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Symphony of Love and Growth: Nurturing Mind, Body, and Soul


Yesterday I woke up not feeling well, maybe due to fatigue, lack of sleep, and stress. Despite that I kept moving and moving, as if there would be no tomorrow, until my body dropped. This is one of the challenges of being alone -- you do all -- cooking, laundry, working and other routines.

Yesterday had much sense, as things happened for some reasons, and I want to connect them all to my overall wellness.

This is a gentle reminder to nurture my mind, body and soul, which I want to echo to my readers.

According to Kathy Sledge

Mind. Body. Soul. These are the three things self-care is all about.

Cherish Your Body

Your body is a precious vessel that carries you through life's journey.  As my dear friend always told me being workaholic, "Pakaingatan ang katawan. Sa hanapbuhay ito ang pinakamahalagang puhunan." (Translation: "Take extra care of yourself as it is our most important investment in making a living / earning money.") 

Indeed true. Treat it with love and respect. Nourish it with wholesome food, exercise, and sufficient rest. That is why it is important to trade time with value, because if you do a job for free or you settle for less, how can you buy foods to sustain your body and give it the nutrients it requires? Even the carabao working on the field, needs to be fed, or the vehicles on the road, must have fuel to run.

Avoid abusing it with harmful substances or overworking it. Your well-being is the foundation of a fulfilling life.

Embrace Forgiveness

My first cousin (paternal side) chatted with me yesterday, after a very long time. I have loved her since I met her when we were children. I was a role model to her. Her parents loved me like I were their own daughter. Her father died few weeks after my father expired 15 years ago. My grief was beyond description.

There was a relative who wronged me and hurt me so much that I cannot forget the pains, although I forgave her. My cousin reminded me to totally forget all, as "past is past". 

Yes, I forgot all but when she is the subject of the conversation, there is a prick in my heart. If she is not a relative, maybe I do not care at all. But she is, and the thing is, I helped her daughter and God enabled me to be the bridge to where she is now -- yet apparently everything is in oblivion.

Undeniably, when I recall all, I still have some grudges and holding onto them weighs down my spirit.

I must release the burden of anger and resentment by choosing forgiveness. I must free myself from the chains of the past, and open my heart to healing.

Forgiveness is a gift you give first to yourself.

Be a Beacon of Light

I have my own storms, but amidst them, my pure intention is to extend a helping hand to others in need, no matter how small they may seem, as long as it is humanly possible for me to do, and as long as there is joy in my heart. Knowing that someone gets through a challenging situation through my help, brings me happiness. 

Extend a helping hand to others. Small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on someone's life.

Empathy and compassion are powerful forces that bring hope and healing to both the giver and receiver.

Unconditional Love

Family dynamics can be complex. Sometimes there are conflicts and misunderstandings, particularly if there are distance and time gaps, and if things do not go their way. These are normal in all families. Ups and downs. Unity and division. 

This last decade, I have been misunderstood by my family members at times -- whether I explain my side or I remain silent. Two things -- firstly, things change, and secondly, they have their own processing of thoughts -- directly as per their perception, and indirectly, as per person or persons physically close to them. But they are they, and I am I. Although one blood runs in us, we have individual differences and preferences.

Regardless of what they think of me, even if they do not understand me fully -- which I completely understand, I love them all with all my heart, mind and body, unconditionally. In my younger days, I sacrificed my all for them, not leaving something for myself.

Love has been my guiding light. I cannot explain all to all. Those who really love me for who and what I am, will understand and accept me, including my strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. 

Love your family members, unconditionally. Love has the power to mend wounds and strengthen bonds. In God's time, I hope in my lifetime, all family relationship wounds will be healed.

Continuous Growth

The growth of the knowledge industry is mind-blowing! So I have been hooked to free webinars of Tai Lopez, Vishen Lakhiani, Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, and Mary Morrisey, among others. The more I hear from them, the deeper I know about life, and the more I get hungry to learn more. I wish I had the luxury of time and be back to my much younger self! 

These days, when the parents remind children some of the time-tested lessons they learned in life, they hate to hear all. They feel they are being manipulated. I always remind my children, particularly my son, the eldest, that they have their very own brains which are like the CPU (central processing of a computer) that can process all the inputs (reminders from elders, what they see / observe and read, etc.). It does not mean that they are being controlled or manipulated particularly if they are grown-ups already. It's up to them what to filter, what to absorb and what to digest. They have the freedom to choose what is best for them, based on what happened in the past, their current condition and their programming for their lives in the future.

Seek knowledge and wisdom from life coaches and online resources. But remember, true growth comes from introspection and application. Take time to process the lessons and integrate them into your life's tapestry.

Mind Your Reactions

Life presents challenges. Sometimes there are things that will test our patience and tolerance.

I was raised by calm parents, particularly my father, who did not get angry with me, not even once.  I passionately manage my reactions, and as such I am cool most of the times.

There are people who can be annoying, extremely annoying, but you have the power to choose how to react. You can give reasons to their emotions and actions. If you react according to their expected reaction from you, they have the power over you, so do not give them that power.

Cultivate emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Master your reactions with grace, patience, and positivity. Your response shapes your reality.

In this beautiful journey called life, you have the capacity to create a harmonious symphony of love, growth, and resilience. 

May your path be filled with joy, inner peace, and the knowledge that you are a remarkable soul capable of embracing life's wonders. 

Keep shining, for the world is brighter with you in it.

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Image credits: Pixabay | RosZie (image 1) & Canva (image 2)

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