Speak Dream

In light of our family’s firsthand experience with Typhoon Ondoy, I find myself looking back at the past month and thinking of all the things I am thankful for, and things I learned from the whole experience.

Learnings and Realizations:

1. Much of what we consider important are not really essential for a happy life. We tend to accumulate so many things in our journey through life, but these often end up as clutter – as waste.
2. Before spending your hard-earned money on anything, think “Do I really need this now?”, “Will I really use this?” and “Is it really worth it?”
3. It’s really by the grace of God, that it’s during times of tragedy and trials that we are able to catch a glimpse of our own hidden potential. We often underestimate our own abilities and capabilities, but it’s when everything is darkest, that we can take the opportunity to shine more brightly. Read the rest of this entry »

Thought I’d share a few of my favorite short quotes about courage and aiming for something bigger in life.

These quotes are part of a compilation that I have maintained through the years, from forwarded text messages, E-mails, and other sources. These quotes continue encourage me and give me the extra push I need in pursuing my dreams. May they also be a source of encouragement to you. Enjoy!

• “Real living is conscious effort to go upward to larger life” – R.P
• “One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.” – Unknown
• “We write our own destiny. We become what we do.” – Mme C. K. Shek
• “Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin
• “The secret of self-confidence is action – taking the first step” -Unknown

If you liked the quotes above, do send me a comment. If you have any favorite encouraging or inspiring quotes you wish to share, please send me comment with your quote and how it inspired you, and I can add your story to a new blog article. Who knows, you might inspire someone else! Good Day!

Here are some  helpful tips on dealing with anger, as summarized from Alan Loy McGinnis’s book The Friendship Factor:

When you are angry…

1. Vent your anger
2. However, if you dish it out, you have to take it too. Be ready to accept the consequences of your actions
3. Never say, “Don’t be upset” to someone who is angry
4. Ventilate your ire with a trusted friend or write it in a letter, rather than confronting the irritant right away.
5. Get a physical outlet for aggression. Take up sports or go have a workout.

Read the rest of this entry »

Here are some  characteristics of a good listener, as summarized from Alan Loy McGinnis’s book The Friendship Factor:

1. Listen with your eyes. Give your undivided attention to the person you are talking with.
2. Give advice sparingly.
3. Never break a confidence.
4. Complete the loop. The conversation isn’t a one-way street.
5. Show gratitude when someone confides in you.

Here are some ways to deepen and build more intimacy in your relationships, as summarized from Alan Loy McGinnis’s book The Friendship Factor:

5 Ways to Deepen Your Relationships

1. Assign top priority to your relationships
2. Cultivate more openness
3. Dare to talk about your affection. Express yourself.
4. Learn the gestures of love (ex. gentle touch, hug)
5. Create space in your relationships. Take short breaks from each other. Read the rest of this entry »