Travels 8 Best Things To Do In Rishikesh for Couples 12:33 PM Camping in Rishikesh is a Perfect Thrill for Honeymoon Couples Rishikesh which is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of India’ and ‘Gateway to the ‘Garhwal Himalayas’ is one of the best places for honeymoon couples in India. In this glorious pilgrim town, honeymoon couples can also enjoy the various water sports and adventure activities by Camping in Rishikesh. Isn’t it interesting – adventurous honeymoon!! 8 Best Things To Do In Rishikesh for Couples 1. River Rafting River Rafting is one of the best things to do for honeymoon couples filled with young and adventurous energy. Moving against the rapids of the Ganges that gushes through the mountain rocks is definitely thrilling and a wonderful experience. The months of October to June are advisable to enjoy river rafting as the river gets too violent during monsoon months. You can choose amongst the three grades for rafting depending upon your experience. The 3 grades are: Grade 1 & 2 – Basic Grade 3 – Standard Grade 4 – Expert You need to follow all the safety instructions which are given by your rafting masters. 2. Bonfire and Camping in Rishikesh If a honeymoon couple wants to spend some time on the riverside with candlelit mountain valleys, it is the right place. A calm breeze under the stars and burble stream gives immense pleasure to your body and soul. You can also soak in your feet in the nearby stream to get more relaxation. 3. Ayurvedic Spa and Massage To give your mind and body a perfect serenity and harmony, ayurvedic massage and spa are the most wonderful options. Rishikesh provides you the best places for spa and massage that can rejuvenate you easily. It reduces your fatigue in minutes and relieves you from stress. 4. Yoga and Meditation Experience yoga and meditation with a panoramic mountain view in Rishikesh to calm down your nerves and give yourself inner peace. In Rishikesh, experienced yoga gurus help you to learn the best yoga and meditation techniques. Away from the noise of the city, yoga in an open and fresh air eliminates bad toxins from your body. 5. Kayaking and Rock Climbing Kayaking and Rock Climbing are other thrilling activities for sports enthusiast couples. You can visit various camps where expert trainers train you for these activities. 6. Para Gliding Camping in Rishikesh is a never-ending joy. The list goes on and on which also includes para gliding. Para gliding can be enjoyed by all the age-groups. It gives you an ultimate bird feeling when you can touch the blue airspace. 7. Trekking Waterfall Trekking in Rishikesh is famous amongst the tourists. You can drown yourself in the beauty of the serene Himalayas with this adventure. There are lots of treks in Rishikesh such as Nag Tibba Trek, Roopkund Trek, Valley of Flowers Trek, Kunjapuri Temple Trek, and many more. 8. Flying in Shivpuri Doesn’t it sound more adventurous? It’s not para gliding. It is very different from para gliding where a harness will be tied to you and you will fall free towards the ground from a height of 7 meters above the ground. It goes and comes back at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour. This activity is allowed for the age of above 12 years. The weight range is 20 kgs to 130 kgs. Hence Rishikesh is a place for couples with an adventurous mindset where they can enjoy being together. Rishikesh is a one stop where you can find a blend of spiritual energy and vibrant thrilling energy. You can enjoy the charm of Ganges River with rafting and camping in Rishikesh. Have fun and have a Happy Honeymoon! If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Health & Wellness Breaking Addictions: World No Tobacco Day 12:00 AM The 31st May is World No Tobacco Day. By now, we are all well informed about the dangers associated with smoking. Mandatory education programmes, packet warnings, and advertising bans have all had an impact on the number of smokers in the UK (which has been in steady decline for many years now). However, many millions of people still struggle with the compulsion to light up a cigarette. It’s estimated that 25,000 people die every year in the UK from smoking-related diseases. Many of these people have been trying to quit for years – but addiction is a powerful thing, and smoking is by no means an easy habit to break. This year’s World No Tobacco Day will be focusing particularly on lung health, which is a hugely important facet to the smoking problem. However, for the moment we’d like to take a step back from the physical effects of smoking, and take a look at the way smoking interacts with the brain. Breaking Addictions: World No Tobacco Day How do people get addicted to smoking? The addictive component within tobacco is nicotine. Nicotine is a potent chemical but, oddly, when isolated it has far fewer physical effects than tobacco does in general. It is the tar, irritation, and clogging effects of tobacco smoke which are largely responsible for the lung cancers and cardiovascular diseases for which smoking is known. However, this does not mean that nicotine is harmless. Far from it. Without the nicotine, it’s doubtful that people would continue to spark up cigarettes despite knowing the horrendous health hazards they’re exposing themselves to. It’s the nicotine which keeps people going back for another packet of smokes. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is part of the human brain’s ‘reward’ mechanism. Essentially, dopamine tells us when we’ve done well. It gives us a happy little boost. This boost not only feels nice, it also reinforces the behaviour at a subconscious level. It’s a very important process, and one which is absolutely vital for learning. For example, being praised (or even simply succeeding at something) also triggers the release of dopamine, which helps us to act in praiseworthy or successful ways in the future. However, certain chemicals (like nicotine) can hijack the dopamine reward system in the brain. This trains the brain to crave these chemicals, and thus an addiction is born. How addictive is nicotine? A nicotine habit can take a long time to develop. But, once established, it’s very hard to shake. Once the brain has come to rely on nicotine, it protests heavily at its chemical crutch being taken away. The effects of nicotine withdrawal may include: Irritability Anger Trouble concentrating Increased appetite Headaches Intense cravings for cigarettes Anxiety Abdominal cramps Low mood Sweating Nicotine patches and other nicotine supplements can help to