30 Day Blogging Challenge

October 20, 2016

Finale and Review: 30 Day Blogging Challenge

30 day blogging challenge

30th Post! Yay!

I should have completed my 30 day blogging challenge in 30 consecutive days. This is the target I aim for myself. On my 29th post I told myself, I am going to beat you girl! One more post and then I could say I did it. I could have since I still posted on my blog, which I no longer share to the FB group 30 Day Blogging Challenge. All because Sarah’s email is both inspiring and challenging. I receive the email concerning the 30th post. One word stands from the rest: Review. Sarah gives suggestions on doing a review of all my posts with various key points as guides. Exciting! Yes?

This review is a little bit days delayed from my 29th post because I did give it time and more weight. As Sarah suggested, while conducting the evaluation, there must be less distraction.

WordPress did suggest that a blogger must conduct an editorial at the end of the month. That is, looking back at the past thirty days–of the achievements or maybe failures of the blogger and how he/she should improve. I am guilty for not following this advice. Busy. Everybody is. Well, kind of excuse?

Anyway, for this challenge I would give it a try-to conduct a review of my 30-day journey. Though, my blog is not monetized yet, nor am I an entrepreneur at the moment. This might be the beginning towards it.

What Work

What saved you time?

Since my blog is more on personal journey and growth (still finding my voice, tone and my strengths) I use tools that are more applicable to it. For my everyday post, I use the WP Daily Prompt by the Daily Post. Though the post is far different from each other on a daily basis, I made sure the flow of thoughts and the tone are in sync.

I use Canva for some of my posters and graphics. For most of my photos I get it from Pixabay since it requires no attribution. But the entries for the photo challenges are originally my own and in some of my posts too.

What content made the most money?

Since my blog is not yet monetized, this question does not apply to me yet. In terms of likability, comments and reblogs the contents based on faith and spirituality stand out.

What created the greatest amount of personal pleasure?

I guess, it’s every bloggers pleasure when his/her content is being reblogged or shared, liked, and commented. For me, it means what I am saying is being understood; and that my readers related well with the message I am trying to convey. The interaction with my readers make me fulfilled. Most especially, when the number of followers is increasing with the passing of each day.

Also, since I am still new in the blogging community, receiving awards and passing it on gives me much fun. Checking other blogs and knowing what other people think sometimes got me hooked.

Being invited to be a guest author to other sites brings the greatest pleasure. Not only it brings additional traffic, but also it builds confidence that the sites’ owner have TRUST in my capacity and my message.

What relationships developed that you’re excited about and why?

Connecting with other bloggers is much fun and brings great happiness. Nothing beats sharing with people who also love to do what you love to do. Sharing common interests build genuine friendships. I even developed friendships that extend to the social media.

Positive Breakthroughs

  • Joining communities. I once believed a blogging journey is a solo adventure until it was busted. I become stronger by the number.
  • Reading other bloggers’ stories. It made me realize what a big world it is out there. I get lessons and learning from them.
  • Nobody is left out. Every comment is heard and replied to.
  • Joining challenges is fun, like this 30 Day Blogging Challenge. It keeps me diligent and be aware of what message I could impart to my readers even after they closed their laptops.
  • It helps to have a guide in the journey. Sarah Arrow’s tips through emails are truly helpful.

What did not work

What content flopped?

I got less positive feedback on Meet and Greet reblogs. I reblog these contents to somehow connect with other bloggers. For me, it is helping each other to promote our site.

Return in profit

In my blog I have invested only time and effort. No financial expenses has been incurred yet. The positive feedback is more than a profit to me.

Tasks or projects you find yourself dreading?

I don’t have any projects yet. I found difficulty in some Prompts that I have no idea about. Checking other bloggers’ work and how they approach the Prompts helps a lot.

Goals you are enthusiastic about

As of now, I have some vague idea of where I am going to bring my blog in the months to come, like buying a domain name and monetize it in ways that fits my personality and my message.

But before that, I must discover each day the niche where my strengths fit.

With that being said, I would bring with me this framework as guide for better Business and Marketing Experience suggested by Sarah.

  1. Do more of what worked.
  2. Do less of what you dreaded.
  3. Do more of what created profit.
  4. Do less of what sucked time and money.

