REFLECTIONS ON THE FOUR AGREEMENTS by DON MIGUEL RUIZ

 

The Four Agreements is a powerful book that offers a simple yet transformative code of personal conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom. As an AI language model, I don't have personal experiences or emotions, but I can share some reflections on these agreements based on the feedback from readers and the impact it has had on their lives.

Firstly, the agreement to be impeccable with your word is perhaps the most challenging of the four, but also the most important. Many people underestimate the power of their words and how they can impact others, and this agreement reminds us of the importance of speaking with integrity and kindness. By being more mindful of our words, we can improve our relationships and create a more positive environment around us.

Secondly, the agreement to not take anything personally is also a powerful reminder to detach from the opinions and actions of others. Often, we can become consumed by what others think of us or how they treat us, and this agreement reminds us to not take these things personally and instead focus on our own growth and development.

The agreement to not make assumptions is a helpful reminder to communicate more clearly with others. We often assume that others understand us, or that we understand others, when in reality, miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. By asking questions and seeking clarity, we can improve our relationships and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Finally, the agreement to always do our best is a reminder to focus on our own growth and development, rather than comparing ourselves to others. By striving to do our best in every situation, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and satisfaction, regardless of the outcome.

In summary, the Four Agreements offers a powerful code of conduct that can transform our lives and relationships. By being mindful of our words, actions, and assumptions, and striving to do our best in every situation, we can create a more positive and fulfilling life.

THE GOLDEN BOY

 

Turning 50 is a significant milestone in life, and I do felt lucky and privileged to reach this age and still feel great, and healthy. Despite, it may also bring about many changes and opportunities. Here are some things I'd like to look forward to:

1. A sense of accomplishment: Reaching 50 is a major accomplishment, and it's a time to celebrate all that I may have achieved in life so far.

2. Wisdom: With age comes experience and wisdom, and I hope I may find  a greater understanding of life and the world around me.

3. More time for myself: I am still raising my son and focused on my career, turning 50 may be a time to have more time to focus on my own interests and hobbies.

4. Better health: By age 50, many people have established healthy habits, such as regular exercise and good nutrition, which can lead to better health and a longer life. I have procrastinating on building a better physical well-being, and I will try to start the soonest possible.
   

5. Stronger relationships: With age comes a greater appreciation for the people in your life, and will try and find relationships with family and friends deepen and become more meaningful.

6. New adventures: Turning 50 can be a time to try new things and take on new challenges. Whether it's travel, learning a new skill, or starting a new hobby, there are many still opportunities to explore.

7. A positive outlook: Many people find that as they get older, they become more optimistic and have a greater sense of gratitude for the blessings in their life. It's just a matter of choice and the option to simple live and find happiness in all that I do.
   

Overall, turning 50 can be a time of great reflection, growth, and opportunity. It's a time to appreciate all that you've accomplished in life so far and to look forward to the many adventures and experiences that lie ahead.

Turning 50

In a few weeks I'll be turning 50, there is so much still to look forward to and as well as a lot to look back on and be grateful that I am still here. 

Turning 50 can be a significant milestone in a person's life. It is a time to reflect on one's past achievements, experiences, and lessons learned. It can also be a time to reassess one's goals and priorities for the future.

For many people I guess, turning 50 can bring about mixed emotions. Some may feel proud of their accomplishments and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, while others may feel anxious about the aging process or regretful about missed opportunities. 

Regardless of one's feelings about turning 50, it can be an opportunity to celebrate life and appreciate the people and experiences that have shaped one's journey thus far. It can also be a time to focus on personal growth, wellness, and pursuing new goals and aspirations. I am asking myself, what else can I look forward to? What else can I do? 

Ultimately, turning 50 is a reminder that life is a journey, and each stage brings with it unique opportunities and challenges. I firmly believe that by embracing the present moment and looking forward with optimism, it is possible to continue to grow and thrive at any age.

As long as we keep a positive outlook, live simply, live healthily, and surround ourselves with people and friends that we love. Maybe we can still look forward to another 50 years. 

Returning to Blogging

I decided to return to blogging. 

That simple, but a challenge at the same time. I've been meaning to for a long time, but life has been a roller coaster ride since the last time I added an entry. There have been so much and too many events that are now memories that I hope I can still remember in detail. 

When I say a lot, I mean a lot. 

From my work overseas to returning home after six years. Having a son, a special son. Meeting my partner and spending the last 9 years in the relationship. My job for the last 8 years, my family, and my personal life's journey in this Gen Z world.

Being caught up in social media hype, my turning from '30s, '40s and going on 50 in a couple of weeks.

Not to mention, my usual thoughts and rants. 

All these, once more I will try to articulate through my blog. I hope they remain worth reading and may still spark some thoughts and inspirations from you readers who may happen to chance upon my page. 

Please stay with me. 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

"The Alchemist" is a book written by Paulo Coelho that has sold millions of copies and has become a classic in the world of literature. The book is full of valuable life lessons and has been one of my all-time favorite books. It made me more trust my instincts and believe that the universe does its magic if we only trust in it. And here are the top 3 lessons that can be learned from it:

Follow your dreams: The book emphasizes the importance of following your dreams and pursuing your personal legend. It teaches us that we all have a unique purpose in life, and we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. The protagonist, Santiago, goes on a journey to follow his dream of finding a treasure, and along the way, he learns that the journey itself is more important than the destination.

