Elira, My Past Life

OK, because of the Korean TV series "Heavenly Ever After" in Netflix, I got curious of my past life. Aside from the fact that I am in love with Son Suk-ku, the reason I watched it. 😍 

So, I checked with ChatGPT if it happens to be able to let me know about my past life if I provide a little information about me.

Of course it can't. Haha! But it helped me explore my Spiritual or Symbolic past life. I've provided a little information based on the 3 questions it asked me and viola! What I described painted a rich and symbolic canvas of my past life journey based on the clues from my soul’s language - my fascinations, fears, and sensitivities. 

Here's the exact soul story that ChatGPT.com has created for me. I am amazed by the results. It can be true, or not. But it just feels good to learn about it. It even created a visual artwork and personal sigil of my past life world as shown on the left. 

Did you?

When all of you were laughing, did you even notice that I’m not?

Pinpoint Your Purpose Challenge (WIP)

I've thought of putting here my answers to the "Pinpoint Your Purpose" challenge from the Navigate Wellness App. The texts in Italics are my answers and the rest came from the Navigate app as guide on what to write.

Day 1: Journal about what you love - Did you know that people who regularly reflect on their values and passions report higher levels of happiness? Taking just a few moments each day to check in with yourself can lead to profound insights!

I love traveling and eating outside. It's actually the time spent with people that I love. I enjoy even the travel time, just doing a road trip, eating in the car, and enjoying the music. I also love the conversations that happen in between those.

I love gardening. I love seeing my plants grow. They are all pretty!

I can also just sit in one corner and watch TV. Whether it's movie, series, documentary, YT, reels, anything, I like wasting time. haha!

I love watching our fishes. It's just peaceful. They are our stress reliever.

I love mentoring people who want to learn and those who listen.

Day 2: Journal about your strengths -Studies show that writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them by 42%! Putting pen to paper not only clarifies your vision but also strengthens your commitment. 

I'm a positive thinker and a positive leader.
I have high EQ.
I'm smart.
I'm good with details.
I'm flexible, diligent, hardworking, responsible, and trustworthy.

I'm good with handling money.

Day 3: Reflect on your top values - Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was out-standing in his field!

Integrity.

Humility.

Fun.

Day 4: Connect strengths and values - The concept of "Ikigai," a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being," combines what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Exploring your Ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling life!

I actually think that I can earn and make a living using my strengths. I would love to be able to help people with the extra money that I will have.

Day 5: Set personal goals - Engaging in activities that spark joy can literally change your brain chemistry! Activities you love increase dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, making you feel more alive and motivated.

Exercise daily.

Pray.

Be present.

Enjoy life.

Day 6: Write a mission statement - Did you know that many successful people attribute their achievements to a strong sense of purpose? Oprah Winfrey, for instance, says her purpose drives her to inspire others every day!

To be an inspiration to the people around me and help them be an inspiration to others as well.

Day 7: Set life goals - “Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.” — Buddha. Let this be a reminder to dive deep into your passions this week!

        OK, I think I don't know my purpose yet is in my life. But I'll use this week to think about it and set         it.

Day 8: Take time for yourself - Research suggests that people who align their daily actions with their core values experience less stress. Knowing what matters most to you creates a powerful compass for decision-making!

        How timely is this. Today is my last day of work before I go on vacation. It's Bem's father's 70th            birthday. I think it's the first time I filed for 5 days leave. For 20.5 years, just now. But why? Times         like this matters to me. A chance to be with the family, to relax, enjoy, and have fun. For the first            time, I won't be bringing my work laptop. I chose not to bring it. 

Day 9: Try something new - 

Day 10: Help someone today - 

Day 11: Make a small change - 

Day 12: Plan to decrease stress - 

Day 13: Use a mantra - 

This has helped me ever since I saw "3 Idiots", a Bollywood movie. "All is well". Just 3 words, but very helpful and powerful.

Day 14: Make the most of today - 

20th Year

I was thinking of what to share for today so I've thought of sharing how I started my journey here at Epic. Let's start from the time when I was still applying for a job after college. Please bear with me as this might also take 20 years to finish. Just kidding. 😊

I told myself that I don't want to work night shift, not because of health issues or whatsoever, I just don't like it. So, when I applied to companies, I intentionally applied for day shift positions and blessed to have my first job as a marketing specialist in a training academy for a shipping staffing company. Unfortunately, it closed down after just being there for 7 months. But for me, it is a good thing. Why?

Life is Sad

Why do I feel that life is such a sad story.

You are born and taken cared of by your parents.

You go to school and earn a degree.

As you grow up, you meet friends who become your family. Some become just acquaintances, and some you get to forget because they are not so nice or has taken advantage of you.

You meet your special someone, or not. No one knows.

You then look for work and earn some money. Or you stay at home and work hard doing chores and taking care of your kids, feeling unappreciated most of the time.

You either live in a rat race or live comfortably.. only you can decide on what will happen to you.

You get to live your dreams or keep reaching for whatever you want to achieve.

And then you grow old, health deteriorating and getting worse, you feel every part of your body aching.

