2014: Things That I Am Thankful For

Last day of 2014. As I look back on everything that has happened to me this year, I realized that I've met a series of unfortunate events.

1. Sickness. When I needed to stop working due to health problems. The smell of hospital which I really hate... 
2. I lost some friends; very close friends. Time changes everything, including people. They said that they want to cut all ties with me and I accepted it. Though it hurts so much, I couldn't just force myself to people who doesn't want me to be part of their life anymore.
3. Disagreements.
4. Backstabbing. Unfortunately, I've met a number of traitors this year.
5. Depression. It's like I've been going in and out of a certain room called "Depression".
6. Stress caused by inconsiderate people.

I experienced painful things that taught me how to be strong. I became more patient. I've learned to endure stressful situation.

Of course, there are many thing that I am grateful for this year. I find happiness in misery. Sadness makes me more productive and it inspires me to work harder.

Here are things that I am thankful and grateful for

Wishes Granted

My year started preparing for a trip that I'd been desirous for a long time. This wish was first written on my wish notebook when I was in Elementary. I was 10 years old then. After 13 years, that wish was granted by my aunt. I don't know how am I going to express how grateful I am for her. She's like a fairy godmother who grants wishes of damsel in distress.

Because of her, I was able to meet my former students who became my friends and became part of my life. Thank you Auntie Tess. I know you're going to read this. I will never forget the things you've let me experience by giving me the opportunity to go to Japan. <3

To my cousin who granted my wish to speak inside the church and during her wedding reception, Thank you. I am very grateful for the dress I was able to wear. I love laces. :) Though I really hated my hair, still I was one of the happiest people during her wedding. I will never forget that day. :)

The trip to UP DILIMAN with my cousins which I randomly wrote on my wish notebook was also granted this year. It was one of the happiest moment of this year.

The Ukulele I got for myself this Christmas. I have a thing for string instruments. I always find the sound they create as something that is really amazing. In just a day, I was able to play and sing a number of songs. :)

This is the acoustic-electric guitar I got for my birthday. :) My mother gave me this... I wanted a color brown though. Haha! The strings got broken two weeks ago because I was relieving my stress; I played hard.

The time I went to Cool Beans Cafe with my MBA buddies. I was pestering and persuading them to go there and they granted my wish. :)

And the trip to Baguio with my cousins. We've met a series of unfortunate events, frustrating and irritating situations, but we had fun at the end. We bonded and the trip made us more close... well I hope because this what I feel.

And last, the Birthday wish and Christmas wish that came true. I will not elaborate here, there were simple wishes which seemed impossible but God made it possible! He's really great! I will never forget it.

My Fairy Godparents

During my period of depression, they were there for me. They always talk to me, send me messages in facebook. They always check me out and give me advice. They encouraged me and convinced me that everything would be alright.

There are times when it's really difficult for me to express myself and talk with other people. Since, I don't want to bother my mother too much, I always go to my Fairy Godparents to open up about  everything that's bothering me. I can be honest with them. I can tell them almost everything and they are always willing to LISTEN. Thank you so much!

My MBA Buddies

Being an introvert and a former agoraphobic, it's really nice to meet friends from different ages. I can call them Brothers and Sisters and I can treat them as my family the way they treat me. At first they thought that I was a snob (which is the usual impression of me), but they welcomed me in their group and I am very grateful for that. :) These friends taught me a lot of things since they older and far more experienced than me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. They are the reason why I always look forward to go to school. :) Of course... I like studying with them!

Good Grades

Sadness makes me more productive. When I am sad or troubled I always pour everything on things that I must finish such as homework, reports, research papers, presentations. Despite every bad things that had happened to me, I am thankful because I was able to get a good result.

My Arts

My art helps me to have a peace of mind. Focusing with the colors and the curves and all the lines and details on my sketch pad, watercolor pad or canvass helps me to set aside all my troubles. It's like drinking alcohol, you can forget almost everything and sadness would be replaced by feeling of accomplishment after seeing the finished product of my imagination.

