Lux Thinking Aloud Early 6:57 PM After almost two months of erratic sleep, I'm finally going to bed early today. How early? 9:30 pm. Yes! I would normally be starting on my next task around this time. But, not today. What a good start of the week! I'm an early bird.EarlyMy lack of sleep in the past few weeks has finally caught up with me. I also listened to the brilliant Marie Forleo while preparing the squash for dinner. On one of her podcast, Marie was interviewing author Robin Sharma.They talked about the benefits of the 5 am club.I don't have to join the club to know and understand how great it is.Before the quarantine, I was good at waking up as early as 4 am and as late as 6 am. My alarm is always set to 5. When the lockdown started, my husband was staying up calling airlines and agencies. I was staying up with him. But also I had trouble sleeping because the sudden change and thought that we're in a crisis was waking up the anxiety demon in me.GiphyI was going through changes in my career. Dealing with a family's sickness and eventually...death. Thinking about what our future will be like now.I can't even get a clear picture of what 2021 will look like because all I'm concerned about is how to survive thrive this 2020. Oh, what a big Queen B this year has been.I was optimistic to welcome the new year. I had so much hope that this year would be better than last year. Man, 2020 must be looking at me back then like:TenorTragedy after tragedy both in our personal lives and in the world. Sending my virtual hug to you if you're going through a bit of a rough patch.After a few days of letting Sadness rule the emotions headquarters, I let Joy take over.In case you haven't seen Inside Out, these emotions were the characters' names. Also, why haven't you yet? It's a great movie!There was (still is) a ramble between Fear and Anger too trying to take control but ultimately, I choose Joy. I have to. For the sake of my sanity.It's a decision I have to make on a daily basis.PSABecause when bad news and conspiracy theories flood my feed every day, it can get overwhelming and it's easy for Joy to slip and Fear would hold the handle with much eagerness.And when I see how full grown adults take turns blaming and burning each other instead of helping and actually doing their jobs, Anger has no problem stepping in. Oh, it's so effortless.Thankfully, I've arrived at the acceptance stage.When the pandemic hit, I felt like going through the stages of grief at the beginning.Denial.Anger.Bargaining.Depression.Acceptance.The early stages of the crisis (in my personal life and in the world) were the toughest ones.It took me a while to believe that this is actually happening. It's not another Hunger Games movie. It's real! And we're all in it.Life could get messy sometimes. But it changes. We're not here permanently. We're just passing through.The earlier we accept this fact, the faster we can move our lives forward. I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.-Philippians 3:13-14Your turnWhat life stage are you in now?What do you hope to happen after the crisis?
Faith New 8:25 PM For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. -Isaiah 43:19NewOur lives pre C OVID-19 is out. We will NEVER go back to that kind of life. It's time to let go. Of the old system, habits and practices we used to know. New normal has come.It's scary to face the unfamiliar and the uncertain. I know. I've been anxious since the p andemic started. But verses like this is giving me hope:God is doing something new and He has already begun.This may have taken place during the time of Isaiah, but He is an unchanging God. And oh, how apt it is for today's situation.He is that same God who is right now giving us this same promise.What a wonderful thought, isn't it? Uplifting!From the Feast service I saw today, Bro Arun talks about remembering God's greatness in our past as we speak good things for our future. Especially when we're in a crisis.Allow me to share God's greatness in my life:I had a hard time during college. I was struggling with the lessons, the adjustment, the hostility, the financial constraints. Thankfully, God helped me graduate. I was the first in our family to do so.When I was worried sick that my valuables would be stolen from my luggage during one trip, God kept them safe.When I needed a new phone but couldn't afford a new one, I won a blogging contest for a new smartphone.When I got sick, God restored my health.When I had only like $10 left in my wallet, God provided for me everything I needed.God brought me to the right people and circumstances. He steered me away from the wrong crowd.God orchestrated my meeting with my one true love. He gave me someone far better than what I asked for.I thank God for my job that allows me to stay home and work comfortably and more effectively. (I'm an introvert and this set up works best for me).When it's been raining for two weeks straight but He made it sunny on the day of my trip. Oh, it was a beautiful sunshiny day! When my clients terminated their contracts, I never ran out of blog sponsors and writing clients. Every day I'd get an email inquiring about how to collaborate with me. God provides abundantly!I'm surrounded with people who are generous with their time, talent and treasure.GfycatI could go on and on. From the most trivial to the life-and-death events, God has remained faithful to me.I think about how I was feeling before these things happened.I was scared, worried, frustrated, impatient, doubtful.Lo and behold! God turned things around and showed me that I am highly favored. Even though I would once in a while feel anxious during this p andemic, I know God is doing something behind the scene.He's preparing us for another breakthrough.We see a dead end but He's paving a pathway.We see drought and desert and wasteland, but He's creating rivers.And one day you and I will exclaim, "Lo and behold! God's made something new."Your turnRemember the times God turned a situation around for you. What did you learn from it?List down the things you are thankful for.
