At-home Workouts

I’ve been busy these past few days with a conference, my blog, and getting work done. While these commitments already take up a lot of my time, I still make sure that I keep myself fit and healthy. I eat right and never skip meals.

Also, I workout at home if my schedule prevents me from joining my Zumba classes at my local park. 

I use my stationary bike to workout at home. While I am on it, I write blog entries, check my email, apply for jobs online, listen to podcasts, and read. I multitask like that, and I don’t let my to-do list hinder me from burning calories. 

I also follow Zumba classes on YouTube to workout at home. It keeps my body in shape and breaks the monotony of the stationary bike. 

Getting my cardio fix while at home is possible, thanks to my bike and the internet. I hope that you will also continue working out even when your schedule is busy. It is really all about time management. Discipline yourself, and find a routine that works for you. You will thank yourself later. 

Life is Beautiful

Ever since I committed to being self-compassionate, I have been searching for a new necklace to wear everyday. I am all for a tangible reminder of how precious life is. I have been praying for the right one, but I do have some preferences: 1) it should be handmade, 2) it should be locally-made, 3) it should withstand my acidic skin, 4) it should have a meaningful pendant, and 5) it should match all my clothes, including my workout gear. 

I was already willing to spend on something more precious when I remembered my friend Liza of Sam’s Lil’ Hands. She crafts beautiful halo necklaces in stainless steel, and one of her stockists is The Craft Central. I wasted no time and trooped to the shop’s The Block branch, where I found this chain and halo pendant. 

 La Vie Est Belle translates to “life is beautiful”. Liza had other mantras like “wanderlust” and “blessed”, but “la vie est belle” just clicked. I instinctively felt inspired with the simple quote. I paid for both items, and even bought an Arc de Triomphe charm for good measure (I later found out from Liza that the charm is not made of stainless steel, so it has been relegated to my key ring. Still, it’s French!). 

I left the shop feeling giddy and happy with my purchases. The best part was that the necklace fulfilled all my requirements. Plus, it was reasonably priced!  

I wore the necklace sans the Arc de Triomphe charm, and I wrapped the chain around the pendant like so to keep it in place. The necklace was able to withstand my acidity. In fact, I even wore it while working out and I never removed it when bathing.  

I also appreciate that it is handmade. I could see the love in the handstamped letters and rugged finish of the pendant. It truly fits my style as I am not exactly a dainty girl. I have a rather utilitarian fashion sense, but I do appreciate a nice French reminder that life is indeed beautiful. 

I do not own this business and I was not paid by Liza to endorse her brand. I simply feel happy with my necklace and I look forward to wearing it for years to come. If you need to reboot your life, find a mantra and wear it around your neck- or have it stamped on a bangle! Liza’s affordable and classy catalog will definitely have something that will suit your taste.  

Here’s to the rest of my beautiful and meaningful life!

UPDATE: I added another halo pendant and bought a second chain (a thinner one), also from Liza. 

The second pendant reads she believed she could so she did. I think it is perfect for me. Now, the pendants are back to back, with both sides reminding me that I got this. 

One Week at a Time

It has been three months since I resigned from my last job and I am still actively looking for work. I live my life one day at a time, but I have noticed that I also thrive when I have an established weekly routine.  

For jobseekers like myself, it is important to be your own cheerleader. Your weekly habits must push you to succeed and look at things in a positive light. Here are some of my weekly to-do stuff to inspire you to establish your own routine. 

I try to visit Sta. Clara every week 💒 

1.  Visit a place of worship. You do not have to be religious to have a go-to place to pray and reflect. It could even be a library if that makes you think more. Make sure that your place of worship is quiet, conducive for reflecting and meditating, and of course, free from distractions. You need to pray, or for those who have other beliefs, to plot your next course of action. That way, you get to be guided with your decisions thanks to your belief in yourself and in a Power greater than you could ever imagine.
2. Have at least one leisurely breakfast by yourself in a week. There is something about enjoying the first meal of the day by yourself. Do this weekly, with a book, a journal, or simply your thoughts. You will be surprised by the depth of your realizations as you munch on toast or sip that second cup of joe.
3. Finish at least one book a week. I have always believed that reading is a powerful weapon against intellectual decline and negativity. There is no such thing as being too busy for a book. There are new releases each month, and ebooks usually cost lower if you prefer that format. I prefer ebooks because I get to read them while I am on the stationary bike. It really is a matter of preference, so choose the literary format and genre that works best for you. 

It’s not that difficult to cultivate new habits, as long as you are determined to improve your outlook and circumstances. Always be true to yourself. Weekly routines are there to help you move forward, so make the most out of them. Discover new things that enrich your life as well, and before you know it, you are already a better version of yourself. 

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