Happy new year!
Which basically equates to a happy new you!
Hopefully.
We often make the new year as the perfect time to self-reflect and recalibrate there after.
I guess it’s that notion that we have to begin the year on a clean slate.
Which can mean reinventing one’s self in the process to become one’s own #bestmeever whatever that may look like.
However, truth be told, we need not wait for the new year to change anew.
To become the person we want to be.
Because in reality, we can start all over again at any given point in our lives.
So yes, this is your cue to reflect: what is my current space and what’s next for me?
Be sure to be clear about it so that you will be guided accordingly as you go through the rest of 2023, better than ever.
Now, the big question is: when do you begin?
1.) When things are not working out for you
Come from a space of honesty and ask yourself what’s not in alignment in your life? What’s causing unnecessary stress and chaos? Remember, as the saying goes, some things have to fall apart so that the right ones can fall into place. Maybe that’s telling you the same: that you’re not supposed to be in the same space that has become too small or too crowded for you. Time for that personal overhaul.
2.) When things are going really smoothly for you
I know. This may be the exact opposite of the one I mentioned earlier. But so as not to confuse you, what this basically means is that if you encounter a number of coincidences that seem to be stepping stones towards where you want to be, take them as your sign. Be brave enough to level up. The Universe is letting you know that you are very much supported and loved.
3.) When you’re having doubts
Be mindful of your own feelings and emotions. If doubts are starting to creep in, whether it’s about yourself, your work, your relationship or whatever else matters to you, pause first and assess the situation. Then based on your reflection, begin anew with what will work best for you. And yes, feeling confused at times is normal. What’s essential is what you do there after.
4.) When you have prepared for it fully
You worked hard. Stayed committed all through out. Did everything you can with all that you have in the last few months or years. So what’s stopping you from turning the page and embarking on a new adventure you’ve always dreamed of? You are now built for the battle. Conquer it. There’s no perfect timing really; only the perfect decision to commit to one’s self and one’s growth. You are ready.
5.) When nothing seems to be happening
The world around you might seem too fast paced at time while you seem stuck at present. That’s your sign to get yourself out of that rut. Learn what you must, do what you can. But remember to keep moving forward after mastering the stillness around you. Because that space was actually preparing you for something far greater than you imagined.
If you reached this point then most probably you could have related to at least one of these.
If you did, congratulations.
This is your sign.
Welcome 2023 with a bang.
Time to start all over again.
Because change will always be beautiful.
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.
You can’t move on if you don’t know how to let go.
This.
Oftentimes, we tend to hold on to a lot of things from our past.
And more often than not, we let our past define us.
By doing so, we lose the opportunity to live in the now and enjoy what life has to offer.
Listen guys, becoming your own #bestmeever involves being able to be brave enough to let go of the things, situations and people that no longer serve you well or are no longer true and applicable in your current space.
They already taught you important lessons. You took all those to heart. That’s enough. You don’t have to keep beating yourself up because it’s over and done with. What matters is you’ve grown from them.
2. Your failures
See it this way: you’re still here. You’ve made it this far. And that alone makes you successful. It means that you still have another chance to make things right. And not everyone has that beautiful opportunity. Seize it.
3. People you’ve outgrown
Not everyone has to play a part in your current story. And that doesn’t make you (or them) as a bad person. Each person that comes in your life has a purpose. And once they leave, that means they have already fulfilled theirs. And that’s something to be really grateful for.
4. The future’s uncertainty
No one has control over the future. Yes, you included. So stop stressing over what lies ahead and just focus on making the most of what today can be. That’s the only thing certain indeed: what you have now. The present moment.
5. The small stuff
Reflect on this: you’ve probably been through worse. And you made it through. So don’t let things which are not life changing so to speak take up most of your time, space and happiness. If it wouldn’t matter in the next 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days, 5 weeks or 5 years, don’t sweat it.
As you read over this, I hope that you managed to reflect on your own and clear some space in your current life.
By making space in your present, you allow yourself to enjoy the gift of today to the fullest.
And that’s one thing you can never bring back once it’s done.
You will always be the greatest investment you can make.
So true.
At the end of the day, it’s all about you.
