How to Thank our Parents

27^th July 2016

We will never be in this world without the love of our parents. From birth, they have been there to provide us with our physiological needs like food, clothes, and shelter, support us emotionally and oversee our growth. They are our strength in our low days and our motivators in those time we almost give up on ourselves. With all the sacrifices that they have done for our sake, we should express our gratitude to our parents through words, gestures, and prayers.

I was raised with the habit of saying thank you every time something good happens to me. Because of this habit, it is every easy for me to express my appreciation to my parents. Every time my parents would do me some favors or would surprise me with something, I would automatically say thank you to them and give them a huge hug with a kiss. In this way, I am to communicate to my parents my utmost happiness for their goodness and acknowledge their value in my life.

Since I was young, I always show my parents respect through placing their hands on my forehead. In our culture, it is a sign of paying respect to elders. I also kiss them every time I arrived from school. I use gestures to show my lifetime gratefulness to them. I assist them when they need my help. In those house chores which need physical aid, I usually offer my help so that they won’t exert much effort.

There are many ways to thank our parents. One of those is helping them financially or by sharing our blessings. Even if they are gainfully employed or they are receiving a pension, we can still offer to pay the dinner at a restaurant, shop for their favorite apparel, treat them a movie date or by simply providing a monthly allowance for leisure and entertainment.

I plan to treat my parents on a trip abroad or buy them their dream house when my budget permits me but for now I will show my gratitude no matter how simple they may be. The important thing is I am able to express to my parent how thankful I am for the taking care of me and for helping me become the person I am right now.

How are thanking your parent?

Blessing in Disguise

26^th July 2016

Blessings come in different shapes and forms. For me, it came through life’s challenges. Today, I received an email from my previous network provider that I still have unpaid balance from my postpaid account. I was surprised with the enormous amount reflecting on the message. I hurriedly communicated my concern through the customer support live chat. I’ve found out that my account was not cut and it kept on charging me all this time until it was deactivated due to non-payment.

Despite the fact that I needed to pay the charges, I am still thankful that I received the notice and their legal department informed me about it. That case if it will remain unresolved could affect my credit-worthiness and my credit rating. Financial institutions, banks, and cooperatives have jointly maintained database where they can easily track client’s credit records. Had this unpaid balance was not communicated; I would definitely have a bad record not only with the telecommunication company but as well as various sectors.

I will figure out later how I will pay for the outstanding balance; right now, I just felt blessed and thankful that those things I have missed out are in one way or another coming up.

Meanwhile, the weather is not as hot last Sunday so I had a great stroll to the train station this morning. I enjoyed the morning breeze though it was a little humid. I also watch bystanders and people going to work while I stride in a slowly manner. I thank God for the chance to just live at the present moment and enjoy my immediate environment.

Tonight, I am planning to eat sandwich or salad since I have eaten too much rice this morning and during lunch. I am grateful that I am blessed with food to eat.

Do you have something to be thankful for? Sure you have!

Duterte SONA 2016: Thank you President!

25^th July 2016

Today, President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in a simple yet compelling manner. I have listen to few points like the government commitment to lasting peace, increase in infrastructure, enhancement of local, business,  free WIFI on public places like schools, park, airports, and metro stations, implementation of human rights, validity of passport up to 10 years, and vital points regarding national progress, security, and education. The President has already gained high trust rating with his charismatic approach and his campaign to eradicate drugs; today he has convinced again the public with his spontaneous and sincere speech.

I am grateful that there is a potential that my country would rise above poverty, corruption, and crimes. The political will that President Duterte has been providing on the table is contagious and massive. In the past days from his inauguration, he has introduced change in various identifiable and noticeable ways. More drug dependents and pushers have surrendered. This means that crimes will be lessened and that streets will be more peaceful.

I am thankful that my country is moving forward carrying the positive change insinuated by the President. This does not only involves the government working for the best interest of the nation but each and every citizen is called to take part of the massive change our country will soon realize.

