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

Reminiscence of the Glorious Times

"Looking back through the years, a lot has changed, and it is for the better. There is a bright light in more days to come. It is a good start of creating the life that is envisioned and not just imagined." 

Several moments in our lives have been experienced that brought life lessons. There were moments of joy and sorrow, perseverance and despair, struggles and survival; yet all these have made tremendous impact on our well-being.

No matter what life may bring, still there is a need to embrace and learn from it. Nothing in life is an absolute liberty from misery and discomfort. Thus, I have written about 'Perseverance in Times of Despair'. It is an insight about how life struggles can be taken as a challenge and not a hindrance.

I remember how many times I failed in whatever endeavor, but failure is not an obstacle towards the achievement of most cherished hopes and dreams. In my post entitled 'How Failure Turned Into Success', I have shared my lesson that failure is part of winning and not bad at all. Failure is like a fuel that helps to ignite and sparkle. It is a blessing in disguise if it is viewed positively and can lead to ultimate success.

I have learned that life can be tough at times; and to be able to take full responsibility of uncertainties, there is a need of 'Getting Way Ahead of Life's Adversities'. If we have experienced unpleasant events, we can better prepared and be alert the next time that the same misfortune happens. This time we have wisdom and the power to deal with it better the second time around.

Through all these years, I always believe that there is an infinite power within that is subtle and untapped. If we are 'Reaching Our Highest Potential'; we can do the things that once we thought is impossible. We are now becoming what we think and we can do almost everything that we desire if we put our undivided focus on it.

Whatever life may present us, it is a must to have a sense of gratitude. Life is flowing with positive energy if we are 'Cultivating Gratitude for Success'. Fulfillment in life comes from being generous of what you have to offer that creates a difference. Gratitude can open the door for opportunities that can also lead to success.

Today, I am not only joyful, but also grateful as I look back and reminisce the time when I started to write for this blog which I considered as an online journal. I write on the same time as the previous year when I conceptualized how my blog would appear to the web and the readers. The same place where I used to write my first blog post about 'The Power of Meditation' and how it has change my life's perspective and ideals. The same time and place of the year, yet different emotions experienced. 

Today marks the first year of my blogging. This is more than a hobby, hence I call it passion. More than speaking is the joy felt when everything is put into writing. It is there, and will continue to exist and evolve. I will continue to write as long as I am inspired to do so. Someone may relate to it; others may have shared the same fate; and you may have learned from it.

Looking back through the years, a lot has changed, and it is for the better. There is a bright light in more days to come. It is a good start of creating the life that is envisioned and not just imagined. 

© 2012 Del Cusay

There is Certain Holiness in You

"It takes courage, perseverance, and sacrifice for life to become a saint and it takes the purity of the heart and Godly actions to become holy. You will neither become a saint nor holy. As long as you follow your life's purpose in good ways, you may not become a saint, but you are closer to becoming holy. "

What does it take to become a saint? How can you become holy? In today's modern era, people have experienced a drastic change in their way of living. To live is becoming more comfortable and convenient with the advent of rapid technological advancement. In some ways, this could mean progress and the other way could be destruction--the good and the bad effects of what life has to offer.

Advanced civilization has changed how people think and act. It has changed certain behaviors and values that were once good in nature. People have been so cruel, mean, and greedy. Understanding became confusion; peace turned into war; openness became selfishness and love turned into hatred.

However, no matter how bad people will become, there's certain goodness that is left in his heart. People sometimes are tough, yet gentle. Some could be mean, yet straightforward. Others could be cruel, yet compassionate. There is certain goodness hidden in whatever dark side that people carry. 

Everything that happens can be understood better if you know both the bad and the good. Sometimes, you need to experience how it feels like to become bad so you appreciate the goodness in others. You need to do bad things to gauge how good you truly become. It is only then you distinguish which is better--the bad or the good.

We are commanded to do things by what is good and avoid the bad ones. But the world we live in may be full of negativity that will test our faith. Some invisible forces will challenge you to your limits. It may be hard to escape, but to take it and live it.

