Unhealthy Sleeping Schedule
With all the responsibilities that I hold and the long list of things that I need to get done by each day, I often sleep late at night. My normal sleeping time is at twelve midnight and sometimes I would even have to watch youtube videos or tv series for me fall asleep. I would prefer finishing all the work before I sleep as long as I still have the energy to do it because it feels like my sleep would not be too deep if I know that I still have a work waiting for me in the morning.
But the problem is that, even if all my work is done by night and I intended to wake up late in the morning for me to have enough sleep, I would still wake up at around 5 to 6 am. It is annoying that I set my alarm at 7am and still wake up earlier than that and my body would already feel like I’m up for the day and ready once again to finish some tasks.
I admit, I find it satisfying to accomplish chores and everything but I do think that my body has been deprived with sleep. So, in the afternoon, I try to take a nap if I have extra time or if I don’t have a class.
Since I have discovered this condition of mine, I did my best to become mindful of my time and I also adjusted some of my routines.
Here are some of the things that I made into life for me to have a better sleep at night:
**I stopped drinking coffee.**
I was addicted with coffee since high school. It was a bad habit of mine to drink every morning and every night before I sleep. I was actually thinking that I could not fall asleep at night if I skip drinking one. But, not later than forever, the negative effects started to come at me. It was hard to fully stop my intakes so I slow it down until my body is no longer looking for it. I was also drinking black coffee because for me, it tastes better without the milk.
At this time, I only drink coffee if I really need to stay awake at night to finish a school requirement. The effect is still strong – it keeps me awake for twenty-four hours even if I force myself to sleep.
**Staying away from gadgets.**
This is hard but I try my best. If there are times that I really can’t let go of my phone, I watch therapeutic videos on youtube like Korean café vlogs or cooking vlogs. It is soothing and it calms my mind so it is effective in making me fall asleep. I also started to limit the times that I charge my phone so that I would be forced not to use it.
**Drinking milk before bed.**
This is effective as ever because the milk has a content that stimulates the mind to sleep. I make my milk and drink it while it is warm. I only consume it once I am almost ready for bed so that I wouldn’t sleep on my works.
Dealing with an unhealthy schedule is hard because your health is at risk. Without enough sleep, all factors of your life is affected – mentally, emotionally, and physically.
If you have suggestions, you can comment down below or you may also share your stories if you share the same situation as I do.
Thank you for reading!
Yay, it's Thursday!
Thursday is the day after the midpoint of the week. It means that the weekend many of us always enjoy is just around the corner again. So today I hope to become more productive, and I will probably do some exercise after this post.
One thing I am thankful about today is that we will just have two classes, which means that we will have more time to prepare for the two classes and more time to spend on ourselves, like having more sleep or doing some hobbies like this, writing.
For today, let us talk about taking care of our mental health. This is something we know and put in our minds, but sometimes we lack attention.
In today's society, the phrase "*****mental health*****" is used often. It's a matter of urgency. Not all mental wellness is only the absence of mental disorder. Many facets of a person and his or her life are also included. Mental, social, emotional, and behavioral health all fall under one umbrella term. As a result, enhanced mental health improves everyday functioning, strengthens relationships, and enhances a feeling of well-being.
Adapting to the day-to-day pressures of living life.
Everything in our lives is in its proper place. Positivity and pessimism must coexist in harmony. When we are under stress, we may push our limitations to a certain extent. They encourage us to engage in problem-solving. People who are able to deal with life's difficulties and yet be happy with their lives are those who have excellent mental health.
Make an optimistic influence on the world around you.
Human beings are the resources that propel us forward in the quest for national and global progress. Consequently, a person who maintains their well-being, recognizes their own strengths, and seeks to develop them in a constructive way makes a contribution to society in some way, either directly or indirectly. No matter how big or small your contribution is, each little contribution, once formed, could have a macro effect.
Stop blaming yourself for what you're going through.
Feeling this way is very normal. Refuse to be fooled by the nonsense that says you are just being an overthinker. Consume a limited quantity of exposure on social media as it may aggravate the way you feel when you see something that triggers your emotions. You may talk about it if it helps you feel better about it. In your journal, on social media, with your closest friend, or even with a total stranger, it's perfectly okay to express your feelings about the situation. But then and again, overthinking is a waste of your time and creativity, so put it out of your mind and start feeling positive and having a better outlook. But don't expect too much.
Try to spend more time with nature, and you'll reap the benefits in the long run. Every day, take a shower, drink plenty of water, avoid crowded areas, and spend time in the sun every morning while it is not yet so harmful to your skin. It is normal to have a bad day since it really happens. Occasionally, it happens more than once. But do not worry about them; they will pass as well. Set clear limits for yourself. They're a must-have item. Taking a rest is just as vital as striving to be productive. Don't mind others' progress. Focus on yours and work to improve it. You don't have to rush. Just enjoy the process.
**Don't ignore red signs and stay away from harmful people and situations.**
Avoid using social media as much as possible. You don't need to know everything that's going on in everyone's life all the time.
**Final advice:** Don't be too harsh on yourself! You deserve so much better and more joy and happiness since you're doing your part to make this society a wonderful place. Have a great Thursday!
Hair Fall Solutions
Hair fall is one of my top problems. There’s always a particular month in every year that I experience hair fall and it makes me worry and stressed. My hair would be falling even if I am not touching it. I even get afraid to comb my hair because so much hair falls off and I can see it right through my eyes. Even when I wake up in the morning, my hair would be scattered on my pillow. When I rinse my hair while I’m taking a bath, I could see a bunch of my hair being removed.
I often overthink during those times because what if I have a serious health condition and hair fall is one of the symptoms? What if my hair won’t stop falling until nothing will be left on my scalp? Am I going bald?
There are various types of hair fall depends on its severity. For serious cases, it is called alopecia, it is a chronic condition. But for others, just like what I have experienced, it only lasted for around two months. It began last January and I think it stopped by the end of February.
Causes of hair fall is varied. For others, it could be as a result of those who have undergone a surgery or those who have given birth. It could also happen if you had a really high fever or when you are recovering from an illness.
While for some, it is a result of the lifestyle that we have that sometimes we are not able to notice such as experiencing too much stress, going through a heavy chapter in your lives like losing a job, or having a poor diet.
***There are a lot of solutions for hair fall which include:***
• Purchase a coconut oil in the store and use it to gently massage your scalp. It helps to nourish the scalp, moisturize, and also to repair the damaged hair. It also good because it can help prevent dandruff.
• Stop using products with strong chemicals. You can look for those with natural ingredients. Those chemicals can weaken the roots of your hair.
• Check your daily food intake. Try to add more foods with high protein in your diet such as eggs and dairy products.
• Take multivitamins supplement. Our body needs to have the complete set of vitamins and minerals.
• Avoid harsh hair treatments such as dyeing your hair or curling it.
Our hair is an important part of our body and being. It is crowning glory that is why we should also allocate right attention in giving the care that it needs. If you’re noticing that you are having a hair fall, you can try the solutions that I have mentioned above because those were effective to me but to be assured, you may seek a medical professional who will attend to your proper needs.
When I was a child, we had a lot of aloe vera plants. Me and my tita used it on our hair. Aloe vera has lots of benefits for the hair scalp. Right now, I am looking for aloe vera products for hair. Hopefully, my hair will become healthy.
That is all for today! I hope you liked this article. Thank you so much for reading!
The Goodness of the Sea
I simply want to narrate what occurred on this particular Sunday, the 27th day of March in the year 2022. Because of the extreme heat, I made the decision yesterday to inform my family and relatives that we would be going to the beach first thing in the morning the following day. Fortunately, they authorized it and scheduled the departure for 5 a.m. the next morning. Because of a little bit of excitement, I like to sleep late, and I ended up sleeping until approximately 2 a.m. the next morning.
I woke up about 5 a.m., not because of my alarm clock, but because my aunt called, and because I'm the first one to get up in our house, I immediately roused my parents and brothers and got them ready. We packed a variety of things and foods, including hot water, rice, scrambled eggs, meat loaf, noodles, and other snacks. We bring breakfast because we tend to have a short time picnic, breakfast, and swimming together to unwind after a long day of studying and working.
Since our departure time is 5 a.m., we've been running behind schedule due to the packing of our belongings. Additionally, our tricycle is running low on gas, so I've driven out to get some before leaving. We arrived at the beach at 6 a.m., and as is customary, the view of the sea, the scent of the sea, and the breeze from the sea soothe and refresh my body and spirit. It helps me to get rid of my bad thoughts and worries for a bit while also learning how to deal with them.
Lifted. You are not physically lighter, but you feel as though the burden on your shoulders has been lifted. That's exactly what occurs most of the time. Going to the beach will help you feel better if you are having a bad day at work or otherwise feeling down.
The view of the beach in the morning is quite relaxing and pleasant, and I enjoy it very much. In a way, it feels like the world is providing you with something to breathe on, such as happy vibes. Sunsets, on the other hand, are something I really enjoy. I'm in a perfect state of relaxation. I could spend the entire day watching the waves race to the coast in an attempt to be the first to reach it. Sunsets at the beach are among my favorite sights, as well. I adore the dissolving hues in the sky and the absolute gold reflections on the surface of the lake. I have the ability to skip everything and just sit on the beach and do nothing. Beach walks are also a favorite pastime of mine, especially when I can just wander and be silent. There are no words—just a walk and the sound of the waves lapping on the shoreline. It gives me a renewed sense of well-being in both my body and soul.
