212 Chances in the Year of the Rat

I was walking down in the subway when a young man bumped into me.

I didn’t mind.

But when I reached the gate of the train station, I noticed my backpack pocket was open.

 

I was robbed!

 

Caught by surprise, I hated myself.

I want to go back, but it was too late.

And more, I was afraid because I am not ready to fight the robber.

Suddenly, I found myself not in control.

 

Have you experienced being robbed?

 

If your answer is NO, you just lied.

 

Because the current effect of this pandemic is analogous to a robbery case.

But on a different level.

 

We are robbed of our freedom.

We are robbed of the life we have been used to.

We are robbed of our jobs.

We are robbed of people we loved.

 

And we are not prepared.

We are not in control.

We are at the mercy of the missing puzzle called a vaccine.

 

What if our prince charming doesn’t come to rescue us from this poison?

Will the happy ever after arrives?

 

Let me take you to the psychology of security.

Security is what guides man to take action. It defines how we behave to eliminate the danger around us. It is from our idea of securing ourselves or our loved ones that we create the new dynamics in our society.

 

After the subway incident, I became insecure with the people around me.

Subconsciously my behavior shifted.

I no longer use a backpack.

I no longer walk on that same lane.

I took a different mode of transportation.

I change my route almost every other day.

 

But after a month, my anxiety weakens.

The new routine became permanent.

I started to feel in control again.

I started to trust again.

I was able to accept that the robbery was beyond my control.

I realized that the incident helped me better prepare in the future.

 

After the robbery, it was liberating to know that I have shaped an improved version of me when I started focusing on the things I can control.

 

Similarly, the world is trying to regain the losses from this pandemic by updating the rules we once knew. It is called the “new normal”.

 

There is a major shift to public health concerns around the globe.

Private sectors and leaders are funding medical experts to develop the vaccine.

People are continuously working from home, others are on flexible hours, and those who lost their jobs are finding comfort in the online market.

Social distancing is enforced in all areas, even at home.

The customary kiss or handshake during meetings are replaced by nods and smiles.

Education programs are being developed online and flexible curriculum packages, too.

Country leaders are trying hard to fill in the gaps in the less privileged sectors.

Businesses are catching up with their diversified assets as the demand shifts to basic needs and health requirements.

 

Amidst all these measures, we will still hear people dying each day.

The virus is here to live, no one is spared from getting it, no matter what age or race you are in.

The only thing we can control is how we live with it.

 

The battle with Covid19 depends largely on us, how the government effectively responds, and how strict people follow the rules.

There is hope.

If we care enough, we will live better soon.

 

There are 212 days before January 1, 2021.

Are you ready to live in the new normal?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can we talk about Our Daily Bread?

“Old wives tales tell that eating the bread crust makes a person’s hair curlier.”

I can’t stop myself from laughing while reading this trivia about bread.

I remember my friend, Karen, who has a never-ending love story with bread.  For her, bread is magical! And so is her curly hair, Lol!

Karen is a “bread” person.

She believes that bread is a heaven-sent invention.

Karen would always mimic the bible movie scene whenever she gives me a portion of her bread, “Come, this is the bread of life, whoever eats this, will say YUM!” and we will laugh so hard.

 

Karen and I met in college during our engineering years.  She is a bubbly, ‘lil chubby, always smiling lady, in a colorful mini-skirt.

Quite diverse from a typical engineering female student (that’s why guys drool over her).

Karen always has this girly pink bread pack that once you open you can never say no (another reason why guys love her).

The sandwiches she brings are perfectly cut and arranged with extra spreads on the sides. One day it comes with a spread of mayonnaise, the next day with peanut butter, and then with apple jelly.

My favorite will always be the buns with TLC – tender loving care wrapped in tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. Karen loves copying recipes and turning it like her own, such as this TLC from the famous burger chain, Jollibee.

We grew our friendship on loaves of bread. It became our universal meal even after college.

Whenever we meet, we make sure that bread is part of our feast.

 

Karen got married two years ago. She went abroad with her family.

Recently, she called and asked about the lockdown here in Manila.

 

I noticed she has changed …

She is slimmer.

 10 lbs. lighter from the last call we had. I think 3 months ago.

 A bit younger than her age.

 More energetic.

 More active.

 

I can’t help but ask, “How come?” Are you on a diet?

She just laughed and then handed me virtually her favorite bread.

 

Karen: “Yes, I’m on Keto diet.”

Me: Really? You’re joking. Bread is not for Keto lover!

 

She laughed hard, like the usual giggles we had in college.

But she continued …

 

Karen: “Yes, it’s true. My husband has been asking me to go on Keto since last year.   But you know “our daily bread” is holding me back a lot. Lol!

I realized that bread has been a huge part of my life. I can’t imagine a day without bread. You know that soft, chewy buns, spread with butter, and ham …”

Me: “And so …”

Karen: “But you know, love move mountains, so I made a shift to Keto because of him…”

Me: “But you just ate bread???”