Again, thank you very much Sarah and Kevin Arrow for this wonderful opportunity of blogging with you. I learned much. The tips and guides you give would surely be a big help for me in the days to come.

For you who want to join the challenge, you may check their website at www.sarkemedia.com and check the FB group 30 Day Blogging Challenge.

purposivewriter - nezel yurong

 

 

October 11, 2016

15 Ways to Become the Better Version of You

 

15 ways to become a better version of you

Gone are the days of flattery. Gone are the days when someone says, “What a nice cap you got there, John.” Or, “What a great dress Mary!” When we were a child, we think and reason like a child. Now that we are grown, we think and reason like a grown up. Unlike a child who takes delight in flattery or little appreciation, we value now on a deeper level what has been given to us. We value life. We value our self. And we put much value in it, when we do our best to improve our current self into the best self that we can be. How? Here are the ways:

  1. Will to change. The first and most important step is the determination to change. It goes beyond the desire. It is taking the necessary steps to get the desired results.
  2. Stop making excuses. Do what you need to do. Taking accountability for your own mistakes is extremely important.
  3. Always keep your temper in check. There are a lot of emotional triggers around. When you feel something is making you uncomfortable, get out of the situation if you can. Go to the comfort room or just simply go outside to relax your mind. Take deep breaths. When you feel you are in control of your emotions, you are able to face the situation in a calmer manner. Controlling anger is an extremely difficult skill to master, but it is very beneficial for you in the long term.
  4. Forgive. Forgive others. Forgive yourself. It may not be that easy to do, but it helps when you let go. It takes time to do this. Do it anyway.
  5. Listen. Listen to what others have to say. You may be seeing things in the wrong way or with the wrong perspective. This way, you may also be able to express your side, why you act or think in a certain way. You must also listen to yourself. Sometimes you may do things that are contrary to what you truly feel.
  6. Be honest. Be honest with yourself and with everybody. Others may not see whether you speak and live in truth, but your action does.
  7. Cultivate an open mind. Accept the fact that you are different and that others are different too. You may not agree with everybody, but it does not mean you are right and they are wrong; or the other way around. Be open also to what you can do. Try new things.
  8. Keep a journal. Journal is the best medium to express everything you feel. It helps you process your emotions. It helps you clear your mind of any clutter.
  9. Be positive. When you are really in a bad day, keeping positivity is impossible. You may never find it inside. The best way, is to seek it outside. Read good books. Be with nature. Look up at the sky, or stars, or moon. Listen to inspiring music. Talk to children. Talk to your pet. Watch funny movies. Or just simply do any activity that you love to do. Doing any of these everyday, helps you to implant positivity in you.
  10. Accept criticism in a positive way. Criticisms may hurt, but you need it most for your growth. It is a challenge that speaks to you, “Hey, you’re not better now. Could you get any better next time?” When you do get better next time, your critics would be surprised.
  11. Move. Do any exercise that could energize you. From working at the gym, to jogging, walking, yoga or just stretching. Your body would thank you for it.
  12. Meditate. It calms the mind. It connects you to your deeper self. It relaxes your body.
  13. Smile. When you look at the mirror first thing in the morning, smile. Smile keeps you younger and relaxes your facial muscles. Smiling at your reflection makes you aware that you got a friend in there. As one beatiful soul says, ‘Smiling is the best accessory you could adorn yourself with.’
  14. Stay peaceful. Be at peace with everybody and with yourself.
  15. Pray. Exercise your faith. Tap to the Source of everything. It is here where impossible becomes possible. It is here where you become what God wants you to be.

These suggestions may sound simple. Yet it may take years to master it. When done daily, it becomes a habit, a habit that would become a natural part of you sooner. Do not lose heart though, when at times you may fall back, it is just normal. Just start again and again and again. Your self is with you along the way. So is God.

Be blessed!

~Nezel

October 5, 2016

Dare to be Free

dare to be free

We are not a slave of our self. We are not a slave of our fate. Instead, we are slaves of our mind, if we allow it to be so.

We can submit to others for the right reasons or purpose; but not because we do not have a choice.

We always have a choice: the choice to remain, or the choice to go away. We always have been free.

