I tend to be overly cordial sometimes that is why it is difficult for me to say “NO.” It is so hard to disappoint other people whenever they need me or need something from me. There are times that I run out of money because I lend it to my friends or neighbors. Then I’m the one who is so ashamed to ask them to return the money/things they borrowed. Maybe it was because my parents brought us up this way; being always there for those who are in need, not just financially this I don’t have much as well as physically and emotionally.

I learned that to please everyone is very impossible. There will always be someone who will not agree with what you’re doing; who will not be satisfied with your assistance and support.

According to an article I read in Good Housekeeping, learning to say no is an important aspect of gaining life balance. It requires recognizing and giving value to your own needs as well as asserting them in ways that are gentle and loving to others.

We should also learn how to prioritize things. It doesn’t mean that when we think of ourselves first before others, then we are selfish. It is a wrong notion. We have our own life to think of. We have our own needs to satisfy. When we feel that our life is our own again, we will find that we’re far more available to the needs of others. When we finally have what we need, we will discover it is easier to give back to others. So, there’s nothing wrong in saying “NO.”

Gratitude Journal: My son is so happy going to school.

Till death do We Part,” is a phrase that always stays in my mind. I remember the time when I said this vow to my husband. We are married for 17 years already, but never my feeling for him falter. Every day is a new discovery. Every day is always a new beginning. I think that’s what love really means for me. Living with the one person you love without feeling obligated.

Many said that true love is unconditional. Yes, I agree in a way. But love is also about giving; giving respect, importance, affection, and concern. What you give is what you deserve. You give your love and then you receive hatred. It shouldn’t be the case. He shows compassion and you reciprocate with coldness. That’s unfair. Love should be equal. Love should respect individuality. Love is RESPECT.

Many couple decided to part ways because they don’t feel secured in a relationship. And parting ways is the only thing they can do to preserve their self-worth.

Our marriage surpassed many trials. We faced those trials together. It doesn’t mean that we’re very compatible. We have differences and disagreements, but it’s accepting each other’s flaws and mistakes that make our marriage strong.

Gratitude Journal:  Thank God, typhoon Glenda is definitely out of the Philippines’ area of responsibility.

Sibling even twins have differences. No one in this world is exactly alike. Even cloning can not make a cloned person accurately the exact copy of the one being cloned. We are all unique. My life experiences are different from other people. The way we interpret life and the events around us has been influenced by so many factors that are uniquely to our own life.

In psychological sense, we all live in our own separate reality. The things that make me happy might seem not important with others. I cry watching romantic movies but other people might laugh at me because of my sentimentality. I scream sometimes whenever I feel depressed, but (I think) my neighbors think that I’m offensive (I hope not). But that’s how I express my feelings; it’s how I pour my heart out instead of crying.

My opinion regarding certain issues might be different from others. But it doesn’t mean that I’m right and they are wrong – or vice versa. The way we see life will always seem correct – to ourselves. There are times that I don’t see things the way other people do. I admit that sometimes I get irritated with this. But I’m trying my best to overcome this emotion.

I always want to live a peaceful life. Everywhere around us is full of conflict. Countries fight for supremacy. The powerful government is telling the world that they want to solve the differences and want to find peace. But look what is happening right now. I cannot do anything about this. No amount of rallies or petition can we urge those in power to stop this nonsense. I am thinking of what I can do as individual to effect changes in my life and other people’s lives (especially my loved ones).

It’s all about genuine respect. We must respect each other’s opinion and preference. We can stand firm with our opinions and values, but we can do it with understanding and compassion of the other person’s opinion as well. Try to listen intently with other people’s thoughts and ideas because from there you can also learn something very important. The differences in every one of us can bring out the best in you and me when we understand the value of tolerance and respect.

Gratitude journal: I was able to buy a new pair of black shoes. Thank you, God.

Many times we struggle against aspects of life that are beyond our control. There is chaos in our everyday living. We experience loneliness, contempt, negativity, anger, frustrations, and disappointments. No amount of tears, or anger, or sulking can stop us from experiencing it.  

Calm surrender doesn’t mean that I’m giving up on life. Nor it is about being apathetic, lazy, or not caring. Instead, it’s about acceptance that life is not perfect. We don’t need to panic or to fret whenever we cannot do anything about a certain situation.

Everyone wants happiness, tranquility, abundance, love, and respect but we cannot expect that we will have all of these despite of our effort and perseverance. We have our limitations, we are not perfect either. I don’t mean that I will not make changes or encourage improvements — because that’s not who I am. I will still do whatever I think will make me a better person and I will not compromise my principles and beliefs. But I will accept the fact that my expectations will not always be met and I should be calm accepting it.

Gratitude Journal: A kiss from my husband this morning really made my day complete. Thank you God for giving me a loving husband.