Saturday, January 25, 2014

Are You a Supermom?


Mothers are society's most courageous, tireless and lion-hearted warriors. Filipino mommies are also fit to be called supermoms nowadays. According to experts full-time moms spent 12 to 15 hours attending to household chores while working mothers with a combination of career workloads and home duties spent about 15 to 16 hours doing both. Also according to some authorities, women suffer physical and emotional stress than men do. Most of these strenuous problems  are felt by working mothers. And some stretched-out mothers are reported to eat a lot during worn-out periods that is usually caused by deep stress.  As mothers, we want our family to feel loved, happy, and worry-free. Because of this, we take on additional workloads and responsibilities, doing everything within our means to make our family's life wonderful and easier. These are the things being done by supermoms yet overburdened ones. Balancing things about money, work, and family made supermoms superstressed. Are you a supermom? Are you a woman who performs the traditional duties of housekeeping and child-rearing while also having a full-time job? Have you ever experienced preparing your reports for work while waiting for your washing machine to stop spinning, and preparing your children's school things at the same time waiting for  a lunch menu to be cooked on the stove? If yes, you are truly a supermom. How then do you deal with stress that being a supermom may bring? Most of our supermoms of today are also superstressed. Nowadays, becoming  a mother comes with a pressure of becoming a supermom. While the word supermom is very positive as it seems, it also demands  a very different perspective when it comes to our roles as mothers. Many expect a lot from a supermom. Supermoms have a very big risk of experiencing fatigue, mental concerns, health problems, weight gain, marital issues, and personal problems as well.How? Almost all the mother  responsibilities make supermoms overstretched and stressed out. Working moms face difficulties with their bosses, colleagues, friends, husband, and of course their children. The results of this chronic stress may not be helpful to become a better mom. One way that you can provide better things for the members of your family is to lessen your stress by having a proper health care system. 

Because Valentines Day is fast approaching, it is indeed a great time for mothers to know the significance of addressing and managing the stress you're getting by being a supermom. Learn to love yourselves by caring for yourselves in a healthy way. Here are some strategies to help you a bit. 

One, Pray, Eat, and Play 
Pray for a few minutes to God to ask for guidance in making your mind and soul ready for daily tasks or enjoy a moment of silence before you start the day.
Eat but be very mindful of what you eat. Most of us mothers eat sweet and high in carbohydrates foods when strained. These make us more stressed. Make healthy food choices then.
Play in order for you to reduce your stress. Play includes various relaxing activities, exercise, and meditation. Do something nice for yourselves by having activities that you enjoy and value. 

Two-Plan, Evaluate, and Balance 
Plan your daily schedules with utmost attention. Create a proportionally graph that shows proper distribution of your tasks. Choose the things that require your attention and prioritize. Put things in perspective. Prioritize things that really matter most. This enable you not to cram on issues that need prioritization. Reflect on your real priorities.
Evaluate your idea or concept of being a supermom. Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy concepts will never reduce stress but escalate it more. Make realistic approaches and strategies to finish your targets that will not sacrifice your health.You will never be a good or great mom if you have personal or health issues.You may delegate responsibilities.You may also ask the support of family members to lessen the loads that you are carrying. Do not also forget to say no to things that are least important. 
 Balance all the aspects of your life. Establish symmetry in all your duties to avoid burn out. Create a well-balanced strategy to meet your spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional, social, sexual, and personal needs. 

