Forgive.

        Forgiveness is a term that has become so foreign to us. In our daily interactions with various human beings, we consistently err due to our many imperfections. We hurt each other intentionally or unintentionally in all directions because of our misconduct. If we each contemplated on just how many people we have hurt and how much we are in need of their forgiveness, we would not be as stingy in forgiving all those who have wronged us.

      We like judging others and their faults, while remaining blind to our own shortcomings. We rack our memories for the one time we helped a fellow human being, but easily forget how many times we have wronged them. A true believers mind should be humbled and occupied with trying to fix their own deficiencies to the point that they do not have the time to raise their head to focus on the faults of others.

        It is even more fascinating how we fool ourselves into thinking we are gracious and forgiving. We say by our tongue that we forgive a person, yet we act contrary to this. We start talking behind that person’s back and ruin their reputation. I’ve seen horrific examples in our communities where one family has some conflicts with another family, resulting in bad mouthing and back-biting for years. You could live thousands of miles away from either family, and are still bound to hear something negative about one family or the other. It is so upsetting and disturbing how we let our tongues loose, and not realise how much we hurt people by it. We might even be a step higher in our act of forgiveness that we do not mention a person’s faults to others, but we still choose to distance ourselves from them. This is wrong as well. How would we feel if God distanced Himself from us for every sin we committed?

       

Forgive. Don’t retaliate. Let God do His work.

Nahum 1:2-3

     God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

         Then, don’t hold back the love you have received, beloved. Don’t hold back that forgiveness. It was meant to be released. Open your heart to Jesus, and let Him move freely in you. Allow the changes He is making in your heart. There are major renovations. He is taking away the anger, sweeping out the guilt, and driving out the fear. I know that you may not be used to these being absent, but you’re better off without them, beloved. God is replacing them with hope, love, compassion, kindness and faith.

       Forgive, beloved, because you were not designed to keep that resentment inside of you. It has never been in your nature to keep those feelings too long inside. It only makes things harder. You know what, since the day you accepted Christ, you are being transformed to be more and more like Him. Thus, forgiveness comes out naturally from you. Love comes out naturally from you. These are not born out of our efforts, though. They are fruits, because we abide in Christ.

        Forgive, beloved. Not because it is an obligation, but because it is a necessity. This great love that you have received from Jesus can never be caged inside. It won’t be stuck inside you, just for you. It has to come out. You are not just a storage, you are also a channel. Don’t miss the privilege. Let love out.

“Forgiveness will not be possible until compassion is born in our heart. Even if you want to forgive, you cannot forgive. In order to be compassionate, you have to understand why the other person has done that to you and your people. You have to see that they are victims of their own confusion, their own worldview, their own grieving, their own discrimination, their own lack of understanding and compassion.”

—           Thich Nhat Hanh

Forgiveness will bring you happiness.

-godsradicaldaughter.tumblr.com

What I've learned so far in life

These are the good ol' days.

There's a little exercise I love to do, especially when I'm frustrated and wondering what the heck life is all about....

I close my eyes and imagine that I'm 95 years old now. I really feeeel it. My life has gone by and it's almost over; a photo album, some stories, memories, accomplishments, loved ones. I've gotten used to feeling achy and tired. I spend much of my day just getting up and around. My kids are all grown and aged themselves. Most of my lifetime friends are gone. My parents are dead.

And here I am, looking back, thinking how wonderful it would be if I could go back in time and taste some of it again; maybe do things differently. To be young again, to be healthy and strong again, to have a lifetime of opportunity before me again, to play with my kids or grandkids again while they were still children. To hug my parents and friends again. To say thank you again. To help. To appreciate. To love. What a gift it would be to relive part of my past. I really feel what it's like to be 95 years old now.

And then I say, "Please, God, let me go back in time. Let me be young again and appreciate all I had. Please." And then, when I'm really longing for it and feeling like that life is a dream that will never really come true, and my life is really almost over... I open my eyes.

Try it some time. If you're like me, you'll experience the total blessing of being here, right now.

Ever notice that the good ol' days of our lives are somehow always in the past? I try to remember, despite whatever challenges are facing me, whatever better future is eluding me, that these are probably the times I'll look back on - even if they're hard times - and say, "Wow, what an amazing time that was."

