Staying Crafty

Yesterday, I claimed my blood test results from the hospital. I was surprised with their festive holiday setup, which added cheer to my day. 

Thankfully, my thyroid test results were good!

I celebrated with a stuffed crinkle from The Craft Central Cafe.  

It was the best crinkle I’ve ever had outside of ADB!

Then, it was time for me to buy Christmas presents at Human Nature. I also got a bag of garlic banana chips, which is a guiltless snack of mine!

After paying for my gifts, I sipped some coffee while listening to Christmas songs in-store. 

Human Nature still accepts usable toys to be donated to GK kids! Please donate your old toys at any Human Nature store. 

You may also support me and my family by making a purchase from my Human Nature online store. Thank you and God bless you! 

I went to Papemelroti to check-out their new stationery. 

I ended up buying this pocket calendar, which I need to plan my events and obligations on the go. 

It is perfect with my analog planning style. 

I took a Grab ride and knitted to my destination. 

Finally, it was time for dinner at Bonchon. 

And I was able to squeeze in some shopping at Daiso before calling it a day. 

I am managing my tasks one day at a time. I use tools like my handy analog planner, rewards like stuffed crinkles, and to keep myself afloat, I spend my earnings from my Human Nature online store. Please continue to support my business, so that I can carry on with life knowing that I am also helping GK communities with every product sold. 

Body Love

Recently, I’ve been getting body shamed for gaining weight. First of all, I tell people that I have hypothyroidism. They can research it online to understand my condition. My weight isn’t something I can control, but I try to manage it with daily exercise and a proper diet.  

I can say that for someone with hypothyroidism, I’m looking fine! 

Body shaming is something that we should stop once and for all. Rather than focusing on one’s weight, we must look for factors to compliment. Traits like intelligence, generosity, and substance must be given more importance than weight. ​

I hope that when you have the urge to body shame someone, you will think of people like me who struggle with it, but do our best to win at life. And if ever you get body shamed, do know that there is nothing shameful about you. Just smile, and tell people that they are being rude. And try to make your day better with a workout and a healthy meal!​

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. 

Blood Donor

Last Thursday, I have witnessed a miracle. 

I was able to donate blood for the first time! 

This is momentous for me because I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for most of my life. However, I have also been diagnosed as euthyroid by my endocrinologist since my body has been positively responding to my thyroxine medication. I am constantly being monitored through blood tests, and yes, I am fit to work. However, I have already been used to being rejected as a blood donor because of my hypothyroidism. So imagine my surprise when I was given the green light by the doctor at the Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Jude! According to him, the revised Red Cross guidelines already allow euthyroid patients to donate blood. I was so excited, that I practically smiled through the process (even if I was a little nervous!). It did not hurt at all and I even got a brownie and juice afterwards. It was a priceless Christmas miracle and I look forward to donating blood again next year!

I am thankful for miracles. Please be a blessing to others and consider donating blood too at your nearest Red Cross blood bank! 

Sick but Not Stuck

I have often shared about my journey with hypothyroidism, and it has been a lifelong roller coaster ride. This week, I have experienced an extra challenge as I am currently down with fever, sore throat, and colds. It has been a struggle to get up and carry on with my workouts. But the important part is, I still worked out! And I also continued reading and making plans. 

Today, I had pizza and coffee for lunch, then I proceeded to Sta. Clara for my weekly check-in with my intercessor. It is my last visit before Christmas, so I made sure to whisper all my intentions for the holidays. I am grateful for her continuous prayers, and I am banking on the Christmas spirit to level up my intentions! With a little pixie dust from above, I am sure that my prayers will be heard and answered.  

I hope to recover from this rut soon. I am lucky to have found my routine, and that my flow is unending even when I am sick. Here’s to continuing my fitness goals and sticking to my plans amidst the medications! 

Give Yourself a Chance

Blogging at a fast food restaurant with no makeup and post-workout high! 

