Are you feeling HOT and irritated these summer days in the Philippines? I’m not irritated by the Hot.

HOT Ka Edong Dozing off one summer day in a land far far away

I changed my perspective about “Hot” one fine summer day many years ago. Now I’m no longer irritated by the hot and humid weather of the Philippine summer. I actually like it a lot!

And my perspective changed with the help of a foreigner. Let me tell you the story of how I’ve come to appreciate our summer weather.

“Cold” people Love the “Hot” that many Pinoys do not

Once upon a time, I was working at Smart Communications. I had spent my morning in the comfort of our airconditioned office. When lunchtime approached, I was ready to brave the searing heat of the noontime outdoors.

As I was stepping out of our office building’s lobby, I was observing how fellow-officemates were all “geared up” for the great outdoors: sunglasses, umbrellas,caps,  a shawl held above the head like a tent, light cotton summer wardrobe, the determination seen in their squinted eyes, a half-walk-half-sprint stride to the nearest shade. It was as if people were going out into a war-zone, taking cover in the nearest airconditioned restaurant.

Along comes John Underwood, a 40ish British friend working at Smart. He was dressed in his typical office attire: leather shoes, slacks, a long-sleeved pressed office polo, and a black coat! Yes, a thick black coat!

I watched as John stepped out of the airconditioned lobby and into the steaming “hot-sauna” outside. When he saw me, he smiled, took a deep breath, looked out into the bright mid-day summer sky and exclaimed: “Lovely weather!”

Lovely weather!

Now, I was taken aback with his remark. We chatted and agreed that many urban Filipinos hate the summer heat. And then I realized why John, my Brit friend, enjoyed the weather so much: Because he know what it’s like to have long months of freezing cold winter! 

Many Filipinos hate the hot weather because that’s the most extreme weather we experience in a year. Many Filipinos do not know how terrrrriiiiiibbbbbllllle it could become during winter times in other countries.

Here’s the closest I could get in describing the cold of winter:

Imagine what it would be like to be in a walk-in FREEZER. First, you’d feel a bit cold, then your fingers would feel like rock, your head would start to hurt and you’d get dizzy. You try to warm up by bundling up in layers and layers of clothes if you had any. Anything just to KEEP THE WARMTH IN. See whether you can keep up in this cold for more than a month.

Maybe after experiencing this kind of cold, you’ll start to appreciate the wonderful summer weather of the Philippines.

Is it HOT? 

I’ve been hearing how hot it’s been in the Manila the past month. I don’t feel it.

For one, I stay a lot indoors with airconditioning. Today, though, I was out walking around Makati in mid-day. Was I feeling hot? I was getting sweaty, but I wasn’t feeling the least irritated with the heat.

All because of one experience where I realized I actually prefer to be in the Philippine hot summer instead of the extended cold winter of other countries.

HOT or NOT, SHOW UP for the Lord

I read an article about how most countries that have a winter season are generally more developed. And tropical countries without winter are less developed.

Here’s why:

• In the cold of winter, if you’re lazy, you can die of cold. People in the cold needed to *move* their butts to survive.
• In the tropical countries, if you’re lazy, you can still survive. People in tropical weather can still survive despite being lazy.

The cold of winter force people to work hard. The live-able weather of the tropics allow people to slack off and still survive.

Sometimes we need to talk some sense into ourselves: get up and take action!

edWIN going for the WIN

There’s no place here for lazy people in the kingdom of God! We are meant to do great things!

Get up and make something wonderful! Live a life that glorifies the Lord!

ka edong
Getting HOT HOT HOT!

We're for trees. Cali, Kelmer, me and Andrei enjoying an alnus tree that we used to climb when we were kids. Around 20 alnus trees have been cut or earthballed at SM Baguio.

In this article, I describe my positions in the issue of saving 182 trees in Luneta Hill, Baguio. The 2nd half of the story aims to find more ways to help our environment. Have other ideas? Do share! 