SONA 2016 also taught me the simplicity and sincerity of words go deep in one’s heart. For the past SONAs, the speeches are usually formal in tone and lacking of human tone which is conversational in nature. Today, I have heard a SONA which is not only conversational in approach but also provocative. I am thankful that the President successfully reached through the people through a language and tone the general public can identify with.

On the personal level, I am thankful that I did not arrive late this morning at work after waking up 10 minutes behind schedule. I just adjusted my bath session and walk as fast I can to catch my train. And yes! I made it.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Today, Thank you for the STRENGTH!

24^th July 2016

It’s a rough day at work. We have to settle some compelling issues with a client and the parties are somehow in the verge of anger and disappointment. I almost lose my cool but gladly kept it into perspective. The weather is not that good too. It is very hot and the atmosphere is filled with sand. This is one of those days when you just want to stay home and figure something more meaningful to do; but of course, I need to work. I need money to pay my bills.

Regardless of this difficult time, I still have blessing to be thankful for. First, I woke up today alive which gives me an opportunity to reach you through this journal. I had croissant for breakfast which is not my usual yet it tasted great and matched well with my coffee.

I am thankful that despite the distance between me and my family we continue to be strong through constant communications. My family has been very supportive with my decision in working overseas and with the recent schooling with a course far from my profession.

I am grateful that I found money in my pocket enough to buy my lunch. I forgot that I placed it there and it as such a surprised. It’s like finding a gem in pile of old stuff.

Finally, I am thankful that despite the stressful day God has given me enough courage, strength and wisdom to stay on track. Before, I usually breakdown in the middle of adversity but today I kept my composure with God’s grace.

What are you thankful for?

How to be Thankful?

21st July 2016

It’s still Thursday but for us working in Middle East, it already felt like Friday. Tomorrow, I will wake up early not for work but for my classes and I’ve never been this excited. While thinking of the lessons I will pick up tomorrow and deciphering the greatness of life, I had this question in my head. There are many things, events, conditions, and people I could be thankful for but how do I express gratitude? How to be thankful?

Expressing gratitude can be done in many creative ways whether verbal, written, or through gestures. The simplest form of gratitude would be by just saying THANK YOU. My childhood has been molded with the habits of saying thank you to express gratefulness.

Today, expression of gratitude comes in many forms. Some write letters to extend to the person how thankful the sender is. Some would do works of charity for in show of gratitude. Gestures like shaking hands, kissing, hugging, and a simple pat on the back are common forms of showing gratitude to a person.

As for me, I am expressing my gratitude in almost all those ways but my favorite is writing it down on a form of journal/blog/board. I enjoy writing my experiences of being thankful in a platform where I could inspire people to look into their lives and find anything that they could be thankful for. In this way I just don’t express my gratefulness and attract happiness but also encourages readers to look into their lives and find those pieces to be thankful for.

Today, I am thankful for my sumptuous lunch. I am grateful for my family and friends for the continuous support and inspiration. I am thankful for my company for giving me a job and a pay check to defray my expenses. I am thankful for the chance to live another day and make this post.

What are you thankful for?

And the sun shines again

18^th July 2016

  

Yesterday, I was too tired to even move my fingers and share what I am grateful for these past days. Schedule and problems went berserk that I even forgot to call my family back home. But today, I woke up with optimism and enthusiasm.

Last Saturday, I attended a seminar on stock trading which focused on technical analysis. The speaker was one of the famous investing authors and I’ve been following him in FB live sessions. To put things in greater perspective, I am an avid fan. As expected the seminar was loaded with vital information and I have deepened my knowledge on using charts for my investing decisions. After the event has concluded, I asked the speaker for a picture with me which he gladly agreed.

Saturday was indeed a tiring day given the whole day training of reading charts, numbers, and patterns but nevertheless I am massively thankful for the valuable insights and learning I have carried with me from the training. I am also thankful for the opportunity of meeting my mentor for the first time and standing beside him for a picture. I am thankful for the good food, the comfortable venue, and the warmness of the people I have encountered at the event.