I've also come to believe that the worst and hardest times are often the times of greatest transformation and learning. And when plans don't unfold the way we imagined, when things go terribly wrong, the universe is simply realigning our course. I try to practice acceptance and have faith that it will all turn out somehow.

And when I look back on the worst times and tragedies of my life, I can't help but notice all the blessings that logically resulted, and that things never turn out nearly as badly as I had feared.

So I remind myself never to worry about things I can't control. To worry is to suffer by living in the future. And the future is unpredictable.

Are you hurt now? Have you lost your life savings now? Are you alone now? Or are you perfectly safe, warm, and healthy, imagining a bad thing that might happen tomorrow?

If the bad thing doesn't happen, you will have tormented yourself in vain. And if it does, worrying could not have prevented it anyway. And right now, whatever may be going on, it's all happening in the good ol' days.

Shared by: Chris Balthasar, a financial advisor and consultant.

My Alma Mater (Elementary)

       My elementary experience was full of fun and excitement.  It was hard and full of adventure, too.  Elementary life is very challenging and I am proud to complete it.  Too much playing and going out with friends are some of the reasons why I was not able to concentrate enough on my studies. Nevertheless, I got the top spot in the class J

Salvacion Elementary School

In my elementary level, I learned many things from my subjects and from my encounters with friends.  It was fun and exciting, meeting new friends and guys. I enjoyed chatting and playing with them.  We shared jokes and laughter.  Sometimes we were being scolded by our teachers due to being very “makulit”.  It was there that we did not listen to our lesson, sometimes we copy each other’s assignments and we tease each other.  But of course, I'm doing my assignment on my own.  During break time we ran after each other, teasing one another.

I have many plans after elementary graduation. Pursuing to a higher education is my major plan. I want to be ready before I finally face my high school life.  I must face this new challenge with pride and will try my best to finish it with awards.  I did. Now another challenge, building my career and profession. By God's grace, there's so much in stored for me, let’s wait and see…

Institutions, Power, and the Ego

An institution’s sole existence is power. All functions of an institution aim at providing more power to the adhering individuals. Institutions serve no other purpose. While the benefits might seem obvious the disadvantages of institutions are not. One clear and apparent result of the information age is true power created by the lack of structure and institution.

Old institutions warp your mind. it plagues one with the perception of comfort and stability. Time tested results with statistically proven methods. An institution can take the creative mind and lock it to an eternity of structure and repetition.  Yet there are always new methods being developed by those who play outside the boundaries of institution. More efficient methods that do not adhere to the previously proven laws. The natural transfer of power and evolution of thought. The structure of nature.

The ego repels the natural progression of change. Change implies lack of control, uncertainty, doubt, and fear. One must ask: fear of what?! The irrational extent in which the ego will manipulate situations in order to keep power is worrisome at best. Distressful. In the face of a truly superior model turn cheek and return to the safety of certainty. Risk is solely for those worthy of reward. Institutions will fall.

To truly unlock the potential of human development and ability we must remove our institution and rely on a more concrete idea: constant change.

A quote from Circles by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

There are no fixtures in nature. The universe is fluid and volatile. Permanence is but a word of degrees. Our globe seen by God is a transparent law, not a mass of facts. The law dissolves the fact and holds it fluid. Our culture is the predominance of an idea which draws after it this train of cities and institutions. Let us rise into another idea: they will disappear. The Greek sculpture is all melted away, as if it had been statues of ice; here and there a solitary figure or fragment remaining, as we see flecks and scraps of snow left in cold dells and mountain clefts, in June and July. For the genius that created it creates now somewhat else. The Greek letters last a little longer, but are already passing under the same sentence, and tumbling into the inevitable pit which the creation of new thought opens for all that is old. The new continents are built out of the ruins of an old planet; the new races fed out of the decomposition of the foregoing. New arts destroy the old. See the investment of capital in aqueducts made useless by hydraulics; fortifications, by gunpowder; roads and canals, by railways; sails, by steam; steam by electricity.

 Courtesyhttp://omnivorousego.tumblr.com/

Try.

I am often asked what motivated me to accomplish these things at my age. My answer is simple. I was willing to try.

