Dear Future Me

Dear 25-year-old Clauie,

We’ll, I never thought of writing you a letter, really. Someone just encouraged me to write one to see what a younger me has to say to the older me. Hihi sounds weird? Hmm, interesting maybe. And I’d be excited on what’s gonna be your reaction if you read this back, four years from now.

So, what does a 21-year-old Clauie has to say to you? Well, you’re even prettier and you gained weight! Congratulations on the successful weight management. I’m so glad you are not underweight based on your BMI anymore. Haha! And now you are entering a new chapter on your life. You’ve learned a lot for the past years and never thought that you’d become the person I am writing right now. You really did well on your business! See the people inspired with your success now? Your family must be very happy [our family I mean, because I’m you] and proud of you. I was really surprised.

And oh, by the way, when will you be moving to your new house? I heard that some of your friends helped you out with the design. It must be really grand. I’m glad that your sibs are also doing well with school and the career paths they chose. And I know that your parents are also doing great and enjoying their older years. Aren’t you planning a grand celebration for all their achievements?

Anyway, I really just wanted to congratulate you with everything. That was fast and you’ve really set the record! I’m so looking forward to read all of your blog entries for all the things you’ve got, places you’ve been, and a lot of inspiring stories within that short period of time. You made it!

Continue inspiring your team and other people around you. God bless you on the next steps in your life. You managed it full well. Any plans on entering in a relationship though? I bet it’s time. 😉

Keep the faith,

21-year-old Clauie

21 year-old Clauie

Mirror: On Your True Identity

Reflection. That is what you can see in front of something that reflects light. Say, a glass, or most commonly, a mirror. Whenever you look at the mirror, what do you see? Your physical features, the shape of your body, the way you dressed, the way your hair tied up? Yes, all your outside appearances. But what a mirror can never show is how you really look inside. A mirror cannot tell how pleasant or bad a person looking at it does. A mirror can never show our attitude towards people, towards the things we do, towards everything around us. Some people may see themselves as physically appealing, pretty or handsome. But people around them see the other way around of how they look like. Others may see themselves so inferior. They see themselves as persons who could never compete with this world. But what they cannot see is the beauty inside of them. What they cannot see is the heart that is so desirable and admirable. A heart that is so beautiful and fragile.

How you look at yourself in front of a mirror can definitely reflect how people would also see you. That is why you must always start off with yourself. You should be the master of your traits and your perceptions on different things. But sometimes, what you can hear loudly is what the other side of the mirror tells you. And those are the people around you. People who would always have a say on everything about you, the way you look, how you work and what you can do. They can even affect the way you see yourself. There would be times that you might think they’re right and wash away all the positivity that you have. When I was younger, my colleagues used to call me names that really marked on my head and that I started believing on those, an ugly duckling, weak, friendless and some other aliases like that. I started feeling so ugly and pitiful of myself. But then I manage to use my strengths to fight against my bullies. I studied hard and earn the top spot in the class. I must say, I had my shield already. But that doesn’t end there because even until Secondary school, some of my classmates would still say things like that that I began hating myself and the way I look. I hated looking at the mirror and started to believe that maybe they were right, I am such an ugly person who’s just trying to have a place in this world. Then the time came that I decided not to listen to them anymore. I started to believe on my Creator instead, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I started looking on all things with positivity and started building myself into becoming the BEST version of ME. The best version that God destined me to be, that only me can work on and only me can ever be. And every time I look at the mirror, I would smile and see myself how God sees me, wonderful. And you have that same power, always remember how wonderful you are and how desirable you may become. Always remember your strengths and work on them. And most of all, be kind to everyone. God bless the true you! 😉

My Dad Taught Me. .

June is the month where we celebrate the Father’s Day, a day especially dedicated to the pillars of our home, our Daddys. Having been into this celebration, I wrote something for my Dad, though I don’t really know when he can possibly read this. I made a list of the things that my Dad taught me as I grow up. And here it goes:

My Dad taught me how to ride a bicycle. When I was four and could barely remember, my Dad taught me and my brother how to ride a bike. He holds the seat and the handle bars as he guides me. That was the first moment I remembered of how hands-on my Dad was with us. And that’s also the first time that I felt really happy to learn something from my Dad because learning how to ride a bike at that very young age for a girl is fulfilling. And take note, the bicycle I was riding are without the balancing wheels on the back that most of the kids usually start off with.

My Dad taught me to treat other children well. I remembered one time in our old house when my Dad held a celebration of as far as I can remember, a Fiesta. Some of his colleagues gone to our house to celebrate with us. They also brought their children with them and I remember having a fight to one of the kids because I don’t want them around. My Dad noticed that and scolded me. I remembered his words that time saying to always treat others well whether they’re younger or older than you because that’s the only time you can gain friends.

My Dad taught me to save money. When I started to go to school, my Dad was always not with us due to work. He comes home thrice every week because of his business in Manila that time. And whenever he comes home, he brings a lot of ‘pasalubong’ for us and gives me money as an allowance for school. He also bought me a coin bank that time and told me to save extra money so that I have something to spend in the future when he fail to give me any.

My Dad taught me to be independent. During the days that my parents still have their business in Manila, they always bring my siblings to Batangas to be overseen by my grandparents and they always leave me at home and asks someone from our relatives in Quezon to oversee me. I was often alone that time and learned some house chores on my own while waiting for them to come back.

My Dad taught me to be a responsible big sister. The age gap between me and my siblings are quite close so during grade school, we go to school together. At the age of 7, I have to make sure that my brother eats his packed lunch and do the activities his teacher told their class to do. He was 6 that time and attending the Grade 1 while I attend 2. Dad always say to keep my brother with me after class and go home together.

My Dad taught me how to play a remote-controlled car. When I was in Grade 4, my aunt came from Hong Kong with a really cool toy. When I was a kid, I love toy cars. In fact, me and my brother has a matchbox car collection and I found those cars awesome because unlike any other matchbox cars, ours are heavy and the door opens. Then my aunt gave us a remote-controlled car and when my Dad taught me how to control it, I was the happiest kid in town!

My Dad taught me to value education. My school days are really my growing up stage. When I was studying in my Primary school, I was a consistent honor student. In one of the recognition days, my Mom told my Dad to be the one to come up on stage during my recognition. My Dad was so proud that time and the only thing he said to me was to value education because that’s the only thing they could give us that no one could steal. Because primarily, we don’t come from a well-off family and that time, Dad lose his business in Manila.

My Dad taught me to be careful of my words and actions. I always lived by my parents’ philosophies. Being the eldest, I was raised to be a good example to my siblings, may it be in academics and the way I treat others. My Dad would always tell me the golden rule, ‘Do not do unto others what you do not want done unto you.’ He would always say to be careful of my words and actions for it will be imitated by my siblings as well. Growing up, I learned to be the good daughter my parents wanted me to be and now setting a good example to my siblings.

These are just some of the things that my Dad taught me. Growing up, I remembered them well and somehow gave a good foundation on my values and stamped fond memories with my Dad that whenever I tell them stories about it, I just can see how proud my Dad is of the daughter and person I have become. My Dad taught me well and he also taught me to believe in my Father up there! 😉