How will you choose to Live your Life?

28-- it's just a number. A number that will tell of how long I have been living my life.I never really looked old for my age. People say that I look so young and could not believe that I am already 28. Sometimes I feel flattered, but oftentimes I like to be seen as a fine young lady who knows how to handle all the responsibilities and hardships in life. I want to be beautiful, successful and confident (who doesn't want to?). In addition,  I want to do a lot of things. I want to improve myself and enjoy life (like I could shout to the world that ," hey, this is me living my life to the fullest); because when you are truly happy with yourself and life, everything follows. And I want to become rich. Rich in  all aspects not just materially but also mentally, spiritually and socially. They say that when life gives you a hard time, don't take it seriously. Play it well in a way that will teach you to become tougher rather than complaining on how miserable you are. I know it's easy to say, but you got no other option. So you have to change your current situation when u get tired of doing what you always do. Change your rut! 

It is true that as you age, your level of maturity also increases (for most people). I just realized that for 27 years of my existence, I have been complaining about some things in my life. Until one moment changed the way I look at my life--my self! I realized that when you start disliking something and do nothing about it-- but complain more--you get stuck in that situation that you would not even noticed that you have been like that for so long. And worst is: your life is going no where, it's not progressing. Then you get insecure with other people who get to enunciate to the world that, "life is terrific and just so happy to live life". Sometimes, we just don't get it, until someone or something will change us. And as I turned 28, I guess I will have to embrace this moment of becoming the person I always wanted to be. No more what ifs, buts and I can't drama scenario. I want to be happy!

I have always been a fan of great men who were able to live life to the fullest. And when I say living life to the fullest, it's not just having a rich life; but a kind of life that will inspire other people. "Majis" as what they call it. I have this friend of mine who was so optimistic about life. We used to have this schmooze during break time at my workplace. Sometimes I find him talking nonsense, but oftentimes I listened to him when he speaks and I just sort of smile. Then now, I realized that indeed my dear friend was funny. He shared this wonderful sense of humor to the group that it made me laugh so hard. Even though he was suffering inside, he still has the courage to live life and to see the world beautifully; but he died of cancer. It made me realized to value life more. Death is like a thief. And during the burial, I realized that his body was alone down there. It might be that scary. Then something scary thing crossed my mind that we will all going to die. It terrifies me, really. I guess, no one will ever live in this world for too long. No matter how good or bad, short or tall, rich or poor, sane or insane--we will all going to die. It depends on us on how we will going to live our life. The question is: are you going to waste it or enjoy every moment with people you care? Because in the end, what matters most is not the day you were born nor the day you will die. What matters is that small dash (what you did when you were alive and kickin) that will measure your very existence in this so called "life".

Before a Woman turns 27

I had been through a smooth and rough times. And It was a great journey to know that I have surpassed some of the hurdles that came my way. Before reaching 27, I wish to share some valuable lessons of "should have" and "should know" that made my life meaningful. 

1. You should know the difference between love and lust.

2. You should know that pain will go away. It just takes time to heal.

3. A woman should have her own laptop either for social network, business, work or just anything that could kill that boredom.

4. A career that will provide all your needs and wants.

5. A purse, wallet,bag and suitcase that will symbolize you.

6. Have ex's that remind you how silly you have been during those younger years.

7. Have dated a boy and a man ( just make sure to  know the difference).

8. Have talked to a stranger pretending to be somebody else (hahahahah!).

9. Have experienced that adrenaline rush by trying adventure stuff like water rafting, mountaineering and cave hiking.

10. A bestfriend who will uplift you and believe in you.

11 .Have cried and told a stranger you've just met of what you've been through.

12. You have experienced to travel alone.

13. Have been in love and broken-hearted twice but became wiser.

14. Have an ultimate crush to someone but only you and your friend know about how crazy and head over heels you are with this guy.

15. Have sisters whom you can fight and laugh with.

16. Have been to an unfamiliar place you've never been and seen before.

17. Have that panic moment when you became clumsy in front of your crush.

18. An attitude to risk something for the unknown, and had that courage where you could not imagine you had before.

19. Have read novels on love, thriller, sci-fi and financial freedom. Every woman must have a book inside her bag or beside her bed to increase her knowledge.

20.Have tried scuba diving for beauty of the underwater is amazingly splendid. 

21.  Have tried smoking or puffing that cigarette butt, drinking liquor , and quit!

22. A mental attitude of getting out of your comfort zone to find that piece in you and to find happiness outside the unknown.

23.  Have been to an unhealthy lifestyle by staying late at night watching silly movies, eating junk food, and alone in the room wishing that someone could ease that thing called "emptiness". But later on you realized that you are the best person to get rid of that thing.