Karen: “Yeah, but it’s a healthy bread! I have been experimenting with the gift from Ben (his husband by the way) … and it works!

Me: “Hmm …” (still skeptical)

 

…. the video call ended at 2:00 am, filled with bread stories and Keto struggles, and of course love life!

I wish Karen is just a city away.

 

A week has passed. And the Keto diet conversation still rings in my head.

Should I try or not?

 

Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. About a handful of my friends have tried it, including Karen, and I can’t deny how it has improved their body conditions.

This low-carb, high-fat craze is becoming stronger each day I meet a new Keto diet fan.

 

Bread is my life.

I swear that a little butter on a slice of toasted bread is the cure to all the things depressing at this pandemic time.

So, there’s a war inside my head right now.

Maybe, I need another call with Karen.

 

 

P.S. 

Here’s the gift from Ben that made it easy for Karen to switch to a Keto diet. Check it out. Who knows, this could change your life, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, my Dora!

It’s the love month! Yay, exciting days ahead!

 

There’s magic when you hear February. Everyone is looking forward to the 14^th of the month.

Who would date who?

Will they finally date and admit that they love each other?

Will I receive a marriage proposal?

Will she finally say ‘YES’?

 

Even if some are bitter because they still haven’t found the one, deep inside we are enchanted by the thoughts of love or seeing someone being deeply loved.

 

I am in my midlife.

Single and not taken.

I am always asked why I haven’t married.

 

As the 14^th of February comes closer, questions on me about dating also pile up.

And the answer is obvious.

 

No, I’m not bitter.

I am happy with the thoughts of love. I am always one in celebrating the love I see around me.

 

Yes, I admit, I wish I also have one.

But as cliché as it is, I am willing to wait for the one.

 

Ooops, this article is not about me! Haha!

This is about love.

 

The story of Dora and Domingo is my favorite love story of all time.

It is far better than Romeo and Juliet.

Their love transcends all levels of defining the word.

 

Dora comes from a poor family. She earns her living by doing laundry to others. She is the eldest and everything she earns goes back to her family.

 

Domingo, on the other hand, comes from an affluent family. They own hectares of land from the community. He enjoys the elite status and admiration of women around him.

 

One day, Dora and Domingo met. Domingo was struck by the beauty of Dora.

 

He packaged all his tricks and impressed in every way her beloved Dora.

But Dora was not easily swayed by his charm and tactics.

 

Then, after months of persuading, their love story became hopeless.

 

Dora was arranged to marry another man. A soldier that her family thought would give her a better life.

Domingo, on the other hand, was on the same fate. He was arranged to marry another lady at par with his family’s influence.

 

They live with their own families separately for years.

Dora bore two children, while Domingo finds no luck having a child from his wife.

 

World War II broke out.

Dora’s husband was killed in the war.

 

In the midst of chaos, Domingo received the news from his friend.

Hurriedly, he sought after Dora. He found Dora caught up in rocks carrying her two children.

 

Domingo brought home his love.

He took care of Dora and his children.

 

The love grew between them and they were blessed with four children.

The love was full of sacrifices. It was a lovely rose amidst the thorns.

 

Dora and Domingo chose not to get married to preserve the support from the government to Dora’s children from her first husband.

 

Domingo and his wife adopted the four children from Dora and lived with them.

 

Being a heartthrob of his generation, Domingo fell for many women.

His unfaithfulness brought back the dark shades to his relationship with Dora.

The wealth of Domingo’s family was also gone, and he became a poor man.

Eventually, his wife died.

 

The love cycle between Dora and Domingo continued with the unconventional set-up.

It was an alternating phase of ecstasy and despair, wrapped with friendship and understanding.

Some people cursed them because of moral issues in view of social standards of love and faithfulness.

Nevertheless, they remained partners in every aspect of their lives as parents to their children.

 

Their love was never tied up in marriage.

Their love has all the imperfections you can imagine in a couple’s life.

But they were constant in their love and affection until their dying times.

 

I will always be a fan of their love story.

Their love tells me a lot about love.

 

Love comes at its own perfect time.

Love is a sacrifice.

Love is a decision.

Love is patient.

Love is a passion.

Love is a partnership.

Love is a commitment.

Love is an experience carved with laughter and tears.

Love is seeing beyond yourself.

 

I was a witness to the imperfect love story of Dora and Domingo.

I heard all the laughter and saw that unconditional love in Domingo’s eyes as he tirelessly recounts the journey of his passion for Dora.

 

If I know what love is, it is because of them.

I will always be a fan of my Lolo and Lola.

 

Incredible Pill

I was browsing today and stumbled upon a 2015 article. It discusses a drug called Captagon, a tiny yet highly addictive pill used by Syrians during the war. It is claimed that Captagon was made for the battlefield to enable their soldiers to execute commands without fear. Dubbed as the ‘chemical courage’, it brought them to heights of owning the world inside their mind.

If one day you were given a choice to take this pill, will you take it?

