We’ve officially entered a new chapter in our lives. Just like everyone else, I have the habit of looking back and feeling thankful for the year that ended, and hopeful for the one that just started.

One thing that I’m amazed of is that I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be able to sustain a conversation based on beverages. I remember looking at bottles of wine, and editing menus and listings in past jobs, but wouldn’t really have a clue of what I was writing about. I’d do my research, just like any PR-Marketing person or writer, but as I haven’t really tried the product or conversed with the “authority”, the lines remained mere words to me.

Although I wouldn’t consider myself as an “expert”, as my friends would tease, I’m glad that I somewhat understand brands and products now.

My life is far from being ideal. Just like everyone else, I get my share of doubters, detractors, financial challenges, insecurities, not getting support, and being treated as an afterthought.

But the older I get, the less I care about the setbacks and disappointments. It’s not that I don’t get hurt anymore. It’s just that I move on much faster now. I realised that worrying doesn’t really solve anything. I’m only hurting myself even more. So I’d rather think of what’s still working. What I can do to either change the situation or better myself.

Hi, everyone!

Have you tried meditating before? I’m not being paid or anything to advertise the app, but I’m really enjoying these short quiet moments in the morning. I feel lighter as compared to when I was just going through my daily routines. The relaxed state also helps my mind put my thoughts into writing. But maybe you’re using a different program or just doing it on your own. Either way, I hope you find time to meditate.

Experience and tradition tells us that if we want to achieve something, we have to make the effort. However, this is not always the case, as relaxing is just as important as persistently taking action.

”Why am I at fault? I didn’t do anything wrong. I only did it because...” The most common reaction we make when we’re being questioned.

Accepting one’s fault is never a sign of weakness. We do not lose face in it. Rather, it exemplifies our strength and the courage to accept the opportunity to improve ourselves. When we excuse ourselves from a situation, when we try our best to find loop holes in an argument rather than possibilities, we resist growth and the chance to see the bigger picture. It’s not saying that we should blindly take what is being presented to us, but it speaks of being critical to the circumstances that constitute the truth.

I’m a Vincent Van Gogh fan. Not the biggest geek who can spend hours talking about this amazing Dutch post-impressionist artist, but I really like his art, and his realisations. Somehow, they relate to me.

Ever since Emily, my laptop, broke, I’ve been using my phone as an alternative. It works in some cases, but there are a lot of formatting that I would like to be doing here and there. Anyway, as soon as I’m able to manage my finances, I’ll get back to fixing those tiny details.

- Ber months are always challenging because of all the promotions and events happening. Routines and schedules change, and sometimes, you get stressed out because your mind is already set to something you’re used to or would like to be doing.

These past 5 days, I’ve been using the Headspace app, and I can say that it clears my mind in the morning, and puts me in a generally relaxed state in the evening. Not quite sure how long this free trial would last, but I’m contemplating whether I should be buying the subscription or just continue practicing what I’ve learned so far.

Today was about accepting change. Too often we recognise it, but also resist it. However, change is good. If it doesn’t go our way, we learn something, and if it does, we’ve achieved something. We must move away from clinging to what’s familiar, from not moving forward. At the end of the day, there is no growth in our comfort zone. Life is more about constantly improving ourselves and our environment. Even a tiny seed undergoes so much before it becomes a tree - achieving its full potential. (Not the best example, not really into cutting more trees) But even after it is cut down, it still goes through changes.

So how about you? How’s everything going?

​Stay inspired.

2017 started right for me. I got a new marketing stint in a different field.

I’ve been in the hotel industry since 2011, and I know it’s not as long as it sounds, but I always wanted to widen my skill set or just plain curious to try something new. Thanks to my headhunter, I got the said opportunity.

Hi, everyone!
 
It’s been a curious week, and an interesting time to be alive. Recent events have affected our past, and yet to shape our future. These triggered a lot of opinions, struggles and silence. 
 
Although a lot of questions and messages arose from recent events, I am concerned that some are more inclined to disregard connections and promote indifference. To think that a certain event does not affect us in small or large ways is like looking at life through a keyhole. Now is not the time to be indifferent and isolated. Now is the time to know, to understand and be involved. As they say, fighting for what you know is right is worth it. To stand up for what you know is true, and best for you and the rest of the world is what makes democracy great and beautiful; to be able to think, voice out differences, and respect them. Someone else’s truth may not necessarily apply to us, but the freedom and responsibility to express, and accept or deny something uphold the values of equality, diversity and justice.  
 
We are all for healing the wounds of the past and moving forward. However, we must never forget the lessons that history have taught us. For it is through the past that we are able to reflect, stand and create clearer paths for our future.
 
Hurt as we may be for things and outcomes that did not go our way, let us continue to invest in each other. We are all on the same team: a team that drives for progress and realization of dreams.
 
Regardless of race, gender, religion or political views, what’s important is that we continue to hope together. That hope must relentlessly direct us towards a better tomorrow. To deny ourselves of hope is like wishing our boat to sink while we’re in it. A leader does not make a nation, its people does. Let’s break the cycle of negativity, and start acting as learned nations that create healthy and inclusive opportunities for everyone. Let us not feed on hate and fear, but hold on to, and educate the youth about love, hope, and unity.
 
We can do this. We can always be better versions of ourselves. Remain connected. Stay inspired, and may God bless us all!

Hi, everyone!

Happy Halloween! It's a beautiful Monday afternoon, and it's so good to be back.

I'm still at home, recovering, but I hope you're all enjoying the long weekend and Halloween parties. What's your costume this year? My niece went to two parties, and she dressed up as a princess and a cupcake. She enjoyed chasing after the mascots and dancing with the other kids.

This Monday, I just wanted to share something inspirational to kickstart the week.

Part of trying new things and growth is experiencing some setbacks. Although sometimes we only see the success of other people, we also need to recognize that their accomplishments were not achieved overnight. They, too, had to battle their way to the top. In fact, they continue to do so in order to surf the waves or change the tides. It is also because of their persistence that some challenges may seem like a walk in the park. Not being able to accept the challenge of failure draws us back from our purpose and mere existence. Recognizing defeat without pushing ourselves to stand and try again makes us complacent.

Idealistic as it may sound, I believe that we're all destined to do great things. May it be for ourselves, for our family and friends or for the community, the measure of our success is entirely up to us. The only question is, how bad do we want it?

Here's a short video from Drew Canole of Fitlife to power up your afternoon. Enjoy! #StayInspired