2025's Lessons

2025 was a year of healing for me. My inner child finally healed from many years of pain.

I prayed for healing for many years. Well, I learned a lot last year and that's what helped me heal. 

Here's a few things 2025 taught me:

1. I learned from reading that the only one who can heal your inner child is yourself. Let your older self talk to your younger self to let go.

2. A heart that can't forgive won't heal.

3. Protect your peace. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just step away.

4. Red flags are real. Don't be too trusting.

5. Old friendships can be re-ignited. Sometimes life just gets in the way and you eventually go back to where you were at the right time.

Life was never meant to be complicated, live simply.

#BeKind #StaySafe

How to Encourage the Young Ones to Dream

In his homily yesterday, Fr. Tito Caluag, asked, "How can you encourage the young to dream big?"

It reminded me of Jodie, one of my physiotherapists. It was a serendipitous meeting because she was a replacement.

I always ask my PTs how long they've spent at the hospital. Then I ask if they plan to go abroad. Most of them joined during the pandemic and all have plans to go abroad.

Jodie though told me she originally dreamt of joining Google. She said she watched the movie The Internship and since then really wanted to join Google. She was discouraged from taking an IT course and that's why she ended up in the medical field. 

She said she eventually shifted her dream to join NASA and just remembered it when she met me. I told her those companies accept applicants based on experience and knowledge. I shared with her that I'm not an IT graduate, but still got a job at Google. 

By the end of the session, Jodie looked really excited. I advised her to build her skills based on where she wants to be. She told me our meeting felt like we were meant to meet. She said she was re-energized to reach for her dream.

She's not scheduled to be my PT again. I found a Lego-like spaceship at the mall after our session. I bought it and wrapped it as a Christmas gift with a note to follow her dreams.

To answer Fr. Caluag's question, I guess that's how I can help the young ones reach for their dreams. 

Happy Monday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Anakin's First Year Clip Compilation

I finally managed to sit down and make Anakin's first year clip compilation. We think it was Grey who brought him in and at that time he was probably about 2 months old. Grey was probably his father and he probably thought he'd survive if he lived with us.

Surprisingly, Anakin never left. He became fast friends with Bailey. Meredith, who lost her babies due to dystocia, immediately took care of Anakin. She took care of cleaning him and teaching him the ropes of how to be a cat. I think Anakin gave her peace since she couldn't have kittens anymore. She still babies Anakin until now.

Here's the video:

https://youtu.be/R8ULzx1CZ7g?si=Sp8mbamkmOMilAMC

Anakin brought us a lot of joy. He's the most affectionate among all our fur babies. We've never seen him fight with anyone, but he's very protective and hangs out with me whenever I putter around the garden. 

Ahh, I can't imagine not having Anakin around. I named him Anakin because he was really dark when we first saw him. Eventually, his beautiful markings started to show. No idea who his mother is and some have said he probably has some breeded blood. Whatever it is he is well loved and part of our pawmily.

#BeKind #StaySafe

10 Life Skills I Learned from My Mom

It's my Mom's birthday today! I super duper miss her already and wish I could hop on a plane to be with her today. I had a project I planned to do this year with my Mom since I wanted to learn more about her creative process. For now since we couldn't do it I've been sending her materials to keep her busy. 

1 - Praying 

The first thing I learned from Mom is how to pray. I still remember her teaching me how to pray before going to bed and she's the most prayerful person I know. Priority is to trust in Him for everything. 

2 - Diskarte 

One of the most important skills I learned from my Mom is diskarte. When I was growing up I witnessed my Mom working on one of the most important projects she worked on in her life -- helping get our parish church built. And Mom was in-charge of everything at home, so I saw her make things move. 

3 - Organization Skills

Ahh, I may not have picked up Mom's neatness (my home is permanently an organized chaos), but I could easily work out in my head how to deploy a project. Mom always had lists and she would tick things off when a task is completed. She's also great at anticipating things and would always be ready. 

4 - Keep Calm, Do Not Panic

Mom is the most calm person I know. I have never seen her panic. She'd always remind me there's no sense in panicking and it's just a waste of time. 

5 - Keeping Busy

Mom always complains that I never stop doing anything. Well, I got that from her. She's always doing something - sewing, gardening, reading, fixing the house etc. She's always up and about. So I never had issues being stuck at home.

6 -  Saving/Money Management!

Mom was a banker and of course I was one of those kids who had a Banco Filipino Happy Savers Club account! That's how I learned how to save. Originally I was planning to use my savings for my future wedding! I used it to pay for grad school. (More about money management here).

7 - Working for What You Want/Need

My Mom would always remind me that she won't be around forever. I had to learn to be independent. At the age of ten I was already selling things -- old clothes, my hand-made pincushions and homemade cards. If I wanted something, like a book, I'd have to save for it. 

8 - Can't Cook, No Problem!

See life skill number 2! And that's what the telephone is for according to my Mom. (It's my Dad who knew how to cook). 

9 - Girlfriends

Mom always told me to choose my friends carefully. Choose those you can trust and can count on. I have so many aunties who have always been there for Mom. 

10 - Be Yourself

You cannot please everyone, just be yourself and stay with people who have the same values as you.  

Happy birthday Mom! We miss you so much!

#CB//245 #StuckAtHomeDay/275 #WFH163 #StayHome #BeKind

Crown de Mercedes

Simple way to enjoy life... just eat out with awesome friends.