Day 27: #30GratefulDays | Rise Against Hunger

I joined the Rise Against Hunger meal packing event at Conrad Manila yesterday because I wanted to help our brothers and sisters in Lanao del Sur. While I do not have much to contribute, I knew that my time and voice online would help somehow. I knew very little about this organization, as I just stumbled upon their events on Facebook. However, I was impressed with the way they engage the public by holding meal packing shifts that anyone could join. I eventually signed up for their meal packing event and I was excited to be a volunteer for a day. 

Now that I am unemployed, there is a tendency for me to feel overwhelmed with the endless job hunting and limitations I am facing. This meal packing event reminded me of how fortunate I am to eat thrice a day. I am getting sufficient nourishment, while there are so many who are starving. I must admit that I felt ashamed of how pessimistic I could be. Packing these rice-soy bags made me appreciate what I have, and what I still could be. 

While I was ranting about not earning an income, there are Filipinos who are hungry. While I am job hunting, there are those who sleep at night with an empty stomach. I hope that there will be more initiatives to feed the hungry and provide assistance to those who lack access to their basic needs.  

I encourage you to join their upcoming events. You won’t regret a few hours of doing good. 

Photo from Rise Against Hunger Philippines  

Day 25: #30GratefulDays | What I Did Wrong

Skye from Barkin Blends says 😋

I have been blogging everyday since speakoutsam.com went live in May. I had some doubts in the beginning, because I never had the discipline to write an entry on a daily basis. However, I surprised myself and managed to write a blog entry every single day. I had both good and bad days, and of course, my blog is far from perfect. I committed mistakes which propelled me forward. Looking back, these errors sparked my best plans of attack without pulling me backwards. So without further ado, here’s a comprehensive list of What I Did Wrong...and what I have learned so far.

1. Do not sound desperate. I have always advocated being real on my blog, but sounding too desperate during tough times will turn your readers off. Do keep in mind that your primary reader is yourself, so when you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and assess how to be real with blogging about your challenges without sounding helpless. 
2. Help yourself first.  Blogging is first and foremost, a personal journey. You have to help yourself first before extending a hand to other people. Make sure that your priorities are addressed before tackling other issues. That way, your content will still shine without sounding like a plea for help.
3. Never assume that you are alone. Blogging is a creative outlet, and believe it or not, you have readers out there. Never assume that you are all alone in this journey. Ask for advice from fellow bloggers, readers, and even recruit some friends to edit your blog. You will be surprised with your eventual growth once you realise that you are not alone.
4. Keep on trying. Your blog is entirely yours. If you get negative feedback, do not be discouraged! Take them constructively, and keep on trying. A new day = another chance to start over.
5. Writer’s block is a myth. There is no such thing as spacing out when you are trying to write. You just have to be consistent with churning out quality content. Personally, I am productive when I am on the go, so I blog using the Squarespace blog app. Develop a writing system that works for you and stop judging yourself.  

Someday, your blog will be your legacy. You can have a good laugh while reading your blog entries from difficult times. The only way to learn from your mistakes is to keep on going with the wisdom behind each error guiding you to do better. Focus on your story and tell the world about it. But before telling the world, tell it to yourself first. You are your primary reader. Blog for yourself, and never let what went wrong prevent you from blogging. Tomorrow is another chance to write better.

  ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 24: #30GratefulDays | Keeping Fit

The past few months may have been challenging, but I never gave up on my workout routine. Want to know my secret to motivating myself? Here are some tips:

1. Always follow a schedule. I am a morning person, so I like burning calories first thing in the AM. It also establishes routine and builds up an exercise habit. It also makes it easier to get it out of the way since you know what schedule works for you. 
2. Put your workout in your planner/diary/journaling app. Set an alarm if necessary to avoid forgetting your workout schedule. 
3. Plan ahead. Do not schedule your workout too close to a lunch out or meeting. You might just decide to prepare for your event and skip working out altogether. Make sure that your workout schedule does not interfere with your other priorities because working out should be one of your main events. 
4. Do not be a workout slave. We only need 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep ourselves healthy. 
5. Add variety to your workouts. I may be loyal to Zumba, but I also enjoy doing HIIT and walk n’ tone workouts. Having different workouts makes the process exciting and balanced, 

