Princess Leah

You were created for a purpose. Embrace it and live fully.

Categories: Blog, Family & Relationship, Island Life

Lunch at Tierra Del Sol

So excited to share with you a little bit of my life here in Aruba. I’ve been always wanting to give some ideas of where we go, and how we kind of live our lives here.

I am from The Philippines, currently living on the beautiful island of Aruba.

By doing this, I would be able to tour my family and friends from the Philippines, as well. Through my blog, I wish I could inspire you to live and enjoy life wherever you are. Because I really do miss home but then I decided to enjoy whatever I have here.

Find the beauty of every day in simple things, including eating out sometimes. Thank you, Jesus.

I don’t mean to boast about my life here because, to be honest, it’s not that WOW. If you really know what I went through, going through you’ll understand. But I am grateful for whatever I have now. The WORD reminds us to be content all the time. And I am trying to do that every day.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

The Lunch Date

Going back, I and my husband had a lunch date at Tierra Del Sol, restaurant. Surprisingly, their menu price wasn’t that bad. And the view was spectacular. Just wow! I loved it.

I always thought that the price will be extremely high because it’s an affluent residence.

Maybe because of the current situation these days, they kind of lower their prices. We are just thankful that we get to experience this.

Gift Certificate

We used a gift certificate that expires soon. HAHA, It was a gift from the Church of Zion last year 2020, on my birthday. Literally, I am using it after a year. Oh, Lord!

Their main courses range from Awg 20 – 30. (Around $11.00-$20.00) I was really surprised that the prices are not that bad. For my Filipino friends who want to know the conversion in peso, it’s P500-950.

The View

It is truly a great place to unwind and relax. The view truly refreshes us.

By the way, they follow the protocols. When you enter the restaurant, you should wear your mask, sanitize your hands and write down your names on the log book.

When you dine in, they request you to put your name, the date, and your contact number. I guess this is for tracing purposes just in case one of the people got the Covid virus.

The Menu

I ordered a fish fillet and Brandon had carbonara. We had also calamari as an appetizer. 🙂

Food is life! OH gosh! Thank you. They’re all delicious. 🙂

I got thrilled to eat fish again because this Pandemic made us eat chicken every single day. HAHA The cheapest meal. It’s fine, we are still grateful for the provision.

But first Selfie

I try to capture pictures whenever we go somewhere. Though I am not that pro, images could speak a message just like this one.

No camera, please. HAHA I think he’s tired of me taking pictures here and there. It’s an Asian thing, you know! sorry! HAHAHHA

Let’s do the solo!

Grateful for the experience.

We are very grateful for this time together. We needed it during this season of our lives. It is not bad to go out alone with your spouse. It’s not being selfish. We actually set our minds to do this once in a while, for us, for our marriage, and of course for Zoey.

IF we want our daughter, Zoey to grow up understanding what LOVE really is, we have to show that ourselves.

Thank God for this 🙂

February 15, 2021

Today, we had a blast! A coffee date at Santos Coffee with Soul for our breakfast. Lunch date at Tierra del Sol, restaurant. A well-spent day celebrating love!

Time to pick up our daughter. I look forward to bringing her here next time. Thank you for reading. 🙂

Categories: #MomLife, Family & Relationship, Island Life, Motivation, Personal

Feel it again. Be confident + the Beach

Today, I have time to share something. Yey! My husband had to drop me so early to work 7;45am even my shift is 12pm. You see it right! But Why? Because we only have one car, okay, that is not actually the best excuse. The truth is I don’t drive.

While typing that… I could hear you people saying “Girl, you should learn how to drive, you need to, for you and for ZOey” It is a necessity in Aruba.

I got it! I got it!

My fear. My fear hinders me to do it!

But I also know I have to face it. I have always been scared at everything, I guess. The only time I remember that I was confident was when I was pregnant with Zoey. And brave when I push her down there into this world. It was definitely the most beautiful season of my life. 🙂 Thank you, Jesus for the experience, for my baby.

But I still want to feel it again,to be brave, to be confident. Should I get pregnant again? HAHAH OF course not, my husband wants another one, though. He thinks that it would be great if Zoey has sibling to play with. And, I think I would have one again when this pandemic is over. And he’s like “Would this even be over?’

Yesterday, we went to the beach! Yey! We don’t actually plan it, we do this spontaneously. “Oh today the weather is great (Which is almost everyday) Let’s go to the beach.

So we prepared and grabbed our things quickly and went to the beach. Zoey kind of knows that we are going out, she’s happy. When we were in the parking lot, funny thing, my stomach was weird. (Oh gosh! not today!) The nature calls, we need to go back home. Brandon, my husband was okay with it and turned the engine back on. Poor Zoey cried, and kept saying “NO, No, NO!”

