Rest and Recover

The past week has been really crazy.

Let's all rest, recover and pray for better days.

#BeKind #StaySafe

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

Do Small Things with Great Love

"Do small things with great love," is a quote from Mother Teresa. I still remember I gave a small decor item with the quote to my Mom for her birthday. I bought it from a bookstore with savings from my allowance. I thought it would be a cute gift and she kept it through the years. It was still in the bathroom before I had everything packed up. 

I got the item more to remind myself to do my chores with love. I was always scolded back then because I was messy (still am). My Mom always wanted everything to be organized. I slept in their room until I was in senior high school and that meant I had a lot of my stuff within reach (usually under their bed). She would keep reminding me to keep my things in order. 

I was reminded about what Mother Teresa said from Fr. Tito Caluag's homily. We hosted our first party at home. We invited friends we haven't seen in years. I took care of washing the dishes and preparing the dining and kitchen area for the party. I was amazed I was able to do what I had to since my energy levels have been spotty. I pulled through because I did the activity with love. 

And that's what I have to always keep in mind, Do everything with great love.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Grateful

I was thinking about my family the past few days and realized that we only have Sweetie's Dad left. We're almost orphans now. My siblings are also mostly abroad, so it's just us. I have my cousins, but they all live in other cities. We both don't have relatives where we live, but we have a lot of friends I grew up with in the neighborhood. 

My stupor changed when I realized I should be grateful. We have additions in the family! My cousin and niece gave birth in the past two months. I have a kalokalike who was born last year (poor baby, I hope she didn't get my temperament!). We lost our parents, titos and titas in the past decade, but our family continues to grow. My pamangkins are also set to marry in the coming months. 

I'm set to make this month different. We will finish fixing our living room and dining room so we can have friends over. My boys are having their birthdays this month. We haven't planned anything yet and just playing it by ear for now. I'm still trying to gauge whether I could muster up the strength to entertain, haha. Well, we'll see. I do want to celebrate though. 

I'm also grateful that we have our cat family. They've been a joy. The cat distribution system gave us six stay-in cats plus 2 who come in and out. They have been living harmoniously, except when Brimsley is having a bad day. She seems to have forgotten about her kittens and doesn't want them near her. She's allowed us to pet her lately and rubs against Miggy's legs often. 

#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

Frustration

 "I will remember my covenant between me and you." Genesis 9:15

I must admit I'm not great at managing frustration. I get all worked up especially if it involves paying for something. The past few weeks have been really challenging. Found out our sockets weren't put back properly. The piano guy overcharged us and hasn't finished his job (excuses the past 3 months). Pest control company told me we owe them money when in fact we overpaid because of their confusing statement of accounts. Waiting for a document for over a month now. Found out my Mom's garden is turning brown because the helper hasn't been watering the grass and plants.

I have reached out and requested for help/clarification nicely. Followed up nicely. And followed up more, firmly and nicely. I know I could sound super sungit so I asked help from Sweetie to follow up. He got frustrated too, haha. 

Patience is a virtue and I was reminded today by Didache that God keeps His promises. Humans are humans and I just need to remind myself that things will eventually be resolved. I've nicely asked for clarification and help and I have to stay calm because getting worked up will stress me out. I would end up getting sick (I'm already having tension headaches). I already vented my frustration and came up with a spreadsheet to help one of our suppliers. I just hope and pray something will move. 

In the bright side, a friend is surprising me with an unexpected gift! It will hopefully arrive in a few weeks! :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Metanoia

Started the day really late. I wasn't feeling well when I went to bed last night. Unfortunately I inhaled some fumes that found its way in my craft room. I decided to sleep in so I could rest more. I chanced upon the word "metanoia" in today's Didache reflection. It means, "to change your mind" or "change direction". 

At this point, I'm not really changing anything major. I'm focusing on changing how I look at certain things. One thing I did this week was to change how I look at my garden failures. I was really sad when my lettuce seedlings did not make it. I've been delaying sowing new seeds because... I'm procrastinating. 

So last Friday I worked on looking at what I'm successful with in my garden. That's what I was supposed to blog about yesterday, but the cats almost ruined my ornamental plants. Mom's aglaonema which I repotted are doing very well and has grown a lot. 

The calathea I bought from a neighbor a year ago is now so big! It also grew a new leaf! 

The gumamela plants are also starting to bloom again. Yay! 

The philodendron I re-potted a few weeks ago has been growing new leaves :)

I didn't get to appreciate my ornamental plants yesterday since two cats fought and uprooted my pothos and almost cut a rubber plant in two. I ended up fixing the plants yesterday and hope they'll recover. This morning though, Sweetie caught the orange intruder cat lying on the newly planted pothos! Argh! I fortified it with bamboo so the cat won't be able to sit on the plants.  