Is it possible for bad people to become holy in the end? Is holiness only for the good ones? Can you become a saint if you've committed terrible bad deeds? Well, why not? biblical history would tell that the famous saints that we venerate today are once a sinner. They may have been so cruel and unloving in their past, yet they have made a great change and transformations in their lives. They had the power to change who they are and in the latter part of their lives became holy. They mastered the purity of their heart and spiritual service. In the end, the goodness in them prevailed.

Just like us, we can't be good all the time. It is human nature to commit mistakes and become bad once in a while. There is no such thing as an absolute human being, but only a divine being does have. Even the newly canonized saints did not live their lives in absolute good. They have been bad even before they attained the ultimate realization of spiritual enlightenment.

There is no need to worry if you became bad as long as you did your best to change yourself for the better. Your life is not your past. Your past does not define your future. Your future will depend on what you do to the present. 

Not everyone will become a saint since it is only for the chosen ones. No matter what good things you've done to humanity, there is no assurance that you will become a canonized saint. There is certain holiness in your being. Your goal is not to become a saint, but to live a kind of life that is Christ-like.

It takes courage, perseverance, and sacrifices for life to become a saint and it takes the purity of the heart and Godly actions to become holy. You will neither become a saint nor holy. As long as you follow your life's purpose in good ways, you may not become a saint, but you may be closer to becoming holy. 

© 2012 Del Cusay

Social Commentary: Why Can't We Speak?

"In a modern world that we live in, we are no longer voiceless but empowered citizens. People know its limitations and morality. People know when to become expressive and when to be quiet. So whatever happened to our freedom of expression?"

Social media plays a vital role as a means of communication. It has become part of our lives and we are now becoming more interactive and aware of whatever is happening around us, not only to our family and friends but also to our favorite celebrities, favorite brands and be aware of the latest global and local news and the current events.

Social Media is now a trend and the newest tool for people empowerment. A lot of big events that took place in the current world history are influenced by the active participation of the so-called netizens or online citizens, who share their voices silently but powerfully over the web. 

The downfall of dictators in some of the Arab countries is brought by a massive demonstration by netizens who triggered the sharing of information about how their freedom has been oppressed for so many years since their government directly controlled the internet. They can't speak against their leaders. They can't express their wishes and desires for change. They have lived their lives in hopelessness and misery.

With the advent of social media, some countries are still restricting the social media access of their citizens although it has been declared by the United Nations that internet access, in general, is a basic human right. It seems that their leaders are still resistant to change. Aren't they?

We are now globally connected through this impressive breakthrough in technology mankind has produced. However, why shouldn't we utilize this tool for common good and for strong globalization? Is there something to hide? Is there something to be afraid of? 

In a country where cybercrime law is taking into effect, I can't imagine how people are being robbed of their freedom of expression. In a country where democracy rules, I can't believe the media and the citizens are being dictated of what to say and what must be censored.

The power of the country lies on its citizens, therefore there is a need to respect and to hear the voice of the people. Our people are hungry for change and the truth. Our people need a heart of a leader who takes time to listen. We're tired of speeches, tired of false promises, and tired of insincerity in public leadership.

Let our people rule and let them be free to express their thoughts on the current events that our nation or the world is facing. After all, people deserve better services than their country has to offer. It is the people who choose their leaders and it is the duty of the leaders to listen to their people.

In the modern world that we live in, we no longer have to be voiceless, but empowered and informed citizens. People know its limitations and morality. People know when to become expressive and when to be a reserve. So whatever happened to freedom of expression?

Online censorship and media harassment happen in many countries, it may happen to other nations and now our time has arrived and may become worst in the years to come. This shouldn't happen. Let the people speak their minds freely in a just manner. Let the media be the public's eye and ears in delivering the truth. 

Wouldn't it be nice if we can have responsible freedom of expression? Can't I express my disappointment about our own government and leaders? Will our own government try to shut down the press and the dedicated press people?  Will my own government suppress my public opinion? In today's time, why is it hard to speak? 

© 2012 Del Cusay

Social Commentary: A Violent God in Our Time

"I believe that God is absolutely good, but what the world can see is a violent God? The answer lies in your own interpretation of events and personal beliefs. Listen to your inner voice and get enlightened."

It was just recently when the world news about the rebellion in Libya took place. It was a violent protest and massive assault that resulted in vandalism, injuries, and worst of is, the loss of lives. This is almost the same thing that happened a few months ago when Libyan leader Gaddafi was captured and got killed by his own people. However, that was a more violent event in the country's history.