How you make your decisions, how you choose the people you choose to surround yourself with, how you keep your own self-worth intact.
It can be said that at times, how others see you (and treat you, mind you) is basically a reflection of how much work you put on yourself and how many things you actually do away with.
While the goal is not to please others with everything that you do, it is important to know and take to heart that your growth should also be on top of your list.
And that can look like feeling better about yourself, looking the part, achieving more and inspiring others along the way.
Not to mention that as you grow your worth as a person, other people will naturally gravitate towards you, allowing you to build new relationships, discover new opportunities and expand your reach and influence.
Sounds good huh?
1.) Invest in yourself
I just had to repeat this. Yes, it’s that important. Take that class. Go on that vacation. Work out. Have that facial. Do whatever can help you improve yourself in all aspects. You deserve that. Remember, when you look good and feel good, you become more confident and desirable, not only to yourself but also in the eyes of others.
2.) Network
Allow yourself to expand your social circle and be intentional in meeting people who can add value to your life. I always say that you become the sum total of the 5 people you spend most of your time with so choose well. Maximize every event that you go to by making a wonderful impression on everyone that you meet, because who knows, someday, they might be the person (or they might introduce you to someone) that you need in your space. There’s no room for shyness when growth is at stake.
3.) Be comfortable in saying NO
Saying NO does not make you a bad person. It only shows how you give importance to yourself and your boundaries. By not always being readily available, you teach others to respect your time and space, something which you really deserve to have to begin with. Make your YES just as precious as you are, always.
4.) Be willing to wait
Great things take time. So stop pressuring yourself or rushing to the next opportunity that comes along. Learn to discern what you deserve. Don’t settle for less. You know what’s best for you. And take to heart that what’s meant for you will eventually find its way. You just have to be patient and enjoy the journey as you wait for what your heart truly longs for. Know your value.
5.) Let yourself be heard and recognized
You deserve to be heard and recognized by everyone else around you. Use your voice to influence others. Tap on your skills in writing, speaking or whatever you may be good at and share valuable pieces of insights and information for others to use and reflect on. Make a stand and inspire others to do the same as you use your voice to stir up discussions and mobilize inspired actions. Allow others to see a formidable leader in you.
So there. I hope these help you grow your worth so you will be able to take up more space as you become your own #bestmeever .
Trust me, your entire journey will be all worth it.
Just like you.
I love celebrations.
And that’s an understatement.
Big or small, I love the energy when people come together and just express their gratitude over milestones and wins.
The energy is so inviting and inspiring whenever I see people smile, laugh and just focus on being present in this happy moment, alongside others who share their joy.
Applies also to people who celebrate on their own by choice. You’re entitled to that to begin with.
Can’t we just be like this every single day? Haha! I wish.
While, happiness is a matter of choice and we can have our own set of habits that will help us cultivate our own happiness, admittedly, life in general isn’t exactly a bed of roses.
I mean admittedly, life throws us a curve ball, sometimes a dozen even, haha. and these painful experiences despite their lessons, make us forget how beautifully happy life is in general.
Well, today, let me remind me how amazing your life is as you get the chance to enjoy these 5 important life celebrations and the lessons they bring with them. Remember, for as long as you’re alive, you have the opportunity to celebrate these. Don’t stress yourself much if some haven’t happened yet. Just take this time to believe that eventually, everything will fall into place when you’re ready. Trust the timing of your life so that you don’t become anxious about anything unnecessary.
1.) Your birthday
Please, remember this: you are never too old to celebrate your birthday. You deserve to acknowledge your own existence. Each birthday of yours is reminding you of an important lesson: you matter. You were given a chance to live in this world, to take up space and reach up to whatever age you’re meant to. So never let anything or anyone stop you from living a full life. Aging is a beautiful experience. It reminds you of how far you’ve gone.
2.) Your first love
Love is such a wonderful feeling right? And who doesn’t miss that first time that you felt butterflies in your stomach as your heart beat faster at the sight of your first beloved who made you feel like the only person in this world? Even as you age, your first love never dies. And that teaches you a wonderful lesson: to always hold on to hope and love. That no matter what happens, you will always have beautiful memories that will remind you that once in your life, you felt special and that you allowed yourself to listen to your heart and just love. So when the going gets tough, and during days that you feel less attractive or not worthy, remember that once in your life, those thoughts never existed because you chose to see through the eyes of love. And you can do that all over again by choice.