I was in SM Baguio just one week ago. I saw how 8 foot high curtains were setup to prevent people from seeing the earthballing activities from along the viewdecks of SM.

I’ve kept a relatively quiet stance in the issue regarding the earthballing of trees by SM in Luneta Hill, Baguio. (Read up on the latest about the SM Baguio Trees here)

I actually surprise myself with the apparent lack of fervor for this issue in my hometown. Well, here I am now breaking my silence. Here are a few thoughts that I’d like to share about the issue.

1.) Yes, save 182. I do understand the importance of fighting for the lives of these 182 trees. If we ignored this fight that was happening right in the sala of Baguio, how much hope is there for the other trees around the city and the country?

2.) Do what’s right. At the very least, I see this fight as a good example for our children. And there are other ways to give a good example to our children. Don’t we teach our children: “No name-calling.” That applies to adults too. Let’s be a good example, no name calling.

3.) Stick to the issue. Avoid demonizing people or institutions. I am saddened at how some people have lifted the banner of “greed”, “murder” etc. for the purpose of putting forward their advocacy. Let’s put it this way: I would rather listen to someone who is fighting *for* a solution than screaming out invectives against the other people. It’s totally un-cool just thrashing out at other people. Let’s be creative in getting our voices heard without resorting to taunting, demonizing or creating needless pushing or shoving.

4.) Apart from trees, see the forest. There are more than 182 trees that need protection in Baguio and in the rest of the country. Apart from protecting the 182, let’s do more to protect more trees. How can the time and energy of all these advocates be drawn towards planting more trees around and outside the city? When there are tree-planting activities, are the 5,000 or more advocates willing to volunteer to lead the tree-planiting activities?

5.) Be Pro-active. Where are our environmental organizations? What pro-active programs do you have lined up for 2012? It’s time to invite volunteers to join your programs, do it while people are passionate about contributing to the environment.

In all these, what’s my message? I support the preservation of the 182 trees in Luneta Hill, Baguio. I also call on our advocates to be more pro-active in preserving and growing the thousands of trees around the city.

For those joining the rallies in SM Baguio, stay safe, stay cool, stay focused. No demonizing. Stick to the issues. Let’s be kind — no need to badmouth other people who have opinions different from ours. God bless us and our trees!

For the rest of us who want to contribute in other ways, here are a few ideas:

1.) Reduce the use of plastic bags. Bring your own bag. When a bagger offers to put your purchases in a plastic bag, refuse it with a smile. ;-)

2.) Re-use old stuff.

My rule of thumb is: If I haven’t used something for more than a year, I find a new owner for it.

• One way is to give it away.
• Another way is to sell it. Because when something is given away, it’s easy for just anybody to get things for free (and disregard its value). Whereas when we sell the item, buyers (new owners) become selective in getting things for themselves — only the ones that are truly useful will be purchased.
• Organize a community garage sale! There are so many things in our homes that have not been used for more than a year. Some items have not been used for more than 5 or 10 years. Maybe it’s an old shirt, old pair of pants, old bag, old books or magazines, old cellphones. If you have idle objects at home, it’s time to find a new owner for these items, someone who could make good use of it today (not next month or next year)!
  Things are meant to be used, not kept idle. When things are idle, the essence of the object is disregarded. Honor things by using them, or finding people who can truly use them.

3.) Plant trees. When was the last time you joined a tree-planting activity? Sign-up for the next tree-planting activity. Don’t see any? Look for one. Organize one ;-) .

4.) Pick-up litter. Next time go to a park, throw litter in the garbage bin, even if it’s not your litter. When you go up a mountain, pick-up the litter on your way down.  I did this when I went to the Mambukal falls in Negros last month. I picked-up litter from around the falls and along the foot path. I discarded the garbage properly when I reached the park. That’s my contribution.

