So today was one of those days that I felt I had to write down my thoughts.
As random as they may seem, I just felt that someone had to read them.
And who knows, may it’s you! Haha!
I sincerely believe that there are no coincidences and that writing this post in time for the holidays is nothing short of divine intervention.
Like seriously: I was driving home on my way from getting last minute presents for the security staff and receptionist in my condo when I thought about writing something centered on hope.
I think that’s one thing we all need now as we go through the holidays with our own set of experiences.
I think it’s quite safe to say that the year wasn’t exactly perfect (as none is, really), and that presents reason enough to focus on the fact that silver linings and second chances are just around the corner too.
So take this as my gift for all of you guys who have been with me since God knows when and perhaps now, need a huge dose of hope for whatever reason you may have.
Without further ado, here are my prayers for everyone. Feel free to take what resonates and share what you feel can help someone else who might need some inspiration and support to move forward:
I hope that if you’re struggling right now, may you find a number of reasons to keep going, no matter what happens, simply because that is what you deserve: to give yourself that fighting chance to win battles the rest of us may not know about.
I hope that if you’re hurting now because you felt hurt or betrayed as other people left your side unexpectedly, know that everything happens for a reason and not everyone deserves to share spaces with you in your next chapter. It might be, as weird as it seems now, a form of protection for yourself as you let go of people who don’t recognize your true value. It’s definitely their loss.
I hope that if you’re feeling defeated now because things aren’t going as planned in your career and you feel that you’re a failure, please don’t. You are not defined by your profession or accomplishments so stop beating yourself up. You have what it takes to succeed in this lifetime and I hope you take that to heart especially during days that are harder than most. To win, inquire within.
I hope that if you’re grieving over a lost love or someone dear to you that has passed on, may you find comfort that someday you’ll heal and share spaces once more. In the meantime, be grateful that once in your life, your paths crossed and they have already fulfilled their purpose. Now, it’s your time to make yourself (and them) proud.
I hope if you feel stuck because of the numerous delays and countless detours you are experiencing at the moment, may you realize that the Universe is just giving you enough time and space to think things over and recalibrate accordingly so that you will eventually be in alignment with what you’re truly meant to be. Trust in the magic of divine timing.
I hope that if you’re feeling overwhelmed now by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, please know that it’s ok to pause, have a break and let yourself be. You won’t be judged for protecting your sanity and space. Do what’s best for you please.
I hope if you’re feeling angry and frustrated, know that everything is only temporary and it will come to pass. Please don’t make impulsive decisions that will bear consequences long after your heightened emotions have faded. Take deep breaths and focus on what can still go right even if it seems harder than usual.
I hope if you’re still hiding for whatever reason, may you find the courage and commitment to show up and take up space. You deserve to be heard, seen, felt and celebrated as you are so please gift the world with your presence.
I hope if you still have your loved ones with you, please spend quality time with them. Never be too busy to show them you care because you may not have the same moment in the future. Cherish today and make as many beautiful memories as you can because that’s the best gift you can give yourself and others: time.
I hope if you’re in your season of harvest, may you remain grateful and remember the value of sharing and keeping to heart the times life humbled you before. Balance is key so that your blessings continue to pour from a space of overflow.
I hope that through it all, whatever you’ve been through, whatever you’re going through at the moment and whatever still awaits you, may you find more than enough reason to honor yourself and your progress, no matter how big or small, simply because you’re still on your way to becoming your own #bestmeever .
I hope that whatever it is in your heart that I may have missed praying for in this post, may God find ways to make them come true, in His time. And know that it will always be perfect.
So there you go. May all these prayers of hope come true for all of you guys.
And me too!
At the end of the day, I just want everyone of us to have a merry Christmas, and a happy new year.
I know I am not asking much.
So please, Lord, hear me out on this.
Happy birthday Jesus.:)
Please gift everyone with love, peace and joy.
And just like that, it’s already December 1.
Whew. That was quick. And that’s quite an understatement.
FYI: I am still in the process of assessing where the rest of 2025 went. Haha!
Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining though.
After all, Christmas is my most favorite time of the year.
It serves as a beautiful break from it all, filled with good vibes, good food and good music.
Everything seems to be falling into place when the holidays draw near.