No one could ever bound our WILL in chains; for it is rooted within, which we alone have the access.

Others may control our body, but not our mind.

Be free. FLY.

For that is how God created you to be!

 

~nezel

WP Daily Prompt

 

 

October 3, 2016

I Am Valuable Because

I am valuable because

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

Seems Bible verses are my favorites this time. I did not plan actually to write them for a number of days. The inspiration sparks. My heart and soul follow.

So how do you value yourself?

As for me, I value myself based on the following points:

  • I am valuable because my value is more than many sparrows.
  • I am valuable because my life is worth more than the life of my Savior; He died for me even before I repented for my wrongdoings.
  • I am valuable because I am created in the image and likeness of God. (This likeness for me, is the one that could not be seen by the eye.)
  • I am valuable because even if everything else leave me nor forsake me, I am always cherished in the heart of God.
  • I am valuable because even if I fail or commit the most grievous sin, God always welcomes me with open arms.
  • I am valuable because God considers me, as His own precious child.
  • I am valuable because even if I am not perfect, I am perfect in God’s eyes.
  • I am valuable because even if I don’t have specific plans for my future, God holds them for me.
  • I am valuable because no matter how small I am in the eyes of the people, I am big in the eyes of God.
  • I am valuable because my value is not with earthly things, where rust and moth could corrupt, but in heaven which is my true destination.
  • I am valuable because my  soul is the breath of my Maker.

What about you? You may share how you value yourself in the comments below.

Have a purposeful day!

~Nezel

WP Daily Prompt

October 2, 2016

A Graceful Reminder

a graceful reminder

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8

Most of the time I am carried away by the confidence of doing a thing rightly, or sometimes a little better than the ordinary, especially when others think the same way too. I am carried by the thought that maybe I am indispensable, or at times great. But when God notices it, He sends someone to awaken me to the reality. And urgh! I am on my right place.

God is that open to me in His discipline. He does not allow me to wallow in my ego for a longer time. I am always embarrass before Him; yet loved unconditionally.

On occasions like these, the verse above always echoes in my mind. Yeah, why should I boast for things that have been given to me freely? This lead me to ask, ‘why am I here in the first place if I were not to own anything?’ There is no use searching for the answers. Even if there is one, I may never understand. I just need to accept the truth that everything given to me, whether it be inside of me or outside of me, is a gift – a gift I need to share.

You are God’s gift for me today. Thank you for your time.

Have a purposeful day!

~Nezel

WP Daily Prompt

September 29, 2016

Self-preservation on the Line

self-preservation on the line

Years ago someone added me in a Facebook community. This community tackled the political issues in our province. At that time our province was divided mainly by two political parties. Hence, each party had supporters; not just plain supporters but supporters who were willing to fight with gritted teeth for their party. I also supported one party because I was a registered voter.

One time I posted my opinion on the page concerning some issues we, locals, were facing. There were then an exchange of opinions in the thread. Slowly, one supporter of the other party began to attack me. I defended myself by saying I do not level with small minds (that may sound harsh but a little better than the words he used against me). His reply was more immature. He told me he knew who I was as if insinuating my social status compared to his. To think his family name was the same as my maiden family name. We could see how fanaticism distort a man’s thinking.

Consequently, I did not answer further more. I would not disagree where my social status belongs in the society. Or if my past looked blatantly ugly. I do not care. Those things do not define my true self; so I do not need to spend time and effort arguing with someone over those petty things. What matters to me is who I know myself to be in the now moment. This for me, is the best way to live every second of my life.

After that I no longer visited the community. I loathe places full of negativity. I have the choice to live my best life. And I live my life that way no matter what others have to say.

I looked at things this way because of my role model. He is none other than the famous, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus had many bashers too. He knew the people who were setting a plot to arrest him. He knew the people who got jealous of him. He knew the person who denied him. He knew the person who betrayed him. He knew the people who shouted that he’d be crucified. However, he did not defend himself. Until the end he did not disagree with these people. He did not even asked them why. He knew he had done nothing to receive such an ugly treatment from all of these people. But he just remained silent. Eventually, he was crucified; and yet got resurrected. What was more beautiful, he did not cry over them, mull over them, or even ask God why people behaved this way.

