My Haven

I've listened to Dr. Chopra's lectures on CDs, and I think he speaks the truth. His insights are very sharp in terms of determining the outlook that can make people feel and think affluent. This does not refer to mere materialism. But the deep implication of his insights is that we create our own wealth, which includes richness of character and charity for other people. He considers the mind as the starting point of whatever success we may gain from our undertakings, be it in our careers and in our personal relationships with other people. Such realization creates a dent in the way we live and the way we think.
I am thankful that I was able to listen to him. I'd like to express my gratitude to the person who introduced Dr. Chopra to me. His name is Allan Charles King, my friend in Alberta, Canada.

Yes, I did it again. I hosted the musical competition of the NOPSSCEA, and it was a success. The coliseum was jampacked with students and teachers from different colleges and universities. I thought it was going to be difficult because the whole program was not planned a day prior to the show. Thankfully, everything went smoothly and I finished my responsibility without a stitch. It was, indeed, a wonderful night for me.
I looked like a flamenco dancer with my embroidered flowing black skirt, a red sleeveless blouse, and a black shawl. Oh, and not to mention the red, high heeled sandals that matched my red blouse. I felt great during those 3 or so hours I was on stage-- smiling, being charming, and just being my usual cheerful self.

Another pic...I'm at the rightmost back. Since it's another angle, it looks like I'm way too far. But it doesn't matter. It's still a beautiful pic.

That's me on the leftmost side wearing dark denims and flare blouse. This was taken during the college night. We were the back-up dancers of the Pussy cat dolls, La Salle version.

It's G's 28th birthday!!! He is the most loving and passionate man I've known.

Real friendship is tested through time. It is strengthened by the challenges and trials that friends face together.

"Anxiety is the rust of life, destroying its brightness and
weakening its power. A childlike and abiding trust in
providence is its best preventive and remedy."

"Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction."

This saying by Erich Fromm is a fact in the modern world. Everybody wants to have everything--money, house, cars, nice clothes, women/men, a good job, etc. The list is endless. But have we asked ourselves lately if we showed our love to another person?

Friends are plentiful. Work is doing great. Lovelife is exciting. Blessings abound. Sleep is restful. I feel great. I look great.
What more can I ask for?

Simple cures
By Cory Quirino
Inquirer

CURES are only needed when there is a disease.
But have you ever wondered if it is possible to prevent the need for a cure? In other words, eliminate disease altogether?
Unfortunately, no. Our mortal bodies are subject to attack daily by viruses and bacteria. When infection sets in, then prescription drugs are urgently required.
While there is no substitute for a doctor’s visit, there are natural ways to prevent diseases and reduce visits to your doctor. They are called simple cures.
Take your fiber
Dietary fiber can prevent heart disease and cancer. It is considered one of the most effective treatments for constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, diabetes and hernia.
Dieters on a weight-loss program should include fiber in their meal plans. Eat more fruits and vegetables, oats and grains. Easy-to-mix fiber is also now available in capsules, like C-Lium Fiber.
Remember to double your water intake when taking fiber because it could cause constipation and aggravate your digestive problems.
Have a banana booster
Aching muscles, leg cramps, low energy, high blood pressure and sleeplessness can be eased by simply eating a banana. This potassium-rich fruit is, by far, the quickest remedy for aches and pains of all kinds.
When feeling overworked and unable to sleep, take a banana and let it work its wonders. Instant relief is almost guaranteed.
Keep your balance
Balance is controlled by what is called the vestibular system—the teamwork between eyes and inner ears. When this synergy is disrupted, the result is dizziness.
No matter what the cause may be, here are a few methods to ease the spinning sensation:
Hold on to something solid like a wall or pillar.
Avoid sleeping on your back.
Avoid positions that may trigger the dizziness (having your hair shampooed in the parlor, sitting reclined on a dentist’s chair, praying with your head down).
Try the Brandt-Daroff exercises daily. Sit for 30 seconds on a couch or bed, spine straight, feet flat on the floor. Look straight at the horizon. Slowly lie on your right side, ear flat on the bed, chin over your shoulder. Hold still for 30 seconds. Repeat the same movement on your left side. Continue the exercises for 10 minutes. Do this three times a day.
Watch your prostate
If women have to worry about hormones, menstrual cycles, child birth and menopause, men have their prostates to think of. This little gland can suffer from inflammations, infections and enlargement when a man is in his 20s through his 60s.
As men grow older, the prostate grows larger than normal and eventually squeezes the urinary tube causing discomfort in urinating (eventually, bladder or kidney problems). The following can help in coping with enlarged prostates:
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee or caffeinated drinks. These will only irritate the prostate gland.
If you cannot avoid caffeinated beverages, do not take them after dinner.
Use decongestants and diuretics with caution. These include over-the-counter cold/sinus medications.
The herbs saw palmetto and milk thistle have been used for decades as herbal remedies.
You may consider laser surgery to remove excess prostate tissue or the TUNA (trans-urethral needle ablation, an outpatient procedure) or the TURP (trans-urethral resection). See your doctor for medical options.
Less salt, fewer problems
Some people are more sensitive to salt than others. But even if you are not sensitive to sodium, it helps to ease up on your salt intake, no matter how young or old you are.
Cut back salt use to 500 mg a day (if you are hypertensive). You may not realize it but processed/prepared foods are already salted. When cooking, use herbs or spices and lemon instead of salt.
Drink lots of water especially if you have eaten salty food. Exercise to sweat out the toxins.
Calcium not only works on your bones; it fights hypertension, too. Take a calcium-rich diet to fend off hypertensive attacks or take a calcium supplement daily.
The only time salt is good is in a soak bath. Fill your tub with warm water. Add one-half cup of salt. Give yourself a 10 minute soak to soothe a tired body.

Reference: “Inner Cleansing Cures” by editors of FC & A Medical Publishing.

"God writes straight with crooked lines. His will is sovereign and always gets accomplished, eventually, one way or another.

It is true that Jesus came from a "not so perfect" family. In fact, the biblical names mentioned where he is rooted are those that is known to be sinners, robbers, etc..
And yet, God chose this genealogical line to save mankind--to protect His people. And through Mary and Joseph, God's plan came into reality.

Really, God writes our history. In our twisted lives, there sprung forth goodness and achievements. In the middle of crisis and weaknesses, God shows His might and power.

We may all be looking forward for having an ideal life -- a perfect family..Dreaming of that is good. But we should remember that we can't all have such kind of life. There would always be imperfections. We are created differently, unique, and with very specific history. And whatever our history is, eventhough we think that its the worst history ever written--it is good and best for us. We may not know it at first, but God will reveal the goodness in it eventually, if there's acceptance from us."

God is always good. No doubt.. I can attest to that.....

Keep smiling . . . .
Have a great day!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!

6. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is our self.
LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

I hope that these timeless reminders will benefit people who wish to have genuine loving relationships with everyone in their lives.

1. Show respect.
2. Be tolerant.
3. Be kind with thoughts, words, and deeds.
4. Be understanding.
5. Strive for perfection for yourself, but don't expect it from others.
6. Be encouraging.
7. Be slow to judge.
8. Apologize when you are wrong, even if the other person is more wrong.
9. Be forgiving.
10. Accept responsibility for your own misery.

Above all, be humble and compassionate. Make your loving service to the Supreme Person your top priority. As a sage succintly puts it, "Love the Supreme Best Friend. And with everyone else, be a nice and caring friend."