24. A favorite hideout when you feel so down.

25. A bike that will lead you anywhere and help you lose some calories.

26. Every woman should know any form of exercise or sports-like tennis- that will keep your lifestyle healthy, and a beauty regimen that will make you beautiful inside and outside. 

27. And a strong relationship with God that will make you invincible- above all!

Stay being BEAUTIFUL at 27...

The Courage to Travel Alone

One of the best things i love in life is Traveling. Ever since I was a child, I love to roam around,  walk, run, visit places and sight-seeing. I love it so much that I get sick of staying at home without going out for a week. Just the thoughts of seeing other places, meeting new people, learning other culture, speaking their language, hearing foreign words, seeing vestige of history, not to mention the local delicacies (now, i am hungry) make me alive and energized. I feel that I am meant to travel because of  the existence of small mole located at my feet or its just my passion. I really would like to believe it since I always have these weird signs that I will be traveling. One of the signs is being in a boat or in a plane in my dream, then a week after this dream, it's a confirmed travel. And it feels so good to travel!

I feel good when traveling alone. I love the idea of going to different places particularly places I have never seen before. I love to try the different adventures the place can offer, the food it serves, to see the cultures and traditions that have been preserved and the most important thing is to get to know myself during this travel. These are just few things that encourage me to muster the courage to travel alone. Some people say that it's boring and dull to travel alone. But,  I can prove that it's one way to get to know yourself and gain the confidence and courage you have once lost. It is a way to break free and live life to the fullest. You never know what adventure and thrill it can offer. It depends on you on how to make it fun and memorable. 

I have always been guarded by my comfort zone. And the idea of traveling before scares me to death. Sometimes, our imagination can hamper us to enjoy. It can create images  that are exaggerated such as what if there are accidents, typhoons coming to ruin my plans, bad guys to kidnap or rob me and so on.... The fear also exacerbates the situation in a way that we cannot get out of our shell. Plus, being too obedient to our parents. I am not saying that you disobey your parents. What I want to emphasize is that sometimes,  parents are too afraid to let go of their children to the point of pampering  them even when  they are already adults . So for other parents, the idea of traveling is a big NO (even when with someone)- how much more when traveling alone? So, it depends on you whether to try and be brave enough to conquer your fear - you'll never know what you are missing until you try. Or,  let it  pass, envy your friends who enjoy life traveling and later ask yourself:  what if I... 

It is a choice, and the courage to face and conquer your fear is what makes life worth living for. If you haven't try to enjoy life, you never know what really life is all about. Traveling is one of the best things that can bring  fire in your life.  And piece of advice,  have some plunge of adventure while on travel to have a real taste of what FUN really is...

The Law of Karma

People have facade that they keep with them. You have to be very careful of whom you are going to trust. If you are so naive and shall i say, new to this world of deceit, fake people, dirty tricks and pretensions, you better hold your grip to what you believe and we call, INSTINCT and TRUST NO ONE..

In this world, we meet a lot of people of different walks of life. Some, they come and bid "hello" and eventually bid "goodbye" permanently; but, that is good than those who never bid adieu and left a scar in your life; others become acquaintances; few comes  in our life and never leave. It is a sad reality that only few are real and true. Others are simply there to judge, ignore, mock and destroy you. They say it is insecurity. And we know that there is no cure for insecurity. While some say, it's pride. What is pride by the way?  Pride is a sense of one's own value. It cannot be that bad! It can be bad if, too much pride has taken its toil on you and other people. Once you start feeling so superior that no one can beat you and feel like the ego is haunting, that something is wrong and disturbing... it is time to take that pride and start embracing what is truly amicable. 

I believe that people are different. Anywhere you go, there is always conflict. Well, this is maybe because we are born with natural inclination to do good and bad. And part of our well being is being  unique.You can just  imagine that there is no one or nobody is created exactly as you are, even twins differ in a lot of ways. Thus, conflict and misunderstanding will make its own way, no matter how hard we try to stop it. But the good news is, we can learn how to respond to the conflict and compromise. In this way, peace and harmony are the two wonderful things that will be created.