Three-Laugh, Live, and Love 
Laugh because laughter is the best medicine to an ailing life. Remember to be with people that matter to you. Laugh at each other's jokes during special times. And always find humor in your problems.
Live your life with optimism and enthusiasm. Do activities that will bring balance, happiness, and triumphs to your life. Embrace your imperfections. Nobody is perfect, remember? 
Love your partner in life. Talking, hearing, understanding, and loving your partner improve your ability to persevere during stressful times. Love all the people that surround you with respect. Strengthen the relationship with all the members of your family to inspire each other. Forget about those things that exhaust and diminish your resilience. Mothers often put the needs of all the members of their families first before theirs. At the end, they usually neglect their own needs. Remember that supermoms are only a product of our imagination. Armoring ourselves with those mythical superstrength, superspeed, and supervulnerability powers may result to depression, anxiety, and unhappiness if goals are not met. We are real moms. We do not have to put a lot of pressure to ourselves. Do not compare yourselves to other mothers. Every mom is a real mom. All mothers experience challenges and struggles. Every real mom faces difficulties in life. Do not live so much with others' expectations. Avoid things and people that contribute to the reduction of your full potential and depletion of your self-esteem.Forget about your supermom capes. You do not really have superpowers, let go of being a supermom. Forget perfection and choose happiness. Make realistic goals for yourself and your family.


Just remember the happiest moms are not the supermoms but the real moms. What is more wonderful than being real moms ourselves. Enjoy our family life by savoring the tiny things that we can do to all the members of our family  daily. Do not push yourselves too hard. PUSH for being nicer to yourselves instead. PUSH for a possibility that there are lot of kinder options in life. 

                                                           ( Courtesy of Kids Social Network)










Monday, January 20, 2014

Am I a Woman of Value?

Yesterday, I just realized that being able to do my job as a teacher, a wife, and a mother doesn't make me a  real successful woman. Being able to prioritize things about my job and my family as well as balancing a  ton of activities does not make me a success either. Well, Albert Einstein once said, "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." I am now pretty sure that the feeling of success comes with me knowing that all things I do bring value not only to myself but to those people I'm working with and to the members of my family. That every time, I should make sure that I am doing  valuable things for them. That activities that I do and I am part of are done to the best of my ability not because I want to gain success but because I love doing things for the school I teach, for the people I work with, and for my loved ones. It is really difficult to measure success. Success is perceived differently by each individual. My family that I treasure most would be seeing the things I do with greater value than my friends and co-workers do. Success should never be a sole indicator to become a person that matters or to become a woman of value?

        But the questions are, am I chasing success on fulfilling my dreams? Or do I just need to be identified as a woman of value? Forget about success girls. What you need to become right now is to be a woman of value. To be called a woman of value is the greatest compliment a woman can receive. What does a woman need in order to become a "woman of worth" then?
     The pressure to us women from our society nowadays is immensely different from that of the past. I really admire the likes of women who do not feel threatened  from all the expectations and demands of the people around them. Women who always remain calm, confident, and competent when they respond to chaos, crisis, and change. In my experience, I have learned a lot of things in my journey to difficult years. One important thing I learned is that I should not let criticisms affect me. I firmly believe that a woman of hope and optimism contributes to my worth as a woman. I just have to feel hopeful and happy all the time. Being what I am indeed signifies my value as a woman.
        What do we do then to become a woman of value?

First, Speak your mind and voice your opinion.
Stand up and use your voice to say your opinion on things you believe that matter. Make use of your voice that God has given you to say what you think is right. Express your feelings while respecting the feelings of others.

Second, Do something significant to your country and its people.
Whatever career or job you have, try to do things that matter not only to yourself but to others as well. An act of kindness is not measured as to how big it is but on how you put your heart in doing it. 
         
Third, Do not just  dream, pursue them.
We are all given by God the gift of wisdom and the ability to fulfill our dreams. Do not just dream but try to pursue them by giving your heart and passion in doing things that you love. Do things that not only please you and others but do things that make you happy and serve your purpose. Set your goals and desires. Always be inspired and motivated that all things are possible and that dreams can be a reality to those people who believe. Heed all opportunities that come your way.Do not forget to change challenges to opportunities.

Fourth, Be aware of good moral and right conduct.
During our childhood days, our parents and elders remind us always to be of good moral and realize our values. As we grow older, we tend to forget the basic need to become worthy as an individual, doing the right thing in the right manner always at the right time. Why don't we re-educate ourselves again about proper values? Understand that the power of your attitude matters a lot.