Being able to play Musical Instruments

When I was a kid, I've written in my diary that I wanted to learn to play at least three musical instruments. Growing up, I have uncles who likes to sing and relatives who always play music like "The Cranberries" and I could remember that I used to sing out loud while inventing the lyrics of the song. I'm not good in playing and singing, but I can. I use music to relieve my stress and it helps me a lot. This year... music and arts serve as medicine and I am very grateful to the people who appreciates my "Shame-less" video which I uploaded on my private facebook account. To Rino-chan who looks forward and listens to my songs. Thank you.

My Family

My cousins, my aunts and uncles, my parents... everyone. This year... was all about bonding with them. I want our relationship to be really close. :)

Handwritten Letters

I love writing long hand written letters and I love receiving one too. I prefer letters than email when it comes to expressing emotions and feeling because I find it more sincere. The person writing is exerting an effort and that is a plus for me. To everyone who gave me letters.. Thank you so much. They are safe in my letter box. :)

Friends and Students

Believe or not, I always look forward to go to work and school to see everyone. I am always alone, and talking with different kinds of people is such a nice experience. I treasure everyone who treats me well.

My Mother

My best friend, my true love... my mother. I am very thankful to have a mother like her. She sometimes act like my age that's why we really bonded and we are really close. She gave everything I needed; emotional support, advice, EVERYTHING! I will never forget everything she has given me and I hope we can continue this kind of relationship when we get older. I love my mama so much. :) To my friends who like my mother... Thank you.

To all the people who became part of my 2014... THANK YOU for making my year colorful! Thank you for being part of it and for giving me opportunities to learn many things about life!

I hope to become part of your life next year and the year after that.

Have a great day Everyone!

Good bye 2014!

Let's all welcome 2015 with smile on our lips and with a positive mind. I hope I can... well... I will.

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

In The Middle Of Nowhere

"Lessons once learned are so hard to forget it though..."
Middle of Nowhere by Ellegarden

I once believed that if you would not mind what other people say to you... everything would be okay. But closing your ears from the world, from reality is difficult as swallowing a number of pills without water and with a dry throat. 

You know, I've been thinking that maybe the problem is within me or maybe the problem is me. No matter how clean you are, no matter how kind you are, caring and thoughtful you are, sincere you are, and honest you are... there will be people who'll criticize you for everything that you do.

Stress and depression are like magnets that are pulling me to the center of gravity called darkness. I am in the middle of nowhere and I am desirous to turn off all the lights, shut down all my circuits, and cut myself off from the world. I don't mean that I want to die, all I want is a few days of straight slumber... without waking up. I need to re-charge for I feel like I am overly used by people. Why? I feel so tired with everything. I see the world with its monotonous appearance. People looks the same. I hear the same thing everyday. I see the same thing. Everyday seems like yesterday... no change. It's like I'm in a place where it is simultaneously quiet and and noisy.

Going to places where other people USUALLY go made me "USUAL". By doing the same thing that other people do... these things sucked my uniqueness. It absorbed my very identity reason why I feel like I became one of them.

But then, my greatest foe is MYSELF. That's right. My inner demons are trying to ruin me. They are pushing everything aside to make way for my deepest and darkest thoughts. My defenses are being crashed and smashed into tiny million pieces. Every foundation I built to secure them from their container are being broken. Their unity is astounding!

The funny thing is, people around me always assume that the cause of my overwhelmingly dark aura is my love life. Oh no. Love life. Men. This is not the right time to think about them. My love life caused me stressed and a broken heart. Besides, I will never push myself onto someone who clearly doesn't want me. I had enough of it.

And when I look and stare at myself on the mirror. I see the very vision of EMPTINESS, BROKENNESS... after absorbing all the negativity of others who poured their hearts on me... I have no one to listen to me; to release myself from this misery.

What am I saying? What the hell am I saying again? Ah... yes... I am in the part where I want to say I am very tired. I am so tired. I am so weak... you know what I want? PEACE OF MIND. But I guess, it will be a long journey for me to see the light again.