Trust the universe: The book suggests that the universe conspires to help us achieve our dreams. If we have a clear goal and pursue it with determination, the universe will conspire to help us achieve it. This means that we should trust our instincts and the signs that the universe sends us, even if they don't make sense to us at first.

Embrace the present moment: The book emphasizes the importance of being present and enjoying the journey, rather than focusing solely on the end goal. It teaches us to appreciate the present moment and be mindful of the beauty around us, even in the midst of difficulties. Santiago learns to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, such as the sound of a desert breeze and the warmth of the sun, and this helps him to find joy in every moment of his journey.

Go ahead, try to read the book, it is a simple read, a one-seater, but it will leave you wondering and thinking - what's my personal legend? 

IT'S A FAST-PACED LIFE OUT THERE!

In today's world, everything is moving at an incredibly fast pace. We live in a society where people are constantly busy, constantly on the go, and constantly trying to keep up with the demands of their fast-paced lives. It can be difficult to cope with this level of speed, and many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and struggling to keep up.

One of the biggest challenges of living in a fast-paced world is the sheer amount of information and stimuli that we are constantly bombarded with. We are constantly connected to our devices, checking email, social media, and news updates, and it can be hard to keep up with everything that's going on. This can lead to a sense of information overload, which can be incredibly stressful.

In addition to information overload, people today are also under a lot of pressure to be constantly productive and to achieve more in less time. Many people feel that they are expected to work longer hours, take on more responsibilities, and be more productive than ever before. This can lead to a sense of burnout and exhaustion, which can make it even harder to cope with the fast-paced life.

Another challenge of living in a fast-paced world is that it can be hard to find time for self-care and personal relationships. When we're constantly busy and stressed out, it can be difficult to prioritize things like exercise, healthy eating, and spending time with loved ones. This can lead to a sense of loneliness and isolation, which can make it even harder to cope with the fast-paced life.

To cope with the challenges of living in a fast-paced world, it's important to find ways to slow down and take care of ourselves. This might mean disconnecting from technology, prioritizing time for self-care, and finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety. It's also important to recognize that we don't have to do everything all at once, and that it's okay to take things one step at a time. By making self-care and personal relationships a priority, we can better cope with the fast-paced life and find more balance and fulfillment in our daily lives.

What Patience Has Taught Me

Patience is a virtue.

I was never a very patient person. I am physically restless and would always want something to do. I have a short attention span, I get easily bored if what I am doing is really not that interesting, to me anyway.
Being patient is never that easy, but nowadays, it is even harder, with the advent of technology everything can be accomplished with only a few clicks of a button.

However, patience can be cultivated and  nurtured in time, and having one can bring in a surprise with what it can do with the quality of our lives.

  

Patience can teach us many important lessons. Here are a few examples:

Good things come to those who wait: Patience can help us understand that sometimes it takes time to achieve our goals or see the results we want. When we learn to be patient, we may find that the wait was worth it, and the end result is even better than we imagined.

Control over our emotions: When we are patient, we learn to control our emotions and not let them get the best of us. This can help us deal with stress, anxiety, and frustration in a more constructive way.

The value of hard work: Patience can also teach us the value of hard work and persistence. When we are patient and keep working towards our goals, we can achieve great things.

Understanding others: Patience can also help us better understand and empathize with others. When we take the time to listen and wait for others to express themselves, we can gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings.

Living in the moment: Finally, patience can teach us to live in the moment and appreciate the present. When we learn to slow down and be patient, we can enjoy the small things in life and savor each moment as it comes.

Of God and Godlets

We are always in search for something, all our lives we are on the lookout for anything we thought of importance that we need to find. Sad thing is, we never seemed to find it, nor come as close to ever discovering whatever that is we are searching for. 

And the ultimate search people often does is to find God.  Almost everyone at some point would like to find God and probably to ask for a lot of things, maybe forgiveness, peace, stillness, answers to questions, some maybe for healing, happiness, bliss and warmth in God's everlasting presence. There will be many who "may" point the direction where we can find God, from heaven (wherever that is, I don't think simply by looking up, right?), to inside of a church, to the books supposedly the words of God, to someone who is "knowledgeable" about God.

I don't intend to debunk anything nor anyone, I am merely hoping to understand this search for the Truth about God.

We often limit God, we personalize the omnipotence of God's greatness, one thing is the infinite magnificence of God is way beyond anyone can comprehend, way, way beyond. We even referred to God as a He, but then how do we really know the gender? Can God be a She? We believe God is pure Love, and then we say God punishes the wicked, the bad, the immorals and the damned. But we believe otherwise. God is Love, period. God will not punish, God will not send the angels and smite every first born, nor God will make it rain with fire and brimstone. That is not God. 