Or is it only my optimistic, wishful thinking?
I guess you can say that I choose to see things that way.
I mean, why focus on the chaos, the crazy deadlines and the not-so-good stuff on the news when you can spend the same amount of focus and energy on what actually is going right?
Ok now, the real question is: how are you in your current space?
Are you excited for the holidays or are you feeling blue?
Whatever your answer may be, for as long as you’re being honest with yourself, know that it’s ok.
Never too late to have a change of heart.
Amidst the chaos brought about by the yuletide rush, the key here is to ground yourself. Take that much needed time off and just let yourself be. Away from the work pressure and the need to conform, you get to discover what truly matters for you. Whatever that may be, go for that. All other things around you are mere distractions. Set your priorities straight and make sure you commit to them. You’ll be surprised to see how the other things will seemingly fall into place once you become clear and dedicated to what makes you genuinely happy, complete and fulfilled as you celebrate the holidays.
2. Choose meaning over money
Christmas was never about how much you can give but what intentions come with everything you choose to share with others. The monetary value does not matter; what matters is the thought behind it and how whole heartedly you want to make another person happy. Know that personalized gifts which you made yourself e.g. a hand made card, a cute keepsake or baked goodies are far more meaningful than any expensive item you can find in stores.
3. Gift yourself, guilt-free
Honey, you weren’t born just to please everyone else as you shower them with items on their wishlist. When was the last time you considered yours? You are just as deserving as everyone else. Buy that bag. Go on that trip. Splurge on that gadget. For as long as you’re willing to take responsibility as you live within your means, don’t ever feel guilty for spending on yourself. No need to justify to others whatever it is that will make yourself feel appreciated after surviving this year. That’s not exactly an easy feat and a reward or two can make a difference as you move forward to your next chapter.
4. Take time to just be present
Question: when at the mall, when was the last time you actually listened and enjoyed the Christmas carols being played? Or did you ever just sit down in one place, take a sip of your holiday drink and just watch the joy unfold on the faces of other people amidst the yuletide rush? Here’s the thing: no matter what you’re going through right now, when you stop, pause and allow yourself to just embrace the moment, you will realize how beautiful life is and how lucky you are to be able to witness miracles unfold right in front of you. Soak in the inspiration Christmas brings and you will never feel you lack anything when you view it from a lens of gratitude.
5. Update your bucket list
As the year draws to a close, now is the perfect time to check in with yourself and recognize what you still want to do and be in this lifetime. Best enjoyed when you write your bucket list coming from a space of endless possibilities, minus the limitations which your present situation brings or the pressures you are experiencing at the moment. Let your mind travel and your heart do the talking. Listen intently and know that whatever it is that you write, for as long as you believe you are truly worthy and you remain 100% committed no matter what, consider each and every item done and delivered on time, when you’re ready to receive.
Remember: beyond the festivities, what truly matters is how you choose to view this season of giving.
It’s not the society’s standards that will make you happier during the holidays; it’s finally embracing your own, as you celebrate it the way you want to, the way you truly deserve.
Happy holidays everyone.
It was a happy 70th birthday indeed.
Not for me but for my mom.
I mean, it wasn’t originally how I wanted it to be but since a bunch of things happened in between, we found ourselves celebrating my mom’s milestone in Bangkok, Thailand — a quick escape I didn’t know I needed.
Because that unplanned time off not only allowed me to bond with my family, but also reflect and recalibrate in between, while broadcasting remotely and attending my PHD class virtually on the side . Whew. But all worth it.
Looking at how happy my mom was daily at her age was eye opening for me.
I mean before, when I was younger, I used to be terrified about the mere thought of aging.
But now at 44 and seeing my mom at 70, it made me realize that life can just be as good, maybe even better as we age.
And yes, aging isn’t exactly the time to sulk and worry. You deserve so much more even if your skin turns wrinkly and your hair, gray.
So not true. To be candid about it, you can be in your teens or twenties and feel you’re dying inside. Or you can be in your 70s or 80s and feel that life has just begun. It’s really up to you how to make the years count. Never let your age determine the level of happiness you’re allowed to have. And no, for as long as you take good care of yourself, find joy in yourself and the simplest things and not let your what could have beens distract you from the beauty of the now, you’re not dying– you’re living fully, no matter how old you are.
