Life Lessons Change The Way You Think And Set Yourself Free 1:36 PM Everything you can imagine is real. -Pablo Picasso Change the Way You Think and Set Yourself Free Imagine this: Imagine a lemon. Imagine yourself cutting it into half. Imagine squeezing the lemon into your mouth. Can you taste the sourness or that distinct taste of citrus? Did your facial muscle do that reflex action you do with lemon juice in your mouth? Question: Was there a real lemon? None. But, why did your body react in a way as if real lemon juice touched your tongue? Now try to recall a moment you felt hurt. Your parents made you feel rejected. Your teacher said or implied that you're stupid. Your friend betrayed you. You have been scammed by someone you trust. You've been taken for granted or abused. Remember your first heartbreak. Remember losing someone or something important to you. Did it hurt? Was the pain real? Yes. Maybe not as intense as it was when it happened, but you felt it. Question: Did it happen again? It didn't. It happened. It's in the past. It was done. It was finished. But the pain is still there because you thought of it. You imagined it. The trauma, the heartbreak happened years ago. Maybe a month ago. Maybe only yesterday or just a few hours ago. But it has already occurred. It happened. It's over. The pain we felt was of our own doing. Although I am yet to read the research done, I've read somewhere that, emotional pain lasts for 12 minutes. Anything longer than that is considered to be self-inflicted. Use this power of imagination to let go of the things that are not worth holding on to. Imagine yourself free: free from despair, free from the painful memories of the past that has been haunting you. Imagine yourself living the life you've always wanted. Imagine yourself climbing mountains, globe-trotting, spending your time on the things you enjoy and not on the things you have to endure. Imagine yourself financially free, absolutely happy, totally at peace with yourself. Imagine yourself having the kind of family you want to have. Imagine yourself serving and giving back to the world simply because you're too blessed and your cup overflows that you have to give some of it away. Imagine yourself becoming the person you've always aspired to become. Imagine yourself taking charge of your life. Albert Einstein said "Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere." What we know of things can only bring us to certain places but our imagination can give us a magic carpet ride ANYWHERE. Change the movie playing in your mind right now, and be ready for the ride of your life. Change the way you think dramatically and set yourself free. I've learned this imagination exercise at The Feast. Gifs from Giphy
Listicle Monday Gratitude List 4 11:24 AM Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. -Marcel Proust Get your grateful hearts ready! Monday is here! Monday Gratitude List 4 1. I'm grateful for people like Jon Morrow. I've been benefiting a lot because of his generosity in sharing his blogging knowledge and experiences. 2. Writing keeps me sane. The world plus PMS (!) can be really really tough. Thank God writing is so therapeutic. 3. Reaping the goodness that I sow. What goes around comes around. So I make sure that I plant as many good seeds as I can. You'll never know what's going to get you someday. 4. The Word that guides me when everything seems blurry. It's like a lighthouse on a dark stormy night. 5. I am grateful for the supportive and encouraging messages I get from friends and strangers alike. Words are so powerful. It can do wonders. What are you most grateful for today? 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 To A Devoted Mother Who Never Left My Side 12:00 AM When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! -John 19:26-27 I was baptized as Catholic, went to Catholic schools from kindergarten to college and grew up in a household observing Catholic traditions. Having said that, you would think I would automatically be a Marian devotee. Wrong. I wasn't. I knew her from the lessons in our Theology class. I knew she's Jesus' mother and I've been told she constantly prays for her children. I prayed the rosary because it was required. I didn't know her on a personal level. I never felt her presence in my life before. I even doubted her role in my Catholic faith at one point. Then one day I was so hurt I couldn't bring myself to pray. I didn't know what to ask or thank for. I felt all my prayers were in vain. But my faith---or resilience made me hold on to what I believe in. That...All things work for good to those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). I don't know how exactly I survived that dark age but this I'm sure: 1. I took it one day at a time. 2. I've got an army of supporters. 3. I've got a Mother who never left my side. When I couldn't bring myself to talk to her Son, she was there to listen. When I couldn't seem to put an end to the pain I felt, she held me. When I was so troubled I couldn't sleep, she comforted me until I can get some rest. When it felt like the nightmare won't stop, she was my defender and constant companion. When I felt like straggling from my faith, she held my hand and made sure I won't go astray. Of course I know Jesus was there but I was so clouded by doubts and pain I didn't want to believe He exists. How can He let me suffer? So, His devoted mom took over. There was a presence of motherly comfort as I cry myself to sleep every night, holding my rosary beads in silence, not really praying but just trying to be still. And in the morning, the pain did not go away magically but I always felt a bit lighter than I was feeling the night before. Like I've been embraced to healing. Like I've been showered with love. No non-Catholic nor non believer can convince me that Mary has nothing to do with my life after that. Nothing compares to a mother's devotion and great love. Happy birthday, Mama Mary. For sacrificing your youth to give birth to Jesus at such an early age, you taught me obedience. For patiently walking the dusty long road to your cousin Elizabeth's place and take care of her when you had your own needs, you taught me service and selflessness. For being silent while your Son takes the limelight, you taught me humility. For accepting your fate and the fate of your Son no matter the consequence, you showed me trust. For believing in your Son when He Himself felt He was not ready, you taught me to have faith in myself and in others as well. I'm eternally grateful that God gave us a mother like you. I love you!