5.) Here are other ways to help:

• Volunteer for Isang Litrong Liwanag - help give light to a poor community near you.
• Other volunteer groups:

• http://www.haribon.org.ph/
• http://www.wwf.org.ph/
• http://www.cecphils.org/volunteer
• Blog about the environment. Some examples:

•  http://www.thegreentheory.com/
• http://greenphils.com/
• http://ecowastecoalition.org/

Note: The links above are examples, results of an instant search for ways to volunteer for the environment. Please do your own research too ;-) .

What other ways can we make a contribution for our environment? Share in comments below.  ;-) . Thanks!

edWIN 

The retreat covered the topics: “Give Total”, “Give Time”, “Give Talents” and “Give Tythes”.

Today, BGC Feast builder George Gabriel was sharing a message about giving Glory to our good God by giving our talents.

“Your talents are God’s gift to you. How you use your Talents is your gift to God.”

At one point, George asked for volunteers to go up near the stage in front of an audience of 1,000+ people. Without hesitation, I ran from the back row all the way to the front. All seven of us volunteers were lined up facing the audience as if we were in a game show :D . George approached me first and asked this question: “What is your talent?”

I wasn’t ready for the question. I hesitated. First thing I thought was to be funny: “Kaya kong kumain ng apoy!” or “Kaya kong pumalakpak gamit ang isang kamay lang.”

After some thinking, what I did reply was: “Kaya kong bigyan ng bagong kahulugan ang pangalan ng tao.”

And, just like that, I had declared to more than a thousand strangers what has been occupying a part of my mind and heart for the past few months … actually, for the past 10 years.

This talent I declared is for a book I am writing entitled: “Pangalang Pinoy. Your Name. Your Destiny.”

Pangalang Pinoy by edWIN S. Soriano

George assigned me to his “Creatives Ministry” and continued to assign the other volunteers to the different ministries in the community that George was building. Message: “Return to God the talents He has given you.”

Sharing my talent for names

Later on in the retreat, I was in a sharing group together with two newfound friends.

• Jo was an overseas volunteer worker who was assigned in Indonesia and East Timor.
• Raymond is a nurse for intensive care pediatric patients and terminally ill cancer patients at PGH.

After our sharing, they both asked me about my talent with names. I gave them a few examples.

edWIN – I told Jo and Raymond that my name is edWIN. I then explained to them that there is an affirmation within my name. I wrote down my name on my notebook: “edWIN” . And instantly, they understood. Raymond blurted out: “Winner!” Yes, I am edWIN, I am a Winner!

Dolores – I asked Jo and Raymond if they knew anybody named Dolores. They both said yes. I asked them if they knew what Dolores means. I shared that last night at the way of the cross, the title at the start of the path read: “Via Doloroso” which meant “The Way of Sorrow”. “Dolores” means “Sorrow”. In this modern time, would you name your child Sorrow?

Amorsolo – Last example, I asked Jo and Raymond what’s the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the name: “Amorsolo”? Raymond said: kapanahon ni Rizal. The most typical answer is “painter”. Jo replied: “Love”. Jo got it right!
Amor = Love. Solo = One. Amorsolo = One Love. 

They loved it! They were delighted with the talent I described. They asked me how I give meaning to people’s names. I said it takes a short interview. It actually starts with the person’s name and what it means to that person. I then continue to understand the person a bit more and find words or meanings that resonate with the person’s character or values.

We gave it a shot for Raymond and Jo’s names.

“Raymond” and “Jo” renewed

Raymond – Raymond’s name was given to him by his mother based on the Catholic name book and his birthday. I suggested that “Ray” can mean “you’re a Ray of light” or a “Ray of love”. I suggested this because Ray was a nurse who took to heart the role of giving love to his patients. Jo suggested that “mond” mean “mundo” or “world”.
Therefore, Raymond = Ray of Love for the World.

Jo – Josephina’s full name comes from the names of her mother and father. Jo also described how she help communities build their own capacity. She described how she chose to be positive even when her subordinate was being mean to her. told Jo that she can choose to use the name “Joy”, a person who is joyful and spreads the joy of serving.

