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.
Christmas is just around the corner.
I hope you’re just as excited as I am.
I mean, setting aside the heavy traffic and the crazy yuletide rush, I have always looked forward to celebrating Christmas wherever I am in this world.
There’s something about the entire feel of this festive season that brings about unexplainable joy and peace at the same time.
And no, I am not trying to invalidate the feelings of anyone reading this because truth be told, sometimes because life happened, we feel anxious, worried and down during the holidays. Holiday blues are quite normal so stop beating yourself up and know that whatever you’re going through now and feeling as of the moment will eventually will come to pass. Just trust yourself and the process along the way.
While you’re at it, take this time to reward yourself for making it through the year. Yes, you deserve that gift you’ve always wanted for yourself. Whether it’s that new gadget you’ve had your eye on for the longest time, that extended vacation leave or getting the next stamp on your passport, don’t feel guilty for giving yourself what is due, for as long as you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions. Don’t let anything or anyone make you feel less deserving of whatever your heart desires.You only live once so take this time to celebrate yourself during the holidays.
However, amidst the festivities, one thing that you shouldn’t stress about are the gifts you can give to others. Do away with the notion that Christmas can be so expensive for everyone and that gifts determine the value you put on a certain relationship. Seriously, they don’t. It’s not how lavish your gifts are; it’s how meaningful they are and how relevant they become to a person long after the holidays are over and they begin their new chapter.
I always believed that no one is too busy to create meaningful relationships and beautiful memories. Make use of this holiday season to nurture your relationships by spending time with people closest to your heart. It’s not how long you spend time with each but rather how you maximize your time spent together that matters most. Visit a long time friend, call a relative overseas, host a lunch or dinner for your family. Remember, you’ll never know how many holidays you can still spend together in the future so make the most of the one you have now. Time is the most precious gift you can give to others (and the one you can give to yourself too) so don’t hold back on the chance to make their Christmas happier than usual with your presence.
2. Empathy
Whether someone close to you or a total stranger, they deserve your empathy. Remember that everyone has a different journey and to be able to fully understand them, you must try to walk in their shoes to see the real value of their experiences. So now, as things go crazy in between due to the holiday rush, practicing kindness and understanding towards people working overtime, or those asking for help whether loudly or silently, or those who are not in their festive holiday mood, goes a long way.
3. Help
You are never too weak, to helpless or too insignificant to help another person in need. Doing volunteer work or simply lending your time, effort and resources to help others can make a big difference during the holidays, not only for them, but for yourself as well, as you gain a most rewarding, highly fulfilling experience. Know that whatever you choose to give out this Christmas, for as long as your intentions are clear, they will return to you tenfold.
4. Hope
Somewhere out there, someone looks up to you as an inspiration. Be that shining light of hope for others by sharing your stories that can inspire them to be their own #bestmeever . Never underestimate the power of your words, impact and influence. Use them to change the lives of others for the better as you share your own wisdom lifted from your real-life experiences that are definitely worth sharing
5. Growth
Give a gift that lasts a last time and grows in value. Devote your time to teaching others new skills that can help them thrive better in life. Whether it’s all about helping them set up their own business, teaching them how to have an abundant mindset through journaling or equipping them with coaching skills, know that these will greatly impact the way they go through life positively in the long run. Sharing is caring. And know that each time you teach, you grow as well.
I hope that you get to share these gifts with people around you, whether physically or virtually.
By doing so, you not only make their Christmas happier and more meaningful, you also make yours even more special.
It’s the season of giving. And experiencing the beauty in receiving.
Don’t miss out on this.
Merry Christmas everyone.
This year is not your usual Christmas holiday.
And this is perhaps true for many.
I mean after more than two years, finally the effects of the COVID19 pandemic seems to have lessen in terms of gravity and number of cases. However, a lot of people have yet to recover from their own personal experiences filled with anxiety, worries and sadness because of what transpired in the past two holiday seasons we had.
What’s good about now though is that slowly travel and living restrictions are easing up and people have been slowly coping with the new normal.
Just in time for Christmas! Love it!
I must admit, I find joy now just driving around, admiring the Christmas decors of establishments left and right while listening to the Christmas tunes which seem to have a new meaning (and feeling!) altogether now.
Best gift ever. The freedom to finally celebrate Christmas the way we want to. Well almost. Haha.
But hey, let’s face it. Life is definitely getting better. So let’s just be grateful. *fingers crossed.