Christmas is coming... but I can't feel anything. Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ... I don't need gifts or anything. For now, It's more than enough that I can write on my journal to talk to HIM. Right now, I can feel that He's the only one who is really willing to listen.

Have a good night.

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

THAT I AM STILL ALIVE.

October 2014 Part 2: Road trip... University of the Philippines Diliman

(Photo by: Maritess Boudreau)

Two months ago, I was randomly writing on my "Dream and Aspiration" journal about the things that I want to do before this year ends. I've written about "Road Trip with cousins at UP Diliman". Surprisingly, it really happened! I was so happy. Really happy.

I missed my cousins a lot. I'd lived like a "Prisoner" for the past months, since I was in the middle of writing my drafts, writing my reports, studying for weekly exams.... school works... and personal problems which I don't want to elaborate here anymore. Yes, I got depressed... well, I still am. During this period, I was looking for support and shoulders to lean on, but I felt like everyone was so far, out of reach and the only thing I could do at that time was to write, read and send messages to my cousins and to my fairy godparents (BBG, you know who you are guys...). Those helped me to somehow get a grip on reality that "I can do this". I was able to focus and voila! It's Semester break and I am now with my  favorite and important people in my life!

Enough with the drama!

So yes. I was with my Aunt and my cousins during this "Road Trip". We enjoyed walking around and taking countless pictures. We took advantage of the weather and scenery. It was so green and windy which I really like. I love nature. If not only for the shoes that I was wearing that day, I would have fully enjoyed the walk. My feet was aching so much and I forgot to bring my spare sandals.

Oh... It would be nice if I could stay here for a long time, but we needed to go somewhere... Next time, maybe on December we're going to come back here. The branches and the trees and of course the path walks; I love them so much. It made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. Right.

We literally took many pictures... like funny pictures (Funny for us). We were laughing all the time which was really nice because I was able to relieve some of my stress and forgot some of my worries and heartache. Hahaha! Yes!

I felt so helpless because of my feet so we took a rest for a while. There were many people jogging and walking around and I was an introvert trespassing the world of extroverts. Do you get it? From the moment I sat on the bench, it made me feel like I'm inside my "Hamster Ball". I am not really good in open spaces. I used to be Agoraphobic, that's why.

Yes. My Aunt became my photographer. She's really good in taking pictures and it's nice to know that I'm one of the people who influenced her with regards with photography.

I don't have much time to take some pictures and I terribly miss the "Nature Photo Session". I used to go somewhere every week, but due to my hectic schedule... I can't.

This is my cousin Jerix. He came late because he had a class before this. He's actually our Mascot, "The Comedian". Whenever he's around... everything would be colorful... and ALIVE!

I will go back here with them... again! Just so you know, I took the entrance examination here... and the rest is HISTORY.

Oh how I miss them so much... without them... I feel neutral and most of the time... talking with myself.

Have a great day everyone!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Reading Books
2. Playing and singing some songs... especially Guitar riffing of "Greensleeves". I'm a fan of King Henry VIII
3. Crossing out things to do on my check list.
4. Cleaning my room.
5. That I'm still alive.
6. That my parents are in good health.
7. That my friends are fine.
8. That I am inside my hamster ball. :)
9. That it's not yet raining in Manila because I'm really worried about the Typhoon Ruby. I have lots of things to do next week... please.
10. Listening to Karen O music. Ukulele... let's see. :) I'm excited. PLEASE!!!! Let me have it!!!!!

October 2014 Part 1: The Sweet Spots

(Photo by: Marites Boudreau)

( Matcha Green tea Mint Smoothie)

If you are someone who knows me... You definitely know about my love for TEA and STRAWBERRY. Even before the "Milk Tea" craze began here... I've been trying out different kinds of tea and eating strawberry... OF COURSE.

But I think I am not the only who loves strawberry... Just look at my Aunt. Isn't she cute?

And one of my favorite couples ever! My cousins. :) Remember the "Maid of Honor" speech? It was for their wedding last January.

