Live In The Moment And Be Happy

I've written this affirmation a long time ago and since then, I've made it my manifesto. 

Live in the moment and enjoy being.

"My concept of 'Being' means embracing whatever life brings you...it may be joy, sorrow, pain, hardships---the key is to cherish it (even if its painful) and learn from it. We honor our joy, we might as well honor our pain too. Life is so much sweeter when you know you're able to go thru happy or sad moments with no shortcuts."

- an ibyangism i learned when i moved in Sydney and found out that life is more beautiful when you have gone thru cherished tears.

Last weekend, I got inspired by the Happy Quote Book and decided to make variation of my "Live in the Moment" manifesto.

Live in the moment and be happy. 

Wishing you all a great week ahead!

Related Posts:

Affirmation: Live In The Moment and Enjoy Being

Discovered Inspirations: The Happy Quote Book

Affirmation: Surround Myself with Positivity

Affirmation:

I will surround myself with positive people, 

energy and images.

My Indoor Plant called PEACE LILY

Personal Reflection:

Being exposed to (too much) negativity is draining.  Negative energy can suck the life out of you and doesn't help one bit if you are already feeling sad or depressed.  While I understand that each of us may need some down time or time to wallow because of what may be happening in our lives, it is important that we have a certain consciousness in keeping the blues at bay for the sake of our health and well-being.   

I've had my share of bad days once in a while but one of my biggest learnings in keeping myself together amidst having the blues is to surround myself with positive energy whether it be from the company of loved ones or doing something I love.

Here are some of the things I do in order to avoid negativity in my world:

I choose the company I keep.  Being with people who do nothing but complain and see negativity in everything is exhausting.  I know people who do these all day and I have nothing against them as that is there personality--they have every right to be what they are.  But I can only tolerate negativity up to a certain extent so I choose my friends wisely.  I love spending time with loved ones who exudes positivity as well.   

I have dates with my girlfriends.  I always tell my friends that they are the food to my soul.    Whether it is in person, by phone or virtual chats, I try to spend time with my girlfriends on a regular basis because their presence simply makes me happy and sane.

I filter out and I tune out.  With the accessibility of the online world, it is so easy for negative vibes to reach you.  Nowadays, I seldom check in at Facebook because I've read a lot of negative shoutouts on a daily basis there (I mentioned to a friend before, "Ginagawang bulletin board ang FB ng kung anu-anong issue na hindi naman na dapat isapubliko.").  In twitter, I unfollow tweeters who makes bashing on people a habit.  At home, the Husband and I filter and regulate what we watch on TV.  When we have long days at work, we tune out completely--we don't watch news on TV and don't engage in social networking.  We didn't set up this rule though.  It kind of just happened that we want to come home to a pleasant and cheerful home.

I surround myself with images that are life-affirming, optimistic or inspirational.  In general, I like seeing pretty things because it simply makes me happy.  At home, you can see photos of our travel on display to remind us of our happy adventures.  I have a Peace Lily plant at the office and recently I bought the same plant for our home (see photo above).  It has become one of my favourite plants because like it's name, I feel that it brings peace and joy. 

I do the things I love.  When one is pre-occupied and productive, there is little time to invite bad energy.  I believe my good days has always outnumbered the bad days because I spend my time doing the things I love.  I have a job that I love and outside that, I write, I read books, I take photographs, I travel, I take long walks, I love spending time in the kitchen, I have dates with the Husband regularly and I pray.  These are moments that normally make up my day that gives me a sense of fulfilment. 


I de-clutter.  Clutter, litter and dirt are negative stimuli.  I'm not claiming that I'm the most organized person in the world, but I try to make my world as orderly as possible.  At work and at home, I try to practice getting rid of things I don't need so as not to accumulate clutter.  

I have my regular "Me" times.  I don't know how many times I've written about having "Me" times but here is this topic once again.  I can never stress how important "Me" times are for me and for the Husband. I'm grateful that I have a partner who is very generous in giving me the space I need whenever I need it.  

