Wrapping up 2023 and welcoming the New Year 2024!

This year 2023 was full of challenges but by His grace we're able to make it through. Despite all those challenges, there's still lot of things to be grateful for...

I'm grateful that up to this day, I can still witness the goodness of God for me and my entire family...

I'm thankful to Him for everything He has done, for all those people He uses as instruments to bless us...

I'm thankful for the gift of life, the gift of family and the gift of friendship...

I'm thankful for the gift of job... For the capability of earning a living, for the wisdom and the skills that He equipped me with to fulfill my job, I'm equally thankful as well to my colleagues for accepting the best and worst in me... 

I'm grateful as well for my supportive family who never gets tired of showing their love and support, may God continue to bless them and protect them at all times wherever they go, whatever they do...

I'm grateful to my BHCCCI  church family whose compassion continue to inspire me to be of help in the ministry, I'm thankful for their love and support  as well to my whole family... I'm so grateful for the kind of friendship that were  built, a friendship that turns into a family. Indeed, Team Padayon, magmalig-on!

I'm thankful as well to my husband and children for allowing me to grow holistically as a wife, as a Mom, and as their friend.

I'm thankful that God slowly mold me into the kind of woman that He wants me to be. I may have lots of shortcomings but by His grace I was able to make it through...

Life may have full of mood swings but as long as we know our identity, we know whom to call to in times of need, we will be okay.

Here comes 2024, I claim for God's more blessings, spiritual maturity, financial breakthrough, prosperous life for my family, best of health, freedom from the things that weigh us down, and all the best for 2024!

Today, a church colleague passed away.

She's not just a colleague, she's a mentor, a friend, and my Godmother on my wedding.

I've known her for more than a decade already. Our first meeting was at the university where I worked as part-time instructor. A very soft-spoken woman, very accommodating and a friendly one.

She died due to severe pneumonia, a complication of being diabetic. She suffered from diabetes for quite a while now to the point that one of her legs was amputated.

She's a survivor, more than conqueror, I would say. For her family, the number of years that she lived since her diagnosis was already a bonus since she's a frequent hospital-goer due to her condition.

In spite of what she went through, she never stopped doing her ministry as if it was among her source of strengths.

Her last days were prolific. She was able to celebrate with us our Family Day, then our Church Christmas Party where she was able to sing- the last song of her life. 

Prior to that, she was complaining about persistent cough, faster heart beats, and even LBM. We thought she could make it like she used to but none of us knows that it was the last day of her existence- her sufferings are finally over.

Now she's home with the Lord. Her life has been made whole upon coming to her eternal rest- her eternal life with God.

So long, Maamy Wendy! Til' we meet again soon!

What we were experiencing these past few years were quite alarming, or should I say, a wake up call for us to set our priorities, our life. The global pandemic taught us that life is indeed very unpredictable. With those mortality rate we've been hearing around the globe, who would have thought that such precious lives were sentenced by a health threat. Yet, such threat was not completely gone but rather evolves into something else that makes people live in anxiety.

Then there are wars going on right now. The war between Russia and Ukraine seems not enough that Israel has to face the same ordeal. And again, many lives were at stake. Before people could even breath a sigh of relief from the global health threats, then there's terrorism, random bombings, killing of innocent lives and similar horrible scenario.

Then there were global news about forest wildfires, hurricane, volcanic eruptions, and series of earthquakes that brings horror to those who were directly affected.

Why are all these things happening?

For me, these are clearly a manifestation that the end is near. Many might not believe about end times, but what else could be the reasons behind all these phenomenon?

For us, believers, these are warning signs for us to do what is right. This is one way of reminding us that we do not know the future, we do not know until when our life would end,  but one thing I know is that I have an assurance of everlasting life when that time comes. I would be confident enough that I will be saved. Why? Because I have Jesus as my Lord and Personal Savior. Nothing will be taken away from us if we just believe, but much will be lost if we take all these signs for granted and continue to sin against God.

It's in His Words, It has been prophesied. All we need is just to simply believe and receive Him. 

In this chaotic world, let there be peace within us. And it is only possible through His presence.

Now is the time to do it. 

Comment if you want to learn more about it. 