If you wish to go to the beach at any time of day, whether it's dawn or sunset, you should do so. Personally, I enjoy the beach, especially the waves, the breeze, and the horizon, all of which help me to feel rested and refreshed after a long day. The beach acts as a medication for me, calming my mind and body and allowing me to forget about the challenges I'm experiencing while simultaneously providing me with solutions to those problems. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today! This is the sign that you should visit the beach!
The Zodiac Signs Series: Part 2
Here is now the second piece of our Zodiac Signs Series. Thank you for making it here. I hope you enjoy reading as much I enjoyed writing this topic about astrology.
Again, these are just beliefs in accordance to the celestial bodies. It is up to if you believe or not but you might take some as a guidance.
Gemini
Geminis are born from May 20 to June 21.
Here are some of the personality traits of Gemini:
Geminis are known to be clever and profound thinker. They always have a questioning mind and they are submissive to find answers.
People with this sign like to share information. They are chatty or conversational. They are curious about other people. In other words, they are nosy.
They have great amount of energy which makes them outgoing and funny. They always spread good vibes wherever they go. They have the talent to entertain people.
They are expressive but Geminis are known to be two-faced. They can be extrovert and introvert at the same time.
Geminis are always juggling with their passion. They are always driven by their goals and ambition.
Geminis pulls weight on their perception and they are analytical.
One of the things that might not be good about them is that they are afraid to be alone. They are also afraid of getting caught up with their emotions and not being able to control them in the best way.
Cancer
People with this sign were born from June 21 to July 22.
Cancer has positive and negative traits too. Let’s find out!
Cancers are the kind of people who are extremely caring to others especially to their loved ones.
They are highly intuitive and this is sometimes characterized by their sensitive trait.
They are the people where you can be comfortable because they are known to be gentle. They make the environment cozy and likes to make people feel safe.
One of the greatest trait they can relate to others is their ability nurture lives.
They are utmost understanding and can always adjust to the crowd. They can easily pick up to the on-going situation and give their best to control it.
If you have a friend who is a Cancer, never try to destroy your relationship with them because these people are willing to offer you a long-lasting trust.
Because they are overly drawn to their feelings, the negative side is that they can be too much sensitive and resentful.
Leo
Leo are those who were born from July 23 to August 22.
Let us move on with the characteristics of Leo people in accordance to the belief system of astrology.
Leo are the people who are known for their generosity. They are always willing to give much of their time, money, energy, etc. to others.
People with this sign wants to be in the spotlight – to be in the center of attraction. Leo is represented by a lion so they like to be the king or queen.
Leos are determined. They portray stability and consistency. As for relationships, they are believed to be loyal.
Some refuse to accept failures or missed chances. They are brave but sometimes they become driven by their ego and pride.
They want to dominate and they firmly stand to achieve everything that they want in their lives.
Negative side is that they may sometimes neglect or not see the needs of other people especially when they are focused to their personal gain.
Those are the next three zodiac signs in our list. We will continue this series again in the next part. If you’re born with these signs, do you think any of those traits are true? Comment down!
Again, thank you very much for reading.
Yay, It’s Weekend!
**Weekends are days when I get to spend time with myself**. After a long and exhausting week, I'm finally able to rest and spend time doing the things that I enjoy. While attending college, academics can be extremely difficult and draining, with a never-ending stream of assignments, exercises and modules to complete as well as performance activities and reading materials to keep up with. I'm doomed if I don't get a weekend because, despite the fact that college is difficult, I still require time to breathe away the stress and negativity.
Despite the fact that we do not have a class on Friday, I still consider it to be a part of my academic schedule because, in order to be productive and efficient as a student, I must still complete some academic tasks in order to avoid being stuffed with work, especially since some of our professors assign work at random. Fridays are also a day when some of them conduct examinations or quizzes.
So, what exactly do I do on the weekends?
Weekends begin with a load of laundry, which is the first thing I do. Every Saturday morning my brother and I created a routine for doing our laundry. It is important that we dress appropriately during classes, even in the online education setting, especially while doing synchronous classes, which will result in more laundry than usual. As a result, we have spare time every weekend to do laundry.
With the effect of the online setup, which necessitates us sitting in front of our tables with our gadgets for synchronous or asynchronous sessions, we may experience back pains or numb legs; as a result, we may choose to exercise on weekends in order to relieve the pain and prevent further pains from occurring. As we all know, exercise is beneficial to our health not just in terms of physical fitness but also in terms of mental well-being. I stretch first thing in the morning and then go about my day doing home duties, such as watering plants (which I do with a pail because the hose is too short) and sweeping the floor. I also go for walks when I have the opportunity, usually first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon, to keep my legs in shape.
If I have a lot of free time, I prefer to hang out with my friends and do things like go to parks, walk around the city, and watch sunsets on the beach. In the afternoons, I also go to our neighborhood to play basketball with my cousin, and our barkada occasionally sets up a timetable for us to play basketball late in the day till early in the evening on weekends.
However, if I'm stranded at home alone, I simply lie in my bed and do various activities such as watching anime, random videos on YouTube, scrolling through Facebook and Tiktok, and playing video games with my pals. I also sleep in the afternoons from time to time in order to recoup or rebuild my energy for sleeping late at night during the weekdays.
**It is beneficial for us to take time out to relax and recharge our batteries.**
We should also think for ourselves and rest because we deserve it. Whether you are a student or a working professional, you should schedule time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy, especially this weekend, since we deserve it. Come on, let's spend our weekend doing things we enjoy doing for ourselves and with our friends.
***Everyone, have a wonderful weekend!***
The Zodiac Signs Series: Part 1
*Do you believe in Astrology?*
Astrology is the study of the effects that astronomical bodies, primarily stars and planets, have on human beings and their daily lives. It is believed that a person's personality, behavior, and success is supposed to be shaped by the location of the sun, stars, moon, and planets at the moment of his or her birth (not their conception), as well as their or her romantic connections, relationships, and financial fortunes, among other things.
Going on further, it is becoming a fortune telling game that most people nowadays are being drawn into. However, for some, just like me, I still consider it as something like an entertainment and somehow a motivation especially when I am feeling down in a particular day then I will see a good thing related to my sign.
Speaking of that, these zodiac signs are the most popular and known factor with regards to astrology.
There are twelve (12) zodiac signs which refers to the twelve constellations.
And since yesterday is March 21, the beginning of the Aries season, let us see what are some distinctions that these zodiac signs.
Aries
***Aries are those born from March 21 to April 19***
Here are some personality traits of the Aries people. Some may be true and some might not but let us just come along to these predictions.
They are highly compassionate and sympathetic, in addition to being creative.
They like exploring new places and trying out different adventures. They are commended for their bravery and spontaneity.
They do like to initiate programs. They seem to have high energy and work quickly with regards to this matter.
They seem to be strong or tough on the outside but they are soft hearted on the inside.
They are considered to be risk takers and determined into all the things that they want to achieve.
Just like always, there is also a negative side for Aries sign. They are known to be competitive and are not a good sport.
They often keep themselves quiet but there are times they lose their temper and do things they will regret.
Aries sometimes becomes tactless and impulsive; they do not think about the consequences of their decisions so most often than not, they have to learn every lesson the hard way.
Taurus
***Taurus are those born from April 20 to May 20***
They are known for their capacity to engage socially.
There are times that they can be really stubborn but they have their own ways in getting to the things that they want.
They are naturally charming and they can kick back and knows how to relax.
As for friendships, you can rely to Taurus signs. They are reliable and honest to their friends or to the people close to them.
They may be slow and steady but they can be terrifying when they get mad.
Taurus signs love to explore the beauty of their surroundings – the nature and cozy places.
As for relationships, Taurus like harmony with their partners. They need to feel loved and comforted most of the time. They could stick to a relationship and be immersed with it.
Since this article is already getting long, I promise to do another one with this topic continuing the other signs.
*Comment down your signs and we will see what the rulers of the planets and moons can say about it!*
Beautiful Cities in the Philippines: Part 2
This series is back for its part 2. Let us now continue to devour the beauty and the authenticity of the cities in our beloved land – the Philippines.
In the first part, I showed you three cities and now let’s try to move to the northern part here in Luzon.
**Baguio City**
I know, everybody knows this city. This is considered the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the City of Pines. There is just something so unique in this place that feels so comfortable especially with the tall pine trees everywhere and the cold temperature that embraces you.
There are lots of places that you visit like The Mansion, a Spanish colonial building and guesthouse, Burnham Park, where you can go boating, or you can explore Camp John Hay, this used to be a recreation facility for the American soldiers in the past.
There are many other places you can visit and foods that should try like their signature strawberry taho. It’s serene and your travel will truly be worth it when you here.
Puerto Princesa City
Let’s jump to different kind of paradise. Here is Puerto Princesa!
Palawan is not an ordinary place – it’s exquisite. It is built wholly by nature and well preserved by our locals. The perfect getaway when reality drowns you. There is a UNESCO world heritage site here which is the ever famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. There are many enjoyable adventures like diving, seeing the dolphins and turtles, and riding a boat going inside the massive underground river. It is discovering the grandeurs given by our Creator; a gift that we should treasure.