Both of them were happy with the new awareness about their names. Raymond told me: “I’ll remember you for that” and promised to buy my book when it comes out. Fun!

Autograph your work

At the retreat, Rezza and I met a budding young actress named Angel Movido. She’ll be coming out in a movie entitled “Anino” next week. Angel’s brother, Johan, plays the violin and is studying to become a world-class chef ;-) . I told both Angel and Johan about a quote I once read about a baseball star who said: “It is important for kids in little league to learn the skill of signing their autograph on baseballs.” In essence, today start acting as if you have achieved your goals. 

Both Rezza and I asked for autographs from actress Angel and world-class chef Johan. ;-) . They were embarrassed at first, and later gave in when they saw that we were seriously asking for their autographs!

In a similar way, I decided that I’d prepare myself to sign autographs for my book! :D . And to make things more exciting, I decided that I’d practice giving Bo Sanchez a signed copy of my book!

After the retreat, I lined up to meet Bo. I told him that I had a gift I wanted to give him. I told him that the gift was still being made – a book that’s being written. I explained what my book was about. I asked him about his name and what it means to him. I told him that I’d love to include his name in my book. I also asked if he would write a line or two so I could quote him on my book. He agreed. Yey! :D

edWIN Soriano, Author of Pangalang Pinoy, giving an autograph to Bo Sanchez

I’m currently writing Pangalang Pinoy. Pray for me that this I am able to write and publish this book in 2012.

Like our Pangalang Pinoy Facebook Page

Visit our website to learn more: www.pangalangpinoy.com

edWIN “Ka Edong” Soriano

Rezza, Lawrence and I are starving. The hunger pangs has brought our sense of humour to the lowest levels. And it was taking a toll on our patience. We trawled Pioneer and decided to eat at Chowking – one of the two restaurants open along that street on this fateful Good Friday. It’s a full moon and we were like wolves ready to ravage on any food we could get our claws on.

Chowking Pioneer - photo via www.openrice.com

I was close to fainting as I waited for Rezza and Lawrence to complete our order. And then …

“IT” happened …

After we had our meal, I called on one of the waiters – his name was “Dale”. I asked him to immediately send their manager to our table. They didn’t know what was happening.

When their manager “Mark” came to our table, I told him: “I’d like to commend your staff.”

I described the details of my commendation:

• Before our meal, Lawrence was at the counter awaiting our receipt. Rezza had just taken her seat and placed our order number on our table. Barely 10 seconds later, we were served our food! Yes, within 10 seconds! I was amazed! What was this, predictive serving?!
• Dale promptly completed the rest of our Lauriat within a few mins.
• Rezza requested for some Orange Chicken sauce (not part of the order) and Dale served it promptly. Everything we asked for, we received in a jiffy.
• I told manager Mark that we were very happy with the staff’s service. Specifically, waiter Dale served us as if we were an old friend. ;-)
• We also noticed some changes in the flavor of the our food — less salty. Seemingly, less MSG. We were told by the manager that it was a new formulation and new process, implemented in their store just a few days ago.
• Lastly, I loved that they had a “No straws on Fridays” policy. I also noticed they use paper bags to wrap their take away food. Part of complying with a city ordinance.

While I was speaking to manager Mark, the kitchen staff were watching things unfold from the window behind the counter. I gave them a thumbs up, letting them know that things were all good.

I ended my conversation with Mark saying: “Let’s commend the good deeds so that we may increase the good. Para hindi lang complaints and nare-report. Good job on a Good Friday!”

Focus on the good and it will increase. 

Now we’re full. Full of food. Full of good.

Amen? Amen!

ka edong

I was meditating this morning at Salcedo Park when a woman approached me and asked: “Can you give me money?” Hahaha! I told her to go away!!! (kidding!) After my meditation, the woman – Tweet Sering – came back from her walk and we chatted.

I know she was bothered by the flies hovering around us. I too was bothered by the flies especially during my meditation (at one point, the flies were on my face). I took this as a challenge as I recalled this video of Fly and Samurai.