While I do workout each day to live a healthier lifestyle with my hypothyroidism, it is important to take note that exercise is for everyone. Keeping fit should not be a luxury. It should be a lifestyle choice. Make it a part of your daily schedule and you will definitely surprise yourself with how working out can make you feel better.

Day 23 | #30GratefulDays: Here For Me

I would like to thank my family for being here for me in this time of my life. The past few months have been exhausting, but they never left my side. To my friends who sent me links, messaged me, asked me how I am, advised me on blogging, work, prayer, and even books, I would like to say thank you! And of course, I am thankful to have A in my life, because he chooses to love me every single day, even when I am not loveable.  

I am grateful that I received love and light when I needed it most. I am happy that my blog helps me connect to those who pushed me forward. Now, let me assure you that I am never giving up, and that following your advice, I am moving onward. 

To you dear reader, thank you for dropping by my home here on the interwebs. Thank you for reading my story. This is just a beginning, and there will be more plot twists to watch out for.  

The whole point of life is to live according to what we think will make us happy. For now, blogging keeps me happy and connected to myself. My eyes have never left my goals, but my heart continues to beat to the rhythm of the present. I will never give up. Happiness is indeed a choice, which I have decided to fight for every single day.  

I hope that you too will fight for your dreams. They are valid, but if you experience setbacks, never lose hope. Just ask for help, and you will be surprised that there will always be people who will be there for you.  

Day 22: #30GratefulDays | Competition Policy for Shared Prosperity

I was fortunate to attend the Competition Policy for Shared Prosperity: Developing SMEs and Maximizing the Digital Economy Conference yesterday at the Discovery Primea. It was organized by the Asian Institute of Management. I attended the conference because I wanted to be aware of how technology could be used to further business in today’s competitive environment. As a blogger and jobseeker, it is important to be at the forefront of today’s trends in commerce, fintech, and economics. I am pleased that there are plenty of opportunities like this event to be exposed to industry leaders. I enjoy listening to what they can share, as this could help me shape my career trajectory. I am fascinated with how all this knowledge could contribute to my growth. It is my hope that I could use this to help in my personal development and enhance the content I write.

I used to work in a BPO for five years as a Senior Risk Officer. My employer used technology to outsource the back office operations of mortgage management. The Philippines is already a leader in outsourcing because we are proficient in English and we have a highly educated workforce. My experience in the company was enriching because I was exposed to Australian culture, business, and attitude towards money. Now that I have decided to move on to another employer, I am determined to select a company that has a desire to grow their reach by maximizing technology. Not only that, I am also looking for a company that supports an advocacy. It is not enough to just focus on the bottom line. I am keen on looking for a balance between business, employee support, effective communication, and social conscience. 

As a design thinking enthusiast, I am excited that the Competition Law is promoting innovation in the industry. The growth of business today means that there is a need for companies to be creative and continue to improve. It would mean constant streamlining of processes and updating of products. In terms of job creation, companies are now engaging potential employees in their hiring process by digitizing testing, and HR procedures. Social media accounts and blogs are also perused to determine if applicants are perfect for the roles they are applying for. It entices the applicants because they are in control of the digital procedures in their hiring, and in the end, they feel that the companies are involving them more in their employment. On the other hand, those who are unemployed who do not feel like joining the workforce are forced to innovate by putting up their own businesses or developing their own brands, often starting with an app or a website.

