Credibility. Integrity. Authenticity.
Three core values that I keep closest to my heart.

Seriously though. On a personal note, words can't express the importance of these three when it comes to one's personal and professional life, so to speak.

Time and again, I have proven to myself that by being able to uphold my own core values, I managed to open doors that helped me in my journey towards my own #bestmeever .

While the three mentioned have equal importance, oftentimes, I get to be asked how I built and maintained my credibility through the years as I practice coaching. Maybe because among the three, this requires the most work.

To align everyone reading this: having credibility means the quality of being believable and worthy of trust . I believe that in order for one to be able to build credibility, it's a combination of having desirable behaviors, attitudes and skillsets that will make one trust-worthy.

On that note, since it's quite challenging to build and easy to lose so to speak, it's very important for us to protect it as much as we can.

Remember, as they say: trust, once gone, is hard to regain.

Hard truth indeed.

So given that, I want you to take this time to reflect: how have you been building and maintaining your credibility?

Are there certain behaviors and attitudes that compromise yours, whether consciously or unconsciously?

What actions are working against your credibility?

Whatever your answer may be, know that your awareness can be your stepping stone to addressing what needs to be dealt with in terms of building and maintaining your own credibility.

For now, take this time to learn about the 5 things that can affect your credibility negatively so that you can become more mindful of them , if and when they pop up:

  1. Not keeping your word

You are as good as your word. So make sure you honor every contract you signed, every promise you've given and stand by every word that you said. Broken promises lead to having trust broken which eventually can result in relationships, whether on a personal or professional note, breaking up. So before you have any regrets, try your best to commit only to things you are sure you can manage well. That way, you don't end up tarnishing your credibility with promises you can't (and don't intend to) keep.

2. Being inconsistent

How can you trust someone who's unpredictable in terms of behavior and actions? Every single day, show up, do your best, keep your word, follow through, and never leave anything or anyone hanging, no matter how difficult situations may be at times. Don't be afraid to be (and show) your authentic self because as you are, much like everyone else, you deserve to take up space. Drop all the masks, let go of all the pretensions. You don't need those if you want to build your credibility and your relationships around you.

3. Blaming others always

Taking responsibility for yourself and your actions is sexy. There I said it. Haha! Kidding aside, it's quite admirable seeing people who are able to be accountable for the decisions and results they have in life. Know that each time you blame others and refuse to take responsibility for your own life, you risk losing the confidence of people in you as you drown in your own victim mentality. Always take to heart that regardless of what happens to you and within you, you have the power of choice to be accountable for your desired results moving forward.

4. Overpromising, Underdelivering

One of the things I repeat time and again to my coach mentees is to always walk the talk. You can't just rely on your words to do the magic for you. You have to bundle it with the right, intentional actions to be able to deliver accordingly what is needed. While it's nice to assure people with what you say, make sure the assurance stays when you act on it. That means making sure that you give your best into fulfilling the expectations you have set in others. Otherwise, any misalignment in your words and actions can cause people to doubt you and the validity of your words. And that's certainly not a space you want to be caught in, right?

5. Communicating vaguely

Sometimes, when you want to play it safe, you say things for the sake of e.g. soon, next year, a lot, before etc. just to satisfy a certain question posted. Here's the thing: when you really want to commit to something, you will be really specific with the details because you know that you (and the other party) deserve to know accordingly so that expectations and actions can be managed better. So stop using words that are hard to qualify and giving out information that lacks important details to ensure that you don't lose the attention and trust of those listening to you as you speak. Facts over assumptions always, in all ways.

By now, I do hope that you get to embrace the importance of building and maintaining your credibility.

Always remember that your thoughts and actions should always be in alignment with your true intentions.
Because by ensuring that, you are able to keep your credibility in tact.
And that's a priceless experience.

We only live once.
Therefore it's very important to live life fully.

Amen.

I truly believe in this.

You see, through the years, I have seen and experienced losing people close to my heart, albeit too sudden at times, due to sickness or unfortunate events.

Trust me, not an easy space to be in, whether you're the one on the death bed or the one visiting.

You get to realize many things. Like many.

While hopefully a lot of them are happy ones, you can't help but think about those that make you regret having to be feeling helpless in the now.

I want you to take this moment to reflect:

If you were to go unexpectedly (sincerely praying hopefully not), what would be your biggest regret in life?

I feel you. Quite a heavy topic.

But such an eye opener.

Imagine: how many "what ifs" do you still have now?

What are you wishing that could have happened differently?

Breathe.

With that awareness right now, hopefully you can prevent them from happening eventually.