For me, the example of Jesus is the best way to handle situations like these. There is no need arguing with people who believed greatly how right they are. If you would, you are just like bumping your head on a hard wall. And if ever you could prove to them how right you are and how wrong they are, it could only make their egos cry for becoming so little before you. That they would not allow to happen no matter what.

It pays to know yourself fully well, as well as to be mentally, emotionally and spiritually rooted within; so that when confronted with situations like these, you know you walk away not because you are weak or afraid but because you know it is not worth your time. Some more beautiful things out there are waiting for your attention. It is best to spend your most beautiful life with the most beautiful things that could help you grow, expand and fly.

May you have a purposeful day!

~Nezel

 

 

 

September 28, 2016

Aim for the Balance

Keep the Balance

On the sixth day God created man and woman. On the seventh day, He rested. Few days after (hmm, maybe) they sinned. I guess, God’s not yet done with them. Thus, they are a work in progress. A work in progress that requires their will to act; and God could only guide.

No matter how perfect our bodies are (two hands, ten fingers, two feet, ten toes, two eyes, two ears, slender body, nose with two holes, perfect lips, big mouth with complete teeth; could see, smell, hear, touch and feel) we have to consider the other seventy-five percent of what contributes to who we really are. The mental, emotional and spiritual.

These aspects of our being are not yet complete when we got out of our mother’s womb crying in happiness for being alive. These aspects are what we must work for from the second we first took our breath to the last second we would give our last. These are the aspects we need to focus on than the twenty-five percent (physical) that is easily seen.

In aiming for our growth, we must be radical. Almost everything around us is dedicated only to our physical well-being. Latest fashion, flawless skin, sexy body, and all the accessories we adorn with our bodies are in vogue. People spent time, effort and tons of money for these things. I am not against these things. It is just that, we must be totally, completely find that balance of the four aspects of who we really are. We were not born bad; for we have the breath of God. We just get lost along the way on doing our mundane activities. The physical is what is easily seen; most often our focus is only here.

There are other extraordinary people who want to find meaning in their life, only to fall prey of other’s wrong notions of the world. They indeed up doing the wrong thing believing it is the only way of finding meaning into their boring life. Thus, chaos, war, conflicts, misunderstanding and the likes abound on earth. Doing more harm on earth cannot give it peace. We could only achieve peace when we find that peacefulness within us.

To find that peace we have to examine our mental, emotional and spiritual life. We have to cleanse our minds from the negativeness instilled in it. We have to dig our emotions and understand each feelings we have; we have to know why we do what we do. From there we could reconstruct our emotional stability. With the spiritual life, we have to understand that it is not enough act to attend a one day worship with fellow faithfuls and give alms to the poor. Hypocrisy is rooted from these acts. We have to swim in the deepest abyss of our souls in order to strengthen our spirituality; for God’s light is buried there and His voice is heard louder in our inner universe.

All of these are not done in one session. Others are even laid to their grave without realizing their true God-given self. This post could not even suffice all that we need to learn, or re-member, or be aware of. This post is just a scratch on the surface. I pray I would be given much enlightenment in order to share some more sparks of the things that really matters in our one and only life.

The start to learning all these things is accepting the fact that we are all unfinished goods: imperfect, innocent, vulnerable. We could only be perfect if we come to realize: our life is not ours for the taking. The bodies we have are just instruments used by the Maker to glorify His name.

May we give time more on our mental, emotional and spiritual life. Have a purposeful day!

~Nezel

 

September 27, 2016

To Quit or Not To Quit?

to quit or not to quit

When you have unfinished business, God will give you the strength to hold on.

One common scenario in a corporate world: the employer calls, looks for a specific employee and when she answers the phone, the employer bombards her with filthy words without caring about the listener’s emotions. Her anger is poured out in the open. Period. She does not care what the other person has to say, nor dig into the issue.

Okay. That was me. Not the employer but the employee. For eleven years, that was a common scenario. I have a choice I know. But third world country culture is far different from the more advanced nations. Finding a new job is a pain in the neck due to few job offerings and massive number of applicants.