“It is no coincidence that Jesus talks endlessly about love. Free love. Unconditional love.”
― Donald Miller, Searching for God Knows What

Whichever way we search for God, we fail to realize that our search goes outwardly, like God can be found in a place, or we expect God to appear as a burning bush or part the sea. That's not going happen, no matter how much we spend time and effort, as God is not outside, God is not out there somewhere, God is Us, God is inside Us. We fail to realize that our search for God has to be inwards, towards the center of our being. Find and believe that the kingdom of God is not that far away, it is within us, we are the kingdom, we are the Truth of God, we are the epitome of God's Love. We are Love. In our mindlessness, we fail to understand that to search within ourselves is the way in finding God. We were created in God's image, thus We are "godlets." Someone I love so dearly coined the word, "godlets" to make me understand that as human as we like us to be, we are God's spitting image. We are capable of magnificence and greatness if we only allow ourselves, and believe to be. So God is everywhere, God is ANYONE. A famous line of a song in the musical play Les Miserables, I remember the most goes, 

"To love another person, is to see the face of God."

That is absolutely true, each one of us is a reflection of God, little "godlets" that if we only understand that, the world will be the paradise we dream it to be. But, reality check, we are made to believe that God dwells somewhere else, "Seek first the kingdom of God" - Matthew 6:33, one just cannot go to somewhere in Europe to find a castle where God lives, right? What it simply meant is that we have to search within ourselves and find who we really are, knowing that we are God's "godlets" with a huge capacity to love, the power to achieve anything, that we possess both the wisdom and the knowledge of the universe. 

There is a God, yes, of course, but God is not up there, but rather inside each and every one of us, and to cause harm to another person and speak ill of a friend, we are talking to God. If we cause one to suffer, we do it to God. We do our best to be pleasing to God right? Let's do it here, right now, to someone we care about, and to anyone we may meet out there, anyone who needs to see God, in us, in you.

The Best Things Are Still Free, So Live!

We are living in a world where we are being misled to believe that the purpose of our lives is mainly to earn money and that the latest innovations in technology, food industry, automotive, fashion and medicine will make us happy.

Try this experiment, observe. Observe yourself, how you live, look around your room, or your house, take notice of the things you have accumulated so far. Go to your closet, how many clothes do you really need?
How many shoes?  We are not an octopus to carry all those mobile phones having different network affiliations around always. Does one really need one too many? Do we need all those gadgets just to be "in" like everyone else?
Do we need to shop for something we don't really need? We are creatures of HABIT, collecting anything? Do you really have to? Yeah, you may say you can eventually sell these collections when the need arises, but seriously, can you part with them? We are also creatures of ATTACHMENTS, we harbor things for sentimental values.

We spend hours watching television where these media moguls and rich companies spend millions just to convince everyone that WE NEED what they sell, what they offer, what they show...and they are convincing. We see giant billboards all around the city, we read them in papers and magazine, we are being "hypnotized" to understand that these things will make us happy, will make our lives better, but there's a catch, we have to BUY them, and in order to do that, we have to WORK our ass off. WE need to slave ourselves to our deskjobs, stations, market places, for that convincing advertisement. From an early age we are "programmed" with colorful and catchy information on TV, Magazines, Newspapers, Movies, Internet, and grew up believing all of them.

Observe, look at other people, your co-workers, watch them how they parade themselves with whatever NEW thing they have, everyone is guilty with pride, we want attention, we want to be the center of notice by everyone, it boost our EGOS masquerading as self confidence. But is it that important? DO WE REALLY HAVE TO?

Believe it or not we can live without all these things, we can be learn to be content with what we ALREADY HAVE, we don't need much to be enjoy our life, and the BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE STILL FREE. I don't need to elaborate much on that, because I am sure we still know what are these best things, we are just made into ZOMBIES to think that our life cycles should go around like this: SCHOOL - WORK - EARN MONEY - BUY THINGS - SHOWED WHAT'S NEW - EARN MORE MONEY- BUY WHAT'S NEW - SHOWED WHAT'S NEW AGAIN - SLAVE TO WORK - and it goes on and on...

I was blinded before, and guilty as charged too. BUT now, I know better, because I was told to look at myself, OBSERVED myself, to go out of my self and look at my habits, my attachments, and what I think are my "needs." Slowly, I started to see the picture, I begin to evaluate myself and asked the question, "DO I REALLY NEED TO?" "DO I HAVE TO?" I used to love the feeling of having admired or even envied for what I have, and when I saw myself like that, I felt a bit ashamed, sad and humiliated, and  I looked at my closet, I have enough clothes to dress up 50 men, twice! I have 30 pairs of shoes, excluding those I've already given away. I have a variety of gadgets that I don't even know all of their functions! All these, before I was reminded to look beyond myself. I realized too that I am better than this, that these things cannot be the source of my happiness.

We have to awaken from a deep sleep, we have to understand the importance of contentment, we have to realize that our happiness cannot be found in material accumulations but from knowing that, and we hear it over and over again, but seemed not to take heed of it, happiness can be found on simple things.WE don't NEED to WORK HARD for our happiness, we don't have to.

BUT, of course we have to have something to catch up with the times, right? We only need to have enough to not to compromise our freedom and enjoyment of life. Live guys! Live!

