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 13: #30GratefulDays | Coffee with a Conscience

Yesterday was the first workday of the month, and it also meant that it was my shopping day at Human Nature, a brand which I have been supporting since 2013. I am now a Core Advocate, which means that I am not just a dealer, I am also a partner in spreading the word about their Pro-Philippines, Pro-Environment, and Pro-Poor advocacy. I patronize the brand by purchasing almost all my toiletries from them. Every purchase in their branches entitles the customer to a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and I am a fan of their local cuppa. I always bring my own mug or tumbler though, and yesterday, I brought my pink one from Craftsmith Living. As I sipped my coffee, I reflected on the years I have been supporting Human Nature and how I have switched from using imported, chemical products to all-natural, Philippine-made essentials. 

Human Nature prides itself in sourcing the best raw materials from Mother Nature. What’s more, these wonder ingredients are mostly found in the Philippines. Like the oils shown in the photo, each raw material has a purpose to heal, renew, and restore. I am a huge fan of their products as most of them are infused with sunflower oil, which is kind to my sensitive skin. From sleeping with their sunflower oil on my face to using baby lotion with the same oil, I am making sure that my skin only receives the best care from the brand’s organic items. 

I am using Human Nature products even when I am jobless. They have affordable price points so I can still enjoy using my essentials even when I am on a budget. I am glad that I am also able to relax at home with my favorite spa-quality products like their body scrub and cooling gel.

Indeed, there is no need to splurge for natural products. Human Nature has given me the best local essentials which are kind to my skin, wallet, and social conscience. I get to have a cuppa or two as well after shopping. Coffee with a conscience has never been more in style.  

Day 12: #30GratefulDays | Sustainable Storytelling

Coffee while blogging  

Having a blog has helped me explore life as a storyteller. What began as a brain dump for my writing class output became my home in the interwebs. I challenged myself to write on a daily basis and after completing my 100 Day Project,  I realized that writing could be a lifestyle. It was at this moment that I evolved from becoming an occasional blogger to a storyteller. 

Hypothyroidism is one of the cornerstones of my journey. I would not have the hunger to be healthy without this health condition. Choosing to be unstuck from this reality motivated me to eat more healthful food, exercise, and just keep moving! Sharing my story only happened when social media became inseparable with mainstream communication. I realized that the only way to be understood better as a hypothyroidism patient is to tell my story. Of course, we all know that stories have a beginning, middle, and end. I can say that my beginning was my diagnosis at thirteen. My middle is my continuous journey with the condition I have embraced as my own. And the end is my battlecry, which is wellness through mindfulness.  

I refuse to succumb to the reality that hypothyroidism is a limiting disease. Rather, I am applying sustainability in my storytelling to ensure that I continue to push boundaries and surpass normal expectations. I plan to sustain my journey by selecting activities to participate in. My advocacy for propagating design thinking is a huge factor, and I am actively engaging in events which could enrich my knowledge on the matter. I am also driven to innovate so that I can cultivate an attitude of discontent. By constantly choosing to better myself and improve my craft, I am not just becoming healthier. I am also becoming a stronger storyteller. It has been said that work should not be about working harder, it is about working smarter. As I embark on job hunting, I am embracing storytelling in my blog SPEAKOUTSAM as a full-time role. It is my obligation to myself to be a sustainable storyteller, with innovation as my main motivator!

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

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 8: #30GratefulDays | Hypothyroidism Sucks

Hypothyroidism has been in my life since my diagnosis at the age of thirteen. I was a hormonal teenager with a chronic autoimmune condition, and at that time, it became my worst enemy. Over the years, I had to learn how to befriend my condition and now, I can say that yes, hypothyroidism sucks, but it does not mean the end of the world (at least for me). It has become more of a frienemy, so to speak. The yo-yo weight became a pain to live with, as I needed to watch my diet and eventually, live with the mean comments of people around me that I have lost/gained/lost weight. As a result, I have embraced exercise and now, I make sure to workout daily. It has helped me with weight control and emotional stability. 