Allow me to share with you the 5 regrets in life you should avoid having at all costs:

  1. Letting your work take over your life

You've heard me say this time and again: work is not life. While it's important to earn a living, it's far more important to enjoy life outside of work. No one will exactly remember your position, how much you earned or what exactly your job was. Your true value lies on how much you've grown on a personal note and how many lives you have touched and changed in the process, including your own. The key here is to work smart and manage your time, energy and resources well so that you can enjoy and explore the beauty of life outside of your 8-hour shift. Trust me, you can never compare the joy you will experience outside of your office, because you shouldn't be a prisoner of your own responsibility to pay your bills. There are other ways. Most of them can be done outside of your self-imposed work trap.

2. Not being able to say or express your true feelings

Say what you want to say, do what you want to do, for as long as you will take responsibility for them. You deserve to be heard, seen and felt-- never let anyone or anything make you feel otherwise. A lot of opportunities and beautiful relationships go to waste simply because you held back. So speak your mind and heart and allow yourself to receive what is due to you: a response that will help you grow there after.

3. Trying to be liked by everyone

You weren't born to please everyone and your happiness does not depend on anyone else's approval. Take that to heart. You don't have to force yourself in relationships or spaces you don't really fit in to. Happiness is a matter of choice and that means choosing what's best for you, and that includes the people who will genuinely love and support you for who and what you are. You're not everyone's cup of tea and that's perfectly ok. Because for all you know, they aren't yours, too.

4. Setting aside your dreams and passion

Doing what you love best and being the person you're meant to be make life worth living. Never be too distracted, pressured or caught up with a lot of unnecessary things in life that you forget about what really makes your heart skip a bit. Remember: you are never too young, too old or too busy to pursue your passion and live your aspirations. You just have to consciously make that choice: to feel worthy of your biggest dreams and of becoming the person you're meant to be: your own #bestmeever .

5. Not embracing your true self

Self-acceptance is key if you truly want to live a happy, full life. Know that as you are, you are very much deserving to take up space, to be respected and recognized and loved fully so never short change yourself by hiding behind a socially-constructed facade. You don't have too. Why pretend when you can live your purpose unapologetically? The rest of your life gets better that way. Don't let others take the lead, after all, you know yourself best.

After reading through all these, may you realize what matters most in this life time:
Your genuine happiness and growth.
Never too late to begin living life regret-free.

Your thoughts become your reality.
Fact.

And that goes both ways.

What I mean is that whatever you focus on, it becomes your reality, good or bad.

That's how powerful your mind is.

Good if you utilize its strength into harnessing your own potential and pushing yourself forward as you become your own #bestmeever .

However, it's a different story altogether if you actually choose to focus on the negative thoughts that you have.

Remember, your self-talk is very powerful and it can definitely affect the way you see and do things in your life in general.

Curating your self-talk is not an easy task so to speak because again, you are very much exposed to a lot of people, things and situations which may cause you to have negative thoughts about yourself. The thing is, you cannot control all of them and stop them from wrecking havoc to your mental and emotional state.

Celebrating yourself then becomes challenging, however, in my opinion, but still very much possible by choice. It's a must actually.

Speaking of choices, what kind of thoughts have you been entertaining on your mind lately? Take this moment to reflect and come from honesty: how are they affecting you in your current space?

Ok, so if you've been entertaining a bunch of not-so-good thoughts lately, know that it's never too late to do away with them.

Here are 5 negative thoughts you should not entertain when they come to you for a visit:

1.) "You are not worthy."

Normally we get this idea when we get rejected, whether by another person or an opportunity on hand. Sadly though, this thought stems from previous experiences while growing up, whether from your parents who minimized your own potentials or opinions of others about yourself and your work which cut through your entire being. However, it is important to know that you define your own worthiness. It's not really based on who you were before, what you've done or what you've failed at. It's about who you choose to be now, how committed you are to yourself and your growth and what you choose to do about your current situation you're in that determines it. Never let what other people said about you nor what the circumstance made you feel, make you forget how deserving you are to still take up space, no matter what.

2.) "You are not good enough."

Failures can definitely dampen our spirits and bruise our egos. But hey, part of growth. What we miss out here is that failure is not an end by itself; it's our choice of whether we let it be or we get inspired to work on ourselves once more based on the rooms for improvement. Come to think of it, isn't it a beautiful thing to know exactly what to anticipate, do differently and turn your failure into an inspiring story there after? Greatness takes time. And a whole lot of patience and effort too. So you may not be good enough...yet. And that's ok. It's only the beginning for you. That will definitely still change.

3.) "You're too much."

Too ambitious? Too animated? Too optimistic? Geez. By who's standards? If it's based on the standards of the society and others, why stress so much? Never let those stop you from becoming the person you're meant to be. You don't need anyone else's approval to be genuine as you embrace your truth. Remember, you will never be too much for the right people you choose to surround yourself with because they will be willing love and support you as you are, and as you grow. For as long as you take responsibility for yourself and your actions, no one can say that you're being too much. Maybe they are just coming from feeling less about themselves each time they see you go for what you truly want and deserve. Who knows? Regardless, don't allow others to put you in a box.

