I dispatched 30 earsavers to the frontliners of Imap Lying-In Clinic, Bohol. It was a joy to crochet this batch as it coincided with a rainy weekend and Taylor Swift’s Folklore drop. The dreamy combo enabled me to crochet with ease.
Volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH has been the highlight of my quarantine so far. To help us reach more frontliners, please search for our Facebook group. Thank you and God bless!
Candlelight Crochet
Yesterday, I got to crochet by candlelight at Wildflour. I had an unforgettable brunch! I feasted on their mushroom bowl, the milk ice cream, and their latte. It was a delicious way to celebrate my hobby and of course, to nourish myself.
Being a foodie and a crochet enthusiast has brought me to several restaurants where I could enjoy my hobby in public. I love bringing my yarn and hook with me wherever I go. I think the handmade life should go beyond the home. It should be expressed and lived with pride, whether in private or in full view of the world.
May you also find the hobby that brings you joy, and the courage to experience that joy in public!
My Main Job
Yesterday, I rode the tricycle to my former office.
I submitted my resignation yesterday because I was suffering from allergies at work. I’d have to find an office that won’t compromise my health. Health is valuable to me, especially now that my dad is terminally-ill.
I also need more time to take care of my father now that he is in critical condition in the hospital. I bought adult diapers and liners. I also got medicines from the pharmacy.
I need to fan him from time to time due to his medication. It’s not easy caring for someone who’s terminally-ill, so I have to be strong as well.
This is my main job for now. I can look for work again when things stabilize, but for now, I am my father’s carer, and I am up for the challenge.
Training Day
Yesterday was a gorgeous day to drive and run some errands.
After accomplishing some important morning tasks, I had breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee.
Then, I took a train to Cinema ‘76 to watch a movie.
Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa was a moving love story between two people who cannot be together in real life due to convention. It still remains to be one of my favorite Filipino indie films, and I love how the film celebrates commuting, music, and walking while thinking introspectively.
I ended my me-time with some prayer and thanksgiving at St. Joseph’s Shrine, then I ran some more errands.
I am grateful for people who care for me and check on me. Thank you for following my journey! I am taking care of myself so that I can also watch over my family and ensure that they receive the care that they deserve.
I still have more trains to ride, movies to catch, and tests to pass. Let’s do this, 2019!
A Fresh Start
Back when I was still working at Ortigas, I would have lunch at Juju Eats Podium. Their pesto pasta salad was my favorite as it was filling and refreshing!
For my last lunch of the year, I had it again. I love their sticker: GOOD JUJU!
I missed this salad so much!
It brought me back to the good old days. As I welcome 2019, I remain optimistic that the days will be good, bearable, and blessed.
I knitted while having coffee.
Then I had a chair massage after running some errands!
I am welcoming the new year with a new bag and wallet. I chose local brand Heartstrings because all of their bags are designed and made in the Philippines! Also, this colorful rainbow design is cheery and bright. I am straight, but rainbows just resonate with me.
I know that it’s up to me to make 2019 better than the last! So with a growth mindset and optimism, I know that I got this!
Maker Monday
I decided to participate in #MakerMonday because I like making things!
Hi! I’m Sam, the blogger behind speakoutsam.com. I enjoy knitting and crocheting scarves without a pattern because I love mindlessly and mindfully (it’s a paradox, I know!) crafting while going about my day. I write about my daily life with hypothyroidism, and how I conquer it with exercise, meaningful endeavors, and eating well. I also enjoy creative journaling and drinking coffee.
I hope that I can meet more makers and exchange ideas with more like-minded people! Here’s to creativity and welcoming possibilities!
Powering Through
As a new employee, I am challenged to face existing processes and enforce new ones in my workplace. I am still learning and adjusting. I recently faced a challenge, which was thankfully resolved because I was working with a competent team. It also helps that my superiors are a call or email away to guide me through.
I feel valued, and that is why I am also compelled to be a valuable member of my team. I cannot attain progress alone, so I reach out to people more. It is a win-win solution because I get to improve my interpersonal skills while getting things done!
And as always, the right outfit helps me slay.
I am powering through each day with faith, grit, and a lot of coffee. I am determined to make things work as I grow as an individual. And while I have a great team, I also rely on a generous God. It is the combination of hard work and unwavering faith that gets me through each new day!
Pancakes and Prayers
It’s not always easy to stay positive during tough times. Recently, I faced an incident wherein I had to question the sincerity of people I trusted the most. It was difficult, but I had to carry on with life.
One of the things that I looked forward to was rewarding myself after a workout, and yesterday, I finally gave in and tried the pancake waffle set (P160) at Breakfast Bin.
Those would have to be the best pancakes I have ever had! They were fluffy, not to sweet, and filling. They were not airy at all, unlike fast-food pancakes. They are the real deal.
I also dropped by St. Clare to give thanks and to pray for my intentions.
I also bought my favorite dirty ice cream sandwich from the vendor near UP Sunken Garden. I love the dirty ice cream there because it is avocado-flavored!
Then, I dropped by the hospital for my blood test. I am praying for great results!