combat these symptoms. However, many people also find that quitting smoking is additionally difficult because of how much the action of smoking has become a part of their lives. If you are used to having a cigarette at a certain time or within a certain situation, it can feel very strange (and even uncomfortable) to be without a cigarette in your fingers in such contexts. Getting help for quitting smoking The above all sounds pretty bleak, we know. But it’s really not as bad as all that. The worst of nicotine withdrawal tends to pass after about three days. If you can stick it out for that long, you’ll be over the worst. Then it’s just a case of keeping the habit down. Breaking the habit of smoking tends to work differently for different people. Many find that nicotine replacements like patches and nicotine gum are enough to get them through the worst of the cravings. Other people find that more psychological therapies help them the most. Recently, some apps have really helped people to monitor their no-tobacco journey and encouraged them to stay on track. Examples of common stop-smoking aids include: · Nicotine vapes. While there has been some controversy around exactly how safe vapes are, many people have found them useful in transferring their smoking habits to something less harmful. · Medications. Some medicines have been proven effective in reducing nicotine cravings and counterbalancing some of the negative mood issues caused by nicotine withdrawal. Ask your GP for more information on medicines to help you quit smoking. · Apps. The NHS has a therapeutic app for those who wish to give up smoking. It’s called ‘NHS Smokefree’, and it works by providing practical support, encouragement, tips, motivation, and tracking over a four week programme. · Group support. While it’s not for everyone, many people find that it’s easier to quit with the support of a group of others going through the same thing. Stop-smoking groups challenge, encourage, congratulate, and motivate one another. · Professional support. Look into your local NHS stop smoking service. Expert advice and support can be highly effective. And then, of course, there’s counselling. Counselling for stopping smoking There are many forms of counselling for addiction. The right one for you may take a while to find, so don’t be afraid to shop around. Therapies counsellors may offer include: · Behavioural therapy. Behavioural therapies work with the connections between the way you think and the way you behave. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a commonly used form of behavioural therapy which encourages you to notice (and therefore to have power over) your thought processes. · Talking therapy. Talking therapies are often steered by the client. Talking therapies can help you to express your frustrations, emotions, and struggles around the issue. You may be surprised at how much you uncover about yourself and your attitudes towards smoking. Whichever variety of therapy you go for, an accredited counsellor will provide you with a non-judgmental and supportive space. The expert advice and help of the right counsellor really can be a huge help for anyone who is trying to quit smoking. Visit our website for more on finding the right accredited counsellor for you. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Health & Wellness Counselling For Individuals Coping with Autism 9:24 PM One-to-one counselling can be the starting point for many people as they begin their recovery from depression, addiction, or other mental health issues. But counselling for individuals with autism can be a much different journey. While many autistic people find counselling effective and worthwhile, their needs can vary greatly, with more focus on coping strategies and relaxation techniques. Counselling for Individuals Coping with Autism What is autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental condition. Caused by irregularities in the way the brain develops and works, it affects how a person might interact or communicate with other people socially, as well as how they view and understand the world around them. Communication difficulties Many autistic people find it difficult to interact socially with others - and communication plays a big part in this. People without autism can instinctively rely on both verbal and non-verbal communication - such as visual clues in body language, appearance, and spatial awareness as well as someone’s tone of voice, sarcasm, or jokes when they speak. But without the ability to pick up on these visual or verbal clues effectively, autistic people can have difficulty feeling comfortable in group situations or understanding conversations. Overwhelming feelings or emotions They can also be overwhelmed by intense feelings and emotions. This can be a confusing experience as they might be suffering a high state of anxiety or nervousness, but not know or understand why they feel this way. Over time, many autistic people develop their own personal coping strategies to help them when faced with such situations. And while they may be seen as unconventional to a non-autistic person, they should be accepted as the best way for that individual to help themselves. Senses and sensitivity Other common traits of autism can include feelings of hypersensitivity - to sound for example - or the experience of either high or low extremes of the physical senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.It’s also common to see extremes inability - some autistic people can be exceptionally skilled in certain areas, but struggle greatly in others. What’s known as Executive Function Disorder can also play a big role in the lives of autistic people. This means they can find it difficult to plan, organise, or schedule everyday duties or tasks - especially those that involve certain timescales. Such difficulties can leave them feeling tired and emotionally drained. While many autistic people may share similar characteristics and mannerisms, being a spectrum condition, every diagnosis is different. Therefore, every autistic person can have experiences that differ greatly, but with some common similarities. Why is counselling for autism needed? Life with autism can be difficult and, at times, the daily challenges can get the better of all people living with it. This will obviously affect the mental health of some, so talking with a counselling professional can make a big difference. But counselling for autism can also be helpful for friends, family, or carers too, giving everyone extra support