Additionally, with the seas around you, get ahold of your stomach for the delicious fresh sea foods that they offer. They have a lot of local and international restaurants for cuisines that you could choose from.
Tagaytay City
This city is perfect for your weekend getaways or impulsive travels. The climate is no nice and the scenery can take your breath away. You can visit the People’s Park in the Sky – it is perfect especially when you bring your whole family. You may also do sightseeing with the Taal Volcano that sitting on the Taal lake.
The best dish that you should not miss is their specialty – the bulalo or also called the beef marrow stew. The economy of this city is rising because of their tourism and also on their agricultural products such as pineapples and cacao.
Other exciting places you can go to are the Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Puzzle Mansion, Crosswinds, and many others.
This article cannot fit all of the things that these three cities can offer. Let us work hard so that one day, we will be able to walk around these beautiful cities that our nation has.
**Many cities are not yet listed here so may be, I will see you on the third part!**
Comment down below which of these cities are you looking forward to visit in the near future. Never give up because there can be ways if we really want it to happen.
Let us continue to preserve and love our land for ourselves and for the future generation.
International Day of Happiness 2022
*What day is it? It’s a day to celebrate happiness!*
I actually didn’t know that this celebration exists but I’m delighted that it does. When I opened my twitter account a while back, I read people talking about this so as usual, I did dig a hole about this and let me share to you some things.
So today, March 20, 2022, we celebrate International Day of Happiness with the theme “Build Back Happier.” The theme is centered about the global recovery from the disaster brought by the COVID 19 pandemic. It was actually in 2012 when this celebration started and it was initiated by Jayme Illien at the United Nations General Assembly. It is a way of promoting happiness in between economic developments in every country around the world.
In 2013, the first ever International Day of Happiness begun which has aimed at giving happiness an equal priority as to the other matters that we are giving importance to.
What is the importance of this day?
International day of happiness is being acclaimed because it intends to increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of happiness in everyone's life and the long term impact that it can have on one's well-being by educating the public on the subject.
This day is important to remind everyone that we are deserving to experience and feel happiness no matter. Though sometimes, the world is just too greedy and rapidly changing that it has hard to adjust from one situation to another. There are many things that has been causing everyone stress and frustrations such as the world status, the high rising technology, the material things, and the world’s perspective of which is which.
Challenges come and go, but no time should be wasted in drowning our minds all the time. Take a deep breath and smile more often than yesterday.
How to spread happiness to everyone on Earth?
Be the best example, show kindness, bravery, and the desire to be happy and joyful at all costs and show that to the world. Simple examples are here:
**1. Promote peace and kindness**
The world is reachable now thru our gadgets. Share optimistic messages and words of encouragements and you would never know, it could brace a great impact to someone.
**2. Join the community**
Hold the hands of the people who need our help. Give gifts or any kind of help to the people who are needing.
**3. Communicate**
We may all be just quiet at the corner but at some point, deep inside, we need a person who will listen to our thoughts, desires, dreams, and frustrations. Be that person to someone.
**Takeaway:** Happiness should not be just a thing that we celebrate when we remember it, it is something that our heart carries wherever we go and shared with the people around us.
In pursuit of our right to life and liberty, let us achieve for happiness not only for ourselves but for mankind.
`Note:` I was eating pancakes brought home by my dad while writing this. It’s delicious by the way. I forget to take a picture.
Beautiful Cities in the Philippines: Part 1
It would be amazing to travel around the world but, growing up and looking at what my home country could offer, it made me decide that when time will come and my chances of traveling farther will be possible, I would like to visit every city in the Philippines and discover and unearth the beauty that it has.
Let’s start our mini tour, shall we?
**Cebu City**
Cebu City is a promising city; aside from the beautiful spots all around it, it’s contribution to the history of the Philippines is huge. It is considered as the oldest city and it used to be the capital of the country. It’s the center for trade, commerce, and tourism in Visayas.
This place is a home for creative people. If you want to go back to the past, you can visit Fort San Pedro, a place which served as a defense military structure and it dates back to the 17th century, Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, which exhibits the original wooden cross planted in the shore by the Spaniards during their expedition in the world’s first ever circumnavigation, and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu.
If you want to go here, maybe try to set the date during the celebration of Sinulog Festival – which shows the nature of Catholicism and the cultural life of the Filipinos.
Bacolod City
Bacolod City is an urbanized city and is popular with the phrase “Smile, you’re in Bacolod”. This city is considered as the City of Smiles in the Philippines and in here, they celebrate the Maskara Festival in every fourth Sunday of October. This festival all started when they experienced a tragic disaster in 1980s and the people wanted to encourage everyone else to smile and uplift the spirits of the others.
The said festival depicts that the people in Bacolod City can overcome all the challenges that they have. Bacolod City is also the home of the famous Chicken Inasal so when you go there, would you let it slide?
There many places that you can visit such as The Ruins, which was built in the early 20th century, the historical San Sebastian Church, The Negros Museum, the Capital Park and Lagoon, and a whole lot more.
Davao City
Davao City is located in the main island of Mindanao, in the Southern part of the Philippines. This city has an advanced economy and is considered to be the most important city in Mindanao.
Aside from the busy city life, it has lots of neighboring places that you can visit if you want to have relaxation, reconnect with nature, or have a glimpse of heaven on earth.
Shown on the picture is the sleeping dinosaur island found in Mati, Davao Oriental. Many tourists from all over the world visit the place to witness the island that’s shaped like a dinosaur. To discover it in its fullness, activities like trekking are allowed.
Other attractions in Davao include the Samal island, Eden Nature Park, Crocodile Park, and others.
Most attractions in the Philippines are naturally made. I only listen three cities here because this will serve as the Part 1 for this series.
I hope I gave you ideas and some sort off information. Don’t forget, IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!
Overcoming Fears
It is a fundamental feature of life that we are utterly oblivious of our own existence. There are many things about ourselves that we are not aware of. We concentrate on all of the things that could go wrong and in how many different ways they could. We are unsure as to what it is that our core is looking for in the first place. When we are on a route where we are unsure of what will happen, we experience fear of the unknown.
Fear is a natural and powerful human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is an innate quality that we utilize to defend ourselves when faced with a potentially dangerous situation. While genuine risks might cause real worries, they can also be triggered by fictitious, illusionary, or imagined dangers as well.
Fear begins early in childhood and increases in intensity as we grow older, as we become increasingly unable to cope with and manage our emotions as a result of acquired behaviors affected by our environment. Some fears can get serious and it could actually affect the way we live and interact with other people.
When I was a child, I had a fear of worms. Some had fear of spiders, the dark, and being separated from mom are all learned habits that can cause tension and worry, which can interfere with normal daily activities such as going to school and working. By being attentive to a child's feelings, understanding them, and being present, a caregiver can assist in alleviating these emotions early on. Fears could go away at some point eventually but it does not happen to all.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” -Marianne Williamson
Because of the assistance of meditation, I discovered that from the minute we are born, we begin to photograph everything that happens in our lives and store those photographs in our minds. We have emotional links to these images/thoughts, and as a result, these images/thoughts induce fears, worry, tension, and anxiety.
Consider a specific instance in which you were frightened of a certain thing or circumstance. That particular moment can be recalled, but we are not aware that it is merely a representation, that it is fictitious. We imprint these images in our minds and view the world in the manner in which we think about it.
SOME TIPS THAT I RECOMMEND IN OVERCOMING FEARS:
1. Prepare for a deliberate interaction with the source of your fear.
2. Visualize yourself dealing effectively with the fear and triumphing over it on a regular basis. For me, I have fear of heights so sometimes I imagine being in the top of a building, it makes my hand sweat though.
3. Respect the source of your fear to the degree that you recognize and acknowledge its presence. It is still a part of your life and there might be a good reason for it.
4. Recognize that the fear is only your mentality toward that element, circumstance, person, or animal, and that the anxiety and dread is unfounded.
I wish we get over from the fears that we experience so we can live a better life and if not, I hope we find a way to make things work.
Encouragement, Confidence, and Self-esteem
I may not only be the one suffering in being not confident about myself and having low self-esteem so I decided to write about it.
Having been in this long journey alone of fighting myself and pushing myself down, I realized that I am the only one who could help myself.
Confident people are not only eager to put in the time and effort to improve, but they are also willing to accept that they do not - and cannot - know it all. There’s much more about having the proper mindset and perspective about the world, particularly our society. It's preferable to be aware of when you require assistance rather than not. It takes a certain amount of self-assurance - specifically, self-assurance in one's ability to learn - to be willing to accept that one requires direction or support.
The very first step is to admit that I am not perfect, but so is everybody, and that is perfectly okay. Flaws and imperfections make us beautiful, we don’t have to hide and appeal to the standards built by the society.
On the other hand, don't let your modesty keep you from doing what you want. There are many adventures out there, you don’t have to keep yourself away from the joy that life could bring to you just because you are too different from the rest.
People are frequently preoccupied with what others will think of them that they fail to concentrate on what they have to offer. Failure is a part of life but remember that you can’t be a failure forever so you have to fight for what you want – for your dreams. When you see your worth in the eyes of others, confidence is no longer about self-promotion but rather about helping others. In fact, the word "confidence" is no longer appropriate. It's all about having a goal. Consider focusing on the unique viewpoint you bring to the table rather than worrying about what others might think of you or your work.
