Love... another four-letter word that is mostly hard to define and understand. Agree? I think, we all have our own definition for LOVE, but most of the times, there are times we don't actually understand it.
Just a question: Have you ever experienced loving someone and tried so hard just to make him love you back? In the end, you just give up saying "I Can't Make You Love Me".
Maybe not. Maybe yes. Maybe unsure.
"I can't make you love me" Is this a sign of defeat or just acceptance?
In my opinion, when you love someone, you don't have to expect him to love you back. Loving is loving. No expectations involved. It is great to love and be loved back , but making someone love you back is not good. Let him love you without pressure ;0 What do you think?
I Can't Make You Love Me
How To Be Happy For Real?
How do you search for happiness and contentment? Do you often say any of the following at least to yourself or someone else:
"I'll be happy...
...When I win the sweeptakes.
...When I get the money.
...When I have my own house and car.
...When I get this job.
...When I meet someone else.
...When I get married.
...When my problems are all gone.
C'mon, let's all be honest. I am sure there are some of you reading this post who does. I admit I used to say some of those phrases. But as I said, I used to - that was before... when I was younger... when I still don't exactly know the real meaning of happiness and joy.
To be happy, you never get to when. The only way to find happiness is to understand that happiness is not out there. It's in here - and happiness is not later, tomorrow, the next day, next week, next month. It's now.
Happiness and contentment are inside us waiting to be discovered. As stated on a famous quote “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.”
Remember, you are not getting any younger. Why not be happy now? Why wait until tomorrow when you can do it now?
Can You Keep A Secret?
For more than four months of blogging, I never shared my opinion about secrets. While sleepily browsing some websites online, a sudden thought about "secrets" popped inside my mind... so I considered posting a related article before I'll have my night sleep - or should I say dawn sleep (Because it is already past 12'oclock in the morning. The neighborhood is so quite thus I am a little motivated of writing another article.) So, let's talk about secrets.
Shhhh... Can you keep a secret? Is your answer a typical yes or no?
Some may agree with me that it is okay to keep secrets. Secrets can be fun. They can also test your level of trust to your friends or family. During my teenage years, my high school friends and I love making secrets such as who are our crushes and some other personal secrets. Nowadays, I admit I still keep secrets... when you'll ask me how old I am, I will simply reply "Secret." I know that most of us have secrets - some are kept personally while others are kept with our trustees.
But do you know that there are secrets which can also hurt people? There are secrets that should be kept untold while there are some which should be revealed. In short, there is a good and a bad secret. A good secret won't hurt you or anyone or anything else while a bad secret might hurt you, or someone or something else. It might make you, your brother, your sister, or a friend feel sad, scared, uncomfortable, or angry. It might be something that you know is wrong, and you think someone will get in trouble if you break it.
So, knowing there are bad and good secrets… do you know when you should keep a secret or reveal them. Thanks for sharing ;D
Justice Is Blind... Really?
There is an old saying stating that "Justice is blind". When I was a kid, I admit I did not exactly know what it means. I used to wonder what they mean "blind". Do they mean justice is literally blind? I even wonder why justice was symbolized by a blindfolded woman with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other.
Because of curiosity and further asking, I learn to understand the reason behind the saying "Justice is blind". Justice is not literally blind. Justice is blind in a sense that the law should be viewed objectively. Justice should be balance without bias or prejudice. In short, it should be just. A blindfolded woman demonstrates fairness and equity wherein race, social class, or gender should not influence justice.
Okay. Now that we know what justice is blind means… maybe we should reflect and ask ourselves if this statement is still practiced in reality in today’s era. Look at our government, our society, our school, or even inside our homes. Is justice really blind?
Why Do Parents Argue?
I am not a parent yet, but I have parents and I admit I often ask myself "Why do parents argue?" especially when I was a kid about five or six years old.
You might be wondering where I got this topic. Actually, I was just browsing my blog when I saw a Google Adsense advertisement titled "Why Do My Parents Argue?"... so I said to myself "Why not discuss this topic today?" I hope parents will share their opinion about this topic… maybe its time to share the reason behind parents' arguments. Is it normal? Is the argument worth it or did it just affected the relationship between you and your husband/wife - especially the kids?
Based on my own parents' arguments and the arguments between my boyfriend and me, I believe that arguments are just normal in a relationship. Couples argue because of some misunderstanding or the least, misjudgment. Yet, whatever the reason may be, compromise is necessary - so with saying "sorry" and giving an explanation. Aside from those, it is also important to hear the others' side. Remember, it takes two to tango...