My last stop was the hospital chapel. I may not be able to control everything, but I can move forward and be healed.
May God provide me with the strength to face each new day and the wisdom to learn from my recent challenges.
On Top of Things
We had Mother’s Day lunch at a nice restaurant inside a five star hotel. While we were enjoying the sumptuous food, we also had the chance to view our city from this vantage point.
It is quite humbling to note that while our urban sprawl is not the most striking of cityscapes, there is still beauty amidst the chaos. There are pockets of greenery and quiet places. I am reminded that there is hope in a city where you see the negative on the foreground.
Because when you focus on the bigger picture, you will see the potential of your life in a place that is worth stepping back for anyway.
May you also find your new perspective today, as we begin another week of hustling in this place we call home.
Embracing Change
I am going through some changes in my life. I have recently left an unhealthy situation, and I have pledged to practice self-compassion in order to help myself thrive. I have learned through my 21-day self-improvement project that it is important to design my life with intention. This will allow me to filter out the negative factors and avoid repeating the same mistakes. I am also striving to stay strong. I have chosen to spend more time with family and friends, while being open to the idea of meeting new people. I cannot continue being in a bubble all my life. It is time for me to step up and explore new groups, experience new cultures, and embrace change.
I will never be able to move forward if I am stuck in one place. I have previously been held back by factors which were not good for me. I am excited to be free again, so to speak. Of course, there are times when I am scared of the future. I am scared of being alone. But I dispel those fears with my conscious decision to choose happiness for myself.
I am embracing change with an optimistic mindset and a risk-oriented attitude. I will be resilient, and I will continue blogging about living life to the fullest. For now, I am open to possibilities and opportunities that will come my way.
Day 5: Online Skills
Yesterday, I shared with you how I design my life with intention. One of the cornerstones of living deliberately is practicing discernment in EVERY choice I make. As I am now building my career trajectory in the corporate world, I have to be mindful of the skills which I already have. That way, I get to apply them more effectively and make excellence a habit.
It is remarkable though that even in a corporate setting, my personal growth is made possible through skills which are valuable in online businesses. Corporations have an online presence, and knowing which online skills I innately have is going to make me a more valuable asset to my employer.
Are you curious to know which online skills will enable you to thrive beyond the interwebs? Let me teach you how!
I am on the third day of The Bucketlist Bombshells mini-course which I have shared with you a few days ago. I found out through the video class that I am proficient in tech skills more than graphic design, and it is an area where I can develop my potential to have an online tech business. This does not necessarily mean that I will be setting up my own tech business. It could simply mean that I could diversify my role in the company I will belong to by applying my innate skills in project management, web content strategy, writing, and blogging should there be opportunities in their online campaigns. I have also learned that I can grow and expand my tech skills by learning more about social media management and coding in the future.
To determine if you are more of a graphic designer or a tech professional, take the Day 3 video class in the mini course. You should also reflect on what excites you. Do you like browsing through typography, colour schemes, and mood boards online? Then you are most likely to be a graphic designer at heart. If you are more excited about managing online content, writing blog posts, and thinking of practical solutions to everyday tech problems, then you are more of a tech whiz. You do not have to be a coder or developer to work in tech. In fact, you can simply write content and have a potentially fruitful career online if you continuously research and study on ways to amp up your skills.
There are plenty of online courses to teach you how to acquire graphic design or tech skills, and there are also affordable classes in schools, univeristies, and even co-working spaces. Choose what works best for you and focus on the skills you want to develop, learn, and apply!
As always, I am being real and sharing with you my actual answers to the worksheet provided in the video course. I hope that this will inspire you to uncover which online skills could help you setup your own online side-hustle or diversify your current role in your company. Who knows, you might even have a more meaningful life in the process. Let me know how it goes, and tomorrow, I will teach you another lesson on self-improvement which you should not miss!
***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***
Day 4: Designing my Life with Intention
I am at a point in my life where everything has to be intentional. I am already thirty-one years old. I know myself well by now and I am no longer wasting my time with people, experiences, and things that are not going to positively influence me.
Today, let me teach you how to begin designing your life with intention so that you can live more meaningfully.
I am inspired to design my life with intention!
Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of R2R was so sweet to have included this handwritten note.
I love this book so much, I have given copies as Christmas presents in the past!
With Word of Mouth friends Char, Dianne, Brian, and Rucha
My first time at NCAA!
I was into philately back in grade school. I guested on the show Tipong Pinoy back in the day (and I spoke about my love for stamp collecting) so it was a treat to pose by this backdrop!
My delicious mushroom risotto from Ilustrado
- Live like a winner. I won this R2R passport case and signed copy of The Genius of the Poor by Tom Graham. It all started when I listened to the In Good Company podcast. I supported the podcast since they began releasing episodes because I have been supporting social enterprises like R2R for nine years now (my first R2R purchase was a clutch in 2008!). When they had a giveaway, I joined and of course, I was glad to be one of the lucky winners. Now, you might be thinking what this has to do to “Living life like a winner”. Well, I would not have intended to support social enterprises and handmade business if I did not have a healthy dose of self-respect and self-love. By buying from these social enterprises, I am sharing this love to the artisans and communities whose dignity is being restored with every purchase made. This makes me feel like a winner because I get to share my love. I listen to podcasts that spark joy and uplift my mood. In the end, I live life like a winner and I am inspired to design my lifestyle around my intention to thrive, grow, and win!
