The oil that makes my face emits a little extra shine
*Isn’t it refreshing to cleanse your face early in the morning?*
You get excited putting products that are part of your skin care routine, especially the sunscreen that is of great importance because it helps protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But for some, just after a few hours later, something will happen.
That is exactly the problem of many people, especially so to the teens. It is really feels greasy when your face begins to produce sebum. With that, I cannot stop singing this one:
***“Shinning, shimmering, splendid.”***
It shines like a diamond. But it is not funny for some. I am one of those who feel that this is a struggle. Kulang na lang ay magbilad ako sa araw at maglagay ng itlog sa mukha, baka sakaling maluto pa para may pakinabang naman, char. Baka mas lalo lang masira mukha ko at baka pumangit pa, joke ulit haha.
The question here is that, what causes oily skin?
Before diving deeper in this particular topic, let me just remind you that I am not an expert nor dermatologist. All these things I am telling here are just based on what I know and based on my research.
Everybody has oil in their skin and this is a fact. We have this so-called sebaceous gland which produces sebum that is otherwise known as natural oils. These natural oils keep our skin look healthy and hydrated. However, this gland can produce excess oils which make other’s skin very oily.
Because of that, breakouts are more likely to happen and that is something that most of us really do not want to happen. When sebum is mixed together with dead skin cells then gets stuck in our pores, a nightmare, I mean, breakout could happen.
***Of course you get sad because who wouldn’t?***
If you have an oily face too, these are the possible causes.
**1. Genetics**
If your mother or father has oily skin, there is a great possibility that you may have an oily skin too since it can be traced to our genes.
**2. Age**
A skin that is aging loses this so-called protein, for example collagen, making sebaceous glands slow down. That is why less sebum is produced by your skin as you age.
**3. Where you live and the time of year.**
The place where you live, including the time of year, could make an impact too. If you are living in a place where there is a hot climate, you tend to have oiler skin especially during summer.
**4. Enlarged pores**
Pores which are enlarged due to previous breakouts among other causes, more oil tend to be produced.
**5. Using the wrong skin care products**
Using products that aren’t really matched to your face could be a cause too. What is worse is that it may cause irritation too if you are using the wrong products. So before using a product, better consult first a dermatologist to know what type of product is good for your skin.
**6. Overdoing your skin care routine**
Everything that is done in excess is of no good. So, you must always remember to not overdo your skin care routine. What is suggested is that you only need to wash or cleanse your face twice a day. Again, do not overdo it.
**7. Skipping your moisturizer**
It is given that wearing a sunscreen is good to our skin to avoid the effect of the harmful rays of the sun. Applying moisturizer is helpful too. Without it, there is a chance that any skin type will dry out. For oily skin, lightweight, water-based moisturizers are recommended.
**Reference:** https://www.healthline.com/health/oily-skin-causes#takeaway
Final Thoughts:
Skin care routine is really important most especially if you have an acne-prone and sensitive skin. You really have to take care of your skin.
It is very important to know the things like this so that you may get an idea on what you should do and what is not, especially if you are planning to start a skin care routine.
Together, let us hope to have a healthy and hydrated skin by doing the right things!
See you again on my next article where I will be going to share home treatments that can be helpful for oily skin.
I was inspired to make this post because of kli4d’s article which you may read here: https://read.cash/@kli4d/hello-cutie-pimples-please-leave-me-alone-fa3e23e2
The lead image is very creative and catchy, and I did not regret reading it. And the content? It is very INFORMATIVE!
Are you new to my profile? If you do not know me yet, I am Burnok, your friendly neighbor who loves writing things like this and like that. Here are some of my articles, which you may want to read too.
**Switched** https://read.cash/@Burnok/switched-d0133cdd
**Why I Love Writing** https://read.cash/@Burnok/why-i-love-writing-900ea5bb
**A Morning Routine** https://read.cash/@Burnok/a-morning-routine-ef9c9d59
**Don't Make More Reasons: Start Doing Actions** https://read.cash/@Burnok/dont-make-more-reasons-start-doing-actions-d125876f
A Morning Routine
One of the secrets of having a good and healthy lifestyle is by starting the day right. How do we avoid the negativity and grumpiness the whole day? It’s by having a positive mind and energetic character in the morning.
For this article, I decided to write something that would inspire you make every day better.
*What do you usually when you wake up in the morning?*
Here are some ideas you could do first:
***Pray.***
You shouldn’t be standing up immediately after you open your eyes. Take a little time to lay down as your system adjusts to work in a brand new day. For that instance, you may use it in praying and giving thanks to God for the chance to see world’s beauty again. It would be good too to read one Bible verse which could help in giving you a motivation and wisdom in going through the day.
***Make your bed.***
There’s something productive making your bed in the morning. Fixing up where you slept and be able to see your room organized is an indication that you’re ready to fight for the day.
***Hygiene essentials.***
If you’re done with your room, to set things right with yourself. It is necessary to wash your face in the morning to remove the oil and also, before doing this, fix your hair first so it won’t meddle. Brush your teeth and do all the things you have to do there. Make sure to come out fresh and ready.
***Drink a glass of water.***
Before making your coffee or tea, make sure to drink a glass of water first. It has a lot of health benefits and it is really needed in your body especially for good digestion. In my case, I used to hate this part because it makes me feel bloated but now I’m used to it.
***Make a coffee or tea.***
Between the two, tea is healthier. But as a coffee lover, maybe a cup of coffee doesn’t hurt a lot. As we always say, everything is good but in moderation. Your coffee or tea time in the morning is important so you would have a moment to think about what you will for the rest of the day.
***Write your to-do list.***
In this world where everything can easily become a chaos, make sure to jot down some notes especially your to-do list. Aside from it keeps you organized regarding with time, it also makes you productive. It isn’t necessary that you will finish all the things you’ve written down, it’s just a manner of being aware of your responsibilities and to inspire you in managing your time better.
***Eat breakfast.***
**Eat your breakfast like a king** – it means that whatever food that there is, you should eat, and you should eat a lot. Some people skip breakfast because they said it’s a waste of resources but I totally disagree. This is a must, it gives you energy for the rest of the day and motivates you to do all your tasks.
***Have a 10-minute exercise.***
**Don’t forget your heart and body health.** Spare ten minutes in making physical activities. If you have a yoga mat, you can follow plans and exercise routines from the internet or you can also make a combination of your own where you can feel more comfortable. Releasing sweat is good to remove the toxins out of your body. You could also walk or jog around the neighborhood – a simple thing but could give you major benefits for your heart, muscles, and bones.
***Prioritize yourself.***
**Most importantly, remember your goals, dreams, and aspirations**. Let go of the worries you had yesterday because today is another chance to be better and to learn from the mistakes of your past. Beautiful things are waiting for you. Whatever you feel is valid so make also some time to contemplate about yourself and prioritize what your heart and mind wants to do.
~
These are the things that I recommend to be on your morning routine. As a student, I’m doing the best I can to follow it so that I could be fit and productive in a day. If you have other ideas aside from these, comment down below because I might add that up too in my list.
*Always remember to set everything right first thing in the morning because your mood could affect your whole day and your surroundings. No matter what the people are you say or do to you, consistently know who you are and makes your heart happy.*
~
*All pictures are from* ***Pixabay.***
Mula sa Kabilang Parte; From the Other Side
Ako ngayo'y magsusulat naman gamit ang wikang Filipino. Ang istoryang inyong mababasa ay mula sa istoryang aking ginawa kahapon. Ito ay unang parte lamang ng nasabing istorya at ang status nito ay on-going pa. Ngunit kahit pa man ganiyan, inaasahan kong inyong magugustuhan ang aking isasalaysay.
**/ Sandy /**
Ang kalahati ng mundo ay madilim na. Ang isa pang kalahati nito ay umaaraw. Nasa parte ako ng mundo kung saan darating na naman ulit ang isang panibagong araw. Ang haring araw ay nagniningning nang maliwanag habang ito'y paakyat sa napakalawak na kalangitan, at ito'y nagbibigay ng ilaw sa paligid.
Palagi nilang sinasabi na ang panibagong araw ay nagbibigay ng panibagong pag-asa. At ngayon ay inaayos ko na ang aking pinagtulugan at naghahanda para sa isa na namang araw ... kung saan hindi ko kayang pigilan ang kalupitan ng aking mga kamag-aral sa akin.
Lagi akong binubully. Walang araw na pinapayagan nila akong maging masaya. Minsan, marami akong natatanggap na mga sampal. Minsan naman ay pinagtatawanan nila ako, pagkatapos kinukunan ng litrato ako upang gumawa ng mga maling kwento tungkol sa akin.
