Week Three and Four: The art of discipline

I have been crazy busy again with assignments and preparation for my placement that I lost track of time (booo!). However, it has been positive as I was able to locate and secure accommodation for my upcoming placement and also got to see my parents over the weekend that just went by.

On the weekend that just gone by I sat in my parent's business meeting talk along with their friends whilst doing my assignment. Occasionally as I was listening to them and watching videos about people who have been successful in the business, I questioned myself on how they were able to achieve this? The stories I have seen and heard were amazing- even beyond realistic. However, for some reason, they were able to achieve their goals and their dreams. I began to observe that these people disciplined themselves. This then formed into positive habits which became their routine and they were successful. They achieved their dreams.

My main goal and aim this year is to finish my undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. My final year has been tough and it is flying by so quickly.
I have to finish my research project within the next two and a half weeks and then prepare for my upcoming final year  placement starting at the end of this month. How am I able to achieve this? Discipline. 

I have to admit that to discipline yourself is no easy task (even blogging every Sunday seems to be a difficult task). We make too many excuses such as ' I have no time' or 'I do not think I can do that' or we try to do something but then we are not consistent or we lose the motivation and quit. 

Just an advice for this week is that do not ever stop dreaming and discipline yourselves every day to achieve that dream. No one can stop you from achieving your personal goals and dreams but yourself.

1) If the dream seems too big, take small baby steps to achieve this. Personally, to achieve my dream of obtaining an undergraduate degree, I wake up every morning at 7am or 8am and do some work ( mostly in the library) and leave weekends as my rest days.  

2) Be consistent

Move from one goal to another in a consistent way. For example, when you have finished one part of your assignment, leave it and move on to another part. You can always review it later. If you have decided to wake up at 7am to go for a jog, be consistent with that time. This will allow your body and your mind to adjust and this will become your habit.

3) Focus on the outcome

Remind yourself why you are achieving this goal. Visualise it. Why is it so important that you achieve this personally. 

Discipline is no easy task and it is difficult so this step is super important.

Have a wonderful week evrybody and watch this space for more blog updates. Keep dreaming and reach your goals. 

Week Two: The beauty of marriage

I cannot believe that it has been two weeks since I last posted the start of my New Year's resolution. Haha, such a fail last week. I had been so wrapped up with work and doing my assignments that all I can think about was that but anyhow I am here once again to continue my New Year's resolution.

Since I attended my friend's wedding celebration last night, and I know that there are plenty of people that have gotten engaged or getting married this year (I literally cannot wait for more wedding celebrations) 

... it just amazes me how beautiful a marriage is.

I was scrolling on Stumbleupon.com when I came across this message which really gave me an insight on how beautiful and yet what marriage can teach you. 

The Marriage Box

There are many people that believe that getting married is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for: companionship, intimacy, friendship etc. However, the truth is that marriage starts on an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And PEOPLE put love into marriage, There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising and keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.

But this message is not just for married couples, I think that we can all relate to this. As a human being, we are not just here on Earth to be on our own but to be able to form relationships with other and in order to do that we must RELATE with one another.

Relationships are built on the foundation of 'keeping the box full'. The commitment of taking the time to see each other and keeping in touch, giving up a part of your time to listen and understand that person and loving that person despite any arguments. Relationships are not easy but give it time and commitment to one another and it is the most magical thing in the world. 

I am not saying that you should all be friends and get along al the time. Each of us have our own differences in terms of personality or beliefs but the point is that you will never truly know a person unless you relate with them. 

A relationship is built on giving and not jsut receiving.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone. 

Back to Blogging: New Year's Resolution [Begin]

So it is the start of a brand new year which means new opportunities to learn and grow as a person with God. I previously used to blog a lot and have truly enjoyed blogging but for the past two years (unbelievable), I have been putting it off and have not been able to write because I am "too busy". This year I want to challenge myself to be more reflective and to start writing more. Every Sunday I will take time out for myself and to write one post about anything at all. I was supposed to start this resolution last Sunday but due to my own fault of creating too many Gmail accounts I had forgotten which password was for which account and which Gmail account this blog belonged to.