Barely eight years ago, I invested in low-cost housing in our area. Back then, the equity is very low since it was on its pre-selling stage. So, what I did, I loaned the equity payment in the bank instead of having it in monthly amortization. But then pandemic came, there was a delay in the turnover. The promised three years goes on four then five and until now the said unit was not yet turned over to us. We were able to sign the supposedly contract between us and the Philippine government agency (PAGIBIG) that offers housing loan but until now, the turnover of the unit was keep on delaying due to some technical concerns.

A friend advised us to have our unit assumed by somebody else. But I was hesitant because I know that the equity by now would be doubled compared to what I have paid. If I have to calculate the take out amount of the unit, it would go as high as almost one million compared to that original price of Four Hundred Seventy Thousand Pesos. Indeed, investing in realty could be a good decision since the value of the house won't depreciate. Though the house wasn't turned over yet but I am patient enough to wait for it until the company could settle the things between them and the government agency  that offers housing loan. I was actually planning of leasing the place since the unit is too small for my growing family so I rather have it leased to couple or individual that would love minimal kind of lifestyle.

In other countries, investing in realty or being a realtor is among the best lucrative business that one could engage on. Personally, I know I still have much to learn about this business, but one thing is for sure, all of my friends who were into this kind of business are indeed prospering and gaining much financial freedom at their own convenient time. Processing papers for prospect clients won't be that easy but it's all worth it. It is also of great advantage that a realtor should be knowledgeable enough to know the basic Math in this kind of business like how to estimate mortgage loan (you can click the link to gain knowledge about it), how does loan repayment works and a whole lot more.

So, why do we need to invest in realty? Because in there, there's a real money!

  

 

When my hubby lost his job due to political reasons, I have to accept the fact that I'll be facing realities. Becoming a breadwinner mom is a journey that involves balancing your finances to mitigate the needs of your family without depriving yourself from your "personal needs". Empowered is how I consider it, but somehow would give you greater responsibility, not to mention, the pressure and , maybe, stress, that goes with it. Being the sole financial contributor to our household is something that is overwhelming and totally challenging!

Empowerment and Fulfillment

The ability to provide for one's family financially not only contributes to a sense of independence but also serves as a source of pride. The satisfaction derived from achieving professional success and ensuring the well-being of loved ones creates a powerful sense of purpose.

However, this empowerment is not without its complexities. The elation of career achievements is often tempered by the realization that the expectations and responsibilities have multiplied. The pressure to balance career aspirations with family obligations can be daunting, creating a delicate emotional equilibrium that requires constant attention and adaptation.

Challenges and Guilt

The challenges faced by breadwinner moms extend beyond the boardroom. Juggling the demands of a career with the responsibilities of motherhood can be emotionally taxing. Guilt often becomes an unwelcome companion, creeping into the corners of the mind during moments of professional focus and family absence. The fear of missing out on significant milestones in a child's life or not being present for crucial family moments can weigh heavily on the hearts of these women.

Societal perceptions add another layer of emotional complexity. The judgments and stereotypes that persist regarding the ideal roles of mothers can instigate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The internal struggle to reconcile societal expectations with personal ambitions becomes a constant emotional backdrop.

Triumphs and Resilience

Yet, amidst the challenges and emotional complexities, breadwinner moms experience triumphs that are uniquely theirs. Overcoming obstacles, shattering glass ceilings, and excelling in both professional and familial spheres instills a profound sense of resilience. The ability to navigate a path less traveled, defy stereotypes, and emerge stronger on the other side becomes a testament to the inner strength of these women.

The feeling of triumph extends beyond individual accomplishments and permeates the broader societal narrative. As more breadwinner moms share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and redefine the conventional understanding of family roles, a collective triumph emerges—a triumph that contributes to the gradual dismantling of gender biases and the fostering of a more inclusive society.

The feeling of being a breadwinner mom is a nuanced and multifaceted emotional journey. It encompasses moments of empowerment, challenges that test the depths of resilience, guilt that tugs at the heartstrings, and triumphs that redefine societal norms. Through it all, these women navigate a complex emotional landscape, shaping not only their personal narratives but also contributing to the broader narrative of gender roles and societal expectations. The feeling of being a breadwinner mom is a tapestry of emotions—a rich, intricate, and evolving story that continues to unfold with each passing day.