And as tip coming from a parents' child, I believe that the argument should be kept private, without the kids hearing it, because this may affect the kids as well. Don't you agree?
It Takes Two To Tango
Ever heard the lines above? I am sure you do. Some of you may have already heard it yet never give a second thought. Some of you may have heard it alot yet until now, still not know what the statement really means.
So what does "It takes two to tango" means?
Honestly, the first time I heard about it, my initial expression was "Huh?!" Of course, I know the meaning of this sentence. Literally. I know that it takes a couple to dance a tango... but what does this idiom exactly means? Admittedly, it took me years before I fully understood these words.
When someone said "It takes two to tango", they mean "Certain activities - such as quarreling or fighting - cannot be performed alone. "It takes two to tango" means that two people in a fight are both responsible for that fight. One person might start the fight, but they both keep it going. A conflict is not the fault of just one person or the other; they are often both to blame, because it takes two to tango ;D
So, may I ask you "Do you keep on blaming others, too?"
There's No Place Like Home
Oh, it's Friday again. Tomorrow's weekend... We should be visiting my aunt (my mom's sister) tomorrow, but because of some unavoidable reasons, we can't go and we'll visit her next month instead. By the way, please pray for my aunt for more strength... she has a brain tumor and I heard she won't live long. Your prayers are very much appreciated ;(
Even though we are not so close, I still feel so sad. We never thought or imagined she could get a cancer. She worked too hard for her family. She even went abroad and worked as a domestic helper just to send her kids in school. I don't pity her because she has a cancer. Instead, I am so proud for her courage and strength.
Out of nowhere, while I was thinking about the fate of my aunt, a topic about "There's No Place Like Home" arise... thus this post was created.
Do you agree that there's no place like home? I do. I no longer live with my family... and I admit that most of the time, I missed back home. I miss my family, I miss my room, I miss the fresh air, and I miss everything.
Reality speaks, even though many Filipinos are going abroad for greener living, they still go back home to the Philippines... for a vacation or to settle down. Some of the people I know often say that they still want to die in the comforts of their own home, not in their foreign land. In my aunt's case, she chose to live her remaining days with her husband, children, and family. I know some had forgotten being a Filipino, but I am so proud to those Filipinos who never gave up being a Filipino - at heart and soul. They never forget their home and never felt ashamed being a Filipino despite the “things” going on.
This may not be the typical scenario in your country, but in mine this is how people treasure the value of home and family. There is indeed no place like home. There is no place as sweet as home.
Love Thy Neighbor
Two of the Ten Commandments are pertaining about loving our neighbors.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.
When I was about seven years old or younger, I remember that we were so close with our neighbors, which some of them happened to be our keen family too. But as time passes by, things get different. Hatred and jealousy started to grow the gap between us until it came to the point where we no longer talk to each other. Why? Both sides have their own reasons.. and sometimes silence is the best way so as not to worsen the gap.
Honestly, the gap is only between our grandparents, but due to some point... my parents, aunts, cousins were also affected... until it came to the point that no one is already talking.
Now, where is the statement "Love thy neighbor" applies. Right now where I am living away from my family, I don't neither like my new neighbors. I hate it when their karaoke is too loud early in the morning. I hate it when I am watching a movie, but their karaoke is noisier. I hate it when their karaoke is too loud late in the evening. I hate it when the couples are quarreling as if they were the only people on Earth. I also hate it when their child is crying and no one is comforting him.
Just wanna share you guys how I don't like my neighbor. Right now, their karaoke is too loud and I can't concentrate with what I am doing. Where is the love???!
Why People Fall In Love?
Only four days to go before the Month of the Hearts... and exactly sixteen days to count before the Valentines Day. Whew, days are slipping so fast. One day it was New Year and now, we're looking forward for the Hearts' Day.
Had you started planning your date? :D
I started posting articles about love days ago. I think it's pretty early.. but I can't stop myself. I want to share my views about love as early as I can. I got a lot of topics to cover so, you'll be expecting my future posts will definitely about my opinions and thoughts regarding love and relationship. Join me and let's all fall in love :D
Today, I want to share my views on why people fall in love. Honestly, I'm a hopeless romantic person. I love romances and sentiments. In short, I love the feeling of being loved by the person I love.
But why do we fall in love?