With Mangyan family at Quinomay, 2008

I'm a regular teenager when I started caring for the kids in my community. I started out with free Saturday lessons (academics, acting, dance and arts) and Sunday school teaching. When I was in college I decided to launch a feeding and health program for young children in my community. I initially involved about 50 kinder students in the feeding program and another 30 kids for healthy teeth campaign. Some of these kids don't have their own toothbrushes because of poverty and family economic conditions.  In nursing school, we are taught to be responsible for our own community, be an advocate of health and welfare especially for those people in need and to educate people about health issues, improve community health and safety, and increase access to care. Today, more than 350 students are part of this program every 3 months. I can’t contain the happiness every time I see the joy and heartfelt smiles of these kids; it’s fulfilling and motivating - priceless. I’m excited to do it again and again! I’m really happy seeing them growing and learning. In accomplishing this, I wouldn't consider myself gifted with a big heart, special, or anything else. I'm just someone who thinks "I can." Sometimes that it all it takes.

Art lessons with my cousins and siblings, 2007

With Mangyan kids, 2008

With kids, 2009

I have done health lectures and art workshops for children in the community and the greatest passion I've heard have come from them. Sometimes those great ideas never take flight because the kids who came up with them are looking at all the reasons that they can't make it happen instead of all the reasons they can! Thinking that you "can" will soon turn into believing that you really "can."

And once you believe it - it will begin to happen for you. There are always emotional, physical and financial resources which are available for the people who want to do something great for their communities. Volunteers and mentors are out there who share your dream and are willing to step up and help. They are just looking for someone with a vision and age, often, has nothing to do with brilliance, courage, and wisdom... Everyone can dare to be the person they truly are by living their dream if they are just willing to try!

Gift giving, 2010

Anti-Dengue Drive, 2010

                                      

                    Feeding Program, 2011

I know as kids we say "when I grow up I want to be..." I'm here to say, START NOW! You don't have to wait until you grow up to make a valuable difference in this world. And isn't that what we all want to do? Make the world a better place? I believe with all my heart that we design our own futures. We have God who has all the power to make things happen for ourselves. Some worry that someone won't "let" them do what they want to do. Do your own research, show people why you can.

Health Drive, 2011

Healthy Teeth Campaign, 2012

My mentors and supporters, my elementary teachers

You probably heard the old saying "keep your eye on the prize." That saying works for me. I believe what the end result is that I really want, and in God’s perfect time, I believe it can happen. That has brought me results of happiness every time. Don't wait to be asked. Be the person who acts. You know you have it in you. As I said before, all it takes to make a difference in your personal life, your family, community, your country and your world is to be the person who is willing to try. After that, everything else falls into place.

These kids surprised me with their birthday cards, greetings and artworks.

Two of my 'alaga'.

Feeding Program 2012

You don't need approval or permission from anyone but yourself to step up and make a difference. If you really believe in yourself, and your abilities, others will too. Your faith, passion and belief in yourself will bring the resources and support you need to make it happen. Tomorrow's world is yours so today, this moment, whatever you do for yourself and the community will be a great expansion. There are lot of young men and women all around the globe performing brilliant things to make this world a better place to live in; you can be one of them.

Kids lining up for Veggie Soup and Cereal Milk.

With Ma'am Mecca, distributing school supplies.

My favorite kid - during Healthy teeth lectures.

Keep Hope Alive kids after feeding program.

3 Idiots: What I like About Them

Farhan, Rancho and Raju

“Remember, life is a race. If you don’t run fast, you’ll get trampled.”

—           3 Idiots

Ranchoddas Chanchad

 Rancho had a full confidence of life amidst the arduous pressure of college life. With a carefree attitude, he never cared about how much life is pulling down on him, as long as he has the courage to stand up to Virus for himself, his friends, and Pia. He also has a passionate mindset about things. His wisdom on pursuing one's passion really hits everybody a lot. Sometimes, I ask myself how was Rancho able to top his class while maintaining a carefree attitude. Simple, he loved engineering so much that he was able to gain himself from it. He always helps a friend when it is needed.

Famous Lines

All is well.

These engineers are very smart sir, they didn't invent a machine which can measure the pressure on the brain. If they had, we would have come to know that this was not a suicide but a Murder.

[Rancho mimicking Virus]Life is a race.. If you don't run fast.. You will be like a broken anda (egg)..

[To Professor] Instruments that record analyse summarize organize debate and explain information which are illustrative non-illustrative hardbound paperback jacketed non-jacketed with forward introduction, table of contents, index that are intended for the enlightenment, understanding enrichment enhancement and education of the human brain through sensory root of vision... Sometimes touch

I never manage to plant the kiss dude... the nose comes in between.

