FORGIVENESS

I came across someone’s quote that resonated with me: “Choosing not to speak to someone after forgiving them silently is a form of self-care.” It made me reflect on my own realizations.

If we directly analyze this phrase, it holds true for some of us, INCLUDING MYSELF, honestly. If we aim to establish boundaries and distance ourselves from those who have caused us pain, and for what reasons, such as to heal, move forward, and let go of everything, including that individual, this is the approach we take for self-care, as we perceive it. But is avoidance truly an act of self-care? If we consider it from another perspective, that strategy won’t prove effective. The most unpleasant memories in our lives don’t simply vanish from our minds, especially when they have inflicted significant pain and involve another person. They persist, catching us off guard when we least expect it. We refer to this phenomenon as a flashback, a recurring presence that will continue to haunt us indefinitely.

Without our awareness, we may not have truly forgiven them, despite what we may have believed. Choosing not to engage with them serves as a form of avoidance, offering only temporary peace. There will inevitably come a day when we unexpectedly face them. What will we do then? The past will stir within us once more, despite our efforts to establish boundaries, and we’ll find ourselves reliving the pain, perhaps even more intensely, realizing it has morphed into resentment. Each day brings new realizations in our lives, fostering personal growth, particularly as we seek guidance from  God. Spiritually, we nourish ourselves each day, we will be guided.

Let’s rephrase the quote –

Forgiving people with an open heart, being willing to address and discuss issues if given the opportunity, is the best form of self-care. This way, peace isn’t just temporary but lasts a lifetime.

~Nodz

STRENGTH AND HOPE

I got a beautiful quote from a character in a Netflix series “Snowpiercer”( still in the process of finishing the series ❤️).

“THE  WEAKEST ARE  THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM MEMORIES, THE STRONGEST CARRY  THE PAST LIKE FUEL TO IGNITE A PATH FORWARD.”

What does this mean?  People who are held back by their past experiences and memories often find it difficult to move forward, whereas those who are strongest are able to use their past as a source of motivation to drive themselves forward. Whenever we had dark experiences from the past, like for instance a tragedy , something that wounds us to the core. This compels us to experience a sense of despair, we find ourselves trapped in a pit. But if we possess the strength to confront our past experiences, advancing forward becomes much simpler.

During the first phase of the pandemic, many perished unexpectedly, losing children, siblings, or even parents just like that. It was extremely difficult, with no certainty in anything. Businesses and jobs were lost. Everyone was stressed. Some of us still carry what happened, the loved ones we’ve lost. When we think about it, we feel weak, questioning what more there is to continue for when they’re no longer here. We must remain resilient, cling to our faith in God, and continue pressing forward.

Just as I did when we lost our youngest , we fought tirelessly to extend his life, never ceasing in our quest for a cure for his illness. I even sought help from a hospital in the US specializing in rare disease. Very grateful for this doctor in that hospital who didn’t hesitate to help, whenever I needed some answers, he was there, assisting and to those friends I’ve met, they know who they are, who helped me, I could gain access to the information I needed. Still, despite our efforts, we still lost our youngest in the end, God  truly knows; His will always prevails for good. Nevertheless, we accepted it and found the strength to move forward. I continue to push forward, living a normal life despite the deep scars of our past. Though it occasionally haunts me, us- I constantly remind myself of the importance of cherishing life.

Again,
“The weakest are those who suffer from memories , the strongest  carry the past like fuel to ignite  a path forward.” -Snowpiercer

*WHAT A BEAUTIFUL QUOTE, ISN’T IT?

~Nodz

Photo credit: by Alfo Medeiros: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lighted-torch-in-close-up-shot-13169561/

The Symbiotic Dance of Self-Care and Forgiveness

In the intricate tapestry of personal growth, I’ve come to recognize a profound dance between self-care and forgiveness, a symbiotic relationship that weaves resilience, emotional healing, and a tapestry of well-being.

Within every family or any relationship, chaos prevails, misunderstandings arise, and clashes of pride are inevitable. One might express, another might rectify, yet ultimately, it is communication that intertwines the threads of hurt and pain. Can we address internal conflicts through venting or expressing grievances? Allowing space and time with prayers helps and collaborate harmoniously. Navigating this complexity is no simple feat. As humans, we inherently justify our beliefs, often insisting on our opinions. We truly need guidance, a need to actively listen, to genuinely feel, and to deeply understand each other, our hearts and mind should collaborate and exist in harmony.

