Limitless Entrepreneur Day 4

Today is my blog www.speakoutsam.com’s third anniversary! I am celebrating it whilst at home due to the enhanced community quarantine. While the lockdown is only temporary, my learning journey is a lifelong one. This is why I signed up for Melyssa Griffin’s Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat to make the most out the quarantine by learning how to have an entrepreneurial mindset.

Here are some of my answers to Melyssa’s Day 4 prompts:

Help them visualize the transformation they’ll experience if they work with you. How’s their life like now?

I realized that the world will not be the same after the pandemic ends. We are already aware of the possibility of productivity at home. Work is possible even while at home thanks to technology. Working with me will make life easier for my employer because I am able to utilize the available technologies to communicate the client’s message to his target audience. I am also capable of meeting clients and upper management face-to-face, which is an advantage when making pitches or networking. I am flexible while also prioritizing time management when it comes to achieving results.

How will it be after working with you/purchasing your products and experiencing the transformation you can get them?

I have a Human Nature online store (please support! We deliver during the ECQ) which enables me to deliver high quality natural personal and home care products to Filipinos during the quarantine. I am able to provide a ritual for self-care and cleanliness during a period of uncertainty. I am also working as a freelance writer during this time. I am also a volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH as a crocheter.

I am able to share my passion for natural products, writing skills, and crocheted earsavers during the pandemic. I provide a sense of humanity in the face of an unseen virus. I give hope when there is so much negativity and fear in the world through my ability to communicate, sell, and for my volunteer work, to crochet for frontliners.

Now, this transformation needs to be real and achievable. Don’t promise them something you can’t deliver, you want to be honest and help your audience get actual results. Do you have a personal transformation you can share? What might their transformation look like if they purchase your offer?

A couple of months ago, I was a freelance writer with an online business. I also had my blog which has enabled me to attended learning and networking events. My life completely changed when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented. I has to quickly pivot since I had to be safe at home during the entirety of the pandemic. I chose to volunteer as a crocheter for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH because I wanted to help our frontliners. It became a journey of transformation because my focus shifted on something bigger than myself. Since then, I no longer thought of this pandemic as a period of loss and solitude. Rather, I saw it as an opportunity to serve those who heal the sick.

Thank You Mama Mary!

Amidst the challenges that I am facing with jobhunting, working freelance, blogging, and trying to date, I still find time to go to church. I have recently discovered the novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I go to Baclaran Church whenever I am free on Wednesdays, and it has given me a sense of peace.
I have decided to thank Mama Mary for her powerful intercession even if I have yet to receive the blessings that I am praying for. I am also working on being more thankful despite the hellish commute in the city and the frequent rejections I receive.

I am fortunate to be alive and to still have food to eat. I have a family, a bed, a car (although I seldom use it now that I commute more), and household help.
I am thankful, and soon, I will receive more blessings to be grateful for!

Everyday Hero

Yesterday, I treated my helper again to lunch. It was a holiday in the Philippines (Day of Valor), and it was just fitting to share a meal with the person who makes life easier for me and my family. She is our everyday hero, and I’m grateful that she’s in our lives. 

I also had coffee with her at Starbucks because I found out that she’s never had a frappe in her entire life. It’s remarkable to share firsts with friends, and I’m happy to have been privileged to buy coffee for my helper. 

Let’s continue celebrating our daily heroes who never cease to simplify our lives. 

Mabuhay po kayo! 

#dearsunniessanta

I recently won the @dearsunniessanta giveaway hosted by eyewear brand Sunnies Studios. I was one of 100 winners. 

Photo from @dearsunniessanta 

I wished for a brand new pair of Sunnies Specs as my old Harlow pair already had moldy temples (I’m hyperacidic). 

 Photo from @sunniesspecs

 Photo from @dearsunniessanta

So yesterday, I claimed my Sunnies Santa goodie bag from Sunnies Specs SM North Edsa, and it was magical! 

I received festive merch aside from my specs.  

And choosing my new pair turned out to be challenging because Sunnies Specs has so many options! 

I finally chose a nude acetate pair, which I will claim after 24 hours.  

To give thanks and continue praying for my personal intentions, I proceeded to St. Clare Monastery.  

I went to Mendiola to continue praying and pose by CEU’s famous pink wall.  

No trip to Mendiola is complete without a stopver to St. Jude.  

Then, I went to St. Joseph at Anonas.  

My last stop for the day was Cinema ‘76 to buy my Goyo DVD. Special thanks to relatives who generously gave me Christmas money to buy presents for myself.  

I am really thankful for all the blessings that I continue to receive. Christmas is best enjoyed when there is hope for the future. Winning the Dear Sunnies Santa competition has inspired me to dream and to keep my eyes on the prize- that is, a brighter tomorrow. Here’s to us who dream, and to us who never stop believing!