Walang nakakaalam tungkol sa aking sitwasyon maliban sa aking mga kamag-aral, na hindi man lang nag-abala na tulungan ako. Para bang walang nangyayari sa tuwing may ginagawang kalupitan sa akin ang mga walang puso at sakim na bullies na mua rin sa aming klase.
Hindi ko kailanman sinabi sa iba ang tungkol sa nararamdaman ko. Wala man lang kasing nagtangkang iligtas din ako. Siguro, sa mata nila'y dapat lang sa akin ang mga 'yon. O di kaya naman ay natatakot lang silang umawat dahil baka sila naman ang pagdiskitahan. Siguro nga talaga nararapat lang ito sa akin. Pero hindi, hinding-hindi.
*Mangangahas ka bang malaman kung paano nagsimula ang lahat?* Malalaman mo ito sa lalong madaling panahon.
Kasalukuyan akong naglalakad sa pasilyo. Wala pa masyadong estudyante na pumapasok. Tahimik kong hiniling na sana ay hindi nila ako mapansin ngayon. Hindi ngayon dahil pakiramdam ko napakahina ko ngayon. Ngunit narito pa rin ako na naglalakad patungo sa pasilyo ng paaralan dahil hindi ko nais na maapektuhan ang aking mga marka. Oo, binu-bully ako sa kabila ng aking academic stand. Kung sabagay, walang paki-alam ang mga bully sa mga ganoong bagay. Basta't may mabubully sila, wala ng magagawa pa.
Pero sa hindi inaasahan at pinaka-ayaw kong pagkakataon, narito na naman sa aking likuran ang taong pinaka-ayaw kong makita at makasalubong. Papalapit na naman siya sa akin. Ang mga titig niya ay tila isang bangungot sa akin. Masyadong nakakatakot ang tunog ng bawat hakbang niya. Ramdam ko ang pintig ng puso ko. Naglakad ako nang mabilis habang ako'y nakatitig lang sa baba. Pagkatapos ay nakabunggo ako ng isang tao, na naging sanhi upang ako ay natumba.
Napapikit nalang ako dahil ang alam ko'y masasaktan na naman ulit ako. Nakaramdam ako ng kakaiba dahil tila walang nangyari. Tumayo ako habang nakapikit pa rin. Natatakot akong buksan ang aking mga mata. Nagsasalita ako habang nasa ganoon akong posisyon.
**"Ano pa ang ginagawa mo? Ito ang gusto mo, di ba?"** Sabi ko habang umiiyak at habang ako na mismo ang nanakit sa aking sarili para sa kanila. Ngunit ako'y nabigla ng may marinig akong tumatawa. Iba ang tunog ng tawa niya. Para bang ngayon ko lang iyon napakinggan. Lalo akong naguluhan nang magsimula siyang magsalita.
"Nababaliw ka na yata, miss?" Sinabi ng lalaki na may malalim na boses. Sigurado ako sa sandaling iyon na siya ay isang bagong mag-aaral. Dahil dito, aking nang minulat ang aking mga mata. Una kong nakita ang mga labi niyang tila ang sarap halikan. Makapal pa ang kaniyang kilay. Mala-anghel rin ang kanyang mukha.
**"Nananaginip ba ako?"** Sabi ko.
Saka ko lang naramdaman na nahulog ulit ang aking katawan sa lupa. Parang nawalan ako ng malay. Nang imulat ko ang aking mga mata ay nasa isang hindi pamilyar na lugar na ako, at napapaligiran ako ng iba't ibang mga tao. Akala ko panaginip lang ito, kaya ipinikit ko muli ang aking mga mata, ngunit nalaman kong hindi talaga ako nananaginip.
Hanggang diyan na lamang muna ang unang parte ng ating istorya. Mangyaring patawarin ako kung nakakita ka ng ilang mga pagkakamali, lalo na sa grammar at spelling dahil hindi ko ito manu-manong na-edit. Ngunit huwag kang mag-alala dahil i-e-edit ko ito sa lalong madaling panahon upang mas mahusay itong basahin. Maaari mong isulat ang iyong mga saloobin tungkol sa unang bahagi ng kuwento sa seksyon ng komento sa ibaba. Masaya akong makarinig mula sa iyo. Ang iyong mga mungkahi ay lalong magpapabuti sa kwento, kaya huwag mag-atubiling gawin ito.
**Disclaimer:**
Ang kwentong ito ay kathang-isip lamang, at lahat ng mga pangalan, kaganapan, lugar, at lahat ng iba pang mga bagay na maaari mong mabasa dito ay pawang mga imahinasyon at nagkataon lamang. Lahat ng larawang ginamit sa kuwentong ito ay mula sa Unsplash. Credits belong to the respective owner.
*Mula sa panulat ni* **Burnok**
Switched
/Sandy/
Half the world is sleeping, half the world is awake. I am on the side where a new day is coming. The sun is shining brightly while it goes upward, giving light to the surroundings.
They say that it gives another hope. And so here I am fixing my beddings and preparing for another day... where I cannot stop the cruelity of my classmates.
I am being bullied always. There's no day that they let me feel me happy. Sometimes, they inflict pain through several slaps. They make fun of me then captures photo of me and do false story about me.
No one knows about my situation except my classmates who didn't even bother to help me. It is as if nothing is happening each time they do something to me. I never talked to anyone about how I feel. No one has ever tried to save me too. Maybe, I am just too weak. Maybe they are afraid to get involved. Maybe, I am unworthy.
*Would you dare to know how it all started? You will find it out soon.*
I am currently walking in the corridor with no one else at my side. Well, it is normal to me. I am such a certified loner.
I am silently wishing that they will not notice me today. Not now because I feel like I am very weak today. But I am still here walking towards the school's corridor 'cause I do not want my grades to be affected. Yes, I am being bullied despite of my academic standing. Bullies knows no exceptions.
And just like what I have expected, here is the person I hate the most. She is approaching me again. Her stares were nightmare to me. Each step sounds too terrifying. I can feel my heart beating fast. I walked as fast as I can with mt head just looking down. Then I bumped with someone, which caused me to fell down. I just closed my eyes because I know I'll be hurt again.
I felt weird when nothing happens after it. I stand up with eyes still closed. I am afraid to open my eyes. I speak while I am on my current position.
***"What else are you doing? This is what you want, right?"***
I said as I cry while hurting myself. Then I hear someone laughing. His laugh sounds different. It's as if foreign to me. I never hear those laugh. I became more confused when he starts speaking.
***"Are you crazy, miss?"***
The guy said in his husky tone. I am sure that moment that he is a new student. I know it's impossible for me to judge it while my eyes were still closed, but I can feel it. I never get wrong with my hunch or presumption. And so I opened my eyes. I saw first his kissable lips. His eyebrows are thick. His face is angelic.
***"Am I dreaming?"*** I said. Then I just feel that my body fell again again to the ground. I feel like I have lost my consciousness.
Wjen I opened my eyes, I am already in an unfamiliar place, and I am surrounded by different people with unfamiliar faces. I thought it was a dream so I closed my eyes, but I was not dreaming.
That is the end of the chapter one! How is it, my dear readers? Please forgive me if you see some mistakes especially on the grammar and spellings because I haven't manually edited it. But don't you worry because I will edit it soon to make it more better to read. That is all for the first part of this newly created story of mine. I hope I can finish it.
You may write down your thoughts about the first part of story in the comment section below. I will be glad to hear from you. Your suggestions will further improve the story, so do not hesitate to do so.
`Disclaimer:`
This story is fictitious and all names, events, places, and all other things that you may tewd in here are purely imaginations and coincidences.
All pictures used in this story are from Unsplash. Credits belong to their respective owners.
**By Burnok**
Don't Make More Reasons: Start Doing Actions
*Are you looking for some ways about developing better learning techniques which you could apply to your learning style?*
**Just continue reading then.**
Let us start this article with a quote that goes like this: "*The art of reading and studying consists in remembering the essentials and forgetting what is not essential."* ― **Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf**
Many students out there are struggling with postponing to do something, whether studying for exams, quizzes, doing homework, among other things.
It is not too late to change or transform these bad habits into a more productive ones. Everyone does not have to spend all the time studying to study effectively. Even if you study hard at school, you still need to learn more about developing better learning skills. It is a case to case basis. What works fo someone may not work to others and vice versa.
Time management means a lot to every student. To those students who are currently reading it, I believe that you will agree. It would mean intentionally organizing and planning things according to schedule. For example, you will do this at this hour then the other things on the next hours or it can also be in a daily basis.