Reflection last Sunday 03/10/2015

After reading my previous posts and just the previous post below this, I have just been amazed about all the things that God has blessed me with and the journey that I have been through over the past two years. I moved into a new country, leaving my home and started university, met truly amazing people in UK, met my amazing boyfriend and became closer to God. There are many different things that I have learnt in between of course but if I could write them all this post would be quite lengthy. I learnt how to be more mindful (which I will talk about in my later posts), more resilient and less anxious. One of the most important things I really learnt was to trust in God and to always believe the best for your future.
                                                   
Everyone has their own fears. A person could be afraid of spiders, heights, cats, dogs, the fear of the unknown and even the fear of being out of your comfort zone. Each and everyone of us has our own comfort zone where we can truly be ourselves- we can act crazy, sing, shout, dance because we can : we're comfortable. My comfort zone was Ireland. It has been where I have lived since I was seven years old. Even though I'm originally from the Philippines, I always felt more comfortable saying that I'm from Ireland. I felt comfortable because that is where I grew up and spent most of my time. I was comfortable in being surrounded with the same 'banter', people and the Irish land. I was comfortable but I had a dream. A dream to help people, a dream to become an occupational therapist.

During my last secondary school year, I didn't know what I really wanted to do with my life. There were numerous possibilities and endless opportunities. I had no direction and no purpose. I had originally wanted to become a doctor or a musician but I just wasn't sure of it. First of all, becoming a doctor means having to handle a lot of pressure, studying and handling things that I really was not sure I could handle. Secondly, music is something that I love to do, like performing however, actually studying it in a University would probably not suit me. I started to pray about it and decided to do a lot of research. It took me about three weeks and it hit me right on the face- Occupational Therapy.

"creative mind, hard working, helping people"-- I knew that these would definitely suit me. About three months before my Leaving Certificate and I had finally decided what I wanted to do. I started researching the modules for University and even visited a local hospital to gain experience of what an Occupational Therapist does on a daily basis. However, guess what...  FEAR started to kick in and I was feeling anxious and panicked. I was worried that I would not do so well and felt low. I placed a lot of doubt and anxiety with me and more importantly, I lost trust in God. I had so much doubts that I did not perform as well as I know I could have.

By the time of the results, I knew that I would not get my course. There are only a few times in which I have burst my tears and this was one of them. I doubted myself and God that I didn't get what I wanted. By the end of August, I just accepted it and went to do Arts in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth choosing Psychology, German and Music. I was incredibly delighted with this offer but I had a feeling there was much more in store for me. I started to talk to God again, letting my fear drain down. I prayed to God and asked him what I should do. The following day, I had the urge to apply to do the course that I had wanted to do. I went into my secondary school and asked if there was any other way to follow my dream. The career guidance counsellor informed me to apply for the United Kingdom and I did. About two months later, I received interviews for the Universities I applied for and eventually settled for York St John University.

So I would say for anyone in doubt, or nervous, anxious, afraid. Do not view your future through regrets, the past, disappointment or hurt because you will lose sight of God's goodness. Life can be painful but life is what you make of it. No matter what you are going through or what is going around you, you must believe the best for your future

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything Beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart or also placed ignorance in the human heart so that no one can fathom what God has done from
beginning to end. "

Define you & Stay true [Part One]

Many of us come from different paths. We may come from a different country, culture, religion and up-bringing. None of us are the same because if that were to be true, then what would the world be like? There would be no spontaneity in meeting various people with a different viewpoint as you. You will never be able to learn from others and share your own opinion because you know that they would be the same. The thing is with the world is that not everyone will be able to like you. As tough as that may sound, it is true. No one in the world can be liked by everyone- and that is why you have to stay true to yourself.

Have you ever had that dying wish to be somebody else that you are not? That enormous pit in your stomach when you are walking around because you have to try and become this kind of person in order to fit in among your peers? You keep trying to become someone else that you hide in this facade, this great mask,- the "artificial" you. Along the course of my life, I've realized that there will be a lot of people that hide behind those closed curtains, afraid to stand for what they believe in and do not really know who they are anymore because they have been hiding for too long.

Well let me tell you something, putting up that kind of facade is tiring. I mean why live in that tiring life when you can be free & be yourself. I used to be afraid of defining me. There were times when I questioned "Who am I?" "What will I do with my life?". I was completely lost because I didn't let myself free. I didn't define my true self. I was used to being with crowds of people that when I was alone, I felt completely empty. I didn't really know what to do. This year, I started to grow up and realize that I don't have to try to become something I'm not because God created me to be unique in his likeness and image. There will be incidents where people will judge & criticize what I do. There will be people who can and will contradict my views and opinions and it may cause me confusion & maybe pain. The world is not a perfect place. You can either be right or learn from your mistakes.