And truly in my meditation, the flies disappeared.

When we stop, reflect, visualize, we can make problems turn into opportunities. And then the problems disappear.

ka edong

Yesterday, Sunday morning, I did a 3-hour long run around Makati from 4:20-7:20am. I started doing rounds in Ayala Triangle, then went out to do three loops on three sides of the triangle, like a three leaf clover.

I’ll call this route the Ayala Triangle Three Loop Clover.

The center of the clover is the Ayala Triangle. One loop goes out around Mandarin Hotel, Manila Peninsula all the way to Ayala cor EDSA then back. The second loop was around Salcedo Village passing through Valero, Tordesillas, Dela Costa. The third loop went through Greenbelt and Legaspi Village. (Thee loops Clover + 1 Ayala Triangle round = 11.03km; Repeat the loops or the triangle to get more mileage. Based on runningmap.com, my three hour mileage = 17.2km . That ain’t right! I need to re-map this, it’s too short.)

I was running before sunrise. At dusk, I was running through Greenbelt, passing by the chapel, the well-paved walks and the manicured landscaping of Greenbelt. For a change (from the past 1.5 hrs), there was silence. Wow, silence … I wasn’t hearing vehicles or horns or other people. I just heard my rubber shoes striking the pavement with every step and the birds chirping at a distance. That one minute of silence was a highlight in my run!

I entertained myself during the run by appreciating the cool morning air, early morning people on the streets, the trees, the quiet time. When the sun began lighting up the sky, I enjoyed the unravelling of the sky from deep grey-blue, then slowly lighting up to light blue and later orange and light golden brown. I like how the sky and the clouds reflect upon the glass facades of some buildings.

I interacted with some of our fellow runners, just giving them an acknowledging nod or greeting them good morning. I greeted the treeeees! I love trees! I enjoy it when a gust of wind blows down some leaves as I run past some of the big acacia trees. Sometimes I’d give the trees a high five, just touching their trunk with my fingers. Other times I pause and hold the tree, just feeling the positive energy from the trees.

I also said prayers. I said a prayer as I passed the home of my friend, Lawrence. I said prayers of blessings as I passed buildings of companies that have served our country well.

I enjoyed my solo 3-hour run. I’m back on track training for my marathon on March 17 – The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. What I like about my training is how it has helped me develop good waking-up habits. It has strengthened my “will power”, not needing to decide whether it’s time to get up or not. When the alarm sounds, IT IS Definitely time to get up, no second thoughts about it. ;-) I enjoy the energy after my run. And I enjoy the meditation and quiet time after my run.

All is well in the world.

edWIN

…(Jesus) said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31

I’ve been developing good habits through the years. Recently, I’ve been more deliberate and conscientious about it.

Everyday, I get up from bed and go out for a 30-minute run. After my run, I walk back home to cool-down. I pass by a nearby park where there are nice towering acacia trees and a children’s playground.

I sit down on a bench, close my eyes and then I rest my mind.

Enjoying the trees and cool air at Hyde Park, Sydney

Sometimes I think about what happened the day before. Sometimes I think about what I am going to do today. I always like thinking about what I’m grateful for.

And then I listen. I listen to what’s around me. I hear birds chirping, dogs barking, people walking by or bicycles passing. I hear cars, I hear someone sweeping leaves, someone whistling a tune.

And as I listen to what’s around me, I inevitably start listening to what’s inside of me. I start listening for God’s inspirations for me.

I’ve been blessed by this quiet time with the Lord. I get relaxed, rejuvenated. I become more focused, more purposeful. I let go of worries. I become more trusting and grateful.

And I become more open to receive inspirations from our good Lord.

Amazing Day!

edWIN

How much commitment do you give to what you do?
Do you give just enough? Or do you give all you’ve got?

Have you seen people who do their job just because they have to? You will feel how un-committed they are to their job. You see it on their sad zombie face. You can hear their words of complaint. You see their lack of commitment with the poor results of their work. You can even feel their negative energy. They have no commitment nor love for what they do.