Building self-esteem and confidence might be hard but it always starts with the first step and that is deciding that you are ready to go out of your comfort zone and make a change in your life.
Ask of someone who is interested in your development and progress as well as the quality of your performance about her thoughts on the subject. It is important to have someone looking after you while you make this great change. It could be your sibling or closest friend but just be certain to choose people who will provide completely honest feedback - It is important to note that when performance reviews are just favorable, we lose faith in them. After that, you can utilize any true favorable feedback you receive as a talisman. Also keep in mind that some people require more assistance than others, so don't be afraid to ask for help.
Don’t let other people tell you otherwise. Of all the people in the world, you’re the one who truly knows yourself so build a character out of it and be confident wherever you go.
Don't point your finger at the rainbow, and it'll melt.
As a child, I often hear some older people, especially our neighbors, not point my finger every time I see a canvas of different colors or simply a rainbow in the sky. The reason that they always told me before is that it was going to melt.
Of course, it is impossible for that thing to happen because, in the first place, how will it happen? Does the rainbow have some laser to cut the finders down or an extremely hot substance that could instantly melt them down? The answer is none. It is just that it is something that grown-ups tell their children, so they won't go out and play in the rain.
**How are rainbows formed?**
It is a bit hard to answer, but based on science articles I have recently read, I have learned that every ray of light in the electromagnetic spectrum has its own unique angle of reflection. So when the sunshine touches some droplets of rain, there are lights that are being reflected. As a result of this dispersion, a rainbow is created.
When I learned how to write and weave words together to construct sentences and paragraphs, one saying I always liked to incorporate into my writing is the saying that goes like this: "There is always a rainbow after the rain."
What is more significant about it is that, from those contests I had entered before where I used that saying, I mostly won. And I can remember perfectly that in one of the most recent contests I entered, I bagged first place. It is in the Filipino category, but I used the counterpart of the phrase in the Filipino language.
Rain is always accompanied by a peaceful silence. Taking a peek at the sky after a downpour provides us with both mental and physical comfort. The light that diffuses after a rainstorm is a wonderful experience. One of nature's most beautiful creations, the rainbow, occurs just once every few years. Scattered light in seven subtle hues that stand out from one another against the backdrop of a breathtaking sky.
While thinking of rainbows, I wonder why they always have the same order. Upon reading a lot of things, I found out that wavelengths occur in an ascending order of radius. Optics and physics rules would have to alter from location to location in order for this to not be the case. Things like this are being tracked by a lot of individuals. There have been no complaints throughout all of this occurring up to this point. This may seem complicated, so to make it simpler, it is because the relevant laws of physics, as well as optics, do not vary on a daily basis or from one place to another.
Indeed, in life, as we go through our knowledge, we discover one cannot imagine how many shades of hue there are in a person's life. Because of the world's overwhelming darkness, man can no longer locate or seek color, light, or pleasure in his own life. The colors of the rainbow may teach individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives a lot. It brings hope that there will always be a tomorrow.
Overall, the appearance of a rainbow is one of nature's most stunning phenomena that doesn't need a long list of conditions. In addition, the attractiveness of its look is enhanced by the fact that it was unexpected. When it's a little gloomy outside, and the sun is peeking through the clouds, you can see a striking arc of color. The rainbow reminds us that not all beautiful things have to be costly or uncommon to be considered lovely. As a result, a lovely thing that appears out of nowhere will automatically fill your psyche with optimism, positivism, and contentment.
***It is like the sun is right behind us, gleaming on some raindrops in front of us.***
What Happened to Philippine Cinema?
Have you tried watching old movies on the television? When I was younger, I really skipped those movies because I thought they aren’t good and the resolution weren’t high as well. But upon learning, when those films were being filmed and shown, it was actually what we consider as the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.
The 1930s were a time when people began to learn about the film genre as a method for making art and display the talent of many Filipinos. There were lots of outstanding and notable films back then because it revealed what are the true happenings in the society.
However, in the present time, now that innovations are on the top and brilliant and modern information technologies are out globally, it would have been a great opportunity for the Philippine film industry to prosper but the reality slaps that not everyone can keep up with the global trends.
When the pandemic started, cinemas are then forced to close down to follow protocols and for the safety of public health. Sequentially, it became harder for producers
Because the film industry is so complex, it has a huge influence on the entire of the market. Films go around the world and reach people of different races. They also have a handbag full of things to show off.
What I mean by "things" is the place where it was shot, for example, or the artists and clothes they wore, the cars or other things they used in scenes, the culture that was shown, and so on. They help other businesses, and as the film gets more attention, it also helps other businesses get more attention. For example, a film made by Filipinos in Batanes could make more people want to go there, which would make tourism more popular in our country. They could also show one of our festivals or unique Filipino-made products, which would make people want to learn more about our culture and help businesses start up.
This is one of the many good reasons why we should help start up the film industry in our country. It's clear that it will help our economy.
In order to save the Filipino film industry, we need to take a risk and try new things. The film makers will make more movies and spend more money on this art. The government will also play a part in this by continuing to invest in studios and other things, like that. People should also take a chance and watch these movies, even though it could be good or bad. When people are making good suggestions for how to improve a movie, that can be a good thing and beneficial move. Users of the social media can use this to get their movies seen. They can write a review of the movie or say something interesting about it.
Also, it would be good if they made movies about Filipino culture and values so that we could show off the real way we live. In addition, there should be a plan for how to get films known around the world, which would help the industry a lot.
Mental Health Matters
Every day, we deal with the uncertainties of life. We strive and do our best but not at all times, we can decipher what is waiting for us in the corner and we’re just left there – stuck in the same position. Our mental health is being challenged more than we ever know; mostly, we just ignore it because as humans, we have defense mechanisms but as we continue to hide, it will only get heavier and heavier.
To help each and every one of us, here are some basic information that are meant to educate us at some point about the importance of mental health and its extremities.
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being all contribute to our overall mental health. It has an impact on our ability to think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, how we interact with people, and how we make healthy decisions. At every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood, one's mental health must be taken into consideration.
This matter is not something that we should neglect because it is as important with our physical well-being. We should spare time to take care of it and assess what have been going on with your life that might be affecting your mental health.
THINGS THAT MAY CAUSE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
**Experiencing grief or loss**
Experiencing loss and dealing with grief is hard and it’s almost a life-long process. Healing is hard and the pain keeps coming back during unexpected times. There are people who cannot cope up and causes their mental health to be sternly affected.
**Severe stress**
Long term stress can lead to serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety as well. It could also result to having sleep problems, headaches, and body pain.
**Traumatic events that happened in the past**
Traumatic events can lead to PTSD or the post-traumatic stress disorder. For people who experience this, they might have flashbacks about those certain events. Example are car accidents, witnessing crimes, and others.
**Abusive relationships**
Abusive relationships, may it be friendships or romantic relationships, can trigger emotional and psychological well-being. This matter is hard to handle so many go down to depression because they opt to self-blame.
**Discrimination; racism; harassment**
Equality is still something that people are fighting for. This problem is still getting worse especially in many countries and/or communities.
**Heavy problems (e.g.) losing a job**
Some may take problems lightly but each of us has different emotional capacity in accepting and dealing with life problems.
**Alcoholic or alcohol misuse**
Alcoholism is a serious problem and can trigger serious mental health problems when such as OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and others.
Mental health awareness is important especially now in the modern world. I adhere to stand up and open my arms for the people who are silently having their hard battles. May we get over from them soon and heal from our wounds.
If you need a shoulder to lean on, I am here.
`PHOTOS FROM PIXABAY`
Like Ants do, Let's Make the Dream Work
As a child, I am always amazed every time I hear somebody else, particularly adults, saying that ants are like superheroes since they have strong power, that they can carry things even if they are ten times heavier than them as if they are super heavy weight lifting champions.
So as I was contemplating a while ago about some lessons I want to share, this idea about the lessons we can learn from ants came to my mind.
Ants can teach us a lot about teamwork, perseverance, and building a strong sense of belonging in our communities. Ants are a great source of inspiration, but the most essential lesson you can learn from them is to not let your circumstances and what you are holding you back hinder you from achieving your full potential.
Observe a troop of ants as they carry a large amount of leaves and grasses in a group. Workplace coordination is flawless; there isn't even a single mistake, and this is all done without the use of any fancy tactics. One of the most lethal killing machines in the world is the result of a team of ants working together. You wouldn't want to be caught when they're on the verge of a rampage.
Nonetheless, it is incorrect to assume that ants are just hard-working without any intelligence or brains. They have an entire hierarchy built in. Workers and soldiers are next, followed by nurses and the Queen Ant. And indeed, it is the Queen who makes the final decision in this case.
I just want to share a scenario from something I have read before. A kid managed to keep an ant imprisoned in a glass container for many hours.
After three hours, that kid decided to call it quits. That same pace was still evident the next day.The kid felt like a royal letting go of a brave enemy captive because of his bravery when he freed it.
What it teaches is that getting in is consistently possible. Insects will always find a way to get in, no matter how hard you try. Keep going, and you will get there. They may be hindered by something, but that wouldn't stop them from persevering. This is such a great thing to learn from them.
