Dear Santa,
How do you do?
Maybe, you're a bit surprise upon receiving my letter. If I were in your shoe, this would be a shock, too.
I just thought of writing you after reading a letter, online, addressed to you. It came from a 45-year old man. So I thought, I'm never too old to ask you for something. After all, you love good kids and kids at heart.
Santa, you have occupied most memories of my childhood Christmas days. As a matter of fact, you almost became the center of every child's Christmas. When in fact, it should be the child in the manger who was born on Christmas eve. Nevertheless, you made lots of children have a merry Christmas by sending them toys wrapped in colorful boxes. (Thanks to your reindeers, you were able to reach children all around the world. )
But are you for real, Santa Claus? Real or not, it doesn't matter. As long as you make a child or two happy, Santa Claus will always be a significant part of every Christmas celebration.
It has been years since I asked something from you. It's because, as an adult, I have learned that there is One bigger gift-giver who showers us with unlimited blessings - Christmas time or not. The Child who was born in a manger, who exactly is the reason why there are Christmas celebrations worldwide - Jesus Christ.
Nevertheless, it's still worth a try. For this year Santa, my wish is not for me, but for the young generation who needs you more.
Please extend your good deeds to the less fortunate children around the world. Let your presence be felt among troubled nations. The hopeless refugees who had to run for their lives, the children who lost their parents at a young age due to war, those who were left with a parent because one of them needs to serve their country for peace. During this time, don't make them feel left behind, alone nor ignored. Shower them with your happy vibes and even for a short time, let them hear your contagious laugh.
On the other hand, I wish for extended quality time for children who are privileged to have a complete family. May their parents bring these kids closer to you and child Jesus. Let them realize that life outside online games and social media is far better. Let them play with you like a child. Let them laugh, dance, and sing with you with innocence, contentment and love. Let them feel the true meaning of sharing, giving and receiving because they have been good boys and girls this year.
I'm not asking for much, right Santa? I hope you can do something about my wishes. I want to believe that I've been a good child of Jesus this year. Since you love whom He loves, then there's a big probability that you love me, too!
Have a great time sending gifts this Christmas season, Santa Claus! In case you find the time to talk to Jesus, please hug Him for me and say, 'Your children are happy for Your shower of blessings all year round!'
Your believer,
dextran
P.S. If you happen to bump into someone you believe is my soulmate, please send him to my address. Don't bother to have him wrapped or boxed, it's totally fine.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Copiers and Paper Jams
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A photocopier is a machine that produces clear, black and white copies of images (though time has evolved it into something that can do other things.) It is simple to operate, fast and easy to deal with. Sometimes, I can't help but compare friendship (and the opposite) with these copying machines.
The whole copying system is you and the people that surrounds you are the bond of papers being loaded into the bin. The master copy are the personalities and attitude that you are looking for a friend, or anything you have in common perhaps.
Whenever you meet someone new, you load a paper, click the print button and you get a copy. Clearly, like a copy, your friends show you a part of them. The process it takes from clicking the print button to producing an image is the same with the troubles and undertakings you and your friends have to go through in order to create a perfect image of fun and good times.
It looks good in the outside, but little did people know that you had to endure changes and undertakings so you can build this kind of bond. As long as everything is going on smoothly, you can produce more copies, more friends.So what happens to these papers? Most of the time, they are saved for important matters. They serve as files and proofs of memories and good times. They are constant reminders, that whatever happens, you have something valuable.
However, without you knowing it, you meet the wrong kind of people in your lifetime. They appear to be neat and clean just like the rest. There are times when they even look better, whiter and more sincere, so you insert them in your copy bin without a second thought. You click OK and start printing. And that is when the true nature of these people surface.
The one you thought that's neat and clean actually has crumpled edges not suitable for your machine, either it's a factory defect or is made by outside forces. Nevertheless, it caused a paper jam.When the paper jam occurs, the once smooth system starts to halt and create an unfamiliar sound of warning. Then from their comes problems. At first you may be in denial and think that the machine is just adjusting, doing its thing to survive the interruption. But later, you accept the reality that something unwanted just occurred- a paper jam, a system failure.
