Explore The Vast Horizon

Have you ever tried doing something but the opinion of others hindered you from pursuing such thing? I guess we all have those experiences. We have those moments wherein we just want to splash and do things in our own way or least, in the way that we know we will grow and enjoy life at its best.

To have hold backs and fears is a normal thing. It is okay to be hesitant at first especially if you are the type of person who is still exploring yourself and the world in general. The mere fact that you consider to open your shell and embrace the big world is the beginning of something beautiful. It may be difficult at first but trust me, it will not last forever.

So what are the best things to do that will truly push you to the edge and bring out the bestest in you? Here are the following tips that will help you reach for the sky or even explore the universe:

1) Know your capacities and limitations.

It is a basic thing to know our capacities and limitations is life as these things will guide us wherever we go and whatever situation we are into. What are your strengths? Know your strengths and build them. Use them for your own good and share them to others. What are your weaknesses? Harness your weaknesses and channel them to optimism. While only few know that they can actually transform their weaknesses to strength, make use of them.

What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are. -Tony Robbins

2) Know what is your temperament type.

Since the whole point would be going beyond the limits, there is a need to know first your personality type. Are you pleasure-seeking and sociable? They you might be a sanguine. Are you ambitious and has a tendency to lead the group? You might be a choleric. Or maybe you are analytical and quiet and is a melancholic. If you are the the type of person who is oftentimes relaxed and peaceful, then you are a phlegmatic. Don't worry, for each formulation includes the mixture of different types! You may be a little bit of every type but dig down which type prevails among the others.

We continue to shape our personality all our life. If we knew ourselves perfectly, we should die. -Albert Camus

3) Know the PROS and CONS of every situation.
Whenever you're about to decide something new, always take some time to analyze the positive effects or the negative consequences of the action but don't dwell to much on them. Knowing the pros and cons will guide you if the new experience will be worth it. Never underestimate the power of knowing both sides of the coin.

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.-Margaret Wheatley

4) Seek pieces of advise from your mentor.
When you have a mentor you are being guided to the right path. Choose your mentor well; a mentor should be someone who is willing to bring out the best in you and guide you through the course of life. If at the moment you still do not have a mentor, try to scout and list for people who you think can be of good influence to you and are already successful in their own field. Learn from them.

The best way a mentor can prepare another leader is to expose him or her to other great people. -John Maxwell

5) Have the right attitude.
Going out of your comfort zone would mean a lot of sacrifices. If you are truly convinced that the new experience will be of great benefit, then do whatever it takes even if you are afraid! Sometimes, all it takes is to act well than spending your time overthinking about all the possibilities. Remember the mantra if you got the will then you can find a lot of ways. Be persistent!

Keep a good attitude and do the right thing even when it's hard. When you do that you are passing the test. And God promises you your marked moments are on their way. -Joel Osteen

6) Pray.
With God, nothing is impossible because with Him all things are made possible. Ask for God's guidance and enlightenment. Know that whatever you are doing, You are doing it for God's greater glory. You may not be able to please everybody but who cares? It's only God that You should please.

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. -Saint Augustine

Enjoy the splash of the new adventure and seize the moment! 

Completely Healed

I looked at the calendar and said to myself, "Oh it's been one year. I've moved on and I'm doing well."

Love In My Own Sense

Love can happen to anyone. It can be felt at an unexpected time.  To some, love is the driving force that keeps them going. To others, it simply gives them pain. But whatever’s their view of it, love being defined at the lowest and most understandable level will always stay the same ---it is the thing that makes almost all of us happy and complete.

To feel being loved by the person you loved according to many people is probably the greatest feeling one could experience. Who doesn't want to feel love anyway? Girl or boy, wants to feel that certain affection.  But seriously, why? Maybe because love is part of our lives. We simply cannot ignore this wonderful feeling. I think that we are all created for love, to love, to feel love and to be loved simply because we are created out of love.  But sometimes, this tagged as the most wonderful feeling isn’t always the source of happiness all the time. Love has been associated with things like cutting,  suicidal,  hopelessness,  loneliness and etc.  It is not at all times  the source of our inspiration but rather of depression.  But I believe that love has been created in that way. You know why? In my own opinion,  cases are sometimes like that because love comes with a double purpose.  It has an equilibrium with its effects so that it will function well in one’s life.  Take for example, no matter how much you love each other, there will still be a point wherein you feel hurt and dismayed. You know very well that there is the presence of love but you are still feeling the pain. Now why? It’s because you still need to love more and you need to conquer the fear of getting hurt and broken.  It may be very sad to say,  but the only cure in getting hurt is to love again and again until we don’t feel any pain anymore.

No matter how you’re hurt, you have to remain hopeful that love will still find its way to you because love comes to those who remain hopeful despite everything . As what they say,  good things happen to those who wait.  But the question is,  are you willing to wait?

Unforeseen Ending

She didn't see it coming

She contemplated it would be all worth it

But it wasn't a happy ending

The least among the things she could merit.

When her friends knew, they all anticipated her to be strong

Believing that she could bear the pieces of loneliness

While trying to hide every inch of bad feeling

And compelling herself her heart would pass in the phase of darkness.

