If I had my life to live over...

I felt so lonesome last night before waiting for my eyes to close for a deep slumber after a long day and so I grabbed a copy of Erma Bombeck’s book based on her hugely popular syndicated column. The piece below was written after she found out she had cancer Bombeck died in1996). I’ve thought of passing this to you by sharing this on this blog of mine as I felt there is a strong and powerful point that the following lines could give to everyone. Read on!

If I had my life to live over…
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show oil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s”, more “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it… live it—and never give it back.

How did it touched you?

Just Today

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone!!

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, whether in splendor or behind a mask of clouds. But it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day: today.

Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down. It is not necessarily the experience of today that disturbs one's peace of mind. It is often time the bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore live one day at a time.

While we should remember the past and plan and anticipate the future, it is critical that we don't get paralyzed by either. By focusing on making the best of the present, we can actually make the past a sweeter learning experience, and make tomorrow's hopes and dreams closer to reality.

Happiness In Doing Nothing

WHEN was the last time you sat back and did nothing? A little mindless indulgence, a daydream or two can help make you a little bit happier.

Block out your morning schedule. Sit on your couch. Put your feet up. Gaze into the ceiling and let your mind wander. Do nothing.

When on vacation, resist the urge to pack your days with wall-to-wall itineraries. Checking those must-see sites is indeed an experience, but so will hanging out idly by the beach, watching the waves.

Go to a café, order your favorite drink. Resist the urge to hook up to wi-fi. Take in the scenery, people-watch. Enjoy the sensuality of doing nothing.

“What a waste of time!,” one may think. I think otherwise. After all, you’re spending time with yourself, aren’t you? Making time for yourself is hardly wasted time. By doing nothing, you connect with yourself quietly, meaningfully.

Do you find it hard to do nothing? Perhaps you are feeling too restless? Take baby steps. Here are some doing-nothing ideas. If you have:

1 minute: Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing and let your stress melt away with each exhale.

10 minutes: Take a slow-motion bath. Rushing off to work allows us no time for smooth carefree movements in the shower or tub, so use these 10 minutes for some slow-motion shampooing and body pampering.

30 minutes: Go for a coffee break. Sip your drink and enjoy its sweetness, its bitterness. Gaze absent-mindedly into your cup or at the scenery. If you have a garden at home, take a chair and sit back with a glass of lemonade. Take in the fresh air and good sun, just be quiet.

1 hour: Take a walk. Walk aimlessly. See where your feet take you. If you’d rather not walk, grab a light comedy film and pop it in your DVD. Throw in some popcorn for some absent-minded but enjoyable chewing.

1 day: Do not plan anything. See where your day takes you. If you find yourself staying home painting your nails or listening to music all day, well and good.

During any of these moments, do not think of anything else! Indulge in the nothing-ness of the moment. You’ll feel lighter, calmer, more connected with yourself. And doesn’t that make you happier? There IS happiness in doing nothing at all.

Have you tried it? I did. And it's real happiness. A different one.

Miracle

I am gonna be sounding a little religious here. You see, every Sabbath (Friday sunset till Saturday sunset), my mind seem to not really function well with my writing skill unless what I am going to write is all about my relationship with God. I am supposed to be resting my mind during these holy hours but since I just couldn't sleep this early no matter how I tried, might as well just stay up a little longer and try to dig in my remembrance of the lyrics of this particular song which I used to fondly sing with my older sisters at church. It's called "Miracle".

How does the tiny seed became a mighty tree
It's a miracle
How does the sparrow fly in the boundless sky
It's a miracle
How does peace come to the spirit,
That has only known life's storm
How does a world of someone made so cold
Changed and become warm

It's a miracle of Jesus
The greatest miracle of all
He's so far beyond our sinful world
Yet so near when sinners call
All it takes is on us paying
From an open sinner's heart
And the miracle of Jesus can stand.

The baby Jesus cried on mother Mary's side
It's a miracle
It was the Master's plan He gave us God to man
It's a miracle
And the tomb just could not moved move it
Till the stone was rolled away
the Saviour rose up to Calvary
He'll return on us one day.