How do you surround yourself with positivity?


Enjoy the week ahead!

Affirmation: Wear Your Blessings Well

Affirmation:

I will wear my blessings well

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Wearing your blessings well doesn't mean you have to brag about what you have.  Sharing your achievements in life doesn't mean you lack humility or you are a show-off.  When done sincerely, basking in the blessings given to you is a way of honouring God's presence in your life and embracing the abundance God has blessed you with.  

I've been inspired by Joel Osteen's thoughts on Wear Your Blessings Well and I thought this is worth sharing.  

Deuteronomy 28:2 says, “All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.” God is a rewarder of those that seek Him. When you keep God first place and do your best to honor Him, blessings always follow obedience. That means you will come into increase, promotion and good breaks you didn’t necessarily deserve. When blessings come, God desires that you wear His blessings well so you can be an example of His goodness and display His greatness to others. This means you are quick to give God the credit when credit is due. This means instead of feeling guilty for being blessed, you are thankful for His blessings and receive them with gratitude.

 Let God make an example of what it means to live a blessed, prosperous, abundant life through your life. We are His great representatives here on earth! Don’t hide what God has blessed you with from the world. Learn to let God’s goodness shine brightly in your life each and every day and wear His blessings well.

{source} 

Here's another worthy read: some key points from Joel Osteen's talk on Wear Your Blessings Well: 

When you’re blessed, the haters come out. When you step up to a new level, the backbiters show up. When you wear God’s blessings well, don’t be surprised if it draws jealousy out on people . But we got to get to a point where we say not arrogantly but in all HUMILITY, “I’m gonna wear God’s blessings well in spite of who doesn’t like it. I’m gonna take this promotion in spite of who gets jealous. I’m gonna wear this beautiful material blessings in spite of who gets envious. I’m gonna drive this brand new car in spite of who criticizes. I’m gonna move in to this nicer neighborhood in spite of who judges me.

Life is way too short to worry about what everybody things.  If friends get jealous and judge you and are critical, you need some new friends.  Because true friends celebrate you.  True friends encourage and cheer you on.  True friends are happy when you succeed.

People may criticize. They may judge you, they may find fault.. but they don’t know what it took to get to where you are. Some people come in at the end of the movie and they see you blessed, and prosperous and healthy, and sober and free and happy and they want to judge you and criticize. But the problem is, they missed the 1st part. They didn’t see the sacrifices you’ve made. They didn’t see the struggles that you endure. They didn’t see the battles that you’ve fought. The times you felt like giving up but you kept pressing forward. The nights that you stayed up and prayed and believed and gave and served. They didn’t see the price that was paid to get you to where you are. And that blessing may look free, but the truth is it cost you something.

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for the favor, the honor, the peace, the victory that God has given you. Somebody paid the price. Seeds were sown. That is God honouring your past, faith, your sacrifices, your faithfulness. Don’t hide your gifts and blessings God gave it to you. People are always gonna talk. That’s their problem not yours. If you will always wear your blessings well.. BEING QUICK TO ALWAYS GIVE GOD THE CREDIT, then there’s no limit to where God could take you. He’ll make you an example of what it means to LIVE A BLESSED, PROSPEROUS, ABUNDANT LIFE.

If you want to watch the video, please click this link.

Affirmation: Simplicity

Affirmation:

I will make
my life
simpler.

One of my simple joys on my birthday (22 Jan 2011)...a ferry ride!

Personal Reflection:

Now that I'm older, I base my decisions on consequences that will make my life easier and simpler. 

Nowadays, I stay away from situations I know will bring complications and stress into my everyday living.  I don't mind being stressed as long as I know it will result to something productive. 

I spend my time with people and moments that will make me happy.  Time is precious so I choose wisely on who I want to spend it with and what to do during my spare time.  I don't want a complicated life so I don't like spending time with complicated people.  Life is so short to be spent in negativity.