I wasn't teaching you engineering, that you know better than me. I was teaching you how to teach.

Farhan Qureshi

 Farhan, represents those who are being forced to choose what their parents wanted for them instead of pursuing what they're passionate about. His admiration for Rancho was his personal key to talk and stand up to his father and become a wildlife photographer. Out of greater love for his parents, Farhan was able to convince his parents to let him pursue his dream. He became a successful wild photographer authoring various photography books.

                                                                      Famous Lines

We learnt something about human behaviour that day, It feels bad when a friend fails, but it feels even worse when he comes first.

Rancho was right when he said "Pursue excellence, and success (Chateur) will follow, pants down!"

[narration] I've always been a law abiding citizen. But in the last 24 hours, I grounded an airplane, nearly flushed someone's remains down the toilet, and helped Pia escape her wedding. All for Rancho. He would've done the same for any of us, too, like stealing a copy of the final exam that was designed for Raju's failure.

 “Today my respect for that idiot shot up. Most of us went to college just for a degree. No degree meant no plum job, no pretty wife, no credit card, no social status. But none of this mattered to him, he was in college for the joy of learning, he never cared if he was first or last.”

Raju Rastogi

Raju is the breadwinner of the Rastogi family, such that the whole family is counting on him to rescue them from their woes. As such, he had to struggle with the poverty his family had suffered, with a paralyzed dad, murmuring mom and an unwed sister. Because of huge fear to fail his family's expectation , Raju was not able to concentrate, resulted to low grades and poor academic performance. But with Rancho's help, he was able to overcome that fear, and became passionate in helping his family. He even had a prosperous life at the beginning of the film.

                                                                      Famous Lines

There's something going on between you both

Sir, I have learnt to stand up on my feet after having broken both my legs. This attitude has come after great difficulty. No sir, I can't. You may keep your job, and let me keep my attitude.

It’s kooky, it’s fun, it’s colorful. It’s Bollywood. 3 Idiots is a fantastic tale about the strength of friendship even when everyone starts new chapters in their lives. Like most Bollywood films, the duration is quite long and stories that stretch can seem quite redundant and fall victim to wandering aimlessly. 3 Idiots surprisingly isn’t that. This movie is packed with emotional sensibility both high and low, and don’t forget the music! With such energetic spirit that embodies Indian culture and musical identity, the songs are almost unforgettable. You’ll find yourself humming the beat even after you watch the movie. The plot is quite strong for a film that dons a comedic genre, something rare these days. (tumblr.com)

Ok. So back to the ten lessons we can learn from 3 Idiots.

1. To be born poor or as an average person is not a crime but to die as an average person with middle class talent is miserable and if you are unable to optimize your potentiality and die with unused potentiality then that is your shameful truth. 
2. One should not die as a mediocre. He/she has to bring out genius inside him/her and has to use his/her potentiality to the optimum level.
3. Simplicity is way of life and Indian culture highly stresses on simple living and high thinking, and this is the way of life: ‘Legs down to earth and eyes looking beyond the sky’
4. Necessity is mother of invention. Necessity creates pressure and forces you to invent something or to make it happen or to use your potentiality.
5. When your hobby becomes your profession, the passion becomes your profession. You will be able to lead up to excellence in life. Satisfaction, Joy, Pleasure & love will be the outcome of the passion.
6.  Freedom to life is beautiful. Don't die before the actual death. Live every moment to the fullest as if today is the last day. Life is gifted to human kind to live.
7.  Never try to be successful, pursue excellence.  Success is the by product & the result. Excellence always creates Success & it is a process of continual improvement.
8. Never run after success. Let it happen automatically in Life 
9. This one’s important. Live and live happily towards happiness.
10. Learning is very simple. Never Stop.

Personalities of the main characters are somewhat similar to these 3 real life idiots;) pictured below (shernan-raju, errol-rancho, archivald-farhan)

Shernan, Jon Errol and Archivald 

Red and White Hat Thinking

    

  The activity we had for this concept requires decision on what kind of thinking we are going to apply. In this particular activity, I chose red hat thinking because I’m doing a decision based on my gut reaction, intuition, and emotion. 