Fifth, Recognize your talents and abilities.
All of us are given talents and abilities by God. Recognize yours and develop them not only for your self esteem but know them to share them with others. Do not forget that you are wonderful, unique, and valuable creation of God that matters.

Sixth, Believe that you're truly a woman of value.
Allow yourself to believe that you are truly a woman of value. Choose to be determined, driven, and empowered to accomplish all your feats.

        A woman of value respects herself, appreciates her worth and all the things around her. Embrace all your roles as a mother, a wife, a girlfriend, or a friend with confidence.Always do something valuable to others. Remember not to let other people wear down your worth as a woman by their comments, criticisms, expectations, and attitudes. Be positive and optimistic. Believe that you are doing best with your talents that will greatly contribute to the society. Building your worth as a woman is truly healthy and essential.


Are there things that you want to add to this list? Are there other things that you know that  you find important to become a woman of value? Help me inspire more women or girls out there. Kindly leave your insights and comments below. 

Friday, January 17, 2014

I'm Getting Siksik and I Know It (Weight Doesn't Matter)

       How many of you have made new year resolutions about eating and diet? Some probably promised to eat better. Most of you may have promised to eat healthy foods. And a lot promised to finish their diet plans like me. And because 2014 is already starting and the holidays are really over, I am now focused on many things I have planned for this year. Of course, it's important to consider how am I going to start off this year. Tomorrow is the 18th day of the new year and the promise I told myself to lose some extra pounds is not yet happening. I have been telling myself now that #I'm getting siksik and I know it,  by hook or by crook, I need to lose some weight. I want to tell you that my plan to lose some weight is possible. I just needed to know some important factors to attain my goal of losing some pounds. Hmmm from 47 kilos to 50, to 53, to 55, and now I am already at 59 kilos. The weighing scale is becoming my enemy now. I am afraid I would gain more weight as the days pass by. It is a little alarming. Well, I am getting so unhappy about it. Most of the time, I dodge  my reflection at the mirror. My clothes.. ouch, a lot do not fit anymore. I really have to start my weight-loss journey. Though I am not really that fat, the increase on my weight makes me a little less confident. So I need to do something about it.  It has to be a healthy living. A healthy living  that involves: 

 1.   proper exercise 
 2.   healthy eating  
 3.   making sure that everything is in moderation
 4.   spending quality time with loved ones 
 5.   better stress management
A photo from clipArt.com 

        
   However, gaining some pounds does not define anyone. Neither losing some kilos may make you a better one. Weight definitely does not represent anybody's worth. Our weight is totally influenced by a number of factors (stress, undisciplined eating, ovulation period, etc. etc). Weight is just a number. It is not about how many pounds you've lost that make you fulfilled. It is about reaching your goals. Remember that you don't have to lose weight to please anyone. No matter what change you have to make to yourself,
you have to decide within yourself. Do not judge yourself by your weight as well as you do not have to judge others by theirs. The weighing scale is just a small something that does not indicate what weight loss really means. Being healthy is living a life that is not hurting and abusing others. Being healthy is living a life that you have planned and dreamed of. Learn to love yourself or do a few things that will bring you to caring about yourself more. It is not the pounds that matter. It is about the real you. Let us not be hard on ourselves girlfriends. You may also share your struggles with people who value and care for you. They will support you and be there for you. #Siksik or not, for real friends...weight doesn't matter.
                                                          A photo from clipArt.com

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

A Different Me This 2014



I plan to begin 2014 with a different me...a very positive me. With the help of Pantene Special Treatment #choosetoshine set delivered to me just yesterday by Xend, I promise to be a better me. I really choose to shine.

I have always loved using hair products that will make my long hair shiny, soft, and smooth. It is indeed every woman's dream to have a beautiful hair daily. Thus, I am truly excited to use my Pantene Daily Intensive Conditioner that will surely strengthen my hair from the roots out as well as my Pantene All Day Smooth Miracle Water, a light weight, non-sticky leave-on which will definitely help my hair maintain the perfect moisture level.