I embrace technology if it will make work and managing the home more productive and time-efficient.  If it's a product that will truly help me and my Husband in having a quality life, why not?

Simplicity is not just  a matter of wanting the simple and inexpensive things.  I believe it is more about one's mindset in life.  For me, being simple means "un-complicating" things in life.  I believe it's about making smart choices in order to have a stress-free life.
Have a great week, everyone!

Affirmation: I am Worthy!

Affirmation:

 
{image source}

I am
WORTHY!

Reflection:

A statement so simple and yet so true.  Whenever in doubt, facing insecurities or losing some sense of self-worth, utter this powerful affirmation and truly believe in yourself.  Believe in yourself because you are worthy!

You are worthy to...
               receive and give love
               be happy
               be blessed with great things in life
               experience true love and friendship
               be made a priority of loved ones
               showered with attention and care
               be offered opportunities
               show and share your talent to others

               pursue and make your dreams come true

 

Face your challenges with confidence.  Outgrow self-doubt and believe in yourself all the time.  Never believe people who tell you otherwise.  You are worthy!

Affirmation: One Fear at a Time

Affirmation: 

I'll avoid worrying 

and face my fears 

one at a time

Personal Reflection:

Worries and fears take a toll on our body and spirit.  These two things are normal in our everyday lives but it is never healthy when we indulge with worries or fears all the time.  

As adults, we sometimes wish we can go back to days when we were young and more carefree--when life is so much simpler.  Whenever we look back at those days, we laugh at ourselves for worrying about the trivial things.  But then, during those times, they weren't trivial at all.  Our worries and fears then were very real and important to us especially when we overcame them because they defined us to be what we are now.

Nowadays, our worries and fears are of bigger scale as we have more responsibilities.  Now that we're older, we have more complicated wants and needs, more goals to achieve, more people that we care about.

Until now, I still haven't found the right formula to avoid worrying and feel fear.  There are moments when I feel anxious about things. There are moments when I need a loved one to tell me, "Everything's going to be alright.", in order to restore belief in myself and have more faith.

Whenever I have moments of uncertainties, I draw strength from my faith and loved ones who give moral support.  In moments when my mind seems to be filled with noises of insecurity, I listen more to people and learn inspiration from them.  Whenever an adversity presents fear in me, I accept that it is normal to feel fear and that something good will come out of it.  When I feel fear, I use that as a way to look for a better perspective and an opportunity to change.

-o0o0o-

Facing My Fears
by Amber Johnson

Now you see me in the dark
the dark that pulls us apart
you see what you fear
and now everyone begins to disappear
this world holds so much hate
in this world what is fate?
Sometimes we do not know what we fear
but we know it nears
and I of all people will rise
and I will learn to be wise
nor will my fears push me away
nor will I die today
I will not run from it anymore
it's time I open the door
and all those that I love
are going to know I'm coming above
I now will be able to sleep at night
knowing that I don't have to fight
this is the first step of being free
I have no right to hold up so much greed
and no matter where, when, or how
I just know it's time to do this now
its time that I let the light in
and stop running from something so thin
I do not know where I will go
but I know I'll leave in a flawless flow
this is where my life is bound
it's time that my inner self is found

-o0o0o-

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'  - Eleanor Roosevelt

Affirmation: One Step At A Time

Affirmation:

When I am very busy, I remember to take things

one step at a time.

{image source}

Personal Reflection:

As I write this, I'm savouring the last few hours left of my week long holiday.  The week that had been was a good balance of rest and recreation.  It was a week that I was able to spend time with family and friends thru parties and coffee dates.  It was a week of re-connecting not only to loved ones and most importantly to myself. 

As we all know, holidays aren't always enough but I choose not to think of the longing for more days of leisure.  Instead, I look forward to going back to another busy week at work tomorrow.  I know I have a huge week ahead of me but I trust that this affirmation will help remind me to take one step at a time...one task at a time to ticking off responsibilities that need to be done.

Have a great week everyone!   Take it easy, breathe and smile!