I was watching an episode from America’s Best Dance Crew where the dance groups were asked to choreograph moves inspired by Michael Jackson. In that episode, I learned a new way to describe the power I feel when I watch Michael Jackson:

“When Michael Jackson makes a move, he gives his full commitment to it.
He puts his whole mind, soul and being into that one single move.
And then you can feel his love and energy.”

How can we experience this kind of commitment, love and energy in our daily life?

Have you seen security guards at a mall who greet mall guests with such gusto as if they had seen an old friend?
Or maybe waiters who serve you as if you were a member of the royal family?
Have you seen the dancing traffic enforcer who not only directs traffic but also puts in his talent for dancing? Aww!

If you haven’t seen people with such commitment for what they do, maybe you just need to open your eyes ;-) . Or open your heart …

Commitment is the choice you make and surrender to
with all your heart, mind, soul and might.
Just like David delivered the Lord’s orders, and danced before the Lord with all his might …

How about you? What do you do best?
What has the Lord called you to do for the world?

If you are a writer, do you put your heart and soul to every letter, word and sentence that you write?
If you are an accountant, do you put your mind and your love in making sure the numbers balance honestly and correctly?
If you are an employee, do you put your love into preparing that report on time and with the needed insights?
If you are a government worker, do you put your love into truly delivering the service that citizens need from you?
If you are a student, do you take in all the learnings both inside and outside the classroom?
If you are an entrepreneur, do you aim to give good value to your customers?

Do you want to see a person with commitment today? Tell the man on the mirror.

Be Blessed!

edWIN

Visit http://www.edwinsoriano.com/heart-wellness/dance-your-heart-out/ to see the dancing traffic enforcer.

Do you have a relationship where you resent the other person’s opinions, attitude, behavior or way of life? Are you annoyed by how some of your loved ones speak, what words come out of their mouth? Do you sometimes wish that they change so that they become more … more like you?

I’d like to share a few stories and beliefs that have helped heal some of the challenging relationships with my loved ones.

Twisted reflections of Ka Edong, Tony and Flor - I accept all of us regardless

A few months ago, I had a conversation with my father that expresses some of my deepest feelings about my relationship with him. It encapsulates how I have become a more loving son to my father.

Before that, let me tell you about my father and my relationship with him.

My father, Antonio D. Soriano, M.D. – protector or prisoner?

My father is a good man, 71 years young. As much as he knew best, he has provided well for his wife and children. He is a good doctor (an ophthalmologist; Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat specialist) who has healed many people. He is a good brother, son, nephew, friend. My father continues to grow, learning new talents (learned to play the piano at age 60! continues to learn how to use the computer), reading books and applying the lessons, widening his point of view.

Despite these, I describe my father as being very careful. Veeeerrrry careful. Just to be straight-forward, I perceive my father as fearful. He has a tendency to keep inside his comfort zone, his safety zone.

For instance, one time we travelled to Bicol with family. My mom and I are very adventurous eaters. We wanted to try out the Pinangat and Bicol Express at a local resto. But my father vehemently wanted to eat within his comfort zone. He decided to eat at Jollibee because he trusted Jollibee’s cleanliness, and didn’t trust any other resto in the area.

My eye doctor dad has yet to see the beauty of the sunset

In another incident, I was driving home with my dad in Baguio when I saw how beautiful the sunset was. I searched for a good place to park in the cool Baguio air under the trees and away from the noise just to breathe in the wonderful colors of the sunset. When we parked, I showed dad how beautiful the sunset is. My dad just nodded. As I was appreciating the sunset, I realized my dad wasn’t looking. He just gave a courteous glance, but wasn’t watching the colors of the horizon as they turned blue, yellow, orange, fiery red and grey.

I asked him why he wasn’t watching the sunset. He said watching the sunset could damage his eyes. :-(

Back then, I felt sad, pity and some resentment for my father. His comfort zone has become his prison.