I had to explain, “Zoey baby, mommy needs to go home first and we will go back okay?” Struggling to say these word because my stomach was acting really weird. Oh okay.. too much info? Sorry. HAHA

The point is, Zoey’s emotion amazes me. She’s 18 months and she knows what she wants. She’s outgoing, she would say “EEETTT GO (Let’s go) and would go to the door telling us to open it. Which I think she got that from me. I remember my younger years, I would spend my day outside with my friends. Lola Nena, my grandma gets mad at me and would say kababae mong Tao Hindi ka napipirmi sa bahay. It means that I am a lady, and I should stay home most of the time? Something like that.

HAHA I miss Lola, I know you’re happy there in heaven. 🙂 How I wish you could see Zoey now.

Going back back to this island quick getaway. Here’s my baby! My boss baby! 🙂

My boss baby!
Baby Zoey at the beach, Aruba

Did mommy see me eating the sand? Oh no! -Zoey

Be confident

So, today, let me brave and confident! Showing off my bloated body. HAHA

Mommy Princess in Eagle Beach, Aruba

One thing I realized, our body doesn’t define us. HAHA Whatever, tapping my shoulder, saying, It’s okay to be bloated! 🙂

I may have flaws, insecurities, and fears in life, but these things shouldn’t stop me from loving who and what I am. I don’t even know if these thing will even stop but whenever I feel it, God taught me on how to handle it.

I am perfectly imperfect but perfectly loved by God. And that’s all that matters.

I am grateful that whenever the enemy will try to mess with my head, instilling lies like “You are not good enough” ‘You are a failure” “You won’t ever measure up” etc. , I would run to the TRUTH. That God has created me fearfully and wonderfully.

My life story is HIS story.

I have flaws, I still have stretch marks, cellulites. I have weaknesses. I am insecure at times. I don’t drive. I am scared.. all the time. I finished studies but I am not using that field. I am scared to step up and try other things. Thinking I am not good enough.

I am not ashamed telling these things because it’s real. Actually, makes me brave and confident that even though I have these negative feelings, I know that one day, I would step up and be the person God wants me to be.

I would be patient with myself because God is. One step at time.

For now, I just want to be grateful that I have Zoey, Brandon, family and friends who genuinely support me. And also, that we are all healthy. Thank God for life.

Team Grajo-Croes, Aruba

Who really makes me brave? It’s definitely not the position and stability in life. It’s Jesus, it’s HIM. That whatever happens in this world, I am confident that God would never ever leave me nor forsake me. Till the end of time… It also means that HE loves everything about me. I don’t really need to be someone else but be who I really am.

It was truly a fun family day! Though it’s quick, that’s all I need, we need to be reminded that Life is indeed beautiful. ME too! HAHA

Enjoy yourself, enjoy your life, enjoy your journey.

Have a great day, everyone! Don’t forget to drink your coffee!

And my sweet husband what I like. Happy wife, happy life. HAHA
Categories: Blog, Family & Relationship, Island Life

Lovers in Santos Coffee with Soul

I looked around to see if they have high chair for baby. I didn’t see any. Even I would see one, I won’t use it anyway. My one year old daughter, Zoey isn’t with us, this time, anyways

It was 15th of February, 2021. We decided to have breakfast date as a celebration for Valentine’s Day! If I would be honest with you, I am in this of stage of life where I don’t really mind whether he has gift for me or not. Either way, I am just grateful that we are well.

In general, I am not really a materialistic wife. If he gives me something, thank you. If not, I am okay with it. Whatever it is, I am just grateful we are still able to do this together.

From time to time, we would spend time together. Don’t get me wrong, we love our daughter. Though I would love her to be around, it is also good to have some quality time with your spouse. We were busy with work, with Zoey, with everything.

Having this time together alone is also a way of showing our love to Zoey. We want to be good parents. So, we need to take care and build our relationship as married couple as well.

I am grateful for Brandon, my husband because he is a hands-on-man. He helps me with household chores and taking care of Zoey. It’s a blessing! Thank you, Jesus. Not to mention, MY HUSBAND IS A GOOD COOK! So, Hallelujah! HAHA

Going back, Morning date it is!

COFFEE with SOUL

I love the name of this cafe, Santos Coffee with Soul.

I have a thing for cafe. Not only because I love the smell of the coffee, and of course, the coffee itself. Who wouldn’t love it? But also. I love the ambiance. It calms you down. It makes you reflect on your life. It’s cozy and you feel like you can do anything just a sip or two from your mug. HAHAH Adik lang?

I have always want to write about cafes here in Aruba, it’s my kind of thing. When I talk about blogging about coffee shops in Aruba with my husband, he would remind me not to use “coffee shops” in my writing. Cafe should be the word, then.

I will tell you why. In Netherlands, coffee shops are place where you can buy weeds, the maryjane, legally. HAHAH so that’s noted. Still, I would use it. In Aruba, coffee shops are just simple cafe. That’s it!

Santos Cafe had been one of my favorite hangouts. (when I have extra money) HAHA It’s a little pricy but it’s good. Coffee is always good! 🙂

I wish, I took a picture of the menu so you guys have an idea of the prices. Hmm.. So next time I go there, I would definitely take a pic.