     For me, it’s really important to use my intuition and feelings in making any kind of decision especially in choosing my food. If I use white hat thinking, although the entire nutrition facts label declares all the positive side of the food I’m going to take, it’s not a guarantee that I am going to like it. Sometimes, we eat the food we want according to our emotions or gut reaction, so it’s really important for me to use red hat thinking. 

      Additionally, there are decisions where we can use white hat thinking especially if it concerns our safety or health. Distinguishing between what you want or what you need is also an exception. If you want to discern what you need, you have to apply white hat thinking. 

      On the other hand, red hat thinking is for your personal "want", since your full mind,  perception, attention and body decide what you really want. Because food choices are involved in this activity, red hat thinking is applicable and very appropriate for me to apply.

       The situation I want to share happened couple of years back. I was in a dilemma and  personal crossroad. The decision I want to make was whether to continue my schooling or grab the opportunity to work in a multi-national company. That situation left me indecisive, stagnant and depressed. I really want to do both but I need to decide which one I’m going to prioritize. The first thing I did was consult my parents and relative. They gave opinions on what to do and what to prioritize that really entangled my mind totally. I was totally lost but I find my way to decide. 

        I chose to study. That time I think that if I finished my nursing school. I knew there will be more opportunities await for me, even multi-national companies will open their door and windows. My studies will also guard my future by giving me enough knowledge and fruitful skills that I can use in the real world situations, I really thought that way. I applied white hat thinking to decide what I need to choose. On the other hand, I also used red hat thinking to assess my emotion. 

       Since I decided to be objective and realistic, without resorting to my emotions. I chose white hot thinking. I’m satisfied with my decision and that time, I’m learning and enjoying at the same time. Moreover, I also had an opportunity to work while studying. I just think I made the right decision. :-)

    For more learning about this concept, the following questions were very useful for me specifically in assessing the situations I experienced.

White hat:

1. Do I have enough knowledge to fulfil the task of working for this company?

         2. Is the offer rally good and practical?

         3. Do I have enough information regarding the job description?

         4. Is there enough skills and information available for me?

 Red hat:

        1. How do I feel about the situation and what I want to do about it?

        2. Is this an important decision to satisfy my emotions?

        3. Do I feel relieved if I chose one of these?

        Both thinking is helpful but carry out different result. Since I want to be realistic and don’t want to base my decisions on my emotions, I prefer white hat.

       

There are also different kinds of thinking hat we may use to effectively decide on things:     

       White Hat focuses on the available information and analyzing past trends, and try to delve from historical data.

     Red Hat uses intuition, emotion and gut reaction and reacting to the situation emotionally, through intuitive responses to find out the best reasoning.

     Black Hat uses pessimistic approach, cautious and defensive reactions. It makes your plans and decisions tougher and more resilient.

     Yellow Hat use positive thinking with a viewpoint that facilitates the appearance of helpful benefits and lighter side of the situation.

      Green Hat is for creativity in solving you problems. It is used in generating creative and useful ideas to solve the problem or to make decisions.

The Power of Saving

Living below your means is something that is very uncommon nowadays. This is the reason why the United States is in the economic shape that it is in. Keeping up with the Jones' is an old expression that is still in effect today.

"Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established: By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches."

-Proverbs 24:3,4

People buy things that they know they can't afford. For instance, you go buy a new car because your neighbor, colleague, friend, etc., bought a new car. You drive the car for a month and everything is great, until the car payment is due. Now you are mad, because you went from a car that was paid for, to a car payment.

The real reality is, you don't own the car, you are simply renting to own. The bank owns the car, and if you don't make the payments, they are going to take the car. Just look at the housing crisis, it's the same concept.

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting."

-Benjamin Franklin

We hear a lot of people say that if they could only make more money their life would be better. This is simply not true, because you know damn well if you made more money, you are going to spend it even faster. What needs to happen is that people need to start saving more money.

Start saving 10% and giving 10% of all of your increases. Now you are thinking to yourself how can that be done I'm broke. I don't care how much the increase is give 10% and save 10%. If the increase is $1.00 save 10% and give 10%. If the increase is $100,000, save 10% and give 10%. If you follow this principle I promise you two things: You will have money saved, and money will start coming in from out of thin air. Try it, prove The Great Rabbit Hole wrong. Save 10%, give 10%, and watch what happens.

"I don't think you ever stop giving. I really don't. I think it's an on-going process. And it's not just about being able to write a check. It's being able to touch somebody's life."