At this moment, you formulate ways on how to go about it. First, you stop printing and then examine the machine. You open the drawers and look where the issue come from.
Sooner or later, you see a piece of paper- stained and crumpled, inside the machine. The same paper you once thought is clean, neat and suits your needs. However, it's there- stocked!
So what do you do next? For you to make your machine work smoothly and easily again, you have to do the right thing- take it out from the system, and be sure to take them all - completely. Don't let it stay there longer because no matter what, it's a nuisance and it does not serve its purpose anymore.
So where does this crumpled paper go? Simply said, it is directly thrown into the trash bin.
Only at this point when you can resume with the tasks at hand. Forget about the crumpled ones and focus your attention to those that creates clear, vivid images that you always wanted.Life and the people that surround us can be like this, too. Not all of them have to be included in our circle. There are a few we can trust and handle, but along the way, we have to "dump" some in the trash bin. Not only because they are "trashes" but also for us to preserve our smooth sailing system.
As for me, although I bump into some paper-jam-causing creatures at times, I am glad to say that I have learned the habit of examining what I exactly needed before putting them into my machine. Honestly, I learned this the hard way, but who cares!? As long as after the halt, I resumed my smooth- sailing way.
Closing Time (Almost)
It's almost closing time!
And just like that, another year is about to close. It's as if the memories of last new year's eve celebration seem so vivid. I can still remember how I wrote down the things that I wanted to accomplish this year. And like a bullet shot in the air, this year is almost over, gone and in some sort, is already a part of the past.
It's a worldwide celebration! A time for joy, fun, and gatherings. For many, it's the best time to turn over a new leaf. For some, it's just another year- life goes on, just like before. For others, sad as it may seem, but they might not see the changing of the year, the new calendar year, the midnight celebration- it's closing time.
Though we don't really know who's in or out, and you belong to the lucky few who will see the next year, you have all the reason to celebrate and be thankful.
But come to think of it, do we always have to see the ending, the curtain fall, the closing, the setting sun peeping in the window, before we realize things and give thanks?
Many of us, projects life like it's our right to have so. Living is an innate gift that everyone must enjoy. But in reality, not everyone in the world enjoys the same kind of life that you are having right now.
All over the world, men, women, kids struggle to live- emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally. Millions have to fight in order to prolong their existence. Just imagine the day-to-day struggle of war refugees, the victims of abuse, those who work in dangerous areas, the people in the slums, the beggars, the less fortunate, the unwanted children, the men and women trapped in war zones. They all have the right to live, yes! But they live not in a rightful manner.
Just by merely realizing that you don't belong to this group of people, you should be thankful. You have food on the table, you can eat, play and have fun anytime you want, you have your loved ones with you, you breathe clean air, you can see the beauty of life, you get to choose what to wear, you have a bed to end the night with, you are so far better than millions who did not make it today. You don't have to reach the closing time before being grateful for the days that you have.
Don't let the sound of the falling curtain, the warning alarm, the ringing buzzer wake you up from your daydream.
Make the conscious effort of enumerating the things you are grateful for every single day and don't wait for the year's end before giving thanks and showing love to those who deserves it.
After all, it differs from one person to another. Who knows, yours is just around the corner, waiting for the right moment to be tagged as 'closing time'.
And just like that, another year is about to close. It's as if the memories of last new year's eve celebration seem so vivid. I can still remember how I wrote down the things that I wanted to accomplish this year. And like a bullet shot in the air, this year is almost over, gone and in some sort, is already a part of the past.
It's a worldwide celebration! A time for joy, fun, and gatherings. For many, it's the best time to turn over a new leaf. For some, it's just another year- life goes on, just like before. For others, sad as it may seem, but they might not see the changing of the year, the new calendar year, the midnight celebration- it's closing time.
Though we don't really know who's in or out, and you belong to the lucky few who will see the next year, you have all the reason to celebrate and be thankful.