Gardening takes so much effort and any progress has to be appreciated. I told myself that's one of the changes I want to do for myself. Instead of beating myself over failures, I should celebrate whatever success I gain. And you should too :)

#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

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

Today I Pray For --

Today I pray for healing. The past few weeks have really been challenging and I am grateful to be alive. I did feel some panic when I felt really ill. I felt my body was battling something it's never fought off before. Granted that the pain was familiar, but my body isn't the same as it was before. 

It was love that made me fight back. I prayed hard and imagined God's healing light going over me. I pray for more love, patience and strength. I still want to build more happy memories with my boys, my family, my friends. 

Christmas is just around the corner. I had grand plans for Christmas. I even bought a new tree, additional decors, a simple parol and wreath. I want to celebrate like how Mom used to when I was growing up. She made sure our home was fully decorated, we always had good food and she made sure we were early for the midnight mass. I wanted to do it that way to remember her since it's our first Christmas without her. 

And that's why I pray for healing and for the stamina I worked hard to increase the last few months. If it doesn't, I will focus with what's most important, celebrating Jesus' birthday. 

Today, I pray for healing, not just for me, but the whole world. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

That Time I Gave Up

A friend pinged me the other day and told me about his complicated love life. I told him I used to be in that boat too. I kept stumbling and my heart experienced too many heartbreaks already. I let myself heal after a long relationship and then I started to date again. 

I thought I was better off because I knew what red flags to watch out for. I was wrong because I learned about more red flags I should avoid. I eventually gave myself a deadline. I told God that by the end of the third quarter of 2007, if I hadn't found the one I would accept that I was meant for single blessedness. I was so set to focus on Miggy, my career and possibly do my doctorate. 

I planned it that way so I could keep sane and so I could stop hoping. Early in 2007, I read the book of Bo Sanchez, "How to Find Your One True Love". He said you should focus on making more friends and don't just fall in love with anyone who shows interest. Just pray. So I did that and along the way I learned more red flags. 

In the last few days of September 2007, I experienced another disappointment. I had a friend who was showing a lot of interest. It did not work out. He was another huge red flag. I felt more frustrated than disappointed actually and on the plane ride home I told God I was read for a life of single blessedness. I told him, "Lord, it's September 28 and my deadline is 48 hours away. I know I've made a lot of mistakes and this is probably because I'm too willful. I give up. Please take over and navigate my life." 

I got home and was so jetlagged, I ended up chatting with Sweetie after midnight. It was the 29th. At that time we were best friends. I told him about what happened during my trip. Then he said he wanted to tell me something. It took an hour or two before he finally confessed that he wanted to court me. 

And that's how God wrote our love story. My friend told me He probably heard me loud and clear because I was literally up in the air when I made a desperate plea. Have faith, there are things that you should leave up to Him.

Happy Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Contentment

"I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need."

- Philippians 4:12

I've been told once that I didn't have dreams. I told the person that if I didn't have dreams, then perhaps I wouldn't have pursued working for a global company. Back then my goals were very simple. Give Miggy the best life and eventually find my one true love. I also eventually wanted to have my own car and house. 

I guess I've always just been content with what I have and never really dreamed of extravagant things. My parents never spoiled me and Kuya taught me to be practical. I choose things based on function and comfort, not on brand or what's trending. It takes me at least 2 years to buy a device/appliance, or I only replace it if something is not working. 

I remember my parents also taught me the Filipino saying, "Hangga't makitid ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot."* It is really best to live below your means. No sense in being buried in debt just to acquire something that you want. I learned that the hard way when I paid my grad school tuition with my credit card. I only got lucky when Titay gave me money to pay it because she was able to collect a loan. After that I learned and never used my card for something I couldn't really pay in full when the bill comes. 

I'm especially more careful now that I am retired. I'm lucky because my boys seem content to just stay home with me. We're so busy at home, oftentimes the day isn't enough to do things we like doing. Be content and be happy. Just always believe that Papa God will provide you with everything.

Have a blessed Sunday my friend. 

*If your blanket is too short, bend your legs so it fits you."

Just Ask

We've been meaning to go to Tagaytay for a few months now. We set a schedule to go with Kuya and Ate Joy two weeks ago, but a few days before our schedule the volcano decided to release a lot of gas. Of course, we canceled our trip again.

A friend pinged and said he was coming to visit. Since he was coming all the way from another country, I mentioned maybe we could go to Tagaytay. Well, Taal wasn't in the mood again so we made other plans. The day before we were set to meet, plan B place did not confirm our reservation. Sweetie and I made a mad scramble to make plan C. 

I took a look at the weather and air quality situation in Tagaytay. Surprisingly, it was good. Air quality was in the green level. Some rain was forecasted (40 to 50% chance), but lately those forecasts are usually a miss. So I asked Sweetie maybe we could go? 