So for this year 2014, I am confidently saying goodbye to dry and damaged hair and I say hi to a healthy hair that shines.

Now is the right time and your turn to shine. You may also have a great Pantene experience and get your FREE Pantene Kit from BDJ by just signing up at http://group.ilovebdj.com, fill out a few necessary details and wait for your kit to be delivered at your doorsteps.

I would like to thank Ms. Roselle Toledo of snappedandscribbled for sharing how to get a free Pantene Pro-V Special Treatment kit through Belle de Jour.

Let us welcome this year with a positivity. Let's #choosetoshine.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Dear Jesus, Please Help Me Wrap This Gift For My Country

For the past two weeks, we felt the excitement and the enjoyment of opening a few gifts from our friends and loved ones. I also felt the joy of getting some and of course the bliss of giving more thus, I have managed to give a number of holiday presents to my close friends and members of my family. I have shared some simple material things that would be of  use to their studies and work.  I also  have volunteered a couple of times in the simplest form of helping the Yolanda survivors, I was at the Booth  7 of Villamor Airbase's  Oplan Salubong on December 8 and repacked goods at the Valenzuela City Action Center as part of my Christmas gifts to my fellowmen who were ravaged by the supertyphoon. But if I would be asked to give one most important gift for my country this new year, what then would I prepare to wrap? Over the years, the Philippines has been through a lot of struggles and challenges. Time and again the government's capacity to resolve the country's problems has been questioned. A lot of us Filipinos suffered pain, hunger, and even death during different disputes and calamities. If we spare a thought, perhaps we can list down priceless gifts to wrap and of course offer them to all of the Filipinos to make a difference to our entire country. I actually have a ton of wonderful and precious gifts in my head. But as much as I would want to enumerate thousands of gifts for our country and its people to enjoy that would bring not only smiles to Filipinos lips but a difference to our lives, I just chose the most significant one. However, I am not really capable of giving it. Therefore, I have prayed and asked our most powerful God to  help me wrap this paramount and most important gift for all of us. Because every good thing is started with a desire for a better life, a better Philippines, and a nation that promotes and supports #GlobeProjectWonderful2014, I know that Jesus has assisted me in preparing this gift. Let us not forget that " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."  "Dear Jesus, please help me give our country  a gift that is wrapped in Your love and tied with a beautiful ribbon of understanding, selflessness, and sacrifice."  A great leader is my gift for my entire country, a leader who has good gifts and substantial qualities that are innate. For the millions of  Filipinos in need of good leaders and hungry of  good governance, a Gift of Leadership is primarily what our country needs the soonest. As we enter this new year, we need to face the future with the gifts of faith, hope, strength, enlightenment, healing, wisdom, and forgiveness. And for that, having a leader armored with a great Gift of leadership will gear our country towards a better life, a better future,  and a better Philippines. 

I also wish that my gift be turned into reality, but my question is how? How could I gift my country a leader with great qualities? Well, I could never ever be able to do that. But as a public school teacher, I could train and teach our young people to be one.  Remember, "Teachers can make and unmake a child."  So I thought of one way to help my wish be realized. With the aid of #GlobeProjectWonderful2014, We could distribute a lot of free books to different colleges and universities about effective leadership, good governance, team building, and other books on building a better nation for college students. We could organize groups in all secondary and tertiary schools that will be supervised by Globe people whose mission and vision focus on quality leadership and helping the ones in need. We could also make and distribute big story books  about loving our country to preschoolers and primary pupils. With all these, the young Filipino generation will truly be inspired and understood what nationalism is all about.

My wish would also then be realized by training and leading our nation's future leaders. Hence, I would also love to be an instrument and a leader of  #GlobeProjectWonderful in rebuilding schools. A school is an anchor to a strong community that shapes great national leaders.  I already signed up at http://www.projectwonderful.ph/ because I want to be a part of Globe's wonderful projects to the Philippines in rebuilding schools where our next responsible frontrunners, innovators, and government leaders will be fashioned . Come and join me be a part of making the Philippines the most wonderful country in the world.