In addition, ants are among of the world's greatest constructors. This façade is really a complex network of chambers, from the Queen's room to a network of escape routes in the event of a crisis. It's like a real-life subterranean bunker that any army would be delighted to have.
In a nutshell, the ants can teach us about the values of teamwork, hard labor, and community cohesion or simply the state of sticking together tightly. Ants are a great source of inspiration, and hopefully, the above-mentioned things don't only help you gain new knowledge. But also equipped you with things you will forever cherish.
Add to Heart: Why We Shop and How to Shop
Do you ever just find yourself adding so much in your online cart and the next thing you knew, you’ve already placed your order? Then, you shamelessly wonder why you have so many parcels on their way to you. Now, you start to laugh with regret.
A lot of you might have started a hobby or an addiction to online shopping, especially when the pandemic started. We were not able to buy on physical stores and shop for items personally. There were restrictions and we would not really want to risk our health just to shop. Good thing there were e-commerce platforms or online shops. Well, maybe it was a good thing at first.
Time passed by and online shopping became a trend, a norm. People are sharing the things they bought and other people would want to buy that same item. There were monthly sales and promos and some get more encouraged to buy. More people became impulsive buyers – one look and they’d want to buy right away.
This online shopping trend may be both bad and good. But, the addiction and hype for it is understandable. Why do many people craze about online shopping?
First, it is convenient and easy. You look at the picture, description and reviews and then click checkout and place your order. Now, all you need to do is wait. Some items are cheaper online than in physical stores. There are also free shipping promos and discount coupons from time to time.
Second, it has become a coping mechanism and a source of happiness for some people. Being cooped up at home during the pandemic were not really good for our mental health. We needed something to spark our motivation. And some of us resort into impulsive buying and online hauls. Our online shop addiction may be called as retail therapy. We buy to make ourselves feel better. The excitement of waiting for something while your parcel is being shipped makes you feel alive.
Third, it is their own version of self care or self love. When you shop, it is something you do for yourself and yours only. All the time, you work for others. It’s just nice to do something for yourself. You reward yourself for working hard.
That’s the good thing about online shopping. It only becomes bad when you become excessive and undisciplined. We shouldn’t forget how to shop properly.
Always read the product description. Some people think they got scammed but it was actually their fault of not reading the specifications of the product.
Take time to browse the reviews. A high rating may not be a good sign in reality. You must check the reviews because some people give high rating even when the product has significant issues.
Try to find shops with cheaper or better service. There are countless online shops in e-commerce platforms nowadays. It may be the same product, but it has different price in every shop. In online shop, you have to out an effort in finding the best shop.
Look for ways to save money. As much as possible, buy when there are free shipping vouchers and promos. Take advantage of discounts and cashbacks. Here are some tips when shopping at this specific platforms – Shein and Shopee.
Here's more:
Earn points in Shein everyday by checking in your account in the app. You can use this points to reduce the price of your purchase. A hundred points is equivalent to one dollar. You can earn more than 700 points before the first points you earned will expire. Take advantage of their free shipping and make reviews or additional points.
In Shopee, there are groups and pages (e.g. Shopee Buddies in Facebook) that share links of free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend. Buy when there are free shipping and cashback vouchers. Check in everyday for additional coins.
*Hope this helps!*
TGIF: A Day in the City
Before sinking into the world of requirements and books, we went out with my friends and classmates to get a needed document for our scholarship in school and took the whole day to get along with each other.
*Are you ready? Let me share to you the simple yet magnificent little things we’ve done for today.*
First thing, we went to the municipal hall supposedly to get a certification but they are not processing it for this day so we went to the bookstore. I like to stay and look for random things there. I was looking for cute stuff or stationery that’s not quite pricey.
**Here are the things I got:**
Pencils because I’m running out of it and I badly need it for my classes.
Highlighter for reviewing my books because I’m kind of lazy so I need some colors so I won’t get bored or sleepy.
Construction paper because I think I’ll get it in a fair price and I want to try it as a packaging for my orders.
After that, we entered the university again after a very long time.
Hello, my dearest alma matter.
I admit, I really miss going in every day. I’ve been studying in this school for almost thirteen years now so my whole childhood and growing up days are here. I can see many improvements and I feel proud inside. Many things have changed. Buildings are newly built and some are being renovated. I saw my classmates again after not being in touch with them for years because of the online classes.
We decided to have our lunch in a fast food and yay I missed the food. We ordered a lot and it was hard finishing it.
After a while, we spent the remaining hours together at Plaza Burgos. Even in the plaza, it was totally modified. It undergone almost two years of renovation and the result is satisfying, I guess. There are lots of plants and trees and it’s a perfect spot for picnics and when you just have to rest from everything. It’s the calm in the middle of the city.
You can do whatever you want – you can lay down or even eat but with the beauty and cleanliness around you, of course, you should keep the area that way and put your trash in the bin. More and more people came by as it gets late in the afternoon. Many kids came to play too.
As you can see on the picture, on that part is the calesa or horse carriage parking area. Now that the COVID 19 cases are going down in our province, they are now allowed again because many tourists are coming here. The building right there is actually the St. Paul Cathedral. This is the heart of my Heritage City.
At around 5pm, we had our way to a tea shop and bought our drinks then went straight to Sta. Catalina beach to witness the sunset.
We walk around, took some photos, laugh at silly jokes, ate street foods, and laughed a little more. Too bad the pandemic has stolen a lot of these times from us.
I almost want to cry after I arrived at home because as a person who likes being alone, I didn’t know that I could survive a day like this and just a realization, it isn’t bad to be with many people as long as you know you belong.
As beautiful as this day started and ended, I hope everyday will be like this.
Is it worth drinking to avoid problems?
I have seen a lot of scenarios here and there and one of which is the situation wherein someone go inside a bar or somewhere else, buy some alcohol drinks, and drink a lot of it. Sometimes, it is a party or celebration, but sometimes, it is also done by others to drink away their problems.
**The question is, can you really drink your problems away?**
The answer could be no, you can't.
The effects of alcohol may temporarily alleviate what you currently feel. You may even drink to the point where you forget about them. Still, the next morning, when you are sober and feel miserable, they will just pop in your head out of nowhere and be right back to you while you are off-guard, and worse, you might be in an even worse position to cope with them.
Drinking may be a joyful and delicate getaway at first, at least for some people when they are having a rough day so getting wasted at happy hour is somewhat in order. In other words, a sigh of relief, or something like that.
And yes, when you are first starting out, you may find yourself drinking alcohol as a technique to numb yourself from the pain of life's difficulties, but as years passed and you acquired a habit on drinking alcohol, and you began to lose your capacity to cope with life's difficulties in the right way, that is when more problem could arise.
You may be unable to do anything because of the effects of alcohol. For some reason, it could be difficult to get out of bed in the morning, do laundry, and go to work. Because of alcoholism, you might possibly be unable to take on any challenges also that came your way. You'd drink more to mask the reality that you are escaping your own difficulties.
*As a result, the cycle never ends. Because of this, you're so addicted to alcohol that you don't even care if it's producing further issues in your life.*
Drinking alcohol as a crutch is a bad idea because in reality as you let yourself get drunk, you are just delaying the inevitable and almost certainly making things worse in the process. As long as you are not dealing with the root cause of your problems instead of relying on short-term fixes like drinking a lot of alcohols, you are simply hurting yourself in the long run. Maybe, you will forget it temporarily, but there is also a probability that it could even be worse. More problems are possible to arise.
In the end, depression and the bad habit of doing such things are a bad combination. Note that the majority of addictive behaviors are self-medication efforts that fail miserably. Keep in mind that you can't drink away your issues. Make sure you get the support you need to deal with the problem you are having at hand, and do not solve it by making you desire to drink.
Songs that Turned 10 in 2022
**AT EXACTLY TEN YEARS AGO**, we’ve been at every beat of these iconic songs of our generation. Ten years ago, I was young, reckless, and I was having fun dancing together with freedom with every word of its lyrics.
Music industry totally emerged in year 2012 by the help of digital distribution. Many dreaming to be artists finally landed on their stars and shone bright at their stage. I see it as a privilege that I was young and free at that time. Hence, here are some songs that are truly remarkable because yes, listening to these after 10 years of being released feels so nostalgic.
**I Knew You Were Trouble**
This song came from the great album of the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It’s funny how I sang this song not knowing what it actually means and I could only relate now after ten years. I am a fan of Taylor Swift – she’s one of the outstanding artists today and no one can ever change that.
**Gangnam Style**
I mean, who did not dance with this song? My memory is clear and I was in sixth grade when this song came out. My classmates and I danced with the famous step. PSY and all the people behind this song really did a great job. At that time, KPop music also climbs to highs but Gangnam Style was the most notable for me.
**Starships**
After Nicki Minaj’s break in 2010 with her song Super Bass, Starships in 2012 also did put a mark to people. We may often forget the title but the beat would replay in our minds until the chorus comes and right there, we now its Starships. I could say that this song is perfect for parties.
**Little Things**
One of my most favorite songs. Actually, I love everything in One Direction’s album Take Me Home which was released in 2012. “Little things” is on the top tier for me because it’s already connected to many beautiful memories of mine. I mean, who wouldn’t get a softened heart after hearing this song? And though it also became a little more painful to me because One Direction never came back after their hiatus and decided to be solo artists. I am proud of them though but I miss them so much altogether on a single stage.