Zoey at Santos

Actually, when ZOEY …. (I can’t stop talking about her, huh? Forgive me, I just love her so much HAHA) was a baby, She was only 1 month old when I first take her out with her Tita Trish.

Tita Trish was one of the good people who had helped me cope up with postpartum – extreme sadness and exhaustion. Thank you, Tita Trish! Santos Cafe was our first out, just right after Zoey’s first vaccine from Yellow Cross.

Let’s look back 🙂

With the Girls

This cafe is also good for Bible study and fellowship. It’s one of our choices. We just talk about life and God in here.

From left : Rose, Me and Jeriah. Insert Kimberly, something urgent came up and she wasn’t able to join. This was taken July 2020. It’s still during pandemic. But this was before the second wave in Aruba. We had a chance to catch up.

My circle of friends in Aruba is really small. Unlike when I was in Philippines. I think every week, I go out with some friends there. But it’s fine. I had to embrace the big changes in life. I am glad I have these amazing people in my life.

Thank you guys for reading! Have an awesome day ahead. Blessings!

Categories: #MomLife, Family & Relationship

Zoey’s Love Day

Hello loves!

After deep thoughts about sharing my daughter publicly, I said yes with a prayer. Praying that the Lord will protect her from any harm online.

A post to make my day and everyone else especially family from different parts of the world. I would share a little bit of our life in Aruba.

There are people would tell us to do vlogging with Zoey, but I am not that confident and comfortable yet. So, my idea is instead of vlogging, I will do the blogging style 🙂 So let’s read people! HAHA

Zoey’s Story Telling:

Hi everyone! I am Zoey. Today, I will share some cute photos of mine – DIY photographed by my Mommy. She believed that I am too cute not to share. We all want to make your day. Hope this will help you smile.

It’s February 14, 2021. Happy Love Day, everyone! I woke up my parents early today. Because It’s a good day to go out and have some fun!

Good morning! 🙂

Mommy and Daddy prepared my stuff. Mommy said we don’t need to bring a lot this time because, I can eat anything now. whooo! 🙂 Mommy & Daddy used to cook and prepare my own food, so when we go out, I have my own special food.

But mommy let me try some of the delicious food now. Especially the sweet ones, my favorite. Hmmm 🙂 Dushi! Dushi is a Papiamento word that means delicious, sweet and you can also use the word as an endearment for sweetheart. I am Dushi and I know it!.

Okay, guys! I am ready. What taking you so long?

Let’s go!

I would look at the bedroom door and would say “Let’s go!” Mommy would always say that when we are ready to go out. But not all the time, mommy will say YES to my ‘Let’s go!’ especially at night. I wonder why? Hmmp.

Anyways. I think we are ready to go!

How do I look, lovely people? 🙂 Mommy had to let me wear this feather thing because it’s kind of cold today and I still cough a little bit. Don’t worry it’s not COVID, okay? Relax. 🙂

I think, I look fabulous! There were couple sitting down outside, Mommy asked me to say Hi and wave my hand. I did! And they were like “AWW. I like her dress, she’s so cute” Mommy said “Thank you.”

Model baby

Juan Valdez Cafe, Aruba

It’s so good to be out, you know? 🙂 Thank you Mommy and Daddy!

Oh they look so good. 🙂

Oops! They look so good! I want one, Mommy! This is the moment of truth.

Let’s pray

Let’s say grace. Daddy is leading the prayer. To be honest, sometimes, I say amen but not all the time. Especially when I see the food in front of me. I would cry for it. They are taking this too long.

Boss Baby

After all, I am still a baby. I just want to eat and play. That’s the truth. So can you give me my food, now?

Baby bunita

Please, don’t take this personally, okay? YOLO. 🙂 She’s the mommy but I am the boss baby, HAHA! 🙂

Meet my parents, guys! I thank God for them. Parents are blessings from God, so do I. Of course, they said, I am one of the greatest blessing 🙂

I get to taste all the food except for the ones in the cup. They call it coffee. They had a cappuccino with the marshmallow on top. We ordered pastechi, croquette, and cheese bread. They let me taste all of them with my water.

Breakfast at Juan Valdez, Aruba is truly a memorable love day 2021. 🙂

Thank you for your time, have a great day folks.

Love, Zoey

****

A late valentine post. Hope you guys having a great day! Sending love from our family to yours. Remember that you are loved. Blessings!

Categories: Family & Relationship, Random Thoughts

Dear Ladies

It is not bad to have standards in choosing or finding the so-called Mr.Right But one should remember that there is no such thing as perfect people. I’ve seen and heard a lot of posts, articles, video blogs about finding the one, knowing if he/she is the one. Most of the ladies enumerate those things that they are almost to perfection.

Honestly, I don’t believe they exist, but what I believe in is…True Love does exist and love conquers all.