3.) Your first award
Being recognized for what you do (and who you are) can be life changing. So try to remember the first time someone gave you the recognition you deserved, whether it was a simple compliment, a pat on the back, receiving a certificate or trophy and savor that moment. It’s an amazing reminder that you are good enough. You have what it takes to succeed and those wins, big or small, are a testament of your greatness. When in doubt, remember how you rose above all the challenges you had before and came out on top.
4.) Your first job and salary
Everyone must start off somewhere. And no matter what your first job is, it’s actually serves as a beautiful reminder: that being humble and persistent goes a long way. Still remember how much you were celebrating when you got your first salary? What did you do with it? Notice how it seemed like such a big deal before. Today, if you feel that you’re not earning much or you haven’t achieved enough, look back when you were starting your career and realize how much you’ve grown over all in your practice. Should you be unemployed at this time, remember that you only lost a job perhaps, but the skills to land in one, you still have those intact. So don’t fret. You’re just starting all over again.
5.) Your first born
Unconditional love. That perhaps is the best lesson this celebration of new life is teaching us. That special feeling that you’re willing to give your all to this being which was born from love. That’s such a beautiful reminder as you grow in harmony with the members of your family, through good times and bad times. It’s a lasting promise that you should be willing to keep because remember, at the end of the day, your children will be your legacy. Raise them to be amazing ones with your love.
I hope reminiscing these life celebrations made you smile.
You still have a long way to go to enjoy your life journey as much as you can.
After all, you’re on your way to becoming your own #bestmeever .
And that’s something to celebrate about every single day.
No pain, no gain.
We grew up hearing this, time and again.
And at times, I must admit, I can’t help but agree with this.
While I wouldn’t mind having a smooth sailing life to begin with, I have embraced the fact that life in general has its own twists and turns.
Most of which are beyond our control.
Which actually makes sense to just let things be and embrace the lessons each and every not so good experience that life may bring instead of getting anxious and stressed.
I know. That won’t be a walk in the park.
However, it’s very much possible.
To see the silver lining in every painful experience we have.
And change for the better as we anchor on all the lessons learned.
Allow me to share with you the 5 painful life experiences that will shape you.
1.) A death of a loved one
This one is inevitable. As much as we want to be with people closes to our hearts, we just can’t. Death is something we cannot predict, more so stop permanently. It’s as natural as the sun rising daily, and as day turns to night. While the intensity of the pain may vary due to the cause or timeliness of the death, each death teaches us an important lesson: how to fully let go and be at peace eventually with the decision. It may take time and a whole lot of effort, however, full, genuine acceptance of things, people and situations which are no longer there are crucial for us to move on and forward when life throws a curve ball. It also teaches us the important lessons of valuing relationships and making the most of each and every moment, as we can’t really say when it’s our time to go (or let go of someone). Treat every single day as if it was your last. Very good reminder indeed.
2.) A major break up
Ouch. I feel you. Haha! I know, this can wreck havoc in one’s emotional state especially if you have always believed that you will end up with the person who broke your heart. Well take note of this: it doesn’t mean that if someone broke your heart, you won’t have your happily ever after someday. Because trust me, you will. And that’s the important lesson a break up teaches you: that you have to be patient enough to get what you truly deserve. That you need to love yourself first so that others will love you just as much. And when you’re able and ready, the right one for you will come eventually. You just have to be the love that you want to receive.
3.) A significant failure
I know it can be so frustrating when you work so hard on something and not get the desired results. Whether it’s a wasted opportunity, a competition lost, a business that went bankrupt … they all are teaching us the same thing : that we can always do better. Knowing that there’s room for improvement should inspire us to continue journeying towards our best . Remember, it doesn’t end when you lose ; it only begins when you embrace the new lessons learned and apply them there after.