But come to think of it, do we always have to see the ending, the curtain fall, the closing, the setting sun peeping in the window, before we realize things and give thanks?
Many of us, projects life like it's our right to have so. Living is an innate gift that everyone must enjoy. But in reality, not everyone in the world enjoys the same kind of life that you are having right now.
All over the world, men, women, kids struggle to live- emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally. Millions have to fight in order to prolong their existence. Just imagine the day-to-day struggle of war refugees, the victims of abuse, those who work in dangerous areas, the people in the slums, the beggars, the less fortunate, the unwanted children, the men and women trapped in war zones. They all have the right to live, yes! But they live not in a rightful manner.
Just by merely realizing that you don't belong to this group of people, you should be thankful. You have food on the table, you can eat, play and have fun anytime you want, you have your loved ones with you, you breathe clean air, you can see the beauty of life, you get to choose what to wear, you have a bed to end the night with, you are so far better than millions who did not make it today. You don't have to reach the closing time before being grateful for the days that you have.
Don't let the sound of the falling curtain, the warning alarm, the ringing buzzer wake you up from your daydream.
Make the conscious effort of enumerating the things you are grateful for every single day and don't wait for the year's end before giving thanks and showing love to those who deserves it.
After all, it differs from one person to another. Who knows, yours is just around the corner, waiting for the right moment to be tagged as 'closing time'.
Friday, October 30, 2015
When Was the Last Time
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
When was the last time you jumped for joy?
When was the last time you cried from happiness?
For your existence, for somebody else's triumph.
When was the last time you stopped to smell the flowers?
When was the last time you observed the leaves change its colors?
When was the last time you appreciated the firmness of the tree?
The color of the clouds, and the birds flying freely.
When was the last time you smiled sincerely at the by-passers?
When was the last time you talked to a stranger?
When was the last time you helped an old woman cross the street?
To show kindness and mercy, to be a blessing to others.
When was the last time you slept without counting the hours?
When was the last time you sat at the park?
When was the last time you've decided to be lazy?
Never minding the deadlines, duties and responsibilities.
When was the last time you breath fresh, cool air?
When was the last time you witnessed nature's finest?
When was the last time you saw the sunrise and sunset?
Feeling the dew on your skin and the sun's kiss.
When was the last time you dreamt while you're awake?
When was the last time you let time pass without worry?
When was the last time you sat and read a good book?
Spend time with your loved ones or your family.
When was the last time you got dirty and messy?
When was the last time you never cared for people's query?
When was the last time you thought about your happiness?
You're own good and no one else's.
When was the last time you achieved something beyond imagination?
When was the last time you proved others they're wrong?
When was the last time you set the record straight?
That you're one life's champion and nothing less.
When was the last time you felt grateful for the hard-earned trophy?
When was the last time you gave thanks for your journey?
When was the last time you shared your blessings?
To believe that you are showered with grace beyond words.
When was the last time? When was the last time?
When was the last time you asked yourself this question?
When was the last time you contemplated on your being?
When was the last time? When was the last time?
When was the last time you jumped for joy?
When was the last time you cried from happiness?
For your existence, for somebody else's triumph.
When was the last time you stopped to smell the flowers?
When was the last time you observed the leaves change its colors?
When was the last time you appreciated the firmness of the tree?
The color of the clouds, and the birds flying freely.
When was the last time you smiled sincerely at the by-passers?
When was the last time you talked to a stranger?
When was the last time you helped an old woman cross the street?
To show kindness and mercy, to be a blessing to others.
When was the last time you slept without counting the hours?
When was the last time you sat at the park?
When was the last time you've decided to be lazy?
Never minding the deadlines, duties and responsibilities.
When was the last time you breath fresh, cool air?
When was the last time you witnessed nature's finest?
When was the last time you saw the sunrise and sunset?
Feeling the dew on your skin and the sun's kiss.
When was the last time you dreamt while you're awake?
When was the last time you let time pass without worry?
When was the last time you sat and read a good book?
Spend time with your loved ones or your family.