Experiences that keep people in the comfort zone

There are events and circumstances in my father’s life that have led him to be very careful. For one, he is a doctor. He is witness to thousands of cases of damaged eyes or ears, is familiar with how diseases can be passed on through un-sanitary daily interactions. More specifically, in my father’s childhood, my father was witness to his older brother’s fatal accident. My father and his brother were walking home after school when a bus backed up and run over my father’s brother. I believe this experience, more than any other single reason, is what has formed my father into a careful and (over)-protective person.

I completely understand that he wants to protect his life and the life of his loved ones. I just feel that growth has become limited by being over protective. After all, growth is right outside the comfort zone. 

My father’s comfort zone has become his prison.

Then my protector, Now my friend

In my youth, I used to be at odds with my father. I resented how he lived his life of being careful, to the extent of me feeling too constrained, as if my neck was being chained by my father’s rules.

I could hear all my father’s words of paranoia: “it’s not safe”, “not sanitary”, “you could get hurt”, “you might meet an accident”, “you might fall”, “nakakahiya (embarassing)”, “don’t do this”, “don’t do that”.

But through the years, my father and I have learned to have a mutual respect for how we live our lives. He is careful and I respect that even if I don’t agree with him at times. I am more of a risk-taker and my father respects that even if he doesn’t agree with me at times.

This brings me to my conversation with dad a few months ago.

Acceptance

He asked me to join him in their room because he had something to ask me.
He had held back on asking me for more than a year.
He asked me why I resigned from Smart considering that I had said I was doing something I was passionate about in Smart.

I was surprised that Dad had kept his question to himself of so long.
I realized it was dad being respectful of me, not wanting to impose anything on me, not wanting to offend me.

After answering Dad’s question, I told him a message that I feel was extremely important to my Dad.

I told my father:

“Dad, you can tell me anything.
There is nothing you can say or do that will destroy my relationship with you.”

I explained that I won’t necessarily agree or have the same opinion as his.
But Dad can be totally honest and open with me. I will not take offense at all.
Whatever it is.

In retrospect, what I told dad was my declaration of my unconditional acceptance.
I accept Dad regardless. ;-)
I respect Dad and all his feelings, opinions, thoughts.
They are his and he has total ownership and right of his feelings.

An Accepting Attitude

I believe that whatever we say or do at any moment in our lives, it is the best we know to do at that time in our lives.
By understanding this principle, I have become more forgiving and accepting of myself and of other people.

I also believe that our good Lord has His perfect plan all laid out.
If my prayers are not answered the way I want it answered and at the time I want it answered,
I’m okay with it, I accept it.
I know our good Lord has something masterfully planned for me.

I push on forward with my prayers, my dreams, my goals and keep vigilant for the guidance of my good God ;-) .

Have a day full of blessings!
edWIN

At a later time, I will write about the third of my three words: Worthiness. 

I attended The Feast yesterday. It was the second of four talks in the series “Overhaul: Change your life in 30 days”. The four talks: Purpose, Plan, Practice, Produce.

While Alvin Barcelona gave the talk, I was inspired to reflect about my own habits.

Success is not an Act but a Habit

Here’s an excerpt from The Feast newsletter from the Founder, Bo Sanchez:

Success Is Not An Act But A Habit 

Haven’t you noticed? 

Some people are always broke. 

Some people are always late. 

Some people are always making money. 

Some people are always on time. 

Some people always create happiness wherever they go. 

Some people always create trouble wherever they go. 

Some people always achieve their dreams. 

Some people never achieve their dreams. 

Why? 

Habits. 

Life is really about habits. 

What kind of habits do you have? 

- Bo Sanchez

What kind of habits do I have? Let me list a few habits I like:

1. Thinking positive, being positive
2. Being a disciplined driver and pedestrian
3. Writing a list of things to do the night before
4. Prioritizing by choosing my top 3 things I need to do for the day
5. Reading – books/articles that nourish my soul (Like Bo’s articles)
6. Reflecting, learning the lesson in all experiences
7. Writing – sharing my thoughts knowing that it will benefit other people
8. Spending time with people I love
9. Having meaningful conversations
10. Serving

My friend, what kind of habits do you have? List them down and tap yourself on the back. We DO have good habits, let’s be grateful for these good habits.

