Finding The Time to Exercise

My favorite son abhors exercise. Well, I’m not at all surprised because I used to hate it too. I was already 50 when I became a running addict. But I can’t help but smile whenever I see him travel to the farthest end of our house to use the comfort room there instead of the one right beside his bedroom. He also trots to the kitchen countless times a day. And I find it amusing that he has to go around his room to reach his bed coming from the door because of fixtures blocking his way to go straight to his bed (though I wanted to remind him that the shortest distance berween 2 points is a straight line, I refrain myself so he could add mileage to his steps).

Given the above scenario, I would estimate that my son walks 1 - 2 kms a day without even leaving the premises of our house. If a person who doesn’t want to exercise can walk at least 1 km a day without even trying, then there is no reason why a person who wants to exercise cannot find the time to do it.

For starters, try exercising 5 minutes in the morning and another 5 minutes at night. Slowly extend the time until you reach a total of 30 minutes a day. I have a friend who runs at 12 noon for 30 minutes then goes back to her office to change and eat her lunch. She is a mother of  3. She avoids running in the morning and after office hours to prioritize her children’s needs. Running during lunch break was perfect timing for her! A very dear friend walks at 4pm for nobody dares to wake her up before 8am or all hell will break loose!

When Eia was still receiving Occupational Therapy before, I run (rain or shine) while the therapist was attending to her but I made sure to be back on time to change my clothes and fetch her.

In one of our previous Agency meetings our Boss asked “What have you done by 8am today?” During that beautiful day, it so happened that I was already up at 4:00am to meet my client friend who just got off from her night shift work. The presentation went well and after she signed the application, I attended the 6:00am mass at Philamlife church. I ran 5 kms after that then joined the Tai-Chi group inside our Village’s basketball court until 8:00am.

Now that most of us work from home, it is a lot easier to find the time to exercise. Or is it really?

If you prefer to stay in dreamland rather than work out in the morning, you don’t have to force yourself to wake up early. You may exercise late in the afternoon. Or you can do it an hour after dinner. You may also do it anytime during the day. Like when you are just listening in a ZOOM meeting, turn off your camera. You can hula-hoop, jump rope, lift dumb bells, jog in place, exercise on a stability ball. My office table is not a table. It is one of my display cabinets when I was still renting a commercial space in StarMall.  I use it as my work table so I can stand while working. And while standing I do different forms of exercise. You may wonder if I’m a masochist but I can assure you that I’m quite the opposite. (I ran away from my EX remember?)

If you have the desire to exercise you will surely find the time for it. No doubt about that. You don’t need to be motivated to do it just as you don’t need to be motivated to brush your teeth 3X a day. Your schedule doesn’t include brushing your teeth but you just do it out of habit. Regard your exercise to be as simple as that. As simple as brushing your teeth. Doing it as if it’s the most natural thing to do. You may email me at ndelr62@gmail.com if you’re still struggling with your exercise time or if you have questions about what type of exercise to pursue.

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Enjoy Your Conversations With God!

The Perpetual Adoration Chapel used to be my sanctuary. As of now however, I am just thankful that we can still be in communion with the Holy Eucharist anytime of the day via YouTube’s Perpetual (24/7) Eucharistic Adoration. Yes, it is virtual but the way the candle emits its flame, you can almost feel its warmth and imagine that you’re actually inside the chapel with the Lord.

There is “A Quarter of an Hour before The Blessed Sacrament” guide but I prefer to use my fingers as reference. Somebody told me before that when she prays the Rosary before the Blessed Scarament, she could feel Mama Mary praying with her. I did the same but added some enhancements. There are five decades of the Holy Rosary and we have 5 fingers on our hand. Before I start each decade, I offer intentions based from my version of the 5-Finger Guide. 

Starting from the smallest finger, this gives us the hint whom to pray for. Pray for people who are impoverished, physically weak, hospitalized, emotionally deranged, mentally ill, spiritually lost, unemployed, lonely and depressed. These are mostly intercessory prayers. Also include fervent prayers for those who went ahead of us  (like Our Lady of Fatima Parish Priest Msgr. Albert Venus whose funeral mass we celebrated this morning with Bishop Jesse Mercado. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.) 