But you know what and who scares me? People who pretend to be your friend; someone who is nice to you but who is stabbing you behind your back. That to me is so scary! You can never really say something bad about this person. Sometimes, you envy this person for you know that she's/ he's too good. But behind that angelic face is a rotten values that will surely pull you down. These are the bogus people whom you will meet in your life. They are too good that you begin to wonder, what are their bad sides... then you will just learn that someone, that nice friend of yours, who is too good to be true, has taken a big grudge on you and pulling you down. So true! And it will happen to you. But there are also people who just love to learn from other people's experience and life; but the intention is not to pull that person, for nothing has been harmed. Which is largely different when you destroy the reputation, character and values of one person without assessing yourself first. That is why, be careful of whom to trust or better, trust no one. You have to leave some room for doubts and skepticism. This is also the reason why people who are tactless, liberated and open-minded are  sometimes better than those who are reserved, too nice and conservative. You know why?Because they are true and real. And oftentimes being too nice will make you vulnerable. A lot of people will take advantage of your kindness.But good thing is, fake people will never succeed. And you know what the good news is? People who are nice and not harming other people will be protected. Someone up there has arranged the law of karma for those who deserved it. So be careful - You can be the one being stabbed behind your back; so be sure to carry a weapon when this happens. And for those who are stabbing on someone else's back, wait 'till karma knocks on your door, and say hello to the real punishment of the world. Shame on You!

20 Lessons Learned in Life

In my 26 years of existence, so many have changed from a naive child to becoming an adult. As time goes by, experiences taught me to be strong and competent. It  taught me many things in life from being selfish to generous, from hating to loving, aloof to sociable, timid to outgoing, predictable to being risky, from carefree to anxious, taking chances to being afraid, etc... I love to learn and I guess, I have never failed to learn. Though, sometimes I never learned at all (really). I dream high and big (this is the problem) ,but it never leads me to anything (as of now.) Thus, I get frustrated and disappointed. This leads me to wonder why I don't get what I want ,and it makes me wonder what I really wanted in life. Life is not easy. It has complexities that we can't fathom, contradictions and restrictions that we fail to see, limitations that we need to set, opportunities that we should not neglect but tend to take for granted, family to love and to cherish despite of everything, people to understand and not to mock and judge , enemy to forgive, neighbors to help, and so on... These are just some things that we need to see and appreciate.

I have listed 20 lessons learned (I learned) that I think are very useful:

1.  If you are not meant for something, don't push it. It will just make you unhappy. I believe that If God wants something for you, no matter what, it will happen...

2. I get tired of pleasing someone. Know that people get tired of understanding and loving. So, be nice and responsible all the time.

3. Your pride can eat you. This will make you miserable.

4. Love your parents no matter what.

5. Be nice to people who treat you right and with respect.

6. If you want to gain respect, respect yourself first.

7. Being too good to others all the time will sometimes lead to abusing your kindness.

8. Never let go of your dreams no matter what. Cling to it no matter how hard it gets.

9. Once in a year go to unfamiliar place and unwind.

10. Pray to God for all the troubles and worries you have.

11. Never trust a guy who says he loves you when you just met him for a short period of time. You should know that there are many people who will take advantage of your innocence and kindness.

12. Never give a guy the chance to make you vulnerable. If possible, don't give love 100%.

13. Never be in a relationship when you are not ready and if the person has bigger baggage than you.

14. Don't be afraid to go wherever your dreams will lead you.

15. Most of our emptiness, sadness and depressions are base on the fear that resides in us.

16. Don't let fear get in between you and  your happiness.

17. Invest for yourself and retirement.

18. Your health is your best doctor for without it, you will lose in the game.

19. Always put a smile on your face, it could be your best asset.

20. Let God be your captain and mentor. He never fails to surprise you!

Tawi-Tawi's Sunrise (I just simply love it!)

On the way to Tango Island

Sunrise! It is a  rapturous feeling to see the beauty and wonder of the world. And one the most astonishing and serene wonders is contemplating on the beauty of sunrise and sunset. This simple errand- watching sunrise- will give you the peace of mind and contentment that most of us need in order to break free. And that is what people need today. 

We are living in a fast pace modern world where every gadgets are constantly changing and emerging. When you go to big cities, everything seems to move fast, everybody seems to be in a hurry, everyone is competitive and blatant thing is that you need money  to survive.  Everything we do always require haste and speed. It is inevitable  not to spend a little time with our family and enjoy life that does not require money to spend. But is it not wonderful to feel free and be like a child again? The moment I see the sun rises, it gives the perfect feeling of ecstasy and fantasy- like a child dreaming of a Neverland.

Here are some breathtaking photos of sunrise in Tawi-Tawi which I love the most :

 In that far away land lies a beautiful kingdom that awaits us...

Good morning sunshine! Lucky are those who have  seen such a beautiful scene. Oh, I simply love the moment! At least I have seen a magnificent sunrise before I go  to that far away kingdom (hope to see more of this)...

On the way to Languyan...

Here are other striking photos of sunrise taken from the beautiful place of Bongao, tawi-Tawi:

Bongao Sunrise

Kasulutan Sunrise

Beachside Sunrise

Capitol Hill Sunrise

God is Watching Us

These past few months, I have been wondering why I got loads of baggages. I have so many plans that I'd like to undertake, however, I am always failing. But It is quite amazing how I managed to have other plans ( take note: improving level of plans). And with each plan, it never fails to amaze me. I don't usually get disappointed with the failures I have after my plans fail; however, I noticed that I get exhausted of waiting and planning for things that I'd like to achieve and have. 