Yes, I just turned 42 and I felt good!

Indeed, 42 years and I wonder how much I've achieved so far. I can't really tell because there's still  a lot on my plate that needs to be consumed, there's still more unchecked items on my bucket list, and there are still lot of plans on my head being held in abeyance.

Well, the truth is, I just don't have any idea where this life would lead me. I have so many things that I want to accomplish and yet failed to take even one single step to do it. 

I procrastinate a lot! 

My graduate course is unfinished because I am still up to Chapter 3 on my thesis concept proposal. 

I finally had my passport (after years of planning to secure it) hoping to realize my dream to become a JET instructor in Japan yet haven't finish what I have started because of some "reasons" that I am not really sure if it could justify. 

Good thing I was able to work on my application for promotion at school. Yes, I deliberately made efforts to do it since I failed my Japan plan.

I am constantly reminding myself that I am far from achieving my goals and that I need to work harder.

But guess what, I have health issues that somehow stopping me in reaching my goals. In fact keeping myself healthy is among my frustrations! I have lot of attempts to lose weight,  but I am just too inconsistent!

Forty-two yet I am still confused. I have lots of fears, worries, and questions, not for myself alone but for my family, my own small family. My husband and three kids were looking up to me, as if their life depends on me that is why I have so much pressures within me to the point that I do not know what to do first.

Good thing I have my God, otherwise, I will fall into the trap of DEPRESSION...

Yes, I am already forty-two but not matured enough to live on my own.

I have mentioned in my previous post that I love exploring online games, particularly those which are free and have no ads at all. Then I stumbled upon another online gaming site which is solitaire.org (feel free to click for more options!).

The site is not limited to solitaire games only. There are other options like cards, mahjong, hidden object, match 3, logic puzzles, and words. Personally, I love playing Solitaire. In fact, I have one app installed on my tablet which is the Solitaire Jackpot. Needless to say, it comes with so many ads after every game.

So back to this site, I just realized that apart from classic solitaire, there are other variants of solitaire that are available, some are just so new to me like Solitaire Tripeaks and Golf. I tried to play each variant and guess what, I just cannot win any two of them, too difficult! I don't want to use Easy Mode because I want to challenge myself, however, it is really difficult LOL!

Imagine the emotional damage I have to go through because I lost a couple of times!

But I am not that easy to give up, I should win this game- I have a very competitive spirit by the way...

But then, again and again, I lose. I lost count of how many times I lost the game LOL!

Klondike Solitaire is so hard to win if you chose 3 decks of cards instead of 1 so I choose 1 LOL. 

Tip of advice: Go for Easy Mode instead of the Normal one to have a bigger chance of winning.

For Spider Solitaire, choose 1 suit for easier chances of winning, but if you want to challenge yourself, go for more than 2 suits.

Free Cell Solitaire, is by far, the most difficult variant to win! I didn't win this game even after so many attempts.

The Pyramid Solitaire on the other hand is quite easy to play. All you need to do is to match two cards that would sum up to 13. But I have quite more attempts before I won this game.

Aside from Solitaire, you can play hundreds of other ad-free online games. There are even sites that allow you to play with other gamer. Just see to it that all your house chores are done before you start playing or you'll end up getting hooked on it.

Right now, I still have the luxury of time for this since classes have not started yet. How I wish I could install an app with so many options on my tablet just like what this site has to offer to keep me busy during idle moments. I often play online mobile games while in a long queue, or waiting for my husband to fetch me, and many other scenarios.

Next game to try on- Words!

People are getting crazy making content right now to earn dollars on various Social Media platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram. There's no wrong in trying to earn such a way, but what's disturbing now is that some so-called "influencers" post unlikely videos showing off their bodies, almost naked, and doing dirty dancing. I was like, "Hello people, Facebook is not limited to adult viewers, there are kids out there browsing Facebook most of the time! I just don't understand how they normalize stupid acts via Social Media. They can actually choose to make relevant and wholesome content online. 

Easy money huh?

Why not choose to become a motivational, inspiring, and wholesome influencer instead?

