Keeping the Spirit of Optimism Alive (Part 2)

To continue my follow up post on Keeping the Spirit of Optimism Alive (Part 1), I would like to share with you a good read adapted from "Why is God Laughing: The Path to Joy and Spiritual Optimism" by Deepak Chopra, that embodies the essence of what I wish to share and send across. I hope it gives you wisdom and inspiration!

10 PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL OPTIMISM

1. The healthiest response to life is laughter.

This first principle serves as an antidote to fear and sorrow by encouraging you to experience life as joyous. When you feel momentary happiness, or you want to burst out laughing, or you smile for no apparent reason, you are glimpsing eternal reality. In time, these moments of joy will begin to knit together. Instead of the exception, they will become the norm. There is no better way to know that you are growing in God-realization.

2. There is always a reason to be grateful.

This second principle is an antidote to victimization. The purpose of gratitude is to connect yourself to a higher vision of life....Once you realize that you alone are the projector of reality, you will no longer be dominated by external events. You will correct the mistake that lies at the very root of victimization: a belief that the movie controls you, instead of the other way around.

3. You belong in the scheme of the universe. There's nothing to be afraid of. You are safe.

The third principle is the antidote for insecurity. The role assigned to you is right and proper. It is tailor-made for you, for your complete self. The voice of fear tries to convince you that you are a helpless victim of chance. The very opposite is true. At the deepest level, the level of the soul, you are the author of everything that happens to you.

4. Your soul cherishes every aspect of your life.

The fourth principle is the antidote for feeling undervalued. It states that your worth is absolute, and that everything that happens to you - whether it feels good at the time or not - is part of a divine plan unfolding from the level of the soul. A person's worth is the value of a soul, which is infinite. Since every event in your life isn't happening just to a person but to a soul, everything in life should be cherished.

5. There is a plan, and your soul knows what it is.

The fifth principle is the antidote to meaninglessness. It states that your life has a purpose. You determine that purpose at the soul level, and then that purpose unfolds in daily life as part of the divine plan. The more deeply you are connected to the plan, the more powerful it becomes in your life. Ultimately, nothing can stop it.

6. Ecstasy is the energy of spirit. When life flows, energy is natural.

The sixth principle is the antidote to inertia. It states that infinite energy is available to you. You are a co-creator with God. To claim your creative power, you need only connect with the primal energies that play within you. The kind of energy you can call upon at any given moment depends on your level of consciousness.

7. There is a creative solution to every problem. Every possibility holds the promise of abundance.

The seventh principle is the antidote to failure. It tells us that every question includes its own answer. The only reason a problem arises before its solution is that our minds are limited - we think in terms of sequences, of before and after. Outside the narrow boundaries of time, problems and solutions arise at the same instant.

8. Obstacles are opportunities in disguise.

The eighth principle is the antidote to inflexibility. The secret is to abandon old habits and trust in spontaneity. Whenever you catch yourself reacting in an old, familiar way, simply stop. Don't invent a new reaction; don't fall back on the opposite of what you usually do. Instead, ask for openness. Go inside, be with yourself, and allow the next reaction to come of its own accord.

9. Evolution leads the way through desire.

The ninth principle is the antidote to hypocrisy. It encourages us to act on our genuine desires, because they show the way to real growth. Don't pretend to be better - or other - than you are. Don't fall into the trap of having one face for the world and another to God. Who you really are is exactly who you should be.

10. Freedom is letting go.

The tenth principle is the antidote to attachment. If you let go of what isn't real in your life, what's left will be real: what's left is God alone. To be free, you must find a way to let go of all the stuck energy that keeps sending the same old messages. The past is a false guide to the future, and yet it's what most of us rely upon. By letting go of stuck energies, you let go of your past.

Related Posts:

Keeping the Spirit of Optimism Alive (Part 1)

The Little Entrepreneur

Two Lessons I Learned from My Child Today

The Day I Painted My Nails RED, Again

Do you know "The Secret"?

The Principle of Emptiness

Celebrating Life

God's Ad

If the Shoe Fits

When I was in grade school, I remember my whole family going to Cubao every year to buy supplies in preparation for the school opening. I also remember feeling a mixture of delight and anticipation when it’s time to buy my new school shoes, only to be disappointed repeatedly year after year, for we always end up going to the same shoe store and not taking home the pair that I had my eyes on for so long. My sister and I just sigh in dismay and wish, with our fingers crossed, that the following year would be a better ‘shoe year’ for both of us.

