Self Improvement Through Training Opportunities

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I always believe that we have to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way because opportunity knocks only once and I don't want to miss that.

I apply that same principle in my approach to learning and development. It is something I value because I can enhance myself both personally and professionally. I know how important it is to keep learning and improving and attending trainings and seminars are just ways to do that.

My 2014 is lined up with more trainings to enhance soft skills. That is my priority this year. What are these soft skills that I aim to improve?

• Communicating skills - being able to express myself effectively and diplomatically

• Listening skills - being able to listen intensively, understand what is told and be able to show empathy

• Enhance Positive Outlook - be more optimistic in every challenging situations and issues that may come my way

• Master the art of Time Management - be able to handle my tasks and prioritize what needs to be done

• Handling Stress -  to be able to channel negative energies brought by external and internal stress into a positive energy through methods of meditation, prayers, engagement in sports and healthy lifestyle

• Ability to take in feedback and criticism constructively - be able to accept other people's feedback and criticism with an open mind and to take them as stepping stones for my own development

Happy Thoughts and Positive Energy

I don't have a perfect life. It's far from rosy but that doesn't deter me from being happy and positive despite of the circumstances surrounding my family back home.

I remember the happy times when my dad was still alive. My family back home was the picture of happiness and contentment. However, when my dad passed away 6 years ago, everything he worked hard for went down the drain. Our business, the savings, the properties...  nothing is left except for the house my dad and mom built with their own hard labor. And that house is slowly rotting, the memories, the values, the hope.

I try to salvage what ever I can but I will let God's will be done. I will maintain happy thoughts and encourage positive energy to come but if the people I am helping doesn't want it, so be it. I cannot live the life they have chosen.

God is good and He never fails. If people don't see it that way then it's not my problem anymore. I will keep believing. I will keep praying and I will keep asking God for blessings because He knows I deserve it.

Not Feeling Positive

I have been feeling a little blue for 2 weeks now. I cannot understand why. I think (and slightly feel) that I may be entering the "passage" or "menopausal" stage. 

I have always been an "irregular" person. Sometimes I will not have period for 3 months in a row but I have ceased menstruating for some time now. I already saw a doctor and said I was still not into menopausal. However, 2 years ago, I started feeling hot flushes and would fan myself incessantly even if the aircon unit was in full blast and on the lowest temperature.

I cannot take any hormonal pills due to my hypertension so I have to really lose weight to see if my period will come back.

I am also emotional lately and very quick to get irate. I am normally a docile person but this is really different. I am always perky and see the "glass half full." Lately, that is not the case. I just feel gloomy and lacking enthusiasm in most of the things I do. The only thing that excite me at the moment is our family's vacation trip because I really need to change my scenery or I will go crazy.

Hmmmm, strange. I wonder if I will snap out of this. I hope it's just temporary. I don't like feeling bleak. I miss my upbeat personality but I can't force myself to be one at the moment. Bummer...