When was the last time you got dirty and messy?
When was the last time you never cared for people's query?
When was the last time you thought about your happiness?
You're own good and no one else's.
When was the last time you achieved something beyond imagination?
When was the last time you proved others they're wrong?
When was the last time you set the record straight?
That you're one life's champion and nothing less.
When was the last time you felt grateful for the hard-earned trophy?
When was the last time you gave thanks for your journey?
When was the last time you shared your blessings?
To believe that you are showered with grace beyond words.
When was the last time? When was the last time?
When was the last time you asked yourself this question?
When was the last time you contemplated on your being?
When was the last time? When was the last time?
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Desert Life: What They Don't Know
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| Riyadh City at dusk, viewed at 300 m. above sea level. |
If I were not able to stay and live in Riyadh for several years, I might believe them and really look at Saudi the way outsiders imagine it to be. Good thing, I have experienced the kingdom life first hand. Truly, it is not a paradise of freedom and nightlife, but, Saudi has so much more to offer than what meets the eye.
So, how do people living in a deserted place live life and celebrate it? Based on my personal experience, there are several attractions and activities that people enjoy.
Take a look and discover the not-so-well-known beauty of the kingdom.
Food. Mostly, people living in the kingdom celebrate every occasion with a lot of food! For one, it is inexpensive. Grocery sales happen every single week. You will always have something good to buy with your Saudi Riyals. So cooking and trying something new has been a day-off habit of most people working here. There are also a lot of restaurants to choose from, ranging from Asian to Western to Middle Eastern cuisine. It's a multicultural nation so you wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of food choices on the menu.
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| People in the Kingdom loves to eat. They enjoy having sumptuous meal after shopping, especially during weekends. |
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| A typical Filipino Party Buffet . Most invited guests brings a viand or two and share it with everyone at the party. |
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| Gold displays in a shop at Al Batha. |
Al Batha. This is a go-to place of many Filipinos and other Southeast Asians who missed their local products. I, myself, feels excited whenever I come here. Almost everything that you have back home can be bought in Batha. There are also restaurants that serves Filipino all-time favorites like Bicol Express, Pansit Bihon, fish fillet, kilawin, Kare-Kare siopao, halo- halo, and a lot more. What makes it more of a Filipino town is the presence of a Jollibee Fast Food Store. Truly, we feel closer to home just by walking around Batha.
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| Even some establisments in Al Batha are named in such a way that Kabayans will feel like walking in the streets of their own country. |
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| The entrance to one of the most-visited park in Riyadh City. It is located in King Fahad Road, Riyadh. |
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| Inside Salam Park is this beautiful artificial lake. It is the main attraction in the park where you can enjoy fishing and boating. |
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| The lush green wide lawns at the park, very suitable for picnic. |
Esteraha. These are private places for relaxation. Usually, a group of people will rent this place for a day or two. Here, they can enjoy the swimming pool, sing-along bars or play sports.
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| Wide, green lawns provide enough space for visitors to play the sports that they love. |
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| Women, families alike, can enjoy the esteraha all day because of the privacy it offers to its customers. |
Road Trips. This is one great adventure in the kingdom. Outside of the city are a lot of picturesque view that one would think can be a good setting for a movie or novel. Rise up early, prepare your drinking water and your up for a perfect tour of the country road.
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| Front view! Breathtaking rock formations, with cool music and good friends, road trips are something we always look forward to. |
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| Side View! The scenic mountain of rocks in Riyadh. |
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| Another amazing view! An herd of sheep we passed by on our way to the Sand Dunes. |
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| An encounter with the camels. Camels in this part of the country can freely roam around to the delight of the visitors. |
The Red Sand Dunes at the Northeastern part of Riyadh.
A very popular weekend or holiday destination among Saudis and expatriates who are fond of the desert
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| Visitors can rent an ATV to enjoy the humps and bumps of the Red Sand. For the many expatriates, this is a go-to place to escape the busy streets of the city. |
The Hidden Valley. It's not really 'hidden' like its name suggests. But it is only known to a few people, and a bit inaccessible to visit. But again, the trip is all worth it! It's like seeing a wallpaper in front of you. Visitors also love to have picnics under the shed. It's an escape from the busy streets of the city and its high-storey buildings.