Mom always had the last say when it comes to our school shoes. She decides what’s best and chooses the more expensive pure leather and durable (and boring!) kind that lasts for a long time (yes, an awfully loooong time). As we continue to dream in shiny patent shoes with pretty bows and slightly elevated heels, just like what the rest of our classmates wear. In my mind, I always wanted to tell Mom that girls shoes are supposed to be fun! Not mediocre or worse, dull.

Only when I became an adult that I realized that those shiny patent shoes with pretty bows and slightly elevated heels, nice-looking as they are, get worn out easily because they are crafted with cheaper materials. Mom may have always picked the unfashionable pairs in the past, but she got what she knew was best for us. 

You were right, Mom.

So now it’s my turn to be in my mother’s place and be the shoe authority to my little girl. Good thing there are several choices that make it hard not to choose the best pair that me and my kid will both love, and a lot of resources online too, that guide parents in getting the perfect fit. With this video that shows how to measure a child’s foot with a shoe gauge, finding the right shoes for a little Cinderella would surely be a breeze.

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale Birthday

Have I ever told you that I am a self-taught graphic artist? 

In the not-so-distant past, I used to cut out my ID photos and that of my cousins, and attach them to the bodies of Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. I would then run it through the photocopier and voila! I get the body I want without a sweaty workout.

Imagine when I learned about the wonders of Adobe Photoshop and its endless possibilities -- I was ecstatic! I never realized something almost magical like it existed.

I eventually learned editing skills through observation and a whole lot of practice. It's always fun to explore and learn along the way especially if you love what you're doing. This knowledge also opened an avenue for me to earn extra income. It's truly a blessing!

Our beautiful baby princess (my niece) turned 4 years old last year, and she wanted to have a Barbie Fashion Fairytale themed party. (I remember the Little Lady had a Fashion Barbie themed party too, when she turned 6 years old.) Since she was having 2 parties, I made 2 photo cake layouts for her, 2 invites and 1 Barbie Fashion Fairytale tarpaulin backdrop.

 Barbie A Fashion Fairytale school invite 1 and Photo Cake layout

  

 Barbie A Fashion Fairytale tarpaulin 

 Barbie A Fashion Fairytale invite 2 and Photo Cake layout

I just love the sparkle in children's eyes when they see themselves together with their favorite character in a photo or be the star character, no less. It's priceless! And that alone makes all the effort and all the eye bags in the world worth it. (Did I mention I made all these within 24 hours?)

Cramming, cramming me, as usual. =) 

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Back From My Unannounced Blog Leave - Part 2
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Chestene is Hannah Montana

Christmas: Hospital Style

We had a very different Christmas celebration last December 2010. We spent it at the last place in the world no one would ever dream to be on Christmas Eve - inside a hospital. My niece was admitted due to pneumonia on December 23rd, and given the extra care and medication needed for her condition, we're left with no choice but to make the most out of the situation during the coming Christmas dinner.

Our family brought food and gifts and the kids were still able to open their presents. That somehow made it more like our usual celebrations, except that it was on a different setting. Nevertheless, I am still thankful that we were able to spend it together as a family.

My sister and I stayed there for a week, looking after our little patient. The only comforting thing that made our stay convenient in the hospital aside from the state-of-the-art equipment and hotel-like accommodation, are the cheerful, beautiful and efficient people wearing soft cotton scrubs.

I love to watch people - observe their clothes, accessories, style and the way they carry themselves. And in the hospital, I noticed that all the nurses look good in their unique scrubs. My sister, who is a fashion designer noticed it too. She said it must be the uniform cut and style that made them fit every shape and size. Whoever was in charge of buying wholesale medical uniforms for the staff made a really good choice.

Anyways, despite the special hospital treatment we experienced, I am not too keen in spending time there anytime soon. I feel much better staying in my messy bed, at my most favorite place in the world - home.

My Top of the Class

Every night before I go to sleep, I look at my daughter’s face. And every single time, I marvel at how this amazing being came into my life. While I run my fingers through her hair and trace the delicate features of her angelic face, I couldn’t help but mumble a heartfelt prayer of praise and gratitude for God’s wonderful gift.

When I was pregnant, I remember asking God about how I wish my little girl would turn out to be:

“Dear God, please make her beautiful inside and out.”

The first time I saw Chestene’s smile I knew she’d be a star. Yeah, sure. All parents by default believe that their children are destined to do great things in life. But if you think about it, it’s the faith and confidence that we give them that make them believe that they can achieve their dreams whatever it may be.

