If we dwell on the past too much, we pass up the chance to change and grow.Whether we like it or not,it takes an extra effort to accomodate changes in our lives.We have to make choices.We have to give space.We have to let things change.
Found a small journal I had last year,and read some of the entries.As I was reading,I couldn’t quite remember the reasons why I wrote those words in the first place.I even forgot to write the dates when I wrote them.Yet I am surprised at how I was able to express what I felt that time,and I want to share it here,for those who might need these words the most:
ENTRY 1
“One in a million.”
This phrase has been included in several songs,featured in many movies,and has been said countless times by lovers all over the world.
Scientifically speaking,we are all one in a million (even one in a gazillion).This could be determined by our DNA make-up.That’s why no two people are exactly alike,therefore the phrase “one in a million.”
The context changes when it is being said by a man or a woman who has fallen so deeply in love with a person that there’s nobody who could ever measure up.That person,no matter where he goes or no matter how many people he meets,the one person whom he truly loves will always be with him in the mind and heart.Even if it’s not meant to be them,even if it was temporary,even if he doesn’t see that person ever again.That person has touched his core that no other person has reached so far.That person gave the most influence in his life and has changed him in ways he didn’t expect.And years from now,that person will still be the one…that “one in a million.”
ENTRY 2
We all react to certain stimuli in different ways.Some laugh at even the simplest jokes.Others cry for no apparent reason.Several people get furious easily,while some just don’t care to be bothered by anything or anyone.This is what makes us extraordinary in our own ways.
We are all human beings capable of thinking and feeling.We are presented with various situations in our daily lives and we all have reacted to these situations in ways that surprised us.We get to know others not by the things they say but mostly by the things they don’t.It’s true,perhaps,that action speaks louder than words,and true enough,we learn more by observing a person more than by listening to what he/she has to say.
ENTRY 3
When do you consider something a mistake?I have made a lot,even trivial things that we thought were meaningless to begin with.Some learn from it,others repeat it.When will we ever learn?
A mistake is both harmful and beneficial.Harmful because we end up hurting others in the process,and with that,we also hurt ourselves.We tend to act on the spur of the moment because we were so caught up in that precise time.We didn’t even think twice,we acted on impulse,we did what felt right.Then things become clear,clouds disappear,yet it’s too late.Harm was already done,choices were made,consequences had to be faced.Then we break hearts,including ours.
After some time,healing begins.Reality sinks in.Acceptance comes in.That no matter how hard or painful it was,we couldn’t bring back the time.Regrets flood us.Resentments cripple us.Hope fades.
Healing may take long for some people,depending on the pain inflicted upon them,but this I know for certain…mistakes were made for us to become better,stronger,braver.Mistakes toughen us,at the same time soften our hearts to help us become more understanding,accepting,loving and forgiving.Mistakes don’t get the best of us,it gets the best out of us.Mistakes are our unrecognized teachers,and probably the most influential we could ever have.
Be not afraid of making mistakes.Without it,we don’t really live.
“Self-value means I know who I am!
Self-esteem means I am who I say I am!
Self-worth means I believe I am who I say I am!
Until today,you may not have been aware of how your knowledge of your own value affects your self-esteem or how your self-esteem affects your sense of self-worth.Just for today,make sure that what you know about yourself is reflected in what you say about yourself,because what you say about yourself influences what you believe about yourself.”
Note:
I saw a book of inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant and without second thoughts,bought it.It’s one of my fave books now,and somehow it gives me clarity as to who I am and what I truly want,and most importantly,it makes me love and appreciate myself more no matter how many times I have fallen,nor matter how many times I have missed an opportunity,no matter how many times I changed my mind,and no matter what decisions I made or will make…in the end,it’s still ME and I should always value that precious soul.
I was asked by my uncle to attend the 61st commencement exercise in my grandfather’s school in Cagayan Valley to deliver an inspirational talk to the 2009 graduates.This is the academy my mother’s father had put up the year 1948,just next to their ancestral house.This is the same school where my mother and her 11 siblings went to study high school.My mom even taught English there for a while before going to Manila to work and settle down.This school has stood the test of time,and I felt really proud to represent the family’s legacy even for just one moment of time.
Wherever you are lolo,we are so honored to be a part of your everlasting legacy.
My mom had the liberty to design a small but cozy space somewhere in the city which we are all truly proud of.
Being practical as she truly is,she was able to maximize a tiny area and converted it into a comfy living space.
This,I believe,adds up to one of her really wonderful qualities which I hope I will acquire,or perhaps have acquired already.
Kudos Mommy! 
One is indeed never too old for learning.