**Locked Out of Heaven**
Bruno Mars – he’s a professional performer. I could say that because whenever I watch his videos performing, it’s just all flawless and he knows how to completely handle and lift up the stage. The first song of his that I loved is Today my Life Begins in 2010 and I am just proud on how he worked on with his songs and up until now, his singles are still iconic. In 2011, another one of his in collaboration with Bad Meets Evil came out and the title is Lighters. And lastly, 10 years ago, Locked Out of Heaven was released and it just showed how attached Bruno Mars is to his works.
**Diamonds**
Another hit by the true diamond of her time, Rihanna. This song is uplifting and as I grew up, I kept realizing how the lyrics are meaningful. It makes me want to remind myself all the time to shine bright like a diamond because there’s something unique in me and I have to claim it in order to reveal it to the world.
**I Won’t Give Up**
I didn’t know that after ten years, I already got no strength to listen to this song because the pain it brings is unbearable. This song made me believe that there’ll always be hope into something. I loved this song and it taught me how love can be bigger than anything but after some twists and turns of events, I now believe the opposite. I hope though that one day, I’ll have the guts to believe and have hope in love again.
That sums up some of the songs from 2012 that aged 10 this year 2022. After that long period of time, it’s still a hit and people still listen to these songs.
I hope you enjoyed reminiscing with me!
Friendships: Not Everything is Forever
While I grew up believing that everyone is my friend and that we will be together until the end of time, reaching adulthood made me realize that most friendships are not meant to last forever and that it is better that way.
Friends are like family to me, and they are a treasure. I am always deeply and emotionally invested in considering people my friend and may be this is where I go wrong at some point especially when the relationship halts and I get to blame myself for it and look for the possible mistakes that I may have done.
To be very honest, I was terrified of ending my ties with other individuals. I wanted everyone close to me to be a constant in my life. I cannot stand the thought of bumping into someone I used to know and someone who truly knows me and a simple “Hi” would become so hard to utter.
But guess what, life moves that way.
Sometimes, friendships become toxic and with this kind of environment, no one will ever grow.
It’s also hard to understand why and how it becomes toxic. What I am sure of is that no one is to be blamed because no matter how close or tight the relationship was, individually, we grow and change and a person’s heart and soul desire different things that will no longer match with the others.
There are various reasons why friendships reach the end and it is a case to case basis. I’m writing this to let you know that it is normal to lose friends – to let those whom you’ve known the longest, whom you’ve cried during those dark times, whom you’ve hugged with joy and sadness, and whom you’ve shared the most beautiful memories. It is really painful at first; the bittersweet feeling will arrive too, until acceptance and discernment will come to you.
How do you realize that a friendship has to end?
While some has exact and deep reasons that totally cut the friendships, in majority, the friendship dies just like a bubble in a thin air – it fades away just like that.
**Here are some things that you can observe in friendships that are about to end:**
Being with them and meeting up with them becomes tiring and it feels like a big responsibility.
You will perceive that their bad behaviors are something you can tolerate but it starts to affect your individuality.
When the line drawn has reached the limits and the respect is no longer given or felt with each other.
IN MY 20 YEARS OF LIVING IN THIS WORLD, I can say that adulthood really teaches us greater things that are crucial in dealing with the bigger world. At the present, my circle has become small but there is peace and serenity in my mind that I belong somewhere and I am accepted for who I am despite my mishaps.
My life finally started to be lighter when I let go of the relationships and the people that I was holding onto for a long time while I patiently wait for the right time for everything to go back to normal and the chances in my hands just turned heavier and heavier each day because the doors are long closed and I was in fact waiting for nothing.
To the existing friendships we have, here are friendly advice that may help:
Always be honest. Honesty is a really big thing in all aspects of our lives. Dishonesty could turn everything upside down including trust.
Do not take expectations and assumptions. You may know who truly your friends are but not at all matters. Speak only for them if you have to – it’s a way to show respect to your individuality.
Show appreciation and compassion. Make time for each other and give off simple and small supports to their goals, achievements, and everything in between.
Once again, thank you for visiting this article and I hope to see you in the next one.
Crafty Life: New Handmade Items
When everything gets unsure and when time won’t seem to do anything to fix it, I grab any things on my place and make some magic. And just like that, the voices become solemn and I start to feel like myself again.
I began making crafts at a young age. My mom was my inspiration. I grew up surrounded with threads, needles, and any other tools and supplies. I went to school with crocheted shoulder bags and I gifted my friends with beaded coin wallets.
Now that I am twenty, the fire inside of me just ignited and ignited each passing day and if only I could create everything that’s on my mind, my life would be the greatest paradise.
Without further ado, I’m going to share some of the recent items I worked on. Simple but I poured my heart into it and each one has its own stories to tell.
**Beaded Cherry Necklace**
This is one of my favorite necklaces. It’s chic and could be worn together with any outfit. It’s very easy to make so I think I’m going to make use of other colors with this design to see how it will look like. I also made daisy-designed chokers and they look all amusing. I know it’s weird to recommend someone to wear this but I myself can’t get to use one. I hope confidence will arrive to me so I could wear my crafts when I go out.
**Sunflower Mask Lanyards**
Someone ordered these personalized lanyards with sunflower design but with different base colors. I enjoyed doing this because it’s currently up to the season and they really came out very well. On the other hand, there’s quite a little more pressure when the items ordered are personalized because it’s like they have greater expectation but nonetheless, it also feels great on my part that I am dedicating a particular product to a specific person.
**Crochet Flower Coasters**
I’ve been wanting to do this pattern and luckily semestral break happened and I finally made two pieces in different colors. My plan was to make five but my indecisive mind cannot mix and match the right colors. I’m very happy with the outcome though.
**Crochet Bow Hairclips**
These bow hairclips are actually an order. I’ve made 58 pieces with different colors because the customer said it’s for a giveaway. The picture shows the pink colored ones which I totally love. I had enough time in making these and I actually loved the outcomes. Sometimes, it’s flattering on how a stranger would trust me to make the items they want at a point where I’m doubting myself so hard if I could make it right.
**Crochet Bread and Egg Coasters**
I know my bread is too toasted but I am actually proud of making that. I first made the egg a long time ago and been eager to make the bread too as its partner. I wasn’t able to wait for the right shade of brown so I had to use the chocolate brown just to finish it. I hope someone will buy it though because I just posted it on my shop. Because of this, I’ve already listed new to-do food crochet projects on my list because why shouldn’t I? They’re adorable. That’s it/
**Crochet Flower Keychains**
Sunflowers and daisies light up our world a little brighter than yesterday every time they bloom. I was too lazy to make big sunflowers so I made a tinier size which looks cute as a keychain so I attached a metal ring and connector on it. Crocheting flowers isn’t tiring at all because once the petals are all done, I am so well rested.
That is all for now. I hope you had fun reading this article and I also wish it inspired you to go and start that hobby that’s been running around your head. Well, I kind of have a saying that if you can’t get it out of your head, buy it and do it.
We don’t wait for the right time; we make time for things that make our soul feel alive.
What February Taught Me
February – this month has the smallest number of days as compared to all the months in a year and for me, it’s means something special. Just like always, there are challenges that life throws at me but at this year, specifically at this month, I’ve been more in control of myself and the things around me that I could still change. I was able to compromise, make adjustments, accept, let go, understand, and most of all, forgive people including myself.
I got good and bad news but what’s important is that I was able to get over it and I know I did my best in every little thing that’s done.
**The HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH**
***I am enrolled.***
Semestral break happened, I got my grades, and I enrolled for the next chapter of my college life at the same university. I am under a program that implements no retention policy which means I have to maintain my grades and reach their cut-off every semester or else I’ll be forced to shift to another course or transfer into another school.
I have prepared myself for jumping into a new system or environment but luckily and to my surprise, I passed all my subjects. Although I’m a little heartbroken because some of my friends/classmates will now be leaving our block. I may have shared only a little time and memories with them but our class felt like a family too as we share one common goal.
What else do I have to say, here I am second sem!
**I got a skin problem, again.**
I have the most sensitive skin and I’ve been coming back and forth to my dermatologist in the past years. I don’t know if I’m the only one making this a big thing but it’s impact is really great on me. I bought creams and hoping that it’ll work again as it did before. I know it will take months but I am trying to test my patience with this.
**Letting go and burning bridges.**
I tried to reach out with some of my friends but I think it wasn’t a good idea at all. I was always that type of person who will stand tall and brave but my doors will be open to the people who repeatedly hurt me. No matter how hard I try, it’s hard for me to turn my back or close my doors completely to them. However, for this month, I think I’m having a breakthrough in burning those bridges that I no longer deserve to cross.
And I am doing this not for any reason other to respect myself and to keep only those people who are true to me. Maybe growing up is really painful but it doesn’t hurt as much as it did before when you start to change your perspective rather than forcing the things around you that’s already out of your control.
**More self-love.**
I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing that I am getting more and more content with being alone that I don’t feel the need of having a significant other anymore. Sometimes I wonder why I want different things than other people. But I don’t want to dig deep in that part of the story. It’s just that, in this month, I’ve been focusing on myself and been looking into many ways on how I become healthier. I think it worked though because people been telling me that I’ve gained weight.