True enough, at 2 months old, that very smile landed her the monthly finalist title for Good Housekeeping Magazines’s Baby of the Year. In 2006, by some twist of fate, she was asked to model for Smart Parenting Magazine where she appeared 8 times in their special revamp issue. Another year after, she was selected to model for the National Bookstore 2007 calendar, that put me once again in stage mother heaven!

Smart Parenting Magazine July 2006 and National Bookstore Calendar 2007

God not only made her beautiful on the outside, but more importantly, on the inside as well. She grew up to be sweet and very thoughtful. I guess the massive dose of bear hugs and kisses I shower her with, have turned her into one. =)

Mother's Day 2010
A warm message that will truly melt any mother's heart

Before we say our prayers at night, I always tell her to believe in the power of prayer and how God blesses a generous heart who shares, just like my parents taught me early in life.

 Our traditional Christmas gift giving to the kids in the neighborhood

Christmas gifts we prepared for her classmates this year

“Dear God, please make her healthy, smart and witty.”

After reading many baby books on how to nurture a child’s intelligence starting from the womb, I listened to classical music everyday during my pregnancy. I read and talked to my baby, and I loaded up on the good and healthy stuff plus iron supplements to ensure her proper brain development.

I had always been OC (Obsessive Compulsive) when it comes to my daughter’s nutrition and overall development, so the moment I stopped breastfeeding, I chose a nutritionally dense milk formula plus Nutroplex, the best multivitamin supplement that contains high levels of brain boosting nutrients to make sure she got her daily dose of essential vitamins. I wanted to equip her with quality nutritional products that will help her excel in school and reach her utmost potential.

Chestene started school when she was barely 4 years old. From Nursery she skipped Kindergarten, was accelerated to Preparatory and still managed to reap her own share of medals and awards. I was always there to teach and study with her until I became busy with work and delegated the task to a tutor when she turned Grade 3 last year. She had difficulty in Math and I didn’t have the energy at the time to teach her.

My little achiever

In spite of her teachers’ praises and compliments on how she was doing well in school in terms of class standing, her grades in Math kept her from making it to the top of her class. This year, I decided to let go of the tutor and made time to teach her once again. I usually come home late from work, but I make it a point to go through her daily lessons and make handwritten reviewers for her to answer during exam week. I even wake up earlier than usual to prepare her 'baon', make it interesting enough for her to stay inspired in school, and make sure she doesn't forget her daily dose of Nutroplex to give her day a good head start.

Taking her daily dose Nutroplex ~ the brain multivitamins

Colorful bento boxes that never fail to cheer her up in school.

Surprisingly, not only did she get the highest grade in Math, but she also made it to the top 10 of her class for 2 consecutive grading periods! In a class of 44 students and with her, being one of the youngest among them, it’s quite a feat to be on top, but she worked hard and reached it!

School gives her a lot of pressure, but I’m glad she is born with a great sense of humor. =)

One of our wacky point and shoot self photographs

“Dear God, please bless her with many talents and give her the confidence to pursue them.”

Parents usually influence a child’s interests until he is ready to pursue his own. I love to sing, draw, write and read books so it came naturally for me to teach these things to my eager youngster.

~Miss Performer~

I let Chestene listen to classical music even after she was born. So much, that when she was barely 2 years old, she was already humming Canon in D by Pachelbel in perfect tune. She later memorized her first full song You by Karen Carpenter.

I created her own channel in YouTube where I upload some of her singing videos every now and then.

Hannah Montana wannabe at 7 years old

She also joined contests, learned ballet, performed at parties and took summer programs just for the fun of it. I've always cheered and supported her because I know it will help boost her confidence, if she gets used to performing in front of a large crowd.

SM Little Star

Ballet recital ~ Grade 1

Party performance

Best Kiddie Crew 2009

~Little Picasso~

I also encouraged her to draw by giving her a lot of sketch pads and art materials to experiment on. We draw and paint together. Her early artworks resembled the style of Pablo Picasso, that's why I called her my Little Picasso. She made her first painting on canvas last year.

Chestene's early artworks

Her first painting on canvas

~The Bookworm~

It was hard to think of a better alternative to television when she was growing up, so I taught her to read. Instead of buying her the latest gaming gadgets, I invested in books instead. Whenever given the choice, she always chooses to read books over watching TV. It’s just hard to pull her away to do other stuff though, when she’s got her nose buried into one.

Her books have practically taken over our room. They are everywhere - bookshelves, plastic crates, drawers, and even under her pillows!

This crate holds books and magazines that she already finished reading.

Book heaven!

We are fond of spending most of our time in bookstores where she can finish 3 novels in one sitting.