Bright Gray

I love the color gray, and I own a lot of clothes in that color palette. I finished knitting a gray scarf, and it was a process that took me from coffee to dessert. 

I finished this scarf in less than a week as I used chunky yarn purchased from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

The result was this beautiful graphic scarf that wraps warmly around the neck.  

Before going home, I managed to snag a pair of white sneakers from local brand So Fab! at 50% off during the 12.12 sale. I am thankful for the cash gift from a relative which I have used to buy these shoes.  

I stictched the scarf together by the time I got home. 

And I made it into an infinity scarf for easier wearing!

Before going to bed, I started a new scarf using yarn from the same store. 

Gray may be a drab color to some, but for me, its simple elegance makes it a versatile hue to work with. I am inspired to keep on knitting, as I enjoy life with coffee and things that matter. 

Surprise!

I got a surprise in the mail the other day. My favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery, sent me a replacement for my Furls 4mm Blackwood crochet hook. They also sent me a brand new journal which totally fits my style! 

Furls does have a solid customer support reputation, but still, The Attic still coordinated to them for me. They also shipped it to me for free, which was unexpected since I was prepared to shoulder the expenses. 

However, I truly appreciate their kind gesture. My hook accidentally got broken, and they were able to assist me in having it replaced.  

The journal and kind note also made me smile. 

I appreciate it when my favorite brands and the people behind them become my friends in real life.  There are a number of yarn stores in the country today, but The Attic has been kind enough to help me during a difficult time in my family’s life (we are caring for a sick family member). I am grateful for their kindness and generosity. I pray that they will have more loyal customers in the future!

Thankful

It can be difficult to stay thankful in the midst of challenges. I am currently facing some difficulties, but I am able handle them in a task-based manner. I treat each task as an assignment, and I prioritize them according to importance. 

Still, there are days when I find it hard to be grateful, but a simple moment can change that. 

I was able to eat brunch with my family, and I got to knit while waiting from my order. I was thankful that we were complete and that we had time to eat together. I was happy that I had yarn on my needles and stitches to pass time away. And I was humbled by how simple things are, if only I could break each challenge down to its basic element. 

I will continue to find ways to be thankful amidst these challenging times. I will continue knitting too, and hopefully that would always help me notice that each challenge can be processed better after a few stitches. 

Kindness and Direction

Yesterday, my car had a flat tire. Luckily, I was able to drive to the mall and park properly. 

I was assisted by the guards at Vertis North. They expertly changed my flat tire and assured me that everything will be alright. They even refused the tip that I was giving. They were polite, professional, and kind. My faith in humanity has been restored. 

I then proceeded to the Ayala Museum for the Insulae Indiae Orientalis exhibit of antique maps and prints. 

I was so excited for this as I am a map nerd at heart! I simply had to catch it on its first day of exhibition. 

I was greeted by the rarest maps which stirred my feelings of nationalism. 

Finally, I was able to reach the Murillo Room, which showcased an assortment of extremely rare Murillo Velarde Philippine maps from the 18th century. 

It was a beautiful exhibition! The maps were breathtaking, and the corresponding materials were interesting companions to the stars of the show. I am fascinated with antique maps mainly for their beauty, but now, I also see them as significant tools for nation-building. I hope that you will also be able to appreciate antique maps, and get the chance to view them whenever they are exhibited to the public. 

Blood Donation # 4

Yesterday, I was in Ortigas for a meeting. It was fruitful, and I missed walking around my favorite business district. 

It was a lovely afternoon, so I proceeded to The Medical City to donate blood. Once again, please be reminded that you have to be cleared by your doctor first before donating blood. Please consult your health professional before doing so.  

It was quick and relatively painless. And I do this because I want to give back in my own little way. 

As always, I was given free merienda and was asked to rest for about thirty minutes before being cleared to leave.  

There will always be a chance for us to help out, even if it’s only a small gesture. At some point in our lives, we were the ones in need. Please consider donating blood. Information can be searched online, particularly in your nearby hospitals or Red Cross chapter. God bless you!

Kusina ng Kalinga

Yesterday, I got to join my fellow Human Nature Core Advocates in the Kusina ng Kalinga (Caring Kitchen) breakfast at the flagship store. I helped in serving cooked chicken soup and sandwiches to the nearby residents. It warmed my heart to be a part of this breakfast, and helping others is definitely one of the perks of being a Human Nature Core Advocate. I look forward to more opportunities to help others in my own little way!

Warmth in my Heart

Last night, I tried dining at the newly-opened cafe near my house. I had chicken arroz caldo and breads for takeaway. I sat down to savor the warm broth of the porridge, and I felt warmth in my heart. The simple recipe of my dinner, and the knowledge that the cafe is a social enterprise, brought happiness to my soul. 

I enjoyed my dinner, and I will definitely be back to have more meals for a cause!