2. As you age, you lose your significance
Your worth as a person was never based on your age or your ability to cope with current trends. It’s based on the person that you have chosen to become through the years, your ability to weather through storms and inspire others to do the same as you live your purpose and journey towards your own #bestmeever . Don’t let the years gone by make you forget how amazing you are in the eyes of others, and hopefully, in your own, too.
3. It’s too late to start all over again
“I’m too old for that.”
“It’s too late for me.”
“I wish I had done it when I was younger.”
Now, if you catch yourself saying any of these, please do me a favor and stop. You don’t deserve to deprive yourself of the opportunity to grow, regardless of your age.For as long as you’re alive and you are truly committed to your goals and purpose, you can start all over again, as you are.
You, finally deciding to own your life, will always make you on time.
4. You will be consumed by regrets as you age
It’s not aging which makes you have regrets in the long run — it’s your decision making through years that have led you to feel that way simply because you weren’t at peace with your own results. The key here is to revisit your life and see it from a grateful lens. Everything happens for a reason. When you embrace that and focus on what’s under your influence and control, life goes on, and so can you, no matter what your age may be.
5. Age is but a number
It’s not. It’s a beautiful reminder of how many years you have existed in this life time. It’s a collection of beautiful memories you have made and milestones you have achieved. Not everyone gets to celebrate as many birthdays as you do. So the next time you celebrate yours, don’t be afraid or anxious. Instead, see it as an achievement: that you’ve made it this far, that you have new chances and opportunities ahead, and you’re still on your way to becoming your own #bestmeever .
I hope that after reading this blog, you get to appreciate yourself and your age better.
Time to celebrate yourself.
Fact: Giving yourself what is due is one of the greatest forms of self-love.
And that includes the respect, consideration and compassion you willingly give to others.
Ok, I know some of you may raise eyebrows because you’ve gotten used to putting yourself and your needs and wants last, thinking that others will always be more important than you.
Maybe because of how you were raised before.
Or how others judged you when you focused on yourself back then.
Or how the society romanticizes personal sacrifice.
Whatever your reason may be, please take note that you don’t have to embrace them.
Take this to heart: you are very much deserving of the best things in life, as much as everyone else, regardless of what you’ve been through or going through at the moment.
And you don’t deserve to be treated less of a person ever because your value does not depend on anything or anyone else but you.
You call the shots. You know your worth. You know what’s best for you.
Your life might not be perfect now and you might be struggling but hey, you are still amazing in your own way.
You, reading this now, have made it this far.
Celebrate yourself and your progress.
By doing so, you won’t allow yourself to just settle for anything less.
No, you are not a spare tire. You deserve to be chosen first, to be the only choice, most especially when it comes to romantic relationships. You are not meant for meantime flings or when it’s convenient or if a specific need which you can fulfill, arises. You are meant to be honored and loved for who and what you are in your current space and state, and be made a priority.
2. You don’t deserve to put your needs and wants last
You matter as much as everyone else. And you can’t really give what you don’t have. So it’s best and very much ok to fill your own cup first so you can come from a space of overflow. Be kind enough to yourself and acknowledge all the things that matter to you. You are worthy of all those and more. Stop basing your worth on how much you can sacrifice for others because that’s not exactly the case. You weren’t born to always just give way and suffer anyway.
3. You don’t deserve to hold yourself back
You are worth every risk you wish to take. Be brave enough to face your greatest fears and give yourself that fighting chance to go out of your comfort zone and conquer the unknown. Don’t let your self-doubts and opinion of others stop you from becoming the person you’re meant to be. You only have this one chance to make a lasting impact in this lifetime so give yourself just that.
4. You don’t deserve to treat yourself unkindly
Beating yourself up and continuously criticizing yourself won’t allow you to grow in the process. Your negative words can cause you to spiral down and make you doubt yourself even more. Be willing to embrace your own limitations and work around them coming from a space of understanding, humility and love. Shower yourself with affirmations and be your own greatest fan. Even if things are not working out around you and others are not showing their support, you can still choose to motivate and validate yourself as you keep going and growing, no matter what.