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| Looks like your desktop wallpaper? Not really! This is the view at the Hidden Valley! |
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| Breathtaking Hidden Valley View! |
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| Here we are, enjoying an ice cream after a fun-filled morning! |
So if you happen to know someone working in the Kingdom, don't think that there life is all about work. More often than not, they have a lot of stories to tell. Who knows, they might be living life in a more exciting way than you do! ^^
At this point, I leave you with this realization :
See beauty wherever you are. Even huge rocks and tons of stones can create a picture perfect view.
In the middle of a desert is an oasis you'll surely find, when you keep looking at the bright side of life!
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
A Change of Heart
When you see this picture on the left, what comes into your mind?
(A) a vast area of sand, not suitable for growing trees or plants, where human beings won't have much reason to enjoy life?
(B) a wide region to explore, do something out of the ordinary and eventually grow to be a better you after bypassing the sands?
I bet, most people would answer letter A. It's not a lot. It doesn't have the dream destinations that other places offer. It is just this simple and boring desert for most people.
A few years ago, I traveled far for the very first time. I ended up in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Not the best destination, but I considered it as another thrilling adventure. Living in a new world, learning a new language, a shocking culture, and inhabited by several other nationalities. I told myself, this is going to be all new to me.
At first, I was enveloped with excitement and thrill to discover the place. The joy of discovering new things, food, people and words made my days. However, after several months, I have come to realize that there isn't much to see in this part of the world. It's a kingdom of men, where gender equality isn't recognized. Men rule, and women hide in their long, black clothes.
It saddened me that I won't be able to do a lot of outdoor activities here. That is when reality came in. For a few months, all I wanted was to go home to my motherland. Homesickness hit me like the insane heat of the desert. I became moody, easily angered and worse, I lost the zest to enjoy the adventure.
This is going to be hopeless! This is just a desert. There is no growth in here. Boredom and homesickness will eat you alive. You think of quitting and you live each day like yesterday- nothing new!
Until one day, a realization moved me. I can't always wait for tomorrow, Christmas season, day- offs or in my case- vacation leave to be happy and enjoy life. I have to find ways in order to make this journey a learning experience. After all, this is not the end, this is just a bend in the road, a hump, a stepladder towards a bigger, brighter tomorrow.
That is when I turned my view from point A to point B. Of course, it did not happen in a blink of an eye. I had to do some things in order to make this transition:
1. When you wake up, remind yourself that today is a blessing.
Say a little prayer of thanksgiving for (1) you were able to open your eyes again (a privilege that is not given to everybody this morning), (2) you have the opportunity to make a living and save for future adventures, (3) you and your family back home are safe and healthy, (4) you have the chance to make someone feel better today, (5) Today, you're a day closer to coming home.
The list can go on and on. The moment you train yourself to focus on the good side of today, it will be a lot easier to get up and face it. Again, it will take some time to get used to this, but it will be all worth it.
2. Never compare yourself with other people's success.
This has eaten me so many times in the past. Through social media, we now have easier access to other people's lives. Most of the time, your wall will be flooded with celebrations and moments that you currently isn't experiencing. And the next thing you know, you feel bad because while they are celebrating, here you are, tied to your bed, letting the day pass without moving a muscle.
Trust your own pace. This may sound cliche, but there is still some truth in it. Most of the time, people will only announce the fruit of their labor- the medal and trophies, but never the labor or hard work that comes with it. Surely, every success does not come easy. Learn to realize that they, too, had to strive and experience defeat before achieving glory.
Who knows, you're just experiencing some difficulty now, and soon, your medals and trophies will appear just when you expect it the least.
3. Feel good about yourself.
Develop the habit of feeling good. Smile in front of the mirror, exercise for a few minutes every day, cook your favorite food or make other people happy. Do something that your future self will thank you for. Remember, this is not the end of your life's adventure. Why not make each day count, no matter how bad they can get.