After enduring such scenario for eleven years, I came to the point of giving up. I already suffered burn out and had experienced symptoms of stress. I have to walk out, I told myself. However, is it sensible to pack your things up just because you are angry and hurting? Of course not, right? I weighed much the options before me. My wounded self was in a dilemma of choosing between self-preservation and martyrdom. Actually, it just appeared to be martyrdom for the length of years I suffered. I am no martyr. I had good plans for my future. I was already decided to take back my life and live the best life I could have.  It was just that I was not yet ready to fly because my wings had not yet developed fully. The time was still unripe to do so. The situation only called for more patience, more forgiveness and much strength. But let me tell you, at that point I was at my edge. I was at the brink of my sufferings. I felt I would lose my sensibility if I would go on with a situation like that. I seemed to stand before a precipice. If I would not retreat, one more step forward and I would fall.

But then, do you believe in miracles? Or inner voice? Or the wiser self? Or whatever is that which God placed inside our bodies to rescue us when our poor self is dying within? That voice spoke to me as if it were my own. A scene from a television series suddenly flashed before my mind, wherein the heroine was at her lowest and with much grit told herself: this is not going to destroy me; I would not break. Those were the same words the voice told me. My more conscious self repeated it: No one and nothing could ever destroy me nor break me. I felt a surge of strength building up inside of me, with much faith that I would get by quite alright.

The path to being “alright” was long and winding. But if I were to go on with life, I have to traverse it even if I have to eat all my pride along the way. There is an adage that goes, “If you can’t change the situation, change yourself.” I was left with no choice than changing myself, and making it strong like a tree planted by streams of water that sends out its roots to the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

A year has gone by and I get on quite alright. I am still in the same situation, surrounded by the same people and faced with the same problems. However, I was no longer the same person I used to be. I am a lot happier, a lot better and a lot tranquil.

Had I quit that dreadful moment, I don’t know what would become of me now. I can only say, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. Had I quit that moment, I would walk away a defeated person bringing along with me lots of pain and anger. For now, I have this inner purpose: to make the witnesses around me wonder why some lights in me still spark despite what I have been through. Sweet revenge, is it not?

So before you finally say I quit, take a deep breath, listen to yourself; for it alone knows what is best for you.

May you have a purposeful day!

~Nezel

In response to WP Daily Prompts: dilemma/unfinished.

 

 

September 26, 2016

Gretchen Rubin to the Rescue of My Urgh Day

grumpy

As I opened my window to look at the rays of sunrise up in the sky, I was sad to see nothing. The weather was windy. I should have been happy because it’s my favorite weather. But I did not feel any excitement. I took a short brisk walk to awaken my spirits. Nothing happened. My mood danced with the rhythm of the weather more when it rained a few minutes after. I gave up. One of those urgh days. Everybody has it at some point.

Some days I pretend I am alright and successfully managed to pull through. Today I doubt it if I could manage the day with this mood. But I am left with no choice than to live the life I am given today. Though it would take that much effort to even smile, smile must I.

I do not even know if you could find some sense in this post. You know, those times when you do not want to do a thing because you do not feel like it, or just lack the inspiration to do it. Yet, you have to do it because you just have to do it.

Oops, wait! Before you quit reading, Gretchen Rubin seemed able to save my day. I just landed on her page. And the following are what she has to say about urgh days:

13 Tips for Dealing with a Really Lousy Day (Really Urgh Day)

1. Resist the urge to “treat” yourself. Often, the things we choose as “treats” aren’t good for us. The pleasure lasts a minute, but then feelings of guilt, loss of control, and other negative consequences just deepen the lousiness of the day. So when you find yourself thinking, “I’ll feel better after I have a few beers…a pint of ice cream…a cigarette…a new pair of jeans,” ask yourself – will it REALLY make you feel better? It might make you feel worse.

Me: I think I just have to feel this feeling instead of looking for “pain relievers”.

2. Do something nice for someone else. “Do good, feel good” – this really works. Be selfless, if only for selfish reasons. A friend going through a horrible period told me that she was practically addicted to doing good deeds; that was the only thing that made her feel better.

Me: I just listened to a friend’s woes. I think she just feels a little better.