Lux Thinking Aloud Childlike 7:01 PM Kids couldn't wait to grow up and adults wish they could go back to being a child again. Ah, the irony of life.Personally, I love being an adult but I like to stay childlike. Children don't need a lot to be happy. They find genuine joy in the little things. I like to hang around people who don't take themselves or things seriously. Those who can laugh at themselves, are not afraid to be silly and those who keep their sense of wonder alive.On the contrary, toddlers throwing tantrums trapped in an adult's body riles me up. 🙄ChildlikeThere are many things I'll never be too old for.Cartoon and Anime Fairy tales or children's fantasy booksCandy barsPlaying (with dogs and kids in the family)Cute things like cartoon-themed cakes and foodSwing and seesaw Board gamesThis weekend, I'm excited to watch another Ghibli film: The Secret World of Arrietty!PinterestAlthough Ghibli is known for movies that are animated but have deep meaning and sometimes even poignant and tragic stories (Grave of the Fireflies got me bawling), I know I'm in for a treat.I love being transported in a totally different, more colorful, more exciting world through movies and books.I enjoy being an adult. I thought my 27th was the best time of my adult life. But when I turned 30, things just continue to get better.Don't believe the lie that your life goes downhill when you hit 30. Especially if you're still single.There's more to life! So, don't fret or pressure yourself. Just enjoy the journey.We age. We grow up. But we shouldn't allow ourselves to be less joyful just because. Growing old is not a bad thing!No, we don't deny our age. 😛 Okay, maybe you can if you want to. Your life, your rules.But, I think it's more liberating to embrace who and where we are.Some verses about age:Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who sustains you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. -Isaiah 46:4Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. -2 Corinthians 4:16They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. -Psalm 92:14Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. -Job 12:12Always have a childlike wonder in your heart, even as your view of the world changes. -Lidia LongorioYour turnWhat childlike things/activities do you still enjoy doing?
Lux Thinking Aloud Better 4:01 PM "If you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up."I wouldn't say this crisis got me hitting rock bottom. But man, the past days have been tough, tough, tough! Not only for me. I know the whole world can relate. Glad to see things are finally starting to look better.BetterThough it's too early to say as we're only at the beginning of the 2nd quarter of the year, I'm holding on to my faith.I know it's hard to believe that we're not even halfway through the year. 2020, 'yer a mess!But, I believe things are getting better. We Heart ItThe sweltering heat of summer is finally coming to an end. Rainy season has begun! Community quarantine has been lifted in most areas.More establishments are starting to operate again.A lot of businesses especially in the vegan niche are seeing a huge increase in their revenue. 💚A case has been filed against officers who violated the quarantine protocols (with how the government is handling things though, I'm not hoping on this so much...but it's a good start!)On a personal note:My favorite plant-based restaurant is opening soon. I've found another online class for writing.My face is clearing up. 💆♀️I'm able to sleep normally again.I'm still seeing opportunities and getting collaboration requests on my website. THANK YOU all for the support!I think more people are getting the hang of staying home too. I see people opening up to the idea of working remotely.As I've said on my 9th day of C oro na Chronicles:This crisis will not be the end of me. I refuse to be defeated by this invisible enemy.I'm confident of this, that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)Yes, I made that verse personal. As it should be. The Bible is God's love letter to His people.Here's a song full of hope which I've heard years ago when I was starting on my spiritual journey.I Have a HopeTommy WalkerI have a hope, I have a futureI have a destiny that is yet awaiting meMy life's not over, a new beginning's