5. You don’t deserve to give up on life
Life may be tough but you’re definitely tougher. All of your experiences have strengthened you to reach this point of your life. Never discount your progress and your ability to turn your life around. Know that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing – it actually means you are trying your best to adapt to the situation on hand and rise above it there after. Take this time to look back and appreciate the numerous times you never thought you will survive but you did. This is just one of those. So keep the faith and hang on. Don’t give up on life, instead, give it all you got.
Being worthy of the best things in life is not based on achievements or status.
It’s based on your own perception and how much you truly love yourself.
Don’t let the ridiculous standards of others make you forget that reality.
At the end of the day, you still deserve to become your own #bestmeever , no matter what.
Be your own greatest fan.
That’s not being narcissistic. That’s self-love.
Please. Don’t ever limit yourself when it comes to giving yourself what is due:
Unconditional love. Understanding. Compassion. Kindness. Appreciation.
The question is: when was the last time you did just that?
Ok, if it’s been a while, know that you aren’t exactly alone.
You see sometimes, when life gets hard, we forget how important it is to give ourselves the kind of consideration and love we willingly give to others who matter to us.
However, know that no matter what you’ve been through or going through at the moment, those really don’t determine your worthiness or define your value.
You know what’s best for you…so give yourself just that.
This line encapsulates it fully:
It’s ok to consider your own needs and wants too.
Because you matter just as much as everyone else.
Given that, it’s very important to stop treating yourself unfairly so that you get to grow in harmony with your own #bestmeever .
Heres the thing: you weren’t born to just to baby sit for everyone else around. You weren’t born just to work your ass off to pay the bills. You deserve to have time for yourself and spend it no matter how you want to, guilt-free. You don’t need to explain to others why you took that long vacation or when you decided to spend the weekend reading books in your bedroom. You have the right. And you deserve it.
2. Minimizing your own progress
Give credit to where it is due — to yourself, included. Reflect quickly: when was the last time you honored your progress? Don’t ever attach your happiness and fulfillment to the achievement of your end goal. You don’t have to postpone your appreciation for yourself until then. You can do it here and now, simply because if you looked back, you would realize how far you’ve gone. Remember: choosing to start a new journey is an achievement by itself. Continue celebrating yourself to stay inspired along the way.
3. Choosing to always play it safe
You’ve heard it time and again: growth is outside your comfort zone. That essentially means that you should be willing to take risks in order for you to be the person that you want to be. Holding back won’t get you anywhere in this life time. Give yourself that fighting chance to go for what you truly want: whether it’s all about starting a new career, learning a new skill in a new environment or speaking up and allowing yourself to take up space as you are. It may be really uncomfortable at first but the rewards are life changing.
4. Settling in unhappy, stagnant relationships
Life is too short to stay in any relationship that does not help you grow or make you happy. If you find yourself trying to justify the toxic relationship you have just because you’ve been in it for a long time, then this is your sign to reflect and realize that by staying, you aren’t exactly changing it. You could have done that a long time ago, but haven’t. There I said it. Maybe now it’s time for you to be honest with yourself and give yourself what you deserve: the chance to communicate openly with the person you’re in a relationship with and discuss how both of you would want to move forward, based on what will work best for your relationship and yourselves too. Sweeping issues under the rug don’t necessarily resolve them, you know.
5. Invalidating your emotions
Don’t be scared to be honest about how you feel. It’s the only way you can process them fully. Do away with shame or self-judgment. You deserve to let yourself be and feel what must be felt so that you can discover the lessons each one is telling you. Know that every emotion, good or bad, helps you understand yourself on a deeper level, only if you let them unfold fully without any form of resistance. It’s ok to feel the way you do. How you deal with it moving forward given that, matters more.
Let me leave you with this thought for reflection:
Treating yourself fairly is never optional nor dependent on any other person, timing or situation.
It’s a personal choice to be made consistently and genuinely, every single day. every single way.
Hope you commit to making that choice for yourself whole heartedly.
Fact: You always choose to prioritize what truly matters to you.
Also a fact: sometimes we get distracted and we totally mess up our priorities.
I know, the irony of it all.
Don’t be disheartened though. You are not alone to begin with.
Admittedly, even I struggled with my priorities initially when things got more challenging than usual.