What could she have done to deserve such treatment?

Or perhaps, what happened to his words of promises?

Maybe it was out of his great excitement,

And that he thought his lies would be equated to small kisses.

Yes, all she yearns for is an explanation

A simple talk that is very basic in a relationship

That no matter what she would be hearing,

Would rather come from a man as valiant as the captain of a ship. 

That alone he cannot do,

Where are your words mister?

Hopes went down

She calls you now world grinder.

Move on, that is what is left for her,

She wouldn't be like this without your sweet candor, my dear

And now you don't even bother,

That she has finally decided  to surrender. 

"Pain should make you a better person, not a bitter person."

Random Thoughts of A Dreamer

We are all travelling in this world
Finding joy and meaning in our existence
We were once young and fragile
Falling deeply in the consequences of our actions.
When can one say that thing is right?
Does it really depend on the society's view?
Or on how that someone accepted the consequences bravely?
You might even wonder,
Even I myself started thinking.

Society has a lot to say with what we do.
But do they really care?
Or they are just trying to impose their principles?
We must all be vigilant,
It's not enough to adhere to what the society wants
We all have brains and have the power to think
We must use them for our own's sake.

Right or wrong,
People will always have someting to say.
But this is what I have learned,
That no matter what that our decision is,
For as long as we can stand the counter-effects,
Then it's worth the risk.

Firing and Youthful Experience

Note: I just posted this article here. Originally from my facebook note. :)

2 April 2012- This must have been the day that the Lord has made! The first Monday of the month was loaded with lots of activities that will reawaken my soul who has been thirsty for God’s presence.

When I was informed about the youth gathering which is our first ever gathering, I was quite sad knowing that I am already in the province, it is hard to go back to the city just to attend an activity which requires, of course, money. Way back then, I never thought I would have given the chance to attend the said activity because first, it is already summer and I want my parents to take a break in their financial obligations to me and second is that, I have consumed already my savings. There was a slim chance, really. And so, I said “No” to the invitation and buried the idea in my mind.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have you tried being surprised by God? All I can say is our God is a God full of surprises! I may not have been hopeful at first yet, He knew the desire of my heart. He knew when the perfect timing to surprise me is! Alas, the unexpected thing happened. And take note, he drowned me with surprises! Not just I was able to attend our youth gathering but lo and behold, I was also able to attend the 27th Local World Youth Day! What a big paycheck from heaven. I just cannot contain the happiness reigning in my heart. I saw Jesus smiling at me because I myself was enjoying my sweet reward. Everything happened so fast, attending the LWYD was the least thing I had in mind. How can you attend when in the first place, the parish priest in your town didn’t send delegates? But miracles do happen and dreams do come true! Through a friend from a nearby town, I was able to attend the most prestigious event gathering of the youth all over Cebu! Imagine that kind of feeling?

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

Oh yes, I still didn’t forget the second event.  God is just so awesome! He is good enough to make you happy 10x more and more! I was fired up that early Monday morning knowing that our first youth gathering will finally take place! The day that we have been waiting for. I can’t get enough with Mondays, indeed! Even though I was still feeling groggy after LWYD, I arrived at Family Park with enthusiasm knowing that it will be another fun-filled day with my co-youth and at the same time, a venue for expanding our knowledge on our service with God. With the passion and united effort of the youth council together with our adviser, Kuya Pat, with the talks conducted by our worship leader, Bro. Stephen, and of course, with our presence, the first gathering of the LOJ Youth Missions was a success! Bonds of friendships were strengthened, values were inculcated, deeper understanding of what an excellent service is all about flourished and joy ignited in each other’s hearts.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

With the two consecutive youth events I have attended, I am now proud to say that the youth is not just the hope of the church but the Church itself. Some youths may have gone astray, some may have abandoned God and some may have denied their true identity, but the challenge lies in our hands. As fire starters, may we, the Light of Jesus Youth Missions pass the burning passion in our hearts to infect a positive change of heart to the lives of others. May we keep the fire burning and continuously do what is pleasing in God’s eyes!

We give thanks to You, our Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17

The young ministers of God with Tito Jonathan Yogawin. :-)

Restored Soul

This is a very personal post. It talks about my recovery, my personal story. Hope you'll be inspired and you'll also learn from my story. :)

    One cannot simply fathom such moment when one is fired up with lots of questions in his/her mind on how his/her life is going on. It’s not as easy as one plus one as what we have first learned in Preparatory School, not as simple as opening a nutshell then putting nuts in your mouth, not as silly as cracking the oldest yet the funniest joke in town but rather, it is something profound and way too personal.