just begunI have a hope, I have this hopeGod has a plan, it's not to harm meBut it's to prosper me and to hear me when I callHe intercedes for me, working all things for my goodThough trials may come I have this hopeI will yet praise Him, my great RedeemerI will yet stand up and give Him glory with my lifeHe takes my darkness and He turns it into lightI will yet praise Him, my Lord my GodMy God is for me, He's not against meSo tell me whom then, tell me whom then shall I fearHe has prepared for meGreat works He'll help me to completeI have a hope, I have this hopeGoodness and mercy, they're gonna follow meAnd I'll forever dwell in the house of my great KingNo eye has ever seen all He's preparing there for meThough trials may come, I have this hopeThere's still hope for me today'Cause the God heaven loves meI think another reason why I feel better today is that it's Friday. The thought of another two days of doing what I want to do or not doing anything is at hand. Don't you sometimes know it's going to rain just because you have a gut feeling that it will? I have that gift.I'd tell my husband to bring an umbrella but he wouldn't because he doesn't think it would rain. And he'll end up regretting it.GfycatMaybe it's because I've lived here much longer than him that my body knows what a slight change in temperature means.What I'm trying to say is that...I can feel it in my gut that things are finally getting better. For the first time since 2020 started, I have a good feeling about what's going to happen next.I could be wrong. I'm more of a realist now, you know. But I'm feeling a shift. A good one.How about you? Are you feeling better?
Lux Thinking Aloud Confusing 10:27 AM That ex who tells you one thing and does another. 🙄 Do you remember how that made you feel? Confusing isn't it? It's like that Katy Perry song.You're hot then you're coldYou're yes then you're noYou're in then you're outYou're up then you're downYou're wrong when it's rightIt's black and it's whiteConfusingWe're in this confusing time right now. They tell you to follow the rules and they strictly (and violently) implement it to ordinary citizens. But the same law doesn't apply to them. They say enhanced community q uarantine is over but the day isn't over yet and they change their statement. Again. Ayayay.SpiceYourSillyLifeBut...I don't want this post to be political.Writing is my escape. It's my antidote for all toxicities around me.So, that's the end of my rant for today. 😎Let me instead share some things I do when negativity like today happens. Please indulge me as I recommend my previous posts.How to Feel Good When You're Having a Bad DayChange the Way You Think and Set Yourself Free25 Powerful Declarations that Will Shape Your Day and Ultimately Change Your LifeDetox from Negative ThoughtsDetox From Toxic Feelings5 Simple Ways to De-Stress At Your DeskThings Work Out Even When You Think They Don'tI wish I'm always this optimistic and strong. Human as I am, I sometimes give in to my weakness. Like those times I shared in my other diary entries.Diary Day 3: King of the JungleDiary Day 5: DisconnectDiary Day 8: Trade OffDiary Day 34: SleeplessDay 41: InsomniaI am extremely grateful for writing. It's a venue for me to air my overwhelming thoughts. When I put my musings to writing, I feel better. I change my perspective. I get clarity.It's the same as when I'm organizing things. Once I put everything in containers and arrange them, my mind automatically calms down.Chaos turns to peace. It gives me hope.I totally get Marie Kondo.NetflixWell, lockdown is almost over. At least that's what they tell us. I won't be getting my hopes up. I don't want to be disappointed.I'd rather be realistic. Knowing how fickle-minded and apathetic this government is, I know it can change anytime.I'm adaptable.Am I going to reach day 50 of recording my life in the time of c oronavirus? Gosh, I hope not. (It's really been longer than 50 days. I started only when our city began the enhanced community q uarantine. Maybe that's when my mind couldn't take it anymore. So, I sought for refuge in blogging again.)I'm glad we're nearing the end. Even when at the moment, it's still a little confusing. Just adding a little spice to this life, I guess?Your turnWhat do you do during confusing times?