However, as I aged and gained more and more experience, I realized that choosing what to prioritize became easier.
Maybe because through the years, I have learned to recognize and accept what really are in alignment with my core values and those which are not.
That totally made the process of elimination way easier.
However, I am not telling you to hold off setting your priorities until you reach my age (I just turned 44 last August 12).
I am telling you that by choice, you can see beyond the distractions and focus on what truly matters most in the long run.
Take this time to quickly reflect:
What overwhelms you at the moment?
What is making you focus on them?
What do you think can you do otherwise to resolve them instead?
By recognizing and understanding what distracts you, you are able to deal with them better and allow you to navigate through your own journey with the greatest of ease minus the excess baggage.
Allow me to share with you the 5 things I have chosen to prioritize upon decluttering my thoughts and my space, something which you can do now as well in yours.
Here’s the thing: nothing else will matter and nothing can prosper if you don’t take care of yourself. You are just as important as everyone else around you. Never put your own needs and wants last. Always take time to practice self-care, no matter how busy or challenging life gets. It won’t take much to have a break, pamper yourself, go for a walk or do what you love in between your hectic schedules. Don’t ever feel guilty for giving yourself what is due: that is the love and care you willingly give to others along the way.
Life is too short to spend it unhappily doing things you don’t like, being with people who don’t inspire you to be your best or staying in a place or situation which does not spark joy or growth. You don’t have to ask for anyone else’s approval before you finally choose to go for what truly makes your heart skip a beat. For as long as you are willing and able to take responsibility for yourself and your happiness, by all means give it a go. You are worthy of that smile on your face and in your heart.
3. Self-Improvement
You are never too young or too old to learn a new skill, work on yourself and be the person you’re meant to be. Stop giving yourself excuses and start giving yourself new found inspiration to take that first step to upskill or get to know yourself on a deeper level. Unlocking your potential was never based on a singular time frame. All you have to do is make that choice now, and fully commit to it no matter what.
4. Nurturing quality relationships
I always say: it’s ok to outgrow people and relationships. Not everyone has to play a part in your next chapter. Not because you’re evil or they’ve turned bad, but simply because you no longer on the same page. Some people are not meant to stay in your life in the long run and that’s ok. What matters is you learn from them the valuable lessons you need moving forward. This was one of my key reflections during my two-week birthday hiatus: I truly feel grateful with who I have left in my space as the ones who left have made room for new people of true value to occupy. Everything happens for a reason so it’s very important to surround yourself with the right people.
5. Savings For The Future
I know at times we tend to live in the moment and spend like there’s tomorrow. However, please take note that it’s never too early or too late to actually prepare for your future too. Go get that insurance fund, open that savings account, buy properties that appreciate in value, invest wisely…do what you must so that you grow your earnings even through the rainy days. It’s not about fully depriving yourself along the way; it’s about proper allocation and understanding of the real value of saving for the kind of future you want for yourself and your loved ones.
I guess my birthday leave did do wonders for me as I got to sit down and blog about my realizations in terms of my priorities.
Hopefully this blog helps you to manage yours, way before your next birthday comes along.
Yup, your time is now.
Here’s the thing: you can’t really succeed in life without integrity.
There, I said it.
The truth will always come out.
And who you are behind close doors also matters a lot.
The question is: what kind of person are you when no one is watching?
Take this time to reflect: how do you uphold your values?
What do you do when the going gets tough?
How do you manage to stick to what is right?
These are just some of the reflections to think about as you truly embrace what it really means to choose integrity over personal interests.
And admittedly, it’s quite difficult at times.
I mean, who doesn’t want the easy way out?
However, please take to heart: easy doesn’t always mean it’s right.
So know that even if you struggle as you keep your values intact and do what is right and just, know that in the end, it’ll all be worth it.
Because having integrity not only makes you feel good about yourself, it can also open bigger doors for you in the long run as you walk the talk, no matter what.
I know. Change is inevitable. But that doesn’t mean you have to change directions daily. You can’t just be everything that everyone wants you to be. And that’s perfectly fine. What is key here is to always be consistent on how you show up every single day. What do you stand for? What’s your key message to the world? How do you want the rest of the world to experience and remember you? Always have that clear picture in mind of what you truly are and never let yourself be distracted by all the noise around you. Keep going even when times seem harder than usual. That’s when you grow more.
