Happy Hump Day, My Loves! 

This week's theme is self-love.  I used to feel guilty when I'd put myself first before others because I was conditioned to put forth others before myself.  Then, I saw the light--I realized and thought to myself, if I don't take care of myself, then who else will?  Exactly.  You have your own back.  With that in mind, I grew and continue to grow on this spiritual journey.  Don't take this the wrong way, I still have some of my obsessive side until I hear my inner voice saying to me to quit for the day and try again tomorrow.  Still, I'm a work in progress.  I see myself as undergoing "renovations" to my complete self.  I'd like to think of as being "under construction" to keep improving myself for the best of me and for those around me.  As MJ's song goes "...Take a look in the mirror and make that change..."  That's what I've done and continue to do. 

I'm not evil but at the same time, I'm no saint either.  I'm me, doing the best I can to make this world a better place.  I don't need to explain myself but I choose to.  So I here go, when I find myself ready to complain, I switch gears and ask myself--how can I fix this problem?  What do I need to do?  If I can't answer it and/or fix it, then I let go and (try my hardest not to obsess over it) ask the Higher Power to take over.  I still find myself thinking about it but at the same time--another thought appears in my head as if to direct my attention in another direction so God could work behind the scenes to resolve matters when/where needed--DIVINE INTERVENTION.  I'll keep this practice up until it is once again time to change it up.  All of this is practice, practice does indeed make perfect.  So there that is "my secret" to a happier life.  Yes, I'm at peace and yes, I love me and I'm happy.  Gotta problem with that?  If so, please take a look at your own life and worry about yours before you worry about mine.

Until next week, I bid you all love, light and compassion.

~Maria

I'm happy that I've decided to go back to basics...meaning the way I view the world today, it's changed in a way that we have become spoiled.  There seems to be a gadget, an application or something rather to make life easier for us, it's all good and great to an extent.  But, you know what I miss the most--creative thinking; practicality and that my friend, seems to be missing in today's world.

I mean think about it, why would we think for ourselves, when we have a technology or a computer thinking for us.  We expect it to do just about everything from setting up a meeting to booking our flights to communicating with loved ones on-line.  Again, that's all fine and dandy.  However, when our children start using the internet to do their homework or to research a new tech lingo, the common sense seems to go right out of the door.  Spend more time with your kids, have them go outside and breathe fresh air instead of being cooped up in the house all day. 

Nowadays, it is very rare to see any children playing in today's neighborhoods.  When I do see children playing outside, I appreciate it--because I know that their parents are encouraging them to explore life beyond technology, the natural order of things--seeing God's miracles all around us.  We should encourage our kids to go back to basics.  Here are some ideas:

1.  Set aside time to spend with your kids; talk about their week, share how your week went--remember that communication is key.  Make them feel involved and responsible in sharing their week.

2.  Encourage your child to read more books--have them set aside time to replace computer time with reading time.

3.  Always have your children step away from the computer after being on their for at least half an hour--so they can have fresh air and hence setting their own boundaries.
 
I hope these tips help.  Till next week, I bid you all love, life and compassion.

~Maria

When you find yourself obsessing over something, it's time to let go.  Ask for help via prayer, meditation or both--it works--I use those methods and I also integrate my Angel Reiki practice.  No one deserves to carry someone else's burdens, let alone your own.  The universe conspires to help us in mysterious ways, but we must also monitor our thoughts.  Be clear and focus on your intentions, it's true that we shouldn't focus on what we don't want.  Always focus on what you want/need.   

Here are some methods I use to clear my mind, body & spirit of negative/heavy energy:
1.  Deep Breaths - Taking deep breaths thru out the day.  It keeps the flow of energy moving up and out of your system so you can breathe in new, fresh air. 

2.  Go outside - Step away from your desk, laptop/pc and go outdoors and get fresh air.  Another way to shift the energy and hence shifting your perception; and actually "hearing and feeling" your inner voice better. 

As you can see, the methods above take only 2-3 minutes of your time, but if you can take more frequent breaths and go outside as often as possible--it will be of the utmost benefit for you and those around you.

Take care of yourself; give yourself the love you deserve.  Till next week, I bid you all love, light and compassion.

~Maria

Excerpt from "Dear Jon - Letters from a mother to her Navy Son"

Dear Jon,
Hey Anak!  How are you?!  How's life "under the sea?"  I crack up everytime I say that because I keep picturing that scene from "The Little Mermaid."  LOL!!!  Anyway, I hope you and the rest of the Navy fellas are doing good.  As always, thank you guys for your service to this country.  But, especially for me, for you freedom fighters defend our rights and the rights of women nationwide to "lift the leg." Ha, how do you like 'em apples?!  Anyway, life is grand thus far, I have the air in my lungs and I'm grateful to be alive and that you and lolo and lola are safe and healthy. 

I would ask about your love life but for now, there isn't much, or is there? <smiles>  As for me, without getting into too much details, I've found and lost love--but I remain hopeful.  I look at it this way, I NEED to kiss all of these frogs to find my king.  When I do finally fall in true love--I promise you, you will be the first (along with Auntie Theresa, Deborah and Ray) to know.  For now, I'm having fun with life and love and I'm laughing as often as possible.  You should do the same.  I need to set the example--so just because you took a bite of one bad love apple, don't worry it doesn't ruin the bunch.  It's a way of getting to know yourself better, learning and knowing what you need and want in life, in love.  Make sense?  I hope so.  Just enjoy the ride, love your life and be true and respect yourself.  Let no one tell you what you need to do, only you can define your life.  Create the life you want and everything else will fall into place. 

Ok enough of this Sunday Sermon.  I miss and love you so much.  Have fun and I can't wait to hear from you, Anak!  Ingat ka lagi, please pray and stay positive. 

Love Always,
Mommy

Tayo pa rin ang magkasama.  Happy 41st Anniversary Mommy & Daddy!  I wish you both continued love, blessings, good health and of course, many more years of marriage.  Although there have been, it seems at times, more bumps on the road than it was smooth--you both stuck it out instead of calling it quits.  The journey with you guys is an incredible roller coaster ride but I'm happy to be on this ride with you both.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I admire Your dedication to one another. 

I love you both and I thank you for showing me what true love and commitment is.  Those are heavy shoes to fill but they fit you both well.  I'm blessed to have you guys as parents; committed to each other "Sa Hirap at Ginhawa."  So, stop worrying about me & Jonathan and just keep doing what you guys are doing--Wag kayong magalala, WE'RE FINE!!!!  LOL!!!!  

PS.  Hindi ko makita ang dapat niyong theme song so ito na lang ang ginamit ko--I hope you both enjoy it!  

Nagmamahal, 
Maritess