Sam the Dragon

My alma mater, UA&P, had its Grand Alumni Homecoming the other night. I had to be there as I had happy memories there both as a student and as an employee. It was also a great time to catch-up with friends! I had a fabulous time and I will surely be back.

32!

I turned 32 yesterday! I started my day by crocheting... 

 ...getting work done...

 ...and hearing mass at my alma mater’s beautiful chapel. 

For lunch, I had this chocolate cake and latte from Starbucks.  

I was able to spend lunch time with Karen, my friend from work.  

  I also received a small cake from the office. 

I managed to crochet a bit in school before taking the train back north. 

Then, I had this delicious violet bread for snack. 

And before I knew it, it was time for dinner with my family and friends at Botejyu!

I had an amazing day and it was fabulous to spend it with the people I love and the food I enjoy. Here’s to more beautiful memories as I embark on my 32nd year of life! 

Friday Resilience

I walked through really strong rains last Friday morning. Good thing I was wearing boots and a blazer along with some tough clothes. I felt a bit shaken though because it was my first time to walk in strong rains in a long time. But I was happy that I got to work on time.

I was sad to hear yesterday that a friend of mine lost her house to a fire. It was devastating as she lost everything, and nothing was saved. At least she and her family survived the ordeal, and plenty of people have raised funds to help her.

When I experienced chills earlier after the rain. I realized that I am still fortunate. I have warm clothes, a job, and coffee. I am still very luck. And there is always something to be thankful for.

God’s Perfect Timing

I started working at my new employer yesterday, and it was fantastic! I was ecstatic to be back in an office, and I even wore red as it was a color that made me feel confident. I am still adjusting and committing names and processes to memory, but I will definitely get the hang of it.

You see, I consider the date of my return to work important because it is a testament to how faithful God is.

I prayed for a new job immediately after resigning from my previous corporate role last year. My last day there was on July 21, 2017. I asked God to give me work and opportunities for learning as I looked for employment.  

And I asked Him to give me a job before July 21, 2018. 

I was realistic with my expectations, as I was aware of the job market. I attended interviews and turned down offers if the company did not reflect my values and work ethics. I enhanced my skills by attending seminars, conferences, workshops, and webinars. 

I even learned how to knit at the Banaue Rice Terraces and I got to reflect on my jobhunting situation as I whipped up scarves and beanies.

Knitting has taught me to be patient, as I had to pull out my stitches and begin again if I committed a mistake. It was a frustrating process, but I am glad that I began again because my projects look better.

What I am trying to say is that I learned how to remain faithful to God as I was looking for employment. I continued attending seminars every month in institutions such as the ADB and AIM. I prayed and visited churches. I worked out, read books, and listened to podcasts.

I felt that God was making me begin again, every single day. 

And just like with my knitting stitches, I learned how to patiently wait for the right opportunity for me.

I was already feeling frustrated with my corporate offers because pre-employment takes ages in banks. So when this company called me for an interview, I did not hesitate to try it out. I passed their assessment and exams, and I got an offer to work with them as an Office Manager.

I signed the offer on July 19, 2018. I was set to begin on July 23, 2018. 

I was stunned. God simply wanted me to wait, be a good daughter and help my dad with his work, and attend learning opportunities as I knitted and blogged on the side. But He was faithful, because He gave me a job before my “gap year” was up. 

God is a faithful God. His timing is perfect, and His blessings are on point. I look forward to a fruitful career in my new company. I may have to minimize my blogging when work gets busier, and I have to respect my company’s confidentiality clause so I cannot write about my job or my office. But I will still blog about my story, because my life is entirely my own.

If there is any doubt in your heart right now, think of how God faithfully answered my prayers for the right job, at the right time. I hope that He will bless you too, and that His timing will persuade you to keep the faith! 

Thankful

Yesterday, I began my day with a workout. 

Then, I had a hearty brekkie.  

I proceeded to a meeting which was so productive, I was moved to go to St. Clare to give thanks.  

I am thankful for the opportunities that are pouring into my life right now. 

I celebrated with bopis at Rodic’s.  

And I continued crocheting with this cool turquoise yarn.  

I took a couple of selfies through the power of self-timer.  

I purchased new kicks from local leather sandal brand Renegade Folk. 

Finally, I had Sunnies funfetti and a flat white at a Sunnies Cafe.  

I carried on with my crocheting.  

And I ended my day with some neon selfies at the cafe’s infamous selfie powder room. Hahahahaha  

I am overwhelmed with all the blessings in my life right now. I realized that the best way to celebrate is by continuing my regular routine of prayer, crafting, and selfies. There is empowerment in being able to take one’s own selfies without a man’s help. If I can be my own Instagram husband, then I can surely power through life. 

I can hardly wait! 

Faith and Fitness

Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am. 

I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person. 

I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.  

For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.  

Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.  

Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen. 

Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

I viewed their collection of reliquaries.  

And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.  

It is overwhelmingly beautiful.  

For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R. 

I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.  

Thirty-Fun

This was me nine years ago. I was working at my first job in a local bank. I was mighty proud of my desk, my business attire, and PC! But I was not happy about my body. I was not confident even if I was not overweight. I just didn’t feel good about myself. I had no exercise, and I did not watch what I ate. 

Good thing I realized that the secret behind confidence is hard work! I started exercising by doing Zumba and cardio.  

I enjoyed food but I became more selective. Mindful eating became a healthier process since I made each meal count. I ate to live, rather than the other way around. 

I also supported social enterprises to remind me that the things I own matter as well. I use handmade, artisan-made objects to motivate me to live meaningfully and appreciate the littlest details. 

My quest for social enterprises has led me to a trip to Banaue with Knitting Expedition, where I learned basic knitting and met some awesome people.  

I never stopped enjoying food. I just did so in moderation. 

I also continued supporting charities, like World Vision and PAWS.  

While waiting for the right opportunity for me, I attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to sharpen the saw, so to speak.  

Whenever I need good vibes, I visit Barkin Blends Dog Cafe to cuddle with my favorite chiweenie, Ella.  

So now, I am thirty-one and confident! I am happy with the life I have built for myself. I am excited to continue growing, learning, and being. 

I hope you will continue following me as I improve myself! 

Purposeful Inspiration

I received a thank you card from my World Vision sponsored child. I treated her family to Noche Buena last Christmas. My gift also let her choose a present for herself. I was humbled when she asked for a water bottle as her gift.  

I always appreciate the letters I receive from my sponsored child because it allows me to see the bigger picture in life. I am looking for a corporate job not just to sustain myself, but also to support a child’s education. I am thankful that World Vision lets me share my blessings in the simplest manner. Being a child sponsor for eleven years has taught me the value of sharing and giving. I will never stop supporting World Vision for as long as I have the means to do so. 

In addition to that, I also received thank you letters from the Pink Sisters. They always pray for me, as I frequently drop by their convent to give them my letters containing my intentions. I am thankful that these sisters keep me in mind, and yes, I will continue visiting their convent for as long as I can!

Sharing, praying, and giving are just some of the ways that work can be meaningful. Having an income will let me support these causes, which will in turn inspire me to work hard and persevere in my job. It is my prayer that I will land the best job for me soon, and that I will continue to support my sponsored child and sisters in Christ.  

Be An Advocate Today!

Listen to the In Good Company  podcast today! It is about social enterprise, and it is hosted by Tom Graham and Reese Fernandez-Ruiz. I won their Season 1 giveaway and I am so happy! (Photo from In Good Company)

When I started blogging last May 2017, I was already supporting advocacies that I personally believe in. I have previously written about my World Vision journey here on my blog, and I am grateful that I started sponsoring a child even when I was only dependent on a student’s allowance. I learned how to allocate funds for my kid (I used to pay monthly). I used to spend majority of my money on food and academic readings, so a monthly obligation to educate a child was a big responsibility. It gave me a sense of purpose that was beyond my duty to report to my classes. It ultimately gave me hope, that as I was approaching graduation, I was also contributing to a child’s future.

I carried on with child sponsorship. Adulting proved to be challenging. There were months of unemployment, when I would depend on my meager savings. This did not stop me from contributing to World Vision. I have learned that paying annually makes the responsibility easier to bear. Worrying about a monthly contribution is reduced to a once-a-year payment, and as I have previously shared, the brain does not perceive the difference between what is imagined and what is real. I have learned to perceive that the yearly contribution, albeit being a higher amount of money, is easier to bear as it is not a monthly priority and I have imagined it to be a bigger source of joy as there is no greater time to share my blessings than the Christmas season (when I usually send my annual offering).

Now that I am already thirty-one years old, my advocacies have increased. I shop for toiletries and personal needs at Human Nature because I believe in a brand that provides jobs to those who need them most. I still sponsor a kid with World Vision, and I have recently celebrated my tenth year anniversary with them. I also volunteer from time to time, with my most recent one for Rise Against Hunger Philippines. The meal packing event put my worries as a jobseeker in perspective. Indeed, my worries are nothing compared to what the hungry go through every single day.

The same goes with my pledge to support social enterprises like Human Nature. My being unemployed is nothing compared to being part of a marginalized community where opportunities are limited. To have businesses finally providing them with a decent livelihood is wonderful, because it also allows consumers like me to cheer them on with every purchase I make.

My blog may be primarily about my life with hypothyroidism, but my battlecry is wellness through mindfulness. I would never have achieved wellness without the enrichment and fulfillment I have experienced while supporting causes bigger than my challenges. I hope that you will also find an advocacy to share your blessings with. Before you know it, you will be blessed tenfold in return.

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