4.) "You're all alone."

It may not seem like it always, but know that somewhere out there, someone believes in you and treats you as his/her inspiration. While sometimes we expect too much from people who we consider as the ones closest to our hearts, it's unfortunate that sometimes, when we least expect it, they are no where to be found when we needed them the most. Take things as they are. And know that this experience allows you to see who really values you. You might be surprised how many others are willing to have a space in your life...they were just waiting for you to open up and notice them. Apart from that, let your faith take the lead. Believing in a higher being, whether that's God for you or someone else, allows you to hold on to hope as you journey through life. Never forget also the fact that you, by choice, can be your own greatest fan. So never leave your own side, regardless of what happens. The Universe has your back. And so do you.

5.) "You'll never make it."

Where you are right now, is exactly where you're meant to be. If you're struggling, it's preparing you for more growth. However, note that struggling does not mean you're failing. And it also does not mean that you'll never make it. Take that to heart. You always have the power to choose what's best for you, as you work on yourself and take one step forward every single day. Don't let the words of others stop you. You'll make it someday, in your own way. You just have to be fully committed to your goals, whatever they may be.

I hope that this article gives you a heads up on the negative thoughts that you have to avoid at all costs.

Mind you, these are the things I have heard others say to me before.

Negative thoughts which I never entertained. Thus never stopped me from becoming the person that I am now.

Remember: You become what you focus on.
So always see yourself through beautiful, grateful lens.

Good news are meant to be shared.
And that includes your own.

Yup, you and your success also deserve to be recognized.

Feel uncomfortable about it?

Take this time to assess why sharing your wins with others as you celebrate yourself and your success, makes you cringe or hold back in the process.

Is it the judgement of others? Or the ones that you have on yourself?

I know. When reality kicks you in the balls, it can hurt big time. Haha! Now, just breathe and accept what you need to.

While success shaming can be common in some cultures, ours included sadly, it shouldn't be a reason for you to hold back and keep your wins to yourself.

Let me say this now: sharing your wins to celebrate yourself and your growth does not make you arrogant.

There, I have said it.

I mean, for as long as you are clear with your intentions, meaning you just want to appreciate yourself for a job well done because you love yourself that much, how others may react to you in the process shouldn't matter.

Remember, when people see you as being boastful as you share what truly matters to you, it's probably them projecting their own insecurities and pains on you. And that's not your problem at all so don't even bother wasting your time and energy explaining yourself to them.

At this point, you might think that it takes quite a lot of inner work to become comfortable and secure when celebrating one's self and sharing your wins with others.

Well, let me share with you the 5 reasons why you should celebrate yourself (and your wins) always to make it easier for you:

  1. You deserve it

Do I even have to stress out the importance of this one? Haha! Seriously though, always remember that much like everyone else, you are very much deserving to acknowledge yourself and your wins, like how you willingly do for others. You matter just as much and you deserve to be seen, heard and felt. Giving yourself what is due was never optional nor dependent on the approval of others to begin with.

2. You motivate yourself to grow more

Becoming more mindful about yourself and your progress inspires you to go further in your own #bestmeever journey, no matter how that may look like for you. Being able to appreciate your growth and letting others know and celebrate with you empowers you to become the person you're meant to be, without judgment or fear.

3. You inspire others

For all you know, somewhere out there, someone looks up to you as an inspiration. So never let that person down. Celebrate yourself and your wins and allow yourself to take up space wherever you are in this world because that empowers others to do the same: to live life fully, and celebrate themselves as they are, authentically and unapologetically. Start that movement now.

4. You discover who genuinely supports you

An eye opener indeed. When you get to acknowledge yourself and your wins comfortably coming from the purest intentions of expressing your self-love and wanting to inspire others too, you will be surprised at times that not everyone will be happy for you, including those whom you expected to have your back. People change. And sometimes, one's success can trigger that, especially if not their own and they want the same for themselves but are not able to achieve it accordingly for whatever reason. As you celebrate yourself and your wins, take note of the people who don't clap for you. It's telling you that you're not on the same space and that you don't have to accommodate them ever in yours. Respect yourself enough to walk away from people who don't acknowledge your worth. It was never about them in the first place. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life was to realize that I can't please everyone and that their reactions can never define my worth. Thus, I walked away from them with my head up high, and a genuine smile on my face and in my heart, knowing I am left with people who genuinely love and support me. Life goes on.