I am happy that my healing makes results now and even though I am not completely healed yet, I am delighted to the road I am taking and excited to see where it could take me.
February taught me that the greatest love of your life is yourself. Love entails patience and acceptance. And, things happen only when you do something about it.
If you’ve taken time to read this, I am very grateful. I want to know what it’s like to be in my mind so comment down too what February taught you.
Series That I Recommend
Watching movies or series is a great part of my existence. In this destructive place and time that we live in, engaging myself into fictional characters has been one of my safest places and it drives my perspective a little bit better.
I’ve been fond of watching since then but it was boosted when home quarantine was initiated. Watching the four corners of our home would sometimes be distressing so I had to jump into the world of whimsicality – the unusual and unpredictable imagination of the creative people in the world.
Hence, here are three series that I highly recommend for you to watch. I have lots of favorites so I wouldn’t say that these are my top 3 but I just handpicked what might save you from boredom or tedium.
**The Queen’s Gambit**
This miniseries really captivated me and I finished it in one sitting. The story originally came from a 1983 novel written by Walter Tevis. I could say that it is a great series to watch even if you don’t know anything about chess. In here, there’s an evidence of an outstanding character development – an inspiring and compelling story with bits of feminist elements, adoption, drug addiction, alcoholism, and primarily, dealing with the pieces of your dreams and desires.
The main character was exceedingly portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy.
**Money Heist**
I only watched this series before Part 4 is to be released. There were lots of spoilers on social media when this series was out so I was demotivated to watch it. Money Heist is a crime drama series which was shot at Spain. One best word to describe this is that it’s clever. “The Professor” acted as the mastermind of the heists and it is indeed mind blowing – his strategies and mind games.
On the other hand, it’s not only the struggles and success of the heist that I was eager for but also the deep stories of each characters. I think they made an excellent job in showing the real and the uniqueness of each characters and the story of their lives – how they were able to move and let go of their past and make the most of it at the present. I saw and felt not just love of a friendship but of a family – their sacrifices were deep and I really cried for the painful scenes.
It unlocked an insight about the world were living in and I guess it gave every viewer a rare lesson and message.
**Anne with an E**
This is a Canadian series on which the story originally came from the novel “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery and was published in year 1908. Being an old soul, watching this historical film is delighting. I fell in love immediately with the main character, Anne, and her unpredictable adventures of being an orphan.
**Prince Edward Island in Canada where Anne with an E was set.**
I think I was 18 years old when I watched this one and I find myself lucky to have watched it at that right time because this is a truly coming-of-age story. The main character has a very deep passion and creative perspective of the world; she was discovering friendships, seeking love, understanding acceptance, and putting every piece of herself together to find out what is her purpose to the world. Despite her bad experiences, she had a light and love in her heart and she didn’t fail to give and show it to everyone around her.
For now, I’m giving you these three titles from my favorites list and I promise to give some more next time.
As for Kdrama, I have only watched less than ten Kdrama series because I’m kind of picky so I hope you’ll suggest down on the comments what Kdrama series should I start.
At the present, I’m watching How to Get Away with Murder, Lucifer, and The 100. I maybe be busy at times but watching series saved my life more than anyone could understand.
I hope to see you on the next article! Thank you for reading!
Acceptance from society: Do we need it?
To be accepted in the society means to be welcomed positively and to feel that you belong in it. Social acceptance is the approval of the society of a person without attempting to change the person or protesting against him or her.
However, society is not always affirmative. There will always be a part of it that would not accept who we are and there will always be a part of us that will not be accepted by the society. Yet, that dilemma should not stop us from earning the acceptance of the society.
No matter how hard it is to be fully accepted by the society, we still need to. We need the society to survive. We may think of ourselves as independent beings, nonetheless, there are things that only society could give us. We need other people to help us to improve our character because there are traits only they could observe and we need them to point out what we have to change. We need others we can relate to and we can enjoy life together with. We need people to feel warmth, solace and happiness at times when we cannot give it to ourselves. Therefore, wanting to be accepted by the society is as necessary as it is difficult. On
that matter, then, how do we get accepted by the society?
The society may be judgmental and selective but that does not mean it rejects everyone. We just have to be morally good by not doing vile things that could hurt others. We have to live in a way that is morally acceptable for the society and for us. The society needs members that is capable of showing good virtue and capable of avoiding harm. Therefore, we have to be a respectable member of a society who respects others too.
Personally, I think I am accepted by the society because I do not feel discriminated or hated. I feel like I am allowed and approved because I live my life peacefully without compromising the beliefs that I know is right and qualities that I know is acceptable. I always remind myself that I should not bother other people’s issues as long as I am not directly involved. I also remind myself not to be dictated by what society wants me to be right now. The society is changing. What it expects as of present will change in the near future. That is why
I do not keep myself imprisoned of the expectations of the society.
Truly, we need to be accepted however, the society needs to be accepting too. Many people are getting aware of who they are now and who they are might not be what the society expects. However, the society should not try to force people to be someone they’re not but to be open to diversity. The society should not remain as it is because it will not maintain the balance between its members. As we move forward to be accepted by the society, so should the society.
We live in a give-and-take environment. We give acceptance of what society requires of us and in return society should also accept what we are. In order to be accepted, we have to maintain good morals and avoid harming other people. No matter how hard situation we are facing, we must not forget to be kind and humble. This also means that we have to be kind of everyone. If we want society to accept us, we also need to give assent to people who are different from us. We should learn to accept and do our best to be accepted, both with a positive outlook.
Fish Be with You
At the present time, we have lots of dogs but we have pets too that have scales and gills and swims inside their lovely homes. There are two aquariums in our house: one in my dad’s room where his silver arowana stays and one in our living room where you can find our gold fishes.
People who enjoy animals but do not have the time or space to care for a cat or a dog may find that a fish is the ideal pet for their needs.
Fish don't get a lot of attention when it comes to lists of the greatest animals to keep as pets, but they deserve it. Pet fish can be a lovely addition to your family's living arrangements. Given the fact that some species are particularly easy to care for, they can make good first pets for youngsters in various situations.
Here are some few of the awe-inspiring advantages of keeping a fish as a pet and maybe a sign to get your fish.
Fish are less complicated and less expensive to feed and care for than other types of pet animals.
Fish, in contrast to many dogs and other furry and feathered pets, do not experience separation anxiety.
`Additional knowledge:` Separation anxiety (in dogs) is generated when dogs get distressed as a result of being separated from their guardians, or the people to whom they are emotionally bonded and devoted to. Escape attempts by dogs suffering from separation anxiety are frequently violent and can result in self-injury and property damage, particularly at escape points such as doors and windows.
There's no need to be concerned about a barking or squawking fish disturbing the peace and quiet of your home and neighborhood.
Fish exist in an unlimited number of sizes, shapes, and brilliant hues, as well as in an infinite variety of colors.
As a heads-up, here are basic information regarding the needs of a fish to survive:
**A balanced diet.** Allow your fish to eat no more than he or she can consume in two or three minutes once or twice per day when you feed it. Important note, do not overfeed. It is a common mistake that fish keepers sometimes do.
**Heater system** is also needed depending on the temperature of the place you live at.
While food, water, filtration, and heat are the fundamental elements that you'll need to provide for your pet fish, the **specific requirements** may vary depending on the species of fish you choose and how big it becomes, among a variety of other considerations. Depending on the sort of fish you choose, you'll need a fish tank that is large enough to accommodate the fish's development.
There are **commercialized fish feeds** available that have been designed to suit the nutritional requirements of various varieties of fish, and these may be purchased online. Fish feeds are typically available in flakes type, as pellets, or as freeze-dried products. A variety of special treats, including as bloodworms, can be acquired at pet stores, both frozen and/or dried.
If you’re a beginner, professionals recommend these types of fishes for you to pet and study on:
Guppy
Molly
Zebra Danios
Bettas
Swordtails
These types of fishes are colorful which makes them very attractive and they can adjust quickly to a new environment.
Watching fish glide dreamily through the water has long been known to have a soothing effect on those who are in close proximity to them. I, myself, can assure you that it lowers down my stress level and the sound of the water falling from the filter also helps me fall asleep because it resonates to the sound of nature.
This article ends here and I hope I can share to you next time the types of fishes that you might want to consider. Adieu and fish be with you!
*© Photos from Pixabay*
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Marites: Loose Tongues Judge Individuals
The world is vast, and so are the gossips that travel fast in various places.
**There is a risk in gossip.** To judge someone based on anything they see or hear from some other person is nothing more than loose tongues that love telling gossips. It's not a pathetic life experience; rather, it's an exchange of ideas about someone else, which is most of the time opinionated and biased.
*Many people talk about others behind their backs because they believe their lives are better than those of others.*
When someone is gossiping, they are trying to make the listeners feel that they are superior than the person they are talking about. Furthermore, it is insecurity that motivates people to act in such a sneaky manner. Morally wrong and devious are only some of the adjectives that come to mind when you think about it.
Moreover, even if your words aren't malicious, it's still bad to spread rumors about other people. Even excluding someone from a conversation might be unpleasant if you're talking about them behind their back. It's made much worse by the verbal abuse.