4.) A betrayal
Experiencing something that’s totally unexpected like a betrayal can hurt big time. More so if it comes from a person that’s close to your heart. One can’t help but feel immense hurt, anger and pain when trust is broken. But trust me, that had to happen in order for you to learn very significant lessons in self-worth and discernment. Betrayals teach you to become more mindful about the relationships you keep and the people you allow in your space. It teaches you about what you deserve and how to value yourself more. And those lessons will go a long way as you meet various people in your life time. It pays to know.
5.) Outgrowing people, things and situations
There will come a time that certain relationships with people, things and circumstances will no longer spark the same joy or ignite further inspiration. That can be such a heart breaking experience to realize that something familiar is slowly fading to oblivion. Whether it’s a childhood friend, a place you grew up with or something you owned, letting go can be so difficult. However, it’s a must because it teaches you that life goes on. Not everyone or everything must play a part in your next chapter. It’s ok if it ends there. It already served its purpose. Be grateful that it happened. Then bravely turn the next page as you welcome new people and experiences in your space. You’ll be fine.
I hope that by reading through these you got to evaluate and appreciate your pains more.
Truth be told, each pain serves a beautiful purpose.
As you journey towards your own #bestmeever .
So embrace them fully, whole heartedly.
Because there’s so much to gain.
I spent the last 100 days working on myself.
Long overdue if I may say. Haha!
I let my old self die along with all the unnecessary burdens I was carrying with me, thinking that I must endure so that others can enjoy being their journey towards their own #bestmeever more…at my expense sad to say.
As a professional coach, I am used to giving my all, each and every time I engage with my coachees and mentees during our sessions. And as the person that I am, I have always been the type who’s willing to sacrifice when needed just to make my relationships, whether romantic or other wise, work.
While my heart was full during the entire time that I was giving, admittedly, I forgot to allow myself to receive just as much.
Yes, I am only human and sometimes I forget. So there, I hope that I debunked the notion that coaches are invincible.
I don’t want to be invincible. I want to be real that’s why I am sharing this, to show that it’s ok to be your vulnerable self.
To admit that you’re tired. To recognize that you need to do a hard stop. To acknowledge that you need to focus more on yourself. To love yourself more in the process.
To be candid about it, it took quite sometime (and a number of situations) to make me realize that.
You know that saying when God (and the Universe) wants you to learn something, He will give you situations that will make you rethink your decisions, albeit at times really painful and heart breaking, so that you will learn your lessons well.
I think I got that point across. Clearly! Haha!
Prior to me having the much needed hard stop, things seem to be falling apart left and right: relationships not working out, contracts shelved, regular media guestings cancelled or moved — all these things I tried to keep to myself as I processed alone initially. In the process of coping and being optimistic about things thinking that all will come to pass, I saw myself going out more and just enjoying life the best way I know: exploring new food places left and right. Yup, even if I was working out, I was eating much. My thought then: best way to think things over. Haha!
That was one of the biggest lies I told myself and good thing I caught myself immediately.
I remember taking a bath one day right after my heart got broken in a million pieces by someone and decided to take my pic. When I saw my pic, it then hit me: I love my curves and all, but I know I can love myself more.
So this was me. On that fateful day. At 179.3 lbs. Chubuff! hahaha!
And then I remembered: I walk the talk.
This is what I tell my coachees and mentees. To practice what they preach. To be a living example.
So I did.
First thing I did was to give myself a clear goal: to be my #bestmeever self again in the next 100 days.
I had a clear vision of how that will look like: healthier, happier and a whole lot better.
Next, I did a hard stop. I started saying no to engagements that were not life changing for me. I asked permission from my clients that I will need a time off as I heal and recalibrate myself. Same goes with my usual media programs. My honesty paid off: they were all supportive. I felt the love. And I will always be grateful for that. Now that my schedule was a bit free, what do I want to do now?
This was a no brainer.
I went to Boracay, one of my favorite beaches for a week to just reflect and recognize the space that I am in. 
It helped a lot. Healing took place the moment I landed there and re-traced my steps, re-lived some experiences and created new memories. So many tears shed, so many emotions felt. All worth it. It was empowering and liberating to slowly let the broken pieces of my old self fall off and reveal my upgraded one underneath. I also enjoyed my long walks from Station 1 to Station 3 every morning and during sunset because I got to burn a lot of calories and practice gratitude for this opportunity to start all over again. Promise, reflecting while walking was very therapeutic.
