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I unearthed this unpublished blog, which I wrote 15 March 2011. I didn't realize how addicted I was to mobile games 10 years ago...
"Everytime I fly, I get free internet access in my room being a cabin manager. This helps me survive being locked-in a hotel room during long layovers, especially during winter. I would order room service, turn on the TV (wouldn’t even care less if it's in English), and be online the whole time. On one of my flights to Manchester, there was a hiccup in the hotel’s internet system. I was debating if I should pay 15 UK pounds, for a 24- hour access or try to survive my 36-hour layover offline.
I’m sure all of my fellow OFW’s would agree that the internet is our lifeline. I feel suffocated just thinking about NO Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo! Messenger or Skype. Although SMS is an option, I don’t know why having an internet gives me a different level of security — knowing maybe, that my family and friends can track me or buzz me anytime. So that layover in Manchestor, was a real big challenge. If only I could sleep the whole time. But, there was a need to force myself to get out of bed after a few hours, so I could manage to reset my body clock for my flight back home. Mind you, my sleeping record is 17 straight hours (no pee break!). Still I fear that when I wake up, the dilemma of not having internet would be looming at the back of my head. I was trying to control myself from having an anxiety attack. I was battling to control my thoughts, and avoid feeling lonely and isolated. It may not be a big deal for others, but for those who experienced living alone in unknown territory, away from all our loved ones and outside our comfort zone, they'd know what I’m talking about.
After deciding to detoxify myself from the internet, the challenge begun…
I sat infront of my laptop, organized my files and updated my journals. I brought out my painting materials and laid them out. I created a 'there's so many stuff to do' look and feel around my room. I browsed on some files, and got entertained a bit. I brought out a book, which I stopped reading half way through. It was an Aha! moment, when I saw all these in front of me. I realized how much time I was wasting on the internet — scrolling through Facebook, feeding my dog in Pet Society, harvesting my crops at Farmville, fixing my house at Yoville, running my diner at Restaurant City and fighting with girls in Sorority Life.
It's true that technology plays a vital role in connecting and reconnecting people. However, the experience taught me that we shouldn’t forget the old, enjoyable and valuable things that used to occupy our time. We should always remember how to prioritize, and grab every opportunity to create worthwhile experiences. Time wasted is time lost. When I turned 40, that was when I said, "Ma and Pa are right. Life is indeed too short." There are so many things that I still wish to do. And it seems that a lifetime won’t be enough for its realization, especially if I let myself get carried away doing things that don't add value in my life.
I started this year with a promise. No! I’m not going to throw my laptop out of the window and revert back to snail mail. I'm also not going to delete my Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo! Messenger and Skype accounts. And I’m going to make the internet my ally — a significant partner that I can use and spend quality time with. Months ago, I was significantly able to cut down on my usual internet gaming fancy. That's a win!
It’s my dependence, or worse, addiction to the internet, that makes me feel an unworthy citizen of the universe. Maybe for you, it’s something else. It is important for us to pause, pray and examine ourselves on how we sometimes carelessly spend our time. Rich or poor, we all have 24 hours a day. Use it wisely."
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“Light shines brightest in the midst of darkness.”
My Lord, to you I give thanks and praise...
You are the sun, blessing me with your infinite power to give light in the darkest hours...
You are the moon that caresses me on a cold night, so I can rest in the warmth of your loving embrace...
You are the rain that cleanses me from my iniquities, so I can be purified by your love and mercy...
You are the clouds that give me comfort when the heat is too strong to bear...
You are the butterflies that put a smile on my face, and remind me that I am beautiful despite my imperfections...
You are the earth beneath my feet, that grounds me when the world shows me false joy and hope... You are the everliving water that quenches the dryness of my soul, and brings me peace in the midst of these challenging times...
You are My Light, O Lord.
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In Filipino, 'baka mahuli ka na sa biyahe'. It's time!
Lumagay ka na sa tahimik. Magpatali ka na.
Settle down. Get hitched. Tie the knot. Take the plunge.
Whatever craziness we call it, it’s simply saying yes to live with, and to love someone for the rest of your life. ‘To live with’ is the practical side of it, while the ‘to love’ is the fairytale. And who wouldn't want fairytales to come true, right?
Been married for 29 years this 2021. And I’m grateful — because staying married is becoming more and more challenging these days. It seems like the couples of today tend to give up on relationships more easily. That said, here are some two pieces of advice for those who are planning to get married:
1. There are three ingredients for a marriage to survive: trust, respect, and 'need' for each other. I can no longer recall who shared this with me, but that person was absolutely right. Love alone is not enough — ponder on that.
2. Although arguments are inevitable, managing your 'unmet expectations’ will help you escape most fires. Husbands are not mind readers, while wives are not Wonder Women. If ever you catch yourself contemplating on what happened to the romantic love affair that you used to have with your significant other, it might be a good idea to check in and communicate with one another.
Do you want have a well-designed life of deeper joy, meaning and impact? Please visit ignitegps.io