P.S.  You might be wondering why I put up a very relaxed photograph when I'm talking about being busy.  My message behind this photograph is that even if we are too busy with so many things, there is, still and will always be, time to relax...to take a step back and breathe.   :)

Affirmation: Focus on the Present

Affirmation:

My mind and heart are always focused on the present
as I do every task
one at a time,
calmly & kindly,
as it arises.

Personal Reflection:

The past week, I have had several challenging moments in my life. And the challenges are not yet over. I will be facing a few more in the coming weeks. There are so many things to do at home, work and outside of work. I am taking each day as it is and just enjoying every moment as always. What always motivate me is the thought that this too will pass and when it is over, I come out of each challenge with invaluable lessons.

Last week, I learned that surrounding myself with a lot of love helps in going thru every challenge I'm in. Love for oneself. Love from family. Love from friends. Love for one's passions in life. These four things saved me (it always does!)...LOVE. When things seems to be overwhelming I have enough love in my life to weather thru challenges thrown at me. I'm grateful.

I face another busy and challenging week this week. Other than love, I hope I will have enough focus, peace, calm and kindness in me in order to fulfill my duties.

I wish you a great productive week! Smile!

-o0o0o0o-

Blogging will come to a slow halt for the meantime as some things need to be prioritized at the moment. I have so many stories I'd like to blog about (events, recipes and food finds!) and I really can't wait to share them with you. I won't be gone long.

I won't be totally missed. Part of the things I'm finishing is the updating of my photoblog. I've currently uploaded some April photos. I'm hopeful that in two weeks, it will be up-to-date.

I will also check-in the blogosphere from time to time. You can find me tweeting for some random thoughts and photos I would love to share immediately.

See you when I get back!

Affirmation: Abundance Thru Positive Thoughts

Affirmation:

I create abundance in my life
thru the
power of
my positive thoughts.

 
{image source}

Abundance does not only refer to material wealth. It most importantly refers to some things in our lives that cannot be measured by money: family, friends and passions in life.

While I agree that financial wealth is important in having a comfortable life, I believe, more than ever, in having a positive outlook in order to create an overflowing of abundance of love from family and friends and fulfillment from the things we love to do.

Sending you an abundance of positive vibes and wishing you a great week!

Affirmation: Value Quiet Moments

Affirmation:

I value my quiet moments
as much as I value
being with
those I love.

 
{image source}

Personal Reflection:

As a wife that juggles several roles (sometimes, even in just one day), life can be pretty overwhelming. It is of normal occurrence that a friend would tell me, "You are always on-the-go" or "Ang dami mong racket/gimik! (you have a busy social life)". And I agree, I do have an active life. Other than being a wife, I manage a home, have a full-time job, I have relatives and friends that I regularly see and parties that I organize with them, I blog and maintain friendships online too, I read a book and watch TV everyday, my parents and I talk on the phone every weekend (one to two hours) and my husband and I have our projects (photography and graphic design) as well. I have a full life and I'm happy that everyday, I'm productive as I can be.

Do I get tired? Yes, once in a while I do get tired. But almost always, being with family and friends and doing things I love, never really exhaust me. They are actually the source of my joy and adrenalin.

However, I have one big secret that I will share with you---and that is how I'm able to manage my time well and not end up exhausted with all my activities.

On top of all the things I do on a daily and weekly basis, I'm able to allot time for myself (that's why I sometimes blog about my "Me" time). Time for myself is a sacred, sacred, sacred thing. I have my daily quiet times and I have my weekly "Me" times.

A few years back, doing all the things I love made me feel very tired and sometimes I hated going to work. Then I learned about the value of having quiet moments and having "me" times. It did wonders to me physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually when I started allotting time for myself on a daily and weekly basis. Nowadays, I rarely experience PMS or get depressed and I like going to work even on a Monday.

Here are some ways I'm able to have my quiet times in day:

1. I wake up a few minutes before the alarm and just stay in bed for awhile. Eyes still closed, I'd say my morning prayers and count my blessings.