And then you die old or sometimes young, we never know. But one thing's for sure, we will all die.

And when your life ends, you will either turn into ashes or bones.

For a while, they will cry or smile remembering you. They will visit you every time it's your birthday,  death anniversary or every November 1st, Christmas, and other special occasions.

And then a few years later, visitors will get fewer and fewer until everyone totally forgets about you.

What a lifetime of crap, it's wasted. 

Why are we even born?

An Angel is Born

Today, we lost our grandniece.. before she was even born.😭

It was a very hard few months for them - both for the baby and Joy. As well as to Obyn and to the whole family. They've been fighting everyday to survive.

I hope both Joy and Obyn will have courage and peace in their hearts knowing that baby Malia Ellery was born to be an angel. That it wasn't anyone's fault. That it was God's plan. 🙏

Please guide us always our little angel.. especially your mama and papa and kuya. Eventhough you are this little, our LOVE for you is this BIG!

Just for the Heck of It

Eventually, I got tired of creating videos.. of creating memorabilia., of summarizing what happened, what we’ve seen and experienced. It’s just.. tiring. 

8 Things I am Still Interested In

1. Spending time with family.
2. Eating out and exploring different foods.
3. Going out with true friends.
4. Becoming healthy.
5. Building passive income and becoming financially free.
6. Dolce far niente! 
7. Traveling the world.
8. Reaching our dreams.

8 Things I am No Longer Interested In

1. Arguing with idiots.
2. Giving unsolicited advice.
3. Spending time with people who don't want to spend time with me.
4. Responding to people who only remembers me when they need something.
5. Dealing with inconsiderate people and with no common sense.
6. People who don't respect the people I love.
7. Listening to complaints and rants.
8. Being nice to people I don't like.

Imbento ng mga Magulang Natin

Noong bata pa kayo, ano yung mga sinasabi ng mga nanay at tatay n'yo sa inyo na naniniwala naman kayo? 

Eto ang ilan sa mga kautuan ng ating mga magulang na pinaniniwalaan naman natin. haha!

• 'Pag daw nag gupit ka ng kuko pag Friday or pag gabi na, mananalinsing daw ang kuko mo. Eh syempre ayaw mo yun di ba. naniwala ka naman so ipagpapabukas mo na lang.
• 'Wag daw magwawalis kapag gabi na at lalabas ang swerte. hahahaha ikaw naman naniwala itinabi mo na lang sa isang sulok yung mga nawalis mong kalat. ayun sakit sa mata. haha.
• 'Pag Biyernes Santo, marami din bang ipinagbabawal sa inyong gawin? Bawal manungkit ng bunga sa puno at mapupuwing ka daw. Bawal din mag gupit ng kuko (again? haha). Bawal din magkikilos di ko alam bakit.
• Dati kapag may tatawid na baka sa kalsada, ang sinasabi ng tatay ko swerte daw yun. Siguro para 'di lang mainip kaya inuto pa ko na pampaswerte yun haha. 😄😅
• 'Pag may sugat ba kayo noong araw, sinasabihan din kayo na may lalabas daw na kalabaw dun? At takot na takot ka naman! 😆
• Bawal matulog ng basa ang buhok. Mabubulag ka daw. Well hanggang ngaun ata nadidinig ko pa rin yun. Nakakatulog din ako madalas ng basa ang buhok. Malinaw pa naman mata ko. 

Ilan lang ‘to sa mga imbentong paandar ng mga magulang natin noon. Kung may maalala pa kayong iba, comment nyo lang dito. Kung hindi, sige kayo mapuputol daliri nyo sa kamay. 😂

It's None of Your Business

How many of you have gone to a family reunion or get-together with friends and then they asked you why are you still single or when you will have a boyfriend or a girlfriend? If you are in a relationship, how many of you were asked when will you get married? And then asked when you will  have kids? And so on and so forth, it just doesn't stop.

They will definitely ask what you don't have.

How frustrating, isn't it?

40 Things To Do Before We Turn 40

Okay, so 40 is waving at us and we still have a lot to do and want to achieve. What?! That's just less than 2 years from now! How can we do and have all of these?! haha! 

Here's our list. I've tried to make it more realistic before we turn 40 but I can't think of other things to do.. so, let's just change it to 50!!! Besides, life starts at 40, right?! 😅

⭐ Have multiple streams of passive income. Una talaga 'to eh. Of course, how can we check off all on this list if we don't have money to spend. Pwede, libre mo kami. 😜

⭐ Retire from work. Yes, our goal is before we turn 50.

Confessions of a Small Time Gambler

 Here's a series of Instagram posts we've written during our self-initiated withdrawal from our addiction. Yes, it’s fun.. It’s exciting.. It’s addicting. That's why we had a hard time stopping ourselves from coming back. We were hooked since 2014. Now, we are just taking chances on whatever happens. Hopefully not inside this 24/7 establishment, but in life in general.