Violence happens all over the world and history would tell how rampant and cruel these events and end in a bad fate; destroyed human dignity, censored freedom of expression, distorted peace, and controlled the populace.

People would always fight for freedom. I mean, who doesn't want to express thoughts and sentiments freely? It is human nature to defend oneself if attacked... protect oneself if assaulted... fight for life if in danger. You always have a choice that's based on instincts. You are not expected to be quiet in times of rage. You are supposed to speak with your mind and protect your dignity.

Why is it that the world is always being shocked by Muslims? Why is it that the Muslims always spread terrorism? Why is the Muslims always wanted to kill and enjoy being a headline of world news? These may sound stereotypical, but isn't it that a certain behavior of an individual or a group is considered as a culture. There might be a radical Muslim community spreading globally, but they are totally unwanted and don't represent the religious philosophy of Islam.

Upon deeper reflection, some thoughts arise about terrorism that is linked with a certain religion.  Is a Muslim country, a culture of violence? Is it biblical teaching to kill people for the sake of religion? Extremists may be narcissistic and need the constant attention of the world, but it is to be stopped. There is nothing good about violent attacks...not good to hear about terror acts... not good news about honor killing even in the name of religion.

I have respect for every religion, but I condemn what I believe is not upright. There is always an alternative to violence. Never forget the power of 'peace process and bloodless revolution'. There is always a better way to act that will not harm people, destroy a country and affect the world at large. I believe that God is absolutely good, but what the world can see is a violent God? The answer lies in your own interpretation of events and personal beliefs. Listen to your inner voice and get enlightened. 


© 2012 Del Cusay

Once in a Blue Moon I Got an Award

"Tonight, I had a wonderful moment to have a glimpse of the full moon. It's not just an ordinary occurrence because it's a rare celestial phenomenon. When I look up the sky, I feel grateful and blessed that once in a blue moon, I've been appreciated and recognized."



On this day, it may seem to be just an ordinary day; nothing really special, and there's no reason to celebrate. I woke up early this morning with a nice feeling after thanksgiving. I read the latest news and visited my favorite blog sites while having a cup of coffee. This is how I would start my day.

It's also important for me to check my email daily. To my surprise, I received a message from a blogger, who is Leslie Alba, the author of the blog 'Proud Mom's Corner'. She informed me that I was chosen as one of the recipients of the 'Liebster Blog Award'.

I am ranked 8th among the 11 Blog sites she has chosen. I never heard of the term before and I searched its meaning.

Leslie Alba writes her valuable insights about 'Parenting'. Here's the blog link: Ihttp://proudmomscorner.blogspot.com/2012/08/one-proud-mom-two-liebster-blog-awards.html#.UECm2U9v8TI

"Liebster", is a German word, which means dearest or beloved. Upon knowing the significance of the award, I wrote a message to her to express my gratitude and appreciation. It's a good feeling to be recognized by someone. 

I write my thoughts whenever I feel like doing it. I write when I have a strong desire to express my ideas about a certain topic. I write in no particular date and time of the day. The content that I make usually reflects the dominant feelings or experiences that I had on a particular month. 

I don't write often, usually one or two blog posts in a month. I don't mind the number of blog posts because I always believe that creating quality content is better. I plan ahead of time and organize my thoughts to produce good quality content that could be a timeless piece of content that would still be relevant even a few years from now or ahead of our time.

I am grateful and it's such an honor to be a 'Liebster Awardee' recognized by a fellow blogger. It may not be the most prestigious award-giving body in the blogosphere, but it means so much to me, knowing that someone's following my work in any location of the world where my blog has reached.

Writing is my passion and I just hope that I will never be tired of it. It's my wish to inspire others through my way of writing. It's not just fun, but it also gives me a sense of freedom and fulfillment.

Today is just an ordinary day? I was wrong because it's an extraordinary and special day for me.

Tonight, I had a wonderful moment to have a glimpse of the full moon. It's not just an ordinary occurrence because it's a rare celestial phenomenon. When I look up at the sky, I feel grateful and blessed that once in a blue moon, I've been appreciated and recognized.