2. Inability to keep promises
You are as good as your word. Don’t ever make promises that you can’t keep. A lot of relationships, whether externally or the one you have with yourself, have gone sour just because commitments were not honored accordingly. Remember: with every promise that you make, your integrity and reputation are at stake. And once tainted, it’s much harder to rebuild. So never compromise.
3. Bad mouthing your competition
Security is an important factor when it comes to integrity. When you know yourself inside and out and are happily confident about what you are and what you’re not, you don’t need to put others down just to lift yourself up. Instead, you treat your competition as inspiration, learning from them along the way as you share spaces comfortably. There is something for everyone for as long as we all choose to do what is right even when not under the spotlight.
4. No clear stand on issues
Never run away from what you truly believe in. Take a stand. Speak up. Your bravery can inspire others when hard times overwhelm them. Come from your core values: what truly matters to you? What can you do to uphold them, as you consciously practice respect too? Don’t let your fear of being judged or cancelled stop you from being the person of integrity that you are.
5. Choosing to surround yourself with the wrong people
You have a choice on who to share spaces with. Be very mindful of this. Remember, you become the 5 people you frequently interact with. So make sure you don’t compromise your integrity by hanging out with people who are not in alignment with your core values, aspirations and goals. It doesn’t make you a bad person for choosing what (and who is) best for you. Like I always say: if it doesn’t inspire you or help you grow, let go. Applies to things, situations and people in this lifetime.
I hope now you have a clearer picture of how you can maintain your own integrity during trying times.
Because a person of integrity is considered a rare, priceless find.
Be that.
Always. In all ways.
Redirection, not rejection.
How many times have you heard that?
But it’s quite true.
Good or bad, everything has a purpose.
And that includes situations which at a glance, seem like failure, a mistake, missed opportunity or something very regretful.
However, in the long run, that fateful curve ball proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Take this time to reflect:
When was the last time you got rejected?
How did things turn out eventually?
I know. At the onset of any rejection, pain is inevitable.
However, once we get to embrace it and intentionally try to understand the purpose behind it, we begin to discover silver linings we never thought initially existed.
And yes, you can always start all over again, this time not from scratch but from rich, meaningful experience.
Know that in this lifetime, you will experience a number of rejections that will actually re-direct you towards the right path as you become the person you’re meant to be: your own #bestmeever .
Here are 5 times rejection can turn to redirection:
I am sure that when you were younger, a lot of times you have heard your mom and dad say “NO” so sternly when you were asking for something, may it be a toy, a sleep over at a friend’s house or an increase on your allowance. And back then, it felt that it was coming from a space of being too mean and unreasonable and that it was meant to punish you for things you don’t even know you whether you were guilty of or not. But here’s the tea: it wasn’t all those you assumed. Their “NO”s back then were meant to protect you and teach you the value of what truly matters most as you grow up: taking responsibility, making the most of what you have while working hard for what you want. I began to realize all those as I aged and help raise my nephews and nieces. However, what I am doing differently now is that I talk to them in a level they could understand and not use my age or the tone of my voice as the source of my authority. Remember: a NO coming from a loving space will always be embraced fully with the least or no resistance.
2. When you didn’t fit in during your time in school
During our younger years, we tend to prioritize belongingness over our own self-worth and happiness. I mean seriously, how many times have you tried fitting in back then that led you to compromise your own beliefs and values? However, as we grow older, we realize that being rejected then, just because maybe you were seen to be different, or you had different sets of views and opinions, did not make you less deserving to take up space as you are. Looking at it now, being able to uphold your own amidst a sea of people who just conform to fit in is an achievement by itself. It was teaching you about your own value and how you can inspire others to embrace themselves whole and love themselves fully, no matter how others may respond to them. Belongingness starts from within. It’s all about being one with yourself, no matter what.
3. When your heart got broken by someone
I always believe that somewhere out there, someone is more than willing to love you the way you want him/her to. You don’t need to force yourself on anyone or shrink yourself to fit the limitations of your current relationship just to make it work. Don’t let one heart break stop you from finding (and being) the love you deserve. You will always end up with someone better after learning how you can love yourself more from your last heart break. Yep, it’s leading you to your biggest breakthrough yet.
