ROAD TRIP (my miles of smiles diaries)

Thank you Joel! Today I am ready to turn the “I can’t” to “I can”. Through Christ who strengthens me, yes I CAN! 

I have been inspired to come up with a list of people who have left a big mark in my heart each year. People who have given me great inspiration, support system, encouragement, joy, and impact in a big way. And what perfect time, but the holidays, to express my gratitude for everything they’ve done for me in 2012. So, as my yearly tradition, here I present you the “people of my year”. 

My family is number one in my list. They’re my number one inspiration and support system.   

My mother and dad. My mom is the most caring and thoughtful person I’ve known. There was never a time she had not check up on me to see if I’m doing just fine. Recently there was a super typhoon, and even if they’re struggling back home too, she would make efforts to message and call me just to make sure I’m alright. Both she and my dad have always stood by me and have always made me feel their presence in spite the distance. I will forever be grateful for their never-ending love and care and in return, I promise to always give back and repay my parents in any ways I can, big or little.    

Lianie. In every major life happening that my sister goes through, she has always managed to keep her strong character and her head held high. She is a great example of fierceness and strength which I truly admire and try to emulate.    

Bethanie and Lylanie. There’s no other thing that could make me feel twice more rewarding than seeing my siblings achieve great things in school and to see my parents very happy and proud because of that. It’s priceless moments like these that bring me to most joy.  

Marilou. Marvin’s sister is someone whom we have a lot to thank for. Her guidance, help, encouragement, being understanding and patience most especially. The road we’ve taken would have been so difficult if she has not been there for us. One day we really hope, we could repay her for everything.      

Marvin. my other half, my best friend. Needless to say, he will always be part of the list of people that I should thank. For making me laugh, for preparing me good meals each day, for the every night-massage he gives me, for the tap on my back when I’m in my lowest, for his patience, for simply loving and being there for me. Before I always feel I’m alone, but now I know I won’t ever be because I know I’ve got someone I can be with 24/7! 

Irish. And she made it to my list again this year! Irish and I have been friends for more than a decade. And although we may be miles apart and maybe doing different things at this point of our lives, she’s that kind of friend who makes extra effort to stay in touch and a friend who, in just one buzz, would be there for you no matter what. I will forever treasure this person and I really hope our friendship will remain the way it is now until our hair turns gray.    

Judah. You can be around her for an entire day and you probably wouldn’t notice that there are some battles that she maybe fighting too. I guess only very few people nowadays could overcome daunting obstacles by utilizing grace, determination and undying love of life. As they say, the greater part of our misery is determined not by our circumstances but by our attitude. And that’s one thing I look up to Judah, even long before in college. Her positive attitude towards life is truly inspiring. As she quoted, “Happiness, I have those, actually a lot of them…” Well I believe that great things come to great people, like Judah!     

Skytalk family. Sometimes it’s those simple statements of appreciation (like your boss telling you how good a job you’ve done, or that your voice sounds so good, or like this one that my student Kiyoto sent me) that really keep me going. Whether it be at work, at home, from your friends, or even strangers thanking you for your simple acts of kindness, there’s nothing more precious than the feeling that what we do matters and that we’re recognized for it.    

Kuya Arman. From the simple acts of concern, to the guidance he gives us, a big brother is what he is like to me and Marvin. It’s nice to know that there are many people around who care about you and are always ready to lend a hand. They’re god’s blessings that one could truly appreciate.   

Joel Osteen.  Joel Osteen is a televangelist and a pastor. Although I do not personally know him neither have I met him, he has influenced many people, including me, on how to live everyday lives. He has published inspiring articles, magazines and journals that I make a point to read every day. It’s always nice to begin each day being able to find encouragement from God’s words.    

Maria Ressa. Maria Ressa is a Filipino journalist. Back when I was working as a news correspondent in a tabloid paper, I told myself I wanted to be like Maria Ressa; fearless, has extraordinary wisdom, award-winning, and inspiring. I actually wished to get to meet her when I was still working in ABS-CBN years ago, it didn’t happen though but hopefully in the future? =) Also, it was this year that I found out about BRAVEnewWORLD, a blog site by Maria Ressa and I am one of the thousands of readers who have been very much inspired by her posts. 