Making a plan means you set things with some ways or actions to accomplish them. You may make use of a calendar then mark important dates there and indicate what to do on that day. You may also make use of journals with a daily schedule or a calendar.
Here is another quote to make the discussion more inspiring to read: "A mind of moderate capacity which closely pursues one study must infallibly arrive at great proficiency in that study." ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
Creating a study plan each week of the semester. This is related with what is mentioned in the previous paragraph. It means making a list of things to do on a daily or weekly basis. For example, you will read some notes in this date then after that do some practice tests, and many more things.
If your teacher is using PowerPoint and not in a book when teaching a particular lesson, the best way to take notes is to attend class attentively. It is given that sometimes we cannot stop ourselves from yawning especially if the topic is boring, but still do your best to listen carefully and jot down important terms with their key definitions.
You can save time and get a lot of information by using abbreviations when taking notes. But make sure that you are familiar with the abbreviations you used so that you will avoid confusion later on when you try to study your notes.
Pay attention to vital terms. You do not need to write all the things you may see on the board or in a PowerPoint presentation. Key terms and definitions are already enough. It saves time and make you understand the lesson more clearly and efficiently. It also saves space in your notepad.
Previewing sections and chapters gives you many benefits of how the data is organized. Highlighting important things in the textbook simultaneously as you read it can be helpful later when trying to remember important parts of chapters and essential phrases.
Making use of highlighters are really beneficial most especially if you like colorful study materials when reviewing or just reading notes. You do not need to memorize all. What you need is to read them more than once to grasped information. When it is done, test yourself.
The self-test can show you whether you need to study further, or that you fully understand the study material you have read or reviewed. Thinking that you are studying hard, so acquiring better learning skills will help make your study more effective and more manageable.
Keep this in mind, studying styles and approaches are not a product of magic, but they are too valuable to ignore. When used effectively and consistently, it enables academic success. Apply learning styles in a convenient way that suits you. These are friendly reminders, and I hope they could help you.
When you want it do it! Do not make more reasons, take actions!
Why I Love Writing
*This is me and one of my favorite novels, Turtles All The Way Down by John Green.*
For this article, I am going to tell you my journey in writing. I hope you will read my story. After this article, I will finally write an article about some tips that I could share to you that I hope would help you too in your writing journey.
I didn’t know that I have passion in writing until they put my name in a Journalism competition when I was in sixth grade.
I can only remember that back when I was in third grade, I wanted to write my own introduction whenever we started our theme writing. I was amazed on how creative our teacher was on putting words together and I wanted to do that to. I won the feature writing contest and we went to the regional level. I was so happy, but still, I didn’t know that I was good at it—I didn’t know that it would give meaning to my life.
In my Junior High School, when I applied for the school publication, I was confident that I would get a slot. Unluckily, I didn’t and it hurt me a lot. I was too childish to understand what those things are meant for. I was jealous for those who are in seventh grade that got a position and I wondered where could I possibly went wrong in my interview or in the article that I’ve written for the application.
That’s the time I wrote silently. I was afraid that others might see my work and know how senseless they are. I didn’t give up in writing but I’ve lost my confidence. It’s the time that I started writing for myself—alone. I write whenever I have a spare time, whenever I don’t want to hear the world’s arguments and chaos.
*Writing became my companion.*
Those nights that I was drowning with own tears, I wrote. Those days that I was out of place, I wrote. Those times that I was ignored, I wrote. My paper was my own skin and my ink was my blood. I created a friend in me, someone I can rely on all the time. Since then, I never felt alone.
*Writing made me brave.*
It was in ninth grade that I finally found myself applying in our school publication once again. I was a staff writer; I worked with my fellow writers. As I write every word, I feel the gust of bravery from inside of me. I wrote with power and assurance that I write only for the truth and in behalf of the people who are afraid to speak.
*Writing filled in the empty spaces.*
Every tear that broke into my eyes became a masterpiece in form of words and metaphors. Every empty space in my heart became a poetry. Writing taught my mind and heart to appreciate the blank spaces and make something out of it. Writing turned my pain into something beautiful.
In journalism competitions
I also received up to regional awards. I am proud of it but it isn’t everything that I write for. Nonetheless, I am happy because I have met lots of people who share the same passion as with me. I went to different places in the region and discovered new things. The journey isn’t an easy one, but I loved every minute of it.
*Six years ago, we went to De La Salle University in Taft, Manila for a convention and seminars.*
A word of advice
If you found something that your heart cares for a lot, do not ever give up on it, even if the world says it’s difficult. Do not doubt your capabilities. Lastly, stay humble.
Back then, I even dreamt of having my own novel and publish it. Though I wasn’t able to do that at young age, I still dream to make it up for me someday.
Now that I am in college, I got busy with my academics. I enrolled in BS Accountancy program, but still, I find time to write. I am very thankful for this platform which makes it possible for me to have random readers from all over the world.
As I publish this article, I received a notification that my account has reached 100 views already! This is such an amazing milestone for me. I thank you all for welcoming me here.
I found a home.
Silweta
“Bakit pa ba ako nandito?”
***Tanong*** ko sa aking sarili nang paulit-ulit – tuwing pinipilit kong ipikit ang aking mga mata upang pigilan ang mga luhang tuloy-tuloy na dumadaloy, tuwing tinatakpan ng aking mga kamay ang aking tainga upang maibsan ang sakit na dulot ng mga salitang aking naririnig na tila ba mga panang tumutusok sa aking puso, tuwing gusto kong sumigaw nang napakalakas, iyong sobrang lakas upang marinig nilang galit ako, nasasaktan ako, at hindi ko na kaya pero tanging ang paghikbi lamang ang aking nagawa.
Ang mundo ay isang digmaan; ipinanganak tayo upang lumaban sa mga hirap at pagsubok na dadating sa ating buhay at upang makamit natin ang ating mga pangarap at hangarin. Sa labing-anim na taon kong pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay, araw-araw ay may pagbabago. Kilala ko ang sarili ko kahit anong anggulo ko pa tignan. Nasa akin ang susi sa bawat sikreto at katotohanan tungkol sa akin. Ako ay isang ordinaryong taong may mga pagkakamali at kahinaan. Nararanasan kong manatili sa ilalim ng mundo – kinakaya kong pasanin lahat ng hirap at problema. Nasusubukan kong maglakad sa isang mataong lugar at nararamdamang ako ay mag-isa. Nadadapa ako dulot ng hirap ng buhay subalit natututo akong tumayo dahil nangingibabaw sa aking puso at isipan ang kagustuhan kong maging matagumpay kahit na minsan ay mismong mga magulang ko ay hindi naniniwala sa akin. Walang taong kayang mabuhay nang mag-isa lamang. Tayong lahat ay nangangailangan ng karamay – taong handang maglaan ng oras at panahon upang pakinggan ang ating mga hinaing sa buhay. Sa kabila ng mga sanda- ling wala akong nasasandalan, lumalabas siya nang wala sa oras. Ang aking silweta ay kaibigan ko simula pa nang makamtan ko ang regalong bigay sa akin ng Maykapal. Siya ang nagsisilbing representasyon ko. Dala niya ang mga bagay na hindi ko kayang kunin sa pagdaan ng panahon. Itinatago niya ang mga pangarap kong naudlot at mga kagustuhan kong hindi ko nakamit. Nasa kanya ang mga ugali ko na ayaw kong ipakita sa lahat ng tao. Batid niya ang lahat ng mga lihim ko sa buhay. Taglay niya lahat ng mga pinakamasasakit na ala-alang ayaw ko nang balikan. Kinamumuhian ko siya. Pinapaalala niya lahat ng aking mga kabiguan. Pero kahit anong gawin ko, kahit anong pagtataboy ang gawin ko sa kanya, kailanman ay hindi niya ako iniwan. Naroon siya noong panahong ako ay nadapa at kailangan kong bumangon. Nakita ko siya at naging gabay ko siya sa pagbangon. Tinulungan niya ako at ipinaparamdam niyang kahit nasa ibaba ako ay hindi ako mag-iisa. Sa mga panahong nasa itaas ako ay naroon din siya. Sa hirap at saya ay may naging karamay ko siya.