If feeling good means watching the most childish movie there is, by all means go for it! Nobody will judge you for doing so. All they see is the positive aura that you radiate when you feel good on the inside.
4. Share what you feel or think.
Yes, moving from point A to B will be a lot easier when you do this with the aid of some reliable people. If then, I used to keep everything to myself, now I have learned the benefits of sharing this with my most trusted friends. True friends will never judge you, they are the best listeners and confidante.
When you spill the bad feelings to someone you trust, you feel better after sharing it. At times, you even laugh at it upon knowing that you're not alone in your struggle. Your friend may have experienced the same thing before. And the best that can happen is when you will be able to come up with a solution on how to make things better.
5. Read inspirational books.
Or any other book that you want to read. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie has helped me a lot. It is an eye-opener for me. I want to share with you some striking lines that I got from this book:
- The blackest moments we live through can only last a little time- and then comes the future...
- Cooperate with the inevitable.
- There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. (Epictetus)
- Obviously, circumstances alone do not make us happy or unhappy. It is the way we react to circumstances that determines our feelings. Jesus said, the kingdom of heaven is within you. That is where the kingdom of hell, too.
- The remedy for worry is to get completely occupied doing something constructive.
- Don't cry over spilt milk.
- Live in a"Day-tight Compartment".
After mastering these things, I have come to realize that where I am is not only comprised of sands and tons of it. When I directed my point of view in a different direction, I saw this:
The fun-loving people, the picture perfect view, the moments when you jump for joy! I guess, there is so much more to this desert than the unending sea of sands it shows to the outside world. It just needs a change of heart.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Staycation: The Beauty of Doing Nothing
"Staycation" is a new trend. It's an inexpensive, yet relaxing, way of taking a halt from our usual day of work, stress, pressure and deadlines. Though it doesn't sound as exciting as going out of the country and seeing new places, it is still a very convenient way to energize and do something worthwhile.
Just imagine staying at home for a week or two. You don't have to go to work, you have the whole day and night for leisure and relaxation. I bet, most people, especially those who are used to running errands, meeting deadlines and working all-day can't live this way after 2-3 days.
But hey! Staycation isn't all about staying in bed, doing nothing and being idle. Actually, even without going out of town, you can make the best out of your time. Here's how:
That includes fixing the cabinet, tidying your clothes, washing the curtains and sheets or beautifying the garden. Admit it, these are the things that we often delay doing, because there are more important things to do. After all, financial reports, bills and Friday night parties are by far more significant than spending time with these little things. So, since you're on staycation, a day or two completing these chores will keep you busy.
We think that because they are near, we can visit them anytime, until we find no time for them at all. We keep on telling ourselves when we're at work to visit him or her after the shift, but when the day ends, we go home tired and lazy to go out again. So if you're thinking of someone while reading this, now is the best time to pay that special someone a visit. She just lives around the corner anyway. Take an afternoon walk to her house. Who knows, she's actually waiting for you to come and visit.
3. Do the very thing that you love.
What is it that makes you forget about the world? The very thing that keeps you calm and stress-free? Is it reading a novel? Baking using your grandma's recipe? Painting? Or playing your favorite instrument? Now is the best time to focus on this love. It's like going back to your core gift.
Most of the time, we don't use this talent in music, art or baking at work. We only remember them when we have nothing to do, or simply tired of our daily routine. Being on staycation gives us the opportunity to rekindle with the thing the we love doing.
Being on staycation doesn't always mean being unproductive. It's actually a wonderful chance to learn something you haven't tried before. This time, you have the whole day to focus on what you want to learn. After all, learning is a continuous process. No matter how old you are or how good you are with your craft, there is always something interesting and exciting to learn outside of your comfort zone. Who knows, this new experience can bring you a whole new level of joy.