This summer heat keeps my family indoors most of the time. As a Mom, I always see to it that my kids, ages 7, 10, and 11, will spend quality time inside our home. My youngest, in particular, is currently undergoing Occupational Therapy thus I keep her busy by letting her play with the Montessori-inspired toys that would address her impulsive behavior. My eldest daughter loves to sketch and paint thus I provided her with coloring materials and a sketchpad. She's into digital as well using the painting app. My eldest son, on the other hand, is into mobile games. However, I don't like the games that he's playing. He used to build using his favorite Lego toys but right now, as he age, he doesn't want to play with them anymore. As a teacher, I am fully aware that there are games that could be addicting to young minds and I don't want it to happen to him. I am a gamer too thus I love exploring online games that would be entertaining but not detrimental to the mental health of my kids. 

A lot of options!

I've been trying XBox Games but it's expensive, so I explore more for free games then I stumbled upon this site that have multiple games and all for FREE! What excited me most is that there are so many options to choose from! And unlike any other free game site, definitely, there are no annoying ads in the game!

In particular, I like their Lego City Adventures Build and Protect game because it is a game by Nickelodeon! (You can actually click the link automatically to try the game). When I showed it to my son he was so excited to try it. Of course, I tried it first before I let him play with it. So far, the game runs smoothly, it was just too tasking to collect the coins. Hope there's only one button to click to collect all the coins generated from the buildings. 

                                                                                Another game that I find amusing is Merge Blocks. You need to strategize your moves or you will run out of space! So far, the Best Score I got is 2760 played within 20 minutes and 52 seconds! There are still other games like Business Simulation Games where you will play as Store Cashier. You should be keen enough in giving the right change. 

I am just so glad that there are developers who initiated these types of games which are educational in nature. Right now, I am letting my son explore the other games. Of course, I need to limit his screen time or he might get hooked on it. For now, I highly recommend that you'll try this site and I could guarantee that you will really have fun. Besides, all the games are free. I also suggest using laptops or desktops for a smoother game time.

Indeed, as a Mom, I need to think of many ideas to keep my kids busy. I made it a point that there's no idle time for them, except during nap time. However, classes will start soon so I need to limit their game time. 

The next idea to explore is online cooking tutorials and perhaps some DIY home hacks!

Have a fruitful school break everyone!

 

Image from google.com

Society today believes that It's okay NOT to be Okay.

If I were to give my two cents on this, I would agree, however, one should understand first the importance of mental health in order to really understand that being NOT okay is, still, okay.

So what is Mental Health? Allow me to break it down below.

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that often gets overlooked. While physical health is generally given a lot of attention, mental health is often seen as taboo, and people are hesitant to discuss their mental struggles openly. However, mental health is just as crucial as physical health and plays a vital role in determining a person's quality of life.

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think, and behave in our day-to-day lives. Mental health problems can range from mild anxiety to severe depression and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize mental health and take proactive steps to maintain and improve it.

Here are some reasons why mental health is so important:

Mental health affects physical health:

Mental and physical health are interconnected. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it can have an adverse impact on your physical health. For instance, depression and anxiety can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Stress can also lead to headaches, high blood pressure, and other physical health problems. Therefore, taking care of your mental health can help you maintain good physical health.

Mental health impacts productivity:

Mental health issues can have a significant impact on a person's productivity. People with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems may struggle to focus on tasks, complete them on time, or make decisions. This can affect their work performance and reduce their productivity. Therefore, prioritizing mental health can help improve your focus, decision-making abilities, and overall productivity.

Mental health affects relationships:

Mental health issues can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. People with mental health problems may struggle to communicate effectively or withdraw from social interactions. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and isolation. Prioritizing mental health can help improve communication skills, reduce conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

Mental health impacts overall well-being:

Mental health problems can significantly impact a person's overall well-being. People with mental health issues may struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and reduced quality of life. Taking care of your mental health can help you feel more confident, improve your self-esteem, and lead to a more fulfilling life.

In conclusion, mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that should be given the same attention as physical health. Taking care of your mental health can improve your physical health, productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize mental health by seeking help when needed, practicing self-care, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

Hope this could help! Ciao!