Moving on, the ring finger signifies marriage. So before praying the 2nd Decade, offer prayers for your family members, relatives, including people closest to your heart though not related by blood.

The middle finger is the tallest. Pray for the highest ranking official in your country and for the rest of the world, the people leading your province/city/town/village/barangay. Pray for the Pope or the leader of your church, including your parish priest, the CEO or President of the corporation you work for, people leading organizations, associations, formal and informal groups. Then proceed with the 3rd Decade.

Next is your fourth finger, the pointer. Before praying the 4th Decade, pray for your children’s teachers and therapists and for those who teach, advise, cure, counsel, direct and set guidelines. Pray for all professionals that they practice their craft with the welfare of the common good in mind.

Lastly, your thumb points to yourself. After praying for everybody else, time to focus on your wants and desires. Talk to God without any inhibitions. Pour out everything to Him. You may pray spontaneously or follow the ACTS (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplications). Then pray the last Decade.

After talking continuously, allow yourself to be embraced by God. Keep still. Listen to what He wants to tell you. Open your heart to Him. Always have a notebook and pen beside you to take down notes on His messages. Enjoy your conversations with God!

(Thanks for dropping by my blog and messaging me your comments/reactions. I appreciate them very much! Stay safe everyone.)

My Reflection on Chinkee Tan’s Financial Advice

 AIA PHILIPPINES (formerly Philamlife) sponsored a free live webinar today with Chinkee Tan as guest speaker. It was a lively, down-to-earth interaction.

Chinkee Tan enumerated 6 ways how to spend wisely your Christmas Bonus (or extra money in general).

1. Pay off your debt. Even if you could only afford ₱500 a month, do it religiously and pay extra when you receive your Christmas Bonus to shorten the payment period. 

2. Build your Emergency Fund. He proposed 6 to 12 months worth of Emergency Fund. It would probably take years for an ordinary employee to achieve this but if you don’t start now, it will never happen. He made a striking comparison of how the poor and the rich’s time frame in financial planning differ: 1) The VERY POOR plan their needs on a daily basis (Isang kahig, isang tuka). This got me thinking: I also belong to the “no work, no pay category!” 2) The POOR (contractual workers who receive wages every Saturday) plan their budget weekly. 3) The MIDDLE CLASS plan monthly. These are the employed who receive their salary at the 15th and end of the month. 4) The RICH plan yearly. 5) The VERY RICH plan by the decade. Hmmm . . . interesting. 

3. Start your second source of income. Or if you have more talents and skills, build multiple sources of income. (Message me on this one. You can join AIA PH and/or Malayan as part-timers.) 

4. Get protection money. Chinkee Tan showed a very simple formula for computing how much Income Replacement Fund a breadwinner should have: Monthly Expenses X 12 months X 10. (There are actually 3 ways how to compute this but Chinkee Tan probably picked the most convenient method for the benefit of simplicity.) We were amused when he told us that he is not encouraging us to buy life insurance. It’s because he won’t be the beneficiary! The life insurance benefits won’t be for him but for the family that the breadwinner will be leaving behind. His family should continue on living comfortably as before even though he’s gone. We laughed when he asked “who among you here are breadwinners? And who among you here are breadeaters?”  He then narrated the story that they recently bought a piece of real property under his wife’s name. He insisted that the MRI (Mortgage Redemption Ins.) should cover him and not his wife. Precisely because if something happens to his wife, he could still continue paying for the mortgage. But if something happens to him, his wife would be needing the Mortgage Insurance to settle the dues.

5. Think like a wealthy person. When you have extra money, invest it. He suggested that one should invest first in Financial Education because the best combination for being scammed is being ignorant and greedy at the same time. Sadly, it turned out that some attendees were unfortunately scam victims in the past.