I am also jobless. I am looking for a job which is dayshift, within Ortigas and Quezon City, has no Saturday work, Corporate, and with HMO. My health condition has left me with no choice but to limit my work location to those near my residence. Also, I cannot do shifting and graveyard work because my hormonal deficiency will get messed up if I live against the usual daily routine. Weekends are my only time to accompany my parents and I badly need HMO coverage. In the past couple of months that I have been unemployed, I have felt desperate, needy, sad, and angry. After reading a book on life coaching, I have learned that taking responsibility even for things beyond my control can ease me into acceptance and eventually, into taking action. 

So here I am now, accepting my hypothyroidism and owning up to my unemployment. I am continuously working out, eating right, and jobhunting. Routine has become my ally. This is my life, and it has totally become my journey.  

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. 

Day 2: #30gratefuldays | Magnets

Magnets from my BFF

My magnet collection  

Magnets from my recent trip to Singapore  

I collect magnets from all my trips. Since my loved ones know about this hobby, they tend to buy magnets for me as tokens. Yesterday was memorable as I had lunch at Italianni's with my best friend from college. He recently went to Baguio for business, so he got me three magnets from there. I am happy to be remembered and it warms my heart that my collection is growing, one memory at a time.  

Collecting magnets gives me a tangible connection to the places I have been to and the memories created in each location. For those that were given to me, I am grateful to be in my loved ones' minds. I look forward to growing my collection with the desire that my passion for life with magnetize me to better experiences and meaningful pursuits.  

Day 1: #30GratefulDays Launch with Brekkie

My life has been a roller coaster ride of late. I have resigned from my job, resumed my daily workouts at the park, blogged everyday as always, and sent my CV to companies that are hiring.  It is easy to lose my bearings and focus. To be honest, there are days when I just want to give up and mope around. However, I have since learned that owning my narrative is key to overhauling my life. If I cannot take responsibility for my own existence, even for things that are beyond my control, then I will end up going nowhere. And since I want to get back on my feet, I have decided to own my joblessness, my hypothyroidism, my fitness goals, my jobhunting, and my thirst for knowledge. Speaking of thirst for knowledge, I do not have money to enroll in graduate school. I also cannot commit to a fixed term knowing that I may have a full-time job soon. I am dying to join a life coaching or passion project boot camp but my lack of funds is preventing me from doing so. As a result, I am reading and buying books to educate myself and keep my mind abreast with the latest trends, lingo, and possible endeavors. 

I recently purchased a book entitled "You Can Be Happy Again" by Edwin S. Soriano. The author is a life coach and while I am still halfway through the book, I have already picked up plenty of positive tidbits to keep me going. One of these learnings is the importance of gratitude. Having a thankful attitude changes everything. To improve my life (as the author has dared me to do so), I am launching #30gratefuldays which will document my life here on my online diary but with a thankful twist. Instead of focusing on my need for employment, fulfillment, and what have you, I will spend the next month highlighting what I am grateful for. I am eager to see how this turns out.

For day one, I am thankful for my quick breakfast at Mister Kabab, a cult favorite here in Quezon City. I always have their special chicken chelo kabab and brewed coffee. It may have been a fast meal after my workout, but it did wonders to elevate my day from blah to fabulous. It really helps to diversify my schedule every once in a while, as long as it does not break the bank. I am thankful that I was able to have a delicious brekkie and I was able to finish the novel "The Ugly Sister" by Jane Fallon, which was a funny Brit wit chick flick while doing so. I look forward to the next thirty days and who knows, I may really improve my perspective by focusing on what to be grateful for.

Zumba and Breakfast

It is no secret that I enjoy my daily workouts. I religiously exercise each morning because it helps balance all my systems, especially since my hypothyroidism tends to put everything off-sync in the absence of physical activity. I have also noticed that exercise works wonders for my mental health. I feel better about myself after compeleting a workout, and my mood throughout the day is more consistent. It is the endorphin rush that keeps me going and happy. Because I workout first thing in the morning, it is essential that I have a hearty breakfast. Now that I am unemployed, my default brekkie are two pieces of pandesal and peanut butter. However, I felt extra hungry earlier because our instructor switched things up with more taebo. As a result, I craved for toasted naked longganisa, brown rice, and egg. I rushed to Breakfast Bin the minute my workout wrapped up. I had my longganisa fix and it was utterly satisfying.