3. Distract yourself. When my older daughter was born, she had to be in Neonatal Intensive Care for a week. I spent every hour at the hospital, until my husband dragged me away to go to an afternoon movie. I didn’t want to go, but afterward, I realized that I was much better able to cope with the situation after having had a bit of relief. Watching a funny movie or TV show is a great way to take a break, or I often re-read beloved classics of children’s literature.

Me: Gonna be scrolling my ibook for good reads.

4. Seek inner peace through outer order. Soothe yourself by tackling a messy closet, an untidy desk, or crowded countertops. The sense of tangible progress, control, and orderliness can be a comfort. This always works for me – and fortunately, my family is messy enough that I always have plenty of therapeutic clutter at hand.

Me: Good point here. I’ve got a messy desk.

5. Tell yourself, “Well, at least I…” Get some things accomplished. Yes, you had a horrible day, but at least you went to the gym, or played with your kids, or walked the dog, or read your children a story, or recycled.

Me: At least I’ve done my ten-minute brisk walk.

6. Exercise is an extremely effective mood booster – but be careful of exercise that allows you to ruminate. For example, if I go for a walk when I’m upset about something, I often end up feeling worse, because the walk provides me with uninterrupted time in which to dwell obsessively on my troubles.

Me: Done yoga and few stretches.

7. Stay in contact. When you’re having a lousy day, it’s tempting to retreat into isolation. Studies show, though, that contact with other people boosts mood. So try to see or talk to people, especially people you’re close to.

Me: I am at work. And I feel a little better just by chitchatting with co-employees.

8. It’s a cliché, but things really will look brighter in the morning. Go to bed early and start the next day anew. Also, sleep deprivation puts a drag on mood in the best of circumstances, so a little extra sleep will do you good.

Me: I guess, for me sleeping late is the culprit. Hadn’t gone early to bed for maybe three nights in a row.

9. Remind yourself of your other identities. If you feel like a loser at work, send out a blast email to engage with college friends. If you think members of the PTA are mad at you, don’t miss the spinning class where everyone knows and likes you.

Me: I need some more letting go. I just asked a friend to like my FB page which he did not do ’til now. He couldn’t understand what I am up to. A difference in perspectives.

10. Keep perspective. Ask yourself: “Will this matter in a month? In a year?” I recently came across a note I’d written to myself years ago, that said “TAXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I dimly remember the panic I felt about dealing with taxes that year; but it’s all lost and forgotten now.

Me: Oh, it wouldn’t surely. My body just give me this urgh day as a pause that I may take a rest from being so serious with my quests.

11. Write it down. When something horrible is consuming my mind, I find that if I write up a paragraph or two about the situation, I get immense relief.

Me: Just what I am up to. Not just writing but sharing it too.

12. Be grateful. Remind yourself that a lousy day isn’t a catastrophic day. Be grateful that you’re still on the “lousy” spectrum. Probably, things could be worse.

Me: I am so thankful I have a break from being so…. sensible? At least today I have an excuse to express that quirky side of me.

13. Use the emergency mood tool-kit. For an emergency happiness intervention, try these tips for getting a boost in the next HOUR.

***

Woow! Just felt better. Thanks Gretchen.

Have you ever had these kind of days? Don’t be afraid, it’s workable. Just look for your sense of humor, even if others may or may not understand.

Have a purposeful day!

~Nezel

In response to WP Daily Prompt: pretend.

 

September 24, 2016

Grateful for the Space

grateful for the space

All of us desire to have our space in this world. Every space we own, we must work for. But there are spaces that are intended by people with generous hearts to be given to others for their growth and the much needed visibility in order for them to achieve their dreams. I am blessed to be invited by Sir Ngobesing Romanus to be a part of his Solidarity Bloggers Society. It is a world for bloggers whose blog aims to help people achieve their dreams and become better individuals.

I am humbled to be considered a part of the inspirer’s world. I am doing all I can to give my best shot in this blogosphere. I am here not because I am already good, but because I am still a work in progress. I own my journey and I need you in this journey for no one stands alone. We both learn from each other. It is my greatest dream to stand before the Lord in eternity and do hope to see you there too.

If you are also inspired to share the goodness in your heart for the betterment of our suffering world one post at a time you may click here to join.

May you have a purposeful day!

~Nezel