It's a question which is hard to answer... or a question that has no answer at all. I think it's a mystery why we fall in love. It is a question that makes me think but I never found an answer. With my years of living, I never discovered the answer why people fall in love. Maybe I'm still young... or maybe, this question doesn't need an answer at all. Instead, love should be felt, not discovered nor learned.
Even Science has no answer to this question. Even Math can't compute how the process of falling in love goes. Maybe it's Chemistry, only our hearts know how… because even our mind can't control our hearts to fall in love. In my opinion, people fall in love to experience and to feel love, which is the greatest gift of all. No questions. No answers.
Now, what do you think why people fall in love?
Love At First Sight, Really?
Do you believe in love at first sight? Why?
As for me, I don't... I don't think there is such thing as love at first sight? How can you possibly fall in love for someone who you don't personally know.. who you only laid eyes on once?
I admit, when I was a teenager, I always believed in love at first sight. Whenever I saw a cute guy next door, I thought I love him. I was just a teenager that time, so I guess it's acceptable. That time, I still don't know what love to opposite gender means. Maybe I was just taken by the love stories I read or movies I watched.
But then, as I grow up and mature, I begun to realize that there is no such thing as love at first sight. It's not possible.
It's not love... just a simple and plain attraction… maybe you were only attracted by his good looks… by his sweet smile… or his gentle moves. It’s not because you are attracted, it doesn't mean you love him.
Every time I overhear a teenager saying he love the guy he met at a party or some stories that goes like this, I smile to myself and thought “Just another teenager...”
Love does not develop instantly. It takes time to mature. Love is acceptance. Infatuation and attraction are not love. Thus, in my opinion there is no such thing as love at first sight :D
Give A Little Love And It All Comes Back
"Give a little love... and it all comes to you.."
Again let me ask you Are you familiar with these lines?
It was the lines from one of the Coca-Cola's advertisements. Had you watched it? The first time I saw the commercial, I was touched. Too bad, it's no longer played. Anyway, I'm not to talk about the commercial today, but I want to talk about the statement "Give a little love.. and it all comes back to you".
Sound like the Golden Rule too, right? Do unto others what you want others do unto you.
Give love and they will love you back. Nah... you may disagree. You may say "I love this girl I am courting but she doesn't love me back, so how come you're saying give a little love and she will love you back?" You may have your point... but isn't it love is not expecting anything in return?
Tell me, are you required to love because you are expecting something in return or are you loving someone without hoping for anything back? Can you not love someone without expecting something in return? It is better to give than to receive, right?
I think the main idea of the lines "Give a little love and it all comes back to you" is to let us spread the love. Love is free.. it doesn't cost anything so why can't we not give it to anyone... to our neighbors, to our officemates, to our parents, to our siblings, to our friends, to an orphan... some of them loves you back.. and if there are some who doesn't then, so be it. Just spread the love, you have nothing to lose :D
Karma - What Goes Around Comes Around
...what goes around, comes around.
What goes up, must come down...
Are you familiar with these lines? If you are very fond of music, them I'm sure you do :D
Do you believe in Karma? How about "History repeats itself"?
First let's try to define what karma means. According to Wikipedia.com:
Karma (Sanskrit: kárma (help•info), kárman- "act, action, performance"[1]; Pali: kamma; Chinese: yinguo ) is the concept of "action" or "deed" in Indian religions understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect (i.e., the cycle called samsara) described in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies.
...the philosophical explanation of karma can differ slightly between traditions, but the general concept is basically the same. It is usually understood as a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. The results or 'fruits' of actions are called karma-phala. Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward; karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others...
Honestly, I do believe in karma. I know several people who were affected by Karma and are still suffering from it. For example, they stole something or cheated someone... Afterwards, they lost most of their properties, or someone they love.
Most of the times, when we do something that is not good, or worsen other people's lives; karma often comes back to us. Sometimes, indirectly. Sometimes, lighter than the sin. But most of the times, worse than what you had done...For example, if you did something wrong like you stole someone's wallet in your office, even though, no one will stole your wallet (because you don't have a wallet), time will come, you will also lose something... something precious to you. That is karma.
Now, let me ask you "Do you believe in karma?" This is just a summary of this post, go here to read the full article...
Describe Red To A Blind Person
I should be giving my opinion regarding the difference between giving a try and giving your best, but I am still waiting for more opinions so I will let it that way. Maybe, I will post it tomorrow or the next day. So, if you haven't cast your opinion yet, take some time and share it here Giving A Try Versus Doing Your Best.