- Attend events that can inspire you. I am inspired by cultural and artistic events which could inspire me to elevate my taste for a quality life. By immersing myself in stories, artworks, performances, and music, I get to feel, process how these feelings correlate to my experiences, and have a chance to empathize more as I go along. For example, I attended a Word of Mouth storytelling event at the NCAA auditorium at the beautiful walled city of Intramuros. I got to see my friends Char, Dianne, Brian, and Rucha and we also had lunch at Ilustrado. I felt renewed and restored after listening to stories and catching up with friends over delicious food. I couldn’t really ask for more on a rainy Sunday.
- Be mindful of the choices you make. My Girlboss Workbook by Sophia Amuroso begins with an oath, which allows me to promise to myself that each choice I make must be deliberate. I blog about pursuing wellness through mindfulness, so I’m all for being deliberate with my choices. It begins with asking yourself if each choice is going to be good for you. If it will help you become a better person, then go for it! Remember, mindfulness begins with self-love. Separate your emotions from the love you feel for yourself. Make sure that you love yourself first. From there, all your choices will be deliberate.
From the Girlboss Workbook
Design your own life with intention, and be sure that each choice you make is deliberate. Don’t ever lose sight of your self-love. Lastly, do not give up when you experience setbacks. Choose to move forward. After all, each new day is another chance to redesign your life!
***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***
Day 2: Vision Boards
I made a couple of vision boards when I was still working in the BPO industry. I kept these boards with me, and they still inspire me until now.
My love for vision boards boil down to the process of making one.
I find the process therapeutic, and I get to map out my dreams in a tangible way. With the exception of the virtual professionals phrase, I can say that my vision boards are still current.
For now, I am focusing on building a corporate career. I am also seeking balance in my life. I have recently let go of difficult people in my life and I am attracting growth. Like what I have learned from Roma Agsalud last Saturday, “growth takes time”. I am now focusing on what I invest in and using my time wisely. That way, I am building a future for myself that is secure and full of opportunities.
You might be wondering why I prefer to make old school vision boards when I can easily do so online. I am a strong believer that handmade is better. The process gives me a tangible connection to the visual representation of my dreams. You might think that they are just mostly makeup, accessories, and clothes, but these items inspire me to work hard. And of course, my vision boards will never be complete without my advocacies and faith.
If you have extra time and some old magazines, I highly recommend making vision boards. You will need a pair of scissors, glue stick, illustration board, and an outline of what you are looking for. If you prefer doing without the outline, that is also fine. You will definitely be inspired and your vision boards can be your visual guides to the dreams you want to fulfill.
Good luck!
***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***
Solo Enjoyment
I have written about solo dining in Manila, which only shows how much I believe in the empowering effect of going out alone. I have always enjoyed my own company, and this is practically a given as I am an only child. I think exploring places alone is a joyful experience. I was never scared to walk on my own, even in malls or restuarants where couples and groups are the norm. This is why even if I am in a happy relationship, I still find time to go out alone.
Are you afraid to spend time alone? Or are you just looking for activities you can enjoy by yourself? Here are a few regular things I do alone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After a chair Zumba class
With little Ella
- Watch a movie. You might think that movies are best enjoyed with a date. I do watch movies with A, but there are times when I am compelled to spend time appreciating film alone. This applies to indie films and other movies which are not as conventional. Yesterday, I watched Loving Vincent. It broke my heart. It was so sad! But it was a visually stunning film as it is completely hand painted. “Starry starry night...”
- Workout. I join Zumba classes at a local park. I am not even naturally coordinated, but Zumba gives me life! I enjoy dancing to Latin music and forgetting about my worries along the way. It is healthy to burn calories, and really, working out is unbeatable when it comes to bringing out the best in you. My best ideas come to me while I am exercising, and most of them are for my blog. So why not try a workout today and you might even be inspired to write, draw, or create!
- Visit a pet cafe. Manila is now home to numerous dog and cat cafes. I frequent Barkin Blends because the dogs are trained to be playful with humans, even those who are not used to living with dogs. The staff are also helpful and efficient, so I always get a peaceful couple of hours with my favorite dog Ella, who is a chiweenie. I personally feel destressed after each visit. Cuddling a dog (or cat, if that’s more your thing) can give you a semblance of calmness, especially if the said dog snores on your lap! Not to mention, pet cafes serve coffee, so you can also get your caffeine fix while hugging your furry friend.
These are just three examples of activities I enjoy alone. You should try at least one of them, as going out alone is therapeutic. Who knows, you might even learn more about yourself along the way. It should never be terrifying or lonely to be solo. As long as you are comfortable with your own company, you will definitely feel the incomparable joy of exploring the city by yourself.
***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***
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 💒
- 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.
- 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.
- 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***
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***