© 2012 Del Cusay

Oprah's Lifeclass: On Living Fearlessly

Lifeclass, live in New York, was one of the hottest topic participated by a large audience, and I've got the opportunity to participate though live webcast.

I have learned that fear is inevitable, and is not bad at all. You only need to recognize the fear, but still have the courage to pursue whatever you endeavor. Fear can sabotage success if you listen to it more than just ignoring it. In my life, I used to have a lot of fear, but I have learned to persevere and conquer the fear that's pulling me down.

Oprah, on the interview asked 10 questions about 'living on fear' based on the discussion with Tony Robbins. It was indeed a thought-provoking queries that challenged me. Here's my answer to the questions:

1.    What is the story you are telling yourself right now? What self-limiting beliefs within that story?

I always tell myself that I have the courage and will to do things as planned. I have affirmations and beliefs that success follows if I put my concentration to whatever I need to accomplish.

Perseverance in Times of Despair

"In moments of despair, you must never lose hope. When feeling down, there is a reason to rise up. When feeling lost, there is always a chance to win. Dare to persevere and accept everything as it happens. Dare to survive and live a better and fulfilling life."

Winning in life is not all about the achievement of your highest hope and aspiration. It is about the challenges that you have to go through before you reach the peak of success. Sometimes, you are on the crossroads of finding the right path and choices. However, when things go differently than what you expect, you may lose hope and feel uninspired to move forward.

Failure is part of winning if you view it with optimism. To persevere and learn from mistakes is a challenge to make you become a better person. Nevertheless, absence of inspiration could lead to hopelessness; but enthusiasm drives you with energy to keep on fighting.

Despair could happen in the absence of inspiration. In hopeless situations, you are not giving a chance for the right opportunity to come, resulting to desperate actions, that may turn into regrets and suffering.

TAKING THE CHALLENGE

Life may present challenges to be accepted and not to take something for granted. What you have gone through in life have a great impact on your self-esteem. All experiences teach you a certain lesson: to overcome weakness and to develop strength.

Unfortunately, despair is something that is surprising. You must have faith that everything has a purpose and meaning. If you persist, you will reap a fulfilling reward thereafter.

Being desperate towards uncertainties will only lead to pessimism. It will result to another problem or failure if not acted upon in a right way. Thus, there may be no other way to control of what may happen in life, but there is a way to wholeheartedly accept it.

BECOMING A BETTER YOU

Overcoming the challenges is a lifelong undertaking. It never stops and gives us the chance to become stronger and better. There is no reason to quit, but a chance to revive; because challenges may continue to strike until lessons are learned.

You must never lose hope in moments of despair. When feeling down, there is a reason to rise up; and when feeling lost, there is always a chance to win. Dare to persevere and accept everything as it happens. Dare to survive and live a better and fulfilling life.

© 2012 Del Cusay

A Sparkling Life of Generosity

"We give light to those who are in the darkness; we give a light to those who are lost... and like a   light, we can live a sparkling life of generosity."

Blessings come in our lives at any moment and circumstance. There are times when it comes unexpectedly when we are already in our deepest despair, and lose hope to what we are praying for. Sometimes, we interpret blessings as God's way of letting us know that we are being heard for what we are wishing and aspiring.

In our lives we have received numerous blessing that's an answer to our prayers. We have asked for it and now it has been granted. Whatever we enjoy are first conceived in our mind that now becomes a reality. We have it because of our faith and firm belief that we will achieve our highest desires.  Everything that we are enjoying at the moment is the result of our 'wishful thinking' or imagination because we are a product of our mind's incredible power. If we think about something and put our greatest concentration, affirmation and action, then chances are we will get our wishes to come true.

ON GIVING BACK...

In life, we don't only receive graces, but we have to give back in return. If we have been successful of our desires, then we have to share the positive energy to make our lives meaningful. I believe that in today's world, it should be a two-way process of giving and receiving to make it more balanced and fair. 

Those who are well-off and financially capable have a social responsibility. They can give their share through philanthropy. Hence, in the corporate world, they must do their corporate responsibilities of giving a part of what they have earned. People who are less fortunate also deserve some blessings. Some people would be living a life of discomfort and misery and their hopelessness makes them to feel that life is not worth living. 

I believe that it is in giving that we feel happy and contented. Giving something would mean we have enough. Giving away shows we care. Giving wholeheartedly without expecting something in return; that is generosity.