#MentalHealthAwareness

I was contemplating going abroad for greener pastures but somehow I am hesitant about the fact that I will be leaving my 3 kids, most especially my youngest daughter who was diagnosed with ASD. Nevertheless, I am still researching what to do if given such opportunities. So I started with securing a visa and these are what I have digested.

Getting a working visa approved is a crucial step toward achieving your career goals in a foreign country. The process of obtaining a working visa can be complex and time-consuming, but with the right preparation and approach, it can be a smooth and successful process.

Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of getting a working visa approved:

1. Start preparing early

It is crucial to start preparing your visa application as soon as you know that you need one. Visa applications can take several weeks or even months to process, so it is essential to leave enough time for the process. But some friends who were already there say that it took them a year or two to process their visa, especially for those who took their family with them.

2. Research visa requirements

Different countries have different visa requirements, and it is important to be familiar with them before you apply. Check the government website of the country where you want to work and research the types of visas available and the documentation required. I have actually tried the Canada website trying to inquire about their process and believe me it's quite tasking and, well, a little bit complicated.

3. Get an offer of employment

Having a job offer from a reputable employer can vastly improve your chances of getting your working visa approved. Ensure that your potential employer provides you with the necessary documents such as a signed contract or a letter of invitation. Indeed, this was, according to many, the fastest way to get a working visa. One must have an employer!

4. Gather all necessary documents

Make sure you have all the necessary documents in order to avoid any delays or rejections. You will typically be required to provide proof of employment or business opportunity, a valid passport, and often a police clearance certificate. To be sure, secure all the documents you deemed necessary for your application even if it is not stipulated like the NBI clearance, birth certificates, and the like.

5. Follow the application instructions

Make sure that you follow the instructions for the visa application process carefully. Fill out all the forms accurately, attach all necessary documents, and pay the required fees. Double-check before forwarding your papers to your employer or its authorized agency.

6. Be prepared for an interview

Some countries may require an interview as part of the visa application process. If you are required to attend an interview, prepare carefully by researching common questions and practicing your responses. Youtube is the key!

7. Seek expert help

If you are unsure of the application process or have any questions, it is recommended to seek expert help. Consider consulting an immigration lawyer, visa consultant, or embassy representative.

In conclusion, obtaining a working visa can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips and being patient, you can increase your chances of getting your visa application approved and fulfilling your career ambitions overseas.

So, for all of us who are still contemplating, let's cross our fingers! For me, I believe that when the time is right, God will make it happen! Amen.

My teaching experience both in the Secondary and Tertiary levels equipped me with the skills to handle distinct characters. I've been teaching for almost 20 years already and yet I reached to a point where I want to have more for what I have rendered.

I want a greener pasture and I doubt if I could achieve it here in my beloved Philippines. 

But then I have so many apprehensions and what-ifs.

What if I won't be successful with my endeavor abroad?

What if I cannot handle much of the pressure that I will be dealing with?

What if I cannot achieve my ultimate goal which is to bring my family with me?

Somehow, my mind kept telling me that I will never know unless I will give it a try, however, my heart told me to stay because my kids are still kids who need me the most.

But when I think about the future, a brighter future- I doubt if I could have it here. I am getting older and I could not lose this opportunity. But then again, the sight of my kids made me think otherwise.

Nevertheless, I am still taking the initial steps to secure my passport. Who knows, If the time is right, my God will make it happen.

Fingers crossed.

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a special occasion dedicated to love and affection. While it's commonly associated with romantic relationships, it's also an excellent opportunity to express love in various forms—friendship, family, and self-love. In this article, we'll explore the art of love, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections that go beyond traditional notions of romance.

Celebrating All Forms of Love:

Valentine's Day is not just for couples; it's a day to celebrate all relationships. Take this opportunity to show appreciation for your friends, family, and even yourself. Send a heartfelt message, spend quality time, or exchange thoughtful gestures to express gratitude and affection.

The Power of Kindness:

Love is not always about grand gestures; small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. On Valentine's Day, consider performing random acts of kindness for strangers or loved ones. It could be as simple as a compliment, a smile, or a helping hand. These gestures create a ripple effect, spreading love and positivity.

Quality Time Matters:

In our fast-paced world, spending quality time with loved ones is a precious gift. Plan activities that foster connection, such as a cozy dinner, a nature walk, or a movie night. Disconnect from digital distractions and focus on being present with those you cherish.