~Young Blogger~

An expanded vocabulary helped her to write well for her age, so I taught her to blog. I wanted her to have an online journal where she can express herself freely. She shares about her fun adventures or just anything under the sun. Her blog DeCaFFeiNaTed (www.chesteney.blogspot.com) has a Page Rank of 2 and comes out usually in the first page of Google images when you search for ‘Love and Berry’, her favorite game.

DeCaFFeiNaTeD ~ www.chesteney.blogspot.com

Number 1 in Google image search for 'Love and Berry'

~Budding Entrepreneur~

My Blings and Things is Chestene’s own brand name for her accessories. Together, we enjoy making trinkets as a hobby, but she later thought of selling them to her classmates. Her first batch of designs got sold out in school. But now, we plan to sell them online instead, so her earnings could add to her growing cash fund. She is saving to buy a pink car for her 18th birthday. Yes, a pink car! Her sheer determination continues to inspire me to believe that anything is indeed possible, if you put your heart to it.

Chestene's designs for My Blings and Things 

“Dear God, please give her a bright future ahead.”

My daughter dreams of becoming a scientist-artist-fashion designer-model-theater actress-singer-writer-chef someday. (Whew!) It’s too much, but I know given the opportunity coupled with patience and hard work, it can be done. Besides, it was me who taught her that whatever she can dream she can achieve. I just don’t know how, but what I do know is that with God’s grace, I will always be here to support her dreams every step of the way.

Her self-drawn dream laboratory design

Sharing her dreams to her fellow tweeners in Total Girl Magazine (September 2010)

Acting for a comics story we made last year

“Dear God, please help me become the best mother that You will me to be.”

Parenting takes a lot of hard work and sacrifices when you want to give the very best for your child. It’s even harder for single parents like me who have to do almost everything singlehandedly. But with God’s goodness, the continuous support of my family and friends, I am able to raise Chestene the best way I can. It took faith, patience, perseverance, knowledge and a multitude of nurturing to rear her physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually into a well-rounded individual who is not only smart, healthy, beautiful and talented, but one who is also thoughtful, generous and kind.

For me she will always be on top of her class regardless of number, because I know that no matter where she goes, whatever she dreams, she will always have within her what it takes to exceed the best version of herself that she could possibly be.

Shop Handmade at Likhang Kamay Bazaar

Likhang Kamay Bazaar to Showcase Local Artisans

100% Handmade Goods at Three-Day Fair at RCBC Plaza Oct. 21–23, 2010

Skip the mall and shop handmade this holiday season at Likhang Kamay: The Artisans Circle by Yuchengco Museum, a three-day open-air bazaar where over 20 especially invited vendors will sell their handcrafted wares. The bazaar is on October 21 to 23, Thursday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the courtyard of RCBC Plaza (corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat, Makati). Likhang Kamay will bring together local products made by artisans, artists, and community and livelihood groups from all over the country.

Likhang Kamay offers Filipino unique, artistic, and high-quality treasures rarely seen in malls. Pick one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and loved ones—whether it’s fashion-forward jewelry and clothing, embellished fabrics, modern home décor and ceramics, fine prints and stationery, or regional coffee and delicacies. All items are handmade from a variety of media, including fabric, clay, metal, paper, and much more.

Come for early Christmas shopping and directly support local artists, craftsmen, and communities. Enjoy coffee and refreshments while you shop, talk to the talents behind the artistic creations, and visit the Yuchengco Museum right across. Bazaar entrance is only P20, and includes free admission to museum exhibits and events.

Likhang Kamay: The Artisans Circle by Yuchengco Museum is hosted by the Yuchengco Museum. For details about Likhang Kamay, call the museum at 889-1234 or e-mail likhangkamaybazaar@yahoo.com.

The Power of Choice

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the best lessons I’ve learned when I became a mother, is about the power of choice. From the moment I learned that I will become a parent, I knew I had to make not only the right-- but the best choices for my child.

The media is a very influential tool that companies use to encourage the public to buy their products. They spend a lot on image promotion and most people fall prey to the fancy, colorful and almost magical advertisements copywriters whip up in their storyboards. As a Communication Arts graduate, I learned that sometimes companies launch multiple kinds of the same product with the same formula, but packaged differently and endorsed separately to create a specific need for various target markets, while maximizing shelf space as well.

It’s easy to believe guarantees and promises on TV, especially if a movie star vouches for a product. But as wise consumers, we should always read the label and learn to compare. Not all expensive and branded products are necessarily always of the best quality. Why not try to look for a low-priced counterpart first, before parting with your hard-earned cash?

