ON THE LISTENING EAR

All people want is someone to listen.

                                                 ~~~~ Hugh Elliot

Indeed, in this very busy world, we find people are too engrossed with their own lives and have no more time to listen.

So, even if there are so many people around, we may still be lonely.

Sometimes, we find company in the most unusual situation... or with the most unexpected person who give us the listening ear.

Let us start with ourselves.

Why don't we give a listening ear?


Let us give a listening ear ... we may find ourselves less lonely in the process!!!

ON PROGRESS AND THE FUTURE

When I was young, I accepted things as they were. I thought things would always remain as is.

Decades have passed and I now see evident physical development and I hear of upliftment of education.

I was so happy to see progress, since progress means  advancement and movement towards a goal.

This gives me optimism that there will always be something better in the future.

This gives me the inspiration to also do the same in my life! 

Let us be inspired to try to do our best...

First of all, believe that all things are possible.

Second, define our own goals.

Third, commit to move towards it.

We might just find out, we have achieved it! 

ON BEING AT A LOSS

Sometimes, we are at a loss on what to do with our lives...


We may be burdened by a family too early in life...
But, we may look at it as a blessing, too.


We may think we were left behind by everyone...
But, they may just be delayed for some reason.


You may think you were left behind by someone "special"...
But, it is actually his loss!


We may think we were rejected too often...
But, there may be something better in store for us.


We may not know what to do with our future...
But, this gives us time to search for options. 


Being at a loss is not altogether bad...
It just gives us time to take a break...
Assess our priorities...
Think... and think deeper...
And PRAY... Pray for enlightenment!
And PRAY that things will turn out better very soon...


And we find out... the situation will always be better very soon!!!

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER

We usually dream to be on the other side of the river, thinking it might be better there. 

Many times, we never know if it is better or not, unless, we try it out there.

Some have prospered...some have failed.

Why not make the best on our side of the fence, so they would want to join us over here!

MY FIRST SNOW

My first snow!

I remember in College we were told to watch Nora Aunor's movie "Minsan Isang Gamu-gamu".  (This is showing AGE !!!) This was about people wanting to go to the US and the consul asked Nora why she wanted to go to the US, and she answered, "I want to see i-snow".

Why is it that many Filipinos really dream of going to the US? They say it is "Colonial mentality"...still very evident in our society. However, I don't intend to dig deep into this.

I never really dreamed of living in the United States.

But, I did want to see SNOW.

Why not?

Even our Christmas songs sing "White Christmas" and dashing through the snow!

Somehow, I thought it is enough for me to experience the US and that would be fine for me!

Indeed, living in the US for nine months was a learning experience for me, aside from the hospital rotations I had.

I learned how to do domestic chores - cook, wash, iron, clean the house. (We were not used to this!)

I learned how to budget and live within our means, and look for discounts at supermarts and craft stores.

I was exposed to dealing with different races.

We actually had a great time there...so even if it was for continuing education, it seemed like a GRAND VACATION!

The folks we were with, were very helpful and gracious.

Life in the US was good.

But, life in the Philippines is better... for me!

I loved the snow, but so timely when we left because they had the worst blizzard in the decade!

So much for SNOW
... fresh snow is pristine white and amazing!
... muddy snow is no longer appealing!!
... too much snow is hazardous!!!

There are good things and nice things... and also difficulties, even in places we look up to.


There are also things meant for us.

So, if it is not for us, let us not force the issue.
We get lost in our dream to leave for the US and no longer see what may be beautiful here. 

Wherever we are in this world, let us appreciate the beauty and value of our country and our own little city or town and appreciate the here and now!
AND...May we be instruments to make tomorrows worth living!!!