5. You open up opportunities for yourself

Fact: others won't know how amazing you are if you don't show them. Let your work speak for itself. As you celebrate yourself and your wins, you allow others to take notice of what you're good at and that allows you to align yourself with opportunities present in your network and beyond. Word of mouth is still the best form of marketing so allow people around you to vouch for you accordingly by sharing with them openly about your own progress in your journey, whether personally or professionally. Who knows, the next big break you want and need may just be around the corner, from one of those who has learned about you and your greatness. For me, whenever I shared my wins on social media, I received inquiries for my services and interviews across multimedia platforms, simply because people have taken notice of what I was capable of and the value I can add to their space. I think really it's all about how you share things, hopefully in the most genuine way with the clearest intentions. Take the chance. It will be worth it.

Hopefully now, after reading this, you become more at peace with celebrating yourself and your wins.
Nothing to lose. More to gain.
Keep growing. And keep sharing.

Quick question: what's one decision you regret making in your life?
Oops, I think I hit a nerve there.

Ok, before you palpitate too much, know that you're not alone.

I mean one way or another, as we age, we realize that not all the decisions we made in our lives worked for us.

So stop judging yourself first and just inquire within: how did that "wrong" decision impact your life?

Breathe. Recognize. And then let go.

You are no longer in that space now. And hopefully you learned along the way.

So keep living.

Don't let those mistakes you've made before define who and what you can still be.

Honor their role in your journey but never let them take the lead.

After all, it's all about learning and growing from that experience which matters most.

Might be painful at times, but definitely worth it in the end if you allow yourself to take responsibility for your decisions there after.

And by taking responsibility I mean that this time around, you will be able to make better decisions for yourself as you become more mindful of your thoughts and feelings.

Here are 5 ways to help you make better decisions in life:

1.) Check on your present space

It's very important to become aware of your current space. What are the facts surrounding you? How do you feel? What's on your mind exactly? Are you 100% present in the now? Remember, you can only make better decisions when you have fully acknowledged where you are coming from and the exact space you're in. Ideally, you are in neutral grounds, free from stress and pressure with stable emotions and focused on the decision making on hand.

2.) Be clear on your objectives

Knowing why you're making a certain decision and what you want to achieve in doing so will help you align your reasoning. Be as specific as possible: don't just say "I just want to be happy." ; qualify it. What does that mean? How does that look like for you? Being specific allows you to draw a mental and emotional note based on the clarity of what you really want from the decision you're about to make.

3.) Identify your biases

Be mindful of past experiences that have created judgment about the dilemma on hand and on yourself. List down any unnecessary thoughts that will distract you along the way. Goal is to become as objective as possible so that your decision will be based on facts and not on trauma or heightened emotions.

4.) List down the pros and cons of your decision

I know. Quite basic. But seriously, when done correctly, it can do wonders for you. When I say correctly, I mean writing things as they are, without overthinking and without self-editing, so that you get to appreciate the real value they give accordingly. Try to catch yourself when you are trying your best to lean towards a certain decision intentionally by sugar coating the cons consciously. Trust me, the more you minimize either side, the more unsound your decision will become.

5.) Acknowledge how you genuinely feel after seeing the facts

Your feelings matter just as much. Never invalidate them when making decisions. However, what is best here is to assess them based on the facts you have on hand. Impulsive decisions normally don't have factual support so at times they can wreck havoc there after. So after gathering enough data, assess how you truly feel about the decision you're about to make. In my case, I always ask myself this question: what decision will make me feel happy, complete and fulfilled? Works for me.

At the end of the day, you know what's best for you.

Remember, everything happens for a reason.
And decisions, whether good or bad, only become better when you learn and grow from them as you take responsibility.

May your decisions reflect the life you truly want and deserve soon.

Keep living.
This quote from the movie "A Man Called Otto" really touched my heart in a different way.

Ok so if you haven't seen this life changing film yet starring Tom Hanks, then this is your sign to finally do so. It's basically a film about moving on and forward after a traumatic event.

I don't want to preempt anything else except that powerful line there from that film because you deserve to enjoy the movie by yourself to fully appreciate the plot and the life lessons in between.

To be candid about it, I felt that it was something really serendipitous as I found this film while onboard my flight back to Manila.

Very much in alignment for my theme this year which is all about transformation.

You see, I made myself a promise that upon returning from the holidays, I will work on myself once more, both personally and professionally because I believe that by allowing myself to grow and to change, I inspire others to do the same.

Change can be both exciting and scary at the same time. However, by embracing the unknown and uncomfortable fully, we allow ourselves to grow into the person that we are meant to be.

And that means being able to push forward, no matter how hard times may be as you focus on what you really want for yourself, coming from a space of honesty and vulnerability.

Easier said than done I know. However, it's very much possible. You just have to be mentally resilient as you work on yourself and manage your emotions so you don't fall into the trap of spiraling down as you become overwhelmed by things happening around you and within you.

