Motivation Mondays

Yesterday, I got to visit Clock In - Ayala Vertis North for the first time. It’s awesome to have a beautiful coworking space close near my house. It is also home to several networking events, which is also the reason why I was in the building. 

I was there for Motivation Mondays, a series of talks for yuppies on interesting topics. Last night, we discussed Goal Diggers. In line with the theme, we fueled up on delicious vegetarian food and coffee. 

The evening’s guest speakers were Maura Alvero of Vela Manila, and Fabien Courteille of Plush and Play. It was inspiring to hear about their stories of purpose and determination. 

My key takeaways were:

1. Become a platform for creatives- create a brand that will foster a community of photographers, writers, advocates, and target consumers.

2. Go on until your people don’t need you anymore- work until the people you train can carry on without you  

3. Start with why

4. Keep hobbies that can become your outlet

5. Be vulnerable 

6. Persevere for others  

7. Know what’s for you

8. Be open for collaboration

9. Different minds foster creativity

10. Get to know the people you are working with 

11. Cultivate relationships  

It was a different kind of Monday and I was happy to have learned insights from social entrepreneurs. I look forward to more purposeful Mondays to come! 

Working It

Yesterday, I had an early start as I had a meeting to attend. I had a fast food breakfast and some coffee to-go. 

I realized that I was at the namesake building of my venue a few minutes before my appointment. Good thing I walk fast.  

I was able to make it at a reasonable time. My meeting was a success! 

I thanked God by visiting Padre Pio at St. Francis Church.  

Later during the day, I got to walk at UP... 

...and indulge in some dirty ice cream! 

I also bought a bamboo toothbrush from Rags to Riches. 

Finally, it was time for late lunch with my best friend Luti.  

I used my gift certificate from Sunnies Santa . I won a pair of Sunnies Specs from them last Christmas. It was certainly the highlight of my holidays! As a bonus, my gift bag also included a gift certificate at my favorite restaurant. 

I got to knit while waiting for my friend. 

I also had a flat white to perk myself up. 

And I ordered a guacamole and salmon dip with taro chips to start. 

Luti and I had rice bowls for our mains. We had a fabulous meal! Thank you Sunnies Cafe! 

I am working on improving myself and celebrating small wins to motivate myself to keep going! Here’s to a productive year ahead. 

Knitting On

After ticking off my obligations this week, I finally found some time for fiber arts. I finished crocheting a millennial pink scarf for my mom, and I also completed the prism scarf which I have been knitting for the past two months. 

So I continued knitting, and this time, I binged on some episodes of one of my favorite podcasts, Wake Up with Jim and Saab.  While laughing along to the podcast, I knitted this beanie in deep sea.

The ball of yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery could make two knitted beanies, so I saved some for later and began knitting another one. This time, I chose a bright pink yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe.

I carry on with life because I know what makes me happy. I like making things, so I will continue doing so. I intend to hustle and balance that with my handmade lifestyle. That way, I will always know what truly matters, and I will also have a scarf or beanie to remind me of how strong I really am.

Tapsilog and Motivation

Yesterday, I went out for a workout and breakfast. I had tapsilog at Max’s. I used to have this when I was a kid, and it’s still so good! The servings are generous and still homey. 

After getting some work done, I decided to finish the infinity scarf I’ve been knitting for the past two months. 

It was time to bind off, and for that, I am one of those knitters who prefer using a crochet hook. It simply makes the whole process faster. 

It was a joy to release my circular knitting needles after being “stuck” for months!

I am proud of my prism scarf! It was entirely knitted by hand and made with love. I’ll keep this for myself. 

Before I knew it, I was grabbing another ball of yarn to begin again. This is enough for two beanies. I started with one yesterday as I listened to some podcasts. 

Having a daily workout routine and a love for breakfast really help in motivating me to keep going. In addition, my handmade lifestyle keeps me hungry to create, whether it’s through knitting, crocheting, or creative journaling. Here’s to more productive days ahead!

Shifting Perspectives

I am currently shifting perspectives in terms of work. From getting used to working in my own cubicle, I am now in an open plan office. From consulting, I am now recommending. And from simply getting things done, I am implementing processes to streamline tasks.

I am really happy with the direction of my career so far. While the learning curve is steep, I am able to manage because I am not alone. I work with a competent team. And I really appreciate the collaborative nature of my job especially during crunch time.

Things do not have to be difficult now that I have systems in place. I hope that by shifting my perspectives, I can also increase my productivity. So far, that has been the case and I am really pleased.

I will definitely continue updating this blog as I speakworksam!

Sunday Browsing

There are times when I just want to be stuck at home and do nothing. Whenever that strikes, I get myself together and drive to a Zumba class. If it is the weekend, I grab breakfast at Maginhawa or a fast food restaurant. Today, I drove to Sidcor Sunday Market at Centris to browse and look around.  

I started visiting this Sunday market back when it was still being held at Lung Center. Since they transferred to Centris, my visits have become sporadic. Unsurprisingly, I tend to drop by whenever I am going through a challenge. Right now, I am just fighting laziness. Indie merchants and hard-to-find fares always jumpstart my system. Blame it on my inner shopaholic, but I simply enjoy window shopping and buying myself a treat along the way.  

I had a delicious breakfast, sipped brewed coffee, and looked around. There were many interesting objects to appreciate, but what I valued more was the joy I felt in discovering beauty in vintage, such as the ceramics in the photo. It inspired me to move forward and to reclaim my value in the midst of the challenges I am facing. My self-worth can never be haggled, unlike vintage objects. However, I can make my value appreciate through learning and hard work. It is up to me to do so. For now, I am enjoying my Sunday as I look forward to the rest of the week.