Day 30: #30GratefulDays | Create Philippines Conference

I was fortunate to attend the Create Philippines Confernce yesterday at the HallOne, ITC Center, Pasay City. You might be wondering why I attend conferences whenever I can. As a job seeker, I believe that I have to continue learning. Now is the best time to focus on self-improvement, as I have plenty of time to do so. I have committed myself to learning whenever I can, through books, periodicals, websites, blogs, and podcasts. I am lucky that I have access to knowledge even when I am at home.

Conferences are valuable because I am exposed to industry expertise and trends. I also get to network and experience going out of my comfort zone in introducing myself and my blog. I have learned from design thinking that empathy is valuable in finding solutions to foster sustainable development. Thus, by listening to talks on creativity, I am enriching myself with inspiring ideas in order to empathize more with everyone I encounter. Given that I am now at the crossroads of my personal life and my career (yes, jobhunting is a career), I can utilize my creativity to diversify myself, my professional trajectory, and blog journey. Hopefully, my commitment to creativity can improve my chances of getting a wonderful career and enhance my website’s content in the long run. 

I am excited to innovate in the long run and of course, to keep up with the times. My blog is an example of my personal development while I am looking for work. I enjoy blogging so much, that I am now doing it on a daily basis. I plan to continue blogging even when I am already employed. That way, I continue to enrich myself through experiences that I can blog about, which can be separate from my job.  

I have experienced a lot of positivity when I started this blog this May, and I think it is timely that my 30th day in my Grateful Days Project ends in a conference on creativity. I am challenged to carry on with my blog as a more innovative thinker. I hope that you will also attend conferences so you can learn, network, and share your ideas. Who knows, you may also get inspired and even begin a passion project, just like how I started this blog.

To quote Mr. Eric. Cruz of AKQA Shanghai, create your own opportunity.  By blogging everyday and having the discipline to tell my story on a regular basis, I am diversifying myself, teaching myself creativity, and training myself on how to truly live. And that is bravery in action, because it takes courage to share my thoughts even I would rather hide behind the covers. 

Ms. Lucille Tenazas from Parsons talked about cultural ambiguity and how Filipino creatives can capitalize from it. 

To stay relevant, be creative! 

Mr. Eric Cruz on saving us from boredom  

Yes! 🙌🏼 

College classmate Peepo David of AKQA Shanghai presented his humbling journey from struggling to get hired to being one of the best in his field. 

Day 29: #30GratefulDays | Cookie Cake

I had this warm cookie cake at Cool Beans Cafe  and it was a glorious experience. The chewy cake was moist and gooey, just the way it is supposed to be. It was a warm treat to remind me of simple childhood weekends spent in front of the TV, while a Disney video is playing on the VHS player.

I used to munch on Chips Ahoy! while watching movies. This cookie cake brought me back in time. I was reminded of how lucky I was to have simple childhood memories, and how I am still fortunate to be able to have treats to savor every now and then. I may not have much, but when I do indulge in delicious food, I appreciate what I have more.

There is something magical about food that gives me a sense of wonder, of being fortunate, and optimistic. I look forward to more epicurean delights soon, as I remain positive amidst all the uncertainty. 

Day 28: #30GratefulDays | Prayer and Breakfast

I am thankful to have spent a morning with St. Clare. I randomly visited her after my workout. It was refreshing to say my prayers at her monastery, since it gives me a sense of peace and renewal whenever I am there. I know that action is what gets me forward, but I also believe in the power of prayer. I do not have a set day of the week to visit her. However, I try to drop by weekly to offer eggs and pray. 

Prayer in itself is therapeutic for me. When it is coupled with the practice of visiting a monastery or a shrine, there is a tangible connection for me to behold. It may not sound right for some people, but it is important for me to have a physical presence of my intercessors. That way, I am able to pray in front of their respective images, and I practice my faith in a way that involves action and commitment. 

I usually have breakfast after my morning visits to St. Clare, and as it has been more than a month since our family trip to Singapore, I have decided to have some kaya toast, soft boiled eggs, and kopi. Having a hearty breakfast in a lovely cafe has helped me put things into perspective. I was able to reminisce about a happy vacation, savor delicious food, and drown all my negativity in piping hot coffee.

Knowing that I began my day with prayer and breakfast was motivating, and I was able to continue with the rest of the day with positive vibes and determination with blogging, job hunting, and enjoying my free time. 

I look forward to more productive mornings and breakfasts. For now, I am treasuring my leisurely moments and I am sure that with positive action comes rewarding results! 

Day 28: #30GratefulDays | What Makes Me Amazing

Finding my place under the sun isn’t easy, but I’m 100% committed.  