My blog, speakoutsam.com, is now six months old. I am overjoyed with the doors which have been opened through this blog. I have been to conferences, events, seminars, and most of all, connected with kindred spirits who understood my battlecry of achieving wellness through mindfulness. Translating this mantra into real life is a journey which involves my whole being. I am not just here to build hype and a writing portfolio. I am blogging mainly to become my own audience, so I can motivate myself to live my battlecry, one day at a time.  

I have learned that putting out quality content is the most important component of this blog. It does not matter if I have only a handful of readers, as long as my content’s message remains consistent to my battlecry. While it is true that I am building a writing portfolio along the way, I am writing here on my online home because I want to inspire myself to rise above hypothyroidism everyday. After all, it is through inspiring myself that I continue to pursue this journey and make it truly my own. 

The process it took for me to build this blog began three years ago, when I attended a romance novel writing class. I remember that it was a insightful, but I realized that I was born to write essays more than a full-length novel. The best takeaway from that class was that having an outline is the ultimate guide to writing. I still write an outline for most of my blog entries, as this structure helps me lay out my thoughts and bring out my core message with ease.  

I have then realized that years of dreaming about having my own blog has got to stop. I needed the take action on it already. Earlier this year, I was employed in an IT-related job. I took the opportunity to use my free time to research and I realized that it was doable to build my own website. In no time, I was already blogging on my own domain, with a black and white theme.  

I gave myself a chance, even if it was expensive. I realized that a dream is a chance to feel joy, which is permanent (unlike happiness). This became more palpable when I left my job. I was suddenly left with a lot of personal time to pursue my passions. I worked out, read books, listened to music, attended events, and prayed. I blogged daily to prove to myself that my blog is worth keeping. I have shared that my blog became my job, and while I am looking for a new role to further my career, my blog became the thing I show up to everyday. And we all know that the most important part of any task is showing up. 

If you have a dream, turn it into a goal. Plan your life around it. Give yourself a chance. I encourage you to turn this plan into a process, because it can also give you joy. It is never to late to invest in yourself. 

Caffeine Connection

How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day? I am addicted to caffeine, as one of the side-effects of hypothyroidism is tiredness. To combat sluggishness and fatigue, I drink three cups of coffee a day. I have my first cuppa in the morning, with my brekkie and vitamins. My next one is after lunch, while my third and final cup is during my afternoon snack. The gaps between my coffees ensure that I have the right amounts of caffeine to last me through the day.

I can appreciate a broad spectrum of coffee. I can go as basic as cheap 3-in-1 coffee mixes, to Mcdo premium roast, to third wave, single origin brews. I will accept a hot cuppa as long as it does the job of waking me up and sustaining my stories. I enjoy curling up with a book while sipping my coffee, or if I am in a rush, I usually drink it while listening to an upbeat pop song. When I am in a cafe, I like taking my time. I usually write my blog drafts while I’m at it, as I savour the coffee that goes through my system. If I am with someone, I take it slow, as I enjoy listening to stories with my cuppa. The settings may vary, but what I value the most with each cup of coffee is the connection I make, either with myself (through reading, listening to music, or writing) or with my companion. And since coffee energizes me, I am inspired to share my work, one cup at a time.

Just like my passion for handmade items (like my BagsByRubbertree handbag in the photo), I have developed an appreciation for living meaningfully. I appreciate the boost I get from coffee, and no, I don’t think it is right to generalize coffeehouse culture as a millennial indulgence. For me, it is a means to a better life in general. After all, I cannot function if I am tired and exhausted. What makes this lifestyle practical though is the fact that I am not picky with the coffee I drink. If I have time to spare, then I will read and order a Gibraltar (also pictured) at one of my usual cafes. If I am in a hurry, Mcdo or even instant coffee does the trick. But of course, a handcrafted cup of coffee will always be my favourite.

Found this in a cafe. So true! ☕️ 

I also think that coffee is more than a drink for me. It is a catalyst for opportunities as it gives me life. I started most of my projects with coffee, and I have conversed with people I value over a cuppa (or two). And if hypothyroidism makes me tired, then coffee allows me to keep going without worrying about the slowdown or the sluggishness. Those are factors I can control, just like the choices I make with a cup in hand. 