-Oprah Winfrey

How To Quit Nursing in One Day

(Originally Posted at http://narsako.wordpress.com/)

No one can deny that the progress of the nursing profession here in the Philippines is on a downward trend. I’ve known this phenomenon ever since I have opened my eyes to the realities that surround our profession and I’m sick of it already. And when I say “I’m sick of it”, you better keep your mouth shut and don’t ask me why. Just look around and you will know the answer right away. I saw it coming back then but I still took the risk anyway. To this day, I can’t count how many times people have asked me this same 7-syllable question over and over again:

“Bakit ka ba nag-Nursing?”

It was asked by a co worker when I decided to file my resignation in a BPO company two months ago. It was asked by my sister who also just graduated this year and earned a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology, which she boasts to be more financially rewarding  than Nursing abroad. It was asked by my high school classmates, friends, relatives, and virtually every people who knows I’m a registered nurse. Kung puwede lang irecord ang sagot ko para di na ko mapagod kakaexplain sa kanila, ginawa ko na noon pa. But I have no choice but to tell them honestly that I took the nursing course because it was in demand back then and that no one had forced me to do so. It is a typical answer that doesn’t make any sense as far as the present state of nursing employment is concerned. I remember when I shifted  from Biology to Nursing way back in 2006, I was bombarded with ideas  like “Hindi ka yayaman sa pagdodoktor”  , “Mag-nursing ka na lang” , and all that kind of ‘practical suggestions’, so to speak. I eventually took up Nursing, survived the gruelling studies coupled with rigorous clinical duties, and graduated early this year. I have discovered two things almost 5 years after I decided to take up nursing: One, I’m glad that I didn’t  take up Medicine because I fell in love with Nursing in the process and lastly, the idea that Nursing would lead to greener pasture was a trap and an eye-opener at the same time. It’s as if a reversal of nature is happening and the same people who gave me the aforementioned ‘practical suggestions’ are now telling me that  “Hindi ka yayaman kung magnunursing ka lang”, “Magdoktor ka na lang”  and all that kind of crappy stuff. Sometimes, I feel bad for earning the nursing degree at the wrong place and at the wrong time. I envy those nurses from the early generations  who got a lot of opportunities for them and I wonder if they are even aware that the words “volunteer” and “contractual” now represent the current batch of Filipino nurses.

 ”Bakit nga ba ako nag-Nursing?”

I can’t even think of a single best answer to satisfy this question but ironically, I can think of a lot of reasons (can even reach thousands!!haha) why I should quit NOW and pursue other rewarding career. How to quit Nursing in one day? Very simple: Always be pessimistic and know the following reasons by heart:

1. It’s tough to be a USRN. We all want to work in the US if given the chance. American nurses, they say, are one of the most financially blessed nurses nowadays but how the heck can someone like me become a USRN if the US is closing its doors for foreign applicants and even struggling to provide jobs for its own American nurses. I heard that they are now processing Visa applications from way back 2005 but this is more of a discouraging news for someone like me who doesn’t even have a financial capability to take NCLEX and pay for all the requirements not just for US and for other countries as well. Kung puwede lang na mag-asawa ako ng Kano..kahit girl, boy, bakla, or tomboy man  yan, papatusin ko na maging US citizen lang ako….

2. It’s tough to be a USRN but its even tougher to be accepted as a nurse in the Philippines. They always say every nurse should start from scratch and struggle to move upward. But how on earth can I start my career if I’m competing with thousands of nursing graduates for a hospital position that doesn’t even guarantee of a long-term employment? Ma-hire ka man,utang na loob mo pa sa hospital na may experience ka pero wala namang bayad. In addition to that, there will always be these so-called “backer system” and expensive training requirements to stand in my way. It’s quite frustrating that the government wasn’t able to regulate nursing schools during those times when nurses spread out like  gremlins, increasing it’s numbers over the years. And what do I do now? Taking endless search and endless trainings that will just lead me to an endless waiting time.  Kung meron lang sanang magic potion na puwede kong ilagay sa resume ko para iprioritize agad ng mga hospitals application ko….