It's okay to bring up current events as long as you don't bring anybody else up in the conversation or say anything that degrades someone. You don't have to say a gossip to speak about other people. Celebrities, for example, get a great deal of attention. When you attack someone, talk negatively about them, or attempt to modify someone's perception of them, it is destructive and evolves into nasty gossip.
There is a sort of negative consequences that may result from gossiping, not the least of which is the ability to inflict harm to others. **This is a kind of bullying**. So when you speak, question yourself whether you would be accustomed to making the same point at the front of the individual you are addressing.
`It's important to remember that:` those who like dragging others down with their gossip have an overinflated ego. When this is someone they despise for selfish purposes, they are doing this out of a feeling of insecurity. More than any other, this says a lot about them as a whole, not just about you.
Even your closest friends wouldn't trust a word they say about you. They wouldn't trust a word of it from those who are on your side.
However, know exactly where you stand to those people who used to be your pals but believe the rumors about you without a moments of thinking whether it is true or not. As a result of this, you can no longer call these folks your friends since they were influenced by the talk about you rather than believing the facts about you.
What are the things to do then?
**Great minds talk about ideas**. It's both terrible and hilarious to know that there are individuals out there that like spreading rumors and making others feel bad. They are, in my opinion, less well-educated and more interested in the flimsy aspects of life. And the only way you'll be able to handle them is to just ignore them.
**Go with your own instinct**. People will be there for you if you do the correct thing. You don't have to prove yourself to everyone, particularly if you've already received your own approval.
**Feed them with kindness.** To feed them with kindness is one strategy. Your words may make them feel ashamed or confused, which may lead to their abandoning their efforts to defame you. Even if they don't, you'll establish a reputation as a polite person and no longer feel guilty about approaching them on a personal level.
Final Thoughts:
To sum it all, nothing good comes from gossip, which is a source of evil. Even if what you're saying is accurate, it's best to keep your words to yourself. Making people feel bad about themselves is harmful. It inflicts pain and might lead to a rift in society.
**It's better to be a person who encourages people than to be someone who revels in others' downfalls.**
*© Photos from Unsplash.*
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My Top 5 Comfort Food
Comfort food has come to be associated with heavy dishes that are high in carbohydrates, fat, or rich in flavor that can make feelings better. It is my hobby to cook and so, whenever I am in the mood, I make sure to cook or order something for myself!
List in this article are my top five comfort foods which never fail to bring happiness whenever I feel down! Get ready to crave!
**Tempura**
A classic and sophisticated Japanese food consisting of seafood (typically shrimp), vegetables, wrapped in batter and deep fried to perfection. It usually has a dip of soy sauce combined with sesame oil.
Tempura has an expensive price tag in Japanese restaurants. Luckily, I live near a pond and prawns are commonly caught here and they are cheap too! For that reason, tempura reminds me of home.
**Pizza**
Pizza is probably everyone’s favorite food. It is a great comfort food since it is not only hot and delicious, but it also fills you up entirely. It is not the healthiest yet will satisfy you completely. We can all agree that it is a food that is perfect any time of the day. Mine’s favorite flavor of pizza is Hawaiian, how about you?
**Street Foods**
Street Foods that are popular in the Philippines are kikiam, fishball, Betamax, and isaw (chicken intestines). These are some of my guilty pleasures. It is cheap yet simply delicios. Eating street foods makes me better because it reminds me of my childhood bestfirends.
**Ice cream**
I admit that I have indulged in some of life's sweetest and most pleasures which is ice cream. Consuming ice cream induces feelings of comfort, and despite the fact that this dessert is actually quite cold, it feels like a warm embrace filled with cozy memories. When it comes to guilty pleasures, ice cream appears to be one of those foods that would seem to be the best solution to every problem.The cheese-flavored ice cream is my favorite amongst all the flavors sold out in the market.
**Coffee**
Coffee, whether iced or hot, is my usual comfort food as it is cheap and readily available in our home. Whenever I feel gloomy, I just get a sachet of 3 in 1 coffee and add hot or cold with ice water and that’s it. It's really that simple to make myself happy!
I hope you enjoy reading my article. Try these foods too and enjoy it.
Also, comment down below your comfort foods and I will definitely have it try!
Twenty Five, Twenty One–So far so good?
**Twenty Five, Twenty** One is a Korean drama series. To date, only 4 out 16 episodes have been out and yet I can say that it is promising! Read this article and you can find out why!
About the Drama
The story begins in 1998, when the IMF crisis started crushing Na Hee Do's ultimate dreams of fencing. She meets Back Ye Jin as a fated encounter, which results in him assisting her in finding a way to continue fencing. They became partners sharing the same goal of finding happiness. They were 22 and 18 years old when they first met, but they started hurting each other when they were 23 and 19. At the ages of 24 and 20, they learn to accept each other as true, and at the ages of 25 and 21, they begin to fall in love. Baek Yi Jin became a UBS sports reporter. Then works as a make-up salesman and a bodyguard after becoming a reporter at the age of 23. He also gets a job as a sports reporter for the Asian Games, where he meets fencing athlete Na Hee Do.
My review
Love is an understatement of what I feel about the first 4 episodes! I was informed about this series months ago and it got me too excited and when finally I watched the first episodes, I can really say that this story doesn’t disappoint!
The story's concept is unique. This series makes me feel nostalgic because of the fact that I am an early 20s kid and the story takes place in 1998. It brings back a lot of memories as an early 20s kid. To mention a few things, I've recently become addicted to a throwback series like this one.
The way the characters are connected to one another and the way they demonstrate the contrast between an 18-year-old girl's world and a 22-year-old man's world is extremely interesting to watch. Kim Tae-ri (Na Hee Do) appears to be a genuine high school student in appearance. She does such a good job. The way she delivers her dialogue, being all cheerful and whiny like a real child, has me completely enchanted. Nam Joo Hyuk (Baek Yi Jin) is absolutely stunning in this role. Without a doubt, he is a fantastic actor. I'm enjoying his portrayal of himself. Aside from the main characters, the supporting characters appear to be interesting as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops in the upcoming episodes.
I can’t help but compliment the beautiful chemistry that the two main actors produce. Because of this, I didn't even skip a single scene throughout the entire episode! Just like any kdramas, the aesthetics of this series is also pretty. And, the OST of the show just makes the scene more interesting.
To summarize, I believe that this Korean drama series has great potential because it not only teaches viewers how to push themselves to achieve their goals, but it also discusses various issues such as their country's economic crisis. I'm looking forward to the new episodes with bated breath!
*© Photos from Pixabay and Unsplash.*
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What exactly is fear?
**Fear** is a natural and powerful human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is an innate quality that we utilize to defend ourselves when faced with a potentially dangerous situation.
While genuine risks might cause real worries, they can also be triggered by fictitious, illusionary, or imagined dangers as well.
Fear begins early in childhood and increases in intensity as we grow older, as we become increasingly unable to cope with and manage our emotions as a result of acquired behaviors affected by our environment.
Stressors and anxiety are generated as a result of these learned behaviors, and they might interfere with normal daily tasks. By being attentive to a child's feelings, understanding them, and being present, a caregiver can assist in alleviating these emotions early on.
**Arachnophobia, Acrophobia, Astraphobia, Pyrophobia, and Trypanophobia** are just a handful of the more common types of fear that we hear about on a regular basis.
What are the underlying causes of fear?
On a more general level, a person who is terrified of heights is concerned that he or she will fall and die from a great height. Those scared of fire have their minds conditioned to believe that the fire would burn them to death, while those fearful of water feel that they will drown and die as a result of the fear of the water.
So, what is the source of all of these fear?
Death is at the reason of every fear that we have. Phobia of death is at the heart of every fear, and this fear presents itself in many ways in different people's thoughts. To a large extent, every fear stems from a fear of death.
My own personal experience with fear
As I grew older, I realized what I was afraid of, and those worries have remained with me to the present day. Oceans, heights, darkness, failure, rejection, and even large groups of people were among my worst fears. I wanted to let go of these anxieties because they were affecting my overall quality of life. However, despite my best efforts, I am not unable to confront my fears. I tried a number of different tactics to get over my fear but acceptance was the only one that seemed worked in my case.
What can you do to overcome it?
First and foremost, get well-informed on whatever it is that is giving you worry or anxiety. Usually, information empowers people and provides a sense of control over their lives.
Second, acknowledge and embrace your fear. The plan is to progressively confront your fear, taking small steps at a time, so that you do not become overwhelmed. This may help to reduce your worry while also teaching your brain that, sure, you may be able to deal with the circumstance in question.
Fear can be accepted and tolerated to a significant extent; however, the pain and upset that occurs every time fear appears will only serve to exacerbate the experience of fear, making it even more painful and unbearable; the fear itself, on the other hand, will never completely disappear, nor will it be required to do so. Fear will no longer be a problem as a result of this. You are not required to tackle all of your concerns at the same time. Keep in mind to concentrate on anxieties that are having a direct impact on your current situation.
To sum it all, having a constant conversation with yourself about which of your anxieties is blocking you from achieving your goals is beneficial. Then evaluate whether or not it is worthwhile to tackle your fear. If all of the procedures listed above fail, finding a therapist who is a good fit for your requirements may be the best course of action for you.
*© Photos from Unsplash.*
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