I have learned that as long as I DEFINE what makes me happy & comfortable, that is where I find myself. 

& that is where YOU will find yourself.

P.S. Keep updated in my blog to find more about my journey in defining who I am.

No pain, no gain- A healthier Lifestyle [Update #7]

So it has been two weeks now since I properly started to get back into working out and I am feeling terrific. I have lost about one stone and feeling real light. However, I do know that I still have a long way to go in order to reach my own goal but it is definitely a start. FitnessPal, Zumba and Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred is a really great combination if you want to lose weight properly and effectively, this is a must try. Currently, I have also added walking/jogging for about an hour most days to increase my endurance and get a bit of fresh air. -- it is summer after all. In addition, a close friend of mine suggested me blogilates ( you can find her page on Youtube) She has many different ranges of exercises which is mostly aimed at women wanting to work off any unnecessary fat of thighs and arms. It is really effective but people who are trying this beware that it might burn and you will definitely need to push yourself.  But as I mentioned before: There is no pain, without gain-- so push yourself, because YOU are capable IF I can lose that stone, you can too.

Take a look at the videos below for some excerpts of blogilates videos

For your thighs:

 

For your arms:

                                                 

No pain, no gain- a healthier lifestyle [Update #6]

Major major setback to my workout is definitely the trip to Kerry with my family. We rented a wonderful house beside the beach and it was lovely but so much food was encountered. Brought so much sweets, crisps, chocolate , ice cream, cake, pancit, spaghetti, rice-- you name it. Worse part of it was gaining two and a half pounds. This week, however I have regained back confidence. I did tell you I was determined about losing this weight and this is just a learning point for me. * Don't give in-- even if there are a lot of food because it is only you that is going to regret it afterwards ( and let me tell you, I regretted every single thing- apart from my beloved ice-cream of course. (tee hee!)

Since yesterday I have been out doing two hours of jogging/ half dying to Zumba. I still closely go back to Jillian Micheals though to strengthen my core but when I need something fun I do Zumba. 

Also, I found a pretty handy website to keep up the food that you eat such as calorie intake and regulate your exercise daily. It is basically your own personal online food & exercise diary. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ --- this is the link & I highly suggest that you try it. 

Lastly, here are some inspiration pictures that got me going. 

(DO)N'T QU(IT)

Inspiration #3 Kari Jobe

The more I seek You: Live Performance

Why is she my inspiration? Because she has motivated me to be closer with God. She has motivated me to sing out and share my voice and not just to hide away. She has built up my confidence within myself.

                                         

As an introverted child growing up I was extremely shy and lacked confidence in myself. I knew that I had talents and capabilities but I was shy in sharing them with others. My family, friends and relatives  told me that I should learn to perform in front of people and to share the musical abilities that I have but I was really, really shy. Growing up, I learnt to build up my self esteem and confidence with others and within myself. I have learnt to overcome my fears of singing in public, performing and talking in public. One of the influences that helped me overcome my introverted self was Kari Jobe.

I remember the first time listened to her perform "The more I seek You" written by Zack Neese, I was inspired to know God more. Her songs make a day a little bit better when at times they get rough and dark. She has one of the most beautiful voices that I have ever heard and she shares her voice with the world inspiring others. Watching her perform live and the interviews, I have inspired by her courageousness and great humility. She has an incredible voice but she does not only do it all for money and fame but to spread the message of God. It is truly fascinating and inspiring to see that someone could be this amazing.

No pain, no gain- A Healthier Lifestyle [Update #5]

Yes I nearly gave up on my workout and said I was "busy". Yes I had a bad week and turned myself over to food when I was feeling down & yes I decided to turn it around for the better and pushed myself.  There will definitely be a point in your workout when you will decide to give up but I know for a fact that you should not. It will be tough and at times it can seem pointless and you want to give up but don't. There is "No gain without pain". Just like life, there will always be struggles along the way, a dark cloud shining over you and you will feel as though everything is is crashing down.. However, do not let those things get inside your head, You are capable of anything in life, It is just mind over matter. Focus your mind to reach your goals, inspirations and dreams.. After all they say that "with every dark cloud there is always a silver lining" so don't let temptations like food push you around. Control your own mind and learn how to say NO.  You are capable of working out.