Generosity is a good quality that we must practice. Even our little contribution makes us feel whole and having a sense of purpose. However, generosity comes in various ways and has its limitations; 

TO OUR FAMILY

We are loved and we give love in return. No matter what happens our family would be there to support us in all our aspirations. They provide comfort and guidance in our way of living. When we are having separate lives, we must not forget our family ties and still be generous to give back our love and care and time.

TO THE SOCIETY

We can be generous by sharing our knowledge and expertise and our resources. It is a good feeling to become part of building up a better and responsible society. What we do to our society will get back on us by providing a safer, active and purposeful society. 

TO OUR GOD

It is good to give thanks with a grateful heart. Everything that we have is a blessing from the Divine and it is borrowed for a limited time. The generosity that we do is a reflection of an 'open and big heart' and such is an act of being spiritually connected towards our purpose.

We give light to someone and to our environment through simple means of giving; we give light to those who are in the darkness; we give a light to those who are lost... and like a light, we can live a sparkling life of generosity.

© 2012 Del Cusay

Cultivating Gratitude for Success

"Live life to the fullest and express appreciation and gratitude. Every day is a chance to succeed and to feel blessed and be grateful to life."

How does it feel like to live in a chaotic world and remain to be positive at all times? How can we say thank you in times of difficulty? How can we be grateful to life if we suffer from frustrations and pain?

Life could have been better if we all experience the goodness that it has to offer, but it is not easy as what we think. Life simply means to experience the good and the bad things; the ups and downs—the cycle of life. Sometimes, life may not be fair to us; but fairness happens when we all share the same misery even once in our lives.

THE KEY TO ABUNDANCE

Being thankful no matter what situation we are experiencing will give us the power to receive abundance. Gratitude is a way of appreciating and giving recognition to the blessings that comes to our lives— bigger or smaller.

There are so many things that we should be grateful for; good health and happy family, success and fulfilled living. Likewise, be grateful for things that make your work easier. Also to friends whom you can depend on, and family that supports you all the way are down of the reasons to make you feel grateful.

Cultivating gratitude would mean to improve or to train ourselves to become grateful in everything. Awareness of what is abundant in our lives is a key towards happiness. For instance, a hug from loved ones, a bright and sunny day, a smile from a friend or stranger, and love and support from family and friends can be a source of gratitude.

BEING GRATEFUL TO LIFE

Eventually, we'll realize that even the smallest things we often take for granted could have been a good opportunity to express our gratitude. There are times when we are thankful for the good things that we received but we do not express gratitude for the not-so-good things in life. We don't fully understand its implications as to why do we have to suffer or what lessons can we learn from it. We only give thanks for what is 'seen' compared to what is 'hidden'—objective expression versus subjective realization. The latter being the source of genuine happiness and contentment.

I have dealt with people who are physically ill and those who consider themselves as balanced in all life aspects. They may have opposite views in life, but illness could be a way for someone to realize how abundant his life must be; only if he is keen and aware of it. 

It is through physical illness that sometimes people learn to change bad habits or obsolete beliefs that converts him to become more spiritual and humanitarian. This way, he may feel like whole again and as balanced as the person whom he think he is. 

Indeed, gratitude is a life-saving force. It is an energy that once uttered can give us relief and the power to experience and express abundance. Life is supposed to be filled with gratitude since without it; the world would become dull, unproductive and not alive. It is with gratitude where we experience true living. It is in appreciation where we experience true satisfaction.

LESSON ABOUT GRATITUDE

In our daily living, it is a good way to express gratitude in our hearts for whatever we have accomplished or for what we could offer or contribute. When we activate this powerful universal law, we attract more for which we can be grateful. 

Never chase more of what is not on sight, but rather be grateful of what is already there. Also we can appreciate more of what we can do, instead of what we cannot.

I'm not perfect, and sometimes I do complain if bad situations arise. However, I keep myself back on the right track if I believe my perspective can do more harm than good. It is then, I activate the power of gratitude and everything starts to become normal again. 

We can learn to be more grateful to life and we shall remember that we are blessed with the people who are so dear to us, and in almost all circumstance that life may bring. Live your life to the fullest and express appreciation and gratitude. Every day is a chance to succeed and to feel blessed and to be grateful to life.

