But You Are Special...

The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.

Leo Buscaglia

♥

and I still believe there is a lot of sweetness to life to overcome all bitterness.

~ Tarhata

Nowhere

Everywhere pine trees

strawberries, wild berries

cold cold air

we dined in nowhere

our stories eagerly

touched together

potted onions

cucumbers tuna platter

coffee black

lavender and vines

the purple passionfruit

in the altitude

laidback life...

ah, quaint simplicity.

♥

Living Time Given To Me

But time growing old teaches all things.

Aeschylus

I am constantly evaluating my life. After a lot of things happening the past weeks- I can simply say, I truly am a blessed person.

In life, I realized you just have to take one day at a time. No matter how hard things may appear. Right now, I am all moving forward. The future is waiting and I am very excited with it. I don't know what gives me that feeling, but when I think of the future, I find myself smiling at it. Ah, but this person is just grateful for the blessing of life.

Back to that question in my mind. Where has time carried me, and to how far have I gone?

My answer. I may not have reached the goals I set for myself as a hopeful kid of long ago. Yet I know I am where I should be at the moment. Living my present. Thankful, even for the past. And comfortably looking forward to the future.

I have been given everything I needed to become the person I am. And I love what I have now.

Gracias, Abba. For some weeks, these words keep repeating in my heart.

"I, who dwell in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. "

I personalized Psalm 91:1. These living words were with me, and always will be with me, all the way.

Setting Personal Boundaries

Everyday we meet people who try to impose their will upon us, forcing us to function in the way they want.

You have the right to self-respect. You are not a pushover.

Draw the line.

Yes, draw the line when you want to be respected.

Draw the line when you know your own worth.

Draw the line when you want to have power.

Draw the line so that people do not take advantage of you.

Draw the line because you now have a clear idea of what to put up with. And what you won't allow to affect you.

Draw the line because someone will always try to use you unwisely.

Draw the line because you don't have to be scared of what people will do to you.

Draw the line and stand up for yourself because you are a mature person by now.

Draw the line and be ready to say: "No, I won't put up with this behavior."

Personal boundary setting helps us define our territory. Likewise, when we want to avoid building up resentment, we have to communicate in a direct manner on what is acceptable and not.

May you understand that it is your personal responsibility to choose how others will treat you.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Today is the 38th birthday of my best buddy in life, Eddie.

Happy Birthday to my husband. Who has always been patient with me. Who has always loved me since we were 14 (I revel in that assumption, LOOOL) ;-). Who spoils me whenever he has the chance to.

Happy Birthday to the person who knows the value of integrity in relationships.

Love,

Your Wifey, Ningning

My heart is crying for all humanity.

You desire to know the art of living, my friend?

It is contained in one phrase:

make use of suffering.

- Henri-Frederic Amiel

I am heartbroken. Not just for our family, but for everyone I see in the hospital coming and going. Those who come in are no better than those who come out of it, because people are constantly in anguish for bodily pain, broken and unusable limbs, and for some, mental illness as a result of accident. Young and old, they suffer from degeneration and damage.

And I look at myself. Whole, able, working, and comfortable in my place. My pains become nothing compared to what these people are going through. I am grateful for being as I am today. I am thankful for everything. Yet partly sad.

Yet. If I could only give a part of me to lessen humanity's agony.

Is it not sad seeing another lose hope, lose shelter, lose work, lose health, lose friends, lose loved ones? I have long resolved to refrain from intentionally hurting people. I will be a better person if that is the only way I can lessen the agony of a fellow sojourner in this place.

And with this thought, I join with the chorus of humankind begging for relief. We came weeping into the world when we were born, and we will all likewise, leave this world shedding tears of pain.

Humanity, when will your Salvation appear?