Reflect upon this as query to dwell upon. Is it correct to perceive forgiveness as a facet of self-care in your perspective? Are there individuals whom you have not forgiven, perhaps for specific reasons? Have you navigated the journey of forgiveness for those who have brought about considerable turmoil? and distress in your life?

Perhaps now is the moment to pause, reflect, and contemplate the transformative potential of forgiveness . Certainly, this embodies authentic self-care—easing the burdensome load and welcoming a serene peace into your life. I am offering insights based on my own experiences and reflections.

~Nodz

Aging Well

I’d like to delve into the subject of AGING (ouch 😅) drawing from recent experiences in conversations and observing how some people respond to straightforward statements. Does it have a connection to one’s age? Hmmm… maybe I’m just too sensitive, as they say, observant.

AGING WELL-Thriving in aging—an uncomplicated phrase with profound and expansive implications.

Exploring the intricacies of aging: its impact on emotions, character, attitude, and perspective; the evolving personality and changing dynamics in relationships.
My questions to you –
* Does aging influence you positively or negatively?
* How does the aging process influence your mood, emotions, and thought patterns?
* Have you reflected on the changes between your past self and who you are now?
*Have you reevaluated your approach toward yourself and others?

Aging manifests on both physical and mental fronts. Allow me to share my perspective, they might provide a more profound insight and prove beneficial.

What does aging well entail? It encompasses two facets. Aging well mentally and physically. I’ll begin with the mental aspect briefly, understanding mental aging and how can we attain it. Aging mentally involves maintaining cognitive well-being as we grow older. This involves keeping the mind active with activities like reading and learning. Stay socially connected to combat loneliness (I’m guilty) maintain a positive outlook, and manage stress. Embracing new experiences and being adaptable contribute to a mentally fulfilling and resilient aging journey. How does this impact the aging process? Well, over time, these maintain a healthy mindset as we age.

Let’s dive into aging well “physically” This involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of health. Regular exercise, balance nutrition, quality sleep, hydration, mind body practices and preventive healthcare. We all carry a measure of guilt regarding these, so am I but we should try. Incorporating essential practices for aging well mentally and physically is a must. Making sure to take care of our mental and physical well-being as we age is crucial. It not only improves our outlook on life but also shapes our character positively. Let’s remember also to nurture our spiritual well-being; it holds significant influence as well 😊

Let’s age gracefully!
*Control our temper
*Stretch our patience
*Understand more

Embracing the new year with the grace of seasoned years, here’s to aging well and writing more beautiful chapters ahead.⚘️

🙏 God bless

~Nodz

Control and let go …

Have you ever experienced a profound sense of disappointment in your life, where you wished that things had turned out differently or should have been a certain way? How did you confront the disappointment or what actions did you take in response to it?

Life is a complex tapestry of events, circumstances, and relationships, often filled with unpredictability and challenges. In the face of such complexity, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, and consumed by the things we cannot control. However, within this intricate web, there exists a liberating truth: the power to focus on what we can control and let go of what we cannot.

The human mind is naturally inclined to seek control and stability. We strive to mold our lives according to our desires and expectations, yearning for certainty and predictability. Yet, as life unfolds, we inevitably encounter situations and factors that lie beyond our reach. It is during these times that our ability to differentiate between what is within our control and what is not becomes crucial.

Focusing on what we can control is a powerful mindset that empowers us to shape our own lives. We have agency over our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We can choose to cultivate positive thinking, develop healthy habits, and act in ways that align with our values. By directing our energy towards these controllable aspects, we create a ripple effect that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. At the same time, it is essential to recognize and accept the existence of factors beyond our control. External circumstances, the actions of others, and unforeseen events often fall outside the realm of our influence. The weather may not cooperate with our plans, people may behave differently from our expectations, and global events may unfold in ways we cannot predict. By acknowledging these realities, we free ourselves from the burden of trying to manipulate outcomes that are simply not ours to determine.

Letting go of what we cannot control is not a sign of weakness or resignation; rather, it is an act of wisdom and self-preservation. It liberates us from the shackles of frustration, anxiety, and stress. It allows us to redirect our attention and energy towards what truly matters—the things we can influence and shape. By releasing our attachment to outcomes, we create space for acceptance, resilience, and inner peace. Cultivating this mindset requires conscious effort and practice. It involves developing self-awareness and recognizing when we are holding onto things beyond our control. It requires us to shift our focus from worrying about the uncontrollable to taking proactive steps towards the things we can influence. It demands patience and the willingness to surrender the need for constant certainty.

One valuable tool in this journey is the practice of mindfulness. By cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of our thoughts and emotions, we can detach ourselves from unhelpful narratives and break free from the grip of the uncontrollable. Mindfulness allows us to stay grounded in the present, appreciating the beauty and opportunities that surround us, rather than being consumed by concerns about the future or regrets about the past.