My aunt had a two weeks vacation here in Manila and she really took advantage of her free time. We'd been going out during her stay here and one of the places we'd been was "The Sweet Spot" located in Maginhawa Street.

The first time I visited this cafe was March of this year with my MBA buddies. I ordered a hot tea that time, that's why I tried their smoothie for a change.

This is too funny! I didn't know that I wore the same denim cover up during my first and second time here!!!! What?!!!! I just noticed. But... yeah.

And if you are one of my former students... then maybe you know how crazy I am when it comes to Matcha. The taste... honestly reminds me of Japan and all of my friends there. It's nice. Very nice and of course refreshing. But the whip cream... I felt a little bit guilty after. My aunt told me that I shouldn't be too strict with myself. My real concern was actually the effects of whip cream to my body, but that day I was like "What the heck?! I don't care!" LOL.

And this is me with my cousins. <3 Did you notice Doraemon on the wall? I think the owner of this cafe is a Japanese Culture enthusiast like me because I noticed a lot of Japanese novel by Natsuo Kirino and Haruki Murakami inside. And see the anime?

My camera was not adjusted to automatic and that explains the blurred effect of this picture. Well... Japan again.

I was worrying that maybe my cousins and my aunt would not like the place because I was the one who suggested to go here. Fortunately, I got a positive feedback from them and my aunt liked the place. It's warm and very welcoming.

And this is the other view of the cafe. I terribly like the lighting inside. It makes me want to stay there and read until my eyes get hurt. Do you know what I mean?

And this is us desperately trying to take our "Group-ie"...

You know, if only I live near Maginhawa Street... I wouldn't mind going out everyday. Sigh... but No....

My rating: 5 STARS

I can't wait to come back here and chill. With my friends or by myself. Because sometimes, I have the tendency to go out somewhere alone.

Wanna come here? With me? Haha! This place is cool! I hope you'll try to check out this place.

Have a great day Everyone!

And this is me with my strange dimple. Haha! Take care everyone!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Talking with my Aunt and Uncle in Skype. I feel blessed. I feel like I am not worthless whenever I talk with them... it always makes me want to strive harder to become a better person.
2. Playing the guitar in front of my mirror. I'm a concert queen! hahaha! Thank you!
3. Eating Mandarin oranges from my father. :)
4. Writing this blog.
5. Crossing out things on my "To do" list

PS: I will do my best... 4 months to go.

Insults and Dirty Looks

(Photo by: Maritess Boudreau)

I've been lying low for quite some time now. I'd been through a period wherein I got really tired of EVERYTHING. I am an Introvert and I needed some time to recharge myself. Socializing has been a difficult task for me ever since. I love talking with other people... it's true, but sometimes I get tired and I want to spend time just staring blankly. I desire peace and quite surroundings. I desire fresh air and strong wind that will make me feel that I am the only person in this world... that I could fly. 

Because of my way of thinking, people call me INSANE, STRANGE... I am TOO lazy to explain myself why I do things which are different from others. In the first place, why do I need to explain myself? I always believe that being mysterious in the eyes of others will definitely sparks "Interest" and "Curiosity". In my case... I don't give explanation because I don't want to waste my time. TIME IS MONEY... 

I have been receiving DIRTY LOOKS, INSULTING COMMENTS from others. They would look at me and talk about me. The funny thing is I don't know them but they know me. I know that I shouldn't mind them, but sometimes these circumstances make me ask myself:

"Did I do something wrong to deserve such things?"

"Have I offended them in some ways that I didn't know?"

"Why is it that they can only see me?"

"Why me?"

My friends and family insisted that it is because I look different... that I am different. What can I do? Should I undergo plastic surgery? Should I cut my hair or maybe make it straight? Should I wear skirt and shorts? Should I flaunt my legs and cleavage? Should I wear super high heels and torture myself? Should I wear dark eyeshadow and ruby red lipstick? Should I be like them?