6. Help others. God blesses us to be a blessing to others! Christmas is the best time to share your blessings. Give to charity. This reminded me of Fr. Agustino Miguel Torres when he said “the more you give, the more you’re meant to be.”

There are 3 channels where your hard-earned money goes: needs, wants , savings/investments. Chinkee Tan stressed the need to have a positive mindset about investing. Change your mindset from having a consumer mentality to investment mentality.

I agree with Chinkee Tan that most Filipino parents urge their children to study hard inorder to land a good job when they graduate whereas Chinese-Filipino parents urge their children to study hard to continue the family business or start a new one he could call his own. 

But I cannot completely agree with him when he generalized that the way you were raised affect your mindset now. It could possibly be the opposite, at least for rebellious children like me. My father tried to brainwash me since I was small to study well, get employed in a big corporation, strive to be promoted so I could help our relatives work with me in the company. I chose a different path, much to his disappointment. It’s because I chased after my childhood dream, which Chinkee Tan also mentioned. That of being true to your calling and passion when exploring other sources of income.

Someone asked if he could borrow to pay off his debts and Chinkee Tan answered “you cannot solve a permanent problem with a temporary solution. You cannot solve a problem by creating another problem.” If I were to answer this question, I would say “yes, you may borrow at 1% interest and pay off your debt that is currently charging you 2% interest.” It is simple logic. Why would you pay 2% interest if you have an option to pay at 1%? By all means grab the opportunity and slash the interest you’re paying by 1%!

Other than these two, thumbs up with Chinkee Tan’s practical tips on how to be wealthy. He presented them in a manner that people would easily understand, humoring his audience non-stop. I just loved the way he emphasized “Money you did not spend is money you earned.” To learn more, go to chinkeetan.com.

(Thanks for dropping by my blog and messaging me your comments/reactions. I appreciate them very much! Stay safe everyone.)

Culture Shock! (Musings of a Certified PROMDI: Part 4)

When I was still in Marbel and read about the 2 seasons in the Philippines in our textbooks, I couldn’t comprehend how the months of June to early October were called the Rainy Season and the months from late October to May were dubbed as the Dry Season. It’s because in Marbel, we enjoyed the same weather all year long—mostly sunny with scattered rainshowers every now and then. I just realized what our textbook meant when I had to remove my socks and shoes to prevent them from getting wet in the flood just outside our dorm all the way across UE. I was shocked at first but later on, I had gotten used to the harsh reality that in Manila, floods were prevalent during the Rainy Season of June to early October. I remember one time when it was like Pacific Ocean from our dorm on the way to San Beda Church. We were only wearing shorts inside our long cover coats. A tourist bus suddenly passed behind us, creating big waves that we couldn’t avoid. The passenger tourists were having the time of their lives watching us with their cameras and videos. We couldn’t do anything but suffer the consequence. We attended the mass with our undies soaked in flood water! 

Among the “6 sexy chicks of Room 6” of Holy Spirit Dorm, I was the baby of my room mates, being the youngest and still in 3rd Yr High Sch. My caring “momsies” taught me to use shampoo for my hair when they saw me using ordinary bath soap. In Marbel, we used to soak Gugo bark in a basin of water, rub the fibers to form lather, then use the suds as shampoo. I know you will find it hard to relate but yes, I am that ancient hahahah . . . Funny but one time, Gio’s classmate asked him what his shampoo was, because he’s having problems with dandruff. Gio told him he’s using Gugo Shampoo. His classmate thought that he was using Gugo bark so he asked Gio where he got the Gugo. When Gio answered him that his mom buys it from Mercury Drugstore, his classmate was really surprised that Mercury sold Gugo barks. As their conversation continued, the 2 classmates realized that they were not talking about the same thing. Gio was laughing when he narrated the story to me. He then discovered that long time ago, I actually used Gugo bark and not the commercialized Gugo Shampoo that we use now. We were both amazed how his classmate knew about Gugo bark as shampoo.

To be continued . . .

(Thanks for dropping by my blog and messaging me your comments/reactions. I appreciate them very much! Stay safe everyone.)