The Path I Want To Take

Life begins at 40, at this stage most people probably are stable, living their lives according to what they believe in, and I am still feeling lost. Lost in everything, am I having an early midlife crisis? I don't think so.
I am in the midst of having a major setback in my life, no job, no offers, no money, and a future that seemed to be bleak.
I often ask myself why.
The answer came unexpectedly, and I realized that it's been there all along. For the last three years of my life I had been preparing for this set back, sounds a bit weird, but I knew it coming and for a great reason. I need to go through this in order to understand and open myself to a lot of bigger things. Bigger than I can ever comprehend.
I need to go through this in order to appreciate the lessons in wants, losses, simplicity and letting go. There is so much to understand about a lot of things going on, and my mind had been filled with a lot of questions hat needs answers. I am learning to let go of my wants. Accumulation of things I really don't have a need for, things that I can live without. Tangible and intangible things, I am releasing myself from the chain of envy, the binds of commercialism and social standards.
The path to greater freedom and understanding of the world and how life should be lived is a road not everyone travel through. Many will not understand at a glance the subtle changes I may undergo, they may say I am going out of my mind even.
I am not satisfied with what is already given, the obvious, the norm, what everyone else should be doing. I am not happy, I cannot be myself. I had to conform to what people expect of me, I had to follow what everyone else is doing. That I should be scared of going out of the safety of a collective thinking that it is not ok to change, to break the rules, to ask the question, to shake the bottle and crate confusion and chaos.
I will seek the answers to many of my questions, and open myself to all possibilities.
It will be a dangerous choice, but a choice nonetheless that I am free to take. I am ready to go to the other side and I am not scared. I am ready to take the journey and start a life meant for me to live. To understand my purpose and to act on this divine gift using all the skills and talents that I acquire through the years. Its been laid our for me, and I can see it clearly.
It will require greater patience and perseverance, a clear mind and an awakened spirit. Slowly, I am going out of my comfort zone, I am observing myself, being conscious of myself, my every word and action. This awareness of oneself is the start of my journey, for it is by getting to know myself, who I am as creation of pure love and light, will serve as my vehicle to travel through an ocean of knowledge and discoveries.
It will not be easy, but the reward is immeasurable.
The journey will be an adventure.
A dream within a dream, where every character is of my own creation, my own life.
I have to die, consciously in order to resurrect into the person I am meant to be. To follow a guide that is presented to me by the universe itself. To know the truth about God, the universe, the hidden truths and evolve to a higher conscious being and take people who are willing to travel the same path with me as many as I can.

Be Unbusy

"I am busy!"
How often do we hear this phrase whenever be ask a love one, a friend or someone when we needed their attention?

“Those who are wise won’t be busy, and those who are too busy can’t be wise.” ― Lin Yutang

"Busy" has become the new word for "Fine." Like we used to say we are "fine" when asked  how we are doing, but more often people reply "Busy" instead. It has become our default situation everytime.
But being busy has made our life better? Are we improving because we get too busy? I bet you, we are not.
Have you noticed that we are often too busy at almost anything. Parents (and it is true) are always too busy to assist their children with their homework or even read them a book. Day cares and after-school activities had replaced parents instead. We often too, find it hard to include a chance to travel or vacation these days. We are living with extreme stress everyday and lie awake at night because of this. It has become a problem. We have become too busy.
It does not have to be this way, becoming busy is not expected.
We can choose to be unbusy.
For one, it is always our choice, a decision and never we are pushed or directed to busyness. We need to understand that schedules are planned by us. We have a choice.
Have you noticed too that we associate busyness with being great, exemplary and honorable? We need to stop glorifying busyness. It is alright not to be busy. Appreciate rests. Schedule rest days, one of the reasons we keep ourselves busy is because we do not understand the importance of rest. It is important that our body, mind and spirit gets to rest every now and then, we need to rejuvenate.
Understand our priorities and goals in life. Determine what are important after all busyness is all about misplaced priorities.
Try to own fewer things, we like to accumulate a lot of knick knacks and it takes much of our time and energy just giving each and every item an attention, cleaning, organizing, rearranging and maintaining. The more we own, the more time is needed. Give away stuff that is not useful anymore and own less. Then we'll find the extra time to rest.
Make it a habit to provide space in your daily routine. Take the time to eat, take the time to meditate in the morning, put some effort in being alone with yourself. Do have breaks when at work or in between assignments.
We can always say "no." We need to learn how to say "no" and stand by it. No to less important commitments, because it then opens to a much more worthy options. Busyness does not need to define who we are. It is possible to be unbusy, to enjoy a peaceful life, to be happy.

A Better Life, It Is Possible

“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov 

For every hundred men, starting from age 25, upon reaching the age of 65, only 1 rich, 4 are financially independent, five are still working and the rest will be broke. Which tells us that only 5 out of 100 people are successful in life. Now why is that? Why only 5 end up living their dreams? Why do we need to struggle in life? Why are there so few who actually lived their lives?
The answer is simply, 5 out of 100 knows why they exist in this world and the remaining 95 spend their lives without knowing what their purpose in life is. To make it clear, our life purpose is the reason we are here in this world, it is our assignment! It is the what we are meant to contribute and make a difference in the world and make it at least a better place to live in. It is what we are created for by God to share to the world. A problem to solve for humanity. Usually, this goes beyond ourselves and is far great than us.  