Life Lessons Envy Kills 10:38 PM Envy turns you into a monster that harms you more than it harms the person you envy. Envy kills, both literally and figuratively. The first crime ever recorded in the Bible is due to envy; the story of Cain and Abel. It was envy that the devil used to trick Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Envy keeps you up at night. Envy eats you alive. Have you seen the movie The Joneses? If you have, you know what envy did to the entire neighborhood. You see, you may be up until the wee hours of the morning thinking about how happy or successful the other person is. How you hate his guts. How you would do anything to be where he is. And there he is, sleeping like a babe not having a care in the world, basking in his success and blessed life. You may start to spread nasty rumors to try to undermine others. Some people may believe you (you know, your friends who are just as envious as you are). But your envy will only be all the more obvious. What Susie says of Sally, says more of Susie than of Sally. We may sometimes feel like we're doing so much but the other person is still more blessed than we are. When you feel envy creeping in, try to turn that negative energy around. Instead of feeling envious, be challenged. Be inspired with what is happening to others. Aspire to be like them. Don't turn into the green eyed monster. Make it your goal to be better than you were yesterday. If you are in constant competition with others, you will always lose. Because you will always feel like you still need to do more. If you are competing with yourself, your victory is always guaranteed. Envy will kill you...unless you kill it first. 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 Just Another Sunday For An Ordinary Christian? 9:33 AM By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:35 Today I woke up from a long blissful sleep thinking about the day ahead; prepare for The Feast, meet my friends, deliver the orders of my customers, decide where to eat. Ordinary things. Worry free day. Just another Sunday for an ordinary Christian. But is it? I suddenly remembered the Christians in Gaza. The horror that they have to live through just because they chose a different path. I can't help but admire their bravery and steadfast faith in the face of adversity. Even keeping their Christian duties---providing shelter and food to Muslims, who are also affected by the war. Will I be able to keep my faith if my life and those of my loved ones are also being threatened? I'll be the biggest hypocrite in the world if I'll say yes. In my weakness, I don't know the answer. I might for myself (or maybe not), but for the people I love, I might give up everything. And God? Why is He so silent in all that's happening. Why does He allow His children to suffer? The answer? I don't know. I don't know because I'm only human with limited knowledge. If I had infinite wisdom, then I'd be God. That's when faith comes in. When everywhere is pitch dark, it is finding that tiny flicker of light and holding on to it. But, is it really God who did all these? I don't believe so. When He gave us life, He gave us free will. It is up to us how to live the life He's given. He's provided us everything that we NEED. It is up to us how to use these things. You want to understand free will in a not so religious and serious way? Watch Bruce Almighty. Honestly, I learned so much about free will in that movie than in all the years I spent in Catholic schools. I digress. While all of us who proudly carry the name Christian are living comfortably and abundantly, we have brothers and sisters who are oppressed, losing loved ones, self worth, livelihood and dignity, threatened, getting sick, dying or watching a loved one die. It's so easy to be a Christian when things are going smoothly. Those who are putting their lives in danger for the sake of their faith are those who are to be applauded. We are so not worthy. If they will give up their faith, I will understand. And I believe God in all His omnipotence, mercy and love will understand, too. He is not sadistic nor is He judgmental. He wants nothing but the best for His children. I'm not an expert but with my relationship with Him, I know how merciful He is. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25) It's just another Sunday for us ordinary Christians in this side of the planet. But, let's not forget those who are fighting for their lives, fighting for their faith, and living out Christianity in all its essence. More importantly, let us pray for their persecutors, that their own gods will touch their hearts and remind them that being spiritual means respecting life and not playing gods. That if they are in the right path, people will see it and they will follow not because they're forced to, but because they want to experience it as well. My fellow Feaster and friend Faith Balmonte wrote about respecting religion on her blog so beautifully. I couldn't have expressed it better myself. Read about it here.
Stories It Can Never Be You And Me 9:32 AM i tried to think things through, a million times or so, why it can never ever be me and you i've always been aware of our differences, always known everyone are against, i never listened, I refused to see why it can never be you and me. i’m way too stubborn to listen to what they say saying, “i don’t care what tomorrow will bring as long as we're happy” but I have always known it can never be, and will never be you and me. i held on as long as i could i’ve given more than i should i didn’t mind then how the ending would go although I already knew it can never be me and you i’ll never regret that i’ve given my best i only wish i gave it to someone else, i guess it’s just plain to see it can never be you and me our time’s over, i’ve somehow anticipated this no final goodbye, not a hug nor a kiss. you always say you’re just a phase to me. i guess what you were really trying to say was it can never be you and me. you refused to end it rightyou’re not worthy, so I quit my fight. now I admit it, now I can truly say, it can and it will never be you and me. 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
Stories A Story In 25 Words: Sleep Talk 12:37 AM A Story In 25 Words Sleep Talk "Vanessa", he mumbled. She waited for it to stop as she does so every night. Wishing someday he’ll stop calling his ex in his sleep. 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 Unsubscribe From Other People's Drama 4:46 AM Unsubscribe from other people's drama. You don't need their drama to color your life if your life is already as lively and as full as it should be. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because life is too precious to waste on irrelevant things. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because your time is too valuable to spend on petty things and people. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because it only distracts you from your goal. Stay focused. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because it will only weigh you down. Don't let their unhappiness steal your joy. Unsubscribe from other people's drama. It's just not worth your while. 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
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