Challenges, problems, and sheer physical exhaustion may knock us down and temporarily halt us from our regular tasks. Life’s crisis may even cast clouds over our journey to our dreams but eventually everything will pass and the sun will shine again. Appreciate every single difficulty and anticipate great things coming your way.

Despite all the problems, what are you thankful for today?

Appreciating New Landscapes

15^th July 2016

Today, I started my social media marketing class and I felt so blessed with the opportunity to learn new things outside the scope of my profession. I am very grateful that God has given me the financial capacity to pay for my tuition and the avenue for growth. I have been wanting to explore other fields and social media has been on top of my priority list. Now that everything has fallen into place, I couldn’t help but be thankful for all this chance.

I am also thankful for my great and amazing classmates. They have been very generous on sharing their knowledge and experience on the subject. At first, I felt shy and timid but when everyone started to mingle with each other, I was inspired to interact and speak out my mind.

Learning with people sharing the same interest with mine is an absolute motivation. Aside from these people understand where I am coming from with every idea they also have something to contribute to my growth which is moving.

After my class, I went home with a big smile and gratitude in my heart. It was the best decision I ever made so far in my life and being there gave me that mood that I am exactly where I should be. This moment does not happen to me on regular basis; I can’t even remember when exactly I had this slice of time where I felt completely right and in control.

I just thank God, my family and friends for supporting me in this quest in finding my life path. I know for sure that my profession is on dealing with numbers and I respect that; but somewhere inside me tells me that I should be also doing this craft with makes me undeniably happy.

How about you? What are you thankful of?

Pokemon Go! A New World of Adventure

13^th July 2016

I wanted to thank the creator of Pokemon Go for another breakthrough in the gaming arena. Though this was not the first game which uses actual maps and location on the real world, Pokemon Go probably gain more popularity as it was adopted on the famous Pokemon show along with the series of Nintendo releases. I am just thankful that with this game, I am diverted to explore the city and just shun the negativity and depressing thoughts.

Though the game has massively exploded in the market, sectors have warn gamers of culprits who take advantage of the game by diverting players to remote places where they conduct prey on their victims. Various platforms and social networking sites have also warn the public to ensure safety is not compromised while enjoying.

So far, I am enjoying the game and it has provided me with tons of adventure and challenges. Of course, moderation is the key. I only play during free time and in my spare time when I am allowed to do anything. I ensure that the game will not enslave me and eat much of my productive hours. Excessive playing of Pokemon Go has also drawbacks especially if it affects one’s productivity at work, concentration on studies, and above all if it destroys relationship.

Pokemon Go is probably one of the hottest game on the planet right now. Use it at your advantage (positive way) and never let it consume you; after all it was made for entertainment and leisure.

What are you thankful for?

Photo credits: Pokeman mobile app.

Thank You for the INSPIRATION

8^th July 2016

Before the sunset, I and my friends decided to take a stroll and try the local Shawarma. We originally plan to take a walk along the creek but because the heat is unbearable we decided to go to Dubai Mall. There was a multitude of people enjoying and shopping. When we arrived, I suggested we visit the bookstore and luckily I found the book I was looking for. I am thankful that I just got two books I needed for my further studies. Having these two tools inspired me to pursue another field apart from my current profession.

We roamed around the mall for an hour and decided to watch the fountain display fronting Burj Khalifa. It was spectacular and amazingly alluring. I was captivated for the span of time I was watching the entire presentation. After the lights have gone out and the fountain display took a break, I stood under a lamp post and took a picture of the magnificent man-made structure which was hailed the tallest in the world. It was extremely mad just thinking how it was built over the construction period summing the efforts, creativity, design, and actual building of the Burj. I took a deep breath and momentarily got inspired by the idea of pushing our limits. It used to be impossible probably during the primitive years and at that moment I was standing in front of it being captivated by its beauty.

