Sunday, January 8, 2012

New Year 2012: Faraway Journey, Greater Service and Breakthrough to Success



"In the material world that we live in, where the outer symbol of success fades and eventually will be gone, it would be good to ponder on the realization of our highest service to give to God, ourselves...our family.. our country, and the world at large."


The start of the year has been full of optimistic hope, optimism, and enthusiasm, as I have celebrated it with joy and gratitude. This is the best time to set goals and wishes for the year.


As I celebrate the new year, questions pop into my mind, such as how to keep up with the momentum through the year and make these things possible and achievable.


This time, I have learned to be clear on what I want and not to focus on what I don't want. What do I want to acquire? What are my desires and hopes? What do I want to experience and learn? And what do I want to become?


Some of my goals were not attained because I was not clear about what I wanted, so I ended up losing the inspiration and hope and having it replaced with doubts when I saw it was impossiblethen came to the list of unaccomplished and unattainable goals.









This day marks the first week of 2012, and it was a good week to start the year. Doing physical activities like walking, jogging, and some exercises at the park was fun. I enjoy the revitalizing and invigorating effects.

I have done a 20-minute meditation daily for this first week of the year. It was an excellent opportunity to reflect on my wishes and goals for this year and enjoy the place's serenity and peaceful ambiance. It was a perfect place to meditate as I bear the tolerable coldness of the weather.


As I meditated, I closed my eyes and could hear nothing but birds chirping, the cold breeze of the wind, the people passing quietly along with my meditation space, and the shouts of the teens playing cricket at a far distance.


Those external sounds do not bother me anymore. At least, it did not make me more space out. The internal voice from within dominates the most. This sound is more precious, giving more time to reflect deeply while whispering sacred chants silently.


MY GOALS AND WISHES FOR THIS YEAR...


TO THE PHILIPPINES...


My beloved country of birth, I pray, will be spared by significant destruction, such as calamities that cause loss of lives and properties, and worst is living a life of post-traumatic depression and loss of self-worth.


Being a "Pacific Islander" would expect to have been visited by typhoons, and a country in a "Pacific Ring of Fire" would have numerous earthquakes. We have our share of devastating calamities that the world experiences. The reality is that we can not escape but can ease these tragedies' effects.


One of the good traits of being a Filipino is the "Bayanihan Spirit," a Filipino term that denotes a helping hand. Hoping that we will continue to be inspired to help people in any way possible.


TO THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY


Hoping that the country will be able to survive any recession or financial crisis that may hit the region or the world. Although the past administration has done it well, hoping that the present administration will be able to do their part for the betterment of the country and its people.


Hoping that more local and foreign investors will come to establish a business to generate more jobs for Filipinos. Jobs for every Filipino means food to feed their families and to alleviate hunger and poverty.


TO THE WORLD...


Hoping that peace will be attained. No conflicts... no terrorism... no wars. The past year seems full of outrage and a fight against their government that created global concern. It brought massive destruction to innocent civilians; loss of homes, properties, and lives.


Hoping that this world will be a safer place for people to live into be able to walk on the streets safely by day and night, to be able to commute on bus and train without the thoughts of the presence of any explosive substances inside; to be able to enjoy shopping at the mall without the idea of the bombing (as the case in the Philippines) and so on...


May poverty alleviation be strengthened by those in political power to end the world of hunger, famine, and suffering?


We live in a chaotic world of uncertainties and suffering, so we need more incarnations of Anna Hazare, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi. The selfless acts they have sacrificed for the welfare of humanity will be remembered and remain in our hearts eternally.


ON MYSELF...











My personal goal for this year is not a short-term or long-term goal. What matters is clarity and attainability. I just wish for a balanced and successful life with a focus on my...

Health - to become more balanced in all fitness levelsphysical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.


Family - to become stronger despite the problems, better health, and attain more prosperity.


Career - to continue to be a representation of the "BE Life" slogan - "Live Your Greatest Life" and to be able to touch as many lives as possible along with the foundation's commitment to "Serving Humanity and the World."