“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.”
― Robert F. Kennedy

More often our thoughts are all about us, ourselves and you only, and probably not working in life with our life's purpose. In making ourselves the center of our thoughts is self-centeredness, which limits our abilities to succeed in life.
Are we in this world just to earn a living and provide for our family? I don't think so, because that is too small to be the purpose of our life. If where the purpose of anything is not known, often it is being abused; if we fail to identify our life purpose, we often end up being used, abused and support others to achieve their life purpose. Sad to say the reality is most of us are employed today, we start our morning everyday performing a routine helping our employers to realize their vision and serve their purpose. I don't mean to say that it is not right to work for an employer, it could be an instrument to get some skills and resources which can help in serving our life purpose. But, we need to know what our life purpose and have a plan to serve it. Would you like to be just an employee for the rest of  your life?
To know what our life purpose, we need to search for our own answer to these questions: Why am I in this world? How can I make my life count? These clues can probably help figure it out:

1. Know that one thing you can do and very good at.
2. Discover what you love and enjoy doing.
3. Is there anything you are so passionate about?
4. Is  there anything you can do and be your best regardless not receiving any monetary reward from it?

Any one of these might give us something to better understand why we are in this world. Then we can develop and hone our skills in that particular talent or skill to become our best. More importantly, shifting our attention from ourselves to others. Think of how to use our skills to benefit the human race and to the glory of the God.
Each one of us is born to contribute something to the world. That is our life purpose, and once we discovered that, the lessons of what you sow you reap applies. The 5 people who succeeded in life knows this perfectly well, and what exactly did they do? While most of us focus on reaping, these people focus on sowing. They understand that what they sow eventually they will reap in the end. They planted their time and their resources towards giving and serving their purpose to benefit humanity; donating into the world by solving the problem and meeting others needs, employing us. This tactic eventually create more than enough harvest to take care of their personal needs.
However, most of us have the mindset of meeting only our personal needs, an employee mindset. It is a mystery when I see people getting a job for the sole purpose of getting a high salary. Getting the money to take care of personal needs. That is our main focus, the harvest than the sowing. We work tirelessly night and day for the money.  It is a universal truth that our needs need to be met, but we need to meet the needs of others too. If our major purpose to specifically to only meet our needs, then we must understand that this kind of thinking only leads to a life of constantly struggling to succeed. But there is a better way to live and that is to identify our life purpose and serve that purpose for the humanity. When we do this, we will be reaping an abundance of harvest that is more than enough for our needs.

Simplicity And The Pursuit of Happiness

A young man is lazily lying on the beach, his fishing rod propped on the sand, lounging in the warmth of the afternoon sun and enjoying the crisp salty sea breeze while dreaming of a prospect of a hearty catch of fish.
Along came an elder businessman, who happen to pass by the beach to relieve himself of the days stress and found the young man enjoying himself lazily.
He approached the young man to find out why he is wasting his time there instead of working hard for a living.
"You cannot catch a fish that way! You should be working very hard for a living than just lying there young man!"
The young man just looked up the older man and smiling, "Then what would my reward be?"
"Well, you can get bigger nets and then you can catch more fish." The old man said.
"And what will my reward be?"
Starting to get irritated, the old man answered, "You can earn a lot of money to buy a boat so you can catch more fish!"
"My reward would then be what?"
The old man is starting to feel his blood coming up to his face, "So you can buy bigger boats and hire people to wok for you in catching more fish then!"
The young man, still smiling answered, "So therefore my reward would be?"
Angrily, the old man said, "Don't you understand you can be so rich that you don't have to work anymore, you will have a fleet of boats and lots of people working for you, then you can have all the time in the world to lie on the beach and enjoy yourself."
And the young man happily replied, "What do you think I am doing now?"

A life of simplicity can be beautiful, and it calls to those who are willing to listen. An invitation to live our life we are meant to live, not the life maybe our next door neighbor is trying hard to achieve.To simplify our life is to pursue the things we value the most, not the worth of the giant billboards, glossy magazines and enticing TV advertisements. It beckons us to remove distractions the keeps us from living and enjoying our life to the fullest.
Because the moment we stop living our lives pursuing the world's definition of happiness, we start to be aware of the choice to feel happiness that has been right in front of us all along.

CHANGE

Hello, I am back, been to a long hiatus, but not anymore. Here I am and will again fill your minds with my rantings and insights about a lot of things. My mind is a wanderer, it even gone to places I myself have never been, and it always brings me back all the things it learned, seen and experienced along its journey.

It's been a while, and I've been here and there, still restless and longing for something new in my life. Since I turned 40, another life beginning, I left Saudi Arabia, went around Singapore and now back home and I am pretty sure not going to stay for that long as I need to keep moving.

Keeping in touch with my mentor/spiritual guide, we had been on an adventure together, of the mind that is. Not seeing in person, but through our long distance conversations, I was slowly evolving into someone that I am not accustomed to, yet excited to be. Let's put it this way, I am changing. I see things on a different light and perspective. I see and understand a little bit more about what is going on around me.

Still with me? I'd like to share with you guys, the journey I am about to take, the world I am about to see, and the secrets that will be revealed to me; a journey where I will be facing the greatest fear most of us wouldn't want to face. The fear of CHANGE. To change who we are, to go against the norm, to stand up against something, to not go with the flow, to not do what everyone else is doing.