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WHAT ABOUT YOU?  IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT YOU CAN GIVE TO OUR COUNTRY, WHAT IS THAT GIFT? Feel free to state your wish for the Philippines by writing it here in my comment box. Doing this may get your wish be granted and also may give you the chance to win an iPad 2.



Monday, January 6, 2014

What Really Captures the Heart


A photo from Google

                                                                                     
.                                                             
A photo from Google
What really does capture your heart? A lot may agree with me that beauty really captures our eyes most of the time but personality captures our heart. Or do they have to go hand in hand in reality? Will people having poor looks with a beautiful personality usually become beautiful to those who know them? Upon looking for a friend or  a partner in a relationship, most people would take into consideration that looks somehow matters. Good looks really is an added icing on a cake, a cherry on a sundae, or a cheese on an ensaymada. 

But beauty should not define your relationship to anyone but character does. Though looks can be an added bonus, without it a relation ship would still be wonderful. With it, it just an added advantage. Most of the time I heard from a lot of my male friends that in choosing female partners, a woman's asset is her personality. They told me that gorgeous women out there are awesome while the perks include their beautiful personalities. While most of the women pray that God ggive us partners that have awesome characters, some men pray for partners who are hot, sexy, beautiful, and lastly with nice character.

 The inner beauty really makes one beautiful. Let us all be reminded of a virtue in looking deep inside a person. Do not really cloud your judgment in choosing whether to keep a person around to get rid of him by just looking at his physical appearance.


What about you? What do you prefer in choosing a friend or a partner?

Thursday, January 2, 2014

A Better 2014

Year 2013 made me laugh and made me cry, made me frown and made me smile, made me scream and made me sigh, and of course made me hurt but made me try. Just like the previous years I had, 2013 had its ups and downs, twists and turns, and a year of struggles and success. It gave me a lot of failures but a number of triumphs. Though I experienced agony and heartaches, last year's trials made me tougher, readying me for more wonderful and challenging things this year. Last year was never to be forgotten. It taught me many experiences and lessons. The year full of challenges and struggles helped me become a better teacher, friend, sister, daughter, mother and a wife. It was really a meaningful year indeed. The grateful year that introduced me to genuine friends and to loving and helpful family members as well.

And thus, here is another year I now begin. A year full of love, joy, challenges and success will surely be. Another year that has blessed me by our Dear Almighty. A prosperous year for me to treasure, to inspire, and to use that should please Thee. Another year that is dedicated to be of service to my family and to many.Therefore, let us all lift our glasses and toast for the year 2013 that we had. Let us pray that year 2014 will be better than the last.Cheers to all my real friends and to the members of my family. Looking forward for a better 2014! I love you so much Daddy, Mike, Gabby, Julia, and Tsubebot! 

An Experience to Remember (December 8, 2013)





Booth 7

The volunteers
Almost all of us have cried a river after Supertyphoon Yolanda battered Visayas sweeping away everything and killing thousands of people. Mixed emotions filled my heart. Providing relief goods, housing materials, and jobs is really hard but what more difficult is to provide psychological and emotional relief to people especially to children who are not that resilient like adults. I really do not have material things to offer the Yolanda survivors. So I have searched on things on how to help in my own little way. And what is most wonderful way to celebrate my son's 4th Year Liver Transplant Anniversary than to celebrate it by just a simple way of giving back. A lot of people have helped us in 2009 and as a matter of fact, I have lost count already of the number of the good samaritans we met during our most trying moment of our life. This is the least way of paying it forward. https://www.facebook.com/OplanSalubongBooth7 will remain in my heart forever especially #John and #May. I will forever cherish the moments even if it was only a few hours, a few hours that matter a lot to me and my son Jan Ciryl. Mabuhay ang lahat ng mga taong nagpunyagi upang maisakatuparan ang napakadalisay na layuning makatulong sa mga batang naging biktima ni Yolanda! Mabuhay ang #Booth7! Sana po ay magkita pa tayong muli.