Today, I want to let you think again by asking another question. Who knows, I might give away another award. Maybe we can call it "Most Clever" award. Just for fun, what do you think?
So my question is "How will you describe the color RED to a blind person"? I'm talking about a person who was blind since birth. Imagine yourself with a blind person and he was asking you to describe the color red to him, how will you explain it?
Actually, this was asked by my interviewer when I was interviewed for my job. I never thought nor imagined this question will be asked. In short I wasn't prepared. Again, I was mentally blanked. But I gave my answer in the best way I could. Want to know my answer? Nah… maybe after yours :D
So, if you were at my shoes that time, how will you answer your interviewer? Please answer it on your own… no peaking :D
Who knows, in the future, your interviewer will ask this same question too. In case someone will, you’ll be prepared.
Happy thinking :D
Giving a Try Versus Doing Your Best
"Okay, can you tell me the difference between giving a try and doing your best?"
That was my former boss' question actually. I was new to that company - three months old to be exact - when he asked us that question. We were having a team meeting and out of nowhere he asked every head in the room on how to differentiate "giving a try" and "doing your best".
Being a fresh college graduate landing her first job who was asked that question, my initial expression was "mentally blank". Honestly, I was really blank that time. Too good I wasn't the first one being asked. If that would be the case, it will be an embarrassing moment. Maybe I will just turn red and say "I think they are the same" or worst "I don't know".
All of us were obliged to answer but I really can't think that time. I never thought they are different. I always thought they are just the same. Not literally, but maybe logically.
Think... Think.. Think... Don't cram... Just think...
If he asked the difference between the two phrases, then maybe there is actually "a difference". Common Hye, concentrate!
Time's up...
Now it's my turn... want to know my answer? I will not tell you today:D Why don't you share your opinion first and I’ll tell mine later? I will also share how my boss differentiated the two phrases :D
Happy Thinking :D
This is just a summary of this post, go here to read the full article...The Right Time To Say A White Lie
This is a follow-up post in relation to our topic yesterday about "Is it okay to tell a White Lie". Everyone's been honest in sharing their opinion and everyone has their own point of view. Thanks everyone for your honesty and frankness : D
I guess it's my time to share my opinion if it's okay to tell a white lie.
I admit I hate hearing lies. I've heard too much lies before and they hurt me especially after hearing the truth. But I also confess that I told lies before and still telling it sometimes. This is me, and I have to tell the truth :D
Whoever did not lie is a liar. It's a genuine fact that everyone had lied - to ourselves, to our family, to our loved ones, to our friends, to our peers, to our teachers.
It is true that "The truth hurts", but it's truer that "A lie hurts more". Of course we hate lies, who doesn't? But as I asked yesterday "Will you rather hear a hurtful truth or hear a white lie?"
We have to admit that we have to say a lie for the sake of protecting one's feeling. It could be because that person is a sensitive person and he can't take negative criticism. We also have to consider our relationship to that person. If we know that person well and we think that the truth will not hurt him, then I think being straight forward and frank is the best thing to do. But if we know don't really know that person especially his feeling, then I think the best way to do is to tell your opinion in an indirect way or tell a white lie.
I think the real question is "When is the right time to say a white lie?" What do you think?
Is It Okay To Tell White Lies?
Is it okay to tell white lies? Why do you have to say a white lie when you can actually tell them the truth? Is it because you are protecting yourself? Or are you protecting someone's feeling? Is white lie considered a sin or not?
For example, if I will to ask you your opinion about my blog, will you tell positive things just to protect my feelings? Will you say "It's nice", "You've got a wonderful blog", "Nice template" just to satisfy me? Or will you say something based on your opinion not minding if I get hurt by your negative feedback?
Another example, if a friend were to ask you if how she looked on her new dress and you see her dress doesn't suit her, what will you say? Will you say "You look beautiful"? Or will you honestly say "The dress doesn't look good on you! Threw it in the trash can!"
In my opinion, a lie is still a lie regardless if it's white, gray, or black. I know most of us hate lies. I do. I hate it when someone told me something then later, I just found out that it is nothing but a lie. Fake. Untrue. False.
We all deserve to know the truth. But the question is, will you still accept a hurtful truth or will you rather hear a white lie?