© 2012 Del Cusay

Getting Ahead of Life's Adversities

"Life is full of challenges, and we need to face them with courage and acceptance. Every day is a learning experience, and we become the person that we can be through the test of time—getting way ahead of adversities."

How do we deal with difficulties in life? In today's world, we confront several adversities that are nuisances or blockages that prevent us from moving forward. Some would have rationalized this event as undeserving despite being good.

Adversities come differently. It could be a loss of loved ones, failed relationships, financial problems, even natural and Man-made disasters, and many others. The way we interpret these things to have something to do with our personal beliefs and values. And acknowledging it helps us to prepare ourselves better in taking the best actions in anticipation of future unexpected occurrences.

A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Whether we like it or not, we will be facing adversities that teach us valuable lessons, and challenges continue to happen until it's learned. Sometimes, we have to experience bad things to show up the best in ourselves. And to teach us better ways to live and become more responsible with our lives.

It is through recognition of these blessings shall we experience the benefits after. Some would tend to resist, but it is wiser to accept it with absolute faith and believing that blessings will come at any moment in the future.

If sacrifice is one of the keys to a good living, great things come when we endure and persevere through life's challenges. I believe that it is in hardship that we learn to grow up and become wiser. It only takes courage to rise and face life with gratitude.

A VALUABLE LESSON

Adversity teaches us the value of humility, that life is not all about prosperity. Sometimes, we need to change ourselves for the better. It brings good results by highlighting our responsibility and integrity.

If we observe closely every time we face adversity, it makes us stronger and more resilient. The moment we encounter the same problem, we already know how to deal with it; this time, we become wiser and emotionally intelligent.

We experience painful emotions, but eventually, they will subside in due time; and we collect these pieces of painful memory and learn to move forward from grief and pain.

Life indeed presents tough challenges as a lesson, but not to be viewed as a hindrance. However, it depends on how we view adversity that can be either negative or positive. Repeated adversity would mean an unlearned life lesson, and so it keeps on coming back until learned.

Life is full of challenges, and we need to face them with courage and acceptance. Every day is a learning experience, and we become the person we can be through the test of time—getting way ahead of adversities.

© 2012 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2012 : Leading us To Jesus

"We have our battle in life, and like Jesus, we carry our cross every day. It is for us to take it or to give up; to move forward or surrender; to follow or redirect."

The 40-day Lenten season is one of the most significant events among Christians all over the world. The last week of the season before Easter Sunday is the celebration of the Holy Week which is the commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During Holy Week, we celebrate the most important events such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. These are all celebrations by devout Christians who reflect on the life and death of Jesus. 

Holy week is the time of repentance. It does not only mean we are sorry for our sins. It's the time where we have to change our thinking, actions, and visions. It's the best time to reflect on our lives and to change them for the better. 

It's good to repent as it gives a feeling of being a renewed person. Someone complete and whole. What I have learned about repentance is the act of humility to acknowledge that I have sinned and to ask for forgiveness. 

Being renewed gives us the courage to stand up and face the world with selfless love and compassion for others. We extend our service wholeheartedly to those who need it but cannot pay us back. Such an act makes us become 'Christ-like which is the message of the lent.

We may be living in today's world that's full of material aspirations and worldly ambitions. But it is good to ponder on what are the necessary things in life and what is our true life purpose. It's not only material possessions, it is not just the daily survival, but it is through following the right path and what God has commanded us to do. 

St. Peter's Church, Bandra (West), Mumbai

The season of Lent is not just about repentance, praying, and fasting. It's also the season of sacrifice. Like Jesus, He suffered the consequence of being upright and moral, and in the end, was sentenced to death. We can also sacrifice condemnation for being righteous. We can persevere in humiliation. We can endure persecution. However, in the end, what matters is the sense of righteousness we have chosen that leads to fulfillment in life.

We can compare the struggle of Jesus in today's modern world by becoming more courageous to speak for ourselves. Jesus did righteousness even though he knew his life lead Him to persecution. He never got scared of the people in authority. Just like us, we can stand up for what we believe is right. We can be ourselves as long as we live a good life and sacrifice for the common good. We have our battle in life, and like Jesus, we carry our cross every day. It is for us to take it or to give up. To move forward or surrender. To follow or redirect.

