Be Inspired. Be Empowered.

It's a rainy Sunday evening and I just want to share a very inspiring video made by Michelle Phan.

 

Scrambling In Life

Lately I can't help but feel down. Self-pity has taken its hold on me. It seems like nothing "big" is happening in my life. I wake up in the morning, go to work, return to my dorm in the afternoon, sleep. Then, the cycle goes on again the next day. I feel like I'm stuck in this mundane way of living. But I have to admit, this is way better than not having a job at all.

A few months ago I was very enthusiastic about where my life is heading. I was confident of pursuing PhD somewhere in the United States. I was busy searching for schools and the requirements needed. And then one day, I just felt tired browsing all those university sites. The enthusiasm was gone. There were even times I was asking myself if I have what it takes to go to PhD.

Then, the thought of going to med comes to mind. But nah, I have to shrug it off. I'm already twenty six and it feels like too late. My batchmates have graduated already and are now preparing for their board exam while I, on the other hand, is still thinking of the possibility of becoming a doctor.

There are still  a lot of things that I want to do - travel the globe, explore different cultures, meet lots of people, take tons of pictures, fall in love, get married, have three children, and the list goes on.

I was even depressed comparing my life to those people I know who are living their lives to the fullest (based on what I see in their Facebook). At the end of the day, I am feeling weary and exhausted of thinking of all the possibilities in life but realizing that there's no concrete direction.

However, I got a meaningful answer this afternoon. I attended the mass and the homily talks about Martha who was so busy preparing things when Jesus arrived while her sister, Mary, was just on the Lord's feet, listening to him (Luke 10:38-42).

The priest reminded everyone that

"You get so caught up preparing in life, you forget to spend time with God."

I have to say, it certainly feels like God is directly talking to me, answering my questions, helping me get through my situation, making me realize that amidst all my problems, the most important thing is still my relationship with God.

Though I am still unsure of where my life is going, I am faithful that God will enable me to discern His plans for me; that at the right time, the path He has laid down on me will be uncovered.

Have a blessed week ahead everyone!

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Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Source)

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Plains & Prints

Plains & Prints is another local brand that I love. It started in 1994 and has now grown into several stores all over the country. It's product line consists of good quality and stylish apparel for young women. Here are some of my favorite looks in their Pre-Fall 2013 Lookbook.

Plains & Prints Pre-Fall 2013

Go Bold

Pattern on Pattern

Chic Black

Classy Color Block

Omg, I would love to wear each one of them! ♥ 

I have to add, Anne Curtis (the model) is so gorgeous!

A Vintage Wedding

Every girl dreams of a fairy tale wedding. I used to be that hopeless romantic waiting for her prince charming to come. Then, a time came when I thought that I was tired being a princess in waiting for I am one independent young lady. But, deep inside my heart, I am still hopeful that someday, somehow, my prince would come.

For now, while our paths haven't crossed yet, I just want to share these lovely vintage-inspired wedding looks from BHLDN.

*Image sources: Click 1, 2, 3

Health Is Wealth

Recently, I can't help but feel like a weakling. Tumatanda na kasi. It's a Filipino expression referring that someone is getting old. My bones and muscles are aching from my lower back to the extremities (arms and legs). That is probably due to the long hours of sitting while de-hulling rice grains. Crap, I've been doing that for two weeks already. The left portion of my abdomen also hurts. And at night, I wake up feeling that my heart is beating painfully slow. Two days ago, I had a bad case of tonsilitis after having a feast of vanilla and chocolate cream puffs. And now, I have colds. I really have to consult a doctor. ASAP!

Yes, I'm blaming age. But twenty six is still young, don't you think? Sometimes, I blame work. But at the end of the day, I realize that it's me and my lifestyle that's causing all these health problems. I am not an active individual. I prefer lying in my bed browsing in my laptop or phone than jogging in the campus. I prefer staying in my poorly ventilated room the whole weekend than going out to breathe fresh air and enjoy the early sunshine. I prefer surfing the internet until late at night than having 7-8 hours of sleep. I prefer eating pork and beef and chicken than eating fish and vegetables. I prefer not drinking water unless I'm feeling the thirst up to my throat already. If there's a prize for a girl with an unhealthy lifestyle, I think, I would have won. 

I'm still young, right? I still have the time and the best thing to do is to start LIVING HEALTHY now! I need to get my butt off and start living an active lifestyle.

Note to self: AJA! You can do it! 

Note to self when feeling lazy: Just do it, you bitch!

---> I still want to include the specific things for my Live Healthy List but I'm running out of time. It's already 10:15 PM. I'd better sleep now. I'll just put them up next time. Good night guys!
Image sources here and here

For the second half of 2013

Make a conscious effort to live a healthy life.
Eat right. Exercise. Sleep early.