CHANGE, the word itself brings a feeling of defense, shielding oneself from movement, from doing something not of the ordinary, to face oppositions and mockeries, even threats.

The world is ready for change, but I am not talking about the change in the way we live, but in the way we think. The technological revolution is so intense that we are already so much into the acquisition of the latest gadgets that makes our life a little bit easier. It used to be a touch of a button, but now it is but a swipe of our hand. I learned that there are two worlds existing at the moment in the world right now, the TECHNOSPHERE and the BIOSPHERE, and guess which world is bigger? Which world has more population? Which world has more problems?  We are so dependent to technology that we forget where it all began. We become too lazy, too insensitive and too darn busy with our modern world that we experience more needs than we can ever fill up.

With the current situation of the world today, we need more people who will care much about human, environment and spiritual connection rather than connecting through cables, signals and radiowaves.
The world need a drastic change in the way human kind thinks and acts. The world needs people that lives and not just exists.

We need a CHANGE. But who would want to? Why do we need to? Why even bother when we are so comfortable where we are now. We need to because as living creatures with souls, we need to evolve to a higher level of consciousness, the great Dec 21,2012 is not about the end of the world but a start of a wave of spiritual understanding and body/mind integration. But not all of us were aware of it, because of FEAR. Fear of "the end of the world" brought about by the fear to change, we naturally wouldn't want to be moved or rattled in our small little world that we built. That's the only place we feel safe, and as long as we keep it, we are safe. But being safe means being left behind. Right now there are great thinkers who are leveling themselves up to reach that place in their minds where they see the world in the different light, and instead of creating and inventing the latest mobile phone and fast paced computers, they are planning and talking about how to balance the world. Great thinkers going out of their way and using their knowledge and wisdom in order to create world where everyone else care as much about each other, the environment and their spirituality. To teach the world that there is an alternative way to live, far from worries and the problems, if we only stop, look and listen. They are out there, you see them in the books they write, in the projects they create that supports the environment, in the halls speaking about how to be a better and sensitive people, in a stranger who will share with you an insight that will make you think and have a deeper sense of being.

They say it is not easy to CHANGE, a chair is a chair, and a table is a table, and a chair will never be a table. But I am not talking of changing who you are, but changing the way you think. To become open to all the possibilities the universe are offering us, to accept a gift of wisdom and greater knowledge and use to to better yourself and to better your relationship with another person. To be free to express yourself to the best you can ever be. We are creatures of greatness and great power, if we only tap into that power, the world will be a better place.

A New Beginning

Today is the beginning of a new life for me as I turned 40.
They say better and more exciting things may happen and I am sure it will. There were plans, many are fantastic and exciting and right now I am psyching myself for it. Getting ready for an adventure, to a more meaningful life.

To Be Reminded Of What's Important

Hi, missed me? Again my apologies, my hiatus is due to work which I put more energy and effort more than ever. Long story, and to cut it short, we lack manpower and work got tripled. End of story.

In lieu to this, I saw a trailer of the movie Titanic, as lately it ran once again in high definition, right. Now, I love this movie and how a fictional love story was incorporated within the historical catastrophe. It moved me to see people struggle to save their lives and the power of love that was ready to conquer even the biggest calamity and death.

This prompt me to remember what's more important, and what is more important really? Coincidentally I read a story, and not sure if it is true, that as the Titanic slowly sink in the middle of the Atlantic, one woman while being boarded on a lifeboat asked if she could come back to her room. She was given a few minutes  to do so. She hurriedly ran along the corridors to her room even when the ship is already tilting dangerously. Along the way she crossed a gambling room filled with money, in her room were her prized jewelry possessions, all waiting to be taken, but instead she snatched up three apples and hurried back to the boat.
She would have chosen her jewelries over the apples, but in the face of adversity, values are seen more clearly.

Unfortunately, many of us go through our lives with no clear sense of our true values. Instead our desires are molded by the culture and the advertisements that bombard us everyday. The result is that we find no consistency in our lives. No unity. Our desires change as fast as the culture and quickly swept off by the newest fashion, the most recent technology, or the latest wordly pursuit. In exchange, we often sacrifice a life committed to our values.

On the other hand, a stern conviction of our heart's values leads to a single, simplified life, one that is not swayed easily. It is built on the very things that we hold most true to our heart. And no advertising campaign is able to change it.

So, first let us identify this inside-out simplicity of our deepest heart values. This should not be difficult, it is highly important, even life-changing, yet, could be overlooked:

1. Take your quiet time.

2. Get a pen or pencil and a paper and write "What I Most Want to Accomplish with My Life"

3. Write whatever comes to mind. Don't think. Feel your desire. Hear what your heart says.

4. And when the moment feels right, stop.

Here's the hard part, to actually live by these values, when the pressure of "reality" and culture tags us somewhere else. To live with these values will need careful evaluation, intentional decision-making, a commitment to live differently with anyone else, and constant re-evaluation.

But taking the time to remember what's most important will always open the way to a life better lived. Which we should not always forget.

An Acknowledgement

Today I won 2nd Place in the Portraiture Category at my first photo contest. It was heart warming and exciting, finally, an acknowledgement in the form of a judged photo by professional people. Now I know for sure that I am doing it right.