I think women have the thoughts of having a man that will really treat them very well, especially if you are one of those who watch Kdrama like me. It’s fairytale-like stories, you know? They don’t exist. There is no perfect one. We are all unique.

To be fair to men, they are also human. We all have issues in ourselves, attitudes need to be changed and characters to develop. Why are you looking for a perfect one if you yourself aren’t one? Have you thought about making yourself ready for a relationship by learning to love yourself, learning the love languages, adjusting to temperaments? Have you ever think that we have to change some behaviors as well?

“Find someone who accepts and loves you for who you are”.

We see this in social media phrases about the “find someone…” Cliche. Here’s the question, do you accept yourself? Do you love yourself? There will be big trouble in a relationship if you have this issue. A person who doesn’t love himself/herself will soon have a problem with loving someone. If you don’t deal with your own insecurities well, you’ll soon break his heart and yours.

I am imperfect neither my relationship with him but what I can share and boast about is how the Lord deals with us, deal with our hearts and issues. We do fight, argue, we disappoint each other just like every couple does. Because we are imperfect.

Being in a relationship with Brandon for a quite few years now, I can really say God has shown me so much about myself. A few years ago, during the times I was looking down on myself, I wanted him to understand me all the time, to be with me, to exert more effort to make me feel better, and feel loved.

I was struggling with depression so I only see the need in me, it was all about me. I can only see how pitiful I am, I never thought how others are suffering because of me… me… me! So here’s your low self-esteem and lack of confidence that makes you threaten him to just simply leave you and find someone else.

Drama.

Men are human too.

You know if he will, you’ll be really broken. Likewise, your partner has feelings too. You are not the only one hurting. He may not talk about it but I realized that I was giving him a headache, I was breaking his heart to seeing me like that. Instead of appreciating him, I was pushing him away. He never said he was tired of me. But I came to realize that he is also human, he also feels frustrated, down, and sad. He can also feel depressed especially men aren’t always open about how they feel.

Ladies, learn to appreciate your man.

I really feel bad for men being controlled by their partners. I was talking with my fiance last night and I’m kinda proud of him and myself, we have learned to respect each others’ feelings and privacy. Believe it or not, I never browse his cellphone and check whoever he is talking with, I never asked his passwords on his social media accounts. My mindset is if you will do something crazy, if you will cheat on me or vice versa, we are both accountable to God.

We have learned to be patient with each other’s weaknesses and personalities. We didn’t try to change each other but to learn to love whoever we are just like how God loves us. Yes, we all have annoying characters, but we have been blessed with the wisdom to deal with it personally with the Lord.

Because we all know we cannot change someone. We are not God. Let God deal with it. The only thing you can do is to pray for him/her. If we understand God’s unconditional love for us, we tend to love others the same way. There is no perfect one but there is a right way of loving someone.

I know some of you will see this and say “wait until you get married”. I know, I understand, marriage life is different and is not easy. But if the Lord had taught us to be like this while just being engaged, I know he will help us through when we face the married life.

So no fear, no fear in LOVE. I am not judging the couples who never get through it, we all have different stories but what I want to say and see that there will still be people who are braver to accept that we are all learning, imperfect, and be open to all the changes.

Ladies, we are not always right. Give your man the authority to be the head. Learn to submit. Easier said than done, huh? But there is no harm in trying.

I understand we have this kind of character that we always want to be right. We can still do that sometimes but for major decisions and issues, let your man be the man in the relationship.

****

This been in my draft for maybe 3 or 4 years now. While trying to clean it up a little bit. I landed on this one. I hope it’s worth sharing. 🙂

Categories: Blog, Motivation

Perfectionism Test

In the month of January, I was all excited about me being serious about my blogging life. I know I have so many things to learn about this but what is exhausting is whenever I try to write about a certain topic – I ended up leaving them hanging on my drafts. Because to me, all of them are not good.

Constantly telling myself “Just blog, write something, anything. It doesn’t matter if it is bad or not. Just write”

And then, February passed, I have so many things line up to write about but didn’t have a chance to publish any. How sad! After that, I have to tell myself all over again that it is okay! You can start all over again. Same cycle. As a result, you didn’t do anything at all.

Be easy on yourself, be hard at the same time.

Today, the same thought. So as I lay my head on bed after a long day of work, I had to pull myself up. “DO more of the things you love to do”Stand up, and write! Be easy on yourself by believing in yourself again when you feel like you are behind, or you couldn’t measure up. Be hard by challenging yourself. I heard this line all the time during my younger years “If others can do it, you can also do it”

I’m here sitting down in front of my desk, I turned on my computer and start writing. But before that, I want to be honest. I’ve been wondering if there is something wrong with me. My husband passed by and sees the screen, a psychological test. And told me, ‘Baby, there’s nothing wrong with you”

I did a test. A perfectionism test. And the result is…

Source: https://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/bin/transfer

Strength

You possess a healthy level of perfectionism

Dang! I thought it is something bad. What a relief! Sometimes, we worry about something we shouldn’t worry about. You’re just fine, (a tap on my shoulder)

The next is something I have to work out on. It is not bad to check your mental level, you know? It is for our own good.

