Saturday, January 4, 2014

Marie’s New Year Resolutions

The thing about New Year is that it marks a new beginning. Well, duh. It’s the start of the year. 


And there is whole year ahead of you. Somehow, I think it is overwhelming – the feeling of I-can’t-believe-this-year’s-already-over. And of course, since this is one hell of a chance to start something new, people make goals, or as it is more popularly put, New Year’s Resolutions.

Ah, New Year’s Resolutions (I’ll be referring to it as NYRs from now on). Now this is something to think about. Of course, I am assuming (and I pray that all people are too) that these NYRs are for the improvement, development of oneself. And sadly (let’s be honest, people), these are seldom, if not, achieved (I hope I’m doing my logic correctly). And this is the reason why I do not do NYRs.

Why, you ask? Well, aside from the reasoning above, well... let’s just say I don’t want to let myself down. I mean, I’m making all these goals and in the end, I keep straying away from them or something. In my life I learned to understand that I am not a patient, nor a determined person (well, this depends on the nature of the activity I’m pertaining to. 

For example, if it is something that I need to do, like academics or work, of course I must do it. But if I must change something I’m used to, like habits, well... that’s where the conflict of patience and determination shows). Habits are hard to break. As a song put it, “...hard habit to break.” But when do you really need to do something about it? When do you need to break “it”?

If it is not good (in any way) for you.
If “it” (I’m referring to this as anything under the sun: person or people, places, activities, etc. I know you’re getting the point)is affecting you negatively, stay away from it. Really. Smoking, definitely a no-no (have you ever thought of lung cancer? If the smoking is worth it, well puff away my friend. Just please, don’t let other people inhale your second hand smoke. Seriously. Some of us want to die peacefully.)


Put whatever is good for you first. Okay, it sounds a bit selfish but truly, you can’t give someone else something without giving yourself first without any regrets or doubts. Focus first on your Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, and then you may focus on other’s Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. However, make it a must not to overstep other’s needs. Respect is a virtue.

If it is not making you grow.
You are a wonderful person with so much potential. I have not met you (and let’s be realistic, I might never will) but I’m sure you’re unique – and that is something to be proud of and to cultivate. Maybe now, you’re dealing with something hard, going through something difficult... and that’s life. I never liked hardships and pain but it reminds me I’m alive, and kicking. But if something is inhibiting all that I (or you) can be, I say adios to it. Surround yourself with fairy god mothers and teachers – for the support and push you need to be what you ought to be.

If it’s not making you happy.
Sometimes, people tend not to let go of things even if holding on to it is not such a great idea (somehow, you can’t help but relate this to love lives, yes?) Nah. No need to explain this. Simple as it should be.

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You know, whatever reason there might be, you’re still the one who will make the decision. 

Whatever it is, whether you stop, continue, improve or whatnot, I really hope you’ll choose (or be able to choose) what you really want. Nobody should have room for regrets. ;)

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So far, these are my NYRs:

1.    Be nicer. I’m nice, but a little bit of more sugar won’t hurt anybody. And besides, they might get infected with my niceness. Or kill them with niceness. I think it would be less bloody.

2.    Ask questions out loud. I have a thousand questions in my head but I seldom speak them out. Why? Can’t blame me there. People tend to be so judgemental whenever you ask questions.

3.    Control thy temper.

4.    Smile more often.

5.    Compliment people sincerely.

6.    Stop (as much as possible) sarcasm.

7.    Take time to appreciate now.

8.    Get out more... as in physically. Discover more places.

9.    Avoid avoiding the sun (when the sunlight’s still okay).

1.  Start saving and investing as early as today.

1.  Be a bit more giving.

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So, what are your NYRs? :)

Love,


Friday, January 3, 2014

Marie's Bloglovin' Claim.

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11514389/?claim=4ua8j7xw3ay">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Okay, I don't know if I'm doing this right...

Marie’s Asking: Why am I blogging?



I'd like to ask the question "Why?" for any reason at all. To know, discover, expound, annoy...meheheehehe. So, why am I blogging? :P

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Lately, I realized I like to think. No, not study. I like studying but I don’t like people telling me what to learn. Study, think, learn – different stuffs, dude. Just, think. Hmm, maybe some will call it “philosophize,” but honestly I don’t know. I just like to think. Freaky, right? 