Ultimately, focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we can’t is a transformative approach to life. It empowers us to take charge of our own happiness, success, and well-being. It liberates us from the weight of trying to control the uncontrollable, freeing up mental and emotional space for growth and personal development. By embracing this mindset, we navigate life’s uncertainties with grace, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Along Our Way

One message God’s want to convey,
our faith and trust we must take.
Life’s road’s may be steep and rough,
just follow His trail and be tough.
There’ll be tears and pain along the way
he will cover us through these rain.
His invisible hands to lead and guide,
in our trip ahead, He’ll stay beside.

~Nodz

“The Gifts And Blessings”- The Beauty Around Us

I’ve washed that dish a million times! My kitchen sink seems like a hole that I keep falling and can’t escape from. I wonder how many spoons and forks I’ve washed in the last ten years? And the laundry basket. It’s perpetually full! I’ll bet I could go to the dryer anytime, day or night, and find at least ten ragged towels, six wrinkled shiets, and twenty three socks, five of each have no mate. Who cares?    – taken from Janice Kempe inspirational article.

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Some people are naturally positive and optimistic, whereas others tend to see the world in a more negative light and always think the glass is half-empty. It’s a reality we complain most of the time, everyday we grumble even without realizing it, the little things that normally happen to us like being stuck in a traffic jam or being turned down for a job, housechores needed to be done or in the middle of a busy hour in the office, battling the deadlines and yet so many phone calls distracting us. When my son died, it’ s not all about the grieving and the sadness, it taught  me to value more each little things, the every moment with friends and family while I’m still here. So much beauty in the world waiting to be appreciated and noticed, just being alive alone is something to be grateful with, we still have the chance to fulfill our dreams, enjoy each God’s blessings and  gifts with our friends and family, the things around us; new clothes, new gadgets, or by helping needy people through charity events. It’s up to us now 🙂

~Nodz

Be Gentle

IMAGE SOURCE: http://sheseeksserendipity.tumblr.com/

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Getting in touch with whatever pain we have – accepting it, feeling it, and sitting with it for a time is what will lead us to heal. We must keep going and never miss any beautiful things and wondeful people that truly cares for us. Patience is the key, there will be rocks along the way, just keep walking.  Assuring ourselves that we will be okay in God’s time. Every after storm there’s always a sun that will rise.

~Nodz

Strong Enough

How do you respond when you’re facing something so difficult and tough or suppose, you’re driving along an empty dark highway, you get scared. Will you simply stop and just go back  or continue to your destination no matter what?

~Nodz

Ghost…of the past

What comes in our mind when we hear the word Halloween?  Ghosts, souls, spirits, spooky houses are the common things, scary movies can be added. I won’t be talking more of this Halloween thing but instead the other ghost. I may call it, the ghost of the past –Memories that burn that comes back to haunt and rob our peace of mind. Let me share something about my little boy, young as four years old, he went through five major surgeries already. It was extremely distressing traumatic but apparently for him seems it was nothing. Still, the bubbly little kid, just too brave to face everything. Whenever I looked back, I have this bitterness and anguish inside, how could this little sweet angel with a good heart has to suffer. Still, I can’t accept the kind of fate that’s written on his hand. Pain engraves a deeper memory but the goodness of God is helping me out slowly to move forward and let go. Like just any mother, I have to remain strong.

There are certain guidelines written by Harold Sala which we can follow to realize and experience a healing of the emotions. I’m stating it as briefly as I can.

•  Understand the nature of forgiveness- When it comes to harmonious living, no other quality, with the possible exception of love, is more needed than forgiveness. It is in our daily routines that the irritations of our human faults and imperfections take their toll.
• Be sure we have sought God’s forgiveness– There are times when failures drive us to our knees when our own behavior makes us realize that our hearts are deceptive and tricky.
•  Extend forgiveness to the one who has hurt you– How do we overcome bitterness and hatred when we have been wronged and we are absolutely convinced that we cannot forgive. By praying for the person and the circumstance as well who has hurt us, the one we can’t forgive, the memory that burns.
• Forgive ourselves– Forgiveness is like a three-cornered hat in that there are aspects involved, and when any of them missing, forgiveness is an incomplete-in relationship to God, in relationship to the offended person, in relationship to ourselves.
• Give the bitterness of that memory to Jesus, to God –Why should we carry the burden of a memory which scars, when Jesus already died for the very burden we are trying to carry. Simply it’s not our responsibility.
• Refuse to let our mind dwell on the memory that burns– Some folks live with constant bitterness and heartaches because they cling to the shattered fragments of a life that went to pieces.
• Replace the memory that burns with the word of God– There is therapeutic healing in the Word of God because the Holy Spirit uses the Word to bring restoration and healing to burned-out emotions.
• Cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your Healing– It is the nature of Satan to ensnare, deceive, and destroy, while it is the nature of God to liberate, restore and heal.
  