Sa paglipas ng panahon, unti unti kong naiintindihan ang lahat. Ang araw ay hindi na natatakpan ng mga ulap at ako ay naliliwanagan na sa mga bagay-bagay sa aking paligid lalo na ang tungkol sa aking pagkatao. Ang puso kong dating nababalot ng yelo ay unti-unti nang nalulusaw. Tanggap ko na ang mga bagay na dati ay itinatanggi ko lamang sapagkat alam kong kung sino man ako ngayon ay iyon ang ginusto kong maging. Wala akong pagsisisi sa lahat ng mga desisyon ko sa buhay. Natutunan kong kailangan kong tanggapin lahat ng mga nangyari sa nakaraan at dapat ay mahalin ko ang sarili ko. Mahirap mabuhay sa mundo. Pero handa na akong kalabanin lahat para lang sa mga pangarap ko. Alam kong balang araw, ang mga hirap na nararamdaman ko ngayon ay mapapalitan ng saya. Hindi na ako natatakot at hindi ko na itatago ang mga katotohanang batid ng aking silweta.
*Mahal ko siya at mahal niya ako sapagkat ang silweta ay ako at ako ay ang aking silweta.*
Answering 8 Interesting Questions
Hello! I decided to pick 8 random interesting questions to answer.
*Let’s give it a shot!*
1. Do you find pets friendlier than humans?
Yes! I grew up in a household where there are different kinds of pets. We had a lot of dogs, cats, chickens, goose, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, goats, and even fish! I grew up alone that’s why our pets became my friends. I talk to them most often and feed them in a timely routine. They are the nicest creatures especially the dogs. They are loyal, friendly, and very loving. I like them more than people. They can’t talk but they can communicate and it’s the sweetest thing!
2. What’s a saying you say a lot?
I always tell myself and my friends, “**Work** **at** **your own** **phase**.” There’s so much pressure in living at the current generation that most of the time, we doubt our capabilities when others are finishing their tasks or achieving their dreams. I use these words to remind myself that we may want the same destination but we have different journeys, different roads, life battles, different maps. I own my time and I will reach whatever it is that I want *because I am patient with the process*.
3. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
It would be skills in cooking or baking. I really want to learn but I am afraid that I would just destroy the ingredients that I will use. Also, we lack equipment and materials in baking so I haven’t really tried baking on my own yet. It would be good to cook for my loved ones and I’m also thinking of putting up a cafe soon so it would be excellent if I have skills in baking pastries.
4. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration within myself. Over the years, I had battles and the only way I was able to survive was to think of myself and all those bumpy roads I was able to took over. I find inspiration in who I am. I seek for what my heart wants and I use that as my inspiration to be stronger and braver. I already gave up pushing myself into something else just because that’s what other people want me to be. I am content with who I am. I accept myself. Thus, I am inspired.
5. Would you describe yourself naughty or nice?
I think naughty. I don’t think I’m a nice person at this point in time. I am not friendly and I am not good in making conversations. I merely have people whom I talk to in a daily basis. I am more of a naughty person because I am hardheaded. I like to figure out things by myself except when I really ask it. I like to believe what I think is right and I’m that person who will always choose what my mind and heart is comfortable with. This is a fact, I don’t like to argue at all buy I always feel like I want to contradict others.
6. What’s the first thing you notice about a person?
It is the personality. I can’t explain it much but I am that kind of person who can feel immediately even at the first meeting if I like a certain person or not. I can sense it. I am an observer and an introvert; I am very much caring on whom I open myself with and who am I comfortable with. Based on a person’s aura, I can already tell his/her personality. I don’t know if I am judging a book based on the cover—I hope not.
7. What do you want most?
I want to change the world. I know this is kind of funny but it’s true. I believe that the world has become so much unbearable to live in. Humans, according to Science, are the smartest species. But why did we make everything so complicated and devastating? Maybe we have the most functional brain but it wasn’t able to control greed and ego. People need change their perspective of what really is important. After that, maybe the world will be saved. Thus, I want to influence people a spark of a better view in life.
8. What do you want to be since you were a child?
I remember, I had a toy which is a bicycle and selling ice cream. I remember writing down the cost of the ice cream and imagining that I will sell for a single day and then writing down my sales and all the expenses at the end of the day. It is clear as ice as that I wanted to have a business. Sooner, I also wanted to become a teacher because I was inspired by my teachers at school who are really good. I wanted to have that effect to change the lives of my students too. I also planned on being an English Major because I love literature and writing is a big part of me. As of now, I took Accountancy because of my family. Though it is still related to business, I still don’t want to give up that dream—to have my own business. I hope I’ll be able to figure out everything soon.
`Here’s my picture! I am thin, I am really working hard on changing that. It’s nice to meet you all. And, yes, I love the sunset.`
I hope you answered those questions with me. I am planning to make another set of question and answer again because it helps me think straight.
Thank you, really—a lot!
*All the love!*
On Ethics and Moral Dilemma
*I want to share with you some of my thoughts regarding Ethics!*
`Photo from Unsplash`
**Question: Are clothes a matter of pure aesthetic taste or does it make sense for clothes to become a subject in a discussion of ethics? Why? How about other forms of adornment, such as tattoos and piercings?**
Clothes is not just a matter of pure aesthetic taste; clothing concerns are wide and perception and convention about it varies across various people, places, and traditions. It does make sense for it to be a subject in a discussion of ethics as well as with the other forms of adornment like tattoos and piercings because these things mean more than ornamentation to others.
These issues are inclined to ethics because as to the countless rules and standards that people must bide upon today, we need further discourse or consideration on how some manifestations can be weighed as moral or immoral. There are government’s regulations or even an institution’s requirements regarding clothing and the like that we are obliged to follow but what if these provisions are against someone’s beliefs? Clothes and body adornments aren’t just a representation, it is a symbol of a person’s philosophy and belongingness. Therefore, yes, it should become a subject matter in ethics because it must be thoroughly understood and explained especially now that we have a widespread of standards of perfection, which builds a pathway to discrimination, and an unfair acceptance between people of different races, clothing statements, and body adornments.
**STUDYING ON A MORAL DILEMMA**
**Scenario: I promised my father to buy him his dream bike on his birthday. I knew he wanted that bike for so long and I told him before that I’ll work hard for it and I will make his dream come true on his special day. But, on the day before his birthday, my best friend came to me crying and asking for help. She told me that her mother was rushed to the hospital last night and the doctor said she has to go into surgery right away. My best friend was asking me for money; I understand that there’s no one else she could run to and it is needed badly so that they could go on with the operation.**
***Elements that are present in the moral dilemma***
- There are two contrasting options in the dilemma:
(1) to give the money I earned for my father’s gift to my best friend who urgently needs it for her mother’s operation or
(2) to refuse in helping my best friend financially.
- I can perform either of the two options.
- I am only allowed to choose one from the two options.
- Whatever decision I make; I am bound to hurt/disappoint either one of them. One of them has to sacrifice.
`Photo from Unsplash`
**Resolving the dilemma:**
1. I identify the given situation as a dilemma because of the conflicts arising between the first person, her father, and her best friend. Either way, someone will have to sacrifice.
2. I am always willing to help anyone who’s in need, regardless if he/she is close to me or not as it is one of my beliefs that nobody was meant to be an island and that I can make my life meaningful by lending a hand to anybody who needs it. I am also down in giving everything that my family needs and desires. It’s not that I feel obligated in giving back what they’ve done to me but it’s my dream to make their lives comfortable.
3. If I get to go with the option of declining my best friend’s request to borrow the money and continue with buying my father’s special gift, I would certainly make my father happy but it would cause such suffering to my best friend, and might make her mother’s condition worse as it would take much time for her to look for money. I could offer some other kind of help that might lessen her burden but maybe it won’t be assured that her mother will get into surgery and will have a greater chance as compared to if I help her with the needed finances right away.
On the other hand, if I choose to give my money to my best friend, my father would be sad and disappointed, and might feel bad towards me right on his birthday. He would lose his trust on me and doubt how important he is to his daughter.
*Having to weigh the circumstances and possible outcomes of the two options, the need of my best friend dominates than the want of my father to have is dream bike.*
4. Being on the situation, I would choose giving the money to my best friend and will talk to my father about her mother’s condition. I know it will be hard for him to accept, but I also know that eventually, he’ll understand. I am accountable in giving my father a setback on his special day but I could work it out with him in making the day memorable regardless of his dream bike, which, in a matter of time, I could work hard for again. But, I can never take a next step if I’ll refuse to help my best friend, knowing that her mother’s life is at risk.
We make ethical choices in our everyday lives without even noticing it. It challenges how much we could hold onto our moral principles in big and small situations. It takes great perseverance of what we believe is good or bad and how we assess things after things to be able to stand firmly and be accountable in making a decision without having to deem a sense of guilt and doubt if it was really the right decision to make.
