Manny Pacquiao: A True Inspiration To All

 

The saga continues as they say… Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will be meeting again today for the fourth and possibly the last time.

My American husband is a fan of Manny Pacquiao and never misses one of his fights. As always he’s the only American spectator in a huge Filipino crowd and the only person who stands up and put his hand over the heart when the Spangled Banner is being played. One time, a local newspaper writer noticed, took his pictures. The next thing we knew my husband was on the front page of the local newspaper.

Today, my husband will definitely be in the midst of Filipino crowd cheering for Manny one more time. He asked me to go along but I declined as I am not a fan of boxing.

Anyways back to Manny, as today’s one of the world’s greatest boxers, a lot of people are very interested to know what his formula for success is.

Nowadays, many dreamers look up to Manny as their role model. He is not just an inspiration to the new and upcoming boxers but also to others who are engaged in different fields of endeavor. He showed everyone that success can be achieved by anyone in spite of adversities in life. Thus, if you posses the same traits and virtues as Manny, you will have a better chance to get to the place where you want to be.

According to Manny Pacquiao, “Anyone will succeed in whatever field of endeavor in life by acquiring  the same virtues and character that boxing world champions do – dedication, perseverance, courage, extreme self-discipline and prayers”.

Good Luck and God Bless Manny Pacquiao and to all dreamers out there!


photo credit: www.abante.com.ph

Why You Must Follow Your Dreams

When we were young, we had thoughts of who we were going to be when we grow up. 

Like other young girls, becoming a ballet dancer was my very first childhood dream. There's something magical about ballerinas, that girls are trying to be like them. Perhaps, it's the dazzling costumes and the pointe shoes or maybe the grace, beauty and elegance that goes with it.

I had a lot of ambitious dreams when I was young such as joining a beauty competition, becoming an actress or perhaps a flight stewardess. Until one day my daydreaming galore went to a standstill when a critic (a.k.a. cousin) found out about my secret fantasies. She laughed out loud and said to me with such determination, “you couldn't be one of those, you lack the height ..." I didn't want to hear what else she had to say.

As a dreamer, criticism could not stop me to keep on dreaming. As I grew older I tried to be more realistic in choosing what I really wanted to be… I could either be a teacher, an accountant or maybe a nun.

A few years after finishing college, I had difficulty settling into a good career. I thought I might not have known my life's true purpose. So I sent a letter to a nunnery to ask questions of what I needed to do to become one of them. After a year or more since the inquiries, three nuns came to town to finally meet me. Unfortunately, they showed up a bit too late. They came on the day after I got married. It was clear then that living in a monastery and wearing a habit wasn’t my destiny after all. For I eventually became a nurse.

It took me many years to finally figure out what I really wanted to do with my life. Nowadays, I am pursuing another passion which is "writing". I love to write about life and hopefully my writings will inspire others. Someday, I would love to write my own memoir or an inspirational book! But first things first, I want to become a better writer.

We should not stop dreaming and must always pursue our true passions because our efforts may lead us in finding the true meaning of happiness and contentment in life.

Oftentimes life gets in a way and pushes us into another direction farther away from what we really want to be. We get sidetracked and give up following our true longings. Do you wonder why there’s too many people who are unhappy with their lives despite being successful in their careers? Success doesn't satisfy a burning emptiness inside them because they lost sight of their inner passions and something that truly matters in their life.

Do you know that "all dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them"? One of my favorite quotes from Walt Disney.

But don't forget to follow the dream that you truly desire. Hence,  later on you can honestly say "I have no regrets in life".

Good luck and happy dreaming!

Believe in Yourself

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." -Norman Vincent Peale

When my son Jason found out that these were all the books (shown in photo) they had to learn throughout the first semester this year,  he was a little bit worried. It's been known to Physical Therapy students that the first semester in fourth year is the hardest.

On the other hand, he felt excited knowing he's getting closer on reaching his goal. When the first semester finally ended last October he proudly announced to us that he made it with flying colors. Sadly almost half of the class failed. He took this picture to record his milestone in college and put our dog besides his books as a prop.

His success didn't come easy. There were some failures and frustrations during his early years in college. What made him turn around was when  he realized that he deeply desired to become a Physical Therapist. Failure is not an option especially during these economic hard times, a good education is really a must.

To achieve this goal he decided to change his mindset. He started believing in his capabilities that he can achieve anything if he puts his heart and mind into it. He devised a better study plan that he thought works best for him and he started working harder. Soon after, he started achieving successes, such as attaining higher grades, being noticed for good performances in class and getting praises and positive feedback from   teachers and peers. Consequently, these improvements boosted his confidence further which inspired him to strive even harder.

We've heard a lot of success stories all our lives and sometimes we wonder what's the secret. Oftentimes we say these successful people are lucky because they have the means or the talent to succeed.  But from reading their stories and  my own observation and experiences in life I came to realize that anyone is capable of achieving success.

First of all, you  need to discover what is your innermost desires or dreams. Then you must believe in yourself,  because believing is one of the most important step to success. The next step is to take action or take charge in achieving your desires or dreams in life. If you'll fail on the first try, don't give up. Have faith in yourself that you can achieve, get up and keep going until you reach the finish line!

Good luck!

Related Topic:

  Don't Quit- An Unforgettable Poem

Don’t Quit- An Unforgettable Poem

As I was surfing online today I came across a familiar poem, while reading it I was a bit surprised that I could recite the next lines that follow.  It was a strange feeling of déjà vu.

 The poem “Don’t Quit” was my motivation and inspiration to pursue my goal despite financial difficulties when I was in college. I had a picture postcard of the poem which I bought from the stationery store across our school.  I neatly placed it on the back of my notebook inside a plastic cover and it became my companion all throughout my college years. I remember that I would recite the poem over and over on the way home while walking from school. Occasionally glancing at the postcard when I forgot a word, soon enough I eventually memorized the entire poem without looking at the note. No wonder that the poem was so familiar to me.  

