My Year That Was

I always bear in mind that gratitude comes with contentment and as I look back on everything that I have done this year, amazingly, despite all the challenges, I still have so much to thank for.  Since this is my last blog for 2011, allow me to share everything that made me a better person.

January was certainly an eye opener for me. I have always thought that I would only hear road accidents over the radio or see them on the news. I never expected that I’d be in one too. I could still remember the experience of crawling on the street just after the intersection in La Salle right after we bumped a pedestrian crossing while the traffic light was green. I was closing my eyes and holding my husband tight just waiting for the next thing to happen. I realized that, I am also vulnerable just like anyone else which I never thought of in my lifetime.  Despite the harassment of the pedestrian, I learned to stand up and say NO. Help was all we can give but we never assumed responsibility since she was guilty of reckless imprudence. I learned to be stern and not give in and not feel sorry for those who did not deserve it.

I took the month of June as a devastating curve on my job because I was transferred to something that could jeopardize my finances because it could put me on the unemployment list due to its difficulty. Resistance became an addition to every meal that I had, and I couldn’t stop whining of what I considered a misfortune. Later on, I realized that it’s not a bad thing after all. Despite the hardship, I was able to survive because of new friends, practically a new family in my workplace. Slowly on, I began to embrace the inevitable and now I could say, I’m smiling again.

October was such a refresher as I was offered to coordinate the Perpetual Cup Golf Tournament of La Salle. It opened doors that I never imagined. I thought I’m done in this field but through the help of a very good friend, I was able to test myself again if I can still bring it. A boost of self confidence was an ultimate and much needed during that time was given by my clients and the tap on my shoulder telling me I did a good job was more than enough to get me back on track.

After all the trials in 2011, I am once again revived that I can do more and even make a difference in others even in small portions. I was reminded that despite of everything, I am still here, enjoying the gift of life.  With the support of family and friends, I am able to say “Life is Good.”

In 2012 I am not sure how I could fathom the mysteries of life but I know that I just have to believe the fact that with Him, nothing is definitely impossible. I have to love myself more in order to genuinely love others. I also wish for a more forgiving heart for I am also bound to make mistakes as I am also human. Time is gold and I should make wise decisions that would make me happy because I deserve it. I am not being selfish, I am just being fair to myself and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. 

To everybody who will take time to read this, thank you very much for letting me feel that my thoughts are also of value to people, that I make sense too. Hopefully, I will be able to come up with good and sensible thoughts in 2012 not just to entertain but also to shed enlightenment on certain things.

Have A Blessed and Safe New Year! 

My Own Understanding Of Giving

Christmas has always been the top season wherein almost everyone has the inspiration to give. I don't think there is a single Christmas party in the christian community that does not have either an exchange gift or Kris Kringle. I'm not really sure though if everyone would understand the reason why we do such activities. To make it more practical, wish lists are created to make sure that those who will receive the gifts would be smiling when they see that they got what they wanted. I guess the bottom line is making someone happy in this yuletide season.

I have my own version of sharing happiness to others too and all are usually done spontaneously. Just like yesterday, we were hanging out at our fave Istarbaks Libertad when I decided to buy goodies from a bakery just beside the joint. While I was waiting for the cashier, I noticed a mom-child tandem choosing ice cream from the freezer. The 2 year old girl was already holding the ice pop but mom was still trying to scout for something cheaper. As the girl was starting to sob because she never wanted to let go of the treat, I saw the mom's eyes that as much as she wants to give in to her daughter, she knows she can't spend that much. She was so surprised when I told her that the ice pop was already paid and she need not worry about it. She was so grateful and gave me one of the most sincere Christmas greeting I have ever received in my entire life. For a P17 ice pop, I got a warm happy feeling which was just priceless. 

This Christmas, I intend to do more and with a lot of help from friends, I am positive that I will be able to make this season special to others. I decided not to go to local orphanages because I know that there are already a lot of organizations that would be visiting and sharing their bounties.

I decided to focus on street children and the elderly. These kids may pester a lot of people to ask for alms but regardless of their racket, I am not forgetting that they are still children and that if they may have ended begging on the streets, maybe because they believe that what they're doing is right (no thanks to their parents). I am not patronizing mendicancy but I could just imagine how it is if they had a taste of Christmas without being shooed away and just see goodies that they would never even dream of trying in their entire childhood. 

The elderly is going to be my other recipient, particularly those who still continue to struggle in order to earn their keep.  With warm soup and maybe chicken dinner, I hope to show them that the world has not been completely cruel to them because they are still remembered and given importance even in the littlest way. 

Giving is not to get something back but mainly to share the blessings that one has received no matter how small they are. I hope to inculcate this concept to my children and make them understand that we live for others too and would not achieve the true essence of fulfillment unless we have gratitude and selflessness in our hearts.