as and when they might need it. While there are no cures, counselling and talking therapy can help people on the spectrum, and everyone who is living with autism, find ways to face up to or cope with their daily lives. Getting a formal diagnosis is also important or helpful for some people with autism. Some prefer not to be put into an official ‘pigeon hole’, preferring to celebrate their uniqueness. But for some, having a diagnosis can be beneficial, giving them an understanding of why they might feel different from others, as well as opening avenues of support for them. Addressing mental health The number of people with autism affected by mental health issues is likely to be higher than those who aren’t on the spectrum. But sometimes their issues can be missed or overshadowed by some autistic behaviour patterns. Anxiety can be an area of concern in many autistic people as they struggle with the effects of stressful situations in a social context. Another highly common issue is depression. Coping with any potential anxiety issues as well as the daily challenges autism brings can make lives harder. But while dealing with these challenges is a positive step forward, it can be difficult for autistic people to reach out for help. Change can be unsettling and talking about their feelings can be hard, but the right counsellor, especially one with experience in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help with the range of emotions, anxieties, and confusion. CBT therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a recognised and common therapy treatment for people suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is why some autistic people benefit greatly from it. Looking to change the way autistic people think and behave, CBT can help patients deal with the bigger problems or emotions that overwhelm them by breaking them down into smaller pieces. As CBT deals with issues and problems that are felt by the patient currently (rather than focusing on issues that have taken place in the past like other talking therapies), it gives them realistic ways to help improve their state of mind and the way they feel day-to-day. To provide successful therapy to autistic people, counsellors may have to modify and adapt their methods. But a counsellor with specific training in or experience of CBT would be best placed to deliver the recommended treatment for a positive outcome. Chrysalis training courses Whatever area of talking therapy you work - or want to work - and specialise in, CBT counselling is a perfect way to help autistic adults and children. With more on offer than just a job, it’s a chance to make a difference in their lives and help them overcome their daily challenges. And a counselling course with Chrysalis can be the first step of your journey. Chrysalis is the UK’s leading trainer of counselling and therapy courses. Accredited by the National Counselling Society, all courses can help you gain valuable qualifications - whether you’re taking an introductory course or if you’re an already qualified counsellor looking for career development. So if you want to specialise in counselling for autism, achieving accredited qualifications from Chrysalis Courses can be a rewarding step to take. For more information and more details about all Chrysalis counselling and therapy courses, visit www.chrysaliscourses.ac.uk, email enquiries@chrysaliscourses.co.uk, or call 01278 401352 today.
Listicle Top Tips When Planning a Trip to Hawaii 6:51 PM Hawaii is definitely one of the dream destinations for anyone who wants something more out of their vacation. There are many things to see and do across all of Hawaii, and its natural beauty is a given. There’s almost too much to do in Hawaii. To get the most out of your Hawaiian vacation, you’ll want to prepare by using these top tips. Top Tips When Planning a Trip to Hawaii Go During the Right Time of Year It’s important to make sure you plan your trip during the right time of year. A vacation to Hawaii doesn’t come cheap, but you can spend a lot less money when you book your flight and during the off-season, particularly from around the middle of April through the middle of June or in the fall from September to the middle of December. Another great reason to visit Hawaii during those times of year is that the weather is actually pretty perfect then. Overall, you should also avoid planning to visit during the school holidays as the prices are very expensive for flights and hotel bookings. Just The Right Hotel If you have been planning a trip of a lifetime, you want to stay at a memorable place. One of the most popular destinations for ambitious travelers is the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. This resort is located right on the beachfront and has an award-winning spa. It also boasts over 60 on-site boutiques, fun cultural activities, and a world-class 24-hour fitness center. This Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa would stand alone as a great destination in its own right, but its breathtaking location means it’s just the icing on an unforgettable cake of a vacation. Limit Your Trip to One or Two Islands If you are planning on visiting Waikiki Beach, you will be on the island of Oahu. To enjoy your trip immensely, you will want to stick to only one or two islands during its duration. It may be tempting to go all out and travel from one island to another every other day, but this can be tiring and overwhelming at the same time. When you keep yourself limited to one or two islands, you can still have an incredible time during your vacation. You can enjoy the sights, go on a tour, soak up the sun and enjoy a dip in the ocean without wasting a lot of time island hopping. Look Into Packaged Deals Exploring packaged deals is one of the top tips for getting the most from your Hawaiian vacation. A deal that includes your airfare, hotel bookings and a rental car is a great way to save money on your trip to Hawaii. There are many options available that are specifically tailored to customers looking to travel to the island state. In many cases, you can find high-quality combinations for a reasonable price. Plan Your Itinerary in Advance A great way to plan your Hawaii trip is to set out your itinerary in advance. You can decide on the activities you want to do once you get there based on your personality and preferences. Maybe there is a local event going on the second night you will be there, and you want to check it out. Or maybe you’re more laid back and simply want to relax on the beach