© 2012 Del Cusay

Celebrating Holi Festival

"We may have different creeds and faith. We may have different cultures and festivities. But one thing that I learned most, is to respect each other's differences towards unity, peace, and understanding."



Today, I am fortunate to have experienced a colorful and joyful celebration of the Holi festival in New Delhi. It has been celebrated by everyone who shared fun and laughter while playing with colorful powders and putting on each other.

Holi festival is also known as the festival of colors. It marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the spring where they welcome the season with vibrant colors—also known as the Spring festival. It is widely celebrated by the Hindus throughout the country and also in other parts of the world where an Indian community exists.

In this festival, people gather regardless of gender, age, and social status. It is also believed to bring a closer relationship between two different castes, as practiced in a recent past or maybe at the present time— the lower and upper caste system of India.


Holi starts with a bonfire the eve before the day of the festival. It is followed by a gathering on the following day to celebrate this festivity. Holi would tend to bring back broken relationships, forgive enemies and bring back the closer ties of the community.

In a world where everyone should possess the values of politeness and courtesy, the Holi festival would have broken that social norm. Children and adults do not bother to become well behaved on this day, but to become boisterous for even a short period of time celebrating this festival.

As I have observed, people have different interests on how they would have fun. Some kids and even adults played with water guns and rumbled on the muddy water. Some would love to dance to the tune of Bollywood music and western music. Some would just love to watch and have not wanted to get some colors.

We may have different creeds and faith. We may have different cultures and festivities. But one thing that I learned most is to respect each other's differences towards unity, peace, and understanding.

Following Our Heart's Desire

"Life is like a valentine. We never know when an arrow will strike us. We never know whether it will give us hurt or joy. But whenever it comes, we accept it and follow with all our hearts—our relentless desire."


At the present time, we may have been experiencing a lot of struggles to survive life's endearing challenges. Some people might be constantly worrying about how to find the right path in life. Some wanted to achieve their goals and dreams despite limited internal resources. Some would have been giving up and let live as it happens.

The fact that life is difficult is not the ultimate reason for us to quit but to face life with faith and gratitude. There are so many things to be grateful for in life. One of which is our existence to find our purpose of living. We are here to follow the right path of life—the key to living a good life.

How do we get there, is a question that sometimes we are out of an answer to. We may have tried to solve so many never-ending problems. Some of which cannot be handled well, resulting in frustrations and distress. However, it is not just the mind we should work for, but also the heart—the love center.

A good heart

Oftentimes, we follow our minds. Yes, it is superior and controls our well-being. Nevertheless, we should consider our heart in our way of living. Our heart carries several functions aside from pumping blood. Hence, its importance is something we should consider and not taken for granted.

If we feel like giving and loving, we activate our hearts. Whenever we feel being compassionate and altruistic, we use the heart. Therefore, our heart is as important as what our mind does. There is the mind that interprets, but there is a heart that feels.

I believe that man is good in nature, thus we have a good heart. I recalled what our college teachers have taught us that no matter how bad a person is, there is still certain goodness in him. He still has a natural gift of a good heart. In that sense, we are given the chance to renew and to make better use of it.

Our desire

In our lives, we may have made wrong decisions that somehow made us have some regrets. We have followed what other people have told us. Whereas we followed the advice of a friend, we listened to what a stranger has said, and we pondered on wrong thoughts without following our real and own desires.

For instance, in our society, we may know someone who is living in a dream with his parents. Pursuing a course or career opposite to what he truly loves. It is due to respect and love that he cannot refuse but to follow. He cannot live his own life but accept and persevere.

If this is the kind of life we want, then we become a prisoner of our fate—our heart's desire. It seems that we do not have a mind and heart of our own. We never realize that life would depend on how we make it and not just living with somebody's wishes.

Something to ponder

Perhaps what keeps us from not following our own will and desire is for the reason that we are not certain of our capabilities. We still have doubts that haunt us to move forward.

We may ask ourselves, who am I? Yet, we are still struggling to know who we truly are. What do I want? Yet, unsure of what lies ahead. Where am I going? Yet, do not know where to head in life. When do I get there? Yet, have not started. Why shall I do it? Yet, doubting own self. And how do I get there? And yet, not utilizing inherent resources.