It is noteworthy that our economy is continuously developing and is enjoying the fruits of foreign remittances from overseas Filipino workers. We also have a highly digital market, as we have a young population who mostly engages in online shopping, learning, and social media. As a part of this demographic, I am on the lookout for practices which go against competitiveness. I also support companies which continuously innovate along with the demands of the market. As a jobseeker, I am aware that choosing the right career is more than just a personal choice. It is also a commitment to innovation and problem solving in this digital age. And it is up to me to evolve and improve myself in this highly competitive workforce.

My goal is to have a stable and innovative career. I cannot afford to be tied down to a job wherein my boss refuses to embrace technology and on the other side of the spectrum, with a boss who perceives me as a mere machine (and refuses to give me time to take vacations and take restroom breaks). I realize that a dynamic career fosters sustainable growth for both me and my employer. If this is achieved somehow, then I can say that a culture of competition is already imbibed in me. Of course, I do know that my primary competition is myself, and I should always surpass my last achievement. 

As I continues jobhunting and blogging, I am preparing myself to shine in the workforce by educating myself. During lunch, I overheard an AIM professor saying that the number one skill right now is learning how to learn. I am now at the crossroads of my life, my career, and my online niche. It is up to me to learn how to absorb, process, and utilize the knowledge presented to me.

Day 21: #30GratefulDays | Work with Sam Page

I have created a page here on my website to make it easier for potential employers to view my credentials and download my CV. 

My Work with Sam page will be regularly updated as I attend trainings, conferences, and workshops. It will also have social media links to my Instagram, LinkedIn, and email.

This will also facilitate a more efficient screening process for my potential employers. I am thankful to have received positive feedback for my blog, so I am utilizing it to store my updated CV with a link for downloading. It is also possible to view my CV using mobile. This will integrate my blog, qualifications, and work experience.

I am thankful that my website's platform, Squarespace, allows this function within my blog. I have used my free time to read on how-to articles on the process, and I was able to put up my career page with ease. I hope that this will foster more job options for me. I also look forward to a more comprehensive way of introducing myself to potential employers and collaborators. 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 20: #30GratefulDays | Free Time

My boyfriend drove me to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima last Sunday. The experience was a refreshing change from my routine of working out, reading, and jobhunting. I prayed for a miracle with my career. Having no job has left me frantic because my savings for my unemployment period is almost empty. Being in a holy place has given me hope for better things. It has also encouraged me to carry on with my routine. 

I am working out and eating healthful food because I want to be he healthiest version of myself. I do not want to be a slob. I still wake up early (around 5AM everyday) to exercise. By following my morning routine, my body clock is still used to my work schedule. That way, I am ready to continue with my dayshift once I get a job. 

My free time may give me the license to be lazy, but I choose not to. I am constantly on the lookout for conferences and seminars for free. I want to sharpen the saw without spending, and I am thankful that events are now posted on Facebook. I only spend on transportation and parking. I aim to learn as much as I can, get useful content for my blog, and network on the side. I am also fascinated with central business districts, so attending conferences gives me the feel of being in an office complex. I love the energy and it inspires me to dream big even when I barely have anything left. 

I am also reading! Thank God for Amazon which allows me to preview books first before buying those that I like. Ebooks are cheaper than paperbacks, and I get to read them even when I am trying to fall asleep. I am happy to free my mind from the pressure of jobhunting while exploring a protagonist’s journey through life.  

I am thankful too for the radio. I bought a radio/MP3 player before I resigned, so I just plug my earphones and listen to 99.5 PlayFM for Top40 hits, 98.7DZFE for classical music, and Jam 88.3 for my alternative soundtrip. Getting free music keeps me upbeat while going about my day. Pop music is part of my routine because it keeps me young and motivated to dance to the beat!

While my financial limitations has kept me at home most of the time, I am thankful that social media is now prevalent. It allows me to keep up with my friends and relatives. I also go jobhunting online using apps. While I used to do it almost the whole day, now I just limit it to an hour in the morning and another hour at night. I realized that jobhunting all day is unhealthy. By limiting myself, I get to economize on time and really applying during the time I set for myself and not checking Facebook while doing so. Once the time is up, I focus on reading and my other priorities.  