My apologies if I may sound a bit redundant when it comes to this subject, really I am pursuing this passion with everything I've got and who knows where it lead me. ( Travelling around the world is my ultimate goal, Oh God give me the opportunity! AMEN!)

Any, here's my winning shot:

We submitted  unedited photo shots, and was told to shoot any subject for a portrait. A good friend is there to assist in modeling for us (I am not the only one who took her picture) but each had to have his own concept.
I intentionally brought with me some mascarade masks (which I will using again in another concept which I am planning to execute sometime soon, but I have to have it in black though, a black spray paint will do, I think) and good thing I have a green one to match her scarf.
Now the yellow collar that peeked out was intentional, I let it cause I want something to break the monotony of the green color, however, in the end I find it distracting in the overall impact of the photo, but it's too late.

The judges were professional photographers who are masters in their own right, they judged the photos technically and was keen in lighting, composition and relevance to the theme.

I am happy that I got a place, and this serves as an inspiration to move further and learn more about the nitty-gritty of photography.

Simplicity And The Heart

There is a simple thought that we should learn about, that there is joy in pursuing less. Through it all, I have discovered that this thought appeals and resounds in the heart. Some people may argue with me and prove I am wrong, but I have come to an understanding that simplicity, the intentional promotion of the things I most value and the removal of anything that deviate me from it, is a message of invitation that is to appreciated, desired and should be accepted when offered.

Bottom line, simplicity adheres to the heart because, our heart knows that possessions does not mean joy. Happiness can never be found in having more, it is found in the pursuit of our lasting passions. Our heart knows freedom when we live it. Possessions burden us, far more than we think. Our heart longs to be free and to be only tied to things of true worth.

Our heart longs for financial sense. No one lives for the sake of having large amounts of debts. Our souls desire to live within means and not as a slave to credits. To be simple means financial freedom. 

Our heart knows what is true. Many live a lie, running after things of limited nature. Society, culture and advertisement promise lasting enjoyment in bigger homes, fancier cars and in season clothing. But lasting fulfillment can never be found in short-lived pursuits. Our heart knows when it is being faked. Most of the time we acquire things to put on a facade to act like we are successful, famous, put together and all figured out. But deep inside we know we are not. And more so, in the deepest part we long to stop pretending and be real and vulnerable. 

Our heart desires to follow a dream, and pursue a passion. I am sure nobody would say, or very few would say that owning something is their GREATEST desire. I think most will say that they long to find love, meaning and live bigger lives than themselves. Simplicity gives the means for our heart to accomplish its greatest desires. Out heart finds happiness in lasting worth. What we see are mostly temporary and what we cannot are eternal. Our souls would want to live for the things that truly matter by finding joy in the invisible, lasting things that cannot be bought with money.

Out heart longs for the higher self. Contentment, generosity, gratitude and self control. I would like my life to be remembered and described with those words and owning less allows more opportunities for these positive habits to shine through.

However, we have been fooled. As a collective society, we have fallen to the lie that there is greater joy in having more. But we all know that is not true, right? Our heart has been fighting to have less of the things that  of no value all the while. 

It's time we stop running after empty pursuits and start listening to our heart that knows who we are best instead.

What Had Transpired

Been away too long again, my apologies my friends, I was just a bit busy juggling between work and honing my  photography skills that I've been active in my other blog (www.carlomagnophotos.blogspot.com) so much I almost forgot about my writing...my apologies once again.

What had happened earlier this month? Well, there were some events that transpired that seemed like a roller coaster ride of emotions. First, I had my birthday last 7th, so well wishers are still welcome and gifts are still accepted, lols! I had a simple day, I prayed and thank God for another year, I am something-something years old and glad to know that no one still could ever really guess! A couple of dear friends surprised me with the biggest blueberry cheesecake I had ever seen including the cutest birthday cake candle! It just made my day! Had a health check up a week after and happy  to know that I am still at the peak of my health, amen!

Got back into running and it just feels so good afterwards! Going 3.5 Km every other night, and long hot shower afterwards. It just takes a minute upon lying on my dusty bed and I am in dreamland.

There was also some happy news that my two sisters are both pregnant at  the same time, and will deliver on the same month in September..however this was immediately replaced by a sad one when my youngest sister, lost hers. I was already reeling with joy and happiness, until the news came. Although it was still early, probably wasn't fully developed yet, obviously. I talked with my sister and lend a support, told her that maybe it not yet time. We decided to call the baby Justine, although we didn't get to know which gender the baby was, but we think the name is good enough for both. Now we have a little angel named Justine who can watch over us.

Been practicing non-stop with my photography and eventually joined my first photo contest where the result is still a couple of weeks away, so I am in anticipation as to the results. Win or lose, does not matter, what is important is that I did my best and I had so much fun! My photoblog is almost daily updated and you are all invited to take a peek and enjoy the photos.

There were many good reviews and hopefully one day someone would really take notice and give me a break! Or someone would sponsor and help me acquire more accessories, meet new people who would inspire me, and travel to many places and capture all the beauty the world has to offer. I met a new friend via her comments and become close online. We laughed at our antics and life's experiences. She was a blessing and I really appreciate how she sees my photos, and expresses her reactions.