Yesterday, I had a chat with an industry leader about my job hunting journey. The question I was asked struck me.

I was asked why I am amazing.

I immediately recited my job experiences, the responsibilities I have fulfilled and those which I still handle now, my ability to compartmentalize different factors of my life, and of course, I shared my blog. However, I was told that those things do not describe why I am amazing. I was advised to package myself better by reflecting on this question. I sat down with myself, and after careful thought, I decided that the best way to answer this question would be to blog about it. So, without further ado, here are the reasons why I am amazing. 

1. I work within office hours and I do not believe in overtime. I have learned how to prioritize tasks over the years, and I care about the time I spend in the office. I do not go beyond the time prescribed to me, as I intend to maximize my work hours and commit 100% of myself to my job when I am in the office. 
2. I am battling hypothyroidism but I do not let it get in the way of my life. I refuse to let my condition drag me down. I have managed my weight, my moods, and I continue to do so by giving myself the best conditions to live a healthy lifestyle. 
3. I am committed to applying design thinking in my blog, work, and lifestyle. I think problem solving will be improved when there is empathy in each creative ideation.  
4. My blog has challenged me to tell my story to the world. Now, it is my turn to help convey my potential employer’s story through my work.  
5. I believe in lifelong learning, and I am always on the lookout for opportunities to improve myself. While experience is the best teacher, I believe that I cannot rely solely on what the daily grind can teach me. I am a fan of books, talks, podcasts, conferences, seminars, and symposiums.  
6. I always support an advocacy. I can never live without helping a community, a social enterprise, or my World Vision sponsored child. Supporting these causes bring a more dynamic perspective into my view of work and concept of love. 
7. I believe that it is important to motivate myself first before I can lead others. By being the best version of myself, it will be easier to lead by example and spark conversations on causes that matter to me, such as feminism, civility, and innovation. 

I must admit that this is only the beginning. I was taken aback when I was asked what makes me amazing, and I still need to dig deeper into myself. For now, I am happy to have started this conversation with myself. That way, I can package myself better moving forward.  

Day 27: #30GratefulDays | Rise Against Hunger

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

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

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

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

Photo from Rise Against Hunger Philippines  

Day 25: #30GratefulDays | What I Did Wrong

Skye from Barkin Blends says 😋

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

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

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

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

Day 24: #30GratefulDays | Keeping Fit

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

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

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

Day 23 | #30GratefulDays: Here For Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 21: #30GratefulDays | Work with Sam Page

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

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

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

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

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

Day 20: #30GratefulDays | Free Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 19: #30GratefulDays | Unemployment

​Let’s talk about unemployment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 18: #30GratefulDays | Grocery Run

Yesterday, I was craving for coconut water, brewed coffee, and my usual donut. That would normally set me back by Php90. With only Php65 in my wallet, I decided to stop the self-pity party and do something about this craving of mine. I rushed to the supermarket to buy a tetra pack of coconut water, bottled iced coffee, then a honey glazed donut from Dunkin Donuts. Everything cost only Php65, which is the price of the regular donut and large brewed coffee combo from Dunkin Donuts. I finished my snack with my own water from the food court dispenser. It may have been far from my usual luxurious merienda, but it was satisfying. I failed to appreciate the simple joys that a jumbo buko pandan juice and a steaming large cup of brewed coffee could bring. I even neglected the taste of choco butternut donuts, which I can no longer afford because each piece costs Php35. A regular honey glazed donut costs only Php20. This will do for now, and yes, everything was delicious and satisfying.

I should have been more thankful when I was still gainfully employed. Now that I am jobless, it is difficult to enjoy the simple pleasures I had on a daily basis back in the day. Snacks at the mall are a rare treat, and I am living frugally now as I am dependent on what little savings I have left. Rather than seeing this period in my life as a deprivation, I am seeing it as a journey of appreciation and thankfulness.

If you are jobless like me, do not lose hope. Continue living within your means and do not hesitate to ask for help. If you are employed and feeling overwhelmed, think of how blessed you are! Whether you are jobless, employed, or whatever, find your happiness and never compromise your principles. Enjoy the simple things and be grateful. As always, I am only a message or email away if you have comments or suggestions. Let us continue being kinder to each other.

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

Day 17: #30GratefulDays | Bullet Journal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 15: #30GratefulDays | ResTart

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

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

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

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

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

Day 13: #30GratefulDays | Coffee with a Conscience

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

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

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

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

Day 12: #30GratefulDays | Sustainable Storytelling

Coffee while blogging  

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

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

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

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

Day 11: #30GratefulDays | Sparking Innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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