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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.

My most unforgettable childhood memories were something that I don't want my kids to experience. As young as I was, I was exposed to severe emotional unrest. I was so vulnerable to pain. I was not sold like Joseph but my heart was so full of hatred that I was bringing the pain until I got married. Yes, I'm so overwhelmed with hatred for my father, for his total being, for neglecting his duties, and for having so many kids with different women and yet doing the same thing that he did to us, abandoning his responsibility as a father.

My childhood experience somehow left a myriad of baggage in my heart before. I used to have trust issues with men I got relationships with, much more with my husband. It took me almost a decade before I finally built my trust in him. However, that feeling of uncertainty was still engulfing me. I'm so scared for my kids that is why I kept on reminding my husband of the detrimental effect of having a womanizer father. 

I used to tell myself that I have to be empowered so that whatever may happen I could stand on my own when worst comes to worst with my marriage. But then I realized, it's not about me anymore. I need to consider my kids, their feelings, and their future. That's why it was always my fervent prayer that God will sanctify our marriage and keep it whole till our last breath. 

It is indeed inevitable for people like me to have that fear. But then as time goes by I realized one thing when God reminded me that everything happens for a reason. Then I tried looking back to where I came from. Doing so created so many "WHAT IFS" in my mind.

What if my Mom and Dad didn't break up? How long will we survive? 

What if my Mom endured all the pain? Will she be happier?

What if my Mom didn't stand up for us, where could we possibly be right now?

When my parents broke up, we were separated and scattered. I was already in my third year of high school when we get back together with my Mom and siblings. Such a reunion was never easy. We have so much indifference. Good thing there was a man who played the role of my father- my late Tatay Rene, our stepdad. I would say, Tatay was a total blessing for all of us. He gave up a good life just to be with us. The process was never easy as well with his own family but Tatay was the kind of father that no one would dare to disown him. He was our total confidante, the father that we look up to. 

By then, I still hate my biological father. I still put all the blame on him for all the hardships that  I've gone through when I was still younger. It was Tatay Rene who taught me to release all such hostility. He even asked me to allow my father to walk me down the aisle during my wedding but I blatantly disagree with him coz all I want to be with to take that role was only him and I am so glad that he endured the pain of his feet (coz he's suffering from diabetes during that time).

Barely two years after my wedding, and a day after my birthday, my Tatay Rene passed away. I never came to his wake coz I cannot endure the pain of losing him. Whenever I saw my father, I cannot help but compared him to Tatay. They're both not perfect but Tatay was so responsible and trustworthy.

However, when Mom was petitioned by my younger sister to live with her in the USA and occasionally travel to Canada to visit our elder sister, I realized a lot of things. 

Mom deserves the life that she lived right now and the experience that she enjoyed at the moment. But then she already releases forgiveness to my Dad without the intention of going back to him. She supported him sometimes by giving him financial support when needed. She also keeps on reminding us, especially me, to forgive him because, after all, he is still our father.

I also realized that I have already reached my goal even without his support, and what else should I hate him about? Indeed, I was reminded of Romans 8:28. I've encountered that verse so many times but only now that I realized that it was God's direct message to me many years back. It was meant for my father. I honestly have that sigh of relief when I get to hug him during his birthday last month- that was the first time actually that I deliberately hug him sincerely since the time he left us. The feeling was so hard to explain. And I believe it was complete forgiveness that made me do it. Who am I after all when I, myself, was also a sinner but by the grace of God, I was saved?

This was my reflection. 

Romans 8:28

[28]And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

We, humans, have multiple options to choose on how we live our lives. We can live in harmony with anyone, we can also choose to live with hatred and bitterness and we can also live without care for whatever is happening around us. It depends on us. 

But one thing that we should not forget is that whatever choices we'll be making- we should always consider the consequences. It's pre-knowledge after all. Unique as we are, we can judge our own actions whether what we are doing is correct or not. I wonder how some people find it challenging to live appropriately, and without stepping on someone's rights? I wonder how easy it is for others to mislabel someone for fun? I wonder too how we neglect someone's opinion just simply because we feel superior compared to them? 

We can be silly, we can be bossy but disrespecting others should not be an option. Indeed, RESPECT is important, because, in the absence of it, the world will be in chaos... 

OUR WORLD will be in CHAOS. 

#randomthoughts

Today marks my 20th year of existence with 21 years of experience...

Maturity may not always come with our chronological age, but the way I see myself right now, I can say that I am getting there nevertheless.

I have so many things running on my mind lately- plans, bucket lists, hang-ups, regrets for the things that I should have done yet failed to do, all those what-ifs, and what I would become.

Life these past days taught me a lot of things. Life is meant to be shared, and so does life's experiences. I am just so glad that I was able to interact with students again after two years of modular learning.

Every time I saw the eagerness of my students to learn something new, I felt the need as well to find new challenges for myself- to try something new too!

After 7 years of teaching Technical Drafting (TD), I lost track of what I really want for my students to learn. The resources are just so limited that for 7 years it felt like I am just producing half-baked individuals who might have the theories but were deprived of applications. Even myself isn't improving anymore.

I love TD (that's for sure) but I could tell that it's not really my passion. I'm not always good with drawing figures having technical specifications, and accurate measurements because I always deviate from the standard way of doing it. I am not good at following exact dimensions. So I let my students explore that things-some were successful but most haven't shown their interest.

What really was my passion? I love doing RANDOM things!

Random arts- random sketching, random lettering, random creative ideas, random picture, and video editing.

So I asked my School Head to have a shift in my specialization... something that could unleash my potential, something more practical and more fun to learn- so I've introduced myself to TLE- ILLUSTRATION...

When I read the Curriculum Guide for ILLUSTRATION, I knew right there and then that this is what I really want! I am still trying to learn about it but I want to explore and discover all its possibilities. And I want to do it together with my students...

I may be starting from scratch yet I learned to embrace it and wanted to learn more from it...

Sketching

Lettering/Calligraphy

Painting/Color Rendering

Logo Making

T-shirt designing/layouting

Digital Arts

Microsoft Applications

Photoshop

Canva

bonus track- Video Editing

and more...

Indeed, I am happy on my Birthday.

Thanking God for His wisdom, strength, guidance, and His provisions because, yes, it's an extravagant course hahaha, so help me God.