Potential Strengths

  • You do set standards for yourself – sometimes they are reasonable, other times they may be a bit extreme
  • You seem to have mixed feelings regarding what your family wants from you – sometimes you feel pressured to be flawless, other times you do not
  • The degree to which you are expected to be perfect at work seems to vary – in some cases or for some tasks, you may be feel a need to be flawless, while for others you do not
  • You seem to feel the need to live up to some of society’s standards, but totally dismiss others
  • You do not expect perfection from colleagues, but you may want to consider setting at least some standards in order to encourage a good work effort from others
  • You do not set high standards for your loved ones, which means that you give them the freedom to be who they want to be; however, you may want to consider the benefits of setting at least some reasonable expectations, in order to bring out the best in them

They are all actually true. What can I say? I am just glad that I take this test. Proving that it is completely normal to feel what I feel. Nevertheless, I should still do something about it. I think my problem is procrastination. What do you think?

Life Lesson

Because blogging is something I enjoy and yet it is also one of the things that gives me stress. I have to work out some things in me. I’ve been too hard on myself. While the truth is, it is more enjoyable when we learn to embrace our imperfections.

In addition, improving ourselves is one of the keys. We definitely not need to be perfect. Don’t let your weaknesses hold you up on doing what you love to do. I think we all have to be brave in facing our fears. How many times do we have to hear this, and yet we got stuck in the same situation? The answer is. A lot of times.

In other words, we don’t give up on ourselves. God created us for a reason. After all, He is the source of life. Let’s run to the one who write our story, the one who gave us the desire and ignite the passion in our hearts to a greater purpose.

In conclusion, the perfectionism test could help us to have a good check of our mental level. But at the end of the day, the only ONE who could really help us overcome our weaknesses is GOD.

I’ve been praying for God to help me do the things he wanted me to do. And if this is one of them, I will try all over again. My progress is slow, but GOD is so patient with me. A reminder to me that I should also be patient with myself.

Thank you for reading my blog! Have a great day! 🙂

Categories: Calligraphy, Christianity, Worship

Never Lost

God never fails. We tend to try and control our own lives and do things on our own. God can do all things. But one thing he is not able to do is fail. He never loses a battle.

I’ve been listening to this song called ‘Never Lost’ by Elevation Worship for the past few days. It touched my heart and I got inspired. So, I created a simple calligraphy or handwriting design. While writing, His hope and peace fill my heart.

You can do all things
You can do all things but fail
Cause You've never lost a battle
No you've never lost a battle
And I know, I know
You never will

He has been speaking to me not to be afraid. He is in control, a miracle-working-God. If He had performed miracles in the past, he can now and HE will in the future. And that is for sure. 🙂

He knows what he is doing and He is very good at what HE does. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

It is comforting to know that no matter how unfaithful we are, the Lord will always reach us out and show His kindness, mercy, and faithfulness – Through His WORD, through music, through people. Certainly, God is with us wherever we go.

Above all, God is reminding you today that He is the same GOD of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

“God, you’ve never lost a battle. And you never will.”

May you have a peaceful and lovely day!

Categories: Blog, Motivation

3 Reasons Why

Have you ever wanted to do something that has been in your heart for a long time? But you couldn’t do it? It makes your heart beat faster because you know that it’s something you really want to try? Are you waiting for someone’s approval that this is something you should do or you should be doing?

For example, a business you want to start, a course you want to take, or starting a new blog? Etc. There are many reasons why we cannot do the things we love to do. Today, I will be sharing the three main reasons why we hesitate from doing the things we’ve been wanting to do.

Fear

Hello there! It’s always the number one. The top one. FEAR.

Fear is inevitable. Honestly, I am always afraid. I can’t even remember the last time I was brave enough to do something. The only thing I can remember now is the day I needed to push my baby out of my womb. I was brave back then HAHA.

But besides that, I’ve always been scared to pursue what I love, scared to even try, scared to fail. I could hear the negative voices telling me that I cannot do it. But then, I decided once and for all to face it, to face my fear. That even if I am scared, I have to do it scared.

Also, you can trust God’s word on this – when you are afraid, know that God has given you the power to overcome it.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind

2 Timothy 1:7

Fear hinders us to do great things. There are these thoughts in our heads that would constantly be telling us that we cannot do it. You’re afraid, I get that. But it is a lie that we cannot do it because we can. You just have to begin, to step on it. Begin somewhere. Just do it!

Starting a new blog

Starting my own blog with my own domain was a step of faith. I was afraid that the things I would write are just non-sense. No one will ever read them. I am just gonna waste my time and my money on this. It’s not gonna work. Yeah?! I feel that all the time. But guess what? Here I am, still blogging. I’ve been on this for a year now (with my own domain, 5 years in total starting with a free one)

I love doing it. Readers or no readers, I will keep doing it. Why? Because I love what I do. I will always come back to the truth that this is something I enjoy doing. So whether I get income from it or not, I will keep doing it. Whether I have readers or if no one will ever visit my site, it’s cool. But of course, it would be great to have some. HAHA. I would appreciate it.