I am going to try to go to Egypt again in August or September, by land and sea. Cheaper, more exciting, and I would really feel the excitement of seeing the country. A friend and I will be backpacking from Riyadh to Jeddah, and by ship across the Red Sea to the historic Suez Canal, then go by train to Alexandria! Then travel across the country passing through the Upper and Lower Egypt, two weeks of non-stop sight seeing and photoshoots! I bet when we get back to Saudi, we will so exhausted, but I know it will be all worth it!

A chance to meet a dear friend and a life-guide there too.

Work had become tight, but still surviving. Too many workloads, but still manageable. We lost a co-worker because of a transfer, but I am hoping that a replacement will come soon, before we cry for a life-support system! Lols!

Lately there's a constant sandstorm here, I gave up cleaning my room, and now looking more like an old attic full of dusts and smelling like a desert! It is so tiring to constantly vacuum and wipe dusts! Not to mention sleeping wearing a surgeon's mask! How can you sleep when you literally inhaling dusts! Well, I live in a desert country, what do I expect?

So, March is already half it's way and soon April comes, how fast time do flies! Until next time!

Better Ways To Judge Others

We have been making judgments about others be it on the color of their skin, facial features, better paying jobs, manners, clothing preferences, and so on and so forth. And have made terrible judgments along the way both personally and collectively.

I came across an article that tells about a "new way" of measuring not the external but the internal nature, the very heart and soul of a person, which can start giving us a better sense of who to trust and who to follow. You with me? Let's see...
1. Judge characters in solitude, who we really are is best revealed when we are alone. What we do when nobody is looking is the truest mark of our character. Those that displays character in the dark will always reflect it in the light.
2. Contentment in circumstance, often people find it hard to be content, regardless if one is rich or poor. But rich is the person who can find contentment in either circumstance.
3. Courage during adversity, which can only be shown when it is needed. Those who have showed it and acted it out during the hard times can definitely claim it as their own. Adversities can come in many forms, but courage will always be the same, action in the face of fear.
4. Faithfulness in commitment. Those who says the truest words should be given high praises today. Whether the word is given with a handshake, a contract or a wedding ring, those who hold true to their promises are worthy of recognition.
5. Generosity in abundance. Those who received much, much should be given away, this abundance may take any form other than material things.
6. Graciousness towards others. Those who had made it a habit of extending grace to others are among my heroes. They have a realization that this world however seemed unfair, that we come from different backgrounds and no one is self-made are quick to extend grace and mercy.
7. Gratitude despite circumstance. People who see enough good in any situation and expresses gratitude are focused on the right things. If you are thankful at all times, we tend to attract the right things and eventually draw others along.
8. Honesty in deprivation. It is when we lack of something we want that honesty is the hardest. Be it something intangible or physical, dishonesty is mostly used to have or gain something. People who show honesty in the time of need reveal how they value this virtue.
9. Hope during heartache. When we get hurt, and too deep, hard to be positive and it is not enough, hope comes. Definitely it comes from somewhere far greater than us, and those who find it discovers one of the greatest powers in the universe.
10. Humility in accomplishment. He who is quick to deny himself of praise should be first to receive it.
11. Inspiration in relationship. W all have relationships, friends, lovers, even with our pets. These relationships should not be used solely for personal gain but for bringing out the best in others. And those who inspire others to become the best they can be should received more relationships.
12. Integrity in details. This can be found in details. Those who manifest integrity in the small things of life will highly show it in the bigger things as well.
13. Kindness to the weak. Usually it is the weakest among us that needs kindness, yet they receive it the least because they have nothing to repay it back. Kindness should not be shown for the sake of having something in return, it becomes an investment and loses its true meaning. The measure of kindness can be seen in how we treat those who have no means to return it.
14. Love for enemies. Anybody can love a friend, or those who treat us well, and everyone does, but it takes a special type of person to reach out and love those who treats them unjustly.
15. Optimism towards others. Let's try to see the good in everyone. There is no other way  to bring out the best in another if we have not seen it first, right?
16. Perseverance in failure. When we fail it reveals much about our heart. It shows our character, our humility and our perseverance. We will all at sometime face failures and only those who get back up and go on succeed.
17. Purity in opportunity. When character is revealed in being alone and integrity in the little details, purity is revealed in the face of opportunity. When an offer of any dishonest gain like money, drugs, power or sex comes, those who choose purity should be praised. Not only it makes one sleep better at night but make this world a better place for all of us.
18. Respect for authority. Authority makes everything in order. It brings reason and order, and it should be allowed to do so.
19. Responsibility for mistake. We all love to pass the blame, I can see it in my family, among my friends, in my workplace, especially in my workplace to government leaders. We are often slow in accepting responsibility in our mistakes. Sad. Because only those who admits their wrongdoings have the opportunity to learn from them.
20. Self control in addiction. We are too often give much attention to most things that are precious to us.  We easily fall under the influence of substances, possessions or entertainment. When that happens our lives are no longer our own. Those who retain self control in the face of addiction should be recognized as special and judged accordingly.

So, when we start to correctly regard, idolized and follow those who lead from the "inside"...am pretty sure we will make less mistakes in choosing who to follow.