most of the time. Whatever the case, you can plan your itinerary by using an app on your smartphone or by jotting it down in a journal. Spend Extra Money on the Adventure of Your Choice If your goal is to make your trip to Hawaii as memorable as possible, you definitely can… for a price. What better way to do that than by going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Whether you want to go snorkeling, take a tour over waterfalls or go kayaking in the beautiful blue ocean, you should spend extra money to do it. These tips can help you to plan your ultimate trip to Hawaii. You will enjoy it even more for all your diligent preparation. If you like this blog post about life, love and travels please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Marriage How To Change Name After Marriage In The Philippines 9:58 PM After the stress and bliss of wedding preps and the wedding day itself comes a new challenge for the new missus: how to change name after marriage. In the Philippines (and many other countries), it's not required to change your maiden name. I want to write about how I changed my last name after marriage because I know it could be confusing and overwhelming without guidance. It's really not. But since we're talking about government offices in the Philippines, expect that it could take a loooong time to accomplish everything. Let me share the process (as of April 2019) with commentaries, tips and rants here and there. Sorry can't help it. How to Change Name after Marriage in the Philippines First off, make sure you have a copy of your marriage certificate from PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) or formerly known as NSO (National Statistics Office). Here's a tip (that I wish someone told be beforehand): Get at least 5-6 copies of your marriage certificate to avoid argument with the spouse. 😅 Some agencies will need to keep the original. The Mister begrudgingly went back to request two more copies but we later realized that it might not be enough to have only three. So after much stressful exchange of commentaries 😂 (welcome to married life), we agreed we should have bought 6. The stress comes from knowing how much people are lining up at the PSA every day, and how early you need to be there because...lines!Another tip: It's better to go to the PSA in the afternoon the day before a national holiday. People are usually on their way somewhere for a long weekend or extra day off. My husband at PSA I've never been a fan of going to government offices because of really bad traumatizing experiences in the past. But, we don't really have a choice, do we? I'd like to clarify that I'm currently based in Bacolod and though requirements listed here may be the same nationwide, the processes (like which window, building, etc.) may differ. For Philhealth, we went to their main office (map below). They're also in Robinson's. For PRC, SSS and PAG-IBIG, we went to Robinson's Bacolod 3/F. If you have the time, it's better to go to their main offices. The lines there may be shorter. I will post about change name in passport too once I'm done. PHILHEALTHRequirements: Marriage Certificate original and photocopy (In my case, she didn't bother checking the original and gave it back to me but kept the photocopy). Photocopy of valid government ID (with maiden name is fine). Printed and filled out PMRF (Philhealth Member Registration Form) that you can download from their website. Their site is often down so just check the link if it works. You can also ask in the office directly if you don't want to download. Or send me a message here and I will forward it to you. 1x1 ID picture with white background. This one's not listed on the website, but you need it for your new ID. Steps:Fill out necessary information that applies. For Purpose, tick off ✔ For Updating. Wait for your number to be called and submit all requirements for checking.Wait for your updated record and ID.Comments:That's it.Philhealth office is my favorite so far. We arrived a little past 7 am. I asked the guard for a number and I was #27. They let us in around 7:40 am (their office hours is 8 am to 5 pm) and started transactions right away. By around 8:15 am, my number was called and in less that a minute I was done! See? That's why it's my favorite. I didn't know that I could get an updated ID right then and there though so I had to go out for 1x1 rush ID picture nearby, and went back to request. But again, it took less than a minute. I think maybe 20 seconds. She just printed my name and pasted my picture. You have to have your ID laminated yourself to protect it from damage. There's a lamination service just outside their office. Philhealth office location: Click photo to view on Google Maps PRCRequirements: Filled out Petition Form from their website Photocopy AND original Marriage Certificate Photocopy of old PRC ID Statutory fee of Php 225 Metered documentary stamp 2 pcs passport size picture with white background and name tag (your married name) PRC postal envelope - this is not listed on the website but required in Bacolod which I think is because they will mail your requirements to Manila office.Steps with comments 1. Proceed to Window 1 with requirements 1-3 above. It kind of pissed me off that I made an effort to look for a lawyer to notarize the petition form because that's what it says on their website, only to be told I didn't have to. 😠 I told Miss Not-So-Pleasant at Window 1 that it's what the website says. I even showed the list I downloaded but Miss Window #1 just said, "No, we don't require that. We don't ask you to do that." Cute. 🙄 2. Proceed to the back of the room where you will have your passport size picture taken (they have blazers if you're not wearing top with collar). They only needed one photo but you'll get 6 copies. This is also where you will pay for the stamps. I paid Php 110 for 2 pieces documentary stamps (which the woman wrote on a piece of paper, not an official receipt), Php 120 for the pictures and Php 25 for the postal envelope. The pictures and envelopes were not written on the paper nor was I given an official receipt for these requirements but I didn't ask why anymore because welcome to the Philippines. 😅 3. Back to Window 1. She pasted the stamps and my picture on the form, wrote some things and gave me back my documents. 