Lux Thinking Aloud Inside My Time Capsule 8:26 AM The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 16: If you planted a time capsule right now of your life to be opened in 20 years, what would be in it? Twenty years from now I would like to look back in my life that has been with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. If I were to plant a time capsule right now, these are the things that I'll include so when I open it 20 years from now, that's exactly what I'll do---smile, maybe shed tears of joy with a heart full of gratefulness. Inside My Time Capsule 1. Pictures of the people in my life, places I've been and things I like. 2. My favorite books. I have a long list and if the space inside my time capsule is limited, then I'll just choose a few that has really impacted my life; inspired me, entertained me, spoke to me, I stayed up late reading, I dreamed about and made me laugh or cry. a.) Cliche as it may sound, I'd put my Bible in. It's a gift from my priest friend (when he was still a seminarian). Every lesson you need in life is there. It is our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. b.) Simplify and Live Abundance by Bo Sanchez. It taught me how to live simply (live within or under my means), stay contented but strive for a better life and become rich without robbing your soul. c.) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee d.) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Among the 7 books, this is my favorite. e.) The Single Woman by Mandy Hale. It taught me to appreciate, affirm, celebrate my single life and be as happy as I should be regardless of my status. f.) Where We Belong by Emily Griffin g.) Master Of The Game by Sidney Sheldon 3. My brother's stuffed bear who we consider as family. Every time I go home I borrow it from him and we sleep with Bearbear on our bed. 4. My journal with all my dreams, struggles and even everyday mundane whereabouts recorded. 5. My laptop (let's assume that it will still work after 20 years). This is like cheating though since most of the things valuable to me are kept in my files here. My "unpublished" blogs, pictures, favorite songs, movies, T.V. shows and important files are stored here. I can only be excited as to what my life will turn out 20 years from now. So I'm cherishing the things that are in the present and even feel the pain if it's there. I am preparing for the worst but definitely expecting only the best. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Really Truly Blissful 6:06 AM A grateful heart is a happy heart. The The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 14: Describe The Last Moment You Felt Really, Truly Blissful It's so easy to make me happy. Chick flicks, good music, a corny joke, a slice of cheesecake, shopping for less, book fairs, visiting a new place. These are just a few simple things that can put a smile on my face. Really Truly Blissful The last time I felt really truly blissful though was when my blog 9,000++ views! For some it's not a big deal, but for me who's baring my soul to my readers (no matter how few I believe they are) and wanting to impart wisdom and encouragement from my great experiences to the boo boos I made, it is huge! It's an accomplishment! I don't know how many people viewed my blog for how many times or if they liked what they saw or even cared to read it. Maybe some just closed the window right after the page loaded. Nevertheless, looking at my stat and seeing 9,000++ views (and counting every minute) gives me bliss. Reading the comments too and knowing that there are people who are also going through the same phase and that they learn from what they read gives me self-fulfillment. It's knowing that I have impacted in my own little way, the lives of others and that I made someone feel less alone is a huge bonus. Some readers would tell me that I did help enlighten them, they learned from what they read or that they're going through something and reading some of my posts is so timely for them. I made them feel better afterwards. That gives me the sense of satisfaction knowing that I'm serving the purpose of my life. I always say that I am not a good writer technically, but I always write from the heart (even when it's bleeding sometimes). So, thank you to everyone who wasted a few minutes of their time visiting my page, those who wasted an extra more to send me an email or drop a comment or two. If you think I've helped you feel better and made a difference in your lives, you don't know how you make this soul sings with gladness every time you drop by her page. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
The Story Of Warren Buffet 10:01 PM Honesty is a very expensive gift, Don't expect it from cheap people. -Warren Buffet The first time I heard Warren Buffet's story, I was amazed. How can someone so wealthy remain so down to earth? More importantly, how can someone so simple became the world's greatest money maker? See for yourself.
Day 13: The Last Person I Texted 4:48 AM The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 13: Describe How You Met The Last Person You Texted And Talk About Your Friendship/Relationship Today's topic will reveal how often I text. Answer: once in a blue moon. I don't like texting so I only text when it's important, if I need to ask or reply to a query, if I need to meet someone and discuss the meeting, etc. (I guess somebody in the past overused and abused the power of texting on me and made me lost my faith in it. Good reason enough). Anyway, to answer today's topic, the last person I texted was my housemate and it's me asking a favor; "Please buy me this for lunch". I know, not that grand. My housemate and I are officemates so my relationship with this person is that we're workmates, we live under the same roof and we share common interests including our love for the same T.V series like How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory. Nothing much to say yet because I just moved in a couple of months ago, but so far, since we both give each other the space and the freedom we both need I'd say we live harmoniously, no fuss whatsoever. Today's topic reminds me that maybe I really do need to try harder in communicating or staying connected with the people in my life. That includes texting more often and not just relying on Facebook as, let's face it, not everyone's got the time to go online everyday. Lesson learned.