Recently,  have been keeping in tact with my workout and I am definitely seeing results. Yes, I can just barely see a difference in the weighing scale in terms of how much I weigh but Yes, I also see a LOT of difference in my endurance and stamina over the past two weeks of working out and eating a nutritious and balanced diet. I have progressed on to Level Two of Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred and although it is still very tough, I can keep up my strength for much longer than my usual time. Last week I had to stop halfway through the workout because I just could not handle it but this week I have definitely improved and was able to finish the whole workout. This working out and eating right is not easy it is not a fast process but it is definitely worth it and I am glad I did.

YES. I can do it. I am determined.

No pain, no gain- A Healthier Lifestyle [Update #4]

So coming up for my third week for my summer workout and I have to say that I am a bit disappointed with myself. Recently, I haven't been working out much. There are many distractions taking place and so many college work to catch up on that I have been lacking so much in my workout. Although I haven't been working out much, I did manage to eat a much more healthier diet. For the past week I have eaten less rice (one cup at max) and have gotten much more nutritious and healthy food in my diet. I also found the perfect place for me to get these kind of food at Holland & Barrett.  My favourite snack that I have bought so far from the week has got to be chickpeas. They are super healthy and you can get a wide range of different flavours. I have also tried out eating porridge everyday. That's all for the update.

Anyways, this week my aim is to workout everyday. I hope you wish me luck.

I am DETERMINED.

No pain, no gain- A Healthier Lifestyle [Update #3]

Everyone has their drawbacks and failures and this week has got to be my downfall week. I started to exercise and eat a healthy diet during the start of the week and gradually started to fade off my healthy lifestyle. I converted into eating great amounts of food and didn't do any exercise at all. The weight that I lost have probably been gained. Since I was busy with other activities I lost track of my diet. By tomorrow, I am going to start back again and this time I have learnt my lesson. No matter how good food can be always remember that it will just convert into fat so you have to be mindful of the things that you put into your body. I know that I can do this I just need to motivate myself again and control what I eat. Starting tomorrow, I will start my exercise again and focusing on eating a health nutritious diet, not eating too many carbohydrates and glucose. This week was my downfall but I'm ready to get up and start again. I am determined for Week Three although I am counting this a reset button so technically it will be my second week still. I will do this, not for anyone else but for MYSELF.

No pain, no gain- A Healthier Lifestyle [Update #2]

Hello everybody! [Update]

As you may know by reading this blog I started my summer workout. It was challenging at first to begin with since I love and crave food so much but I eventually am getting the hang of it. When I first started Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred DVD I couldn't even do five minutes of it. I was very unfit and was always tired. Doing college work plus all the exercise and eating right didn't fit in. However, if you are determined to do something I think the best motto to use is "No pain, no gain" . I am fully determined to do this workout. I know that it will be tough but reading articles about how people, just like me, lose a lot of weight made me feel better. Also, I have recently  subscribed to getleanin12. His videos really helped me a lot and I got to learn a few tips along the way with him. Below I have put a link to a few of his videos that really made me workout much more and I learnt a few little tricks in losing wight faster, without all chemicals and pills. Just pure determination and set goals. I have also set out a long term goal for my weight loss plan and a short term and currently have not broken my 6pm rule (no eating after six).

The results of my workout

Since I have just started this new lifestyle of mine. I cannot really see any difference by looking at the scale just yet. However, I see a LOT of positive changes with regards of my endurance. I am able to do a lot more workout now because my body is slowly adapting to the workout. Also, I am more resilient to unhealthy food and I am trying not to eat after six PM. Writing down what I eat every day has really boosted my workout as I know what I am eating and this helps me in controlling, cutting down or stopping any food that I know is bad for me. There has been quite a few times when I was tempted but I know I will not back down on this. 

I am DETERMINED.

