few who have naturally straight and bagsak hair. I say fortunate because I have friends who would pay thousands of bucks just to have their hair showered with chemicals unknown in order to achieve that sleek look. I was spared from extra spending. I don't know about them, but grateful as I am for my straight and black hair, I still want hair with more volume and not just bagsak. I think it looks more lively and princess-like compared to my dull looking straight hair. That's human nature. You always want something more than what's been given to you. So after that day another TV commercial was shown where another shampoo can add volume to your hair depicting bagsak hair as dull and lifeless, guess what? I found myself in the supermarket buying myself a bottle of that fine solution. Finally my dream of having a thicker and voluminous hair is about to come true. It turned out though that the chemical composition of my strands does not go along with the chemicals in that shampoo. It gave my hair a certain sweet scent which I love and people compliment, but it gave my hair frizzes making me look like it's always windy outside or as another famous commercial line goes, "mahangin ba sa labas?" In the end, I stopped using it and went back to the brand I have been using which maintains my annoyingly straight locks, but is hiyang for my hair. Trouble is, I get a lot of falling hair. Guess you can never have it all in one bottle. The Truth About True Beauty What's the fuss about hair and shampoo commercials? What's all about hair troubles and women's vanity? I don't know when I started to think about it, honestly. I just know I have to blog about it. Giphy Maybe because I want to write about the irony of life seen in this simple hair issue. That straight haired people pay to achieve curlier or wavier hair while those born with natural perm want it straighter. But as I let out what I think about women, hair trouble and insecurities and TV commercials, I realized this obvious truth: We don't need the media to tell us what being beautiful is all about. We should learn to celebrate our uniqueness and embrace our quirks. We should revel with what nature has given us. I am not against women who goes out of their way and seek the help of science to improve their looks. I'm just saying it's a matter of how we look at ourselves. If you think you need some enhancements or changes to make you feel better and you have the means to do so, go ahead. But really, no matter how beautiful you already are but don't see or believe it, science will be useless. You can pay millions for make overs but still feel miserable because of how you THINK you look. In the end, your belief will lead you to your decision--- to be happy with what you have, or to want more and desire for a better version of yourself. "Better" according to your definition. I had some insecurities before but I learned early on that I may not have what other people have but, I have some things others will never have. I have been masterfully crafted and uniquely engineered. I may not be perfect, but I am made in the image and likeness of the Master of Perfection. Beauty is subjective. As for me, it's more than just having stylish hair or using the right beauty products according to the beauty experts (those beauty experts are just as human as you and me could ever be). It's having the right attitude and being confident knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, that you are here for a purpose and not by accident. It is living knowing that The Expert looks at you with love and adoration Just The Way You Are. 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