How to overcome your fear?

To overcome the fear, firstly, remind yourself of the purpose of doing it, so you don’t lose track. Secondly, write it/them down in your journal, or on a piece of paper, post it on your table or wall to constantly remind you of the reasons why you are doing it. And thirdly, do it afraid.

One of the reasons why I started a blog is because I could express myself freely. I enjoyed sharing my insights and experiences that would help others who are experiencing the same. However, fear is always present. Fear of being laughed at, being judged, and failing.

People will always have negative feedbacks on what we do, but remember that there are people who will support you all the way. Focus on them. Find that group who would encourage you even if you know deep down your heart that you are doing so bad. HAHA. Yet, they would tell you to keep going.

You are not living for them. Your purpose. huh? Remember that. Don’t lose track. My purpose is to inspire others by doing what I love. And that gives me the courage to keep doing it.

Again, fear is inevitable. You will always feel this, so you might as well do things afraid.

Comparison

“I am a beginner, she is a pro.” If I compare myself to a professional, I would just lock myself up and not do anything at all. Don’t write, you’ll embarrass yourself. As a result, you’ll feel all over your body that you don’t measure up. You’re not good enough. you’re not good at all. Hmmm.

That is to say, you are not gonna do what you love to do. You got stuck there, my friend. Because you compare. It doesn’t work like that. It definitely hinders you to begin somewhere.

After that, you just look down on yourself constantly and basically beat yourself up for not doing or trying the things that you want to do in your life.

So I am here to tell you, my dear friend. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF! Don’t do that.

You’re going there. As you begin somewhere, you will definitely get there. Stop looking at other peoples best when starting out. It could end up as a source of anxiety, insecurity and eventually depression. But use them as tools to inspire you to do the things that you love to do. Look up to them and know that God made you wonderfully, beautifully, and uniquely. You can do it also – uniquely. 🙂

Go back to the purpose.

I’ve been there, and it is not easy to get out of it. We are human, we have feelings. We look down on ourselves, we feel that we can’t make it because we are so busy comparing ourselves to others.

When I started blogging, I noticed that my posts are not as popular as others. One caption, one image and they have thousands of views and likes. Dang! I spent time writing and editing my blog, and then boom. Nada! Nothing! HAHA

However, I go back to my purpose. And when there are one or two who send me messages and comments that they love what I write, that it inspires and encourages them, I feel fine again. Back on track. The likes, followers, and subscribers don’t define you.

I believe that God is the one who put those desires in your heart. He’s been telling you to step on it, have faith, and believe that you can do it through His strength and power.

Created for a Purpose

Additionally, don’t be too hard on yourself. You are created for a purpose. Find your purpose and live with it. Focus on the good things in you. Besides, you are thinking about doing it because you are capable. So, let me clarify this — stop comparing. You are awesome, you can do it! 🙂

Lack of 4DS

We hear this all the time. We need the following to be successful :

  • Determination
  • Diligence
  • Dedication
  • Discipline

In other words, we’re just lazy. HAHA. We cannot do the things we love to do or want to do if we don’t have determination, diligence, dedication, and discipline.

I remember writing these down on my journal and planners. I have so many things in my head, things I would love to begin with. But I am lacking all of these all the time. Today, I am motivated. Tomorrow, I don’t want to do anything but browse social media accounts. Sounds familiar? Well, at least I am honest. It is not easy, huh?!

We all know that people become successful because they are determined to finish what they started. They sacrifice many things, they stick to their plan and purpose. Mapapa- ‘sana all’ ka din minsan e!

We are all work in progress. If you want to do the things you love to do, be determined to do them. Sacrifice is also one of the keys. You don’t have a lot of time? Well, make time. We are all given 24 hours a day, let us learn to manage it well. If you need to rest from social media for a while, take your time then, and plan things while away from all that noise.

Work in Progress

I am a work in progress. I write this not because I am perfect enough to acquire all these traits. Of course not! This topic is also a note to self. A challenge for myself. We know that there are things that need to be changed. And I feel like if I talk about them now, I stand accountable to myself – and to my readers – to get better.

One at a time. I would suggest to begin working on discipline. We all need it.

Let’s keep doing the things we love to do. 🙂

Thank you for taking your time reading this. I appreciate it. You have a good day, lovely people!

Categories: Christianity, Motivation, Personal

The Last Time My World Felt Shaken

The first three years of my life in Aruba were not that WOW. It followed with more struggles, more cries, and more discouragements. Do not get me wrong. Life is also good at some points but those years were the difficult ones.

I didn’t have a good relationship with my first employers. It is not easy for me to talk about it but here I go reminiscing about my past life here. Working for them had taught me a lot of things, but at the same time, it lowered my self-esteem.