Personal relationship -
harmonize with my family, colleagues, and friends.


Personal growth - to learn something new and valuable; gain new insights from seminars/workshops, training, and inspiring books.


Making a difference - to continue doing something good and inspiring others to do the same. I will participate actively in various activities that are intended for the benefit of a particular person or group.


STRETCHING BEYOND THE LIMITS


I would challenge myself to push on its limit. Sometimes, it feels good to do extraordinary things like public speaking or conduct and speak for a seminar/workshop. It might be frightening, but the end result is more rewarding.

It is nice to achieve something impossible, but things become possible only until it is done. There are things to accomplish for this year if I focus on it and with the support of the people who believe in me.


In the long run, what is essential is not the outcome of the fulfillment of my goals and dreams but who I become in the process with the ultimate goal of living a better life.


FOR OTHERS...


My goal for this year may impact other people who share the same desires and idealism. As I write this goal list and commit to a bigger dream, I may soon come up with big ideas to make these things happen. I hope to attract the right people and opportunities to achieve my goal.


ONE STEP AT A TIME


Ultimately success does not come overnight but involves small daily actions that accumulate in time towards realizing and achieving the most cherished dreams. I have to ask myself, "What should I do today that will help me towards the aspiration and achievement of my dreams?"—a question that needs daily answers and action.

LIVING WITH A PURPOSE


We must live with a purpose and continue to discover and understand it. You have a sense, and I have mine too... so in the material world that we live in, where the outward symbol of success fades and eventually will be gone, it would be good to ponder on the realization of our highest service to give to God...our self...our family.. our country and the world at large.


A prosperous year ahead!


© 2012 Del Cusay


Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 Year in Review: Endless Possibilities


There are many things to be grateful for in the year 2011. My life has been ups and downs this year, but I have struggled to persevere and endure the not-so-good happenings that brought sadness and tears. 

However, I have also experienced the excellent living brought by the blessings that came along the way of my journey. Life, as I define it is indeed balanced: you win some, and you lose some.

Being a winner in life would take lots of courage and determination. I have been able to conquer my fears and doubts to be able to climb up, if not on the top, at least one step higher. I made it to become the person that I am today because of my willingness to change. I succeed in changing my beliefs, perceptions, and negative thoughts about myself, knowing that "I can if I will."


2011 has been so memorable as I recall the past events that made me smile for joy and tears for sorrow. Whatever those circumstances, it will be a thing of the past and will never be backed.

REFLECTION

I started the year 2011 with a new year celebration with my family. This event is very memorable for us, being together to welcome the beginning of the year. It was fun to have a meal on media noche, play with some firecrackers, and watch fireworks which are everyday activities in the new year.

We have welcomed the new year with gratitude for all the blessings we have received for the past year and the hope of attracting abundance for the new year. Gratitude is an essential virtue to practice to receive more prosperity in life. I am grateful and feel blessed.


It is a nice feeling to reunite with loved ones and express love and affection. The beginning of the year was so bright and an excellent start to doing things by my goal.


THE BIRTH


We have also welcomed the new year with the birth of our youngest family member, Szymon Prince. He brought so much joy and blessing to the family. This young boy is the source of inspiration and happiness to his parents and siblings.


GRATITUDE

I have been blessed to become part of BE Life and have gained more profound knowledge and wisdom about different aspects of life. I have met wonderful people who are my superiors, mentors, and colleagues who inspire me.


I have become more insightful and learned to accept my higher purpose. Along this path, I have met like-minded people and served people to live their most extraordinary life. I thank everyone who has touched my life; in return, I will continue to do the things that bring fulfillment to others.

Thanks to my Spiritual mentors, colleagues, family, and friends for the support they have shown me this year. Their presence is highly valued and appreciated.