To make a long story short, we went to Tagaytay with my friend. My friend was ecstatic and he was so happy he was able to experience local life. The weather was clear. Skies were blue. Rain clouds only started to form when we went to Mahogany Market, but we were able to leave with good weather. I've been wary to visit Tagaytay in rainy weather because the road could be slippery. 

While looking at the Taal Volcano, I realized I haven't been asking God for much. My prayers have been focused on praying for good health, safety, blessings and guidance. The night before our trip I prayed for safety and good weather and air quality. He gave that and more. The day was perfect and I'm glad we were able to show my Malaysian friend another side of our beautiful country. 

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – Luke 11:1-13 and Matthew 7:7-12

A blessed Sunday to everyone.  

#BeKind #StaySafe

Did I Make It?

It was my Dad who loved to write. Through the years Mom gave me his love letters to her and his writings. I found a "retrospect" in one of his papers (you can read about it here). He was just 26 when he wrote it and I think Mom gave it to me because I was feeling lost when Dad passed. I guess it helped because my life completely changed later that year when I moved to Singapore. 

We're still going through boxes of our stuff and yesterday I found my Orient3 papers. That was the very last class you take before graduation and was meant to help you plan life after school. I'm actually surprised this document survived the multiple floods we had at home (the worst was Typhoon Ondoy). And TBH the only thing I remember about the paper was writing my requirements for my first job. 

There was a section where we had to define our goals. You have to define the life areas, then break down goals into 5 years, then 10 years, and your immediate goals. I broke down my life areas into career, Miggy, love, family and spiritual life. So, this is my retrospect. 

Career - I surprised my GPA target and was 0.2 shy of an award. Got gold for our thesis and completed my MBA by the age of 25 (yes, I was such a nerd). I also met all my career goals much earlier than I targeted. An additional goal set by Kuya was for me to be financially free by 50. I retired at age 46. 

Miggy - I think every parent's wish is for their child to be successful. I think I was able to do that for Miggy and I'm letting him do what he wants to do. I really wanted him to have siblings, but my health didn't allow that to happen. I understand now why I had him early because I was really meant to be a Mom. 

Love - oh, this is where things went haywire. I did not meet my 10 year target. God took His sweet time writing my love story. The path to my forever wasn't an easy one, but all I can say is, true love heals.

Family - it's almost 3 decades now since I wrote those goals and so much has happened. My parents were very strict, but at some point our relationship changed to something more relaxed and chill. They worried a lot about me especially that decade after graduating from college. Mom and Dad are both gone now and I'd like to believe I made them proud.

Spiritual - I did eventually go back to serving in church. I served until I moved to Singapore. This is the part where I struggled a lot when I was away because I grew up serving. It felt like I was missing something. 

c2012

It's been a long bumpy road, littered with a lot of potholes and humps. The journey was painful, but I was always focused on my goals and what mattered and I always leaned on Him. I am where I am and have what I have because of Him.  

So did I make it? My 21-year old self would probably be overwhelmed if she knew what was up ahead. I worked really hard for 25 years and I'm retired now. Just let Him navigate your life and everything will be alright. :)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Someone to Love

I really miss having a pet. Early this year, a friend offered to give me a puppy. The boys though vetoed it since I wasn't stable, our house was being renovated, and it was just not a good time. There were so many things going on and adding a pet was a huge responsibility. 

At that time we were just getting to know Grey. We noticed he slept a lot in the laundry area. He's a feral cat and he'd run away whenever we got close. We started feeding him, but he still kept his distance. He gave us joy just being there. We realized he adopted us and allowed us to feed him. We were just happy to see him everyday and gave him a box with a rug to sleep on. 

Grey

Then came Kaley. We initially shooed her away, but noticed that Grey would allow her to eat his food. Eventually she also adopted us. One day we noticed she was growing bigger. The three of us had no experience caring for the cats, much less a pregnant one. I told the boys back then that if Kaley gave birth within our property then they were meant to be with us. She's now on her third or fourth pregnancy this year and she's always given birth somewhere else. 

Kaley Boo

It was summer when Brimsley came to us. It was Grey who brought her to us. Brimsley was smaller than the other cats, obviously younger. We thought she was a he originally. We eventually noticed she grew bigger over a span of a few weeks. We didn't think much about it since the other cats would come and go. Brimsley though stuck around.

Brimsley Marie

One night in July, Brimsley disappeared. We got worried because of her condition and she hadn't eaten that day. Late in the evening, just before we moved to our bedrooms I heard a kitten like sound. I told Miggy to try to look for Brimsley and he found her inside a box that was going to be discarded. She had squeezed herself in the box to give birth. In 48 hours, she had two kittens. 