I am thankful for the experience I had with Burj Khalifa. I am thankful for the inspiration it gave me. The structure has sparked that passion in me to pursue whatever my heart desires even how impossible it is for my current conditions and resources. The encounter reminds me that I can do it with hard work and patience. It took time for the tallest tower to be built and probably numerous problems, glitches, and challenges but the people behind it did not give up. The tower came into realization and thinking about it makes me stronger and more determined to fight for what matters.

What are you thankful for today?

THANK YOU FOR THE NEW PLATFORM

7^TH July 2016

Disclaimer: This post should have been posted yesterday but because of unforeseen events the post did not make through the portal.

Hot as it can be, Dubai is on the verge of summer manifested by extreme heat. My friends told me the weather is not yet at its peak and in the upcoming months it would be 10x hotter (I know they are just kidding). Anyway, I have a lot to be thankful of despite the extreme hotness.

I celebrated the end of Ramadan (Eid) with my friends and I am thankful for the moment of bonding together with those guys. We had a mini-luncheon get together. Foods are awesome. We prepared roasted chicken. My friend Mark and Yan brought pansit (stir-fried noodles) and sizzling sisig (I don’t know how to describe that). After eating the sumptuous main courses, we indulge with the heavenly taste of ice cream cake. I think it was chocolate mixed with caramel.

After the event, Emman and I went to the Mall and bought my newest gadget. The gadget will be used to propel my social media presence as well as my upgraded tool for trading in stock market. I am very grateful for an improved tool in pursuing my passion. It will help me increase my productivity.

Blessings are everywhere. We just need to notice it and above all be thankful for all the goodness we have received.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Thank you for the Holiday!

6th July 2016

Today marks the end of the holy month of fasting for Muslims (Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan) and our country, the Philippines, respects this celebration hence declared today as a non-working holiday.

I am not a Muslim. I am not on vacation either as I needed to work still. But I am thankful for 3 things today.

First, the roads are clear. Yes. No traffic. If you are living here in Metro Manila, you’d understand how big deal that is. No traffic means a miracle. It took me less than 30 minutes to get to work which on a normal day would take me around 1.5 hours. Imagine my relief. What a great way to start the day!

The second thing I’m grateful for today is the dress-down policy in our company. Corporate attire is not convenient these days because of the heavy rains in the afternoon. Since its holiday, we can wear jeans and rubber shoes which make it easier to walk and commute even under the rain, plus I get to wear a very comfortable t-shirt today that brings a lot of good vibe for me.

Finally, I’m grateful for the Overtime Pay! I don’t need to be somewhere else today so working with an extra pay is not bad. It’s as if I worked for 2 days when I just actually worked for 1 which luckily is a no-traffic day and dress-down day.

This day is simply amazing and I can’t help myself from thanking this Holiday. I hope you too, in any other way appreciate today.

****

Out daily gratitude journal for today is contributed by a dear friend, Mariel Plaza. 

Thank you for the RANDOM joy

5^th July 2016

I got a few minutes left before the great weekend. I just want to thank God for a wonderful week. It has been a pleasure working under a subtle yet motivating condition. Well, my boss was not around these days and it felt odd because I am used to seeing him around. Anyway, I am thankful for having a work that pays my bills.

My friend just got promoted and I am thankful that her prayers did materialize. She deserves it and it was timely for her to get it as we will be welcoming the long weekend with gladness (party?).

I am massively happy that I catch the train this morning. I thought I will be late for work but I made it just in time for my train. Because of this, I still had time to pick my breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee.

There are tons of things I am thankful of today (with yesterday’s events which happened after I posted my 4^th of July gratitude journal) but what I am intensely thankful for is that I already enrolled in a new course which I have zero knowledge of but interests me in a very intense way. I went to the enrollment site and signed the necessary documents. I also met my future teacher and she gave me a quick background of the course. Upon hearing her, I couldn’t help but feel very excited of the class. Social Media Marketing is something that I wanted to learn as a tool in creating a platform where I can inspire and motivate people.

