PERSONAL NARRATIVES, MOMMY TIPS, AND THRILLING DISCOVERIES TO MAKE DAILY LIFE THE HAPPIEST
There may be many reasons we do and say things, but one thing is sure. We, humans, seek our gain from our decisions. Some opted to work because they want to get paid and have the money to buy their wants. Others push for their passion because it drives them to fulfillment. Thus, most of the peoples’ actions are self-interested.
Recently, we learned of a friend who is suffering from mental illness. Her father allegedly harassed her that even her mother didn’t do anything about it. That episode in her life must have caused mental stress. Statistics say that in the Philippines, rape happens every 72 minutes, and at least one in 20 women aged 15 to 49 experienced sexual violence. From these Filipinas, half of them took no action. And that is one sad reality.
One night, I woke up feeling cold. I checked if the husband opened the air conditioning unit as the temperature was so unbearable. It turned out the cold temperature was coming from the outside. Husband installed an exhaust fan in our room wherein it pulls air from the outside. Thus, the cold air from the outside is what enters our room. And again, the temperature was so unbearable. Indeed, the Christmas season is coming.
And speaking of Christmas, for most Pinoys, Christmas season is the perfect time to host dinner get-togethers or attend family reunions and catch up with loved ones. And it is in family gatherings that we bring our specialty. Nothing beats making our loved ones feel extra special as we step up our cooking game by adding homemade showstoppers to the table.
This parent believes that if we want our youngsters to soar, we need to let them explore the sky. Allow them to discover what is comfortable and not, fail if they may, and learn from the consequences of their actions. Because it is only through that experience will they learn to bounce back.
Same with discovering their gifts, let them choose what interest them. If possible, support their talents and hone them through practice and mentorship.
I remembered many years ago, I borrowed from my cousin a pair of jeans, a white shirt, and a pair of white sneakers for our CAT class. It was because I didn’t ask my mother to buy me any. That time, she often worries about our food for the day, and it would be too much to burden her about my CAT uniform.
We were renting then a small house with a sari-sari store. My mother resigned from work to tend to her store. I didn’t know if it was a wise decision as the rumble of emptiness from my stomach became frequent. The squeaky springs of our bed all the more hurt my back.
However, I didn’t know we were poor then. I was enrolled in an exclusive school where the tuition fee was way too high compared to other schools within the area. But there were many times we couldn’t afford to pay for electricity and water. And that perhaps is what I am most thankful for my mother — Ginapang nya talaga ang aking pag-aaral.
There comes a stage in a toddler’s life when he becomes an incredibly picky eater. Our two-year-old SumoSam can be one, and he can surprisingly survive with just breastmilk, lots of juice and water, and rice in a day. Yes, he prefers to eat rice without any viand. And he knows when I secretly put even a tiny piece of beef under the rice. He would hand over to me the meat as he continues to chew his rice.
Do you have picky eaters at home, too? Make their mealtime less of a struggle but more enjoyable and healthier with these fail-proof tips. It’s never too late to start to develop better eating habits.
Time flies quickly. As every year passes, the months and days seem to be streaking by at warp speed. Imagine our Firstborn who can’t even complete a sentence at five-year-old is now a 17-yo honors high school student. His four other brothers are growing fast, too. And this unstoppable march of time turns our little ones into gentlemen with each day bringing discoveries, challenges, and growth.
Since we can’t stop time from ticking, might as well make every moment count. And one helpful way to make memories is a feast around the dining table – something my boys can look back in 10 to 20 years and think fondly of the meals and stories we’ve shared.
Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. Buddha
It’s true. Peace of mind is something too aloof because we keep on hating others for their achievement while we forget or belittle our successes. As it is human nature to compare ourselves with others, this act, however, makes us come up short.
Envy makes many of us wish for something that others else have. And the sad part is, we can’t seem to be truly happy for them. This leads us to hate these people. But what we don’t realize is that this sensation is ruining our life.
I admit there were episodes in my life that I envy others of their achievements. But as there are many ways to get stuck in a cycle of envy, there are also several ways to deal with bitterness and eventually lead us to true happiness.
One morning when I went down from a good night’s sleep, I nearly slipped when I passed by the refrigerator. Our refrigerator leaked water as someone left its door open for an extended period. Must be our youngest kid since he loves to open and close the refrigerator door to look for food.
Upon cleaning our refrigerator and mopping the floor, I’ve realized that our trusted appliance has been with us for nearly 12 years. We got it when my husband and I decided to live on our own. And most of the set of furniture and appliance in our small house is about a decade old or more. They are now showing wear and tear. After all, this happens due to negligence, abuse, and for many years of use.
However, with three high school boys, a youngster about to enter school next year, and a toddler, buying a new set of appliance is far from happening in the next few years. Good thing my mom opened a business hub two months ago and got me as her support system. I religiously keep my salary for home improvement. This mother plans to ditch some of their beyond repair furniture and appliance. A new set of dining table or refrigerator, for instance, would undoubtedly boost my family’s morale and make the house a more enjoyable place to stay.
Before, my mother didn’t use her automatic washing machine for most of her clothes. She only used it for her comforters and bedsheets. She would always tell me that the constant spinning and heat of the laundry process damage clothes.
We introduced to her the use of a fabric conditioner. Good thing, she was convinced that fabric softener protects clothes from the damage of the wash. She bought the idea that fabcon smoothens and strengthens fiber to maintain the clothes’ shape. And by smoothing the fibers, the fabcon reduces the friction between them. After all, it’s the friction that causes the fibers to break, leading to dull and faded looking clothes.