4. When you did not get accepted for a job you applied for
There will always be a point in our lives where in we set our sights too much on that single job that we thought will change our career trajectory completely only to end up disappointed by not landing on it. However, we forget the important lessons the rejection is teaching us: that there is still room for improvement, that there’s something better in store for us and that we need to be willing enough and humble enough to work on ourselves as we pivot. And those very lessons, once embraced fully, will take us to places we never imagined. Remember: you may not have gotten the job you initially wanted, but that never means you’re not qualified to end up where you truly deserve. Trust the process. Take it from someone who has experienced so many rejections before finding and living my life’s purpose daily. And it was one hell of a ride, but definitely worth it. At times I just find myself uttering “Oh, that’s why…” and can’t help but smile in the process.
5. When you said “NO” to yourself
You know what’s best for you. So if you’re coming from that space, for as long as you’re willing to take responsibility, saying “NO” to yourself becomes an empowering experience instead. Most especially during times you are tempted to compromise your values and wellbeing, being firm with your decision may feel too harsh at first since you’re doing it to yourself. But hey, look at the bigger picture and realize how important having discipline is over temporary convenience or pleasure. You can postpone that travel. You can quit that job. You can stop chasing that person. You know when you’ll be ready. You know when you’re able to forgive. You know your own metrics of success. You know what makes you happy. Never feel the need that you’re depriving yourself by respecting your own timelines and values despite the pressure coming from others. And if people reject you because of that, it’s on them, not you. Because every NO you say coming from a space of self-awareness and love, is a YES towards your own growth.
I always believe that everything that is meant for you will always find its way and flourish no matter what.
Keep that in mind and keep that close to your heart.
Whatever space you’re in now, you’re still on your way to becoming your own #bestmeever .
Patience is a virtue.
Perhaps one of the most popular quotes in this lifetime.
It does hit hard in a fast-pace environment we have gotten used to through the years.
Ever felt you have so little time on your hands?
Barely enough for you to enjoy life fully, forcing you to rush everything.
However, life was never meant to be lived in a hurry.
Each one of us has a unique journey, a different timeline towards becoming our own #bestmeever.
And we must embrace that whole heartedly.
Only then can we fully appreciate the space we are in.
When we allow ourselves to take up space as we are.
So take this time now to reflect: when was the last time you became impatient over something?
Waiting for important results?
A long-awaited trip?
A much-deserved promotion?
Someone changing for the better?
Whatever has caused you to become highly frustrated over the seemingly long delays , please take note that if you look at those things closely, they are beyond your control. So yeah, no point of stressing over them, simply because doing so won’t even change a thing.
I know that probably knocked some sense to you and hopefully as I share this blog post, the entire experience of reading through it changes you for the better.
You already know that it will take some time for something you truly want to happen. So why constantly stress yourself on focusing how long it will take? Remember, the waiting time does not shorten itself based on how much you stress over it. It gets shorter when you leave it as is and go on with your life, as life does not technically wait for anyone. Don’t waste the chance to grow in harmony with it.
2. Divert your attention towards things (and people) you love
Waiting for the next big thing for you does not mean your life must come to a pause too. Consider this as your much needed time off to focus on the people and things you love most. Spend time with your family. Play with your pets. Pursue that passion project. Remember, you become more patient with things (and people) that make your heart smile and feel good about yourself as you enjoy the moment with them.
3. Anticipate the value of having to patiently wait
Humility. Commitment. Compassion. Hope. Some of the important things you learn along the way. Embracing the waiting game whole heartedly allows you to see the value of being patient with yourself and your own journey. When you see something as a growing experience, you allow yourself to be more patient towards it.
4. Take time to upskill
You only stop growing when you allow yourself to be held back by the circumstances surrounding you. So choose to continuously invest on yourself and your growth, so that instead of stressing over things beyond your control, you get to channel your energy and focus to making yourself better. The waiting game then becomes a springboard for your own breakthroughs and success.
5. Reframe your mindset
Greatness takes time. It will all be worth it. I am learning and growing as I wait. Time is on my side. Trusting myself and the process. Just some of the things you can take to heart as you view your situation differently. Mind you though, you get real results when you actually believe these thoughts fully.