Getting the mind right after ethical decisions means you have to hold on a little harder for what you believe inside. Getting over with it doesn’t mean forgetting or turning a blind eye with the circumstances that may happen, but to move forward with greater lessons and having a more powerful perspective, moral values, and principle
World Tour: Italy (Part 1)
*What’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear Italy?*
**Italy is on my bucket list.** This place is surreal for me. I have seen lots of photos online taken in Italy and it’s just too good to be real. I want to go there because I want to learn about their culture and explore everything that can be found there. I’ve seen how historical it is and rich in natural goodness.
I’ve picked some amazing facts about Italy that would prove to you that it is an extraordinary place.
**Italy has 55 UNESCO world heritage sites.**
I hope I will be able to show you some of these heritage sites but if not, I will include it in the second part of our Italy tour! This is a fact – Italy has the most UNESCO heritage sites all over the world. Aren’t you excited to visit all those?
**Italy has many inventions.**
- The first ***thermometer*** was designed by an Italian in 1612. The inventor is Santorio Santorio; he created the first device that could show the exact temperature.
- The first ***battery*** was invented in Italy in 1800 by an Italian scientist named Alessandro Volta. From his surname is where the unit of electrical power is derived from – *volt*.
- Italians were the first ones to invent ***eyeglasses***. In the ancient times, they used a long magnifying glass until in the late 13th century, Italians made a pair of eyeglasses with corrective lenses. What a wonderful invention that is ultimately useful up until now!
- ***Pizza*** was invented in Naples, Italy in the late 18th century. Do you want to taste the ultimately original pizza in the world? Go to Italy and because they hide all the secret ingredients and recipes.
`Photo from Unsplash`
They never really know where they get the name of the country Italy but some believe it came from a root word which means *“land of young cattle”* and the others believe that it was derived from the name of the early king of the region named *Italus*.
**WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ITALY**
1. Italy has the second-highest mountain in the whole continent of Europe.
It is a part of the The Alps mountain range which lies in Europe. It’s called **Mont** **Blanc** or White Mountain. It’s the most prominent mountain next to Mount Elbrus.
2. Fashion is a big sense in Italy. It’s first international fashion show occurred in Florence in 1951. Have you heard of Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani, or Valentino? These luxury brands are all from Italy.
`Photo from Unsplash`
3. Italy is home for well-known artists. Their works are implanted all over the world. They have Giotto, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and a whole lot more. Don’t just expect art forms such as paintings and sculptures hiding in their museums but also in their churches, roads, local residences – in short, all over it!
4. Italian’s version of ice cream is gelato, although they are not really the same thing. Gelato is silkier, lower in fat, and served at a higher temperature. Don’t miss this one when you visit the country.
5. Pasta is stapled as the prime food in Italy. It plays an integral part in their food history. However, it was believed that it was first brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo in the 13th century.
`Photo from Unsplash`
6. Italy has three active volcanoes. First is Mount Etna found in the island of Sicily. It last erupted in 2018. Second is Mount Stromboli and third is Mount Vesuvius found near Naples which last erupted in 1944.
7. Italy has Vatican City which is the smallest city in the whole world with just 100 acres. It has a Pope who is the head of the state and even though it is small, it has lots of historical sites such as St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel.
`Photo from Unsplash`
8. Italy has charming bodies of water in the form of lakes. This country has over 1500 lakes, the most popular is Lake Como.
9. Italy didn’t just give birth to luxury brands in the fashion industry but also with cars. Lamborghini, Fiat, Maserati, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo are car brands that extinguish it from the others because of their beauty and performance.
10. Have you seen a bottle of *wine*? Did they all come from Italy? Italy has been considered as the perfect land to grow wine because of their climate that’s why they have lots of vineyards. Italians consume wine every day; it became a part of their lifestyle.
`Photo from Unsplash`
Italy has major contributions in architecture, fashion, literature, opera, art, film, and also food. It has a rich culture that we should all discover.
This article will now end here but surely I will write a second part! Italy couldn’t fit in just one. Do you dream of going to Italy too?
Let’s cheers to that dream and someday will toss a glass of wine in Lake Como while overlooking God’s work of art.
*All the love.*
Haircare Tips
Our hair is our crowning glory. It gives us confidence and shows our style and character.
`Photo from Unsplash`
The reason I am writing this is to give it a time to love and care our hair. In a busy schedule, our hair-care routine might not be enough to what our hair actually needs.
Before anything else, I just want to show you three facts about hair.
1. Hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the body next to bone marrow.
2. Hair grows on average of between 0.5 and 1.7 centimeters per month.
3. The hair gets pushed up through the skin as it grows.
**Our hair needs** ****protein******.**
Hair needs protein for it to be healthy; to help strengthen its roots as it grows.
Protein is important because it is the building blocks of tissues in our body. Severe protein deficiency could actually lead to hair loss.
**How to take care of our hair?**
I hope these simple tips that I have gathered could help you provide your hair the best care it deserves!
1. ***Wash your hair frequently***
This is to remove the dirt from your hair and scalp. Hair is the one that catches most dirt from time to time. You can have shower in the morning and night.
***2. Use good quality shampoo***
Better yet, use a chemical-free shampoo because it is better to use natural elements in your hair to prevent damages. Use shampoo every other day or even twice a week is possible.
***3. Find a conditioner that fits your hair***
A hair conditioner is helpful in nourishing your hair and giving its supplemental needs. It also treats the damages but be warned that some hair conditioners are too much for our hair. If it’s too strong, it may cause bigger damage than it was supposed to cure.
***4. Comb using a wide-tooth comb***
Follow this tip so you would be able to get risk of the risk of damaging your own hair. Our hair is fragile when it is wet so never use brush. If you do not have a wide-tooth comb, you can use your fingers as an alternative to fix the tangles and remove the knots.
**5. Put some oil in your hair**
Oil prevents your hair from being dried up. Actually, it is important for your scalp-health. You can apply oil and let it stay in your hair for two hours, but, never leave it overnight.
**6. Trim regularly**
Having regular trims prevents having split and breakage.
**Other ways to take care of your hair**
To take care of your hair is to prioritize your general health:
***Drink plenty of water***
Stay hydrated always. Aim for the eight glasses of water every day. This keeps your whole body healthy including your hair.
***Live a stress-free life***
Though stress is inevitable, find a way to detoxify your life. Try having yoga, exercising, or meditating as part of your everyday routine. *Too much stress can lead to hair loss*.
***Eat healthy***
What your intakes are will show on your body including your hair. Practice to have a balanced diet and be sensible of the food you eat.
**~~DON’Ts~~** **FOR YOUR HAIR**
You might be doing some of these things and let this serve as a warning to stop doing them.
1. **Don’t blow dry your hair.**
Our hair really looks good if we used hair blower to dry it off and it can save time but the heat affects the hair and it causes damage.
**2. Don’t use rubber bands.**
Rubber bands intend to pull your hair and snuggle it up from the follicle. Find good ponytails to use, the ones that are soft with hair.
**3. Don’t continuously curl, straighten, and bleach your hair.**
Styling your hair isn’t bad but don’t overdo it. You can curl, straighten, or bleach your hair occasionally. If this is done repeatedly, permanent damage may arise on our hair.
**4. Don’t brush your hair a lot.**
Combing your hair multiple times isn’t good because too much friction removes the moisture of your hair.
**5. Don’t spray perfume.**
Perfumes contains chemicals and chemicals intend to dry out your hair. Treat your hair naturally instead.
I hope you gained a little knowledge in this short article of mine. Let’s aim for a stronger and healthier hair!
If you have some comments, suggestions, or questions, don’t be afraid to drop them down below on the comment box. I’d be happy to converse with you!
***All the love!***
A Blissful April
April is my favorite month and here’s why.
Hello, everyone!
*The world turns so fast and we fell down to the month of April once again.*
I hope in this month, it will be sweeter than the last and it will be a memorable one. First of all, April is my birth month and I will be turning 20 this year which makes me a little nervous and excited.
I started off this month with a new song on my playlist with the title “Cloud 9” by Beach Bunny.
*Even when we fade eventually, I’m nothing, you will always be my favorite kind of loving...*
This song boosts my mood. Yay!
Goals for this month
I know I cannot achieve all of this but there’s no bad in trying and this is also to direct my life better.
1. Lesser breakdowns
I have to learn how to control my mind more. I am a severely emotional person and I get away with my feelings often. I have to control it and find a way how to put my attention into something else.
2. Have 2 online purchase
Last month, I am restricting myself to buy anything because I have spend a lot of money on my academic books and I am worried about my earnings but for this month, I should manage to buy myself something too.
3. Publish 30 articles on read.cash
April has 30 days so I thought of posting an article a day. This will be crucial because we will have our midterm examinations on the third week but I wanna test my writing skills and time management. I am enjoying in this platform a lot and I don’t want to let this go just because of my schedule.