4. Pay for the statutory fee in Window 5 (Cashier). No sarcasm, she was nice and helpful. You need a number for this though. You can get from the Cashier after you're done with the requirements but my husband got me a number while I was processing. The cashier already called my number but this good guy in front of the line allowed me to go before him because I said I had to wait for my photo (I did for about 5 minutes because it's quite busy). Bless his heart. They'll give you an official receipt for the Statutory Fee. 5. Proceed to Window 6. Brace yourselves. Major rant is coming. Again, a little annoying because Mr. Window 6 (Brian) was pointing at the notary on my paper to his colleague and sniggering. He did this not only once but 3x because his colleague (Miss Nice and Helpful Cashier) didn't find it amusing that he was acting like a total jerk, pointing at my "mistake" in front of me for having my paper notarized. So I told him, "Your website says notarized Petition Form." 😈 To which he replied that it's only for blah blah blah process. I didn't catch what he said. But he meant it's for something else. It's time to update your website and specify which transaction needs a notarized petition form and which doesn't, PRC. We're professionals, we're not mind readers. And train your employees (or at least Sir Brian at Window 6) to act professionally next time. The P on your agency's name means Professional after all. 🙄 I went back to the woman who sold me the postal envelope for a refund because I said it's not required apparently. But then she said, they should've taken it and called the trooper Sir Brian. He forgot he needed to file it with my papers. He's such a delight! 🙄 Giphy Note: I was instructed to check online (within 2-8 months) if my record has been amended. After that, I have an option to apply for online transaction like I'm applying for renewal of license or just wait for when my present ID will expire. They will then give me an ID with "Duplicate" on it (if I'll apply for renewal right away), reflecting the same expiration date as I have on my current ID. Depending on the number of people applying on the day, transaction may be quick or slow. I think we were there for only about 40 mins.PRC Location:I went to PRC Robinson's Bacolod. The mall wasn't open yet but if you tell the guard your purpose, they'll let you in. SSSRequirements: Two (2) copies of Member Data Change Request Marriage Certificate (must show the original but only leave photocopy) Old SSS ID Photocopy of valid ID with married name Steps:Line up to have your forms checked and get a number. So if you'll ask me, it's better to download the form online so you can fall in line right away. Wait (for eternity 😅) for your number to be called and submit your requirements.Note: I was also told to put my husband under Dependent because apparently, that's automatic when you're married. I didn't know that. They will send your new SSS ID via mail within 30-60 days.Comments:This one's a pain. Although I'm thankful that Robinson's has Lingkod Pinoy Centers where you can find government offices in one place, the lines could be daunting. This took more than two hours of waiting. 🚩 Update: I never got my SSS ID. It was lost in the mail, the post office told me. They advised me to just get a new one. That was more 2 hours wasted including me going back. 🤬 PAGIBIGRequirements: Marriage Certificate (they didn't look for original, just photocopy) MCIF (Member's Change of Information Form) Valid government ID (it's on the list but they didn't ask for mine) Steps:Get a number.Wait for another eternity. 😭😅 Wait for your number to be called and submit all your documents. They will update your information immediately but you'll have to go back for the form with your updated married name. They'll tell you when. For me it's three days after. Tip: Get numbers for both SSS and PAGIBIG at the same time. They're just next to each other. PAGIBIG is a little faster than SSS but in total it still took maybe almost four (4) hours for both transactions to be finished. Giphy Changing name is no fun but it is necessary. It's part of making things legal. Remember to bring with you: black pen some snacks or candy to avoid getting hAngry water a fan (it was hot even with the mall's AC) a whole lot of patience and understanding for uncultured people like Brian at the PRC office 🙊 Hope this helps! If you have further questions, please leave a comment below. What's your experience in changing your name after marriage? Let me know!
Life Lessons 3 Important Life Lessons I Learned From Changing Careers 6:56 PM I'm a licensed pharmacist. Why did I become one? Because my mother wanted me to. 😂 It's not even on top of the things I was choosing when I was about to go to college. From working in a hospital to the corporate world to chasing my own dreams, I've grown. There are 3 important life lessons I learned from changing careers and it's a surprisingly fun discovery. Lessons Learned From Changing Careers I wanted to take up Psychology, Dentistry or Business Administration. But I suck at Math. So goodbye business degree. My grandma told me a terrible story about a dentistry student so I was discouraged from becoming a dentist. And I don't know what I'd do after Psych. Plus---and most importantly, my mother was always persistent (a more subtle way of saying pushy😂) in what she wants for me. I have no regrets. I've learned to like Pharmacy and all the branches of Chemistry that came with it. Even though my grades disagree. I've met friends and got to experience unforgettable things in college. BUT my first love is writing. Even when I didn't realize it then yet. Even when I would have grammar slips from time to time. I like to tell stories through the written word. 1. You always make time for what you love To please my parents or more like to stop them from giving me guilt trips, I followed a career in Pharmacy for five years or so. It was okay but although I got paid alright, I wasn't happy. Obviously that's what happens when you do something you don't like just to please others. Even if it's family or parents you're trying to please. The Bible says honor your mother and father. It didn't say you let them control your life. What pushed me to leave my career even more (as if I needed more reasons) is the toxic environment. I was appalled that in the so-called "professional" world, people could still be so rude, immature and ironically, unprofessional. Everyone seemed entitled. I was adamant that I should not end up like that and when I felt like I was turning into one of them, it scared me. I was working more like an admin/secretary anyway. I never got to apply what I excruciatingly studied in the university. Even during this time though, I would