Inspired by that beautiful line from the film, allow me to share with you the 5 life-changing situations you will encounter in this lifetime that will entail you to just keep living, no matter what.

1.) When someone you love dies

I know it hurts. So much. Whether it's a member of your family, a friend or your significant other, the loss can be so overwhelming. The key here is to take time to grieve and allow yourself to sit comfortably with your emotions so you can process them better. However, it is also very important to know that it's only their physical form that died; the beautiful memories you have created will continue to live on for as long as you keep them close to your heart. Take your time to heal and do what's best for you as you come into terms with what is here and now. In the process of doing so, keep living. Your departed loved ones would have wanted you to do just that because know that wherever they may be now, they will always be a part of you and they would want to see you go on with your life happily eventually.

2.) When you experience failure

Losing can sometimes feel it's the end of the world specially if you've already given your all and done your best. Cheer up. It shouldn't be. Keep living. Think about it this way: it's a reminder that there's still room for improvement or something better is in store for you. Never doubt yourself and your capabilities. You will always be more than enough. Let the dust settle first and then pick yourself up and start all over again. Don't stop until your proud. Because someday, I am quite sure, you will be if you only commit to moving on and forward from that painful loss.

3.) When you experience a break up

Fact: it's very difficult to move on from a relationship that ended when you have gotten used to being with that other person whom you thought you will share the rest of your life with. However, please take to heart that it had to happen for a reason. Whether it's about you finally realizing your worth and what you truly deserve or perhaps for you to realize what you have been neglecting for the longest time, embrace the lessons that go with it as you keep living. Not everyone has to play a part in your story but it doesn't mean that you won't have your own happily ever after eventually. Trust the process and your journey towards finding the love that's meant to be.

4.) When you experience delays

Waiting can be such an agonizing experience. I mean, who wants to bask in uncertainty right? However, it doesn't mean that as you wait for something to come to fruition, your life stops with it. Keep living. Make the most of the time you have exploring other options while improving yourself along the way. Stressing over the wait won't hasten the process anyway so might as well focus on just being productive right? Trust me, your patience will pay off eventually.

5.) When you have reached a certain level of success

Being on cloud nine is such a wonderful feeling don't you think? I mean who doesn't want to experience that different high when you reach your goals? Don't get me wrong, it's ok to celebrate. However, it is also important to note to never let it get into your head. Keep living. Stay grounded. Know that everything is temporary. Enjoy while it's there and celebrate yourself but never lose track of what truly matters most: yourself, your wellbeing and the beautiful relationships you kept that helped you achieve that success.

By this time I know you finally got my point across.

Never make life, whatever happens to you along the way, make you forget how amazing it is and what beautiful things still lie ahead for you.

Because like I always say,
Life goes on. So can you.
Keep living.

Time passed by so quickly, don't you think?

A few days ago we were just opening our Christmas gifts, and this time around probably as you read this, you're preparing a bunch of fireworks to be used when the clock strikes 12.

Well, that's how life is. Something that we must take to heart always as we make each and every moment meaningful and memorable.

Speaking of meaningful and memorable, how was your 2023 like?

I want you to take this time to reflect and come from a space of honesty and vulnerability, how was your year like?

What did you struggle about? What were the highs and lows? What changed you?

Know that everything happens for a reason, and you, reading this now, are exactly where you're meant to be.

Ok, you can breathe now. Yes, it's ok.

But before we proceed, take this time to congratulate yourself. Whatever you've been through, whatever you're going through as of the moment, know that you made it till today and that's such an achievement. You're a fighter. A survivor. A winner. Good job!

It doesn't end though as the year that was comes to a close.

It's only the beginning of something new, and something even better for you perhaps.

With 2024 just around the corner, allow me to share with you the 5 questions you can reflect on to guide you through the upcoming year ahead, as you transition anew and journey towards your own #bestmeever .

  1. What did the previous year teach me?

Any experience, good or bad, teaches you a valuable lesson. Looking back, what did life want to teach you with everything that happened to you? Was it about setting boundaries? Choosing the people you surround yourself with? Moving on? Take those lessons to heart and know that each one will come in handy as you welcome the new year so that you don't commit the same mistakes again. Remember: life can be such a strict teacher and you will experience the same painful experiences if you don't learn from them over and over again. So don't even go that way for next year. Haha!

2. What do I really want to achieve this year?

Emphasis on the word "really". Being true to yourself, what's the new milestone that you're looking at? Have a clear vision of what you really want to achieve so you can anchor your plans on it solidly. Make sure that it's totally meaningful and relevant to you so that it allows you to live your purpose accordingly. Don't have a goal for the sake of having one. Choose what really resonates within.