2. In the afternoon, I'd sometimes have an extra 30-40 minutes of walking. I get to de-stress and exercise when I do that.

3. I go home early and have a quiet moment at home while cooking dinner and waiting for my Husband to come home from work. The first 15 minutes that I arrive home, I spend sitting down while I sip a glass of warm honey lemon juice or a glass of wine.

4. On Fridays when I'm off from work, I spend a few hours at a cafe, have a cup of coffee while I write on my journal.
Those are just a few usual things I do to achieve a more balanced and stable spirit. You can be more creative and adjust the activities so that it'll suit you more.
 
The best thing I learned in having quiet moments is that I never run out of energy to fulfill my duties, I'm more at peace and I'm able to give more quality time for others.
Wishing you all a great week!

My "Keep Calm and Carry On" Reminders

Do you want to make posters of the things you believe in or things you want to remind yourself all the time?

Let me share with you one way of making virtual posters online thru the Keep Calm and Carry On Image Generator.


What is "Keep Calm and Carry On"?
Keep Calm and Carry On was the third in a series of World War 2 posters drawn up by the UK Ministry of Information in order to boost the morale of the British people by passing on a message from King George VI. The posters were a stark white text on a red background, with the only image on the poster being the royal crown of George VI.

The first two posters, "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory" and "Freedom is in Peril" were widely printed and distributed. However, the third poster, which carried the simple message "Keep Calm and Carry On" although printed, was never distributed, as it was intended only if invasion was imminent.
At the end of the war, the posters were collected up and pulped. It is believed that only two original posters out of a print run of over a million survive to this day.


The story would have ended there were it not for Stuart and Mary Manley, who run a bookshop called Barter Books in Northumberland. Whilst sorting through a box of old books, they found one of the few surviving original copies of the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster. They liked it so much that they had the poster framed and placed near the till in their shop.


They soon found that customers were very keen on the poster - even to the point of asking if they could buy it! So, Stuart and Mary started selling and printing facsimilie copies of the poster. The rest, as they say, is history...
In the nine years since 2000 the poster has become world famous, having been mentioned in news articles, on TV and having been seen in many disparate places from country pubs to the Houses of Parliament.


For more on "Keep Calm and Carry On", you may continue reading here.

So this was what I did yesterday afternoon when I arrived home--made my own virtual posters via the Keep Calm and Carry On Image Generator.


I made a poster for when I'm feeling overwhelmed with so many things to do or if I need patience in dealing with something...

I made one that will give me courage, inspiration and that extra push to make things better not only in my life but also in others...

Third and last (for now), I made a poster of one of my Ibyang-isms and my most favorite affirmation...

I had so much fun doing these virtual photos. One day soon, I will print some of them and place them on my office desk or maybe post one poster on our refrigerator door. I might even make a poster for our bathroom! hehe.


Later, I will make funny quotes that will give me an instant cheer. For now, these three posters will do.


Thanks to Yasmine for sharing this "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters in her blog.


Why don't you try it? Click this: Keep Calm and Carry On Image Generator and share your virtual posters on your blog. Let me know if you do so I can visit your site.

Affirmation: Healthier Options

Affirmation:

I will always try to choose

the better and

healthier option.

In our everyday life, let's choose:

Healthy food choices.

 

Healthy relationships.

Healthy habits and lifestyle.

A healthy disposition.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Sources: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

Affirmation: Miracle

I am

a MIRACLE

ALWAYS waiting to HAPPEN.

{image source}

Reflection:

All of us are instrumental in making miracles happen ALL the time. If viewed at a learning and positive perspective, our every endeavor or adversity is an opportunity for us to make a miracle happen in our lives and in other people's lives. This affirmation is a good reminder that unhappy circumstances may be blessings in disguises so let's face our challenges with a proactive and faithful attitude.