When a major recall was recently made by Abott Laboratories because of a suspected presence of beetles or larvae in certain lots of Similac powdered baby formula, a lot of parents panicked. Accidents like this do happen to the best of companies. And in times like this, the next best thing is to find the closest alternative product that is equally nutritious and fits quality standards. It’s comforting to know that store brand formula is available in the market and being sold at retailers including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, and Babies “R” Us.

Why switch to generic formula? Simply because, apart from enabling consumers to set aside a hefty chunk of savings that can be spent for other baby needs, just like its more expensive counterparts, it is also subject to the same exacting standards of the FDA pursuant to the Infant Formula Act. Try to check the labels of Parent’s Choice Advantage™ Infant Formula and Similac Advance and you will be surprised to see that they contain the same nutrients like Prebiotics, DHA and ARA.

To switch or not to switch? Why worry, when you have the power to choose wisely?

Confessions of an Impatient Bride

I find myself giggling.

I am here at my favorite bookstore, sitting comfortably on a red cushioned chair set against a wall and looking somewhat silly, chuckling all by myself.

Yep, that’s me in my not-so-flattering office uniform. :-)

I am JUST planning to pick up some school supplies for my Little Lady when my eyes passed through a pink book that, Hmm… looks interesting. And it wasn’t long before I realize there are only a few minutes left before closing, I’m almost finished reading the whole thing and I haven’t picked up a single school supply – the reason I am here for, in the first place.

"Boooo. You mean, you didn’t buy it?" I can almost hear you say. Well, didn’t I mention earlier that I am JUST going to pick up some school supplies (which, of course, slipped my mind) and DO NOT intend to buy anything else?

I just love how the bookstores have evolved into something better nowadays. They now exude a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to stay – letting shoppers sample read in relaxing comfy seats and even incorporating cafés in the setting, where one can have some brew and snacks while in the company of a good book. No pressure to buy. You can read and buy it, if you like or you can just read and leave it.

Anyways, back to the pink book.

It’s remarkable how this dainty book contains my sentiments about love, waiting and praying— Oh, how I can totally relate! For a while I feel that it’s actually talking to me. It tackles not only about anticipating marriage, but just like my old time favorites Our Daily Bread, Didache and Kerygma book companions I used to read in my younger years, it talks about life and faith in general with its signature mixture of wit, wisdom, and loads of inspiration while waiting for Mr. Right.

Just in time for my ---th birth anniversary (a time to turn a year older again) I would like to repeat these very words:

“Years rolled by mercilessly, leaving me still loveless and aging. By then, I was as old as the numbers on a thermometer.

A couple more years passed and my age equaled the temperature of a slight fever. And still I was single! Aaaaargh!

My desperate prayer was, “Lord, please send me the man You will for me to marry before I get a convulsion!”

-Confessions of an Impatient Bride by Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

I love this book! It’s an absolutely must-have for single and searching women wondering why love is taking so long to knock at their doorstep. I will not spill more details, but overall it’s a light and entertaining read that is definitely worth your hard-earned P175 or $4.00.

Click HERE for a sneak peek (just scroll down to view succeeding pages).

Although I already finished reading it, I still plan to get one as a birthday gift for my single, fabulous self. ;-) You should do, too.

Now, what am I supposed to be doing in the bookstore again? Hmm...


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Woman Power: Celebrating 10 years of Empowered Parenting

MOMStoday invites everyone to join the celebration of their 10th year anniversary on September 19, 2010 at the Rockwell Tent.

Lots of fun, learning, gifts, and surprises await! Among these are the following treats:

~Well Woman Talks from health experts
~Mompreneurs share their secrets of success
~Empowered Parenting:
family-work-home-balance
~FREE health services:

-Women's and Child's Health
-Nutritional Counseling
-Skincare and derma consultation
-Cooking demo
-Total Woman Bazaar

For pre-registration and Total Woman Bazaar inquiries, please contact 886.0333 local 112 and 113. You can also email them at momstoday@asiacmpmedica.com with WOMANPOWER as subject.

See you there!

Chicco Fashion Sale 2010

Save up to 80% OFF on your favorite Chicco clothes, shoes and everything in between at the Chicco Fashion Sale 2010!

August 14 - 15, 2010

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Metropolitan Club

Estrella cor. Amapola Streets, Guadalupe Viejo

Makati City (Beside Rockwell)

Exclusive Sale Preview

for Chicco Discount Card Members

August 13, 2010, 2:00 pm onwards

*Cash transactions only*

For inquiries, you can email europlay@chicco.com.ph or call 743.1658 or 732.5141 loc. 201/212 for more details. Happy shopping!