Whatever space you’re in now, I hope after reading this, you become more patient towards yourself and your journey.
Know that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
And you will always be just in time.
Just be patient.
Time is gold.
Indeed.
So how many of you grew up seeing that quote posted on your class room wall?
Or as a favorite answer back then when asked about one’s favorite saying?
Can’t blame them, guys. It’s indeed a very powerful saying.
So much truth to it.
After all, everything else will be meaningless : your wealth, your health, your accomplishments and all other things you hold close to your heart if you don’t have time to spare to enjoy them.
The question now is: how do you spend yours?
Reflect accordingly: where do you devote much of your time to?
While you’re at it, ask yourself this: where do you think you need to focus on instead?
Tough decision, if I may say, if you’ve already gotten used to doing the same thing over and over again.
But hey: life isn’t supposed to be lived in a routinary manner.
You deserve more.
To enjoy life to the fullest as you become the person you’re meant to be.
Your own #bestmeever .
And the only way to achieve that is to find time for things which really matter in the long run.
Mind you, regular is relative so it’s up to you if you want to do it on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Start with what can be comfortable for you then gradually improve on the frequency and quality of your focused moments.
Anyway, here they are:
1.) Time to go offline
Unplug to recharge. This simply means taking a mandatory break from social media. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion like the Holy Week or a life-changing event to make that hard stop. Don ‘t be afraid to miss out on what’s going on in the digital space as you allow yourself to embrace the reality in front of you. Life outside of social media will always be more meaningful and beautiful. Trust me, while I utilize my social media platforms for my coaching practice , I mindfully ensure that I do hard stops at the end of the day as I lay my phone and laptop to rest. That allows me to do my meditations and become 100% present in my current space.
2.) Time for self-care
I have always been a very strong advocate for wellness and wellbeing. So it’s very important for me (and for you dear reader as well) to always find time to take care and pamper yourself. You deserve it. It doesn’t have to be grand always, but hey if you have extra to splurge on, why not? What I am saying is that self-care can be in different forms such as having breaks in between your work schedule, staying away from toxic people or treating yourself to a massage. Remember: it’s your responsibility to make yourself feel a little bit better. On my end, I make sure to reward myself at the end of each and every single day, no matter how it went. And by rewarding I mean whether getting my favorite chocolate or allowing myself to watch an extra episode on Netflix. After all, making it through a day is an achievement by itself.
3.) Time for self-improvement
Question: when was the last time you invested on yourself and your growth? You are the best investment you can ever make so always find time to learn a new skill or get to know yourself on a deeper level. Never be too busy with work that you forget how important it is to fuel your own growth, whether that means embarking on a self-discovery journey with a professional or widening the skill set on your resume. Go for what you think will benefit you in the long run, inside and outside of work. I always put much value on learning continuously so this year, I am planning to go back to graduate school to study once more…after 10 years since I finished my Masters degree in UP Diliman. Excited though for this new adventure.
4.) Time to build and nurture relationships
No man is an island and your relationship with others matter as much as your relationship with yourself. So always find time to be with people you love and make each and every moment meaningful and memorable. Even at your busiest days, find time to at least text or call to remind them that they are thought about despite the craziness of your schedule. Open yourself up to possibilities of building your network also as you meet other people and build new relationships which can be of great value in the long run.
5.) Having your own ME Time
Before anything else, stop judging yourself. Having your own ME Time is never selfish. It’s a must. Never let anything or anyone make you feel otherwise. You, as much as everyone else, deserve to give yourself undivided attention and 100% love. How you want to spend your time for yourself is truly up to you. Whether you choose to meditate, travel, visit a new place, pursue a hobby — do what makes your heart and soul smile happily. I make my evenings as my regular ME Time, where I take off my coaching hat and just let myself be. And I tell you, it’s one of the best ways to rejuvenate at the end of a long day as I cuddle with my fur babies and watch my favorite series on Netflix while chatting with friends and loved ones on the side.
I hope reading this helps you realize what you’ve been missing out on your schedule.
One thing to take to heart today:
If it matters, make quality time for it.
Because you can.