5. Spend time with the people who matters to you.
Career or love? That's a tough question for people who are trying to thrive and climb the ladder. I mean, you can't have all at the same time. Staycation is the best way to create memories with the people you love without spending a lot. It can happen through a simple family dinner, a picnic in the park, an early morning jog with your special someone, or a short visit at a nearby mall. It doesn't have to be grand, it just has to be special and real. As we all know, it's the small things that make great memories.
See? Staycation isn't that boring after all. You just have to see it in a different way. So the next time you get a long weekend or a week off at work, don't feel bad that you haven't booked a flight to see other parts of the world. Who knows, you might discover something more special within you own little place.
Happy Staycation!!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Waiting: While Living the Nightmare
Imagine being tied on something you’re
not happy anymore. Living in a place where freedom and independence are quite
limited. I’m sure not everyone can relate to me, especially those who
experience “living the dream”. But yes, on my part, I’m on the other side of
it. Let’s say, I’m "living the nightmare”.
Nevertheless, this ‘nightmare’ has taught
me things I’ll surely disregard when I am placed somewhere not here. After all,
this didn’t start as a nightmare. It was a dream that turned into a
“nightmare”.
So, now I’m thinking of making something
out of this. Since I won’t be able to turn the clock manually, faster nor
skipping some of its days, might I as well make this count! So by the time the
“most-awaited ending” comes, I have done something that my future self will
thank me for.
Here are some of the things that I
suggests to people who, like me, are waiting for that big day to come:
1. Look at the glass as half full.
Yes, you might be
far from the big day, but you’ve started. As a matter of fact, every day that
passes leads you closer to that time. The day maybe slow and boring, but no
matter what, it will pass. You are nearing the end.
2. Dream and dream big.
This may sound
absurd. You’re feeling down and all, and here I am telling you to dream. Oh
well, it’s because positivity can go a long way. Your thoughts can become
things. Your dreams will drive you to continue the journey, no matter how
difficult it is. The mind is so powerful that whatever you put into it will
lead the entire human body to do something that will fulfill the picture you
created in your mind. So go on, dream of that big salary, huge house,
extravagant celebrations, wonderful people, and fat bank account. In due time,
your dreams will become a reality.
3. Treat it like its planting time.
Planting means you
put in something that will eventually grow into something useful. Use this
waiting time for you to learn more interesting stuffs. Gather as many books as
you can, read them on your free time and be amazed of the many things that you
used to ignore. Enhance your knowledge, who knows, you’ll be needing that on
your next adventure. That is when “harvesting time’ will take place.
4. Learn a skill.
Drawing, sketching,
cooking, baking or photography. There are a lot to learn every single day, and
you don’t have to spend a lot. Surf the web, learn from video tutorials, listen
to experts, let a friend or a co-worker teach you how to do it and apply the
things you learned. Of course, it won’t be great at first try, but with
constant practice, I’m sure you’ll get it!
5. Take care of yourself.
I agree, waiting is
depressing. Comfort food is something we can run into when this happens. But
hey! This should not be the cause of you not taking good care of your health.
In fact, you should give yourself importance more than anything else. It is
only yourself that you can rely on. Stretch, move, dance, and sweat all the negativity out! Let those waiting time be spent building your body into the
new, healthier and fitter you.
6. Embrace this time.
7. Thank the Big Man up there.
But why? Why?
Because everything is from Him. The best days of your life, the moments you
were very happy, the days you feel so good, the occasions that you have
celebrated, the things that you have achieved, even the worst days of your
life, the days you get so bored or sad, the days you have to wait and feel left
behind. Everything is from Him.
The moment you open
your eyes in the morning, start giving thanks. For though He allows you to wait
today, He surely will repay this with more than what you have prayed for.
Remember: He has made everything beautiful in His time (Ecclessiastes 3:11).
When your time comes, in that most-awaited ending, you, too, will harvest
something beautiful and abundant.
At this point, you may be “living the
nightmare”. But I guess, this is the worst that can happen. After this,
everything will just be better. From here, there is no other way but up. Use
this waiting time to build yourself and ready your mind for something bigger
and brighter - that moment when you are “living the dream”.
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