Be Gentle to Everyone

The past week has been really busy. We had to do adulting stuff. It's not fun, that's why it's called adulting, haha. That's why I've been blogging late in the evening. I've been struggling to fall asleep again and was set to schedule doctor appointments when we go to the hospital tomorrow. Unfortunately, #EntengPH plus the habagat has been pouring a lot of rain, so we decided to postpone our trip. 

I should really write whenever I have an idea that pops in my head or at least save the title on my blog. I've been blogging for a long time now and I'm still not that disciplined. Oh well, will try better. For now though I thought I'd just post about being gentle to everyone. I saw this reminder in one of the groups I'm in and it made me think about the message. 

I agree, we have to be kind, patient and gentle to others. Just make sure you don't let others walk all over you. Be kind, but be firm. I know I could be very patient, but I know also when to draw the line when needed. Understand others, but also prioritize yourself. It is easier, of course, if it's a business transaction and harder when it comes to personal relationships. Both can overlap and that's even harder. It really helps to have clear goals when making decisions. When you need to turn down someone, don't forget to be gentle too. 

Happy rainy Sunday everyone! Stay dry!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Gift of Love

Kuya surprised me yesterday with a gift. At first I thought it was a box of pastillas, haha. Well, the gift was sweeter than that. It was a gift of love. 

It was the Divine Mercy 3'O clock prayer. Praying the Chaplet is for those seriously injured, sick and dying is a powerful way to receive God's saving grace. It also promises forgiveness of all sins and no punishment for sin. It is a miracle that happens quietly.

Praying for miracles. 

Happy Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Relax, He's Got Your Back

I thought I'd try something different today. Blog while spinning! Yes! I'm on our exercise bike right now and spinning as I type. We got an exercise bike with a table before I started my second set of pulmo rehab sessions. It was an unplanned purchase, but we thought it would be useful since I do my sessions through video calls. 

Kuya mentioned last night I look much healthier now. I was under the weather when he last visited last month. I told him that the CPAP machine and better nutrition has been helping improve my stamina. I also consider the daily plant watering chore as exercise. It takes me an hour since I water the plants individually with a jug. It's like walking around with dumbbells. By the end of the session I'm covered in sweat and Fitbit says I reach the heart rate that burns fat. Yaas!

It's not all been a bed of roses. I just also recently finished taking a round of antibiotics for an infection. I still get sick randomly. I've also been able to cope better because of praying. Whenever doubts creep in I just say a quick prayer. Whenever I worry about the boys when they go out, I just pray for Papa Jesus to protect them. Whenever I worry about provisions, I just pray for blessings. 

We are all children of God. He loves all of us, so don't worry, He's got our back. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Shared Crosses

Late again to post today. I had thought about this topic a week ago. I didn't want the post to become a sob story so I waited until I had better inspiration. 

We all bear crosses. It's different from person to person. My most obvious cross is my health. I carry other cross which I carry with my family. It was pointed out to me a week ago that there are crosses that you share with others. The pain you carry is also shared and understood by someone else. 

I strangely found comfort in that because for so many years I thought I was alone in it. I wasn't and knowing that someone shared the cross with me made carrying it lighter. I also know people are praying for me to bear it better. 

The inspiration today came from someone I just met. If my disabilities are invisible, his is very obvious. He told us about how he powered on when he was a student forced by a professor to go up 8 flights of stairs to attend class. He had to crawl up since the lift (elevator) in their building was oftentimes busted (and once for 2 straight months). His other professors would not require him to be physically in classes, but one pushed him and would mark him absent if he couldn't get to class. 

I could still go up a flight of stairs, but I would be short of breath by the time I reached the top. Him? He had to crawl up because of his disability. He put his mind towards finishing his studies and that's how I eventually met him many years later because I need his services. 