    What would you do if one day, you suddenly realized that you are actually not dealing with life and living it in the right way and most especially in accordance to the will of God? I was bummed with lots of questions in my mind. Events from the past kept on rushing in my head and time after time, they finally took me to a very dark place where no one can even hear my loudest scream. I tried to defeat them, yet they kept me wide awake every time I attempted to. I tried to forget about them but the deed just made the matters worse. I gave my very best to resolve such nightmare from the past but then again they seem not cooperating. What I did not know that a result would be losing the tiny pieces that compose myself. It followed somewhat. I lost trust in myself. I temporarily bid goodbye to my dreams. I can no longer hope for a sweet future. I hate my mistakes. I was drowned by my imperfections. I don’t know how to make other people happy. I can no longer convince myself that everything will be all right. In short, I was wrapped with fears brought about my past. I can’t present myself to God. I don’t know how to explain to everyone what I am going through. I was no longer the person I used to be or did this happen to make me realize that I wasn't even true to myself anymore?

    I started writing again just today. I don’t know why but the past days or the past months, I just didn't have the audacity to release my thoughts. I can’t even face my feelings, my ideas, my thoughts and even my every day dreams. What a disheartening scenario indeed.

    One fact I know right from that very scenario-I wasn't in touch with my authentic self. I lost the knot that tied me to the reality. I let go of the rope connecting me to myself, to my family, to my friends, to the people around me and most of all, the rope that connects me to God. I became bitter with how I dealt with my day to day life. I am happy for some time and then I get deeply sad the next hours or even days. I no longer enjoy the simple things that gave me fulfillment. My mind went blank. In short, I became a lifeless person.

    After a couple of months wherein I rested and just do random things or even not doing anything at all, I came to understand that sometimes, you don’t learn from your mistakes and I myself am the perfect example for that. I thought pretending to be strong is the ideal way to deal with heartaches, problems and issues about myself but actually the first step is to make myself equipped with what I am about to go through. I sometimes suppressed my feelings or at times I open them at the wrong time, wrong place, wrong situation and wrong people. I then said to myself that an experience isn’t enough not until you will finally learn its lesson. When one keeps on repeating mistakes, it means that the lesson wasn’t applied in real life at all. Again, I am the perfect example for that.

    “Self-improvement is unending task, kalaban mo ang sarili mo”, as what a personality said in a TV commercial. I know I made mistakes before. I forgot my priorities. I pretty messed up. Some lessons were learned, some were forgotten. Some were not applied in reality. But as long as I am still breathing, I know I can make a change. I know I can fix myself. I know I can manage to move on in my life and open a brand new beginning.

   If the past months I became a pessimist, now I look forward for a sweet future. It’s now time to stand up and continue the fight; the moment to go for my dreams; the point in time to correct my mistakes; the occasion to be happy again by embracing the fullness of life.

    I will be forever grateful to my family for not giving up on me in my journey of finding my real self again. The first week, I was so hard to deal with because according to my father, I don’t talk that much and I was putting a frown face all the time. I barely eat and always wanted to sleep but he was always there. He managed the intake of my medicines, my meal and snacks. My mother on the other hand was also very patient with me. She slept with me every night and when I cannot sleep past midnight, she gave me my medicine. My Ate N has also played a big part in my recovery. During those times wherein I was so anxious to go out and see the outside world, she provided me with the prescribed medicines. She also bought us grocery every month. She called everyday to check us especially me. Sometimes, I took her calls, sometimes I became hesitant to talk. I am also thankful to my other sister, Bhan because she dealt with me with utmost understanding and care. Many were those times I didn't answer her calls because I didn't know what to say but she never gave up. I didn't go with my parents when they visited her in the training camp but she still managed to forgive me. During those times, they were the significant people in my life including my little brother who is always with us. Albeit there were those times I didn't even appreciate the things they are all doing for me, they stretched their understanding for me and even poured out their great love and accepted me for what I am and for who I am. But most of all, I am thankful to God above for loving me just as I am and for reminding me that I am a work in progress. God made things possible for me. And for that, I will always be grateful, yes I will.

    To all my friends especially my truest friends, first of all I want to say I am very sorry. I disconnected my channel of communication with you because honestly, I don’t know what to say before or even how to talk to you when you ask me if how I am doing. If there is a word for it, it would be emotionless. I was at that stage in the first two months. I turned my phone off and I no longer open my facebook account. I know, I didn't even greet some of you in your very special day-your birthdays and for that, I am sorry. I regretted the things I did but now, what I regret the most are the things I did NOT do. What I am about to do now is to make it up to you guys. I didn’t leave you, I just have to find my authentic self in order for me to be the person you once knew again or even a better person this time. Some of you may understand me, some may leave me after knowing my story, some may befriend me but it’s now okay with me for now is the time to live life by the lessons I have learned.

    Ate Cherry, Aynd Jheau, Jared, Julie Ann, Carla, Shanel, Janeizza, Shelina, Loisa Mae, Kathleen Caye, Leslie Dianne, Lyka Germaine,  Mia Gritz, Maureen P., Maureen E., Claudine, Caroline, Philline, Zenybelle. The Francess, Wakwak, Buddy, Geng, Adik, Mama, Mrs. Cullen, Crab, Seatmate, Kring-kring, Uyab and Kabit you’ve known is now alive! Heeeee. I now realized that in this course called life; I don’t need too many friends but only those friends who will stand by me through the test of time. I miss you all sooooooo much!

With all my sincerity,

Frances Carmille E. Alpuerto

12 October 2012 at 11:54 P.M.