• Begin praising God for bringing restoration and healing to your life- Let us claim the healing.
  

*Individually we have different personal opinions, beliefs, even strategies on how to handle the “ghost” that usually devours our mind and souls each time. My respect for each of your beliefs. May God be with us all…

~Nodz

Kind Words

Just a smile, a pat on the shoulder, by listening to them -ensuring them of our presence  or even “shorts words” of encouragement . This simple kindness is about caring genuinely for others around us, wanting the best for them  and recognizing in them the same wants, needs, aspirations and even fears that we have too. Kindness is warm, resilient, patient, trusting, loyal and grateful. It heals heart and mind that lingers.

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You don’t have to preach a sermon. You don’t have to quote twenty-five scripture verses. Just a few kind words can start the healing process for someone else  <Joel Osteen>

~Nodz

Arrrrrrgh STRESS!

Stress is becoming an almost inescapable part of modern life-almost. We’re under pressure at work, at home, pressure to succeed, pressure to provide for the family, pressure to be a good parent, pressure from every side, so often we just don’t know how to cope,  what can we do?  Let me share some tips I read…

• Pray. Make a quiet time with God a daily habit, even just to whisper a short one.
• Laugh
• Allow extra time to do things and to get to places if we can get a chance.
• Pace ourselves. Spread our big changes and difficult projects over time, when possible; don’t lump the hard things all together.
• Concentrate on things we have direct control over ourselves and our habits rather than on things that we have little or no control over.
• Get organized so everything has its place.
• Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a valid concern, find out what God would have we do about it. If we’re worried about something that we can’t or shouldn’t do anything about, then put it in HIS hands.
• Take one day at a time.
• Carry God’s word with us to read while waiting or during spare moments.
• Slow down.
• Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a hearty “Thank you, God”
• Don’t take on new work until we have taken care of timely matters that are still pending.
• Having problems? Talk to God on the spot, we have a free line to heaven anytime. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
• Remind ourselves that we are not the general manager of the universe.
• Get enough exercise.
• Simplify and declutter our lives.
• Every night before bed, think of at least one thing we’re grateful for that day that came out.
• Develop  a forgiving attitude If we can, most people are doing the best they can.
• Be kind to unkind people, they probably need it the most.
• Eat right.
• Thank God for what’s coming, because He won’t send us anything that we and He can’t handle together < He can be our  counselor, coach, business manager, executive secretary, personal trainer, confidant and best friend.

To contend with the stress that has become part of modern living. God is all we need…..

~Nodz

The Quiet Angel

“Let me be this angel to you” 

~Nodz 

Recipe for Life

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FOR TROUBLED MIND

When trouble sets in,
pressures get closer,
Take a cup of patience,
slice of understanding
sprinkled with humor.
together, mixing it over.
Thing’s gonna be okay!

FOR WORRIED MIND

If too much worries gets you down
A quart of faith, spoons of hope,
blend all together with calmness,
think God’s word and promises
bake with trust, all clear in flash!

NOTE:

Measure everything carefully,
season all  to taste with spice of life
Serve with  God’s Love..

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  Every morning when  I get up, I  do always watch Asian food Channel for an hour or two.  I just love food,  I love cooking. It’s fun to see colors of  vegetables and meat mixed up, added with variety of ingredients, spices etc.  Our souls  as well need daily food just as much our bodies.  Two easy recipes for soul 😉

.A blessed day! 🙂

~Nodz

Happiness

We will never be able  to fully control  every thing that’s  happening in our lives, however we can be able to choose  emotional response towards it.  Emotions can be conditioned and we  are capable of keeping ourselves from doing  what we feel pulled to do by our emotions,  like in  rough times,  just having the right attitude- by switching on the light of hope from God and use it,  we can still be happy inspite ,  because we know deep inside, there’s  powerful  God  that would take charge and need not to worry.

“Why don’t we ? “

~Nodz

Hug

 We may think, a strong one can always be fast enough  to win any life’s difficult race nor  brave enough to face any life’s battle  but like any other human being, in most  tough circumstance, somewhere within them, their vulnerability. A hug will suffice…

 

~Nodz