Yes... sometimes I think about these questions and wonder... but my answers are NO. Why would I do something I am not comfortable with? Why would I wear something which is not my style? Why would I put cosmetics I am allergic with? Eyeshadow, eyeliner... my eyes hate them. Why would I let myself be someone who I am not?

As I have said before... Everyone is distinct from one another. They can never force me or tempt me to be like them even if they pay me millions of money. I love being me and because of letting myself to be who I really am... I feel free. I can distinguish myself from the others. I know myself better than anyone else.

With all honesty, my energy was drained from thinking and being bothered about them. It's my mistake for minding them. I need to remind myself that I was not born to please unnecessary people in my life... and these women are definitely UNNECESSARY. Unnecessary things must be discarded... so I must erase them on my mind for the sake of having a peace of mind.

I promise I will never be like them. I started by giving them smile from all the nasty look and sneer they gave me. Let's fight the bad people by giving them kindness and sincerity... because they need them the most.

Have a good day everyone!

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Playing my guitar. Blank Space by Taylor Swift is so catchy.
2. Sketching. I miss using soft pastel. Another Black and White Art.
3. Eating Cinnamon sticks. 
4. Talking with my 8 years old cousin. She's just so cute and talkative.
5. That I am still alive.
6. That my parents are healthy.
7. That my friends are in good condition.
8. Cold weather. (I wish there's winter here.... sigh. I miss the smell of winter.)

Vanity Post: 20 Facts About Me (Tagged by Chexy)

Hello there. Here's a VANITY POST featuring 20 FACTS ABOUT ME. I was tagged by my friend Chexy in Facebook. However, I don't want to post these facts there. At least here, I know that only few people will read this... and most of them are strangers which I really prefer.