Seeing how he carried his cross like a champion was inspiring to me. It reminded me of the passage, "None of the trials which have come upon you is more than a human being can stand. You can trust that God will not let you be put to the test beyond your strength, but with any trial will also provide a way out by enabling you to put up with it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God will only give you trials that you can bear. Look up, have faith and He's got your back. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Faith

Watched Gary V's interview with Ogie Diaz the other day. What struck me is how Gary V must have suffered through the years because of diabetes. He also mentioned he had kidney issues and had several operations. 

He had always been Mr. Pure Energy for me. Even with the medical issues he still performed really well. It never crossed my mind that even while performing he has to be mindful of his stability. During the interview he told Ogie Diaz that his wife brings everything he may need. She has his meds, emergency food and other items that can be used to stabilize him. 

Gary V also mentioned that there is always a medic around when he performs. He said he tells them that he hopes they're just there to watch and not have an emergency. The most important message though he said in the interview is even with all the precautions, his safe space is God. 

I completely agree with him. I have chronic issues also and there are days when I become unstable. My doctor told me I'm lucky I don't need to use supplemental oxygen to walk around. I shared this with my former PT and she said I'm lucky because I have a strong mind. 

I think it's faith. My will to live is strong because I want to make more happy memories with my family. My will is strong because I have faith. And like Gary V, Papa God is my safe space.

Happy Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

There is Life After a Beautiful Career

I didn't tell anyone when I was thinking about following the recommendation of my doctors to retire. I even told Sweetie about it when I was already half-way through my decision. I didn't want to alarm or worry my family about my plans. I prayed and kept praying until I felt at peace with my decision. 

I had a wonderful career. Working at an international tech company was my 11th job. I stayed there for 15 years and had a very unique experience. To be honest I still don't know why they chose me over the highest executive of a bank. I had my quirks, but I think the job fit me like a perfect glove. 

The decision to leave was a very tough one. It was very obvious that my body needed to rest and it would die if I continued to batter it with so much stress. It was very hard to leave because I couldn't imagine what my life would be. 

What helped me was to remember my original goal before I joined the company. I told myself I'll just complete my top 10 wish list for my country, have Miggy finish his studies and then go back home. Miggy completed his studies in 2019 and I completed my check list by August 2020. Remembering what my goals were made it easier for me to disengage and embrace the recommendation of my doctors. 

It took awhile to fully disengage and accept my new life. My life is quieter now and I'm happy living it with my boys. We live very simply and have been focusing on what's important. I have also stopped asking God what my purpose is now. It's very obvious! My purpose is to remind people to focus on what is important. Pray. Be happy. Love. And serve. 

Breathe. 

“Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness. Listen to God. Adore Him in the Eucharist.” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I spent the weekend tending to my plants and organizing my craft room, so I ran out of energy to write, haha. 

Have a restful last few hours this weekend!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Childlike

"I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." - Mark 10:15

For a long time before I met Jay, I was nicknamed the ice queen. I did not entertain suitors and kept a small circle. I focused on Miggy, work and my community. It took years for me to heal. It wasn't a smooth road since when I was finally ready I kept meeting the wrong guys. Ugh. 

I was telling a friend the other day to just let go and love fully. When I got fed up with meeting the wrong kind of men, I just gave up and prayed for God to navigate my life. He must've heard me pleading so bad, He answered in less than 24 hours. 

Sweetie asked if he could court me. I immediately said yes. I felt it was His Will. He was writing our love story from the moment we met. It was a good thing I took time to heal. I was ready by the time I met Sweetie and we became friends first. I went into our relationship like it was my first time. 

I abandoned the baggages I had from previous traumatic relationships because I trusted God would navigate me to the right one. I know it's hard to move on and not be scared that bad things could happen again. That's why you have to remember that God is always there for you. You are His child and He will always take care of you. Let go and let love and believe God is guiding you. 

Happy Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Courage

A friend sent me a heartwarming message yesterday. It was screenshot of a form he was filling up. One of the questions in the form asked who he considers his champion. He wrote my name and told me he admired me for my courage. 