always find time to write. I write online on platforms like Friendster and Multiply or scribble on a piece of paper because this was before I discovered blogging. I've realized that in career as in everything else in life, you will always find the time to do what you love. There are no excuses. There are no delays. If you want to do it, you will and you will find the time. 2. Prioritize yourself Shortly after my Pharmacy practice, I found myself in the corporate world. It was totally unplanned. I was hired within the day. I was happy! Compared to being a pharmacist, this was exciting. I was exposed to online tools and technologies I wasn't familiar with. I was working in a much cleaner, more modern, cooler office and diverse culture. I was suddenly a city girl enjoying my new-found freedom and discovering and rediscovering what I really want. I was able to think about myself first. And you know what? It's okay to love yourself first. Self-love is healthy. You can't give something you don't have. You have to fill your tank first before you can pour it out. Finally, after ten years of working, I was able to take a real vacation. So this is how it feels to be enjoying the fruits of my labor? It was exhilarating. I got to reset and sort out my priorities. But I don't need to do a self-reflection to know that writing is still what I really want. 3. Keep working There will always be hardship. There will always be obstacles as you work towards your dreams. You should be worried if there's none. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is in the struggles that you learn to be strong. It is in the nothing that you realize what is superficial and what is essential. If you want something bad enough, keep working for it. Before I left the crazy corporate world, I would juggle one or two side jobs. I would be attending seminars which I know could help me in my pursuit of what I want, even if that would mean I would be forgoing sleep. Some friends would ask me to teach them too, but when I tell them what they need to do and sacrifice, they get discouraged. They'd rather sleep in or spend their extra money on their vices rather than invest on what they know is good for them. I'm not saying you should stop having fun and overwork. Enjoy but keep working on your dreams. Even if it's just taking three minutes of your time watching a video tutorial. Or listening to speakers who can motivate you. Or reading short inspiring stories that can help you realize or remember your goals. As Steve Jobs said, keep learning. Especially now that we have different resources available online, there's no excuse not to learn anything. My changing careers didn't make my parents happy at first. But that doesn't make me a bad daughter. I want to believe that it made me a better person. I still encounter difficulties and problems with what I do but again if you really love what you do, you find a way to fix it. You don't find an excuse to walk away. Have you changed career? Tell me about it in the comment! If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
People My Brief Dating History And Feature On DatingNews.com 1:07 AM Post-wedding effect: makes you recall your past life before meeting your spouse. At least that's how it is for me. This includes my short, bittersweet dating days. Let me share my brief dating history and feature on DatingNews.com. Walk down memory lane with me as I remember that crazy, full of twists and turns life journey I've had from singlehood to wifehood. My Brief Dating History and Feature on DatingNews.com First things first I've been sidetracked from blogging after getting engaged. After the wedding, I promised to give more time to updating my loyal audience again. So, I was thrilled when I found out that my blog will be featured on a dating website. Oh, I've not been forgotten by the blogging world after all! 😊 I was recently featured on DatingNews.com, a comprehensive site that's "at the heart of the dating industry" and that puts a spotlight on dating and relationship coaches, matchmakers, lifestyle bloggers, sites, apps, and everything in between. Here's a little bit of what they had to say. You can read the rest of the article here. "Lux started the About Life and Love blog to reach out to singles and couples everywhere and let them know they’re not alone. Her articles touch on matters of the heart with a refreshing honesty and sense of humor. Whether she’s recommending a date-worthy shade of lipstick or giving wedding planning tips, Lux delivers down-to-earth guidance based on her own experiences navigating the dating scene." Here's a brief look back on my dating history and some helpful tips 🔔 from that experience I'd like to share. Dating in high school I was raised in a conservative culture in an old fashioned way. You could say it's a little backwards. I wasn't allowed to date when I was in high school. That seems alright and normal for our culture. But what I didn't understand before was that my mom would scold me for getting letters from suitors (yes, I was born before texting). I'd like to believe that I'm a good daughter so the effect on me was that "Gosh, she's right. There must be something horribly wrong with me. Why am I getting all this attention?" My mother made me feel terrible for something totally normal for a teenager to experience. So I never went out with boys alone back then. It's always a group date and it's always done in secret. 😝 I tried to be open with the family about who's giving me flowers and chocolates, who the letters are from or who asked me out. My mom would always say bad things about them. Which is crazy I know but welcome to my life. High school dating summary: always in group and in secret College life When I realized that my course was difficult, I told myself there's no way I am dating in college. I couldn't even find the time to brush my hair or put some powder on my face. After class, especially after lab (laboratory), me and my classmate just go find food not even checking ourselves in the mirror. Dating in college summary: Non-existent Real world I dated again when I started working. I could count all the guys I went out with in one hand. Some were brief, others were years long. Like half a decade long. Was I serious with any of them? Yes, in my own juvenile way. Did I see myself marrying any of them one day? Honestly, no. I did hope though because what's the point of dating if we were not to end up with them? But even with the one I had the longest and most serious relationship with I couldn't, for the life of me, picture myself being his wife. Here's my opinion and unsolicited advice to all singles: 🔔 if you can't see yourself marrying the person, put an end to it as early as possible to spare yourselves from bigger heartache, and so you can set each other free. Life's short. Stop wasting your and the other person's time. I'm not saying you stop dating or entertaining suitors. It is a fun and integral part of growing and learning in life. Just because you're not sure if you're going to marry the person doesn't mean you seclude yourself from the world. Give it a chance, sure. Try to make it work, yes. But, if after discerning and reflecting and you think that he is not good for your well-being, it's time to walk away. Especially if abuse in any form (physical, emotional, psychological) is involved. 