Culture Shock! (Musings of a Certified PROMDI: Part 3)

Back in Marbel, I never missed watching movies every Sunday. I have been a movie addict for as long as I could remember. I was privileged to own a permanent pass (my face actually hahaha . . . ) to enter the theatre because we were close friends with the Yap family who owned 2 moviehouses in my hometown. In Manila however, I found it hard to adjust because not only that I had to pay for my ticket, but the fact that I was only watching 1 movie per screening disappointed me. Ever since I was small, I was watching 2 movies at a time for free! Movies were always shown back-to-back in Marbel except for the 1965 classic “The Sound of Music” which ran for almost 3 hours.

I never had the chance to enjoy parties in Marbel. When we were in 2nd year high school, I was excited to attend our acquaintance party in one of our teachers’ house. But when I just had my plate filled with food, I didn’t even get to have one bite because my loving parents were already outside the gate fetching me! I went home hungry and frustrated for I missed my only chance to dance with my Crush. In Manila, I got the shock of my life because parties start late dinner and end with early breakfast the following day! Tatay instructed our Dorm administrator that I was restricted to attend parties but Nanay secretly gave the permission that I could go heheheh . . .

We never had field trips in Marbel. Though I had the chance to go to different towns when competing in declamation contests, I never travelled with the whole class. So Field Trips were a whole new experience for me. I enjoyed exploring different places with my new classmates in UE High Sch. who surprisingly turned out cool after all. The coolest were my 2 PROMDI friends like me—Belen from Malvar, Batangas and Delia from Botolan, Zambales. These 2 amazing girls made my 3rd and 4th yr. High Sch. life truly memorable. How I wish I could see them again someday!

To be continued . . .

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WHEN PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE, BE READY TO BE AMAZED!

Eia was about 7-8 months old when her Pedia Cardiologist announced that we should schedule an open heart surgery for her before she reaches 1 year old. Otherwise, she won’t probably be able to live and celebrate her 1st birthday. He further explained that Eia had 2 holes in her heart that would definitely not close naturally, an enlarged left ventricle, and blocked artery. 

I thought giving birth to a child with Down Syndrome was the hardest blow I could possibly receive in this lifetime. This was worse. My mind went into a blur and I had to close my eyes because I could feel the world spinning around me. This was twice the anxiety and pain I felt before when I learned that Eia had Trisomy 21 (genetic disorder caused by a third copy of the 21st Chromosome). The doctor then advised us to bring Eia before her 10th month for her 2D Echo and to finalize the date of her operation.

“There is no way I will agree for Eia to have an open heart surgery Lord. Heal her or take her.” That was my bold declaration to God everytime I prayed inside the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. “Show me the way, Lord. The way to heal Eia to avoid this operation or take her life now.” When I said these prayers, I truly believed God will grant me a miracle.

While praying incessantly, Ate Ella and I brought Eia to various healing masses within Las Piñas City. Cyndy, the sister of my friend Agnes, tried texting Eia’s name to the radio station where they pray over the sick for healing. By God’s grace, Eia’s name was picked among the thousands of names that were sent!

When Fr. Corsie Legaspi scheduled his healing mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, we were there before 8am to be the first to be healed. To our surprise, it was announced on stage that only the first 100 will be prayed over individually. The rest will be in groups of 10, clasping hands together. And to our double surprise, even if we arrived early, we couldn’t be included in the first 100. These slots were reserved for terminally-ill cancer patients. We were further surprised when the announcer asked forgiveness from the parents of children. He apologised that children will only be allowed to follow the queue after the last set of adults were done. He thoughtfully explained that children were the last priority because according to him, they would go straight to heaven and become angels if ever they leave this world.

“And that was supposed to make us feel better?” I thought to myself. I disagreed with their rules but had no choice but to obey. Believe it or not, Eia finally had her turn @5pm later that day! I was holding Eia while Ate Ella was holding her other hand. I was also holding the hand of the person beside me. My tiredness and all other negative emotions escaped from me when Fr. Corsie Legaspi prayed over our group. I felt peace and stillness of heart. I was in a trance for a few seconds but did not let go of Eia. 