These are the questions ringing in my mind right now and I am looking forward hearing your opinion. What's your stand with white lies? Do you practice it or not? Please be honest. Everyone's opinion is accepted.
Knowing, Setting, and Working Your Goals
Another new year had started. Let me ask, had you already defined and set your goals for the future or you just welcomed the year with no plan or purpose at all?
Let's admit, most of us hope for a change in life- better than our present situation. Some hope for better family life, finances, relationships, career, etc. So how can you obtain a better life if you have no goals at all?
In my opinion, knowing what you want and setting your goals are probably the two most important things in life. If you have no plans at all or if you're living your life "just as is", then definitely, you will not move forward for a better life. You will just stay as who you are, being inert in one place.
You have to define and set your goals. However, knowing and setting your goals is not enough. Of course, you have to pursue your goals and work them out. Be sure your goals are something you really want. If you do, then there's no doubt you can work toward the success of your aspirations.
Lastly, in knowing, setting, and working your goals remember these three inspirational quotes:
"To know yourself is the first and most important step to pursuing your dreams and goals." Stedman Graham
"Without the vision of a goal, a man cannot manage his own life, much less the lives of others." Genghis Khan
"The difference between a goal and a dream is the written word."
Gene Donohue
Four Days Left Before Year 2008
Wow... it's only four days left before year 2008. Time slips too fast. The last time I checked the calendar was Christmas Day and now, it’s only four days left and it's already New Year's Eve.
Welcome year 2008!!!
Now that we only have only four days for the year 2007, why don’t you make some reflections on what you did for the whole year? Did you influence one’s life in a good or bad way? Did you make your life better or worst? Did you gain or lose friends? Did we hurt or love people? Did you learn new or lose some?
Knowing that you only have four days left for the year 2007, how are you going to spend it? Will you spend it doing some good or bad deeds? Will you use the remaining four days to ask forgiveness to people you hurt both by verbally or emotionally? Will you call your friends and family who are not beside you? Or will you just shrug and say "I don't care." Or maybe, just let these days pass and wait for the year 2008 to settle things down.
What will you do?
Now that you still have four days, why not forgive those people who sinned against you? Why not ask forgiveness to people you had hurt- intentionally or unintentionally? Why not call those people who are physically away from you and tell them how much you care, miss, and love them?
Why not end this year forgetting the hatred and starting the year 2008 with serenity and peace at heart, by giving, caring, and loving? Why not start the year 2008 forgetting the past and living the present and looking forward to the future? New year, new life… right?
Just a simple thought of mine... :D
Follow Your Passion: Do Something You Love!
Earlier June this year, I was thinking of quitting my job because I was quite fed up with the things happening in our office. Sorry, I can't disclose them here :D
During those days, I read an article titled "Stop doing stuff you’re not passionate about", or something like that. I can't remember the exact title of the article, or even the writer! But I am so sure that the idea of the article is to stop doing things I am not passionate about and start doing the things I love.
I agreed with the author. Life is just to short just to waste it doing the things I don't love. I should waste my time to the things I wanted and loved. That way, I won't have any regrets in the future.
I followed his recommendation. I quit my job and re-considered another better opportunity. I am too glad I listened to him. Now, I know something better is waiting ahead of me. I no longer feel stuck, bored, and demoralized. It is a great feeling knowing your passion and doing what you really love.
I guess the lesson here is that "If you’re not excited about what you do for a job - change it as soon as you can. Take that first step, whatever it is, towards doing something you love." :D
You Will Never Know Unless You Try
Do you agree?
I can't exactly remember the first person who quoted me the quote above. It could be my mom, grandpa, a friend, or a teacher. I dunno (shrug). Whoever that person was, I owe him or her. The line above served as one of my mottos in life. Whenever I want to try something but I have second thoughts, I just remind myself "You'll never know unless you try". It made me optimistic toward something.
It made me try and give my best to whatever I do. And when I fail to that something, I just say "At least I tried".
I know there are a lot of people who are scared to try something because they are afraid of failure. Or maybe, they are afraid of the word "no". But how can you know how something feels like if you don't try.
How could you know the feeling of being successful if you don't give a try?
How could you know that a person loves you if you don't ask him or her?
How could you know the answer if you won't seek for it?
How could you...? etc... etc...
Life is a risk. I think we all know that. So what's keeping us from not doing what we want to do? Life is too short to waste that for having second thoughts. Who knows? Maybe that thing is the best for you. You will never know unless you try, right? :D