3. What needs to change for me to achieve this?

A new and bigger goal requires not only a change in your action plans but also a change in your mindset and emotional state. This new journey requires a different version of you so think about this: what kind of person do you need to become to be able to achieve your goals accordingly? What mindset, behaviors, feelings and action plans do you need to modify to allow everything to fall into place seamlessly in your journey? Change is inevitable so do away with resistance and embrace the beauty of what may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first. Best if you can list them all down in your journal so you have a visual guide moving forward.

4. What kind of support do I honestly need?

Hear me out on this: there's nothing wrong with asking for help. You're only human. It doesn't make you weak or less capable. It actually shows how strong and humble you are to recognize your own needs as you journey towards your best. So best to inquire within now: who or what can help you in your journey? Do you need a mentor? A coach? New business opportunity? Skills training? Choose what you feel is best for you and don't be afraid to seek others for support if you know they can do wonders for you. Always remember though to express your gratitude and respect before, during and after you get their support because the relationships that you keep matter.

5. What should be my overall theme for this year?

Take time to imagine this: what will be your overall mantra for next year? Is it all about expansion? Breaking barriers? Transformation? Choose what's best for you and how you want your 2024 narrative to become. This helps you align your actions accordingly to your overall theme by asking yourself each time you make a crucial decision: how will this contribute to (express your theme)? Knowing the impact of your actions will help you come up with sound decisions not merely based on impulse or heightened emotions. Just to share, my 2023 theme was all about expansion and it allowed me to expand my practice globally as I spoke in international conferences and won global awards, which were part of my goals for this year. For 2024, my overall theme is transformation, as I allow myself to evolve into a new version of my own #bestmeever .

There you go. I hope these questions can help guide you as you welcome this coming year with a bunch of positivity and possibilities.

Always remember, at the end of the day, no matter what the year has in store for all of us,
life goes on.
And so can we.
Happy New Year everyone!
Cheers to the best one yet!

Christmas is just around the corner.
I hope you're just as excited as I am.

I mean, setting aside the heavy traffic and the crazy yuletide rush, I have always looked forward to celebrating Christmas wherever I am in this world.

There's something about the entire feel of this festive season that brings about unexplainable joy and peace at the same time.

And no, I am not trying to invalidate the feelings of anyone reading this because truth be told, sometimes because life happened, we feel anxious, worried and down during the holidays. Holiday blues are quite normal so stop beating yourself up and know that whatever you're going through now and feeling as of the moment will eventually will come to pass. Just trust yourself and the process along the way.

While you're at it, take this time to reward yourself for making it through the year. Yes, you deserve that gift you've always wanted for yourself. Whether it's that new gadget you've had your eye on for the longest time, that extended vacation leave or getting the next stamp on your passport, don't feel guilty for giving yourself what is due, for as long as you're willing to take responsibility for your actions. Don't let anything or anyone make you feel less deserving of whatever your heart desires.You only live once so take this time to celebrate yourself during the holidays.

However, amidst the festivities, one thing that you shouldn't stress about are the gifts you can give to others. Do away with the notion that Christmas can be so expensive for everyone and that gifts determine the value you put on a certain relationship. Seriously, they don't. It's not how lavish your gifts are; it's how meaningful they are and how relevant they become to a person long after the holidays are over and they begin their new chapter.

Here are 5 meaningful gifts you can give to others this Christmas that won't break the bank:

  1. Time

I always believed that no one is too busy to create meaningful relationships and beautiful memories. Make use of this holiday season to nurture your relationships by spending time with people closest to your heart. It's not how long you spend time with each but rather how you maximize your time spent together that matters most. Visit a long time friend, call a relative overseas, host a lunch or dinner for your family. Remember, you'll never know how many holidays you can still spend together in the future so make the most of the one you have now. Time is the most precious gift you can give to others (and the one you can give to yourself too) so don't hold back on the chance to make their Christmas happier than usual with your presence.

2. Empathy

Whether someone close to you or a total stranger, they deserve your empathy. Remember that everyone has a different journey and to be able to fully understand them, you must try to walk in their shoes to see the real value of their experiences. So now, as things go crazy in between due to the holiday rush, practicing kindness and understanding towards people working overtime, or those asking for help whether loudly or silently, or those who are not in their festive holiday mood, goes a long way.

3. Help

You are never too weak, to helpless or too insignificant to help another person in need. Doing volunteer work or simply lending your time, effort and resources to help others can make a big difference during the holidays, not only for them, but for yourself as well, as you gain a most rewarding, highly fulfilling experience. Know that whatever you choose to give out this Christmas, for as long as your intentions are clear, they will return to you tenfold.