There are habits that I want to develop further.
Let me share the techniques I use:

1. Writing on my gratitude journal
   It’s important for me to nurture my soul. When I am grateful for what the blessings I’ve received for the day, grateful for what I’ve done for the day, I re-assure myself that God loves me as I am right here, right now. Rezza gave me a Gratitude Journal for Christmas and it will be my companion everywhere I go.
2. Being in bed by 11pm.
   I need enough rest to have a productive day.
   Some techniques I used in the past to develop this habit:
   - leave my laptop charger at the office. This limits my evening computer time to just 3-4 hours when I get home.
   - sound an 11pm alarm, turn it off only when I’m in bed.
   This time around, I will use my gratitude journal to wind down my day and put me in bed by 11pm. It’s my way of tucking myself in bed and reassuring myself that my day was productive and it was just the way my good God has planned it to be ;-) .
3. Top 3 priorities
   My day starts the night before. Typically, at the end of the day, I write a list of things I want to do for the next day. And then I prioritize. I identify my top 3 priorities.
   My guide question is: “If there were only three things I want to accomplish, what would they be?” I mark out the three things. Then I go to sleep and wake up with a clear direction for the day. I work on my top 3 priorities as early as I can in the day.
   What I want to do now is to start identifying my Top 3 on a weekly basis, monthly basis and yearly basis. Actually, my top goals for the year will be more like a set of 7 dreams for 2012. I will use my Novena to God’s Love for this list of goals.
4. Getting up right away when my morning alarm rings
   I’ve learned this habit when I was in Intel back in 2005-2008. I used a technique from Steve Pavlina.  In essence, the technique is to *practice* just like a dress-rehearsal. But practice the act during the day or evening when your mind is alert. What we’re developing is a routine for getting up when the alarm rings. (If you want more details about this technique, read Steve’s article . If you want to know about my experience, send me an e-mail.)
5. Morning Prayer
   Everyday in the morning when I wake up, I read my 7 dreams written in my Novena to God’s Love! With sincere belief and faith in the Lord, I fervently pray that my dreams are reality, and it’s just waiting to happen through God’s grace and by my actions guided by my good God.
   I also got myself a copy of  Didache . I use this to guide me in my daily morning prayer. I also thank my mom and my friend, Jun Bulos, for the bibles they gave me.

My friend, what habits do you want to develop this year? Write them down. Take a break from reading this article if you need to. Write down the habits you want to develop.

Here are my tips for developing habits:

1. Prioritize.
   Choose your top priority habits. Just choose from 3-5 habits to work on first.
2. Checklist.
   Make a daily checklist of your top habits. On a table, list your habits on the left column. On the header, write down from left to right the days of the week. I start with Monday, Tuesday and end with Sunday.  At the right most column, I write “Reward”.
   Each day that I accomplish my habit, I put a check mark. And then I reward myself at the end of the week. ;-) .
3. Minimum performance.
   I got this tip from Jack Canfield. Principle: It’s better to do some than do none.  If you’re developing a habit, it’s best that you do the habit consistently, even in the minimum level. For example, if you want to read a book as a habit, what is the minimum you would do each day? Say, for example, read 1 paragraph — that’s your minimum. If you aim to do your minimum everyday, you are more likely to do it consistently do your minimum without fail. Besides, you’ll find yourself doing more than your minimum as the days go by.
4. Have fun.
   Enjoy developing your habit. Tell your friends about the habits you’re developing. Tell them what you enjoy about it. Write it down in your journal of your blog.
5. Be grateful.
   In all things, be grateful. Gratitude brings more of what you are thankful for.

Be blessed!

With Love,

Ka Edong