The questions above are true because I used to be like that. There are times I question myself to have a better understanding of who, what, where, when, why, and how do I want. It is good to constantly re-evaluate ourselves to keep track of our goals and desires.

Keep going on

Like a valentine, we may have full of hearts around on this day expressing love and affection to dear ones. Everyone gives flowers, chocolates and whatever they think is special and worth remembering. Truly, that reminds us that the spirit of love is alive. Our heart is in working mode, and it teaches a valuable lesson to keep going —to follow our heart's desire.

Life is not just about finding our self, but it is about how we create it. Certainly, we are responsible for our own lives and like a sailor, it is our choice on where we are heading to. We have the choice, and it depends on how we use it and make a better play of the game.

Life is like a valentine. We never know when an arrow will strike us. We never know whether it will give us hurt or joy. But whenever it comes, we accept it and follow with all our hearts—our relentless desire. We give our best wholeheartedly, and we have to follow what our minds and heart dictate.

© 2012 Del Cusay

Reaching Our Highest Potential

There will be some failure. There will be obstacles to the path of happiness and success. There will be times we think of giving up, but we have to persevere and continue living a life with a sense of responsibility and purpose."

Sometimes we think of being incapable of reaching our dreams and desires. It seems that we recede from our ambition to reach our destinations in life. Suddenly, we get scared, and we lose the momentum of achieving better results.  However, there are times when we are at our highest peak. We have reached our goals and dreams because of our strong desire and commitment. Our faith leads us to get there—the path towards glorious success.

If life is a cycle, I must agree! — We experience how it is to be on the "peaks and valleys." Life teaches us that no matter how difficult it may seem, still, we have to move forward like a cycle that keeps moving on. We have the human potential to achieve something better that we should not fear.

NEVER DOUBT

Perhaps one of the reasons we do not have progress is a lack of confidence and belief. We fear committing mistakes. We also fear being judged.  We fear to rise and shine.

I used to fear failure that I haven't tried my best in the past. I was shy then and not able to speak my mind. I never thought that fear would have sabotaged my chances of success for not giving my best. Now, I have built confidence and a positive outlook in life, and it amazes me whenever I think of what my life would have been if I never decided to reform.

Some people may still be living a life full of doubts and self-criticism. It is not too late to step up from the shadow. I must believe we start to analyze ourselves and dare to give more of what we have. There is indeed a dormant positive force within us that is waiting to be tap.

WE CAN BE

I have learned that we have to unleash our potentials. We have been gifted with a great mind to think beyond the limits—to think extraordinarily. There is something within us that is hidden. And be useful once we learned to develop it. We can be someone that others would not have thought of achieving. We can be a person who once believed that 'it is impossible.

Possibility only happens once the result is evident. We may have been condemned and ridiculed for our wishes, and they may have doubts about our capabilities. However, people do not know the hidden potential that lies within us.

HUMAN POTENTIAL

Anyone can unleash potentials no matter who and what he is. We may be familiar with some real-life stories of how a poor man later on became a CEO of a company, how a college dropped out became successful and had a massive influence, and how even an uneducated man became a leader.

Educational status is not a mere factor to be who we are. It is the use of our mind power—our hidden potential. We are all capable of tapping on this potential, but we have a huge responsibility to carry.

What about people in late adulthood who have discovered their abilities in artistic activities like painting, film-making, or public speaking and leading a group? It must be that they have learned to unleash their full potential. It's hidden in their younger years, but only then have it untapped and make better use of it.

If only we have the talent and the skills about something, it is now the time to improve it and do the best things possible through it. This time, you should not have more doubts and negative beliefs but must have confidence and competence.

THE LESSON

In our pursuit of happiness, we may still encounter mistakes along the way leading to unhappiness; but we have to keep up with our hopes and high spirit. We have to learn how to live to our fullest potential.

I admit I am not perfect and never will be, but I have the relentless desire to live what I am capable of and that enables me to move closer towards the goal I have set.

There will be some failure. There will be obstacles to the path of happiness and success. There will have times we think of giving up, but we have to persevere and continue living a life with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

We can be ourselves and start to light up our world by unleashing our true and full potential. We deserve the best in life, and it is now the time to offer our best in return.

© 2012 Del Cusay