I am thankful for the support I have received during this difficult time. I am grateful for the direct messages, texts, and job leads I have received since I posted my blog entry on unemployment yesterday. I hope to finally land a job soon so I can have a better life and a merrier Christmas! 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 19: #30GratefulDays | Unemployment

​Let’s talk about unemployment.

I have been job hunting for the past two and a half months. I have utilized two job hunting apps to navigate the world of job seeking. It has been a treacherous ride. I had to update my resume, attend various seminars to increase my CPD points, take skills tests, and click on “Apply” to various openings near my place of residence until my eyes are already too heavy from sleepiness. Most days are quiet because I just go about with my workouts, books, and jobhunting routine. My phone is always in my hand, waiting for a call or text from some company’s HR.

It has been more than two months and I still do not have a job. ​

The seminars I have been attending are mostly free. I still have to pay for transportation and parking though. It is expensive to learn and sharpen the saw without an income stream.​

I lost a job opportunity because an HR Officer called me in the middle of a seminar. When I told her I was in a conference and I cannot speak at that time, she remarked, “it says here you are unemployed. How come you are able to attend seminars”? I told her that I was qualified and I received a confirmation of my attendance from the organizer. She said that we could not push through with the opportunity anymore.

I also had two instances wherein the phone was hung up by two separate HR Officers. When I called them back, I was told that they do not entertain questions from jobseekers.​

Another time, I received a call from an HR Officer but I was in the middle of a personal concern. When I asked for another call, she said that there is no second chance to discuss the job opening then the line went dead.​

Finally, I asked around for openings near my house. I expressed my experience in finance, banking, risk management, and writing. It was disheartening to be told Hindi mo naman kailangan eh (you do not need the job anyway). Friends, I need a job. My family may live comfortably, but I am living off my small savings and the well is running dry. I desire to work and it pains me that people do not want to help me out because they think I can live without working. Honest work gives me a sense of pride and dignity. I hope that before I am told that I do not need to work, you will also realize that work is for everyone who wants to earn a living. It is not dependent on apparent social standing. Work is a necessity, and if someone needs a job, I hope you can extend a helping hand.​

​Please help me find work. I am aiming for a corporate job in Ortigas or Quezon City in the fields of finance, banking, journalism, and risk management. I would be happy to send my CV upon request.

Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon!​

*​**Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 17: #30GratefulDays | Bullet Journal

Today, I joined a Bullet Journaling workshop, but I had a personal issue to resolve so I basically had to wing it. While I did make it to the venue, I had to prioritize my personal task so I politely excused myself. When I finally had time to learn how to Bullet Journal, I sat down and really learned the basics. Of course, a workshop cannot equip me with journaling skills if I am not 100% committed. Once I have absorbed the fundamentals of BuJo, I met up with my boyfriend and borrowed his laptop. Because I do not have my own laptop, I cannot research on BuJo instructions using my handheld gadgets. Having access to tech gave me a better learning experience. This led to a deeper understanding of BuJo. It was not easy at first to figure out the symbols, the rapid logging, and how to migrate tasks. But because I finally got to clear my head from personal priorities and just focused, I persisted with my research. At the end of three hours, I finally got the system and I was determined to continue bullet journaling. 

I realize that BuJo is a system that can help me get my life organized. While I do keep a planner, it only stores my tasks and reminders. I need a more comprehensive system of logging on my tasks, notes, events, thoughts, and even my moods. It is helpful to arrange my schedule in one notebook which I could carry around with me, and of course, to inspire me to take down notes so I could remember things better. Currently, I am preoccupied with seminars to facilitate professional learning while I am still unemployed. It is helpful to BuJo about my seminars and key takeaways to further research on. By the time I already have this system working, it will already be second nature to me. Hopefully by then, I already have a job. I am excited to see how BuJo can help me professionally. 