I was at the point of not seeing any self-worth. I felt dumb and like nothing. It was a terrible feeling ever.

“NO ONE WILL ACCEPT YOU” one of the lines my employer had released to me. And I lived with it for few years. Believing that no one will ever accept me.

I have never felt so lonely, and so down all my life. They were the years where all my strength was drowning without anyone noticing them.

I tried to look fine and happy whenever I meet people. It wasn’t easy for me to show what I really feel because I was afraid to be judged. They know me as this lady who is so deep in the knowledge of God, a worshiper, and a faithful servant of God.

Well, let me tell you this. I am also a human who can feel any of the feelings and emotions felt by all mankind.

Years kept going and the depression kept rising up. I was so busy looking down on myself. It is difficult to find my purpose here.

I wanted to go home. But I was stuck.

I didn’t have enough money to go back home. Also, I didn’t want to go home losing the battle. Still, that little part in my brain telling me to keep going. And a still small voice whispering the opposite of what I felt. “

“You are loved.”

Unwanted.

During those years, I felt unwanted and unworthy. There were no good things about me. Well, that’s what I thought. I was just that dumb person who feel useless. No matter how I tried to please them, I was still the worse one.

I was ignored quite a few times. I felt like they were talking about me.

Are they talking negatively about me? Are they laughing about me? My thoughts.

I attended one new year’s eve,(I can still the pain when I think about it), someone ignored me. She hugged the one next to me and exchanging a ‘happy new year’ to each other. One was coming to us to greet us, she also said hi to that person. And I was just standing there ignored the whole time. The whole evening.

I wanted to her to like me. That night was very awkward and painful at the same time. It felt uncomfortable but I didn’t have much choice at the moment but to just endure it.

As soon as I get home, the tears from my eyes immediately fell like the water from the faucet. My eyes weren’t the only ones in pain because of crying excessively, but also my heart.

Most especially my heart. What was wrong with me?

All I wanted was to be wanted. Because I know, even I had low-self esteem at that time, I know that I wasn’t a bad person.

Life was hard.

From my employer, telling me that no one will ever accept me to someone who ignored me, and made me feel unwanted was already too much for me.

As years passing, there were some issues also with family. Overwhelmed with all the things going on and kept piling up. I just couldn’t handle them. Or I didn’t know-how. They’re just too much for me.

I wanted to escape. Like, live somewhere where no one knows you. To begin your life without anyone but you. After all, that’s all I felt. ALONE.

I dwell on the thoughts that no one will ever like me. I think there was something wrong with me. Anxieties, extreme sadness, and depression were all over me. I didn’t want to get up.

I felt that my world was shaken. It actually did.

UNTIL ONE DAY…

A voice was telling me to pick myself up together. This is enough. I had to do something.

Journaling and blogging became my escape. It helped me so much to heal myself from within. I would let my thoughts out freely. At the same time, helped me to know myself better. Journaling or blogging is my expression of my own self.

The Lord had shown me once again that HE could make impossible things possible when God had allowed me to travel to the US, and finally see Mum again.

The Time Has Come

Congratulations! Your Visa Has Been Approved. Reading this line had brought my heart so much joy. I called this a monster blessing. It’s the American dream! HAHA

The experience I had, had made me want to go back to the Philippines. But the Lord didn’t let that happened because he wants to give me the best and this unexpected blessing. They are unexpected but planned. Planned by God.

I get a chance to travel to different states in the US. And I thank God for that, He has so many surprises for me after years of pain:

God’s Surprise overwhelmed me in a very amazing way. I get to check some on my bucket list such as going to Disney World, to see Jollibee again, experienced Solar Eclipse, attended a concert of one of my favorite worship leaders-Kari Jobe, and a lot of travel.

My heart was ecstatic to receive all these blessings. It was such a relief. I was full of joy. I couldn’t explain it. For a moment I forgot everything I went through and just enjoy the times of refreshing and rest.

It is something like God telling me “Enjoy the things I have prepared for you”

UNSHAKEN

The feeling of being of unwanted is somehow true and sometimes not. I can easily discern when someone doesn’t like me. I thank God for that. But sometimes it is all in our head.

The voice that kept telling me the opposite thoughts I had was from HIM. It’s always been HIM. I have loved you with an everlasting love. He is not against me. He doesn’t rejoice on my pain. But instead, He was there with me during the pains.

God didn’t leave me, He was there with me all this time. I needed to go through all of those struggles in life so I could experience the better picture of His plan.

I needed to feel the pain of being ignored for me to feel the embrace of God telling me he is always there for me no matter what. That he accepts me as I am. That I do not need to prove anything to be liked and be loved, because He had loved me from the very beginning of time.

People, won’t see those tears from my eyes but He had seen them. He had heard my prayers and my cries.

You may feel unwanted and unworthy. But be unshaken. These thoughts and feelings are not true. God wants you. You are worthy!