20 FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. I AM A HOBBYIST. I am not a professional artist, but I do enjoy doing anything related to arts. Painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor), sketching, drawing. I am into arts and crafts. I know how to sew, do some crochet, make accessories. I am a DIY person. I can make something out of trash or garbage. 
2. I LOVE MUSIC. I grew up listening to The Cranberries. Their song "Zombie" was my favorite when I was in Elementary. I had a 10 year love and hate relationship with my guitar. I can sing and dance... somehow. I can play guitar... somehow. I am not good at them, but I CAN. I write songs sometimes. I love writing lyrics... it amazes me how I can incorporate my "Collections Of Words" into a song. I sing them whenever I feel blue. Music is part of me. I love Metal, Alternative, Goth, Punk-Rock, Grunge, Screamo... INDIE. 
3. I DON'T LIKE STEREOTYPICAL THINGS. Everything that's in Fashion or Fashionable does not impresses me. I always try to choose my own style. I don't want to be a PHOTOCOPY of everyone else. I am ME. I love being myself. Mainstream things are not for me. I like wearing clothes that are different from others. I like listening to unpopular, but cool songs. I like unique and strange things.
4. I LOVE THRIFT SHOP. I'm a Thrift Shop Addict. I know that some of you may find it "GROSS" because I buy second hand things. It's just that, I like old things owned by other people. Why? Because each thing that I bought from Thrift Shop has story of their own. It's like getting to know other people without really seeing them... I only feel them. However, some of the things I bought were branded and "like" new which is really cool.
5. I LOVE OLD THINGS. Yes, like Thrift Shop, Antique Shops are my Paradise. Every time I go there I always feel so relax. The smell of old books, old CDs, old furniture, old things from glassware to chinaware makes me happy and ALIVE. Some of them are owned by other people from different countries and most of them are damaged, but for me damaged things are more attractive. Why? Because it gives them character; every crack, every stain, every imperfection... gives them the UNIQUENESS that I always look in EVERYTHING.
6. I AM LOYAL. If you are my friend, then you already know this. I am a LOYAL FRIEND. I love my friends the way I love my relatives. For me, they are my family. For someone who doesn't have siblings like me... having a friend is really a blessing. I have many experiences of having FAKE friends and FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS. Although it always gives me heartache whenever a friend ignores me and treats like a piece of "SHIT"... I will never plan a REVENGE because they've been good to me... at least.
7. I AM NOT EASILY ATTRACTED TO MEN. Being bullied in the past made me a MAN HATER. I am doing my best to change this character, but for some reason I always find it hard to be attracted to men. They might be good looking, tall, rich... but for me PERSONALITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. Physical appearance depreciates, but personality stays consistent... well at least. When I like somebody, my eyes will always be on him. I usually ignore other men whenever I am attracted to someone.
8. I AM A CLEAN FREAK. I like cleaning a lot. I always look forward to weekend to clean my room and organize my things. I just HATE seeing disorganize environment. 
9. I LOVE SNEAKERS. Aren't they the most comfortable foot wear? If I have to choose among all footwear... I'll still choose sneakers.
10. I AM SHY. Bingo! I am. Really. You don;t know how shy I am until you get to know me.
11. I ALWAYS TALK TO GOD. I may not be the most religious person you'll ever met. I don't go to church that often. Believe it or not, I have a Journal where I write things that I want to talk about with God. I've been doing this since high school. It helps me a lot to be at ease because even if I cannot see him... I always feel that he's with me and that I can always talk with him.
12. I PREFER OLD MOVIES. 1918, 1922, 1938, 1943, 1968, 1975.... I collect movies from these periods. Black and white movies and classic beauty are the best!
13. FRUITS AND VEGETABLE; NO PORK AND BEEF PLEASE. Correct, Pork and Beef will give me heart attack. Every time I eat them... I feel like my body is so DIRTY. I am sorry, but I prefer CHICKEN.
14. I AM A TEA-HOLIC. Any kind of tea... GIVE ME.
15. I DON'T DRINK SODA. My body is 7 years free from SODA. Can you do it? I dare you.
16. CANDY OVER CHOCOLATE. If you want to cheer me up, just give me candies. Don't give me chocolates... I don't really like it.
17. I HAVE A VERY STRONG SELF CONTROL. I can control myself. Temptation is NOTHING TO ME... well, most of the time. 
18. ASIAN AND EUROPEAN CULTURE. Are my current addiction.
19. I LOVE NATURE. Anything that is clean and green; with flowers, windy environment with yellow orange lightning. I am so in love with nature.
20. I LOVE GIVING LOVE AND CARE. Some say that I am too self-less to the point of I have nothing to give to myself. Others are always on the top of my list that I sometimes forget myself. 

I don't mind if you don't care about these facts because I don't think someone will be so interested about me. I did this for the sake of being tagged by my friend... :)

Have a nice day everyone!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy (As of 10:53 am)

1. Eating breakfast. So yummy! Rolled oats, white egg omelet, fresh tomato, fresh papaya, lukewarm lemon water and green tea.
2. Drinking my hot green tea.
3. Playing guitar for an hour.
4. Crossing out things on my "to do list".
5. Writing this blog entry.

How To Have A Good Morning (Things That I've Learned)

(Photo by: Maritess Boudreau)

Happy New Year! I originally written this entry last year; October 7, 2014. I've decided to edit this because I wasn't really able to follow everything here. Honestly, I've been in a period of depression. Seriously, I never thought that I would be suffering this much mentally and emotionally. This emotional pain had... still have me. However, I am going to do my best to fight this. I want to bring back the color to my life. Wish me luck everyone, because I am really tired.

Few months ago, I've stumbled upon an article entitled "7 Things Healthy People Do Every Morning" from foodmatters.tv (you may click the link and read the article/blog). I started to do these seven things again after I came back from the road trip to Baguio City with my couins. I swear! These help me a lot to boost my mood in the morning. Morning is very important because this is the start of our day (except for those who have nocturnal job... I know... I know...), If you start your day feeling gloomy, down and blue the probability of spending the whole day feeling these is very high. However, if you will start your day feeling good about yourself despite work or school troubles...believe me, you will find yourself confident that you can do all things if you will start and focus your mind on the positive. Honestly, I find myself in a good mood, with happy disposition and with a positive mind. It amazes me how these things could actually help someone who has tons of problems and troubles. I know that everyone of us is fighting a battle of our own, that's why I want to share my experiences with these things that are helping me lately.

