20 Things To Remember

It’s been more than a month since Luzon was placed in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and modified lockdowns were implemented in other countries, and although we see progress in testings, and recoveries are growing, there are still a lot of uncertainties on what will happen to our societies. What will be the “new normal”? Can we still return to the life we are used to?


The truth is, no one knows. No one prepared for this. There’s no turning back and use for pondering on what we could’ve done better. But just because we all ended up in a situation that we did not prepare for or a situation that we are not used to, doesn’t mean we should settle. We need to adapt, evolve, and grow. Just like any species, when we fail to accept change, we will get left behind.


In order to keep our fire burning, we must continue to do the things we love so we can be productive during this period. But there are moments when we can’t seem to grasp creativity. Hence, we need to do activities that calm our senses, and inspire us to do what we can during this time that we have. Personally, I find it comforting when I meditate, exercise, read, and write. During this ECQ, I’ve been thinking about these 20 things during my meditation:

Photo by Diego PH . unsplash.com/@jdiegoph

1. Words have power. It can create, destroy, inspire, and heal people and relationships even with little effort. That’s why we should really think before we speak. We should assess if what we are going to say is beneficial to ourselves and others. If it’s not, then what’s the use of uttering something in the first place? We should not add petrol to a burning bush. Connivance in any environment is dangerous. If we’re not part of the solution, then we’re probably part of the problem. Instead of gossiping, help with words that balance emotions to calm the situation. Speak words that encourage people to be better.​
2. Everyone has an opinion on everything, whether they’re vocal about it or not. We can’t please everyone. People think and do what they like to think and do. Therefore, we should not let the opinion of others cloud our path. We must remain focused on our goals and on doing what is right, even when no one is looking. Because if we allow the noise to rule our mind, then we also allow everyone to have a say on how our lives should be lived. Emotions are important, but we should not let our emotions get the best of us. As Bruce Lee said “You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.”
3. Not everything is about us. Let’s stop assuming that everything is a personal attack. If we’re stressed about something, we should pause and analyze things with a clearer mind. We should ask the right questions, and see if devoting our time on something is actually worth our while. We should take criticisms and inquiries constructively. Being pushed to the edge may be an opportunity to build a bridge or grow new wings. Remember that there is always room for improvement.
4. Communication is always key. People have different ways of communicating, and different abilities of understanding a message conveyed to them. Just because someone doesn’t understand our message, doesn’t mean that we’re better than that person. The effectiveness of communication is deeply rooted in our willingness to listen - to give each other a chance to open up and speak our minds. If we only learn to really listen, than just waiting for a chance to reply, then we can connect more to each other and provide solutions to challenges.
5. The energy we give out to the world is the same energy that we receive. If we’re often short-tempered, then we also attract disagreements. If we bring happiness to others then the universe will also smile back to us. We get what we attract. This is also the reason why it’s important to choose our group and environment wisely. The people we are often with help build our values. Our core group should resonate what we want to achieve in life. They should be able to instill inspiration and creativity in us. To encourage critical thinking, and push us to work harder in the fields we choose to be in.
6. Don’t decide at the height of our emotions - whether it’s pure bliss, sadness, anger or frustration. Most probably we will make a decision we will not be able to take back. It may also lead to something we regret. We should collect ourselves first in order to make a rational decision.
7. Holding grudges and jealousy is cancer to the soul. Remember that there will always be someone greater and lesser than us. If we allow hatred to fill our soul, then there’s no place for true happiness to thrive. We will be the victims of our own mind. Staying angry at someone, and dedicating our limited time and energy on getting even, is like wanting to defeat the enemy and drinking our own poison. We should work on ourselves and helping others.
8. Be humble. Conflicts sometimes arise because of our egos and pride. We must remember that everyone, including ourselves, has shortcomings. Be sincere in apologies. Sarcasm can be read no matter how convincing we think we are, and it will only create more conflict between two parties. The world often describes us as a pack of wolves or the alpha wolf, but sometimes we’re more like a herd of sheep that wanders, and that also seek the guidance of a shepherd.
9. Change is the only constant thing in life, but not everyone is ready for it because of the difficulty of giving up on something we are used to. Struggles are inevitable when there is change, and although they are essential for growth, it still boils down to what struggle we are willing to endure. The changes we make today will show our true character, and define the path towards our future.
10. Motivation is personal. The world can give the best advices and words of encouragement, but if the inspiration doesn’t come from within, then the message will only come empty. We should dig deep and remember why we started. Why we choose one decision over the other. Life is beautiful and there are tons of inspiration available, and things to be grateful for. But if we still choose to see the negativity and difficulty over positivity and opportunity, then no one can convince us to think otherwise. 
11. Passion is a stronger motivation than money, power and convenience. The last three are fragile reasons for us to keep pushing toward our goal. They will not enkindle our hearts to succeed. They may encourage us to run a certain distance, but never to strengthen us to reach the summit. Refocus. We must remember our purpose and dwell in our goal. Remember that there are bigger pictures that need to be dealt with compared to the trivialities that’s weighing us down.
12. Stories can be manipulated, but never the truth. The truth, no matter how deep we try to bury, will always find its way towards the light. No skeleton is too light to bear. A wise man once said “Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.”
13. Playing the victim and a tyrant can only last a short while. Intelligence should not be underestimated. People will eventually read one’s intentions, and realize that we remain victims of our own choosing. The brave will take hold of their power, and work together to defeat injustices.
14. Great leaders are efficient followers. If we want to lead effectively, then we should know and obey the rules. Our good example can bring in the confidence that unites the organization. We must also listen well to our members. If we do not know how to listen, then there’s no reason why it should be expected from them.
15. A great leader is fair and firm with his / her decisions. Self doubt is our enemy if we want to lead. We should be able to make decisions that will benefit the entirety of the pack over self interest, even if it means calling the shots that are difficult to make. We must be strict with our followers, but also be protective of them. We should not throw one member to the pit so we can save ourselves. Leading is about balance. Hold them too tight and they will force themselves out of one’s hands. Hold them loosely and one’s word will hold no value.
16. To be a great leader is knowing that the effectiveness of one’s team is the reflection of one’s leadership. Therefore we should encourage our members to be better versions of themselves. We should be able to discipline our pack without humiliating them for their shortcomings. Every great leader had to go through a multitude of mistakes before being able to lead well.
17. We must go the extra mile, and choose to help each other out. We may be able to go fast alone, but we can’t go far by ourselves. We can’t go far in the expense of others, and expect kindness in return. Kindness, which is innate in all creatures, goes a long way. It also finds its way back to us in a different form, especially when we least expect it. We never know when we are going to need help, so be kind and help where help can be given.
18. Time is an illusion, therefore we should cherish every moment there is. We may think that we have a lot of time in this world, that things can be done tomorrow, but tomorrow is never promised. So we must do what we can, while we still can.
19. Rest and self care are just as important as working hard. Make time for oneself. Even the best system has a maintenance period. Breathe and relax a bit. We can also use this time to recharge so we can do more.
20. Laughter is an awesome medicine. We must not take life too seriously. Life is meant to be enjoyed and lived. We must release ourselves from the shackles of yesterday, and the worries of tomorrow. What’s important is now. That’s the only time we have power over. So smile and laugh often.

Working together can make wonders. Let’s continue to make a difference in each other’s lives.


Stay safe, healthy, and inspired!

Later days!