Thank God I didn’t give up

If I gave up those first years living here in Aruba, I would have not married a great man, and would not see my daughter’s smile, hear her giggles. I won’t be able to travel to the US.

I believed the words my first employer for three years. No one will ever accept you.

Fast forward…

I have a job right now who appreciates me. I sent my resignation letter one time for some reason, but the HR manager and the general manager took their time to talk to me, convincing me to stay.

Final Words

I know this is getting long. If you are still reading at this point, I really appreciate you.

Do not let any hurtful words define you neither control you. I’ve wasted years believing that I am not good enough. The truth is there are so many good things in us. We couldn’t see them because we are busy looking at our lacking.

If someone treats you badly and you just stay calm and nice, It is not you who has the problem. It is them. So do not be too hard on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up by the negative thoughts running through your head.

This article was inspired by our online devotion from YouVersion Bible. We were encouraged to write about the last time your world felt shaken. The devotion was based on Acts 16:27-33 where an unexpected earthquake ripped through the prison walls and the doors were banged open. Prisoners escaped except Paul and Silas.

Acts 16:25-33
Contemporary English Version

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. 26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners.
27 When the jailer woke up and saw that the doors were open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped. He pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! No one has escaped.”
29 The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home.”
32 Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord. 33 While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized.

They stayed so the glory of God will be revealed.

God has shown me where He was in the midst of my mess.

While writing this,my tears kept shedding. I asked my husband to read this and tell me what he thinks. He hugged me afterward and tell me I was the best thing that happened to him.

I sobbed. Like, what? I wasn’t expecting him to do that. He whispered to my ears “You are stronger now”

I was right there on his chest while he was hugging me tight, sobbing.

I am grateful for the experience. It’s been a while since the last time I cried. Today was one of those days where God once again show me where he was and where he will be in the midst of a felt-like-shaken-world.

And by writing this, if there is someone out there going through something similar, I would like to encourage you to hang in there. There is a time for everything. Believe in God and believe also in yourself 🙂 God has created you for a great purpose. I would be glad to join you to find that.

Thank you for reading.

Categories: Family & Relationship, Island Life

This is how we go on a date in Aruba on a budget.

During lockdown or shelter in place, the government demanded people to stay home.

I am sure that a lot of people, especially extroverts were impatient to go out and have some fun. I am going to share how my husband and I managed to have quick quality time outside the house.

Mostly, restaurants were open for deliveries and drive-thru. Now, even though they are open, we try not to stay or dine-in as much as possible. Why? We are parents of an 8 month-old-baby. In order for us to protect her, we have to be careful ourselves.

COVID-19 pandemic changed our lifestyle. We have to get along, go with the flow, and embrace the new normal living.

Drive-thru order.

Wendy’s on the beach. It’s a dinner date!

There was this time, on an afternoon, we went for grocery, and decided to eat something afterward. Zoey, our daughter was taken care of her Oma (Grandma) at that moment, for a while.

CTTO: Wendy’s Aruba Facebook Page

We ordered Wendy’s drive-thru. We had the Biggie Bag special, which costs Awg 10.95. And for us to enjoy it a little bit, we went to the beach, stayed in the car, and ate our delicious food. Simplicity is beauty.

The view was amazing. It wasn’t a sophisticated restaurant but our quick date became fancy, because of the beach view in front of us.
It was a whistle-stop on the beach yet it’s fun.

No description available.

Food Truck.

My husband had to go to work. It’s Saturday, and it’s my off day. Saturday mornings were settled to meet the young ladies for discipleship. My mother-in-law takes care of Zoey on Saturdays.

I wanted to spend time with Brandon even for just a little while, only the two of us. We went early to a food truck called Shoco snack. Same thing, we ordered our food and went to the beach. We enjoyed our view and the food.

No description available.
Sorry, I bit it already and realized I didn’t take a photo before biting. HAHA #bloggerlife
No description available.

I ordered carne empanada with orange juice. He had chicken and carne empanada plus we shared a chicharon slice. Dushi! The total amount we spent was about Awg 19.00

He dropped me to the place I had to go, and he went to work. And that’s it! We had a great time for a very short time.

Make Time for Each Other

My mom will always tell, and remind me to have quality time with my husband. Just because we have a baby doesn’t mean we won’t go out, or go on a date.

It is not easy but we are trying. Being new parents to Zoey is challenging yet fulfilling. Though it is exhausting, yet she is the greatest blessing we ever had.

With that being said, spicing up the relationship is also important. We will be good parents if we are good partners. No matter how busy you are, make time for each other.

It doesn’t have to be in an expensive way. I think, we only need to be creative, and elegant at the same time. The important part is the quality time you spend on each other.

It is easy to be negative during this time. But one thing I realized, your family is your greatest treasure. Finances will be tight at the moment, but I would love to strengthen my relationship with God, with my husband, and my family.

Keep safe, everyone!

Privacy Policy

Love, Princess Privacy Policy