As advised, we brought Eia back to her Pedia Cardiologist before she turned 10 months old. As he was reading the monitor while conducting a 2D Echo on Eia, he was frowning and shaking his head while mumbling something that only he could hear. I asked him what was wrong and his answer froze my heart.

“Nagsara na ang dalawang butas. Normal na ang left ventricle. Wala ng bara sa artery.” (The 2 holes closed. The left ventricle is now normal in size. The artery is no longer blocked.)

I was holding my breath but managed to ask “So what are you saying Doc?”

“She doesn’t need an open heart surgery anymore,” he confessed.

I heaved a deep sigh of relief and wanted to give the doctor a very tight hug but decided to back off because he seemed perplexed, not understanding how in the world the impossible happened. We bid him goodbye and judging by the puzzled look on his face, he did not have the slightest clue how Eia’s heart healed on its own. 

Praise God Eia is now 22! Thank you Lord! Special thanks to Cyndy and to everybody who prayed for this miracle and of course to Ate Ella who was always by my side. I am forever grateful!

(Thanks for dropping by my blog and sending your comments/reactions via Messenger. I appreciate them very much! You may also email me at ndelr62@gmail.com. Stay safe everyone!)

WHEN YOU REACH THE END OF YOUR ROPE, HOLD ON TO YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

22 years ago, I gave birth to a daughter with Down Syndrome.

6 years ago, it seemed like I gave birth to 10 children more who was either 1) aggressive 2) depressive 3) overtalkative 4) withdrawn 5) bubbly 6) sulky 7) clingy 8) aloof 9) hostile and 10) violent.

Eia was the sweetest person on earth before she suffered the painful “breakup” with her best friend. She was never been the same after that traumatic experience in her life. Gio would wonder when are we going to have a normal life in our household and I told him “You and I were the worst of enemies for 10 years. So this scenario will probably last for at least 10 years. Thank God this only happened now. I would have gone insane if I were battling with you and Eia at the same time.” Gio would then try to pacify me by saying that it won’t probably take 10 years for Eia to go back to being “normal”.

Initially, no medication worked for Eia. She was prescribed 3 types of ANTIPSYCHOTIC drugs but she continued exhibiting unpredictable behavior. I was at a loss. A psychiatrist and clinical psychologist were simultaneously taking care of her but there was no change in her behavior at home. Strange but she enjoyed talking with her psychiatrist and psychotherapist.

When I believed that we were all doing our best and exhausted all possible means for Eia but she remained the same—in fact getting worse, I surrendered everything to God. Following the “Let go and let God” principle, it did not matter anymore whether Eia will revert to her old self or not. I would accept her for what she is and wouldn’t try to change her anymore. I would love her as she is, with all her tantrums and whatever “episode” she’s having. I would love everything about her and will not expect her anymore to love me the way she loved me before.

When I faced the problem head on without any fear of what the future held, that’s the time Eia slowly went into metamorphosis. Her “episodes” became fewer and shorter. When I finally embraced the reality that I was actually dealing with 10 daughters and swore to love each one of them dearly, that’s when positive changes miraculously started to emerge. 

As of this writing, Eia is taking only 1/4 of 1 tablet out of the 3 tablets she was taking before. Everyday is still a new adventure with Eia but praise God her “episodes” are now reduced to 1-3 times daily. We could now laugh at how we drastically changed our drinking glasses to stainless steel because Eia broke the glass cover of our dining table after hitting it with her glass when she went berserk.

Eia is truly God’s gift to me. Her pediatric cardiologist even predicted that she won’t live the day to celebrate her 1st birthday (that is of course another story) without an open heart surgery but by God’s grace, she is now 22. Thank you Lord!

(Thank you for dropping by my blog and sending your comments/reactions via Messenger. I appreciate them very much! You may also email me at ndelr62@gmail.com. Stay safe everyone!)