That immediately brought me back to what I used to do. Everything I did was purposeful and meant to benefit the communities I was developing. It started with developers, then entrepreneurs, students, then teachers. My job didn't involve generating income, so I had to fight to get resources to meet my goals and targets. 

It was a good reminder for me to know that I was able to do good while I could. Now I have to dig up the courage I had to fight for myself so I can be well. I have a minor cold right now and the effect makes me feel like I need to go to the ER. So I have to fight this little thing so I can go back to working on my current goal. 

With courage and faith, everything will just work out fine. 

Happy Sunday everyone. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: Choosing Battles

A friend messaged me the other day. She was getting anxious over two friends who were on opposing sides of an issue. I told her I stumbled on a similar situation which also made me anxious. I told her I learned to take a step back and not absorb the issue. 

My doctors told me that I have a personality problem. I normally dive in problems/issues and I give everything to solve them. It's been bad for my health. The issue I stumbled on recently I realized is truly overwhelming. I sought the advise of my spiritual adviser and she explained to me that the person involved may be going through a mid-life crisis and is probably acting that way because of a want or a need. 

Choice. The issue is a huge disaster and I asked myself if it's something I could help solve. And more importantly, is it an issue I should get embroiled in. I asked myself also, "Is this something worth compromising your health?" It's exactly what my doctors warned me about myself. 

So I took a step back to think. Unlike before I did not rush in to help solve the issue. And I'm still processing information at this point. I realized I need to go back to my primary goal, to be healthy so I can create more happy memories with my family. I don't need to dive into everything that I stumble on because it would just stress me out. And stress will ultimately lead to the further decline of my health. 

Today's GodWhispers said,

Choose your battles. As I told my friend, sometimes you just need to be a listener. Just be there for them. You don't need to solve their problems. Use your coaching hat, keep asking questions and be a conduit to let them solve their issue. 

May you all have a blessed Sunday today!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: On Personal Missions

I have been randomly checking old posts from my blog. Found one post where I did a lot of introspection in 2007. I was pondering on my mission and the funny thing is I've been thinking about my current mission. 

Part of the reason why I went home was to be with my Mom. I woke up yesterday thinking about how to get moving. I've been holing up at home. Much of the past few weeks was spent recovering, sliding back down and recovering again. I told myself I need to get back up and do something productive. 

I finally finished one of the cat quilts I've been working on. It dragged on for awhile and I missed my deadline. It's not perfect, but I finished it and it's going to be useful in my kitchen. What it tells me is I should and create new long-term goals. I've been afraid to make them because of my medical condition. 

I made big hairy goals early this year. I have goals for our home and family, crafting, wellness and even a bucket list. I should probably print it out and put it up where I could see it often. Almost half a year has passed and I haven't made a dent on the goals I made. Gotta crack the whip and get going!

2007 is so far away now. One thing I learned though is not to overthink. Just keep going and pray as you go along with life. One good thing about having a medical condition is it makes my options simpler. I just need to get things going and follow through what I've set and listen to any new calling :)

Happy Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: Missing Mom

Dear Mom, it's been four weeks since you joined Daddy in heaven. Most days I just think you're at home and busy with your garden. The most difficult is not being able to call you up and tell you stories. I dream of you often and as usual you just say you're okay and happy with Dad. 

My heart is heavy today Ma. I couldn't even  bring myself to wear the shirt I wore when we  brought you to MMP. The only thing that calms me is sewing and when I get to go out to tend to my plants. We've been thinking about how to preserve your garden. I told Kuya that we have to protect it at all costs because we won't be able to replicate it. 

I've been keeping myself from crying because I know it's not good for my heart. I remember you said the same thing when Mama Lola passed away. I don't know why, but today's different and the tears just keep falling. I'm just thinking my body needs to release more fluid (hehe). 