4. Have new firsts
I am a collector of new firsts. I really want to do things that I haven’t done before because sometimes I feel like my life is a constantly repeating. I need to try harder on looking for things to try! It makes me feel alive; the world is too wide and I badly want to explore.
5. No angry days
I know that being angry is inevitable but my aim is to control it. There were times that when I got angry, it lasts for the whole day and actually it isn’t right. I shouldn’t be wasting my time being mad at the world even if the world is mad at me.
6. Finish Season 11 of Grey’s Anatomy
I have been watching this series for how many months now and I was really stuck. I cannot accept the scenes and the characters that went away especially that they were my favorite. It actually got heavier episodes and I cannot adjust so fast. It has 45minutes per episode and I hope I can find time to watch this month.
7. To be happy on my birthday
I don’t know what’s wrong with me but I hate having my birthdays no matter how hard I try. There’s an emotion that pulls me down and for this year, I hope I can change that. I hope I’ll have a great one!
Lifestyle related goals
***Drink water***
Sometimes I am even lazy to drink my water. I am the only one? Water has a lot of benefits for our whole body and I have to drink achieve that 8 glasses everyday.
***Better and more time to sleep***
I am really having a hard time to sleep. I have to change into many positions first before I can finally put myself to nothingness. I also have a habit of waking up too early and that’s why I wake up tired. I also need to take naps in the afternoon so I wouldn’t be worn out.
***More fruits***
Eat your water! Fruits mostly contain water and lots of vitamins. Overall, we all know how fruits are essential to keep ourselves healthy. I aim to buy some fruits and eat more. *The* *more* *colorful*, the better!
A Letter for April
Dear April,
Thank you for the sweet start, a blissful one. Thank you for welcoming my wholeheartedly. I feel awesome to be born on this month—the flowers bloom and the sea shines.
I wanted to tell you that I am ready for all the waves you will give me. I know that I am not at my best most of the time, but my softness is the source of my strength. I may not win all my battles but I surrender with dignity and passion. At the end of the day, I choose the most important thing in the world which is **love**.
You are the most awaited month, you make me feel worth it. I hope you grant me the chance to find peace even in unknown places and situations. I hope you show me kindness as I show mine. I hope you will give me the reasons why I felt pain for so long.
A Letter for Myself
Dear Keith,
May you shine above the stars and twinkle on the lives of the people around you. May you grow and bloom in this month of April, together with God’s art. May your faith be always stronger than any thought of giving up. May you always choose yourself above others.
You know what you can settle for. You know what you deserve. **You** **are** **worthy**.
This month, I wish slowly, everything, will go back to its place.
May the leaders of all the nations finally realize the true points of our current situation and address them immediately with the best solution there is.
May all the bad people turn their back on their vicious plans and see the light in kindness and humanity.
May all the plant growers breathe the nature’s blessings—harvest the fruits, enjoy the flowers, ba showered with shoots.
May all those who are lost finally find their home and if not, may they find assurance that they are going somewhere good and they will get there even if everything’s still fuzzy.
May all the brave fighters win their battles especially the ones they can’t talk about.
April is the season of forgiving ourselves and starting anew.
Thank you for staying with me and reading this article. I hope I shared you a sprinkle of hope and love. I pray we’ll get through April in the best possible way.
*All the* *love*, *Keith*.
March 2021 Diaries
**Dear March, you came so fast and ended too soon but the pain you’ve given me kills me so slow—that I am afraid I would carry all this burden to the next chapter.**
You came without any warning or threat that in a split of a second, everything I worked hard for vanished into the thin air leaving me with doubts and unanswered questions.
You had thirty-one days and every morning I asked myself about my existence. It was as if a big joke only it was so dreadfully funny I had to cry myself in an ocean of tears and drown to it. You were so challenging, you slapped me with my past and the future that I cannot foresee. Nonetheless, I managed to breathe deeper in between my breakdowns and I ran into the pure souls who helped me survive.
*Here are some of my mostly lame realizations but helpful in keeping peace to my mind:*
I realized that I was a risk taker but at this time around, I’m already risking the wrong things.
I realized that money can only give us temporary happiness. Money isn’t everything.
I realized that I am not the only one hurting and looking for a shoulder to cry on. I, too, shall also be there for my friends.
I realized that time flies so fast, don’t be stuck about a single thing alone. You know what makes you happy – go for it and risk harder.
I realized that plans are good but life is better for unplanned moments – when you bumped into one, grab it. That time will only happen once.
I realized that we aren’t supposed to put ourselves into cage of our dreams and always believe that it’s for our future. The future is now and start making your dreams more realistic.
I realized that the simpler the life, the better.
I realized that we are here in this world for only one thing – for ***love***.
***March, even though you ruined some parts of me, I still thank you for showing me how to fight for my happiness – for love***. It’s so important to accept that love makes everything alright.
The plot twist of March is the last two days that I wasn’t at our house and gave myself time to rest, *actual rest*. I got to be with the person I truly love and made more and more memories. I’m so happy that I have the chance to learn how to cook at their house. *Even their house feels like a home to me already.* Most importantly, we made baked mac and it was so fun. It is my long-time dream to have an oven and it tastes so good. *I love cheese*, by the way.
At one night, we had the chillest one – we sang our hearts out and I really missed that feeling. I hardly listened to a song this month because it triggers my anxiety. We sang the hits back when we were in Junior High School. It gives me a lot of memories especially One Direction songs. She plays the guitar so well and I am proud of how she improves her talent.
I was also able to buy her the Naruto hoodie that she’s been wanting. She can buy it but she won’t because she also prioritizes her other needs. I was actually planning to give it on her birthday but I couldn’t wait to surprise her with it. Those two days made the whole month a shining one.
It’s also an achievement for me that we had a chance to converse with my friend from high school. We used to be so close but a lot of things happened that we never got to be that kind of friends again.
*Other highlights?*
I found a tomato plant outside our house. It grew out of nowhere and I luckily had the chance to harvest. I used a buri basket. I realized that I really want to have a farm someday.
To sum it all up, one thing to describe March is ***bittersweet***.
This feeling almost ate me all up into the darkness. This feeling is so painful like running on a bridge and can’t decide whether to go back or to continue your steps forward. However, I am proud. I am proud that I always follow what my heart wants. I did a lot of silly things and I was really reckless and self-destructive, but I know that this is me and as long as I survive, I will continue to be this kind of person.
The Adulting Bridge
**Age is not the matter—it is always the perspective.**
*I will be turning 20 next month and I feel mixed emotions about this thing. I try to think deeper but the more I dig deep, the more questions come rushing to me. What have I done with the twenty years of my life? Am I satisfied with it?*
It was full of all the colors existing on earth, all hues of blues and it was brighter than any rainbow. And to be able to see these colors, I went into darkness too. Life is unpredictable as we always say. To answer my question, yes, I am satisfied with it and I am proud of those twenty years with ups and downs and twirls in between. I am thankful with everyone who have been there with me and I also want to share my gratitude to those who left me, for they also helped me find the way that’s meant for me.
Nonetheless, I am fearful because my responsibilities now are real and they’re already in front of me. Reality burns my skin—it’s so hard to see, it’s hard to believe that I have to change my perspectives every now and then to cope up with the challenges that life has.
On the other hand, it is also exciting. As a writer, I only want to show you the truth through my words. If teenage life’s the time we did so much experiments, adulting stage is where we put out the results. Before I even reach 20, I slowly immersed myself into a practical life because we aren’t rich and I also needed to earn my own money in order to help my parents.
`Photo from Unsplash`
**Practical doesn’t mean I don’t spoil myself at all. Practicality for me means I know my limitations and I don’t center my happiness on anything that has monetary value.**
I buy immediately a thing when I know that it would be ultimately benefit me and truly essential to my situation. Nonetheless, if not, I have to apply my tricks on it to know if that thing would really make me happy or it just excites me at the present time.
I have mentioned a while back that adulting stage is the time that my responsibilities become strenuous. But, it doesn’t mean that you will spare yourself from all the fun. I only have one main goal — ***it’s to make my life worth living.*** As I reach this stage, I aim to become the person that the world needs. As much as I can, I should be able to help everyone. As much as I can, I should be able to put smile on people’s faces.
Being the eldest, I have a big responsibility to my family. I envisioned that after I graduate in college, I would force my father to stop working. I don’t want him to work up to his retirement year. I ambitioned to take over in being the breadwinner of the family and I wanted my little sister to live the life I dreamt of for her. I don’t want her to be having big dreams but choosing options that are only available in her situation, like how it happened to mine. Thus, I am really working hard.
