When Sh*T Happens. It May Be A Blessing In Disguise.

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Have you ever experienced a moment that seemed like a stroke of bad luck, only to realize later it was a blessing in disguise? 

Sometimes, life’s greatest gifts come wrapped in unexpected packages.

My gift arrived 11 years ago. 

The back window of my car was smashed by sidings from my apartment complex due to wind gusts of 70mph. I was just new to the Tricities and did not have a man at that time. As I was covering the back of the window with plastic that I bought from Lowe’s… I thought to myself… It would be really nice to have a man help me out with things like this.

So, like any decent woman looking for a handyman… I went online at Match.com… And I found more than a handyman! I found my best friend. And I think I am pretty lucky that he is a hunk of a man too!

I also remember a time when I missed out on what I thought was my dream job – I wanted to become a flight attendant. But, I was vertically-challenged for the job – so I never even made the cut! 

At first, it felt like a crushing setback—a closed door to something I had worked hard for. But as time went by, I found myself on a different path, one that led to opportunities I hadn’t even imagined. That missed chance turned out to be the catalyst for personal growth and unforeseen adventures.

These blessings in disguise teach us resilience and open doors to new possibilities. They’re reminders that life often has plans far beyond our immediate understanding. Perhaps it’s a missed connection that leads to a lifelong friendship, a failed venture that sparks a groundbreaking idea, or a heartbreak that paves the way for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship.

So, the next time life throws a curveball your way, consider it might be a blessing in disguise. Embrace the uncertainty, stay open to the lessons it brings, and who knows what incredible opportunities might unfold as a result.

And you might just find your handyman too… 

Choosing Your Priorities: We Can Have It All

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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

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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. 

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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.