I am eager to make this BuJo system work. If you have any ideas or tips for me, feel free to drop me a message or email! I would love to see your BuJo pages and hear more from you. 

   ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***   

Day 16: #30GratefulDays | Silent Sanctuary with the Manila Symphony Orchestra

Once in a while, I take a break from my earphones and watch an honest to goodness concert. My idea of the perfect concert would involve classical music. So whenever I have the time and budget to allocate, I always watch a Manila Symphony Orchestra concert at the Ayala Museum.  

Last night was extra special because the MSO collaborated with Silent Sanctuary, a local rock band who writes soulful ballads with strings in the arrangement. I was eager to hear how this would turn out, as I am a fan of both the band and MSO. I was not disappointed, as their repertoire proved to be a mix of old and new favourites.

I am a classical music girl. My parents raised me to appreciate the genre ever since I was a baby. By the time I was in school, I was accustomed to listening to classical music on my Walkman while reading and studying. I do not have particular favourites, but I am partial towards Mozart and Vivaldi. I also adore the cello, and my favourite cellists are the late Jacqueline du Pre and of course, the inimitable Yo-Yo Ma. 

Classical music allows me to focus on the task at hand without distracting me with unnecessary nuances. I am usually on 98.7 DZFE whenever I am in transit. The local classical radio station feeds my hunger for peace and aural continuum amidst the chaos of the mundane. It is comforting to know that classical music is accessible even when I am on a budget. I also tune in to YouTube and watch performances of classical compositions. Symphonies do refresh my mind. It has already become part of my system, and I cannot live without listening to classical music at least once a day.

I am pleased that the MSO frequently collaborates with rock musicians, as this brings a new audience to their performances. I am also surprised that their tickets are affordable and accessible even to those on a budget. I hope that you will also support the MSO and watch their shows. For now, I am still listening to “Ikaw Lamang” by Silent Sanctuary on repeat.  

Day 15: #30GratefulDays | ResTart

Today, I was tasked by my family to buy Pablo cheese tarts. I personally do not like cheese tarts but it was fun lining up for freshly baked goodness. I hope they will survive the commute home and make the effort worthwhile.  

I used to resent going on errands, but as I grew older, I realized that these errands make life worth living. The mundane inspires us to explore the creative side of life. Buying cheese tarts may be a chore, but I was inspired to hope for better days ahead so that next time, I can treat my family to something wonderful. For now, I am enjoying my free time, as I run errands and hope that the right opportunity for me is just around the corner.  

Day 14: #30GratefulDays | Reunion with High School Friends

I was happy to spend dinner with some of my high school friends at Vikings last night. It has been a long time since I saw my St. Anne friends. Our friend Stephanie is a veterinarian based in Norway and she’s in town for a few days. We arranged a buffet get-together to welcome her and catch up. Just like that, it is high school all over again and these people were just as welcoming as they were to me all those years ago. 

It warms my heart that my friends and I are still in touch even to this day. We keep things real and there is no dull moment between us. Our lives are interesting and it is a joy to see each other succeed in our chosen fields. I am also excited for our next get-togethers. High school never ends; in fact, it only gets better as we grow up. 

Day 11: #30GratefulDays | Sparking Innovation

I was lucky to be one of the participants in the Spark Think Camp organized by the Asian Institute of Management. I was able to diversify my idea of innovation as merely the territory of scientists and those in the academe. As a design thinking enthusiast, I am eager to learn how I can practice innovation in my life, especially in my blog. My wellness journey also requires innovation as I choose to be fit, healthy, and active. It is my desire to share my knowledge through technology (my home here on the interwebs) and activities such as this Think Camp. 

Sustainability is now a hot buzzword, but most people think it is a lofty idea. I have fully embraced sustainability through my passion for social enterprise, particularly with Human Nature. As technology creates opportunities, innovation is key to ensure that sustainability is truly practiced and business continues to develop.