List of Whatever

• Do not go to a casino to gamble. What?! So what else do we want to do there? OK, we can go there only if our main goal is not to gain some money. But if we win, why not! haha! Here are some things that we can do:
• Eat
• Go to the mall
• Play (but not inside the casino)
• Be a tour guide to someone who wants to go there. Limit your bets please if you can't stop yourself.

• Eat healthy food

• Exercise or do any physical activity or just move move move!

• Think positive thoughts, meditate, relax.

• Read books.

• Learn and master trading stocks.

Know Your Worth

How do you measure your worth?

Are you worthy to the people around you? Are you worthy to your family and friends? Are you worthy to the company you are working for?

When you’re gone, will they miss you? Will their world turn upside down? Will you leave a black hole in their heart? Will it be a big loss if you’re gone?

Blame Game

I’ve had some realizations over the past few months and I would say learned more about how human behaves.

Let me start with the common saying when someone farted (please excuse my example but that is what came first to my mind 😊)   “whoever talks first is the one guilty”.

To the Best Boss

I wrote a poem for my boss. It might not rhyme but who cares. Haha! Here is how it goes.

Some may like you,

And others may hate you.

But they don't matter

Because there’s also a few like us who love you.

There might be people who don't understand you.

I, too, cant get you sometimes.

And we don't always agree to everything.

But, you taught me to listen.. and to understand..

And even if sometimes that we just have to agree to disagree.

We’re OK.

Because at the end of the day

We still have the respect for each other.

Above all that,

I want you to know that I look up to you so high.

Your bravery, boldness and strictness,

No power tripping and abuse on the side.. just plain right and just.

Your dedication and love for the company

and to the people who equally love it.

It’s so contagious,

You cant just hide it.

And with all that seriousness

You also have your funny and jolly side.

And all of those make you

The best boss I ever had.

So I wanted to say, “Thank YOU!”

Knowing that I have your trust and support

Is already enough to keep me going

In this crazy yet lovable company.

To the best and awesome boss I ever had.

Happy boss’ day!

Thank you! Cheers!

At This Age

Early 30's.. That is where we are now. Some are already successful and have achieved their dreams. Some are still working towards their goal and little by little are achieving them. Some already have their own family, while some are still waiting for that special someone. Some have already travelled around the world, and some are still searching for the right path to take. No matter what, our lives have already changed since we were kids. 

Are We Getting Old Already?

We met 8 years ago. Still young.. Full of energy.. enthusiasm.. and wonder. Always looking for new things, unfamiliar places, and breathtaking adventures. 

Little by Little

We all have dreams.

I grew up in a small house/sari-sari store with no electricity, TV and AC. I even remember when our source of light is just a small gas lamp. It's really very dim. And when it's really hot, your arms will get tired because of using the fan. So happy to have my parents do the "paypay" for me to get to sleep. And when my asthma attacks, my father sleeps sitting because he is carrying me because it's hard to breath if I lay down. And speaking of sleeping, we also used to sleep in a hard wood, no foam just a "banig" or woven mat. I also remember lining up in our neighbors family computer to have the chance to play Super Mario. Oooh, I feel nostalgic now. haha!

Years passed when I started to go to school  and our house were now made of bricks instead of wood. It's still of the same size but it has become a lot better. Electric cables were already connected as well as television. I am also so happy because we now have electric fan! Our pots and pans were also no longer covered with charcoal because we already have a stove and is now using LPG instead of wood. Thinking of it now it looks like we had a very hard life. But I would say we just have an average life. It's not that really hard at that time. My parents did all their best to raise me well. They also bought me anything I need and want. I think I am a kid who doesn't want a lot of toys or clothes, only if I need it. I guess I got it from my parents who is not so "maluho" and is OK with simple things. And when my father comes home with a roasted chicken, it's already very special for us.

It was a great childhood and a good life. But of course, we still want something we don't have, right?

So, growing up in a house that is not as big and beautiful as the ones I see on tv and magazines, having a beautiful house, with many rooms and a second floor has been my dream since I was young. I worked hard, I had different freelance jobs and small businesses or "raket", all legal of course. I spent sleeping hours awake so I can have more money to save and spend for our dream home. I want my parents to live in a big house that is safe from flooding and comfortable with all the things they need.

Fast forward to today, I can say that I'm truly blessed to have a stable good paying job. This helped me build the home for my family. Little by little, it is now a reality. We also have a condo unit now. Although we are still paying for it, in less than 7 years from now, this will be fully ours. :-)

What else did I dream of when I was young? A car. It is not a priority now but we would like to have it someday. When we have a very good reason to buy one because it's not that cheap.

Another is to put up a business - photo studio, computer shop, apartment.. Those are my dream businesses before. I have tried once - I partnered with my college friend and we put up a food business. Unfortunately, we failed. But I can say that we have learned a lot from that. Bem also tried a food business, a lechon manok store. But also failed due to poor location. Because of these, I think I no longer want to put up a new business. There's so much to do and learn and would also need a lot of capital. Giving up so early, huh. 😏

I want to just stay at home or anywhere I like and be able to earn passively. Travel the world with Bembem, his family, and mine. Still thinking of how and what would that be but would like to make it a reality someday.

Soon. Little by little. 😉