 

Courage is one trait that every human should have.

People want it. Only a few realized they are born with it.

 

Every day our courage is put to test.

When we wake up on heavy rain, we get up and go to work anyway.

When we are called in the class to recite, we stand up even if we are unsure of our ideas.

When your boss comes up to you asking about the results of your campaign, you present outright even if it doesn’t agree with his expectations.

When your team challenges you to do a task out of your values, you challenge it up to align thoughts with the general good.

When you try to turn your hobby to a business, even if others discourage you.

When you work out your belly fats and share progress with your friends even if they laugh at you.

When you ask your crush to go on a date with you, even if you think ‘NO’ can be a possible answer, too.

 

Men, this is courage!

 

You don’t need the incredible pill of the Syrians to fight without fear in life.

You can have courage by knowing that it is a God-given attribute the moment you cried out of your mother’s womb.

You can build it by acknowledging it every day, even on a gentle smile you put on to brighten one’s day.

You can keep it by seeing it as a treasure that no one else can get.

 

The challenge to live without regrets lies on how much you can live in your courage zone.

Do the things that scare you.  Witness how your life perfectly unfolds.

 

 

 

 

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” -William G.T. Shedd​

His Sweet Revenge

A lot of us are dreaming about FREEDOM. We wish we can live like a child, where everything is given, where everything is free, and where every people you loved is just happy and contented with you.

How many times have you stopped and uttered: “I wish I could do more”?

When you get overwhelmed at work, you feel like quitting, but reality knocks on you that you got someone depending on you from home. Work fuels your life, and you must go on no matter how hard the toil is.

Many times you missed family celebrations and you say to yourself, “I’ll be there next time.” But the truth is, next time is no longer guaranteed.

Sad truth.

So we search for side gigs to have a higher bid in life.

You got an invitation to go for online work, only to realize that is not the work that you wished for a side gig.

Sometimes you get too excited with the word freelancing and jump right through it. And then, comes the need for learning new jargons, new technologies, new skills. You took the course, ended burned out, and didn’t get any results.

What now? Should you give up?

 

The answer is NO.

One man proved that life is what you make it. You must transcend the challenges in your life.

John Crestani.

He was a drop out student. He was lost. He took hiatus to reflect on where is he going. And he was awakened.

Inspired by the book: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, he started building his life again. He worked by trial and error, freelancing, and was hired in a corporate set-up, but then got fired.

TOUGH!

But, hold on, John didn’t stop.

He bounced back with his sweet revenge. From the marketing and advertising works he did in the past, he was able to build a system that pays off a huge reward of $$$.

He finally hit the winning prize for his struggles and perseverance against the odds.

He is now able to travel the world and have the luxury of life anywhere and anytime.

John gained the respect of the online world with his passion for building his empire and sharing with others the system that leads him to be where he is now.

Because he didn’t give up.

 

Curious and want to learn more from John?

Follow him on his FREE TRAINING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Practices to be a SUPERHERO

“I am flying, whoa!!!” That is the feeling I would love to play repeatedly in my lifetime. It was a breathtaking experience, watching corn field workers 800 feet above the ground, taking camera shots of mountain ranges, flying with the birds around the volcanic crater.

Whew! Flying on an open cockpit, amazing!

Everything was unexpected on that day. From a simple wish to destress to an adventure that leads to a change of life’s perspective.

Out in the air, my pilot asked me, “Do you know that every human owns a superpower, every human is a superhero?

I was stunned for a moment. HOW? He asked me to guess it.

“Is it the power to choose?” I asked.

He smiled.

He is a self-made man. He has built his businesses and has filled his bucket list, too. Our conversation was short, but it feels like a year of training. He asked me to master the power of choice. One good assignment that I carried as I bid goodbye from the flying school.

In Biblical times, Adam and Eve were given this gift, the free will. It was not only our first parents who received it. Every one of us was granted this precious gift.

It was two years since I left the flying school. I strengthened my view of what it takes to master the power of choice.

I realized there are two reasons why we fail in our decisions, but only one common ground. Love and fear are the two reasons, all founded under one ground called emotions.

Guilty?

Well, I have here pieces of advice on how we can combat that destructive ground and build on our superpower to choose well in life:
1. Define your values. What are the things that you value most?
2. See your future. How will the decision affect your future?
3. Pause. Take 5-10 minutes to block outside noise. Breathe deeply to relax.
4. Paint different pictures. List your choices and picture the possible results.
5. Decide with positivity. Which option gives advantage to many? Does it bring a positive impact on your life? Is it worth 5-10 years from now?

The plan to spend a day at the flying school was a random decision. But, it was a choice that yields a thousand results.

Now, I can make conscious decisions. I am more in control of my life and make tangible directions on how I want to build my future.

I am my own superhero.

Remind yourself every day that you are a superhero. You own a superpower that only you can magnify.

Use it. Live with it.

Make others believe that they hold the same gift each day.

The Journey Begins

Today, I am starting off a new journey. Will you follow me?