🔔 Love yourself first. I realized that the ultimate purpose of dating is indeed marrying the person, not just having fun or passing time. Author Jefferson Bethke said, "Dating with no intent to marry is like going to the grocery store with no money. You either leave unhappy or take something that isn't yours." Neither of the result sounds appealing, right? Don't dishonor or shortchange yourself for your partner. Don't dumb yourself down for a man. Don't let another walk all over you especially if you're considering them to be your future partner. 🔔 Here's a tip I've learned at The Feast to know if the person is good for you: change 'love' with the person's name in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." If it doesn't sound right, it's time to think and decide if the relationship really is worth your time. As one of my guy friends told me (which I always held on to whenever other people would pressure me into dating): 🔔 It's okay to be picky, because you're talking about forever here, a lifetime with this person. It's okay to take your time in choosing. Take it from Cher: via Giphy Dating in the real world summary: messy, fun, life-changing, challenging but in the end rewarding. Because it made me wiser, made me realize my worth and led me to the road where I found my one true love. What does your dating history look like?
Lux Thinking Aloud I Have Found The One Whom My Soul Loves - My Wedding Day 6:38 PM I have found the one whom my soul loves. - Song of Solomon 3:4 It seems only yesterday when I was writing about why I was single.People I know and even I myself was a little surprised as to how fate made an unexpected turn.Today, I'm sharing the day God fulfilled His promise to me...The day I have found the one whom my soul loves...my wedding day!I Have Found the One Whom My Soul Loves The WaitingEven when I had unsuccessful past relationships, my faith in love was never tarnished. I knew it was going to be a long journey so I decided to enjoy it. I kept working on myself and I waited---sometimes in faith, sometimes in fear. There were days when I was blissfully reveling in my unattached and uncomplicated single life...And there were nights when my heart would long for a partner. I already had plans of living alone yet I felt a prodding in a different direction. Prayers and Discernment Interestingly, I met my husband when I was resolved that the single life was for me. It was when I fully embraced the thought of staying single forever when God was like, "Wait! I've got a better plan." Every night I would ask God if this man I met is the one because otherwise, I don't want to waste my time. It's funny that I used to ask for specific things I want for my future spouse, and when I met someone who checked all the boxes, I was in doubt. There are a lot of prayers from me and my friends involved.It's going to be a major life change so I need all the spiritual guidance I could get.My husband on the other hand had been praying for years for God to finally give him his wife before he turns a certain age.Single friends, remember these two important things while you wait:Write down your non-negotiables for a partner. Be as specific as you can be. Pray. A lot. Our Wedding Day It may seem rushed, but there were a lot of things involved from that fateful day we met to the day we exchanged I do's. It wasn't a perfect wedding, but it was beautiful. The planning and preparations brought me to a whole new level of stress---which unfortunately showed on my skin even on our wedding day. My husband's first words to me when we met at the altar were "You look beautiful, honey." 😊 So I guess it didn't matter how my complexion was. Not all things would go according to your plans. But I've realized that at the end of the day, it's not about that perfect Instagrammable wedding picture. It's not about how much the flowers cost or how gorgeous your wedding dress is (I'm blessed that mine was 😝 and it's unplanned how I found it). Your wedding is a celebration of your union with the person God gave you as a partner. It's about you starting your life with your best friend. It's the day you share your promise to the world. And that's all that really matters. Everything else is supplemental. Here's our wedding video: Dear readers, thank you for journeying with me from when I was single until now. I will still be blogging about being single because I love that stage of my life and I learned a lot from it. My hope is to continue to encourage everyone regardless of their relationship status. And my prayer is that if you haven't yet, may you also find the one whom your soul would love.
Love and Relationship How To Handle Real Life Dating Site Run-Ins 8:10 PM You’re out drinking with your friends when you see a cute guy across the bar. Not being a shy gal yourself, you start to approach him. But then… oh wait, hmm, he looks familiar. Did you go to school with him? Have you met him out before? Did one of your friends date him? Did you date him? As your mind runs through all of the possibilities, suddenly it hits you – you saw him on free dating site. This situation actually comes up a lot more than people realize, and not just out on the weekends. With online dating becoming the norm, it’s easy to spot people from the site everywhere you go – at the bar, work, the gym, the grocery store – even if your only interaction with them has been viewing their profiles. So what should you do? Say something? Run the other way? Pretend you haven’t seen them? It all depends on the situation and how much interaction you’ve actually had with him or her on the site. How to Handle Real Life Dating Site Run-Ins You’ve Checked Out Each Other’s Profiles This one isn’t really a big deal. Yes, if you recognize each