4. Hope

Somewhere out there, someone looks up to you as an inspiration. Be that shining light of hope for others by sharing your stories that can inspire them to be their own #bestmeever . Never underestimate the power of your words, impact and influence. Use them to change the lives of others for the better as you share your own wisdom lifted from your real-life experiences that are definitely worth sharing

5. Growth

Give a gift that lasts a last time and grows in value. Devote your time to teaching others new skills that can help them thrive better in life. Whether it's all about helping them set up their own business, teaching them how to have an abundant mindset through journaling or equipping them with coaching skills, know that these will greatly impact the way they go through life positively in the long run. Sharing is caring. And know that each time you teach, you grow as well.

I hope that you get to share these gifts with people around you, whether physically or virtually.
By doing so, you not only make their Christmas happier and more meaningful, you also make yours even more special.
It's the season of giving. And experiencing the beauty in receiving.
Don't miss out on this.
Merry Christmas everyone.

Blessing in disguise.
Sounds familiar? I bet.

Much like I did, you probably grew up hearing this when things go wrong initially and then something better comes, making every chaos that has happened seemingly worth it.

And almost always, it's true right?

So through the years, I think I have mustered the art of looking for silver linings even before Catriona Gray made it trending in 2018 during Miss Universe. Haha!

Seriously though, I have come into terms with the fact that no amount of worrying, anxiety and anger can resolve our concerns on hand, whatever they may be. After all, change is inevitable and transitioning in life need not be a terrifying experience.

However, admittedly, that's easier said and done. Going head on with all the curve balls life throws at you can be such a stressful experience. It requires a whole lot of commitment, faith and love for yourself -- sometimes harder to give to ourselves during difficult days. Chill, it's ok. We're only human.

The key here though is to take time to embrace the seemingly overwhelming situation as is, without panicking or resisting it, to fully understand its value.

Take this time to inquire within and recall any unfortunate event you may have experienced recently that caused you so much stress and anxiety.

This time around though, do this:

Breathe. Release. Reflect. Recalibrate. Repeat.

That 5-second gap. That beautiful pause allowed you to ground yourself and shift perspective. Never underestimate the power of staying still.

Now, apply the same thing as you reflect on these 5 blessings in disguise in your life to be able to appreciate them more:

  1. A lost opportunity

A cancelled booking. A moved media guesting. A rescheduled meeting. And the list goes on. Oftentimes we look at what opportunity we lost that we forget that we have bigger opportunities on hand that we have yet to maximize. I have always believed that if one thing is meant to be, it will be. So see this as a form of redirection towards a new opportunity: what do you have on hand that you must focus on? Resting perhaps? Preparing more? Entertaining another opportunity that you set aside before? Do away with the resentment and regrets and you will eventually find out the purpose of it. In my case, when an appointment gets cancelled, I see it as an opportunity for me to practice self-care always. Whether I get my facial, a massage or just enjoy my iced coffee in my favorite space, I still enjoy the moment just as much while remembering that it's actually a preparation for something far greater.

2. A failed relationship

Lost a dear friend? Had a bad break up? It might seem so painful now but know that eventually, it will come to pass. Failed relationships teach you beautiful lessons about self-love, boundaries and self-worth. Embrace those fully as you move on and forward towards your next chapter, not coming from scratch but coming from experience, while knowing what's best for you and what you truly want and deserve in a relationship, whatever kind it may be. This year, I lost a friend whom I initially thought was worth keeping because I have known this person for quite some time now. However, reflecting on the kind of relationship we had before, it made me realize how I was taken for granted and how many times my boundaries were crossed. Now, I am very much at peace with cutting ties with that person because I allowed myself to meet and be with new people who truly value me as a person. One of the best decisions ever to make room for people who genuinely deserve to share spaces with me.

3. A failure

Lost a competition? Did not get that promotion? Rejected application? It's ok. It's not the end of the world. Take it as a sign that there's still room for improvement. You don't have to nail everything immediately after a single try. Take your time. Work on yourself. Figure out what you really want. And be great at it. Let your results do the talking for you. I remember being shortlisted for an international award this year but ended up not being part of the winner's circle. At first I was heartbroken but then I realized maybe it wasn't really for me at this point in time. I remember focusing all my efforts into improving myself and my craft and lo and behold, my hard work did pay off. Yes, another award, took its place. But the best reward: seeing myself grow in the process, with or without any award at stake. Just my commitment to myself as I become my own #bestmeever .

4. Getting sick

Ok, don't get me wrong: I am definitely not wishing this on anybody. What I am saying is that sometimes we get sick because we need to be reminded that we also have to take care of our own needs and wants as we realize what really matters in the long run. When I got sick before and totally bed ridden for two weeks due to over fatigue because I was totally gungho at work, it's when I realized the importance of my health and the people who truly value me beyond our working relationship. It was such an eye opener that after I healed (thank God or else I wouldn't be writing this as of this moment), the first thing I did was schedule mandatory work cut offs, vacation leaves and choose the people who I surround myself with, making sure that they genuinely look after my overall wellbeing. By living life fully each day and not letting work define how I should live --- I have never been this happy.