Now, I know that by this time you might slowly be getting excited to perhaps re-think how you can celebrate your Christmas this year.
Well, allow me to define first what Christmas is not so that you can truly reflect how you want to go about enjoying the holidays.
1.) Christmas is not all about gifts
Seriously. While it’s nice to be remembered or to be able to give others presents, Christmas isn’t all about that. The size of one’s gift given or received does not demarcate how valuable one is during the season. Remember, your presence alone and the presence of those dear to your heart are more than enough. Wouldn’t that be the best gift ever: simply being appreciated for who and what you are as you remain grateful for all the people who have showered you with love through the years. Think again before stressing yourself over that next present.
2.) Christmas is not about parties
While Christmas is synonymous to celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, it doesn’t exactly mean that you need to pressure yourself to say yes to all the parties and go on a drinking spree until you go bankrupt. You can still celebrate intimately with friends and loved ones even over a simple dinner and still enjoy the spirit of the holiday season. Don’t ever base your Christmas on the amount of food on the table and number of drinks in the fridge.
3.) Christmas is not just for kids, families, friends and couples.
Christmas is within you. You don’t need anyone else to remind you how beautiful it is to celebrate it, as you are. Whether you’re single, you’re on your gray years or far away from home, you can still enjoy the holidays in your space by focusing on being grateful and being present in the moment. Don’t waste the holidays away. Go out. Create meaningful connections. And relive the Christmas vision you’ve always had in your heart.
4.) Christmas is not about the amount of money you have
Your money inside your wallet or bank account has nothing to do with the amount of happiness you can have this season of giving, only if you allow yourself to look beyond monetary concerns. Stop comparing, start living within your means. And find new meaning in finding freedom from superficial concerns. Don’t miss this chance to turn the holidays into a priceless experience instead.
5.) Christmas is not just a holiday break
While generally we associate it with rest because of the non-working holidays during Christmas season, Christmas is more than just a paid vacation. It’s actually a springboard for you to reflect and recalibrate as you prepare for yet another wonderful year ahead. Invest on yourself and on your growth and start working within instead. So that by the time comes we bid Christmas goodbye, you are more than prepared to say hello to the new year that awaits. Celebrate in your own way, your own pace. It’s not just part of a timeline. It’s there to stay. So own it.
I hope this blog helps you align your thoughts about Christmas.
At the end of the day,
Christmas is what it is for you.
Make the most of it.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
I can’t agree more.
If you’re like me, you probably love Christmas just as much.
For some reasons, I feel like Christmas brings out the goodness in each and every person around us.
There’s something about the holidays that makes us want to be nicer and kinder to others and ourselves as well.
“Pasko naman. (It’s Christmas anyway)” is something we hear commonly nowadays to justify something in our lives.
Whether it’s having a break to prevent burn out, to spending on something that we have always wanted, loving ourselves more or mending broken ties with others, we seem to have gravitated towards using Christmas as a worthy excuse.
But do we really have to in the first place?
Come to think of it: does the Christmas season have something really special in it to make it as the perfect time to do the things we want and be the person we are meant to be, meaning our own #bestmeever ?
Of course as a practicing Catholic, I pay tribute to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and I truly celebrate that as, like what they say, is the true essence of Christmas. We can never discount that. And to be clear, my previous statement was never about minimizing the real value of the Christmas season in general.
It’s all about making you guys think: why do you have to wait for Christmas to give yourself what is due?
Acceptance. Self-Care. Love. Peace. Forgiveness. Happiness. New beginnings. Time off. Happily Ever Afters.
Here’s the thing: all those were never based on perfect timing. More so on Christmas per se.
They are based on your choices. Your commitment to yourself and your growth. Your willingness to make things right as you give yourself what you truly deserve to be able to live your best life.
Don’t wait until it’s December 25 or for the clock to strike 12 midnight to demarcate January 1 to turn a new leaf.
What if you treat every single day instead like Christmas?
How different will your life be?
Imagine your days filled with hope, joy and lots of good times and laughter.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, or when you want to embark on a new unfamiliar adventure, why not say: “It’s ok. Pasko naman. (Anyway, it’s Christmas)?
Christmas was never just a period in time.
It’s a state of mind and heart.
A beautiful reminder of choosing to love ourselves more, just like how baby Jesus loves us.
Unconditionally.
This is your sign.
Reach out. Inquire within. Let yourself be.
Share that Christmas in your heart.
And watch yourself, others and everything else surrounding you become merrier.
It’s your season.
Make the most of it.