3. It’s tough to be accepted as a nurse in our country but its tougher to stay working in the hospital. Nurses have a lot of issues why they quit working in the hospital. They are burned out, unpaid or underpaid, exploited, neglected, abused , and degraded by the hospital management. The dismal condition of nursing employment and the unfair nurse-patient ratio are  pests that will keep on recurring unless properly addressed. Nursing is a tough job so we can’t stay doing charity works for the rest of our lives. I’m tired of hearing cliche like “I want to be a nurse because I want to save lives” because there a lot of jobs out there that will allow you to save lives without even becoming a nurse. Admit it, we all want to be a nurse because we want better lives for our families one way or the other. And nurses didn’t spend thousands of pesos for their nursing studies para lang magtrabaho dito at kumita ng halagang mas malaki pa sweldo ng katulong.  Kung puwede lang na mabuhay uli si Florence Nightingale at maging presidente ng Pilipinas…..

4. It’s tough to be a nurse, period. I remember during the last day of my IVT Training at a Marikina hospital, the Director of Nursing shared how, at one point in her 20 years of professional life, she almost gave up and think of quitting Nursing for good. I was taken aback by her story and felt the hardships and trials she has faced during the span of her career. “Napakahirap maging nurse..tandaan nyo yan!” was her rant that has kept me thinking hard if my decision of quitting a high-paying job to go back to Nursing is the best decision for me. But look at her now and how her life turned out. She has climbed her way to the top and have realized that she has survived those tormenting days at the Pediatric Ward not because she had no choice but because her love for her profession is insurmountable. Kung puwede lang na lakas ng loob, sipag at diskarte na lang ang labanan sa Nursing, eh di sana marami na ring umasenso tulad ko…..

Again, one can quit nursing and decide to leave it for good in just one day. How? By just allowing oneself to get discouraged easily by those reasons above. I, at one point in my life, hated Nursing and almost quit. But in the long run, I have realized that not every one can be a nurse and I couldn’t see myself doing other jobs in the future. I love caring people and I want to grow professionally even if the promise of working abroad is bleak for now. Are these reasons enough to make me a genuine nurse? I don’t have any idea. I just love what I’m doing and I know that Nursing is not all about money and benefits in the first place. It’s about being human and following what your heart wants you to do. I have a lot of what if’s and doubts about the future. Can a weakling like me have the courage and skills to withstand the rocky road of the nursing profession? I can’t answer it myself. The future might be gloomy for now but at the end of the day, it’s not who I was in the past but who I choose to be for the rest of my life that will matter significantly. I have the choice to quit Nursing in one day but I choose to love Nursing and it’s one decision that will stay unbreakable for the rest of my life. -Nars A. Ko

(Credit to Nars. A. Ko - http://narsako.wordpress.com/)

Dream BIG

Dreams. Dreams come a size too big so that we may grow into them. They’re more powerful than we’d like to believe. God has a big dream for you. What you have to do is to see that dream.  Those dreams are more powerful than we could ever imagine. They guide us through life, they help us set goals and ultimately achieve them. They are often the reason for heart break, but also the reason for soaring hearts.

Everyone has dreams, whether they are big or small. Everyone wants their dreams to come true and dreamers take small steps, to achieve the greater goal. They never give up, They NEVER fail. They do everything they must do to achieve. Someday, if you try hard, dreams would become reality. But you have to realize that God hasn't give up on those dreams and you don't have to either. You've got to dream it, then believe it, before you can live it.

“My dream is big and I will reach it just to prove everyone I can. It’s never too late."

 DREAM BIG ☮

Dear Me,

            Another step closer to your goal. Push forward. You’re almost there. This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it.  Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people; we are united in our differences. Remember there are people that care, those that love you and those that accept you, Be the person you are, don't ever change. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.

        Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring stories with them. Do something to make yourself proud. Seek your own approval! Just remember that you’re too awesome. Your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Your awesome rays would probably inspire them all at once anyway. Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you. Oh who am I kidding? But hey, you get the gist. :)

          Stop over analyzing, life is simple. You are the thoughts you think and the things you wonder.Your potential is limitless. Go be what you wanna be, don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. You aren't perfect, but nobody is.
Sometimes God takes away what we think is good; to make room for what he knows is great. Keep your head up and be yourself. When life knocks you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray. Pray for people.

        Stand for God and something you believe in. God is greater than anybody. You'll make a brighter day but today's your chance to be there. Read your bible. Have the courage of your convictions to do well but not for judging others. Remember, the heart of your faith should be love. God will always be there to help you through it, one step at a time.