`Photo from Unsplash`
As I cross this ***bridge***, I also need to prepare myself for the doors that will close in front of me. Being limitless is good but being blind isn’t. I know that I have to deal with a lot of changes and I have to teach myself how to deal with them fast. I am a soft person but this is where I should be getting the strength to build some walls for the things that aren’t for me.
I haven’t noticed my age so much unlike this year. My birthdays aren’t grand and sometimes it’s even worse than my ordinary days.
**As I turn 20 on April and I cross this bridge, I hope I understand that this isn’t a two-lane road which means there’s no turning back. I should understand that there are stop lights and I can rest for a little while on this journey if I have to.**
As I go into another island, I can look over to where I came from but I can’t go back to how it used to be. If there are things I could carry, it’s only the memories and the lessons it taught me and may it always be a way for me to become a better person.
To you, who’s reading this, I hope you’ll be there as I jump into a new world of possibilities and confrontations. I hope I get to share you more of my thoughts, ideas, and perspectives as it is my desire to be an instrument to other people.
`Photo from Unsplash`
If you have questions, points to clarify, or any message for me, humbly write them down below – it would mean a lot for me. **Thank** **you**!
`Lead Image from Unsplash`
Cheers to a Healthier Routine
**This isn’t new, but I swear—it’s worth more than gold and diamonds.**
`Photo from Unsplash`
In this generation, health is already being compromised due to multiple aspects that affect our kind of living. There is the level of income, the profession or career, place of residence, and most importantly, the way we manage ourselves and our time which make up our routine.
*Routine is the sequence of action that we follow all throughout the day. It isn’t built in just a single day; it starts with doing continuously a practice until it becomes a habit and when done in a series of days, it’s already a routine*.
I am writing this because I want to share some of the healthy routines that I have started. Despite of the traffic in the schedule, I do my best to perform it.
One of them is done as I open my eyes in the morning. I do not immediately stand up; ***I wait for ten minutes for my system to set up then I get up.*** According to science, when you get up immediately and you feel dizzy and lightheaded, it is because of the drop in your blood pressure. When you force to stand quickly, the gravitational force pulls blood toward your feet and it isn’t safe because you might fall down or pass out.
Hence, this is only a simple routine but very important. Getting up slowly in the morning is the way it should be done. You can say your little prayer while your body prepares your system for a brand new day.
`Photo from Unsplash`
Another one is ***to drink water after waking up in the morning.*** A glass of water first thing in the morning has a lot of benefits that’s why I tried hard to practice this one. As your stomach is empty, the water you drink cleanses your bowels, it drives your bowels to move, thus, it facilitates in regulating your digestive tract. Aside from this, water also boosts your energy level in the morning. How? According to Science, water increases the count of red blood cell and since water also contains oxygen, it also increases the oxygen level that flows to the brain which helps us function better.
Since I am already here, I might as well put all of its known benefits such as:
- Helps in fighting toxins in our body
- Gives a more radiant skin
- Boosts our metabolism
- Helps in easing pain
- Helps fight acne/pimples
I am really a believer of natural elements. The next one that I am going to tell you is ***drinking tea every day.*** This was hard for me because I never liked the taste of tea but every time I drink, I remind myself all of the benefits that my body and my health would get from drinking it. There are a lot of teas you can choose from. You can buy from the supermarket and groceries, or you can also make one at home. The internet can offer you lots of guidelines but in my case, I make ginger tea. In a pot of boiling water, I put some sliced ginger and then put it in a container to drink the whole day.
`Photo from Unsplash`
***Teas*** in general protects our health. It lowers down any risk of diseases and keeps us energized. It contains antioxidants which is very essential to our body and also very effective if you want to lose some weight.
This would be the last one, this may seem funny but I want you to know that as simple as it is, it is really healthy. ***Take a 10-min walk every day***. It has a lot of surprising benefits not only on the physical health but also mentally and emotionally. I know some people really do this without thinking that it’s a routine but there are also some who are slumped with their work on the computer or busy studying tons of books and doesn’t have time to go outside.
In my case as a student, my academic demands so much of time that’s why I have to do this as a routine. I take this 10-minute break to walk outside our house and visit the garden. It helps me reduce my stress, depression, and body pain. Studies also show that it is good for heart health, burns down calories, and improves sleep.
`That’s some of the simple healthy routines that I can share to you. I hope that it helps even a little bit for you all to start some of them.`
**Always remember that our health is our biggest investment. If we could make time for other things, then we should also do our best to make time to take care of ourselves. Let’s aim for a healthier lifestyle!**
*Cheers to a healthier routine!*
Flower Power
**Flowers open thy hearts and kiss thy soul.**
When you see a flower, what primary emotion do you feel? Have you received flowers and wonder what they mean? Or do you want to give flowers but can't decide which one?
I you will enjoy reading this article as much as I loved writing it.
**1. Tulips**
Photo from Unsplash
Tulips originally came from a Turkish word which means 'turban' because they seem to have the same appearance. It is a simple flower, may not be the grandest one in your garden, but it has its own sweetness that's why it's been loved by people for centuries. Tulips were first cultivated in Turkey but at the present, Holland now has the most tulip fields.
Tulips bloom in almost every color, some of them are explained down below on what they mean and its purpose.
*****Red Tulips*****
Red-colored tulips means *deep love.* When you romantically love someone and you want to express your feelings to that person, you can put red tulips in a bouquet and give it as a present.
*****Yellow Tulips*****
Yellow-colored tulips conveys hope and a joyful life. It’s for celebration of success or any special accomplishment. It indicates that there is hope, thus, the desire to start over and choosing positivity amidst all.
*****White Tulips*****
White-colored tulips shows purity and forgiveness. It is a calming flower and it simply transmits the intention of the giver. It is also for showing respect and honor. It gives serenity and deep understanding.
**2. Lavender**
Photo from Unsplash
Lavender is a shrub that blooms with beautiful bluish-purple flowers. It is mostly used in health care because of the bunch of things that it could benefit. Since the ancient times, this shrub is used as a treatment to headaches, anxiety, nausea, skin irritations, mental health issues, and a lot more, mostly because of its scent. Its name originally came from “lavare”, a Latin word which means to wash. It’s been used for bath in the past years up to the present.
Lavender came from the mint family and its existence have been advantageous in the creations of essential oils. At the present, it isn’t only used as an herbal medicine, but also in cosmetics and perfumes.
This flower represents grace and calmness. Its purple flowers symbolize elegance and luxury. Not only that this flower is good for the physical and mental well-being, but also in emotional aspects of a person who receives these. Moreover, it also means trust, cleanliness, and good luck to other people. Lavender has different shades too and they bloom during spring.
**3. Lilies**
Photos from Unsplash
Lilies are well-known flowers all over the world. This one’s the one that you would firstly notice in a summer garden because of its striking flowers. Its petals are showy and it bursts – same goes to the meanings that it leads.
*****Pink Lilies*****
*Pink lilies show admiration and femininity.* Get a bouquet of pink lilies and give it to your mom or sister or crush! It is a sweet simple flower that makes anyone blush.
*****White Lilies*****
*White lilies show purity and humility.* Get a bouquet of white lilies on your wedding day to indicate the pure love and commitment. It is a flower that makes everyone smile because of its sparkling petals. On the other hand, white lilies are also used in funerals to show their condolences.
*****Orange Lilies*****
*Orange lilies show confidence and energy.* Get a bouquet of orange lilies and give it to your friends to cheer them up and bring liveliness in their lives. It is extremely remarkable and really embarks your will to show them how amazing they are.
*****Yellow Lilies*****
*Yellow lilies show glee and lightheartedness.* Get a bouquet of yellow lilies and give it to your loved ones, including yourself! This flower easily makes a face brighten up because it gives value to that person. It also symbolizes friendship so don’t forget to get your best friend smile with this.
***FLOWERS HAVE POWERS*** – only the heart can tell. Obviously, I handpicked these three amazing flowers because I want all of you to be familiarized with them. They are creations of God, and He himself is truly an art for making them.
I hope I gave you a pinch of idea for what flowers are all about. The world of flowers is wide; let’s explore them together!
LEAD IMAGE from Unsplash
A Friday and a Dark Sky
Photo by yours truly; the view of the sky from my window.
Strange days come, I sit still.
Hi! I found myself randomly entering letters again, as if I'm a musician trying to find the right notes to complete a song. I have to say it, I need to say this — I feel complete empty.
Everyday that passes by robs a thing from inside of me and I get so much lighter. I can hardly put my feet on the ground to stand up and carry the dreams I once dreamt. I really wonder where'd I got all those hopes to be the kind of person. It's saddening that this is who I am right now and I'm tired of lying to myself that this is just a phase, because it really seems not. This feels like reality, it's hurting through my bones and no matter how much I cry all those tears out, I'm still drowning inside. Nobody sees, nobody believes, and that's what hurts more.
