Choosing Your Priorities: We Can Have It All

December 10, 2023 by GigiValdez Leave a comment

Can we really have it all?

We, and by we, I mean WOMEN – often navigate the complex world of ‘having it all’—a career, family, personal passions—only to realize that having everything doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything all at once. It’s about choosing what matters most at any given moment.

We try to do so much in one given space of time, and I have tried that myself. And it was a recipe for disaster for my mind. It was harder for me to sleep because I was in a constant state of thinking of work, family, travel, etc…

It hurt my brain.

Learning to let go of things you want to do or putting them on the back burner for a moment has tremendously helped the harmony of my life at home. Which I think is the most important PRIORITY for me at this point.

In this whirlwind of choices that we have, women find empowerment in defining their priorities. Some may soar in their careers while nurturing a family, while others may prioritize personal growth before expanding their families or excelling in their professions. These decisions aren’t about sacrifice; they’re about crafting a life aligned with individual aspirations and values.

Society often implies that balancing EVERYTHING is the ultimate goal. But the truth lies in the freedom to prioritize what brings fulfillment – what brings you joy?

It’s the freedom to pursue a career, relish family time, delve into hobbies, or foster personal growth without conforming to external pressures.

By embracing YOUR CHOICE, women create our unique narratives, defying conventional expectations. It’s a testament to resilience, courage, and the recognition that ‘having it all’ depends on your personal story, not a one-size-fits-all model.

Ultimately, it’s not about ‘having it all,’ but about having what matters most to you in the moments that count. It’s the liberty to curate a life that resonates authentically, embracing the journey of evolving priorities without the weight of what society wants you to be.

CHOOSE YOUR JOY.

Embers of Change & Navigating Homesickness

November 26, 2023 by GigiValdez Leave a comment

Life often leads us through a series of changes that can be as exhilarating as they are challenging. Sometimes these shifts bring a sense of homesickness, an ache for the familiarity of a place we hold dear. Being from The Philippines, this tug of homesickness is a constant companion, a yearning for the warmth of home, the vibrant streets, and the comforting embrace of loved ones. And this homesickness often gets worse for me during Christmas time.

Change itself is like fire—transformative, very capable of both destruction and renewal. It engulfs us, forcing us to confront the unfamiliar, leaving us scorched by the intensity of its impact. Yet, from the ashes of what was, something new emerges. Homesickness, too, is a fire—it burns with memories, kindling a desire to reconnect with the essence of where we belong. And whenever I have that yearning, I feast on Filipino comfort food or walk around the mall or a store – past times that we do when I lived in The Philippines.

Amid change and homesickness, there exists an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to rekindle our connection with our roots while embracing the evolution within ourselves. Just as fire purifies and refines, these emotions refine our understanding of self, strengthening our resilience and nurturing a deeper appreciation for experiences that shape us.

Change demands adaptation. It’s about finding a balance between embracing the new and cherishing the old. It’s a process of learning to carry the essence of home within, allowing it to be a guiding light through the uncharted territories of life.

To those navigating the flames of change and the ache of homesickness, like me, remember, within you burns the enduring spirit that carries the Philippines’ vibrant soul. Allow this fire to illuminate your path, warming you with memories, fueling your resilience, and igniting the courage to embrace your life…. Wherever you are.

Thanksgiving Post

November 23, 2023 by GigiValdez Leave a comment

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the tangled mess of life that led me here—woven with laughter, tears, and unexpected turns. Grateful for the scars that narrate stories of resilience and growth, and for the silent moments that speak volumes. Grateful for the shared meals that nourish not only the body but also the soul. Above all, grateful for the patchwork of souls—friends, family, and strangers—who sprinkle kindness and light into life’s tapestry. Thank you, for being part of my journey.