Blind Inspo

Having a good brekkie is also part of self-care. Naked longganisa from Oinkster.  

Yesterday, I went to one of those affordable blind spas and got myself a one-hour acupressure foot massage. I workout everyday, so it is natural to have painful feet every now and then. I usually go to have Thai foot massage, but I have been frequenting the blind spa of late because I am inspired by the blind therapists who treat me. 

They are all talented, and I never had an unpleasant experience with a blind masseuse. They never felt entitled to more tips just because of their condition. In fact, I feel cared for whenever I am in a blind spa, and the therapists instinctively know where it hurts, where I need extra pressure, and how to relieve my lower back pain due to my scoliosis. If I am only getting a foot massage at a blind spa, they go straight to my tired feet. It is admirable that they do not use tools such as the wooden sticks which are used in Thai or Chinese foot spas. They merely use their hands, and the pressure (hard for me) is maximized on certain zones that need TLC. I am amazed that they always know where it hurts. It is a talent that sighted therapists in other spas will never have. 

I am inspired because these blind therapists earn a decent living and they never make their condition as an excuse. If they can work and support their families, then I am certain that I can also find the right job for me. I am not saying that hypothyroidism is similar to blindness, but my condition does limit me to jobs within reasonable commuting distance from my home, and with manageable stress. Whenever I am massaged by a blind therapist, I have a renewed faith in humanity, and even in myself. 

I hope I can find the means to earn a living so that I can support myself and visit the blind spa again. 

Have a Little Faith

Lately, I have been facing some tough times. I had to leave two jobs within a year due to circumstances beyond my control. However, I realized that I have full control of what I feel, act, and do. So, I have resolved to carry on with blogging, job hunting, and my weekly routine, which includes visiting a place of worship each week.

I have already visited St. Clare’s monastery last Thursday, but I have decided to make this week a little extra by swinging by the National Shrine of St. Jude in Mendiola, Manila. It is his feast day today, and I could not let this week go by without thanking him for his constant intercession. I also have many favors to pray for, so it was an easy decision to make.

To go there, I simply ride the MRT to Cubao then transfer to the LRT going to Legarda. From there, it is a leisurely walk to St. Jude.

I offer candles, which cost Php2.00 each right beside the church. Prayer cards such as those for exams and for job seekers are sold by street vendors surrounding the church. I also visit the other statues there, such as Padre Pio. It is a one-stop shrine for all your desperate needs.

St. Jude is after all the patron of hopeless cases, and I have experienced his unwavering support. In 2016, he granted me a huge favor around the time of his feast day. And now, I have returned, a year later and stronger from all the challenges I have endured.

It is also admirable to witness faith in person. I am inspired to pray when there are multitudes of faithful churchgoers around me. I feel that having a little faith is not a solo endeavour after all. It is also prayer in action, as the trip to St. Jude is not easy, considering that public transportation in Metro Manila is not efficient. But it is a trip I have made whenever I can, and it is a blessing to be with St. Jude during his fiesta time.

I pray that A and I will soon find the right jobs for us. I pray that we will always be in excellent health. I pray that our families will always be blessed. And I pray that my blog will continue to inspire me to live a life of wellness through mindfulness, so that I can lead others by example. 

What are you praying for? Let me know if you want me to pray for your special intentions when I get to visit a church again. Let us continue praying for each other!

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

Personal Prosperity Perspective

Try saying my post’s title in succession ten times. It’s quite a tongue twister, isn’t it? 

Like the way our speech gets confused whenever we attempt to say tongue twisters in succession, I have noticed that we have an innate tendency to dwell on what we lack. We tend to notice that we lack confidence, intelligence, schooling, privilege...the list goes on. 

But what if we can rewire our minds to naturally veer towards prosperity? 