OPPORTUNITY


This year, I had the opportunity to travel and work abroad with my colleagues. This time, we will serve people of various backgrounds, creeds, and spiritual beliefs. This is a challenge that I have accepted, and I will be doing my best to bring about positive results to the people I have met and served.

I have learned to be more optimistic. The power of positive thinking is valid and has made a difference in my life. There were moments of fear and doubt, but I shifted my thoughts to be positive and on the right track whenever they arose.


I have learned "The Secret" to endless possibilities. The three words: Ask-Believe-Receive, to attract things that I want. We deserve to become abundant, which comes when we change our thinking. I have done it before, and "The Secret" will be passed on to my loved ones and everyone who may need it.


It feels good to have a self-inventory of whole years' of experience. I have several questions about inventory this year. Questions like; did I make any progress on personal development? Did I make a difference in someone's life? Did I grow in spiritual maturity? And so much more to ask. On deeper reflection, I have found the answer to these questions and will continue to inventory myself each year for new personal development.


LIFE'S LIKE THAT


This year is not just happiness but a moment of grief to unexpected happenings. Life may be full of uncertainties and twists, and we have learned to accept it no matter how hurtful it may seem. This way, we know to be strong and courageous.


THE LESSON


In life, one of the most important things is to take everything as a life lesson, whether positive or negative. We take it as a challenge to live and fight for. It is also essential to become a blessing to other people. I have been blessed, and you may be blessed, so it is not a tough job to share it with people who mean so much to us. Sharing depends on how we define it, but the question of how we can become a blessing to others is a challenge to ponder and take action.


What an incredible year 2011!


© 2011 Del Cusay


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas in Our Hearts: A Wonderful Beginning

I have loved to celebrate Christmas with my family since childhood. Christmas would mean so many things to me when I was a kid, full of beautiful imaginations, like believing in Santa Claus and the gift to be received from him. As a kid, I had a meaningful experience during this season. For me, this is the season to gather as a family, having a meal together on Christmas eve or Noche Buena. Full of surprises like games, food, gifts, and others.

Through the years, things have changed rapidly. Beliefs in Santa Claus have changed; consecutive years celebrating Christmas not being together as a complete family, not many gifts received and given, and no games, no parties, and just enough food for Noche Buena (Christmas eve).



















Every Christmas celebration is unique. We had several Christmas parties at school, parties with friends, and an exclusive celebration with the family.

Although the Christmas season has uniqueness and extravagance, I have always remembered the real essence of celebrating Christmas. To give, to share, to love one another—virtues that were instilled in my mind.

Celebrating Christmas is beyond values and virtues. More than the party, the gifts, and the food is the time to remember the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.


As Christians, we have attended mass on Christmas eve to commemorate His birth and to pray for blessings and abundance.


Moreover, Christmas is an excellent opportunity to reunite with loved ones, heal broken hearts, and forgive. This is in preparation to open our hearts to receiving many more incredible blessings for the coming of a new year. A more fulfilled life comes after an open heart— a giving and loving heart. Likewise, success is short-lived and never measured by how many material things we possess.


A fulfilled person is more than being happy. It can be measured as to how you're living your life. How many people have you helped and transformed their lives? What sacrifices have you made for the benefit of the many?— these are some spiritual practices of a fulfilled individual with Christ-like virtues.


This Christmas, although I will not be able to celebrate it with my family, I still feel connected with them. I don't have to feel lonely in a foreign land, knowing they live a good, content life with a sense of fulfillment.


I may be far away, but the spirit of Christmas is still there. There is no reason to be homesick or sad, but there is always a reason to smile and celebrate with people closer and dear to us.


This Christmas, above all and from a deeper perspective, is about Jesus Christ. Hence, we must remember how to share indiscriminately, give heartily and love unconditionally.


Christmas, as celebrated all over the world, would remind us to live with our responsibility beyond what we call being Christian, and the virtues it has taught us should be practiced the whole year round, and that Christmas, regardless of race, creed, and religion, or spiritual affiliation will always be in our hearts forever.



© 2011 Del Cusay