Christmas in Our Hearts 2012: A Joyous Journey

"Christmas is all about remembering Jesus Christ and celebrating his presence in us. He is our guiding light, the way to the right path, and our greatest hope.  May we live the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, leads us towards a joyous journey, and  brings us joy, love, and everlasting peace."


Here comes the most wonderful season of the year--Christmas. It is this time of the year where I feel joyful and more blessed. The season where I can express my gratitude by way of giving thanks to the Lord Christ for a year that is abundant and meaningful.

This Christmas is the time to give and to share; to express our loving spirit. It may not be through material presents, but the kind thought of giving good wishes and blessings to others gives more sense of fulfillment.

I am always fascinated by the way people around the world would celebrate Christmas regardless of culture and religion or spiritual affiliations. It is through this kind of recognition that the world feels united as one in Christs' loving spirit. 

What symbolizes Christmas in modern times is the presence of colorful and bright lights around; like Christ who guides humanity towards a brighter path and illumined life. During this season, many families are amused by the decorations that they have made on their Christmas trees. The symbol of hope; a brighter and prosperous life.

Although I missed celebrating the previous Christmas in my home country with my family, still I feel connected and inspired to make the yuletide season festive and gleeful. It was indeed a great opportunity to have a glimpse of Christmas in a different culture. Hence, I have written my thoughts about last Christmas entitled Christmas in Our Hearts (click to read).

Now that I am back home, nothing compares to the Christmas celebration with my family. It is good to know how everyone is doing and their state of being. It is a good feeling to be truly connected and receive blessings with them.

On Christmas eve, I feel the joy to have a simple gathering with my family. The night party is full of excitement to everyone, especially to the little kids. Exchange of gifts is usually part of this event and it feels good to have given and received gifts; simple acts of kindness, yet memorable.

I feel blessed to have attended the Eucharistic celebration with my family which is also popularly known as the "Misa de Gallo", a tradition well celebrated and preserved. This is a 'holy night' when Christ was born and is considered the greatest gift to humanity. 

Following the mass is the family gathering known as the "Noche Buena" or Good Night. It is great to share a sumptuous meal together and shared some fun and laughter. This is a yearly tradition that we have been observing since this serves as a thanksgiving for the blessings of the current year and to wait a better year ahead.

Christmas is all about remembering Jesus Christ and celebrating his presence in us. He is our guiding light, the way to the right path, and our greatest hope.  May we live the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, leads us towards a joyous journey, and brings us joy, love, and everlasting peace.


© 2012 Del Cusay

Oprah's Lifeclass: Dreaming Big Life Work

When working for a dream, Joel Osteen, an American motivational speaker, shared with Oprah that it's more important to look back at how far you've come rather than focusing on how farther you have to go with your dreams. Gratitude is also an important factor in dreaming something big and it is done through recognition of the blessings that come. 

I'm sharing my thoughts on several questions on working with 'Dreaming a Big Life'. 

1.  What do you believe is possible for yourself? If your answer is "nothing," why do you believe that?

I believe that everything is possible to acquire or achieve if I have a strong will-power and then followed by actions. I have proven to myself that whatever I wanted to achieve, I have to ask for it, believe that it will happen and then celebrate the achievement.

2.  Are you wishing or dreaming for something to happen? How can you change your wish so that it becomes a dream?

To wish or to dream could be synonymous. Wishful thinking is to create thoughts to produce future results while dreaming is a goal in mind that is waiting to be materialized any time in the future. What's more important is to conceive ideas first through a wish or a dream; have the will to achieve it and reap the rewards thereafter.

3.  Things don't happen overnight. What do you wholeheartedly believe you're meant to do?

Success in any endeavor is a cumulative effect  of constant positive actions. What I do presently will be a predictor of who I am and what will I destined to become. I believe that the present time is the key to the future. I may never know what the future holds, but I am determined to achieve whatever desires that I have.

4.  What is your heart's dream (not material stuff like making a lot of money or getting a fancy car)? What truly fulfills you?

Material things are not my ultimate source of joy, although it makes me feel good. Success is short-lived, but to become fulfilled leaves a lasting bliss. What can I offer to my family and other people is what makes me fulfilled. Fulfillment is not based on age nor it is a destination, but it is a deeper and constant emotion of something that is achieved no matter what status you're holding and whatever adversities that will come.

5.  Are you pursuing a life or chasing a dream that isn't yours? If so, what is it?

Whatever I do is the result of my personal choice. I have the freedom to follow what I wanted to become. However, I need people to guide me on where I am heading to in life. I still follow my life mentor, my spiritual teachers and even advice from family and friends. They all have a big part and contribution to my life and to the achievement of my dreams.


6.  Instead of looking at the road ahead, Joel Osteen says, you sometimes need to look back and be grateful for what you already have. What are you most grateful for? What goodness has been brought into your life already?

It is important to look at what lies ahead; that is vision. Nevertheless, looking back could lead to being stuck in the past especially if there's an intense emotional attachment of certain events. What I truly believe is to be grateful for the blessings that have happened--may it be from the past or the present time. Gratitude is something that makes us  open for more blessing that will come our way. In my life, I am grateful for having a supportive family and for the special skills/talents that I have. It gives me joy and the feeling of prosperity--that life is abundant of blessings once recognized

7.  Has anyone told you that your dream isn't possible? If you're feeling negative or discourage, how will you use your energy to believe and not worry?

There were moments from the past that I have been told 'I can't make it' or 'I'm not that good' followed by facial grimace and degrading statements. However, I choose to be optimistic rather than being affected. I know my capabilities and my limitations. I'm not easily discourage and I don't give up despite of hindrances. I believe some people are just afraid that you will make it, and would rather criticize than to support. 

In my blog post entitled  "Following Our Heart's Desire", I've shared my thoughts that we can achieve everything we wanted if we truly aspire and need it. Otherwise, some will think our dreams are impossible until it is done.

8.  Every time a negative thought comes into your mind, replace it with a positive one. Do this for an entire day. Then, rate your day. Did it feel life-changing?

In some instances it works, but it is also good not to block it right away; I have to feel it and understand it. It only means that my instincts is working and would depend on the right judgement. If I think that I've made the right decision and judgement, that's the time I feel the inner peace and contentment.

9.  Is there an example of a time a door closed in your life--and a door to something even better opened? Can you see now why the first door was closed on a purpose?

There were instances that I do not get what I want. There were unanswered wishes and dreams or still maybe working in progress, but I believe it happens for a reason. I realized that I am not ready to receive the blessings. whenever, I get something unexpectedly and opposite to what I've wished for, then that's the right opportunity for me.

10.  Do you expect good things in your life? What do you expect now? or what will you start expecting?

I see the bright side of life and that good things is about to happen anytime soon or in the near future. I don't want to expect because it means I am very certain of what lies ahead, but I believe in myself that something good is already happening.


© 2012 Del Cusay