During an intensive course I took over the weekend,I felt charged up!
Being with educators from different parts of the world was truly encouraging,inspiring and humbling as well.
I realized I need to learn more,and I need not stop from trying to improve myself as a teacher,as a person.
Meeting professionals with various teaching experiences made me realize that this is really my calling…my fate…my mission in this world.
Though I don’t see myself teaching until I’m old and gray,but I see myself doing it for a long,long time!
I love teaching.
I love learning.
I love children and everything about them.
And with these,I know I’ll be creating a wonderful life,one that I’ve always hoped and prayed for.
“What does true love really mean?
That you care for another person’s happiness more than your own,
no matter how painful the choices you face might be.”
-DEAR JOHN,Nicholas Sparks
In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question
“What kind of man are you looking for?”
She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking
“Do you really want to know?”
Reluctantly, he said “Yes.”
She began to expound…” As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position
to ask a man what he can do for me that I can’t do for myself. I pay my own
bills. I take care of my household with out the help of any man…or woman for
that matter. I am in the position to ask “What can you bring to the table?”
The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.
She quickly corrected his thought and stated “I am not referring to money.
I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every
aspect of life.”
He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.
She said, “I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally
because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don’t need a simple
minded man.
I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because
I don’t need to be unequally yoked…believers mixed with unbelievers is a
recipe for disaster.
I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don’t need
a financial burden.
I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go
through as a woman but strong enough to keep me grounded.
I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive,
I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn’t taking care
of his business. I have no problem being submissive…he just has to be worthy.
God made woman to be a help mate for man. I can’t help a man if he can’t help
himself.”
When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled
look on his face. He said “You are asking a lot.”
She replied “I’m worth a lot.”
Lesson: Don’t settle for anything less!
Note:Thanks Irene,for this funny yet profound message! 
Happy V day to everyone!
I was hanging out with my colleagues the other day when I received a message from my sister that her friend in grade school committed suicide! I was shocked because I knew that girl had so much potential…talented, intelligent and very pretty! I just couldn’t believe she took her life at 20! So young!
I accompanied my sister to the wake and when we saw the coffin, my sister bawled, and I couldn’t help but shed tears as well! She looked so delicate and fragile in her white dress and I felt so sorry for her and the ones she left behind! How could she give up on life that easily at an early age?
With that sudden outburst, I sent the people close to me messages, telling them how much I appreciate and value them. Death can really open our eyes wide and make us realize the importance of time, the value of the people around us, the meaning of our existence. I have procrastinated on seeing and spending time with the ones I haven’t seen for a long time, and it hit me, when will I spend time with them, when one of us will be gone? I don’t want to keep making excuses anymore. I want to live fully now, and that said, I want to do things that truly matter!
A lot of issues came up…did she have problems at home? Might it have been because of emotional or social reasons? Was she into vices? People could comment and say anything they want, but one thing’s for sure…we cannot take her life back anymore. She’s gone, and all the worries, resentments, anger, sadness, despair…all of these will be buried as well.
Whatever her reasons were, we don’t have a right to judge. All we can do is pray that God will bless her soul and forgive her for what she has done. I know He will, and I hope that her loved ones will have enough strength to face each day that will come without seeing her beautiful face, or hearing her hearty laugh, or just enjoying her presence. I may not be close to her but I still sincerely pray that she’ll eventually find peace, wherever she is now.
Thank you Jha, for making us realize so many things. You have opened our hearts and taught us to stop and think, and value who and what is really important. Goodbye, and hope you know that so many people loved you, and will always love you, even after you’re gone.
“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
-David Harkins (British Poet and Painter)
One of my fondest childhood memories was waiting for the ice cream man. The sound of the bell made me giddy all over. I craved for all the flavors of “dirty” ice cream…mango, avocado, chocolate and cheese (my favorite). It was gloriously yummy!
Then came the Selecta man. There was also the Magnolia man. They were popular with the kids as well. With their upbeat tunes (though recorded), kids were lured.
But the Xylophone man is different from the rest. He’s old (at least 70), yet still walks under the heat of the sun to sell his frozen goodies. Instead of a bell or a recording, he has a xylophone. He became popular when he was featured on national TV. A TV celebrity gave him a certain amount so he could invest in a small business so he could fend for himself. And guess where he invested his money in?
Every time my sisters and I see him, we will buy even without craving for the ice cream. We strongly feel that he deserves every penny because at his age, he earns so hard to make a living. We are not only buying his products, we are also praising his determination and hard work. We admire and respect him for that. He is a noble man.
Ice cream man. Xylophone man. Whatever his title, he is and will be one of the people we look up to. A true hero. A Superman.