I have realized that depriving myself is never a good idea. Even if I am currently on a tight budget, an occasional meal to satisfy my cravings would not hurt and it makes all the Zumba moves worth it. Breakfast also regulates my metabolism, which is a big deal with hypothyroidism. I get full and I also balance my health with a nutritious post-workout breakfast.

Just Dance!

Today, my Zumba group was featured at Bagong Pilipinas, a morning show. It was fun to dance in front of a live video camera and I enjoyed grooving to the beat as our instructor was being interviewed. I used to be conscious about my dancing because I am not a skilled one, but I realized earlier that I no longer care. Here's to letting go and dancing to the beat of life! 

Sam's Singapore

Singapore for me is an easy place to unwind and relax. As an urbanite, I find more tranquility in city noise and ​busyness. Being on holiday amidst a progressive and modern city is my kind of paradise. Here are a few vacation tips I have if you are planning to visit SG. 

1. Go to the library@orchard for a free! If you are a bibliophile ​like me, you will definitely enjoy spending hours reading in this gorgeous space known for its wave-shaped bookshelves. There are also comfortable seats and nooks for you to plug your gadgets and your mind. 

2. There are ice cream uncles selling cheap ice cream sandwiches for only SG$1.20. My favorite flavors are durian and mint chocolate chip. Do ask uncle to serve it in bread. 

3.​ If you like quality stationery, drop by Kikki.K at iON Orchard for Swedish-designed leather notebooks, planners, paper, and office supplies. You will fall in love with the simplicity of each piece. You will find yourself eager to plan ahead with their planners and paper inserts. 

​4. Never skip a visit to the National Museum. The story of Singapore is creatively told for each visitor to understand the determination of this island nation to succeed amidst insurmountable challenges. 

5. Another museum worth visiting is the National Gallery. You will be blown away by its extensive collection of definitive exhibitions featuring the best of Southeast Asian art. Do appreciate the beautiful architectural details as well which can be found all throughout the gallery. ​

6. Take the MRT! It is reliable, safe, and easy to grasp via Google maps. Singaporeans are also helpful and polite so do not hesitate to ask questions if you need directions or assistance with train stations and lines. 

7. If you are too exhausted to take the MRT, you may also ride a car using Uber and Grab. ​

8. Do workout everyday and walk as much as you can! 

9. It is advisable to exercise the day after landing home to ensure that all the delicious food from your vacation is efficiently burned.  

10. Do unpack immediately to effectively transition yourself to your life back home. 

Those were my tips for making your SG holiday memorable. If you get tired, you may want to chill out with a cup of Kopi (coffee with evaporated milk) which can be found along any hawker food hall or food republic court. Make the most out of each moment and just enjoy yourself in SG! 

Causes for Animals SG

I swung by CAS SG's Animals Day Out. I donated a small amount to have photos taken with friendly doggos. I got pupper kisses and cuddles. Definitely worth smiling for charity!

Breakfast Matters

I enjoy eating breakfast so much because it energizes me throughout my day. It is also a requirement for me to eat breakfast forty-five minutes after I take my thyroxine hormone tablet. Because of this, the first meal of the day has become an important part of my lifestyle. I build my meals around the first one I have, and I tend to indulge in it the most because I usually have it after I workout.

The past three days have been special because I have been eating breakfast at the Mandarin Orchard Singapore. I workout every morning at the hotel gym so I am starving by the time I reach the buffet. This is the best breakfast buffet I have ever had. My favorites are the matcha muffin, pancakes with condensed milk, lor mee, cheese, and teh tarik. 

It is awesome to have fancy breakfasts every one in a while. I do hope I can get a job soon so I can have breakfast at an office again. For now, I am enjoying my last brekkie here. I look forward to more filling mornings to come. 

National Gallery of Singapore

I spent my morning at the National Gallery of Singapore. It was breathtaking. Here is my photodump of my visit.