From the perspective of my blog, I make sure that I do not solely focus on hypothyroidism. I write about my other interests as well, such as food, inclusive business, literature, music, culture, and art. Design thinking drives me to have empathy for myself and my audience. I realized that my fitness journey can be more than just eating right and working out. It should be a planned journey revolving around my interests and how I can share my life to inspire more people to achieve wellness through mindfulness.

Innovation increases a brand’s value. My blog is my own brand, so my key takeaway for today is that Innovation increases my content’s value. I cannot just focus on wellness. I have to incorporate my whole lifestyle to show that mindfulness is essential in the process of being healthy. I have to have the discontent, as Mr. Mikko Perez of Ayannah has said. The attitude of discontent opens doors for questioning, research and change. This mindset will shift my blog from being just a diary to becoming a platform for sparking wellness through mindfulness.

Design thinking has also driven me to have a problem solving mindset. Finding solutions is a process. Solving a challenge requires empathy. Applying it to myself, I want to be thin. I want to be fit. And by solving this need through exercise and healthy eating, I eventually created a lifestyle which led me to becoming a better hypothyroidism patient. Now, if I will apply this to my blog, I recognized the need for my wellness journey to be shared to a wider audience. My blog addresses that need, and it is promoted through social media. To incorporate UX, I want to delight my audience and primarily, myself. So, I am also including my lifestyle and interests to spice up my journey.

The challenge for me is to grow and adapt to change. While daily blogging is necessary for my website, I have to be educated with the latest trends. For example, I enjoy reading so I attend book fairs and interact with authors online. I also attend forums like this one at AIM to learn more about innovation. These simple steps ensure that my content is continuously evolving and improving.

I should never lose focus of my WHY. What makes Sam speak out, and why?

Wellness through mindfulness may be my battlecry, but my blog is named SPEAKOUTSAM. I blog to speak out to the world about my battlecry. Innovation drives me to evolve and ride along with change. I have embraced technology to house my thoughts, share my life, and interact with my audience. I am here because speaking out cannot be achieved alone, and wellness through mindfulness is better achieved when there is interaction. No matter what changes will emerge, I will continue to innovate through design. 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 10: #30GratefulDays | Forum on Green Jobs

I am thankful to have been able to join the Consultation Session on Low-Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) and Forum on Green Jobs at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I joined to gain insight into the current trends in green jobs as I am eyeing a career in social business or corporate social responsibility. As a blogger, I am also wondering what I can do to scale the impact of low-emission development strategy (LEDS) in my lifestyle, which is the core of my "wellness towards mindfulness" battlecry. 

I have learned that a solid business model is the secret to getting financial support from banks, and government regulation.  Nowadays, it is in vogue to be “carbon neutral”, but it is still largely uncommon for Filipino companies to adopt green business practices. With the LEDS which is promoted by R.A. 10771, green jobs are promoted and the private sector can directly influence corporate green policy by working on renewable energy, recycling, energy efficiency, conservation, and the like.

Transport was an interesting topic during the consultation session. I shared that design thinking could be incorporated into this category as empathy is needed to create change. Commuters want to walk and this could help during the last mile connectivity. Also, empathy could move those in power to improve conditions for commuters. In that sense, the lack of awareness in the public sector about possible green tranport alternatives could be addressed through online campaigns and promoting safety as a premium factor in considering these alternatives.

Photo from PBE

During the Green Jobs Forum, there was a discussion on the economic incentives for companies that propagate green employment. Different government organizations are mandated to support this initiative as this is the inevitable future of business. With climate change already happening, we are all obliged to do our share in saving the environment. Business need to rally behind Mother Nature, and jobs need to be created for the greening of our economy. 