This is still a long day and there are many great things coming but for now these are the things I am thankful for. What about you?

Thank You for the FAILURE

4^th July 2015

Earlier, I just sold one of my stocks and endure the pain of 21% loss; and so all my earnings from the previous month were wiped out. Today, it felt like I’m back to square one. Do I have something to be thankful for despite the losses incurred?

YES! A definite YES!

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from my impulsive actions. I’ve learned that in order to succeed in almost all endeavors, I must carefully evaluate the dynamics of the decision I am about to take. I’ve also learned to weigh things in terms of pros and cons; benefits and cost. Today, I am thankful that I’ve lost the game. This moment is another slice of my history which left me poignant lessons I will never have the chance to learn if I make it big in one shot.

I am also thankful for the opportunity to go back to school. Later, I will enroll in three short courses offered by the Filipino Institute (as to what courses, I will share those when the classes will finally start).

I am also thankful that God has given me the capacity to work and earn a living. Today, I already paid some of my debts and sent some money home. It felt good that I am somehow in control with my finances and that the financial freedom dream is still alive.

I am also grateful that I have received a message from a friend showing her appreciation with the content of my other blog (www.brewingabetteryou.com). Those kind words inspire me to write more and share whatever good there is.

It is a rough day but we will never run out of something to be thankful for.

How about you? What are you grateful for?

When Thank you is Enough

3^rd July 2016

As the maiden post, I am tempted earlier to write something huge like concise documentary of gratitude, probably a story of unparalleled expression of appreciation or something that is written in a manner which is beyond my normal journals; but when I run my fingers over my keyboard, I thought a simple humble beginning would be enough to kick-off this chalkboard.

I’ve always wanted to create a discussion board and journalize anything that I am thankful for on a daily basis but life strikes me with enormous (somehow exaggerated) difficulties coupled with the lack of willpower to begin. These challenges have dragged me to inaction and ultimately left the dream into oblivion. Until yesterday when we move into a new flat I found back that spark. My inner voice ignited my being and the GRATITUDE journal came to life.

During the daybreak, it dawned on me that I will never realize the gratitude platform until I let the negativity take over and the only way to shun the cloud of uncertainties, helplessness, and sheer lack of enthusiasm is to actually write every blessing I am thankful for.  And so, before the dark side consumes me again, I immediately build the page earlier and start writing.

Gratitude has enormous positive impacts not only to one’s mental health, social and emotional steadiness but as well as one’s physiological well-being. Studies and scholarly documents have been written and compiled to support the case which I will be posting in the future; but for now, I wanted to begin this blog by simply smudging this white space of what I am thankful for today.

GIFT OF LIFE

I am thankful for the gift of life. Waking up every morning is a living testament of a miracle unfolding right the moment I open my eyes. As we know, life is short and it can be gone in a wink but God has given me another day to live the purpose I am created for, to be with my loved ones, to see the beauty of living, and to inspire others to live a meaningful life.

FAMILY

I am thankful for my family. They are the closest state of heaven on Earth and the living proof of what love is. I am grateful that I have these people who continually inspire me to be a better person. No amount of words would really suffice and capture how happy and appreciative I am having them.

Resiliency

I am grateful for the gift o resiliency. Tough times have rocked me in the past years but I continue to stride full of hopes that better days will finally arrive. Despite the gravity of the challenges which sometimes left me powerless and bent apart, I am blessed with the emotional and spiritual muscle to see beyond the sufferings and pain. The gift of resiliency has brought me to this platform with the flaming passion. I am able to stand up when beaten and to ride the waves of life until I reach my destination.

it is enough…

Simply by writing this and listing what I am thankful of/for brings tons of positivity which made me realized how blessed I am. By calling into mind those blessings, I am able to see more things I should be thankful of and appreciate the life I have. At the end of every day, a simple act of gratitude brightens up the dark corners of my life and beams that spotlight to that space of happiness. And this moment is enough for me to live.

What are you thankful for today?