I have candidly blogged about my unemployment. Not so long ago, my posts sounded pleading and almost defeatist. However, I applied design thinking into my personal development. Empathy is a key factor in this thought process. I felt that I was doing myself a disservice whenever I blogged about being unemployed, struggling with money, and running out of hope. 

I downloaded some podcasts, such as The Lavendaire Lifestyle and Pursuit with Purpose.  I spent the weekend listening to these insightful lessons and I learned that I lean towards negativity.

In order to create opportunities for myself, I have to have a Prosperity Perspective. 

Surrounding yourself with love helps too! 

It may sound unthinkable to imbibe a personal mindset that I am experiencing blessings during a time of emptiness. However, that is exactly why we should rethink how we view prosperity. It does not just happen to those who are already employed, successful, and living the life. In fact, prosperity belongs to everyone. It is just a matter of making it personal in order to enjoy the benefits firsthand.

Let me give you a couple of examples when the mindset that I am broke caused me to miss a couple of opportunities. I was at a museum in Singapore to view a popular exhibit, but I was told by the guide that I needed to donate a small amount of money. My disappointment took over and I told him that I was sorry because I was broke. I had missed the chance to view this exhibit because I felt that I did not have enough funds to do so, when in fact, I could have just donated money to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime art experience. I ended up being sad because I missed that opportunity, and you would think that I have already learned my lesson, right?

Well, it took a second missed opportunity for me to grasp the meaning of having a prosperity perspective. A legendary cultural figure was invited by the government agency which was conducting a trade fair last week. I have successfully registered for a conference beside the said trade fair, and I was attending to represent my blog in various creativity workshops. Because I was concerned about being broke, I told the secretariat (who offered me a paid ticket to the said trade fair upon discovering that I was a delegate to the conference next door) that I could not afford it. Upon seeing the finished output of the legendary artist, I felt disappointed with myself. I could have paid the entrance fee with my savings in order to experience another once-in-a-lifetime artistic experience! The conference was insightful, but the opportunity to meet a living legend does not happen everyday. Besides, I could have returned to my seat at the conference anytime. It was a wasted chance, all because I was focused on being broke.

If I had my personal prosperity perspective in order, I could have seen the value of the opportunities being presented to me.  I could have said yes instead of missing out on these chances to broaden my artistic point of view. I could have enriched my life, but I chose to be conveniently broke.

From now on, I will no longer let the broke mentality blind me from the value of opportunities. My prosperity perspective will be personal in such a way that I will make it my own truth. In turn, I will eagerly await opportunities to come my way, and this time I will say yes!

You can try saying personal prosperity perspective  again and again, but the message is best understood by practicing this mindset. Shift towards prosperity and abandon your broke mentality today! Do it one day at a time, and tell me how it goes. I’d love to hear your stories.

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

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***

Why I Blog Now

Blogging has made me open to more experiences, even simple joys like checking out a Mini Cooper exhibit! 

Most people ask me why I still blog. I guess it is surprising to see that I am still writing a blog entry each day. I have enjoyed the process of telling my story, and this has led to a daily habit of writing something on my blog. It is noteworthy that I am not usually blogging on big events or monumental happenings. When I am asked what my blog is all about, I was never shy to admit that it is mostly about my daily journey with hypothyroidism. I am proud that I have learned how to defy my condition and managed to live a meaningful life, but that it not the only reason why I blog. I have decided to dedicate today’s entry on why I blog now, and maybe it could also inspire you to start your own blogging journey. 