         Love GOD, live your dream, and pursue your passion. Some opportunities only come once; seize them. Life is short,  GO ahead take a chance … one day at a time … :)

Love, your past-tense naive self,

Me.

The Difference a Teacher can Make - A True Story

One of my favorite teachers during my Primary years in education, Ma'am Zeny

Steve, a twelve-year-old boy with alcoholic parents, was about to be lost forever, by the U.S. education system. Remarkably, he could read, yet, in spite of his reading skills, Steve was failing. He had been failing since first grade, as he was passed on from grade to grade. Steve was a big boy, looking more like a teenager than a twelve year old, yet, Steve went unnoticed... until Miss White.

Miss White was a smiling, young, beautiful redhead, and Steve was in love! For the first time in his young life, he couldn't take his eyes off his teacher; yet, still he failed. He never did his homework, and he was always in trouble with Miss White. His heart would break under her sharp words, and when he was punished for failing to turn in his homework, he felt just miserable! Still, he did not study.

In the middle of the first semester of school, the entire seventh grade was tested for basic skills. Steve hurried through his tests, and continued to dream of other things, as the day wore on. His heart was not in school, but in the woods, where he often escaped alone, trying to shut out the sights, sounds and smells of his alcoholic home. No one checked on him to see if he was safe. No one knew he was gone, because no one was sober enough to care. Oddly, Steve never missed a day of school.

One day, Miss White's impatient voice broke into his daydreams.

"Steve!!" Startled, he turned to look at her.

"Pay attention!"

Steve locked his gaze on Miss White with adolescent adoration, as she began to go over the test results for the seventh grade.

"You all did pretty well," she told the class, "except for one boy, and it breaks my heart to tell you this, but..." She hesitated, pinning Steve to his seat with a sharp stare, her eyes searching his face.

"...The smartest boy in the seventh grade is failing my class!"

She just stared at Steve, as the class spun around for a good look. Steve dropped his eyes and carefully examined his fingertips.

After that, it was war!! Steve still wouldn't do his homework. Even as the punishments became more severe, he remained stubborn.

"Just try it! ONE WEEK!" He was unmoved.

"You're smart enough! You'll see a change!" Nothing fazed him.

"Give yourself a chance! Don't give up on your life!" Nothing.

"Steve! Please! I care about you!"

Wow! Suddenly, Steve got it!! Someone cared about him? Someone, totally unattainable and perfect, CARED ABOUT HIM??!!"

Steve went home from school, thoughtful, that afternoon. Walking into the house, he took one look around. Both parents were passed out, in various stages of undress, and the stench was overpowering! He, quickly, gathered up his camping gear, a jar of peanut butter, a loaf of bread, a bottle of water, and this time...his schoolbooks. Grim faced and determined, he headed for the woods.

The following Monday he arrived at school on time, and he waited for Miss White to enter the classroom. She walked in, all sparkle and smiles! God, she was beautiful! He yearned for her smile to turn on him. It did not.

Miss White, immediately, gave a quiz on the weekend homework. Steve hurried through the test, and was the first to hand inhis paper. With a look of surprise, Miss White took his paper. Obviously puzzled, she began to look it over. Steve walked back to his desk, his heart pounding within his chest. As he sat down, he couldn't resist another look at the lovely woman.

Miss White's face was in total shock! She glanced up at Steve, then down, then up. Suddenly, her face broke into a radiant smile. The smartest boy in the seventh grade had just passed his first test!

From that moment nothing was the same for Steve. Life at home remained the same, but life still changed. He discovered that not only could he learn, but he was good at it! He discovered that he could understand and retain knowledge, and that he could translate the things he learned into his own life. Steve began to excel! And he continued this course throughout his school life.

After high-school Steve enlisted in the Navy, and he had a successful military career. During that time, he met the love of his life, he raised a family, and he graduated from college Magna Cum Laude. During his Naval career, he inspired many young people, who without him, might not have believed in themselves. Steve began a second career after the Navy, and he continues to inspire others, as an adjunct professor in a nearby college

Miss White left a great legacy. She saved one boy who has changed many lives. I know, because I am the love of his life.

You see, it's simple, really. A change took place within the heart of one boy, all because of one teacher, who cared.

My Elementary School teachers with my beloved mother (center)

© Jaye Lewis, 2003 - Used with permission from author (inspire21)