I also started mindful eating then because wellness and over-all well-being includes not only the mental and emotional state but the physical state as well. Ok, so I started doing intermittent fasting (16-8), no more rice, ate more proteins and veggies. Yes, veggies. For those who know me, they will probably raise eyebrows upon reading this. But hey yes, if there’s one beautiful habit I learned from my previous painful experience is to have a wonderful relationship with vegetables and veggie meat. Haha!
A sample of my usual food from that time on. My goodness, never in my wildest dreams have I imagined myself ordering salad, and just salad for lunch. But hey miracles do happen! And after 100 days, I think I am a testament to that. I love veggies now. Legit.
I also started a morning routine to challenge myself and allow myself to have time and space to reflect and process every single day. I started jogging in the morning. Usually at 4:30AM. Rain or shine. Crazy right?
One of my favorite places. But it goes beyond health reasons and burning calories. It was all about practicing my commitment to myself and my own wellness and well-being. While I was not that overweight to begin with, I realized that loving myself more means to also allow myself to take care of my body so I can look and feel my best. Cannot just settle knowing that I can still be better. So glad I committed to that practice. Up to now actually!
By this time you also know that I had my cataract operation recently so that coincided with my time off, and looking at it, it’s actually a blessing in disguise. I was forced to stay at home and recover and recuperate. I knew I had to keep my body healthy so I began a loving relationship with my yoga mat and did stretches regularly to keep my body in tune (and me inspired).
That’s my after stretching glow in my unfiltered picture taken after my routine.
So slowly and surely, I got back into a healthy routine that worked for me, while consciously and intentionally managing my work load better. I started accepting new clients as I found new inspiration in what I do, because this time around, as I coach, I also allowed myself to be coached (thanks Coach, you know who you are!) and be part of the equation (recognizing my own needs and wants as just as important and not just settle for the sake of). I actually found more joys in saying NO’s to the many requests that flood me daily. And even more joy in saying yes to owning my space and sanitizing it fully. In the process, I also found happiness in going back to my aerial silks practice because that sparked joy outside of what I was used to doing. A little excitement goes a long way.
Ok. let me rephrase that as this must be too much of an excitement already for some. Haha!
All through out my journey, I also became more mindful about doing the things that make my heart smile. So I did put up my Christmas tree early and bought a number of statement shirts that resonated with me.
Don’t you just think my personal holiday looked good on me?
I shed more and more weight as the days go by and together with the excess pounds were the excess baggage and stress I unknowingly carried.
The more weight I lost, the more I found myself.
It wasn’t just my weight that was holding me down; it was my decision then to give others all the love and affection I could. Something which now I realized I deserved myself. I just forgot because I was too busy with work and working things out.
And now, I am so glad I did realize everything just in time.
Because who I saw as my wellness journey unfolded was my real self: a person who was genuinely happy, complete and fulfilled.
Ready to face the world again.
And the world couldn’t agree more.
I am grateful for the warm welcome everyone gave me and everything just seems to be falling back into place.
I went back to the radio station to do live broadcast after 2.5 years of doing remote ones. I love it’s new look! Not to mention I have a new regular stint in another station for the coming month and other media-related interviews ahead. I’m back!
I also started giving face to face workshops again and reviving all the pending speaking, coaching and facilitating engagements I had with brands and companies. The energy of the participants from CDO filled my love tank to the brim. Thank you for the trust and love. See you again soon!
I told you the Universe has a funny way of reminding you that you’re on the right track. In my case, my interview with global thought leadership magazine, Authority Magazine , just came out. The topic: Total Health. Uhm, relate much! But again, I am super grateful for this opportunity to inspire worldwide.
This recent win before I finished my 100 days as one of the Top Celebrity Life Coaches globally was really life changing and timely for me. It was a beautiful reminder of why I chose to be in this industry and that being able to change lives globally is a privilege I hold close to my heart. Thank you for believing in me and in what I do best.