Youtube Cover Project #3 : I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2

Hello ladies and gentlemen,
I know I have said that I'll be doing a cover every week but I found it extra difficult with everything going on such college, interviews, and other activities. It really is true what they say "Time flies by". I cannot believe it's April now. Anyways, I have decided that I'm going to try and do this when I have time but by the end of the year I should have fifty covers. I feel I'm becoming more confident now.. However, it is so hard to get the camera working properly so bear with me on that. Hahaha.
The song that I have decided to do is one of my favourite U2 songs.

" I still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"

Click here to watch.

 This song is just so powerful. First time I heard it was on the radio when I came to Ireland twelve years ago. The lyrics still speak to me now as "I still don't what what I'm looking for". This month I just had an interview for the UK and although it's not for definite that I'll be moving away just yet, I just had the thought that "How will I cope with this?".." Is this what I really want?" . I then stumbled across this song on my playlist and it stuck to my head. I suddenly remembered all the friends and the memories I've made here in Ireland. I've learnt to cope and learnt a lot of new things. I realized that I may not know what's in front of me but as long as I'm happy and keep my faith that I'll be fine. I'll be able to handle moving away again and become more independent. The song really motivated me to not be scared and face my fears. Yes, if I get into the UK and get a place in Uni there I know that I will be able to cope. It will be my first time moving away form my parents but for some reason I know it will be alright. I just hope now that I will get a place at the university there. : )

This song also goes out for people who have lost faith and their hope. I hope that you know there in every dark cloud there is always a silver lining. I know that it tough,believe me I've been through that stage in my life but no matter what just be happy and keep positive.

Happy Easter !

No pain, no gain- A healthier Lifestyle [Update #1]

So, yesterday I started Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred. I have to say I was disappointed with myself as I couldn't even finish Level One. The exercise was so vigorous and intense that I did not even manage to do ten minutes of the twenty but hey, I decided to keep staying positive. The next day, I regained endurance and questioned myself "Why was I doing all of this?". Then I got to thinking; if I am going to start dieting and changing my eating habits I need to know that I'm doing it for myself.  Losing weight in order to impress people around you isn't right. Working out and eating a balanced diet should make YOU feel good both internally and externally. I did however, manage to complete Level One today which regained my energy.

This morning, I measured my rice to one cup per day and to watch what I eat. So far I've eaten one cup of rice with scrambled egg and later Mango Yoghurt. I have also decided to not eat so much after 6pm to prevent myself from eating too much. After all, it is not just about exercise but also maintaining your food intake. After all "You Are What You Eat". ..

Easter 2 0 1 3 at Lighthouse

Easter is a time for reflection, a time for renewal. This time I have  renewed my FAITH in God. There were many times when I have stumbled and lost hope, not just in God alone but I lost hope in myself. Going to Lighthouse Community Church on Sunday has been a major part of who I am now because of the things that I have learnt and learning to trust myself more and achieve my goals.

One major thing that I have learnt going yesterday was that religion is not based on popularity, it is not measured by your outward self but to look at your inner self. I mean is there really a point in going to church, joining different charities, helping people if your true self is vile and cruel. If you do things that are wrong in your spare time. Is it really worth hiding it just to make yourself good on the outside? NO. It isn't. Faith is something stronger than that. I mean of course do good deeds but don't pretend that you want to do them. Do it because you want to. Do it because that's your heart says that's right. Do it for you. Join a religion because you want to form a relationship with him, with GOD.

Also another thing my faith. My faith lacked a lot of power before. There were times when I questioned who God was. There was so many things that hindered me. Living in a world where there is a lot disbelief and many people trying to ask me "If God is really here, why does he not end poverty?" "Where is God when I was down." "If God is real then he should show himself" it is really hard to answer them because I also didn't have a clue. Lately I have been reading the Bible and came across this ...


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.


God has a plan for each and every one of us. There are times when we will be confused and don't know where we're going but assure yourselves that God has his own plan made for YOU. There are many people who don't believe that there is a God but I can definitely say that there is a GOD. I have faced struggles in my life, sometimes I lost hope and wanted to just disappear but somehow there was always a voice or something telling me to keep going. God will show himself to you at the right time, whether it is tomorrow or years from now. He will show you in the right time. I have experienced his right timing with his blessings... I will not share it for now but soon. : )
He also might not be called Jesus, he many be called other names but to me he is GOD. There is definitely someone that is constantly protecting me and although I still have a lot to learn. I just want to say happy Easter.

EASTER AT LIGHTHOUSE