Grogu and Mando

The kittens came when we were all ready. I had just finished a medical review. The house was more or less done (no more workers zipping around). We also did not plan any traveling since it's the rainy season. Brimsley, Mando and Grogu have been a source of joy for us. Miggy is their main fur parent. Sweetie takes the morning shift with them. My role has been to spoil them and make sure they always have food. 

I realized the cats started visiting a lot more when Mom went to heaven. I remember Kaley stayed the whole day outside the craft room until I got better. That was the time Brimsley also stuck around permanently. I know realistically I can't be a full time fur parent, my condition doesn't allow me to handle pets directly. I'm happy though since Papa God sent us some cats who adopted us. They came at the right time when we were ready. 

No need to look far for someone to love. They may be just under your nose. <3

Also, happy 109th birthday to my Mama Lola. Have a blast celebrating up there with Mom and Dad and my titos and Titay. 

Happy Sunday everyone. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Break Being Broken

The past week has been really challenging. I had more bad days than good days. I kept waking up and there were unfortunate incidents during the week. One thing that bothered me a lot was the construction beside us. Then we lost electricity because the truck that collects trash hit nipped the Meralco wire in front of our house. I woke up palpitating because the crew shouted when the line was cut. Thought there was an emergency. Got up to check what was happening, showered and promptly passed out because of the heat. 

Ahhh, the cycle repeated several times this week and it left me feeling broken. I fought it because I didn't want to fall into the abyss again. What helped was Kuya and Ate Joy's surprise visit. I had 3 asthma attacks on that day and they arrived when I was still recovering from the third one. It took my mind off feeling unwell and we had a good night. And that probably gave me the strength to survive the rest of the rough week. 

What helped center me was to spend time tending to my garden. Taking care of another living thing helps. It makes you want to feel better so you can do things for others. In my case, the plants need to be tended to live and grow properly. I also worked on organizing my garden tools so it's easier to get items when I work on the plants. 

I had a long list of things to do this week. The only thing I ticked off was paying bills. We attempted to do some of the errands last Friday, but my tummy acted up. I decided to call it a week and just focus on feeling better. We can just attempt to work on the checklist next week. 

I always remind myself that whatever happens Papa God loves me and whether it's a good or bad day I just have to pray because He's the only one who can heal us. 

A blessed Sunday my friend. <3

#BeKind #StaySafe

Fear Not!

Whenever I'm scared I always cry out, "Mommy!" I do it especially when there is a thunderstorm. I also do it whenever something scares me. Does you do that too?

Yesterday morning I was woken up by sirens. It wasn't the usual I hear and I realized there was probably a fire somewhere near. I tried to go back to sleep, but to make sure we were safe I searched on Twitter and Facebook to find out the location of the fire. It was a kilometer away from us, in a barangay adjacent to us. 

I looked out the window and didn't see visible signs of the fire. Our street was also very quiet. Everyone was asleep except me. Sweetie was sound asleep, so I didn't wake him up since the are was quite far from us. It kept me awake for awhile. The sun had risen by the time I fell asleep again. 

I realized I still have PTSD from the fire that happened behind our home almost a year ago. There was also a typhoon the day it happened. Mom was still alive then, but I did not want to worry here. I just prayed in the car while waiting for the fire department to solve the issue. Luckily the fire just damaged part of our firewall and it was fixed a few months ago. I told Mom about the incident when it was over. 

Now that Mom is not around anymore, I still call out to her whenever I get scared (yes, I dislike thunder). I reach out to Sweetie or Miggy when the storm is crazy. GodWhispers though reminded me that you should lean on your faith when you fear something. I calmed down yesterday after praying for the safety of everyone involved in the fire. A news clip said that everyone is safe. 

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ ” - Isaiah 41:13 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm now near the end of my fourth decade. To be honest, I always thought I've already lived my life. The past 20 years has been extraordinary for me. I lived my best years in the last two decades doing things I never dreamed I'll be able to do.

I've been praying to God for my next mission. Whenever I tried to do something significant I would get sick. I tried several times and I realized He's telling me that I shouldn't live the same way I used to, busy and always doing something. 

I stopped fighting the urge to do something. I removed myself from a project I really want to do because I kept getting sick. I focused on my health and my boys. With nothing to stress about my overnight oxygen saturation improved. 

I'm focusing on the basics for now. I found an old post where I quoted Pope Francis when he said, "Don't lose the ability to dream." It made me realize that I should stop pushing myself from doing the things I used to do (and the amount of things I could do). I can dream new things based on my reality.

And so my birthday wish for this year is good health and more blessings for my family and for everyone. Better health is key so I could fulfill my goal to build more happy memories with my boys.

Have a happy and blessed Sunday everyone. ❤️

#BeKind #StaySafe