Martes, Hunyo 24, 2014

A piece on resourcefulness and exerting effort


Ok here's the deal, I have been encountering these phrases for the last 3 weeks and I'm starting to get really pissed. I hear people say these words all the time lately and my ears burn whenever I hear it.

               ------> I CAN'T  / THERE'S NONE / I DON'T KNOW <----

Direct Tagalog translation ---> Hindi ko kaya, Wala / wala akong makita/mahanap (and other variations), at hindi ko alam (or sometimes metaphorically, wala akong pakialam).

I know that situations aren't always positive or goes your way all the time and I understand that people may not have all the complete information about a certain idea or thing all the time, and I am well aware of all the living and breathing imperfections around us. I hear it all the time, "No one is Perfect". I know it well. I myself am light years away from being perfect. But there's one thing that I appreciate most about people who are far from perfection and yet tries to make up for what they lack --- they give effort, they try to know what they don't know or understand, and if they lack something or probably can't afford or produce something at a certain time because of several factors, still they TRY. And if trying still doesn't work, they go beyond it and offer alternatives! Its called resourcefulness. I know its possible because I've witnessed people (from different walks of life) do it and they succeed.

In this high tech age everything is certainly possible! So a person most of the time doesn't have a choice but NOT to go back empty handed when he was sent on a mission to accomplish something. Almost everything is made available to almost everyone. All you have to do is open your eyes to all possibilities and give it your best shot; and if your best shot is still not enough then suggest other possible ways to do it. Anything, anything at all... just don't say: "I can't do it!". "Wala eh..", or simply shrug your shoulders out of defeat.

I suddenly realize that the training that I've received from former bosses and superiors (and even former professors --- Sir J, Sir B, Ma'am V, Ma'am E, Mrs. G are top of mind) are so priceless. All 7 of them will never accept an "I can't do it" when they assign tasks to their subordinates. "Wala eh" is not an acceptable excuse. So even though I cried buckets and spent many sleepless nights under all their guidance (or to some of then, their "tormentorship" hehe), still I thank them for the years of training! Because of you, Ms. A, Pastor B, Ms. M, Ma'am M, Ma'am K, Sir L, Sir B,  I learned not to stop trying. Maraming salamat po! May you mentor more minds! God bless you all.

I just pray that these people will realize their unlimited potential everyday and will try harder to give it their best shot. Sayang kasi. I hope they realize that not everyone will get the chance that they are so taking for granted now. Someone out there is dreaming to be where they are right now, and yet here they are, wasting the chance away. Its a very frustrating sight to see and I just pray that they realize the mistake and will try to improve. Its for their own good anyway. Hay.


Martes, Hunyo 3, 2014

On uttering the 3 magic words...

If you're like me, you would be squeamish at the mere thought of saying the 3 magic words - I love you - to anyone. Whether to family, friends, special people, heck even to your pet dogs! I know I'm so abnormal that way. I guess I just never got used to the idea of saying "I love you" just for the sake of saying it. I remember one time someone said these words to me and my reply was "thank you". So needless to say, that did not go anywhere. haha.. In my defense, let me justify this personal weirdness by saying that I grew up in a home where the words "I love you" are only mentioned in greeting cards. We never actually say it in person (until recently). So I never learned how to say it and when do I actually say it. So I guess I never had the correct practice.

But fortunately, years down the road, I met beautiful people who taught me how to say it by example. Sometimes my friends would tease me by acting sweet and they would say I love you to each other so I would turn into goo and die from being grossed out. hehe I would rather eat onions (my hatest vegetable in existence) than be caught saying those words. But of course, change is inevitable and its good that with enough pushing from people to practice and actually having the chances to practice it, I was able to overcome this weird pet peeve. Which is lucky for me! :)

So fast forward to 2014, I guess 80% of the barrier has been knocked out. I can say it without feeling nauseous and I'm proud of it! hehe Its definitely a remarkable improvement for me! :) So to you ( yes you!) who taught me how to express affection, thank you! I love you!! :)



To these people, I love you all with all my heart! :)