Lux Thinking Aloud Laugh 11:33 PM When's the last time you laughed so hard your facial muscles hurt? It's hard to laugh when you're bombarded by bad news day after day after day. Sometimes the day is not yet over and there it is on your screen again---another grim update. But we have to learn to laugh and find a reason to do so. As cliché as it may be, laughter is the best medicine.LaughAfter a week of not watching, I had my dose of the TV show Friends again. Thank God for humor. Thank God for comedy shows. What a dreadful life it would be without laughter, no?I like that I can laugh about the silliest things. That I'm able to find humor even during this time. God gave us joy. He brings us reasons to laugh and be happy.Don't you just love laughing?When I need a good laugh, I look at videos and funny photos of our dogs. They can surely make me smile every time.I watch funny guilty dog compilations online.I look at memes.I recount funny experiences or hilarious conversations.My husband does a good job of making me laugh with his silly remarks.Which is another answered prayer, by the way. I asked God to give me a partner who can make me laugh. I remember my exes couldn't. 😆We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh. -Agnes RepplierMy brother introduced to me Key & Peele of Comedy Central. I think the actors there are superb. For them to be able to shoot the scene without losing it is beyond professional.Sharing some Bible verses about laughing:He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. - Job 8:21And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me." -Genesis 21:6Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. -Luke 6:21Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. -Proverbs 31:25And some quotes too:Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer. — Reinhold NiebuhrA good laugh is sunshine in the house. — William ThackerayRemember this: very little is needed to make a happy life. — Marcus AureliusLaugh my friend, for laughter ignites a fire within the pit of your belly and awakens your being. —Stella & BlakeThe human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. — Mark TwainFrom there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere. — Dr. SeussA well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert ProcknowWhen you laugh, aside from the endorphin rush, there’s also a spiritual opening. You’re not so tight inside yourself. That opening I’ve found to be a real gift, in people being able to absorb spirituality. —Rabbi Sydney MintzLaughter is God’s hand on the shoulder of a troubled world. — Bettenell HuntznickerYou don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. — Michael PritchardStay young. Stay sane. Keep laughing. Yes, even especially during this crisis.Your turnWhat's your favorite comedy show?What makes you laugh?
Fashion & Style Top 5 Spring Fashion Items You Shouldn’t Dress Without 11:32 PM It's finally time to say goodbye to those thick tights, heavy boots, and chunky knitted jumpers. Spring is here! Which means it's out with the old and in with the new. Read on for your guide to lockdown fashion and the top five Spring fashion items you shouldn’t dress without. 1. Your eyewearThe ultimate accessory and easily the most memorable, a good set of eyewear is a must for any spring wardrobe. A good pair of quality glasses are the perfect addition to any spring outfit, whether they’re red coloured glasses, semi-rimless, rectangular-shaped, oval, or round. A good pair of glasses never go out of fashion, and you're sure to find some that complement your face shape and your skin tone perfectly.2. A beautiful trench coat for SpringThe weather is improving, but that doesn't mean you won't get caught up in a couple of April showers. So a beautiful trench coat is an essential item. Not only does the long, sweeping material give you a graceful air, but they're just effortlessly stylish and will go with anything. Don't forget your matching umbrella! 3. A long, maxi dress It wouldn't be spring without a beautiful dress or two. This year we love long maxi styles. Maxi dresses can also be layered with cardigans, trench coats, and even trainers and boots for those wetter days.Remember to check the reviews when buying items online and ensure they are legit.4. Canvas trainers It’s time to say goodbye to those faithful winter boots and swap them for stylish canvas trainers. Canvas trainers come in a wide variety of colours and go with almost everything. Adding a casual touch to your formal wear and playful touch to your spring dresses.5. Bare a little ankle with some culottes Between jeans and leggings, your bottom half can seem a little dull. That's when a pair of stylish, ankle-skimming culottes can come in. Beautifully tailored and effortlessly chic, these trousers will go with anything and look like you mean business. What are your favorite spring fashion items? Please share!