Well, maybe for you but I know I have brothers and sisters out there (hey, y'all) who does this too. 

I mean, have you ever experienced stopping for a while, doing nothing and then, all of the sudden, a question pops in your head?

And then you explore different angles, maybe research about it. Have you ever had this moment when something poked your curiosity and it made you (let’s take it to an extreme) obsessed with it? 

And then, you’ll apply it to an everyday scenario (for example) and observe. Maybe you’ll try to see it in your life. 

In the end, you understand but another million questions, ideas pops – like it multiplied. And then you’re frustrated. But in the end, sort of content since you were able to express yourself. 

And, I hope that I’m still making sense...

Yes, I like thinking. And it’s sad because our world today doesn't care much for thinking. Oh, I don’t claim that people don’t think (that’s terrible of me). Well, I’d better rephrase it: Our world today doesn't care much for thinking in the way that I've portrayed. 

Why is it sad? 

I feel that our mind is sort of contained. Restricted.

I mean for example, in school (I am NOT saying school is bad, evil or whatnot) you’re instructed to learn a Mathematical equation. Okay, you've learned it, mastered it. You can answer problems using the equation with your eyes closed. And then, what? Did you stop for a moment to think where it came from? Who invented it? Why it was invented? Why do you think that person invented it? What was the situation back then that made him invent it? – I’m talking about this kind of thinking.

And I’m gonna tell you about something sadder – most people don’t like to appreciate this kind of thinking. From my experience, some people view me as deep, too serious, unapproachable – negative adjectives are associated with this kind of thinking and why? Because I’m “thinking” different. (This is why I’m thankful I have a handful of friends who still listen to my ramblings about life and all the things in it). 

Deviant, outside the box, odd – why are these viewed so negatively? Maybe this is also what some may refer to as madness... but why? Yeah, I’m thinking.

I may not be smart based on the standards of academics. I may not be the top of my class – I’m your average girl. I may not be the star player of some team or the leader of some group but I have a handful of great friends, family. I think. I think that’s important. Yeah, I love it when Decartes said, “I think, therefore, I am.”

Anyway, this blog is an outlet of sort. We need to express ourselves, understand what we are thinking for ourselves, share it to others and maybe find an agreement or disagreement (and this is where a debate is born. Another fine topic.). 

Yeah, and as much as I love my friends for being there to lend an ear at times, I know they have their limit and other things to do as well (hey, I have a life too. Honestly, my mind doesn’t always wander off. It just wanders when it wanders). So, I’m talking to this blog.

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It’s a (sort of) poor substitute to actual people and I know that there may be no chance of this being read, ever, but what the hell. It’s the internet, it’s free and it’s my blog. And maybe, you, my dear reader, were able to read it. Tell me your thoughts. I’d love to hear them (or read them, in our case). :)

Love, 


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Marie's 2013 Realizations (in a Nutshell).


Bye 2013! (Okay, I'm a bit late but better now than never). I must never forget you. You taught me much. Maybe too much. Oh well. I'd better face 2014 now. These are the things I learned from you:

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1. What matters is how much people think you did. (Bit pessimistic, this)

2. Just follow the instructions, give what was asked. Life's simpler.

3. You don't need to explain yourself to everyone unless someone is genuinely interested and willing to attentively listen.

4. All adjectives are just words.

5. Observe. Observe. Observe.

6. Write down your thoughts. Better if you can talk with someone, discuss,then write your discussions.

7. Reflect. Reflect. Reflect.

8. Never step on anyone's rights.

9. Do your best but be practical and realistic.

10. Perfection is elusive. Never strive for it.

11. Contentment is a virtue.

12. If you want something, think twice, get a second opinion, grab it or let go, then face the consequences.

13. Never regret. You're here because of your actions and that's something to be thankful for. Unless you're dead or negative whatevers.

14. Take a stand.

15. Procrastinate until guilty. Then you'll be able to work good.

16. Learn to say NO.

17. Learn your limits. Push if you're happy and comfortable, don't if not. Nobody should dictate you.

18. Success is relative.

19. Never hold grudges. Life's to short for you to let someone drain your time and energy for negativity.

20. Love. Love. Love.

21. Love yourself. You'll be happy, enough to share it with people.

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I might have forgotten a thing or two, but hey, we'll learn soon. :)

Love,