1. Drink A Glass Of Water As Soon As You Wake Up

In my case, I drink lukewarm lemon water and it's been almost a year and a half since I've started this morning routine. Drinking water or lemon/lime water in the morning helps us flush out the toxins from our body and it also helps in hydrating. Lemon and Lime are rich in vitamin C that helps to strengthen our immune system.

2. Do Not check Your Email Or Phone For At Least An Hour

Oh yes! I am guilty of checking my emails, Facebook, instagram, Skype and line as soon as I wake up. It's a BAD HABIT indeed. Because instead of being thankful and grateful for another morning and fresh day... I sometimes find myself disappointed, pressured, annoyed, irritated by some post of the people in the web... cyber acquaintances. So what I do now is that after waking up, I jump out of my bed and stretch my body. I flip my hair side by side and grab my guitar. I play at least one song before breakfast.

3. Think Of One Thing For Which You Have Gratitude

I have a small notebook on my study table wherein I write the things that I am grateful for. I am the kind of person who becomes grateful from a simple "good morning" from a friend or from my cousins, a sunny day, cloudy day, windy day, rainy day (except stormy day). I get happy from the smell of newly baked "Pandesal" or freshly toasted bread and fried eggs. Start your morning by feeling grateful about the simple things in your life.

4. Step Outside And Take A Deep Breath

Okay... I don't really do this when I am about to spend my day in the house, but what I do is that I open my window and shove my curtains aside to let the sunlight in. Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling will help you release all the negativity from your body. It's like a process of detoxifying your body from all the negative vibes that lingers in/on/at you (lol for that).

5. Move Your Body

According to the article, it's not necessary to do an intense workout before breakfast. Who has time for that when you are running late from your job or school? Simply doing simple stretches, like what I have said, will wake up your senses leaving you feeling so much ALIVE. I actually do some random dance with my guitar in front of my mirror... like no one is watching.

6. Take Time To Eat A Healthy Breakfast

I used to eat cereals because it is very convenient. You only need to toss the cereals in your bowl and pour milk in it... voila! Hello Breakfast! Nowadays, my breakfast consists of Oatmeal, Fruits, Green Tea, Lemon Water and some protein such as tofu, chicken, fish or egg. If I don't have much time to eat in the morning, I bring my breakfast at work or at school. I don't go to fast food chains to buy their breakfast combo. No matter how convenient they are, I choose to eat food which can make me feel full, but low in calories and saturated fats. 

7. Say Your Affirmations

My Aunt taught me this... I asked her "Auntie Tess, what can I do to be happy in the morning like you?" And she said that every time she wakes up, she would go in front of her mirror to greet herself like this "GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL! YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!".

So I am doing the same thing now. Just now. I don't have to be shy to say that line because I am doing this for myself. It is my way to feel good about my body, my face and skin despite the facial demons that I am having right now. The heck with them! Start by "FEELING" good and beautiful... and you will be one.

Here are other things that I do:

1. Write On My Journal
2. Read And Update My "Dreams and Aspirations" Journal where I write the things that I want, things that I want to do and the person that I want to become.
3. Play My Guitar For At Least 30 Minutes For Relaxation (If I have much time... sometimes even I f I don't have...)
4. Read Books While Eating My Breakfast
5. Talk With Somebody

I hope these things will help you to have a GOOD MORNING!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Finishing my Homework. Success!!!!!
2. Exercising for an Hour. I need to get back in shape. I must.
3. That our dog Cloney is still alive. I thought she's going to leave us yesterday because she'd been acting so strange the whole day. 
4. Talking in skype with my Fairy Godparents. I feel blessed whenever I talk with them.
5. That I am still alive.
6. That my parents are in good health.
7. That I have True and Loyal friends.
8. That I have many cousins. I miss them now... I miss their noise..