I hope that there will be an increased awareness on green jobs. The millennial workforce can do their share in promoting this by talking to their bosses about creating jobs that can shift their employer’s business towards a more environmental angle. There is no shortage of potential in the green economy as this is already a business trend. More people in the millennial workforce buy products that have eco-friendly factors. With this in mind, our governments can also encourage companies and foreign investors to push green jobs within their payroll as it will be a win-win situation for everyone. 

It was an insightful day as I am currently jobhunting and I am eager to be a part of a green economy. Thanks to the progressive thinking of the government, the Philippines can have environmentally-sound jobs which could appeal to a youthful workforce that puts a premium on green practices. There is unlimited potential in the green economy and in time, it will be accessible to all. It is truly a wonderful breakthrough and I hope to have a green job someday to further the Philippine economy in my own little way.  

***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com*** 

Day 9: #30GratefulDays | Calligraphy Necklace

Photo from Tin Espinas

I finally received the Dandy Ona necklace which features my own calligraphy. It was part of my workshop with lettering teacher Tin Espinas at Hey Kessy, which is incidentally one of my favorite stores because it sells art supplies and handmade crafts. I am happy with how it turned out and of course, it is crafted in sterling silver so I am sure it will last a lifetime. 

I advocate attending workshops, especially for handmade crafts. The experience of learning a new skill or improving your crafting game is priceless. Like during my calligraphy workshop, I realized that I am more of a brush lettering girl after all, but I enjoyed the vulnerability that comes with having no idea how a pointed pen works. It was messy, it was not my cup of tea, but I had a lovely time. The necklace was a beautiful bonus, and it is inspiring to wear something handmade. 

Now that I am unemployed, I need all the inspiration that I could get. Wearing a necklace with my own handwriting reminds me that if I can survive a calligraphy workshop with a quality output to boot, then I got this. A little sparkle would not hurt. 

Day 7: #30GratefulDays | Sharing Socially

I was overjoyed that my favorite charity, World Vision, has shared my blog entry on child sponsorship. Their social media pages are virtual hubs for child sponsors, former sponsored children, and influencers. Being given this opportunity to share my testimony to a large audience of advocates is a priceless gift.

I have been sponsoring one child since I was in university, and I have carried on, even during those times that I had no income. Now that I am unemployed, I still sponsor my girl because it is a commitment that is meaningful to me. Knowing that I am partially responsible for the education of a child motivates me to never give up on job hunting. I am not only here to support myself; I am also looking for work to inspire a child.

Child sponsorship has allowed me to pay it forward as my family has supported my education until my bachelor's degree. I am honored that my story was shared on social media platforms and I hope that people will realize that anyone can be a child sponsor. Even students on a small allowance can contribute to the education of a child.

I am hoping that I will be employed soon so I can continue supporting my girl and carry on with my advocacy. For now, I am working out and having dessert (sponsored by family) because life is not just about sharing, it is also about caring for oneself. 

Day 6: #30GratefulDays | Coffice Moments

Yesterday, I had the chance to plan for my blog, read, do some jobhunting, research for my website, and listen to music while satisfying my craving for eggs ben. I hung out at a cafe and ended up enjoying it. It has been a while since I consciously parked myself at a coffee shop to have an "office day" and I now understand why the coffice (coffee + office) trend is becoming ubiquitous these days. I have observed many coffice warriors surrounding me yesterday and it was comforting to be part of a collective, so to speak. Immersing myself in an air of productivity was inspiring, and I did get to do things quickly without me knowing it. I enjoyed the "company" and the busyness around me. While the lunch was sponsored by my family (my mom had a lunch event so I was able to have noon to myself), I owned that free time by maximizing it and basking in a work environment. While coffee shops are a third place for most people (with the home and the office as the first and second places, respectively), I put myself first during my coffice lunch and promoted myself through jobhunting, researching possible blog ideas, and finishing a novel. It was fabulous and I felt renewed afterwards. I look forward to more coffice moments and yes, I think this is a wonderful way to recharge!