Expressing Gratitude:

Take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your relationships. Write a heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude and appreciation for the people in your life. This practice not only strengthens your bonds but also serves as a reminder of the love that surrounds you.

To run a successful business, you need to spend money before you start earning it. 

First and foremost, there is the cost of equipment, software, and training. It's important for your business growth that you invest in these things as early as possible so that when you need them, they're already available at hand. 

You'll also want to have a website built for your company; this can be done by hiring an expert or even doing it yourself using WordPress (which is free). A domain name will help people remember who owns what website when searching online – so make sure it's available! 

Finally, don't forget about marketing! This could mean advertising on Facebook or Twitter; advertising on LinkedIn; or even sending out brochures or flyers around town if necessary! You also have to be able to provide a service worth paying for. If you're looking to make money freelancing, you need to be able to provide a service worth paying for. Once the client has chosen a freelancer, they will want their project done in a timely manner and on budget. It's important that your services are competitively priced; otherwise, clients might choose another provider who offers less expensive services. 

If you're not passionate about what you're doing or don't enjoy what you're doing, then this may not be for you. You have to love your job if you want to make a success of it! If this is the case, then there are plenty of other options out there that will suit your skillset better and allow for greater financial freedom as well. 

A good idea for anyone starting out is to sell other people's products in exchange for a commission. This is called affiliate marketing and is one of the most popular ways to begin. An affiliate marketing program is a way for you to make money by promoting other people's products and services. In exchange, they will pay you a commission when those products or services are sold. You can sign up with an affiliate program on your own website or blog by creating an account with the merchant, who will give you access to their site's e-commerce tools so that you can buy/sell their product directly through them (e.g., Amazon). Once your account is set up, it's time to start making sales! 

You can begin by trying out different freelancing websites, where buyers will post jobs available, and all you have to do is apply with your best bid if interested in the job. This can be a great place to start networking too! Upwork and Freelancer both offer freelance services for hiring workers of all skill levels including designers, developers, copywriters, and more. You will need a valid e-mail address in order to register on either site; once you have registered with one of these sites there are thousands of opportunities waiting for you! Freelancing is a great way to earn money online and build up both your experience and reputation. It’s also an excellent way of getting into the field you want, whether it be writing, marketing, or design. 

One of the best things about freelancing is that you don’t have to live in one place – so if you want more flexibility in where you work or what kind of job opportunities open up then freelancing might be right for you! A lot of people who do freelance work are self-employed; they set their own hours and decide how much they want/need from their business. 

However, there are some downsides too: If something goes wrong with your website due to technical issues then this can seriously affect business sales because customers won't trust any other sites out there either :-(. So although being self-employed means having complete control over all aspects involved (including finances), there are still some risks associated with running an online business which could mean losing customers if something goes wrong unexpectedly." 

Conclusion I hope you found this article useful. If you would like to learn more about how to get started with your own business, please follow this blog for more!

The problem with money was indeed inevitable that is why minimum wage earner like me wants to dive into any opportunities available even if there's no assurance in the end.

I have encountered many "online money-making schemes" which sound too good to be true yet I am still gambling with them.

First, my friend invited me to an online crypto investment worth P2500 because another friend found it to be legit and real. But then, I have never received my ROI because you need to add more money in order to get your profits. So. I considered it a CHARGE TO EXPERIENCE.

Second, was this random text I received that tells me to invest with a promise of quick profits, and once again I fall into the trap. At first, I earned double so I was like very impressed with it so my broker told me to invest more, so I did because I was able to receive firsthand my earnings. So she told me to invest more which I gladly complied with, in fact, I borrowed money to add up to my deposits. However, when I reach further, I was required to pay more than P17,000 in order to withdraw my earnings. I was shocked because that's not how it works at first. So I gave up, with P1,500 losses on my end.

Then recently, as if I am not been scammed before, another promising opportunity was presented before me. This time all I need is to invest P2000 which will turn into P25,000 in 3 hours without doing anything. I was hopeful because there are lots of positive reviews online which is why I am convinced to grab this opportunity. To be honest, in that P2000 that I have invested, I borrowed P500 to complete the amount. That was it. After two hours or so, I received an email telling me that my earnings are now ready but I need to pay more than P11,000 for the maintenance fee! That was never mentioned to me before and I was totally devastated. I asked the broker to send me back my deposit but according to her, it's not possible.