I am just in a little reminiscence here! You see, I missed my older sisters so much and they're in my homeplace right now going to church together. All I have are memories of them that, no matter what happens, will always be a part of me. :)

I Have Stated It...

Being a written expression that this blog is, I'll try to dig in my files and search what I have kept hidden in my notes. If only I am in Philippines now, I've got tons of collections out there that I have written when I felt like writing and such time happened many times! Hehe. The following is just one of the several that I came up with when I fell in love. Hah.

Transcending tomorrow's horizon
Beyond the legacy of time
My love grows
My love survives
More majestic than life's brilliant sunrise
Above all reason and rhyme
My love submits
My love abides
Deeper than the bottomless oceans
Far greater than the enchantment of space
My love rises
My love exists
Despite yesterday's mistakes
Beyond a promised embrace
My love trusts
My love remains

Contradiction

Further things about me: Contradiction- I am human.

I see in black and white,
But dreams in color.
I am human with vision.

I dream about love,
But sometimes live my life with hate.
I am human with hatred.

I see how happy the world is,
But feel so much pain and sorrow.
I am human in sadness.

I stray from the darkness,
But hides from the light.
I am human in hesitation.

My eyes reflect justice and security,
But my mind reflects crime and punishment.
I am human in revenge.

I look strong and open-minded,
But inside, I feel weak and sheltered.
I am human in pretension.

I feel alive and awake,
But is decaying in my dreams.
I am human who will die.

The world is a warm, sunny globe,
But inside me, burns a storm, so cold.
I am human. Lonely.

You see, I am human. I see it, feel it, sense it, live with it.
But above all those things- I am human in happiness.

My Life, Rated!!!

Just thought of doing this test which I've seen in several blogs of friends. Curiosity hits me with this one, and so, here's my shot!

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	9
Mind:	8.7
Body:	8.6
Spirit:	9.6
Friends/Family:	7.9
Love:	10
Finance:	5.9
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Your Life Analysis:

Life: Your life rating is a score of the sum total of your life, and accounts for how satisfied, successful, balanced, capable, valuable, and happy you are. The quiz attempts to put a number on the summation of all of these things, based on your answers. Your life score is amazingly high. This means that you are in tune with your needs and on a path toward great personal fulfillment. Despite the challenges of life, you have achieved harmony and balance. Continue doing what you are doing right; do not allow yourself to slip or falter. (Read more on improving your life)

Mind: Your mind rating is a score of your mind's clarity, ability, and health. Higher scores indicate an advancement in knowledge, clear and capable thinking, high mental health, and pure thought free of interference. Your mind score is quite high, meaning you possess a high degree of mental clarity, ability, and health. You clearly understand what is required to maintain optimum mental function. Continue doing what works, and avoid pitfalls which may come along. Read advice from other quiz-takers on improving the mind.

Body: Your body rating measures your body's health, fitness, and general wellness. A healthy body contributes to a happy life, however many of us are lacking in this area. You have an excellent body score, which means you are incredibly focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Continue in that focus, and your body will remain healthy and strong. Read advice from other quiz-takers on improving the body.

Spirit: Your spirit rating seeks to capture in a number that elusive quality which is found in your faith, your attitude, and your philosophy on life. A higher score indicates a greater sense of inner peace and balance. Your spirit score is dramatic. Continue on your path, do not stray. Continue to reap the rewards which your spirituality brings forth. Read advice from other quiz-takers on improving the spirit.

Friends/Family: Your friends and family rating measures your relationships with those around you, and is based on how large, healthy, and dependable your social network is. Your friends and family score is quite healthy. You have a social network you can depend upon. Count your blessings, but never forget that these bonds need to be maintained. Keep your friends and family close.

Love: Your love rating is a measure of your current romantic situation. Sharing your heart with another person is one of life's most glorious, terrifying, rewarding experiences. Your love score is very high, which means you are in a very happy situation right now. Do all you can to keep it strong. Read advice from other quiz-takers on finding and maintaining love.

Finance: Your finance rating is a score that rates your current financial health and stability. Your finances are somewhat in the middle, neither bad or exceptional. Keep doing what works for you, and improve what doesn't. Focus on long-term financial stability as your goal. Read advice from other quiz-takers on improving your finances.