Day 5: #30GratefulDays | Pixie Update

I keep my hair short out of necessity. My mane is prone to hair fall due to my hypothyroidism. I used to keep my hair long but it was a hassle to maintain and really, hair fall is not pretty. It was not fun changing my hairstyles just to cover a bald spot. In 2014, I have finally had enough and I finally donated my hair to Cuts Against Cancer.

I started with a bob, then I eventually went for my now-standard pixie cut. It is very easy to maintain, as I only need to put wax on it and have it trimmed each month. It is also easier to live with, as I workout outdoors and having short hair makes it a breeze to dance. It is also liberating to be a pixie girl in the Philippines, where having long hair is still the popular standard of beauty. I think this is sexist and having a pixie is my subtle statement against the patriarchy. Having short hair can be beautiful, fashionable, and yes, feminine. While I am not against the LGBT community, I am straight, so this is not even a gender thing. It is merely a necessary move to save my hair, and in the end, I saved myself from blending in a sea of long haired girls.

I found my identity in styling my short hair and making fashion work for me as I can go edgy with minimal effort. Also, this fuss-free style has made me less conscious about my appearance. I just go with the flow and face the world as I am.

Such is my life with having a pixie. Every month is a chance to start over on a hairstylist's chair. And every haircut is cathartic. If you need a change in your life, have a trim or go big with a haircut! Trust me, a few snips here and there can make a huge difference in your outlook and confidence. 

Day 4: #30GratefulDays | Word of Mouth

Do you enjoy public speaking and listening to true to life stories? I do, and last night, I was privileged to be one of the speakers for Word of Mouth. It is a monthly gathering of storytellers and friends who are asked to observe a "no judgement" rule. The topic of the evening was "Modern Romance", and I spoke about my tendency to join workshops and realization that my return to traditional crafts has helped me focus on face-to-face love. I depended less on technology and focused on loving myself more in order to be able to share that love to others. It was freeing to tell my story even if I am not really the typical heroine in usual romance settings.

What made the night special though was listening to the other storytellers. It was refreshing to unplug from the mundane and simply appreciate the sincerity of their personal love stories and perspectives. Not to mention that the coffee at the venue, Cool Beans, was comforting. It was a relaxing and intimate evening of genuine human connections.

Word of Mouth is something I like being part of, whether as an audience member, a speaker, or online follower. I admire how the people behind this movement has brought together various storytellers in order to broaden our mindsets and open our hearts to the different facets of humanity. It is here that I have met the most honest people and have been moved by the rawness of each sharing. I look forward to more Word of Mouth nights and hear more stories without judgement and reservations.

Day 3: #30GratefulDays | International Design Conference

I was privileged to have learned more about Design Thinking yesterday at the first Design Thinking Conference. It was a productive and inspiring day, and I had an engaging time. It was also a delight to attend an event at the hip Green Sun Hotel. Here are my learnings from the conference:

1. Design thinking is a problem solving methodology which employs human centeredness in finding solutions.  

2. Empathy is the first step in improving experiences.

3. Design thinking is not just for creatives. It is the future of thinking outside the box as this employs the steps from inspiration, ideation, and execution. 

4. Design thinking inspires working together and engaging as a community to improve the circumstances of everyone.  

5. Discomfort is essential to inspire improvement. In the same manner, boredom is important to promote new ideas. 

6. Systems are key to forming better habits and establishing change.  

7. Storytelling is an appreciation of our commonality as humans. If we will appreciate each other's story, we can simplify our lives through what we have in common and take action through a more engaged thought process.  

8. Improving my own future through design thinking can be achieved by blogging about wellness, my own discomfort, what actions I am taking to better my situation, and the inspiration behind my journey.  

I look forward to moving forward with design thinking and attending more events to continue learning on the said topic. When I asked the speakers if this is just a fad, I was told that it is here to stay because design thinking makes everyone utilize creativity to solve challenges. If this is the wave of tomorrow, then I look forward to a better future. Life by design is purposefully lived and well-thought of.