There's a lump in my throat which stops me from saying what I feel. I don't want to be a dead fish swimming on a river until it reaches the sea but right now I am. I have so many thoughts pulling one another and it tighten my heart so much that I could barely breathe. Every second, I doubt all the decisions that I've made. Did I made up everything that I used to believe in? Why is everything in the past feels like a fantasy that I've written up — it was good until it lasted, while I was writing it, and now it's all blank pages, there's no ink, and my tears can't write.
Waking up feels like a chore to me. I don't have something to grasp on anymore. There's no right word to describe it. This unimaginable but it's happening to me.
Most of the time, it happens to us.
I am here to tell you that it’s okay, because I could listen to you. I can be a friend to guide you every step of the way and we could get lost together, but I can promise you that you’ll never be alone. Your fight can be my fight. Days like these can be lightened with people with deep understanding and it would’ve been a great world if it’s full of people like that.
You are not *shallow.*
You can cry for anything and I won’t judge you because I cry about random things too until my eyes are swelling and only ice could fix it. Our emotions are valid; we are human. We are meant to feel the pain. We are meant to cry over it. We are meant to react at things that hurt us.
You deserve to be *here.*
There are people out there, like us, who’s looking for listeners. We are here for a reason and you have to find that reason every single day. God loves you, you will never be alone.
Sometimes, we really have to be our own cheerleader—we have to rely on ourselves. But isn’t bad to call a trusted friend and sit still and say nothing. The silence will speak for you, your eyes will tell your stories, and sincere souls will see it through.
If these days, like a Friday with a dark sky ever comes to you, know that I am here to catch you from falling. I could tell you one or two advice, or maybe none at all but I won’t leave you. You can trust on me— I won’t promise but you have my word.
Maybe it’d be nice to catch the sun set with a fiery sky. Maybe it’d be kind to get a tap on your shoulder. Maybe it’d be nice to jump on to the waves and learn how to dive.
This day isn’t miserable even if it’s heavy. Mysteries after lies and truth is hiding beneath your life — unreal but this is reality.
May we always find the strength to breathe and hold on. I hope that while reading this, you found a friend in me. Thank you for being here and may we talk again in my next ones.
You can comment down anything under the sun, I won’t judge.
Here’s a flower from our garden to end this blog. May serenity and peace put you to sleep and may hope visit you at sunrise!
Our Choices Determine Our Success
An In-Depth Article: Our Choices Determine Our Success
Choice and success are a cycle, an interconnected cycle. This is the most essential single cycle ever. Without choice, the world will not succeed.
***There is no such great figure as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. Or anyone who shows that this society believes it is successful.***
*"Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don't wish it were easier; wish you were better."* - **Jim Rohn**
Most people can also control their own success. They make decisions every day to make the next step easier. The quantity you choose can determine your wealth and success. Although a person has a tendency to avoid mistakes, he inevitably declares: "I can do nothing," even without trying.
People control their results, their future, their destiny, their lives. The dreams and goals of a child's life can also determine his future expectations.
Some realistic dreams that children are eager to realize are riding a roller coaster, swimming with dolphins, or becoming a doctor.
***I learned that childhood dreams can help achieve life goals.***
What is needed is perseverance, perseverance, hard work, professional ethics, and motivation.
Although achieving goals is not easy and requires effort and patience, achieving goals is crucial in life because achieving goals can enable a person to have a bright future and create structure in their lives.
**So far, I have many dreams.** I have achieved many goals in life. When I was young, my biggest dream was to become a doctor one day. Dreams are not always the most straightforward task to manage, especially when they are ambitious, but when someone is motivated and willing to work for them, dreams can be realized.
Children's dreams are important because they pave the way for future glory, just like setting life goals. Secondly, setting life goals is very important, and it is also suitable for life enrichment.
Life goals define life paths and have many beneficial factors, including avoiding distractions, focusing, and measuring personal progress.
Goals can help us move forward in our daily lives. The first step of each step in our journey and the steps to complete the task is to understand the meaning and purpose of life goal setting.
***Children's dreams can be a stepping stone to a successful life.***
Perseverance, hard work, and dedication can make your dreams come true and achieve your goals. Achieve all the goals I suggest and make all your dreams come true.
*"Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value."*
**- Albert Einstein**
Continue to learn how to become a successful learner.
**Have regular classes.**
You should always attend classes regularly to keep in touch with the routine assignments assigned or performed in the course. This will help you understand the lessons to be studied in the class.
**Take proper notes as a lesson.**
No matter what your teacher teaches you, you should take notes in class to have no difficulty preparing for the exam.
Be engrossed in the classroom. You should concentrate on the teacher's lecture because it will bring the lesson learning experience. Conduct memory construction assessments and constantly try to complete the assignment before the deadline because the teacher may be inspired by your perseverance and determination to complete the work and provide feedback about the work.
You must have ample opportunity to use library equipment because learning a unique book style will not improve your reading ability. However, it will enhance your information about the course.
*Usually, you can organize before and during the intermediate and final exams to explain the course with accurate grades in class.*
Internet access keeps in touch with various online resources. For example, with the help of teachers' online services, whether they are academic websites, you can get information about travel in them.
Again, choice and success are a cycle, an interconnected cycle. This is the most essential single cycle ever. Without choice, the world will not succeed.
***So, make a choose wisely and do the best that you can to achieve success.***
03/25/2021: Here I Go
There is nothing more satisfying than the emotions and feelings one can experience from commencing out on an adventure that could bring happiness and new learning. Journeys help us to ignore our everyday concerns that are not that too serious.
That is why. I am here making my first ever post because I want to tell you this beginning trip of my journey here as a read.cash member.
It started at the house as I began to scribble my keyboard to write my journey here. I was excited because this is my first post. I hope you will be able to read this so that I may know what you can say about this one.
This platform, which opens me a door to explore my creative side, is such a great opportunity that gives hope and happiness by means of bitcoin cash which is believed in becoming more prominent soon. As a new member, I think that this is the real bitcoin, and it makes my journey here more exciting.
*"A journey is a gesture inscribed in space. It vanishes even as it's made. You go from one place to another place, and on to somewhere else again, and already behind you, there is no trace that you were ever there."*
― **Damon Galgut**
The whirlwind of emotions and feelings swept over my mind: this is ultimately another place, another place I can call home. A home for aspiring writers and people with a common goal - to make BCH more prominent. Of course, thanks to sir Marc de Mesel for being a sponsor for this creative and one of its kind platforms we are currently in.
At this point, what you are going to read is about the ways you can do to make your trip excellent!
As a traveler, it is sometimes easy to get used to flying to different places. You can't wait to find the fastest way to see all that our planet has to offer.
Appreciate your surroundings from time to time. Driving is very suitable for this matter. Flying is fast and comfortable, but nothing is better than riding and immersing in the surrounding environment.
*The journey itself is significant.*
Here are some valuable tips to help you enjoy the best road trip no matter where you choose.
Don't plan too much. Yes, the plan is clear, but there are too many. Even if you think it will reduce the pressure of travel, it will not make travel easy. After completing all necessary preparations (destination, map, food, transportation), you will avoid unnecessary things in the plan. You need to be reminded of what is good, but it is crucial to keep an open mind when changing goals from time to time.
This is because many of the best moments are when travel is likely to be spontaneous. Choose your journey wisely. Assuming you are not in a foreign country, then you need to get in the car. The type of trip you choose will have a significant impact on the nature of your trip.
Therefore, it is vital to get an overview of the desired experience. For example, if you are in the Philippines and want to take a tour "for locals", you can take a car that can travel in busy cities and across the country.
If you like a quiet ride, you can also enter the recreational vehicle at any time. They are particularly suitable for doing more: comfort, the ability to sleep on the street, and enough luggage storage space.
There is nothing worse than getting lost in the middle of nowhere (it can even happen with a card!) and not being able to charge your phone for help. Besides, with proper use of technology, you can pay more attention to travel by not watching on a phone.
*After all, this is mainly the importance of travel!*
However, making the most of your photography equipment is an excellent way to combine the two because you need to appreciate the surrounding environment to take high-quality photos.
To be honest, if you travel alone, the problem may be the opposite. However, if you have friends on the go, make sure they can rest with each other. No matter how close they are, other people's bottlenecks in long-distance travel will affect them. Even for only a few minutes, breathing can help you stay healthy and avoid a terrible illness.
***Images via Unsplash***
@Burnok