Last night’s Word of Mouth event at BGC High Street

1. Blogging has become my job. I have learned that it is not healthy to describe myself as jobless. Through listening to mindfulness podcasts, I have realized that the brain does not know the difference between imagination and reality. If I will imagine myself as being employed now, then I will believe that I am fulfilled. Now, I am not hallucinating here. I am not thinking that I am employed because I am not- yet! However, I have a blog, which I have committed to write to every single day. Thus, it has become my duty to myself to compose a short essay, even when I do not necessarily feel like sharing my thoughts. And yes, it has become a...
2. Habit. Blogging has become my habit! And it is a healthy one at that. I realized that even the mere act of powering up my Squarespace app has motivated me to put my thoughts on the Internet. Writing has led me to explore more, even when I have limitations such as budget. Having my blog has blurred these limitations. I got invited to some awesome events, such as Word of Mouth. Speaking of awesome events...
3. Blogging has earned me access to conferences. Seminars and conferences sponsored by prestigious institutions are usually inaccessible, but thanks to my blog, I have been qualified to become a delegate to these educational events. I have motivated myself to attend seminars to educate myself and enhance my content with the knowledge I will gain. With conferences hosted by the DTI, Asian Institute of Management, and Philippine Business for the Environment, I was able to listen to industry insights and trends in creativity and innovation. If you want to qualify for these events, make sure that your blog has quality content, with no offensive topics. Organizers do screen blog and website content in advance to ensure the quality of their delegation. And once you do qualify, by all means, attend as many as you can! Network, connect, and learn while you are there.
4. Blogging has affirmed my belief in myself. One of the reasons why I write everyday is that my subscription to my website package (URL, web hosting, design) is PAID. Back when I was still employed, I have prioritized in building this website. Since I am aware that my hard work is powering this blog, I am affirming my labor by writing my story, one entry at a time. I believe in my ability to keep this website up and running, while updating my content and checking on the quality of my posts. I do believe in the power of having a paid service, as this makes me appreciate what I have built more, and in my capacity as a writer and my own brand. 
5. Blogging has created an opportunity for myself. I have learned from my conferences that it is up to me to create my own opportunities. Of course, it is natural to feel down because I am still looking for a job. However, since I have treated my blog as my work, I have also created a medium for me to present my writing to the world. This has opened doors for me, may it be to conferences, events, and even job leads. When I get employed, I plan to continue blogging as this has already helped me build my identity, which is separate from any job I will ever have. 

I am happy to have invested in myself with this blog. It is a journey I choose to continue everyday. There are no bad days for blogging because each day is an opportunity to start afresh and to renew my commitment to myself. After all, I can only be a great worker if I have already found myself. I can say that I have found myself in writing, and by the time I do get employed, I will be a better worker because I am my own person. 

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

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 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 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 8: #30GratefulDays | Hypothyroidism Sucks

Hypothyroidism has been in my life since my diagnosis at the age of thirteen. I was a hormonal teenager with a chronic autoimmune condition, and at that time, it became my worst enemy. Over the years, I had to learn how to befriend my condition and now, I can say that yes, hypothyroidism sucks, but it does not mean the end of the world (at least for me). It has become more of a frienemy, so to speak. The yo-yo weight became a pain to live with, as I needed to watch my diet and eventually, live with the mean comments of people around me that I have lost/gained/lost weight. As a result, I have embraced exercise and now, I make sure to workout daily. It has helped me with weight control and emotional stability. 

I am also jobless. I am looking for a job which is dayshift, within Ortigas and Quezon City, has no Saturday work, Corporate, and with HMO. My health condition has left me with no choice but to limit my work location to those near my residence. Also, I cannot do shifting and graveyard work because my hormonal deficiency will get messed up if I live against the usual daily routine. Weekends are my only time to accompany my parents and I badly need HMO coverage. In the past couple of months that I have been unemployed, I have felt desperate, needy, sad, and angry. After reading a book on life coaching, I have learned that taking responsibility even for things beyond my control can ease me into acceptance and eventually, into taking action. 

So here I am now, accepting my hypothyroidism and owning up to my unemployment. I am continuously working out, eating right, and jobhunting. Routine has become my ally. This is my life, and it has totally become my journey.  

Day 7: #30GratefulDays | Sharing Socially

I was overjoyed that my favorite charity, World Vision, has shared my blog entry on child sponsorship. Their social media pages are virtual hubs for child sponsors, former sponsored children, and influencers. Being given this opportunity to share my testimony to a large audience of advocates is a priceless gift.