What shall I do? I am again facing another betrayal of trust or rather, falling into the temptation of a quick-money scheme. 

I admit I have learned my lesson the hard way now. I am just so disappointed because I really need money since I was hospitalized two weeks ago and all my savings were depleted plus I am indebted to someone.

Hope this will serve as a warning for those who have limited resources. Never engage in any online opportunity as promising as this.

#JaynaSutton

What is freelancing?

I have read a great article online that I find worth sharing which talks about freelancing.

Freelancing is a great way to earn money and build up both your experience and reputation. You can do it remotely, so you don't have to be near an office or storefront. You can sell your services directly to buyers anywhere in the world through various websites like Upwork, Freelancer and GuruGuru. The biggest mistake new freelancers make is that they think it will take less time than it does. 

To run a successful business, you need to spend money before you start earning it.  Freelancing is an increasingly popular and ideal way to earn money online. You can do it remotely, sell your services to anyone anywhere in the world and work from home. If you want to work from home or don't want to commute for long hours every day (like many people who live in cities), freelancing is the best option for you! Freelancers often get started with little more than a computer and Internet connection – all they need are a passion for their job and some skills they're good at. 

The biggest mistake new freelancers make is that they think it will take less time than it does because they think they don't have any experience yet when actually there are lots of resources out there such as this article that can help guide them on how long each step takes before moving onto another step 

You can do it remotely, and you can sell your services to anyone anywhere in the world. You might be thinking that this sounds like a dream job, but it's actually possible! Many people have been doing freelance work from home for years now. And if you're not sure how to get started with remote freelancing, here are some tips: 

        Find an opportunity that resonates with you personally — this is important because otherwise there will be less motivation for completing tasks on time or thoroughly than if they were more meaningful to you personally (for example, working with one person who has shared similar interests). 

         All you need is a computer and Internet connection, as well as a passion for your job and some skills you're good at. You don't need a college degree or any other certification to freelance. If you're interested in freelancing as a side hustle or making some extra cash on the side while still working full-time, here's how it works: 

 Get started by signing up with an online marketplace like Upwork (formerly oDesk). It's one of the most popular places to find freelance jobs because it allows employers to post projects directly without having them filtered through multiple websites like Freelancer or Elance. The best part? Most jobs pay anywhere from $20-$50 per hour! If there isn't anything available at this time but know that there will be later on down the road, ask around until someone recommends someone who may also be looking for help with specific tasks like writing articles for their blog.

The biggest mistake new freelancers make is that they think it will take less time than it does. We’ve all heard stories about people who became successful overnight, but this is not the case for everyone. The truth is that being a full-time freelancer takes time and effort. It can be a lot of work if you let it be, which means you need to manage your time well so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all the tasks on your plate or let yourself get distracted by other responsibilities like family or friends' lives. It's also important not to be afraid to delegate tasks when needed; if someone else can do something better than what you're currently doing then let them! Don't feel guilty about saying no either—if there are things happening in your life that distract from work then there's no reason why they shouldn't happen while working too! 

Another year unfolds, January is about to close, it also means, another opportunity to become a better version of myself. 

But how?

Honestly, the year 2022 ended with an empty thoughts of what am I planning to do in 2023. I used to write down all my "bucket list", my plans, my to-do-list, but nope, I met 2023 empty handed. 

What's getting into me? Well, nothing actually. I just find it depressing whenever I don't get to have what I want, I get frustrated if I cannot realize the things that were written on my list. That's the very reason why I stop writing it down. Instead, I look up, I surrendered everything to Him. Yes, I may have plans but this time I will allow God to have His plans for me. I just have to do the things that I ought to do, no pressure. In this way, I won't be too expectant and I won't have to nurse a broken spirit again once I don't get what I want.

What could be in store for me this 2023? Well, that's something that only God knows.

I am actually excited and I am confident that God will slowly unfold before me all His plans. All I have to do is to perform my daily grind.