Every night, as I lay down to bed, I talk to God about many things. I talk to him about my day- how tiring and inspiring it was. I talk to him about my fuss on relationships with family, friends and even strangers. I also get to talk to him about my plans on so many things like travel, places I wanna see, people I wanna be with and people I want to help and inspire. I never miss to ask him to make my dreams come true. I have a lot of things to say to him. But when I get so tired, I can't  even bid him goodnight. I just remember talking to him and realized that it is a morning sunshine already. When it is time to go to work, I always forget to pray and thank him. But when I realized that I offended him, I pray silently but honestly, it is always hasty. This is really sad. I am bad. Forgive me...

Sometimes, I wish God can talk to us. What if he can talk to us? What would he tells us? I wonder how he is going to respond to all my prayers. I wonder what he's going to say about my plans that are always changing. What is he going to say about the person I became? How is he going to assess me as a daughter and as his child? Did I fail him? I want to  know if He is happy with all that I am and I became. Have I been good or bad? 

I get really excited with the thoughts that God can talk to us (I mean literally talk as in chatting with God). Who wouldn't be? Right? And imagine if we can see His face (musing).

I remember having taken this photo and it had a semblance of a myth character , Zeus (Take a look closer).  I am wondering  what if God can really talk to us and what  if, we can see His face. Will this picture have a semblance of Him? That day when I took this photo is life changing moment for me. I told myself that I am lucky to have seen this photo, because it made me realized that someone is watching over me- that God is always been there for me, and that He is proud of me ( this moment was during my graduation day). What else could I ask for?

I think if God can talk to us, the world will be a peaceful and beautiful place to live. If He had a face, maybe, people will be afraid to commit a sin (who wouldn't if you see the most beautiful face in the universe?). But I am still happy that even if we cannot hear His voice, I know that He is listening attentively to all our prayers and queries even if it seems nonsense; even if we cannot see Him, I know that He is watching us, because He loves us. God is so Amazing and Great! Nothing compares to Him. 

 

Living Life without a Purpose

They say that the difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing a thing exactly right.

The problem now lies in doing nothing...

Most people want to be successful in life, yet they don't try hard enough to get rid of the difficult situation they are into. Most of us are happy with the current situation of just passing by. Like we can eat three times a day and  to feed our hungry stomachs. The sad fact is: we continue to live in the "mediocrity". And this impedes our goal to be achievable. So many of us have a lot of fear in us that we can't get out of our shell to see a different world. And worst of all is that we constantly blame other people for our own misfortune. So Many of us complain a lot. And this fuss is so big that we never realize that we are just making excuses to be more trap in the bad situation, thus living us no escape at all. Then you just sit and tell yourself that "I can never be the person I want to be". And that you will never go far from where you are. And seeing your friends and other people being happy, getting what they want, going wherever they want to go, having a happy and well-off life... that's just the kind of life you want to be...

The question is, do you want to be like that forever? Sitting and thinking about other people's fortune while pitying your misfortune? Or you will work hard to be more than what they achieved?

The journey to success is a long and winding road. It depends on how you cross that road...

Dwindle Mind

Excruciating Grief

This pain is striking inside me

I cannot let go of this 

Time is so slow to heal me 

I wanted to end everything

I wanted to be free from this chain

I can't help but pity myself

I have no tears to shed

It's all in my head...

It is too painful...

Oh, how cruel 'coz my sole enemy

no other than my self

I control all my emotions

Yet, this emotion controls me 
Oh grief, absolve me...

Exonerate me from your world

I want to be free

Free like a bird to fly
Set me free from your uncanny world

Grief, you had enough of me!

Time

Time is so fast

A day is so quick

A night is so brisk

I feel the speed in my life.

I can't grasp the time

I want to stop it from moving

For once in my life, I want time

I wanted it to wait for me.

But how can I?

It moves so fast

so fast that I can't hold it

A glance of it takes seconds

Oh, what am I doing with my life?
With the brisk of time

I simply haste and haste...

I walk and run so fast...

But why? For what?

I don't know what I am doing...

Everything moves so fast

Everyone seems to be always in a hurry

Time is really gold

A second moves so fast

A minute should not be wasted

much more an hour!

A day would seem to end like an hour

Tonight, as I lay down on my bed

I close my eyes

open it, it's a welcome dawn!

A new beginning to cherish

Time is so precious

So precious to miss a thing

So don't miss a second of it.