These words of wisdom had inspired me during my struggles in pursuing a degree. It had lifted my spirits up so many times when I was barely hanging on. It gave me hope to persevere and to keep going no matter how hard life was. In the end, I indeed was able to reach the finish line and acquired the most coveted prize!

Whoever wrote this poem, “Thank you” from the bottom of my heart.

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill.

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a fellow turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man.

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor’s cup.

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar.

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

A Message Through a Rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow
skies are blue,
and the dreams that you dare to dream
really do come true.

Yesterday, as I looked up into the sky, I was surprised to see a beautiful rainbow.  It seemed to say, “Cheer-up, life is beautiful!” 

In an instant my mood brightens up, as my eyes were feasting on this wonderful gift of nature. I realized it had been so long since the last time I’ve seen a rainbow in the sky. Certainly rainbows  show up occasionally when the key elements are there,   the raindrops and the sun. But then again, we spend so much time indoors nowadays that we oftentimes overlook to see the beautiful things taking place outdoors.  

After a few seconds of admiring the colorful rainbow, I quickly ran inside the house and grabbed my camera phone and hurried back out to take few snapshots of my treat of the day.  At that point I thought I should go outside the gate to get a good view, but before I was able to position myself for a better shot, the rainbow went away. How I wish I had a better camera at that moment to really capture its beautiful colors.

Earlier that day, I was feeling a bit down and discouraged.  I was contemplating on giving up my goal in writing again for the nth time.  The feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt always get me down.  Lately, I’ve also been missing my dad and my brother who are no longer with us. If they were still here, I know that they will always show their approval and encouragement of my endeavors.

While writing this post, I recalled that yesterday was the anniversary of my mom’s passing. Thus, thoughts came to mind that maybe my three guardian angels sent smiles from heaven through a rainbow to cheer me up and to say, "Don’t give up on your dreams!"   

Frustrated Writer

I am a wannabe writer. This is one of the reasons why I blog. I know, I still need to improve my writing skills in many ways. I am really working hard on it. In recent time, I asked someone I knew to proofread my blog, after he went through it he told me sarcastically - “why not blog in your own native tongue.” Ouch, it hurts.  I know his comment was not meant to insult but simply wants to save me from a big disappointment in the end. As we oftentimes read or heard that to become a great writer, you should start reading and writing at a tender age. A middle age person like me, who barely started to embark on a journey of writing, maybe is wasting time on a futile endeavor. I really hope not!

Margaret Mead once said, “Learning to write takes time and effort, but it can be done”.

This quotation has been my inspiration. It gives me new optimism to pursue my goal. I can be a very persistent person, when I really want to achieve something, I strive harder. That’s my good quality, I guess. To achieve my goal, I realized that I need to start reading… I mean really reading a lot! Though I encountered a lot of bickering in the blogosphere about this issue, I still believe that reading is a key to a good writing.

It helps you find your own voice and besides it helps increase your general knowledge. When I became a wife and mother, I put the fun of reading on the back burner. My family became my priority, now that my son is grown-up and my husband now retired. I have plenty of free time, so I am doing a lot of catching up in terms of reading and building up my vocabulary anew.

               

Read, read, read… Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! - William Faulkner

If you do not have time to read, you do not have time to write. - Stephen King

Blogging opens a new door for us who are frustrated writers. It is a learning ground, where we can practice and grow as hopeful writers. Our blogs can be an inspiration especially if we see signs of progress in our writing efforts. I was stunned when I wrote the first post of my blog. I realized that I did not know how to write anymore. I was struggling to come up with few sentences.

 However, with persistence, I was able to scribble two short paragraphs and that became an introduction to my blog, "Homebody Mom". I consider it as a small step towards success.  

So what are you waiting for wannabe writers? Start blogging now!

Pangs of Envy

I've been noticing that I am slacking off in updating my blog again. So I got up early today with an intention of writing an article for my blog. But I got distracted along the way and  ended up doing my old routine, reading and admiring other people’s blogs.  

While surfing the web, I came across of some interesting and well-written blogs. I was amazed how people can come up with such fascinating topics every day. Some bloggers are undeniably talented writers. When I say this I mean individuals who started writing for fun or a hobby but then their talent shines through their writing. I am envious on their creativity in expressing emotions and ideas through words and their ability to make connections with the readers.  I admire their ability to create a compelling piece of writing that indulges a reader’s mind to ponder deeply into what they are reading and making them want to come back for more.


 I wish I could write even half as well. For the moment, I was suffering the pangs of envy. Questioning the higher power again, the why only them and not me? Why some people have been bestowed with talents and some are not.  I know I should not question God for He has reasons. But the human mind can’t help but wonder why, especially when the disparity is so obvious. I remember when I was young, there was a rich girl in our class that was the envy among the girls. She had a pretty face, danced so gracefully and sings like an angel.  At that time, I wish I was her.

In recent times, I came to terms that God had given me at least one talent and I was partly convinced that it could be in writing. So I started a blog, but I realized quickly I was not born a writer either.  I felt disheartened but then my inner voice was telling me, “Snap out of it, if you want to succeed work harder”. That means I have to read more and write more consistently to improve.  Envy is normal as long as we won’t allow it to eat us up but use it to motivate ourselves to be better. 


Mary Kay Ash once said “don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve”. Wow, such powerful words…  She gave me hope!

It’s good though that I have a strong determination. I know how to persevere and don’t give up easily when it comes to reaching my goals. That’s my God-given gift!