12 Things to Always Remember

It's that time of the year once more... that's right, the turning of the year... from 2015, it's now page 3 of 366 days of 2016. I hope you welcomed the year with a big bang! I meant that in a good way though. 

So, here I am again, looking for something inspiring and motivating as the new year starts. I do want to update this blog as much as I can, but at times, the inspiration escapes me. So I just grab it whenever it hits, like right now...

I found the above image somewhere on my Facebook feed, and I thought it worthy of sharing with as many people as possible. Why? Because I truly believe in these 12 things. 

We find people who are in constant search for happiness. More often than not, the answer lies within each and every one of us... if only we take the time to really see it! >.< 

The past cannot be changed. There's no sense in dwelling on it. Just keep moving forward. Tomorrow is another day!

Opinions don't define your reality. How many times have we heard that 'other people's opinion of you is none of your business?' I know it's too tempting sometimes to lash back... but is it really worth it?

Everyone's journey is different. I try and focus more on my own journey. I try not to dwell on other people's dramas. Life is simpler that way.

Things always get better with time. You simply need to believe. Because it really does.

Judgments are a confession of character. Are you in a habit of judging others? Do know that it says more about you than the person you are judging. Just saying.

Overthinking will lead to sadness. It's one bad habit I'm still working on. Sometimes, I overthink too much. Then one sad thought leads to another... and another... and another... so STOP!

Happiness is found within. No amount of external happiness can make one truly happy, esp. if happiness isn't in your heart. Reflect and meditate more on what makes you truly happy, then focus on that. I sure hope it isn't anything material, or you're in deep trouble! >.<

Positive thoughts create positive things. They say the mind is a powerful thing. We create what we think. Imagine attracting whatever it is your mind is thinking. I doubt you'd want to think negatively once you've realized that.

Smiles are contagious. ^_^ This is one reason why I enjoy watching and doing funny stuff more. Being around positive people also helps. Surround yourself with anything that makes you smile. 

Kindness is free. Just imagine what the world will be like if everyone is kind. At times, it takes a lot of effort just to be kind. Do it anyway.

You only fail if you quit. So true indeed. Keep trying... until you succeed. 

What goes around, comes around. Some folks simply do not believe in karma. No matter what, I believe in it. It's also one reason to always be kind. It comes around. >.<

And remember, HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. So, always choose to be happy, no matter what! Till next update... have a truly joyful life! ^_^

7 Cardinal Rules for Life

It has been a long while since I posted anything on here. Yes, life has a habit of getting in the way. No, I don't want to get into a habit of making excuses. I just thought I'd post here once again when I came upon the above photo on Twitter. It would be good to be reminded of the above listed '7 cardinal rules for life.'

I follow them all, except perhaps I would put 'Smile' as number 1. It just makes everything easier when you smile, esp. when you're talking about work. >.< I need to work on number 6 though. Sometimes, I'm in the habit of thinking too much, even when I don't have all the answers. Thankfully, I get to silence my mind at times with reflection and meditation. >.<

If there's anything more to add, I'd say come up with a goal, or even goals, in life. It doesn't even matter if they're small, daily goals. Then, focus on achieving them. It truly helps a lot when one is busy being productive. 

Lastly, ALWAYS CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY. The right attitude makes a huge difference in life. Till next time! >.<

Prayer for Kindness

Because I feel that the world needs a little more kindness, here's a prayer for kindness inspired by the leaflet "Simple Prayers for Busy People."

Prayer for Kindness

Sweet Jesus, You are so kind. I want to

be like You. Allow me to be a conveyor

of Your kindness today.

I pray for kind thoughts -- 

thoughts that will always think good

of others, thoughts that will give them

the benefit of the doubt, thoughts of 

compassion and respect.

I pray for kind words -- words

of encouragement, words spoken in

graciousness. May kindness be the rule

every time I give instructions to others,

especially those under me.

I pray for kind actions -- actions

that add value to others, actions that

make others feel special,

May I seize every opportunity to be

kind today. Amen.

How to De-Stress After the Holidays

How fast time flies! It has been more than two weeks since the new year started. By now, a lot of people may have been slowly adjusting to regular routine after the holidays. Perhaps some have also found time to relax and de-stress. Hopefully, you are one of them.

However, if you still find yourself stressed out, this post may be of some help. The first thing you need to do is to find time to stop and meditate. If you have the time, sit still for 20 minutes. If not, sit still for an hour! Yes, that might sound ironic, but it's true. The more you find yourself too busy, the more you will need to slow down. 

According to webmd.com, stress is a normal part of life. It can have positive effects like keeping us alert to avoid danger. However, stress can have negative effects too, esp. if you can't find time to relax or de-stress in between challenging situations. (For more info, read "The Effects of Stress on Your Body") So learn to stop, sit still every once in a while, and relax.

Then pray. Don't just find time, make time to pray. The prayer I'm sharing here is inspired by the leaflet "Simple Prayers for Busy People." 

You can, of course, come up with your own prayers too. Praying from the heart helps a lot. I know 'coz it works for me. 

A New Beginning ... Hello 2014!

Happy New Year! I shared above photo on my Facebook wall yesterday. It's now today and yes, it is the beginning of a 365-page journey. Deep inside, I know it's a great reminder that we have a hand in shaping our future somehow. I do look forward to the New Year every single time as for me, it's a chance for a new beginning. I may not have a New Year's resolution like in the past, but I do believe in setting goals and objectives. I consider them as a map in the path that I wish to take. If you haven't a plan, I suggest you start working on one right now. It may not mean that you'll get to accomplish all of them, but at least you'll have a checklist to see what else you want to do in your life. 

Life is short. I certainly don't want to waste my time on earth and do as much as I can while I still can. Well, it's time to say good-bye to 2013! Hello 2014!