Lux Thinking Aloud My Proudest Accomplishment 4:31 AM Helping someone reach their dreams is far better than any material things put together. The Single Woman's 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 12: Your Proudest Accomplishment My proudest accomplishment so far is that I was able to help my siblings finish college. Do I get an applause for that? See, it's not easy. While some yuppies are enjoying and splurging, I was budgeting my money to the last cent because I've got tuition fees and school projects to pay. I couldn't buy that pair of shoes or bag I so coveted at the mall because I need to send some cash for allowance. During that time I admit it kind of sucked. I'm working my ass off to earn and I couldn't even enjoy the fruit of my labor. Looking back though, that experience taught me to be more generous, more selfless and it even helped me sort out my priorities in life. I've learned early on (as early as 21) the difference between needs and wants. Delaying gratification has the best results. Helping someone reach their dreams is far better than any material things put together. For this I could proudly say I'm not just wealthy, I'm truly rich. Linked here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud I'm A Once In A Lifetime Kind Of Woman 3:18 PM I'm a once-in-a-lifetime kind of woman. "I am not just a one-in-a-million kind of girl. I am rare. I am precious." Claim that, ladies! Don't buy the lies that boys say to get to your pants. You are worth the effort. You are worth the wait. You are valuable. You are worth more than eight cows (read the story's reference here). Don't dumb yourself down so you'll be more approachable. Don't shortchange yourself. Being choosy about the people you let into your life is okay. Protect your inner circle. Don't surround yourself with those who are not contributing to your well-being. When you finally free yourself from people who don't value you, you make more space for those who do. Don't let labels or stereotypes define you. Don't succumb to what society dictates. Be the Proverbs woman. Be like Ruth, who didn't sit around waiting for a man to rescue her situation. Raise your standards, and don't apologize for it. Be a once in a lifetime kind of woman so those who let you go thinking they can do better will realize that you're the one who got away. Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise to meet them. -Ziad K. Abdelnour
Lux Thinking Aloud My Name And Its Meaning 5:37 AM What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. -Romeo and Juliet The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 10: Google the meaning of your name and talk about how it fits or doesn't fit you I don't have to Google my name to know its meaning. My parents made it clear to me ever since. It means I'm the lucky charm and that everyone were happy around the time I was born since it was when something great happened to the family. I'm going to focus instead on the nickname most people call me. It started during college when some of my closest friends would call me by it (I just tweaked the spelling); Lux. At first I didn't know it means anything (but it's simpler and I like the sound of it) until my priest friend told me. "Lux" is Latin for "light". Ahhh, now we're talking. I've always been optimistic. I always look at the bright side. Sure, there were times when my light has been taken away from me temporarily. Like when everything I believed in turned out to be a big hairy ugly lie. Or when what I hoped for never came to pass. Or when I got so hurt the ugly beast of hatred and grudge sleeping inside me woke up and roared too loud for too long. Oh, it was a struggle. Yet despite the pain, despite the anger, despite the sense of vindication building inside me, I chose to forgive. I was so bitter for a long time, that I admit. Despite the mess though, I chose to forgive, accept what's there and still look at the pros that came with it. I've learned (enLIGHTened!), I've been better, I'm happy again. I also hope, I really try in my own way, to give light to those who need it. It is also quite a struggle since there are a lot of toxic, difficult and also hurt people that I have to deal with. With God's grace, I've learned to let go of petty things and forgive the big offenses. It's not magic. It doesn't happen overnight, but I've decided to live and let live. I believe it's a matter of choosing between believing in luck or waiting for things to happen, and deliberately living in the light, seeing clearly and freeing yourself from darkness. I choose the latter. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Single Life 5 Things My Future Spouse Needs To Be 5:45 PM We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. -Dr. Seuss The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 8: 5 Things That Are Most Important To You In A Future Spouse The 5 things my future spouse needs to be? My friend asked me this question too and I guess I now have a better answer than I had then. The list may go on and on and on if I start, but let me try to narrow it down to five here: 5 Things My Future Spouse Needs To Be Lead me in faith He must bring me closer to God. Someone who shares the same faith with me or better yet, someone who's got a more personal relationship with God than I do. Someone who will encourage me and lead me in faith. He doesn't have to be a saint or a martyr, he just have to know God and put his faith into action. Financially literate Women want security, and the best way to make a woman feel secure is to provide for her needs and see to it that her future is in good hands. He doesn't have to be super rich, he just have to be knowledgeable in managing his finances and a good, generous provider. I just