Personal:

I was able to compose this affirmation in August when I learned that I am once again facing a health-related challenge in my life. Having health concerns is never easy. There is that initial reaction of surprise and fear. There's also my concern for loved ones whom I know will worry for me. But with faith in God and lots of support and love from family and friends, my fear has turned into excitement...excitement to get well.

Six years ago, I had to undergo a major operation and that experience has taught me to live each moment as if it were my last, to enjoy and just "be". This time around, as I face another major operation, my greatest lesson is to always look for blessings in disguises and that every turning point in my life--whether good or not so good--there is a miracle waiting to happen so I can share more with the people I love.

This week, I face a very challenging situation in order to be healthy again and I am confident that everything will be alright. Thank you to everyone who called, emailed and messaged me. Thank you for wishing me well, for your prayers and good thoughts which inspire me very very much. See you when I'm back from the hospital.

Have a great week!

Affirmation: Make A Difference

Affirmation for the week:

Today is another chance for me to

make a difference in my life

and the world.

{Image source}

Everyday is a gift to make our lives better than it was yesterday. Every new day is an opportunity to make things right, to make things good...and to make the world a better place. It doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes it only takes a positive thought, a hug, an encouraging message or even just a smile and you can make your day and someone's day brighter. The important thing is that we made today a little more worthwhile by doing a little act of kindness.

Good Monday morning and have a great week ahead! Smile!!!

Affirmation: Live in the Moment and Enjoy Being

I will

live in

the moment

and enjoy being.

photo from vulcan75

Tips on How to Enjoy "Being":

(these are advices I give myself whenever I forget to just enjoy my here and now. I hope these will help you too)

Be always in the present. Wherever you are and whatever circumstance you are in, enjoy it, savor it...cherish it.

Count your blessings. While it is okay to dream or want something in life, it is never healthy to obsess too much for things you know you can't have at the moment.

Be grateful for your NOW. Remember two things: (1) Each moment passes by quickly--it may be over before your know it and (2) your next moment may not be as great or as happy, so live each moment as if it's the best moment of your life.

Keep in mind that challenges are a part of life and that it is meant to teach a lesson. Embrace it the way you cherish your joys in life and always find the lesson each challenge conveys.

Never take shortcuts. An unhappy moment is part of life and the only way to live fully is to manage feelings such as fear, grief, frustration, disappointments, etc. Give yourself time to heal. Cry and wallow if you must, but don't be a slave to your unhappiness. Being able to rise up and learn from an unhappy moment is a sign of growth (take note: there must be LEARNING as without it, growth will be futile).

I've shared this before and I will share it once again.

"My concept of 'Being' means embracing whatever life brings you...it may be joy, sorrow, pain, hardships---the key is to cherish it (even if its painful) and learn from it. We honor our joy, we might as well honor our pain too. Life is so much sweeter when you know you're able to go thru happy or sad moments with no shortcuts."

- an ibyangism i learned when i moved in Sydney and found out that life is more beautiful when you have gone thru cherished tears

Here's wishing everyone a happy week ahead!

Affirmation for the Week: The Universe Will Take Care of Me

No matter what happens,

the Universe will

take care of me.

This affirmation is about believing that the universe has a way of helping us. It is about putting faith in the universe/God that whatever happens, it has all been planned and there are answers already, given that we also do our part. Whatever challenges and/or concerns one is facing, he/she should be comforted by the thought that whatever he/she needs, it will be given in time.

This affirmation is very helpful during times of anxiety; when one is longing for someone to come along or wishing for something to happen or when one is lifting his/her worries to the universe/God/fates.

Child of the Universe (a poem by L.C. Brown)

The universe exploded,
A piece became the earth.
I rode in on a meteror,
Its crash was my birth.
Lava took me for a ride,
To cool in the sea.
I waited for millions of years,
For nature to use me.
I became a child of the universe,
With no place to go.
Then God gave life a meaning,
That's how I got my soul.

{photo source} {poem source}

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

Affirmation for the Week: Positive Energy

I attract

positive energy

wherever I go.

{photo source}