other, it can be awkward, but honestly, it’s similar to recognizing someone from a friend’s Facebook pictures. Sure, you kind of know who the other person is, but you’ve never actually spoken – so ignoring his or her presence isn’t really offensive. Now, if it’s someone you end up seeing on a regular basis – say, you work together – it’s OK to acknowledge that you’ve seen each other on the site. You can even joke around about it. However, from personal experience, I’ll tell you that actually trying to date someone from work that you’ve seen on a dating site is just asking for awkward. One of You Has Emailed or Winked at the Other – With No Response I give you full permission to duck, hide, and/or leave the premises. If he or she has contacted you and you ignored it, then it’s fine to avoid the situation, since it’s a bit like you actually rejected his advances in person. If you winked at her and she never responded, then it’s even more acceptable to head in the other direction if you have a real-life run-in. No one wants to be reminded of his or her rejection – especially when it comes to online dating. You’ve Both Expressed Interest or Are Planning to Meet This one is up to you. If you would rather wait for the actual date, then it’s not a big deal to say nothing to the person. After all, if you’re out on the weekend, you do have the excuse that you were worried it wasn’t actually him or that you didn’t see her. But in this case, it’s not that strange to approach someone and meet ahead of time. It might even help you figure out if a date would be a waste of your time. If you recognize someone you see on a regular basis, then it actually might be a little awkward to not say something. If and when you do end up actually meeting, it will be really obvious that both of you were avoiding saying anything before. Plus, if you connected on a dating site, why haven’t you already connected in real life? If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Listicle What To Expect After Becoming Bankrupt 4:57 PM What To Expect After Becoming Bankrupt Bankruptcy is not for everyone. Here are five bankruptcy stats that may interest you:More than 1.5 million people are filing for bankruptcy every year.40% of those who filed for bankruptcy lost their jobs.Alabama is the state with the highest bankruptcy rate.52% of filers for bankruptcy are male.62% of personal bankruptcies in the United States were due to medical expensesIf you believe that filing for bankruptcy is the best option for you right now, you need the right people to guide you.If you have large debts you can’t seem to cope with and you’re thinking about bankruptcy, you can use Creditfix. You may also wish to get in touch with people like these chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyers in Harrisburg PA to get help from experienced legal practitioners who are more than happy to help you manage your large debt.These financial experts are ready to provide you with good advice before making any definite moves. What can you expect after going bankrupt? What to Expect After Becoming Bankrupt Why do people file for bankruptcy?Why do some people go bankrupt?People can become bankrupt for several reasons.They experience a decrease in their income and an increase in their debts and bills.They may have been retrenched from their jobs.They may overspend and their credit card bills skyrocket.Some are dealing with a divorce or the death of the breadwinner in the family.Or spent most of their savings on medical bills.You can apply for bankruptcy yourself or your creditors may force you. If you owe one creditor over £5,000 you can apply for your bankruptcy. In reality, bankruptcy is an absolute last resort and it’s only advisable for borrowers with unsecured debts of £20,000 and over. If you owe less than £20,000 then you may be better with solutions like individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) or debt relief orders (DROs). How does bankruptcy work? To declare yourself bankrupt, you must fill out a form at the GOV.uk website. You’ll need to have documents like payslips, bills, council tax letters, rent or mortgage agreements, and the details of all your debts. In England and Wales, it costs £680 to apply for bankruptcy (it’s £669 in Northern Ireland). While this might seem like a lot, you can pay it in installments (minimum of £5) if you pay online. Once your application is in, you can expect the adjudicator to decide in 28 days whether to accept it and issue a bankruptcy order or to reject it. If you’re successful at your bankruptcy application... If you get a bankruptcy order, you can expect all your bank accounts to be frozen immediately. Some or all of your non-essential assets could be sold to pay creditors and the remainder of the debt is written off. If you have enough disposable income, you might be asked to make some ongoing payments each month for up to three years. How long does bankruptcy last? How long can you be bankrupt?Expect bankruptcy to last for 12 months, during which time you’re undischarged bankrupt. Once the 12 months are up, your bankruptcy remains on file for five more years. Credit providers and banks can see this information and use it in their decision-making processes. Is it possible to get credit if you're bankrupt? While you’re filing for bankruptcy, don't expect to get a personal loan or a credit card.During your period of bankruptcy, you won’t be eligible for a bank account that has an overdraft facility or a checkbook. You can make do with a basic bank account so you can pay direct debits and standing orders and receive wages and benefits. What else is affected if you go bankrupt? It’s not just credit offerings like overdrafts and loans that can be affected if you go bankrupt. Expect other services and products can be too. Your insurance premiums may go up as your providers can see that you have been bankrupt recently. This is to cover what they see as an additional risk, as you pay for an annual policy in monthly installments. Alternatively, your insurer may offer you the chance to pay for your whole year upfront to keep down the cost. For large debts, you might sell your house to pay your debts and find a rental property. Finding a tenancy agreement after you go bankrupt can be difficult. Having a financially-stable relative or friend to act as a guarantor is a good idea.Have you ever had a difficult money situation? Did it ever lead to or did you consider filing for bankruptcy?Keep these things in mind so you'll know what to expect after becoming bankrupt.
