Posted in #featured, Life, Meetings

Big Time? More Like Budget Time

There are days I stop myself from sharing moments that matter like a work milestone, a short getaway, or even something as simple as a nice meal because I know how quickly it can be misunderstood.

“Wow, ang dami mong pera!”

“Big time ka na, ang yaman mo na!”

But here’s the truth: I’m a full-time mom and a remote worker. I juggle deadlines, house chores, emotional meltdowns (sometimes mine, sometimes my kids’ 😅), and everything in between.

The wins I share aren’t because I have plenty. They’re because I’ve worked hard, sacrificed, saved, and prayed through seasons that didn’t always look or feel this good.

Not everyone gets the same breaks. I know that. And I carry that truth with humility. So if I post something joyful, it’s not to boast. It’s to remind myself that even in the chaos, I’m allowed to celebrate the life I’ve built with love, grit, and grace.

To the moms, workers, and dreamers out there still pushing through, your time will come. And when it does, don’t ever feel guilty for living it. 💛

Posted in #featured, Life

How are you coping up, Mama?

Life has been overwhelming this past few weeks. So many ideas going through my head. Business is doing well, but I’m having a hard time with my work schedule since the younger one has been clingy lately. When I need a breather, I just browse through a book (enjoying Kindle — best purchase it is!) and it helps me relax for a while. Everyday becomes routinary with motherhood tasks, business engagements, socmed updates and all.

Everyone else wonder why stay-at-home Moms feel sad or empty despite “JUST staying at home to watch over the kids all day”, let me be clear with it. Full time moms are (not always) but oftentimes unappreciated. When you do a great job in a corporate setting, the boss will most likely acknowledge your work. It’s just hugs and kisses here. You have to tell yourself that you are doing a good job. Being a full time Mom with no househelp is very challenging. 24 hours is not enough to do all the work. The emotional baggage makes it harder.

You cannot say you are tired. People think you are always available and you are not busy. It’s not justifiable to buy clothes, bags and makeups. You have to keep the house clean and tidy. You have to empty the laudry bin and iron clothes religiously. You have to cook food. You have all the time in the world to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I see you smiling Mama, you can relate right?

Let me tell you this. You deserve a break. People will judge you one way or another. Damn if you do, damn if you don’t. Learn to don’t give a f*ck in everything you see or hear. Breathe. Give yourself some time. Read a book. Learn a new skill. Join a mommy community. This will keep you sane. You can do this Momma!

Posted in Life

Lessons from Courageous Caitie

Caitlin Soleil Lucas or more commonly known as ‘Courageous Caitie’ is a three year old girl who was diagnosed with JMML (Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia), a rare cancer of the blood affecting infants and toddlers. She passed away last March 31, 2016 while confined at National University Hospital in Singapore.

I started following Caitie’s journey when I saw a friend share a link to her Facebook page. That time, her family is preparing to go to Singapore since there is no clear diagnosis of her sickness here in the Philippines. Since then, I have included her and her family in my prayers and I hope that she will be healed. Caitie’s story immediately found a place in my heart, maybe due to the fact that I too, am a mother of a little girl with almost the same age as Caitie.

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Courageous Catie (Photo from her FB page)

 

I was happy when Caitie was discharged from the hospital. I felt sad when I learned that she was confined again. I was really hoping that she will be well and recover in time. I know you may disagree, but I honestly felt the pain her parents are going through during those times especially Feliz’. It’s really hard for a mother to see her child suffer. As a mom, it’s the hardest part. If only you can take it all away from your child, you will. I salute them for keeping the faith.

It brought me back to the time when I gave birth to Reilly, my daughter. She was just a day old when she was confined in the hospital due to sepsis. I felt helpless since I just gave birth, via caesarian section, and I can’t do anything for my child. I prayed hard, asked Him to take care of my daughter. I know that He will not let anything bad happen to her. We waited long enough to have her. Reilly completed our family. My husband and I was so worried. The first time I saw her with an IV, my heart was shattered. How can a baby this small endure such pain?

 

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My daughter, Reilly Francesca


The moment I saw the post about Caitie’s passing, I was crushed. I cried and said a silent prayer. I was affected. I can feel the pain. I wanted to go home on that exact moment and just hug my baby. I asked why? She was so innocent and she deserved more years to enjoy her life. On the other side, I am happy for her. No more pain, no more tests, no more sickness to endure.

Caitie’s experience taught me to trust in the Lord. Everything happens for a reason, at the right time and place. I also admire how her parents, Jayjay and Feliz, handled the situation. I salute them for having the strength, most especially during those times that hope seems lost. I want to congratulate them for raising such a wonderful kid. If Caitie was here, I am certain that she will tell you that everything was worth it.