The past few weeks have been quiet. I got to see Ate and Kuya together after so many years. We celebrated Daddy's birthday with a Lucban feast. I followed your skilled cooking technique, ordered food (haha). The AQI has been really bad so I haven't been able to do much. Hopefully I'll be able to do the required paperwork this week. I just couldn't bring myself to do it because it seems so final. 

We're busying ourselves to clear out our living room in time for your 40th day. Kuya and I decided to do it in my home to protect me from the heat. We'll just have a private mass and then hopefully stream it so everyone can join. 

Miss you Ma. Kisses and hugs.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: You Can Always Come Back to Him

It is not easy to be good. It is very hard to resist temptation. Succumbing to what we want is far easier than being frugal. It is easier to gossip than to hold your tongue. It is easier to keep everything we have to ourselves than to be generous. We all fall into sin one way or another. 

I have had trouble sleeping for a few years now. It is a side effect of my illness and the medications I take. On good days, I can fall asleep by two in the morning. On bad days, it stretches to 5 and even 7 in the morning. Falling asleep late means I wake up late. Waking up at 11 is early for me, noon to 1 p.m. is normal. 

I've been trying to correct this for a few years now. It only works when we're on vacation somewhere. It is frustrating because it means I spend less time with Sweetie and Miggy. I also end up being unproductive. Less movement has resulted in my condition getting worse. It also means I'm not meeting any of my goals for the year.  

Today's Gospel is about the prodigal son. It is a good reminder that no matter how bad we get, Our Father will always welcome us back. With open arms and even a feast. I knew it's up to me to push myself to correct the issue. For this Lent, I resolved to do my daily exercises and work on moving more. It also means I have to wake up earlier to meet my goals. 

I prayed for guidance and the will to complete my Lenten sacrifice. I must admit I haven't really asked God for much. I have fallen wayward and it shows in my health. The Lenten goal is one of my steps to go back to Him. I have so far been waking up an hour and a half earlier the past two days. 

I tied waking up earlier to specific daily goals I want to accomplish. An additional push for me is to make sure I finish what I need to do before the temperature hits 31'C. I have to move to a cooler place before the temperature rises because heat is bad for those with CHF. Who knows maybe in time I can be a morning person again. :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: Be Not Afraid

Today is the Transfiguration where Jesus brought some of the disciples with him and told them to "Get up...and Be not afraid". They were terrified after hearing a voice from the clouds. 

What Jesus is telling us here is that we should not be afraid of the unknown. The disciples got scared because they were not familiar with the voice they heard. We all get scared. I was terrified of reciting in class and performing on stage. I still felt the same way when I had to present in front of an audience. I also got the hibbie jibbies whenever I to present my quarterly report. 

Survived all of it by praying. A lot of people asked me if I wasn't scared when I had heart surgery, twice. I was strangely very calm when I was wheeled in the operating theater both times. I had a decade to prepare for surgery and I just left it all to His Will. I had no doubt that the doctors would take good care of me. It was many years later when they told me they almost lost me. They said my Will was very strong and I fought back. I told them it wasn't my will, but His. 

Today's Gospel is a good reminder for me not to be afraid. The past year has been very rough health-wise. I need to constantly remind myself that I should just live everything to Him and live my life the best way I can. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Sunday Miracles: Pray for Peace

 “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union.” (Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi)

The news left and right shows so much unrest across the world. Countries encroaching on the territory of other countries. Weapon testing. Unidentified flying objects. Then there are disasters that has been taking a lot of lives. And, of course, the virus is still around. 

I have honestly been spending less time online. I just do some light browsing to read what my friends are doing. Skim over the news. I read more business and tech news. Of course, that's when I see also what's happening to the world. 

It's sad to see what has happened to the world. Things were much simpler in the past. My parents though used to say that things were simpler when they were young. I guess each generation goes through their own struggles. 

The best thing we can do at these times is to pray.