And speaking of blogs…   

inspiring bloggers. There’s always a point in your life where you need some help getting that inspiration you need, or there’s times where you just need that extra push to be happy. Here are some of the people whose stories inspired and touched me, thoughts that made me in awe, and life lessons they shared that not only motivated but as well as cultivated the courage within me. I hope to get to know and follow more inspiring bloggers in the future. 

They say if you show gratefulness for what you have, you’ll end up having more. And that’s what I’m looking forward to in 2013, to have more wonderful people in my list. To the people of my year 2012, THANK YOU!   

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” - Marcel Proust 

Read this story on my timeline… 

*** 

On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to the stores to buy remaining gifts I didn’t manage to buy earlier. 

When I saw all the people there, I started to complain to myself. It is going to take forever here and I still have so many other places to go. Christmas is really getting more and more annoying every year.

How I wish I could just lie down, go to sleep and only wake up after it..

Nonetheless, I made my way to the toys section. Once I was there, I started to curse at the prices as I wonder if all kids really play with such expensive toys.

While looking into the toys section, I noticed a small boy of about five years old, pressing a doll against his chest. He kept on touching the hair of the doll and looked very sad. I wondered who he wanted to give the doll to.

The little boy turned to the old woman next to him and said, “Granny, are you sure I don’t have enough money?”

The old lady replied, “You know that you don’t have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.”

Following that, she asked him to stay put for five minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hands. Finally, I walked towards him and asked him who he wanted to give the doll to.

“It is the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.”

I told him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her after all and not to worry. However, he replied sadly, “No, Santa Claus cannot bring it to where she is now. I have to give it to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there.”

His eyes looked so sad while saying this.

“My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy said that Mommy will also join God very soon so I thought that she can bring the doll with her to give it to my sister.”

My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said, “I told Daddy to tell Mommy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until I come back from the store.” … 

*** 

I wish this Christmas you are in the arms of your loved ones. Like the little kid, let us not take for granted any chance to show how much we care, love, and value the people dear and important to us… while we still have them.. while it’s not yet too late..   

I sincerely wish you all a very merry and a meaningful Christmas!! 

HAPPINESS is:

a good conversation. a cup of coffee. a bouquet of flowers. listening to my favorite song on the radio. falling in love. going out for a food trip. watching the sunset. friends. the beach. shopping. a day in the spa. having a job that you really love to do. laughing so hard over jokes that your face hurts. having someone tell you that you’re beautiful. a loving family. making my family happy. accidentally overhearing someone say nice things about you. lying in bed listening to the rain outside. sweet dreams. waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep. running into an old friend and realizing that some good things never change. watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much-desired present from you. getting a hug from someone you care about deeply. peace of mind. knowing you’ve done the right thing, no matter what other people think. 

A friend of mine asked me what happiness is for me and this was my answer. What is happiness for you? 

A 50- something year old white woman arrived at her seat on a crowded flight and immediately didn’t want the seat. The seat was next to a black man. Disgusted, the woman immediately summoned the flight attendant and demanded a new seat. The woman said, “I cannot sit here next to this black man.” The flight attendant said, “Let me see if I can find another seat.” After checking, the flight attendant returned and stated, “Ma’am, there are no more seats in economy, but I will check with the captain and see if there is something in first class.” About ten minutes went by and the flight attendant returned and stated, “The captain has confirmed that there are no more seats in the economy, but there is one in first class. It is our company policy to never move a person from economy to first class, but being that it would be some sort of scandal to force a person to sit next to an UNPLEASANT person, the captain agreed to make the switch to first class.” Before the woman could say anything, the attendant gestured to the black man and said, “Therefore sir, if you would so kindly retrieve your personal items, we would like you to move to the comfort of first class as the captain doesn’t want you to sit next to an UNPLEASANT person.” Passengers in the seats nearby began to applause while some gave a standing ovation. 

I am sharing this story because I definitely am AGAINST racism. We may all come in different shades; brown or black, no matter what color we are, we all deserve a nod of RESPECT… equal respect. And if you too believe in that, then do not hesitate to SHARE this as well. 

☺♥☮