I heard this song months ago while watching Katy Perry's Part of Me. Although I haven't read the lyrics back then nor was I heart broken, I already like it. I felt that one day I would be surfing the internet to listen to it. I guess it's something to do with how it was presented in the film and the emotion that came across. 

Life isn't really like the movies. You don't get hit one time and everything else comes happily ever after. Life as we know it is full of challenges. We will even stumble down simultaneously, making us feel lost and broken. We can probably go on questioning fate and comparing the journey others are going through. But that's the beauty of it, our lives are being written differently. Getting hurt is just part of the process. We either stand up and face the consequences of the choices we made and matters that are inevitable, or crumble down and let the pain define us. Making mistakes mean we're still human. For things that are beyond us, acceptance is key. Like what my old boss used to say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  There is so much that life has to offer, other than settling for the parts that pain us. It's easier said than done. However, by the time we learn to let go is when we are able to appreciate the good that's still happening and give space for the better to come in. We are not always in control. Sometimes, a perfectly planned situation will get messed up, but the difference always lies in how we react to it. 

Stay inspired and have a happy weekend. Later days!

Whoever made the "Never Miss a Monday" rule is right. Last year, my friends and I had a mission to be fitter and healthier, which is still our mission if I may say. We tried all sorts of gyms near our work and ended up enrolling in a boxing gym. We were very religious that we even downloaded apps to do our exercises during the weekend. We even bought stuff to aid us in the process. However, our priorities and schedules changed and we now do our chosen exercises seperately.

I noticed that whenever I miss a Monday, I would be missing out, making excuses to go back to the grind for that week. So last Sunday, before I went to mass and lunch with my family, I chose to start fresh. Monday came and I did my WOD (workout-of-the-day) and it really feels like I've accomplished a lot and will be doing my workouts for the week. I guess starting is really the hardest part of the process. Nevertheless, I'm glad I didn't miss it this time. Not only did it changed my mood, it also gave me the energy to do my work.

Here's my Monday WOD: (did some stretching before and after)

- 50 squats
- 80 push ups
- 4x50 tricep extensions
- 2x50 shoulder press
- 3x20 shoulder shrugs
- 3x30 + 1x25 + 1x20 chest press
- 2x30 chest flies
- 2x30 skull crushers
- 100 dumbbell pullovers
- 3x20 wide dumbbell rows
- 4x20 bicep curls

Hope you did your WOD too! Later days!

Here's a video from MaxP

Although I haven't seen Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, our father is so into it that it feels like I was able to watch it with him. This post isn't about the movie. Sorry. However, I saw this post by Rappler in Instagram that says 

"Calling all artists and movie lovers alike to send in your alternative movie posters for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' and get a chance to win limited edition movie merchandise."

Again, I'm not that excited about the film but I was always encouraged to join contests or do something that will feed my soul. So I thought, why not give it a try? I also thought about The Artist in the Office. It asked the reader to make a list of the things that he/she would like to have in his/her day job. Mine includes creative freedom. I know it's broad. Nevertheless, it's being able to bring a part of you in the work space: breaking into song, doodling while thinking, making artworks during break, joining contests, etc. You don't have to do it alone or do it while working. Still, every employee should have the chance to do something for him/herself because it will keep the passion burning and help him/her deliver better.

So I'd love to hear one of the things in your list. Stay inspired. Later days!

Listening to Pompeii by Bastille

A little update (7-22-2014):

You may cast your votes by liking the poster, hopefully "II" and/or "Revolution", on Rappler's facebook page. Thank you for the suppport!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.803980162956102.1073741884.310621318958658&

Credit to the artist via Pinterest

Everyone dreams of becoming someone or doing something big in their lives. I guess it comes with being an artist that I've been known for having a lot of aspirations. Sometimes, so varied that some people will question my perspective on reality.

However, I think that there is no problem in how I dream. We all see things differently. Trying all kinds of stuff, sometimes different from my end goals, doesn't mean I am giving up on what I truly desire. Nor does it mean that I'm settling. For me, these experieces will make sense in the end. That all my endeavors will aid me in reaching what I truly aim for. This doesn't even say that I'm being selfish. Besides, in this process, I was able to live parts of those dreams. Again, just a matter of how we interpret things.

What I understand is that we should hold on to our wildest dream. We don't have to know everything to get it. We just have to believe and give it a try. After all, life is too short to be looking at walls when we can appreciate paths.

Stay inspired. Later days!

Last July 2, I read this book called The Artist in the Office by Summer Pierre. I borrowed it from my good friend, Jean, when we first met. But due to hectic schedules, I only opened it a few days ago. So anyway, it's a very inspiring book that  I actually plan on getting a personal copy soon.

It's about staying creative and inspired everyday. That artists like me, who choose to work with a different day job should not consider ourselves fake / half / whatever-we-choose-to-label-ourselves artists. There will come a time that our big break as an artist will come. However, there is no problem in choosing to deal with a "job that puts food on the table" while doing the "one that feeds us" as Summer puts it.

It also talks about appreciating the things that surround us, rather than complaining about stuff that we lack. Everyone is capable of making his/her life interesting. It's just a matter of perspective and setting your priorities. 

So give yourself a pat on the back. You're doing great and we are all proud of you.

Later days!