It’s the little things that matter.

Life lately has been so challenging to the point that no matter how hopeful I am, I still feel disappointed about the things happening in the country. Upcoming elections. Politicians and their ads on TV and on different social media platforms. All of these during pandemic.

Aside from that, I’ve seen a lot of people contracting COVID, getting sick, or losing their loved ones. (I also almost lose my job because #pandemic.) This is definitely saddening. It makes me think when will our country surpass this pandemic, or can they even handle the crisis? Nobody knows.

In the other part of the globe, people have been moving forward. Their government has been very efficient in dealing with pandemic. I hope that we Filipinos will experience the same thing.

With everything that’s happening to me, I’ve decided to examine how my life has been recently. This week, my puppy had parvo. She’s confined for six days. She’s now with us. As of this writing, she is currently under medications.

This event made me realize to appreciate the little things around me. Literally, Tiny, my shih tzu, is one of those little things. She matters.

Being with her every day, feeding her, and cleaning her regularly, I tend to forget her value and presence. I disregard her existence just because I know that she will be always there no matter how busy I am.

I believe this appreciation applies to all. I don’t have control to everything, but I believe I can control what I can do and think at the moment. I can choose to be happy. I can control my response to my situations.

I am trying to make a conscious effort to be grateful and to appreciate the little things. How?

• I will write the things that I am grateful for.
• I will find time to list the things that give me joy.
• I will appreciate the people I regularly or seldom see everyday.
• I will value friendships even if we meet virtually only.
• I will not hesitate to pamper myself with small rewards because I know that I am working hard.
• I am allowing myself to be happy.
• I will listen and celebrate Mass everyday virtually.

I hope you don’t give yourself a hard time. If there’s something that would make you happy, grab it, as long as you won’t hurt anyone. As long as you are in peace and comfortable. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

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My thoughts after self-publishing my book

Paghilom Book is live on Shopee! As of this writing, I have signed and written personal dedication on 103 books. 103 orders is definitely unexpected. When I planned about this self-publishing thing, I only estimated about 50 orders. But, I’ve received more than 100 orders here! Unexpected.

Photo taken by @anjnttms on Instagram.

What are my thoughts about self-publishing? Here are some musings about it.

I don’t know anything about marketing or what, but I think, true friends will support you no matter what you sell. Whether I sell or I initiate a fundraising, my friends are there to support. I believe I am surrounded with a good circle of friends and community. Everyone has spectators, but still, some will appear as supporters. Promise.

I told myself that profit is not the main reason for this passion project . My main objective is simply just to release the ideas I have in mind. If I don’t do it, it won’t make me sleep. If I don’t have this book released, I am not me.

Collaboration is important. I am eternally grateful to the artist who drew the illustrations for the book. Check his shop on Lazada. Kuya Dar is one of the best artists I know. He’s from Antipolo and he has a lot of ‘ambag’ to society in terms of sharing his art. Also, huge thanks to Ate Beth for continuously pushing me to self-publish this book.

There was this day when a Lalamove driver texted and thanked me for the transaction. For me, it’s just an ordinary thing I did because I need to ship something, but for him pala, it’s already a good thing. He thanked me for booking Lalamove. Wala lang!

It feels good to know that when we support local artists, we also support locals in their job. When I had my book printed, a worker in the printing house has something to do. When the books were shipped at home, a courier just earned some bucks. When I coordinated for sticker printing, I was able to help a small business grow his shop.

If you are still on this part of my blog, you should check out my book, too.

Here are some feedback I received from Shopee! 🙂

It’s extremely worth the read. The pains that you hide from your deepest shelves will be slapped to you, forcefully. Very brilliant. Congratulations to the author…keep up the good work.. – @jmariearagon

Ang ganda!!! Nakaka-excite basahin sa RD! 🥰🤩 May reading list ako pero mukhang aagaw ito sa pila 🤣 @dianneisabel

I didn’t expect for this packaging to be so beautiful just like the book itself + the art and designs makes it so way attractive 🥺 Thank you, Ms. Kim for creating this wonderful book and sharing it with us. I love reading your works. Congrats sa Paghilom! -@chloeegonzales

Photo from Fatima Miya on Facebook

What 2020 has taught me

I really find it hard to write a yearend essay for 2020. Since the quarantine has started, I spent most of my time at home. I work from home, I stare from my home, and I even accomplish my hobbies (which I usually do at the coffee shops) at home.

But if there are important lessons I’ve learned in 2020, these are the following:

1. Invest in a good home. Good home does not really mean a grand structure or house. It simply means building stronger relationship with your family. In my case, I am privileged enough to have a good relationship with my family. I thank God for this privilege. It was not that hard to stay at home for almost a year.
2. There are things that we can live without. I have more than three pairs of shoes, and during the quarantine, I’ve realized that having a good pair of functional and sturdy shoes is enough. Also, I’ve learned to live without milk teas, pricey coffee, and luxurious stuff (wehh) bought from the malls. I’ve learned to appreciate the essential things that I already have.
3. I have learned to appreciate silence and solitude. I’ve busied myself with so much work, and other extra-curricular activities, not thinking that rest is important. During the quarantine, I’ve rested and learned new skills and discovered some hobbies. Haha.
4. Speaking of hobbies, I’ve learned to cook, draw, and play mobile games! This, I must say, is an achievement because I’ve never intended to do any of these before.
5. Transition is important. From the usual face-to-face classes, to online classes. From the usual seminar for teachers to online webinars. I thank the Lord for giving me the means to cope with these life transition.
6. We can always help in your own little ways. Despite of the nationwide economical crisis, my church mates, friends, and I were able to reach out to our local communities. We were able to do an outreach for them. Also, we were able to give Christmas goods and gifts for the needy. Thank God, for the grace!
7. Financial literacy is important. Being financial literate is helpful. We will never know when will pandemic end. Hence, we must be ready emotionally, physically, and financially.

Whoever is reading this right now, may you feel recharged enough to start another year. 2020 has been so challenging. But once we’ve hoped for greater things, better days will surely happen.

What is the most important lesson that 2020 has taught you?