don't want to wake up one day and panic because I can't even buy us eggs and milk or won't be able to pay for our children's education (should we decide to have kids). No woman wants to feed a good for nothing lazy ass. Money plays an important role in every relationship. Money may not be everything, but it sure does affect every area of our lives. Wise, not just intelligent I know people who are academically intelligent but are far behind when it comes to dealing with "real life". They are intelligent in many things, they excel in school, but lack wisdom in dealing with what everyday challenges. A real man should not just be a know-it-all in academics, but someone who can survive the life in the jungle, so to speak. Someone who sees beyond the facts, who doesn't just rattle trivia but also possesses wisdom. Loyal A loyal person stays with you no matter what, keeps his promise and stays committed long before the mood he's in when he promised you things is long gone. With a good sense of humor. It would be great to be around someone who doesn't take himself, or life too seriously. Someone who can consistently make you smile and make you feel better when you're down. Someone who can bring you sunshine when it rains. Well, if he's also a good cook and a masseur on top of that then I think I'd be the luckiest woman alive. Gifs from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Where You Are Vs. Where You Thought You Would Be 12:23 PM No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. -1 Corinthians 2:9 I always thought I'd get married at 25. When I was in my 20's I realized 25 is way too young to settle down. I felt like I was not even halfway to where I wanted to be. So I said, I'd postpone it until I'm 29.Guess what?I'm past 29 and I'm still single. What. Happened? To borrow a line from 500 Days of Summer, "What always happens...life." The Tempest Where You Are Vs. Where You Thought You Would Be There are many things that happened that I didn't expect, both good and not so good.I used to be submissive, reserved, and I'd settle for what was there.Now I know how to speak my mind, I stand for what I believe in, and I definitely don't shortchange myself. I thought in my 30s, I'd be staying at home, raising kids, running my own business, definitely NOT single. But I'm here cuddling with my dogs, meeting my friends at short notice, traveling at any time I wish, with no one to consult about my schedules and plans...Hey, it's not bad at all.I can say with all honesty that I am completely, totally happy with where I am right now.I can't imagine myself being a full-time housewife at this moment. Not because I don't want to. Maybe someday. I still love doing what I'm currently doing. Every moment of this singlehood will always be cherished. Whenever I check my bucket list, there are more things I haven't done yet and so many places I am yet to explore. But there are also ticked items that give me self-fulfillment. I know there's more and I want to do more. I know greater things are ahead which are better than I could ever ask for. I have long resigned to the idea that I have good plans for myself, but God has better bigger plans.My Provider has far greater, more beautiful things in store for me. Where I am right now is still far from where I thought I would be, but dang, this is way better than I imagined. This is Day 7 of The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge by Mandy HaleThis post contains affiliate links so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Single Life Every Woman Has The Exact Love Life She Wants 11:18 AM Every woman has the exact love life she wants allows. The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 6: Sound off on the quote, “Every woman has the exact love life she wants.” True or false? Are you in a relationship right now, and is it exactly how you envisioned it?Are you receiving the love you think you deserve? Or are you just waiting for an exit?If you’re a woman with the exact love life you want, congrats! Not everyone can say they’re as lucky.I know I wasn’t for a long time. Every Woman Has the Exact Love Life She Wants Sadly, some women don’t have the love life they want.They are abused physically, mentally, or emotionally by their partners, and no woman wants that kind of love life.Maybe some of these women have experiences in the past that made them believe they should tolerate the unjust treatment they get because that’s what they deserve.Someone must have instilled in their minds that it’s their fault it’s happening. Maybe that unhealthy relationship is their “homing instinct.” The same familiar environment they were raised in gives them, so it gives them comfort and security.Because the unfamiliar could be scary. Maybe they hope someday everything will get better.Maybe they’ve accepted their fate and stopped asking or looking for a change. Maybe that’s the way they love; unconditionally, blindly, totally. I’ve learned these from all the years of observing others and from personal experience. The quote, “Every woman has the exact love life she wants,” does not apply to everyone. At least not yet.Not until the woman lets go of that toxic person. Not unless she ends the abusive relationship. It’s a beautiful reminder, though. It’s a reality check. What you allow is what will continue.If you let yourself be the emotional punching bag or emergency fund of the person you chose, it will always be that way.Every woman has the exact love life she allows.So if you’re not in a relationship that makes you happy, and you don’t have a partner who appreciates, cherishes, and honors you, ask yourself...Is this really the love life I want?Hero imageThis post contains affiliate links so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.