And of course, since I weigh myself daily, I’d like to share how much I weigh. From 81.5 kgs (179.3 lbs) when I started, to …
Yes, taken this morning. 74.70 kgs. (164.34 lbs). That’s 14.96 lbs lost in 100 days. Yaaaasssss!
You may ask how I look like now?
Wish granted.
After work out. No edits.
Heartbreaks really do look good on me, don’t you agree?
I am now ready for more mature roles, Direk. hahahaha!
But seriously, looking good makes one feel good right? That’s my space now. After seeing I can actually fit into my 2018 clothes (I was 158 lbs at my leanest, but changed my body goals now because I want to beef up instead of being twinkish, if you know what I mean. haha!)
Can I just say?
I am just so proud of myself.
Great job, Self!
The entire journey wasn’t easy. But all worth it.
I hope this blog post of mine inspires you guys to just keep going. Keep growing.
Let your heartbreaks lead you to your breakthroughs.
Let your 100 days start now.
For me, my next 100 days continue. On to more healthy living, greater goals, more meaningful relationships, continuous healing, recalibrating and growing.
I am on my way to my own #bestmeever .
If you want to go on your own wellness and wellbeing journey towards your own #bestmeever , message me when you’re ready to invest on your self, your happiness and your growth. Let’s work together.
Sigh.
That’s perhaps the only thing we can do whenever things don’t go as planned.
I mean, I know one way or another you can relate to any or all of these:
….ever set a goal worked so hard on it, which led you to be just one step away from achieving it e.g. a promotion at work, a financial target, winning a competition etc,…but then suddenly the biggest plot twist occurs and your journey suddenly gets cut short?
….did you ever find yourself in a near-perfect relationship with your seemingly ideal guy and then without warning you find your fairy tale love story ending abruptly?
…planned your dream vacation and then suddenly it got cancelled because of unforeseen events beyond your control?
I can actually go on and on with this list but heym you already know what I am talking about.
Yup, it’s a fact: things don’t always work out the way we want them to.
Which in turn leaves us feeling angry, sad, worried and a whole lot anxious about what’s next for us, totally forgetting our own #bestmeever journey.
Reason being is that we focus too much on what went wrong instead of seeing the beautiful silverlinings behind seemingly tragic ends.
Allow me to share with you the 5 reasons why things don’t work out initially.
1.) You are being saved from greater pain or danger
Yes. God (or the Universe) might have just saved your ass from something more severe hidden under your story’s plot. Ever heard of the people who got stuck in traffic on their way to work at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 bombing? Or the guy who missed the fatal flight to Kenya? Yep, you probably know a lot of those kind of stories. And yes, they’re real.
2.) You are given the chance to improve yourself even more
Not yet does not mean never. So how amazing is it to know that there’s still room for improvement and you’re given yet another chance to maximize it? It’s no secret that Pia Wurtzbach joined the National Pageant thrice, each time becoming better, before she won and got to represent the country in the 2015 Miss Universe, where she bagged the crown. What if you’re a Pia in the making? I know that made you smile. Allow.
3.) It’s allowing you to focus on yourself and recalibrate
Have you been so gung-ho when it comes to chasing your goals? Feeling tired, pressured and burned out? Things not working out in your favor allow you to step back, pause and re assess the space you’re in as you take that much needed break from it all. That’s actually the healthy (and humbling ) way to go about things: allow yourself to rest as you let the dust settle so you can clearly define what’s next for you. Yup, there’s life after chaos of whatever kind. You’ll survive and thrive.
4.) You learn important lessons you need
Good or bad, experiences help you grow by allowing you to learn important lessons you need in life. Ask yourself this each time things don’t go as planned: what is this situation teaching me? How can I apply the learning to my current space? You will be surprised on how smooth your life can be there after only if you take the lessons to heart.
5.) You deserve something (or someone) better
God knows better. Period. Someday you will meet that one person who will make you realize why you had to undergo so many heart aches and why all was worth it. Someday, you will look back and smile about lost opportunities and relationships that led you exactly to where you’re meant to be: happier and free. You just have to trust the process, do all that you can with all that you have, and know and believe that the best is yet to come. Soon!
So guys, if times are rough now, remember this:
Tough times are temporary.
All will be well eventually.