5. Feeling stuck or lost

It's not easy finding yourself at the crossroads of your life. Well to be candid about it, anything that's unfamiliar can be so uncomfortable to begin with. The key here is to embrace the space you're in and see it as an opportunity to finally go for what you want. Have you been stopping yourself for the longest time? Are you secretly wishing for something new in your life? Want to reinvent yourself? This seemingly dark space allows you to fulfill whatever it is you desire . It's a matter of being clear with what you really want and need as of the moment that will make you feel genuinely happy, complete and fulfilled. I remember hitting a road block during my mid-30s when I no longer feel inspired by my work as an advertising and marketing executive after 15 years. Feeling lost and confused, I allowed myself to explore: learn a new skill, teach antigravity yoga, teach in graduate school among others which eventually led me to discovering my calling: life coaching. Looking back, that period of confusion redirected me to where I am meant to be. And I am, to this day, beyond grateful.

I hope the next time you encounter any of these, you will have a different take on them as you see the real blessings underneath.

Remember: everything happens for a reason, including you, reading this now because maybe, just maybe, you will uncover a new blessing in disguise soon.
I am beyond excited for you. Keep going. Keep growing.

Never too late to start a new adventure and make a dream come true.
My mantra ever since.

This is actually coming from my own experience. I never did let my age get in the way of my dreams.

Imagine: transitioning careers at age 36. Starting from scratch. Experiencing rejections time and again because I was a newbie in the coaching practice back then. My 15 solid years of experience in advertising and marketing did not really matter to my prospects then in search of a professional coach for them.

Yes, it was a very humbling, frustrating and life-changing experience.

But I am glad I pushed through.

Because if I let the opinions of others, the rejections and all the challenges that came my way back then, I wouldn't be my own #bestmeever now: a multi-awarded global master coach with international best selling books and viral thought leadership articles to match.

I say all of these not to brag but to celebrate the wonderful journey it has been and how beautiful transitions can be if you willingly embrace it.

Ok, just to be clear: life transitions don't just pertain to your new chosen career. It can also mean changing relationships, pursuing a different passion, or exploring an unfamiliar aspect of yourself.

And it can happen at any age, not necessarily when your hair turns gray. The good thing about it though is that: know that it's ok.

Finding yourself at the crossroads of your life is normal. It means you're actually preparing yourself to grow even more so stop beating yourself up. Transitioning does not mean you're falling behind; it actually means you're finally ready to take that first step to moving forward and becoming the person you're meant to be: your own #bestmeever .

Mind you though: transitioning is never easy. I mean seriously, I don't know anyone who finds uncertainty and unfamiliarity as something joyful. Haha! Kidding aside though, more than just wanting it for yourself, changing the space you're in requires you to be fully committed and to do the work needed, no matter what.

Here are 5 questions to reflect on to help you transition in life:

  1. If I wasn't coming from fear, what do I really want in life?

Fear limits you and your dreams and giving in to it makes you settle for what you truly deserve. So it's best to reflect on this question, coming from a space of courage and vulnerability instead so that you may finally identify what you truly want best. Make sure to make it as specific as possible e.g. I want to be happy (like how? what's your space like? what will be the basis?) so that you have a clear vision of what you aspire to be.

2. Why do I want that transition for myself?

Remembering your own "why" grounds you and helps you through the darkest days. Be really honest about the value of your decision so that you get to hold on to your reasons along the way as you turn your "why" to "why not"? Acknowledge how transitioning will make you feel and how it will help you live your purpose, whatever it may be.

3. What's stopping me from moving forward with the transition I want for myself?

Fear. Finances. Responsibilities. Unworthiness. Health. Time. Space. All these and more. The goal here is to identify the things holding you back so you can process them accordingly based on what you can control and do away with those that you can't. At the end of the day, the only thing that can really stop you is yourself, because everything else has a solution, one way or another. Remember: if you really want something, nothing can stand in your way.

4. How committed am I to my transition?

It's a life-changing decision you have to make for yourself so you have to be 100% in. No halfway thoughts. There will be good days and bad days and you must be willing to embrace both equally. At the end of the day, know that i'll be worth it.

5. How can I go about my desired transition?

Planning is key. You don't just go into a new battle without carefully considering your options and the next steps that you should take. Write down your course of action, taking into consideration the step by step process you can go about to achieve your desired results: what do you need to do? who can help you? when? just some of the questions to guide you towards creating your road map to the new you.

I hope these questions can help prepare you for your upcoming transition, whatever that may look like for you.

Remember this always: You are just one decision away from your best life. Make it count.
Grow happily, Unicorn.

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