I have been sponsoring one child since I was in university, and I have carried on, even during those times that I had no income. Now that I am unemployed, I still sponsor my girl because it is a commitment that is meaningful to me. Knowing that I am partially responsible for the education of a child motivates me to never give up on job hunting. I am not only here to support myself; I am also looking for work to inspire a child.

Child sponsorship has allowed me to pay it forward as my family has supported my education until my bachelor's degree. I am honored that my story was shared on social media platforms and I hope that people will realize that anyone can be a child sponsor. Even students on a small allowance can contribute to the education of a child.

I am hoping that I will be employed soon so I can continue supporting my girl and carry on with my advocacy. For now, I am working out and having dessert (sponsored by family) because life is not just about sharing, it is also about caring for oneself. 

Day 5: #30GratefulDays | Pixie Update

I keep my hair short out of necessity. My mane is prone to hair fall due to my hypothyroidism. I used to keep my hair long but it was a hassle to maintain and really, hair fall is not pretty. It was not fun changing my hairstyles just to cover a bald spot. In 2014, I have finally had enough and I finally donated my hair to Cuts Against Cancer.

I started with a bob, then I eventually went for my now-standard pixie cut. It is very easy to maintain, as I only need to put wax on it and have it trimmed each month. It is also easier to live with, as I workout outdoors and having short hair makes it a breeze to dance. It is also liberating to be a pixie girl in the Philippines, where having long hair is still the popular standard of beauty. I think this is sexist and having a pixie is my subtle statement against the patriarchy. Having short hair can be beautiful, fashionable, and yes, feminine. While I am not against the LGBT community, I am straight, so this is not even a gender thing. It is merely a necessary move to save my hair, and in the end, I saved myself from blending in a sea of long haired girls.

I found my identity in styling my short hair and making fashion work for me as I can go edgy with minimal effort. Also, this fuss-free style has made me less conscious about my appearance. I just go with the flow and face the world as I am.

Such is my life with having a pixie. Every month is a chance to start over on a hairstylist's chair. And every haircut is cathartic. If you need a change in your life, have a trim or go big with a haircut! Trust me, a few snips here and there can make a huge difference in your outlook and confidence. 

Zumba and Breakfast

It is no secret that I enjoy my daily workouts. I religiously exercise each morning because it helps balance all my systems, especially since my hypothyroidism tends to put everything off-sync in the absence of physical activity. I have also noticed that exercise works wonders for my mental health. I feel better about myself after compeleting a workout, and my mood throughout the day is more consistent. It is the endorphin rush that keeps me going and happy. Because I workout first thing in the morning, it is essential that I have a hearty breakfast. Now that I am unemployed, my default brekkie are two pieces of pandesal and peanut butter. However, I felt extra hungry earlier because our instructor switched things up with more taebo. As a result, I craved for toasted naked longganisa, brown rice, and egg. I rushed to Breakfast Bin the minute my workout wrapped up. I had my longganisa fix and it was utterly satisfying.

I have realized that depriving myself is never a good idea. Even if I am currently on a tight budget, an occasional meal to satisfy my cravings would not hurt and it makes all the Zumba moves worth it. Breakfast also regulates my metabolism, which is a big deal with hypothyroidism. I get full and I also balance my health with a nutritious post-workout breakfast.

Narrative

The past few months have been challenging for me. I had to resign from my previous job due to circumstances beyond my control. I was unprepared for unemployment, so I had to budget what little savings I had left. While I still live with my parents, I have to spend my own money for my workouts, basic necessities, meals, and books. It was not easy, but I am still thriving after a month and a half of having no work. Having gone through this experience has allowed me to appreciate the simplest things, such as a fast food breakfast and the occasional lunch treat from my family and A. While other people may think that having no work (yet) is a disadvantage for me, I am making a choice now to own my narrative and transform this period from one of uncertainty to that of personal improvement. While I am waiting for my next job, I am reading books, exercising daily, and eating healthy meals. Life will not stop for me, so I would rather own this story so I will keep on going. There are plenty of ways to enjoy life. For now, allow me to make the best out of my unemployment so I can be a better employee when I get hired soon.