You just have to look beyond the challenging situations and realize that all will work out eventually.
Your journey is just beginning.
Now take a deep breath.
Because life goes on.
So can you.
Happy 41st birthday, Self!
Yes, I am now officially 41.
And come to think of it, it’s such a beautiful experience to be able to reach this age. I mean growing up, I never had an idea how it would look and feel like. But hey, here I am now, blowing my candle and adding yet another year to my life.
While others become worried as they age, I am actually having a grand time embracing the person that I am becoming: my own #bestmeever . Yes, I truly believe that the best is yet to come.
Thinking about it now, it was definitely a one-of-a-kind roller coaster ride towards becoming the person I am meant to be. I lost count of the number of ups and downs, the twists and turns and everything that happened in between. But hey, I am genuinely grateful for all of them because they all happened for a reason, and the core being is that all those were essential to my learning and growth.
Coming from honesty and humility, I am just so happy that at this point in time, I no longer feel anxious about what the future may bring. There’s freedom in trusting myself and the process as I let myself (and things) be.
I have to say, experience indeed is the best teacher. I wouldn’t be a credible coach now if I haven’t experienced all those in the past 41 years. And today, I would like to share with you the 41 life lessons I learned which molded me into the person that I am now.
Indulge!
So there you go! I hope these life lessons resonate with you.
I look forward to learning more this year.
Thank you for celebrating my 41st birthday with me.
My heart is full.
Never too late to start on something great, something new.
I couldn’t agree more.
This was actually the thought I had this morning while I was jogging, after realizing that it was already the 1st of August.
Yup, finally my birthday month as I turn 41 on the 12th.
I know, just a few days from now before I age a little more, albeit happily and gracefully, I’d like to think. haha!
While other people find it terrifying, I actually find celebrating birthdays (and aging) as a beautiful reminder that life goes on.
And that means, whatever space you are in now, you can still make it better as you journey towards your own #bestmeever .
So do away with the notion that aging is all about being frail, wrinkles and just watching life pass you by.
Because you know what, it will always be more than that.
You just can’t wait once a year to reflect, recalibrate and realize how blessed you are to celebrate yourself. Ok make that twice, because at times we do the same thing during new year. Imagine how different your life will be if you wake up excited every single day, anticipating wonderful presents and just being more aware of your progress. Remember, aging is not about how many years have passed you by; you can age happily and gracefully every single day as you choose to grow along the way as you celebrate yourself unconditionally.
2, Do away with superficial attachments
One thing I learned about life: people and things come and go. And you know what, that’s ok. So instead of stressing and sulking over attachments that have faded into oblivion, focus on the real connections made. Remember, each person and everything that happens to you has its own purpose and no matter how short, they probably have fulfilled it in their own way. Come from a space of acceptance and bask in the beauty of what was while remaining happy and excited over what is here and now.
3. Create a birthday bucket list
This one is very exciting for me because I get to chunk down my bigger goals into what’s workable within a year. This involves letting go of all the things (and people) that are no longer serving you well and becoming really honest with yourself and what you really want to have or achieve as you get a year older. Having a clear picture of the things you want to have and achieve, with a highly strategic action plan to turn them into reality makes your journey towards your entire year ahead more exciting and inspiring.
4. Be intentional in closing painful chapters in the past
I always say, you can only move on and forward if you have learned to be at peace with your past. And this means goving yourself the closure you want and deserve, with or without the consent (or presence) of the other parties involved. It’s all about reflecting fully, and accepting things as they were and acknowledging things as they are now. You have the power of choice to turn that page in your life and never look back so that you won’t be distracted as you live the life you’ve always wanted without anything holding you back.
5. Have a healthy relationship with yourself
You are the most important person inside the room. You can age happily and gracefully by having a healthy relationship with yourself, giving yourself what you want and what is due, choosing the space you want to be in and the people you want in your circle and allowing yourself to live the life you’ve always wanted without any form of judgment or fear. Yes, self-love and self-care play a very important role in aging wonderfully.
Let me end this blog post by saying that yes, age is but a number.
It’s not the number of years that count.
But rather, how you make each day, each moment ,
of every year added to your life, count.
May you age happily and gracefully too.
