Posted in life, psychology

What it means to be considerate?

Posted on by M Artisans

Coming across vlogs “showing off” their lifestyle rendered some deep thoughts and reflections. There’s a Filipino term called – “malasakit“. Uniquely Filipino because there’s no exact English translation. It is a Filipino value of caring and acting on the needs of others.

Be Considerate

Being considerate is synonymous to kindness. It can come in different forms and sizes. When you think of others before yourself, considering their feelings, concerns or priorities before your own. Begins with sympathy and thoughful rumination.

Being nice is a broader term – like civility. Being considerate entails a real and active interest on other people. There’s more effort than just being nice or civil.

There are 7 habits of Considerate People.

1. They practice empathy

Empathy is described as sensing what people are feeling

– Goldman Madel

It is different from sympathy, as empathy involves shared perspective or emotion. Considerate people not only feel for (with) others but actively see the world beyond themselves. Treating people with respect and compassion.

2. They smile often

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There’s a saying that kindness begins with a smile. Smiling evokes a positive emotion and reaction. In Positive Psychology, people are encouraged to smile more. You feel good and affect others, too.

3. They are intuitive of other people’s needs

From my Emotional Social Intelligence (ESI) class, there’s Cognitive Empathy. It is the ability to understand what another person might be thinking or feeling. When you walk in another person’s shoes and make them feel they are valued – that’s consideration.

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4. They mind their manners

Being polite doesn’t begin and end with saying please and thank you. It is way more than that. The golden rule – treat others the way you want to be treated.

5. Be emotionally intelligent

Emotional and Social Intelligence – is the ability to be aware of your own emotions and those of others in the moment, and use that information to manage yourself and your relationships (ESI UC Davis).

ESI is not a soft skill and is now in the Top 10 most important workplace skill needed for success (World Eco Forum 2020). It is twice as important as technical and cognitive skills combined.

6. They are patient

Patience is difficult to have these days especially when attention span is shortened to a few seconds. Being patient comes with kindness, as you “consider” other person’s situation or reason.

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7. They apologize (when needed)

One of the traits of a toxic individual is – non admission to mistakes. Apologizing when you’ve made a mistake instead of passing the blame is crucial when being considerate.

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❤

Posted in life

Fiery Priest K-Drama

Posted on by M Artisans

Finishing my drama list, I came across this highest rated series in 2019 according to Nielsen Korea. Starring Kim Nam-gil, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Hanee, Go Jun, and Keum Sae-rok, this drama is a combination of crime and comedy. You will laugh non-stop.

Plot is simple, an ex-agent Kim Hae Il turned priest attempts to investigate the murder of Mosignor Lee Young-joon. A hilarious journey of taking down the culprits and corrupt officials is what follows. The anger issues of priest Kim Hae Il makes the series much funnier, every action scene turned into comedy plus the perfect mixing of crime and humor.

I have watched countless dramas and this is surely one of the best comedy and action series. Amazing and really satisfying to watch, no boring episodes.

❤

Posted in life

How Great Thou Art (lyrics)

Posted on by M Artisans

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; 
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; 
That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, 
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

🙌🙌🙌

Posted in life

Summer Strike K-Drama

Posted on by M Artisans

Adapted from the webtoon “I Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything” (아무것도 하고 싶지 않아) by Joo Young Hyun (주영현). This new TV series is a melodrama set in a quaint seaside village of Angok.

Starring Kim Seol-hyun and Im Si-wan, this series gives a different vibe more like self-discovery, seeking peace of mind and one’s purpose.

Reading some comments over social media, one saying – “contrary to what I’ve heard about this drama being slow paced I found it to be perfect.”

With this K-drama expect less lovey-dovey between two main characters, touching more on healing from grief and trauma. Breaking away from the toxicity and stressful life in the city.

Watching this made me reflect even more and see myself with the main actor’s actions, decisions and passivity (politeness). A drama that shows real life, challenges, struggles and all…

Sharing this ending quote by Lee Yeo Reum – “I thought about what happiness is. I looked it up in the dictionary. Happiness is a state of bring pleased, fulfilled, and content in life. I found that definition to be too long, so I decided to make it shorter. Happiness. The state of being sufficient.” 

❤

Posted in kdrama

Mr Queen KDrama

Posted on by M Artisans

Long before posting drama reviews, my hubby and I finished this drama in Viu. It was released in 2020 and now available in more platforms like Netflix.

And no, this review doesn’t contain spoilers 🙂

This comedy series is one of my favorites, totally hilarious! My chuckles could be heard by my neighbors and you’ll surely laugh in every episode. My husband (aka my Kdrama buddy) love this series, too!

Mr. Queen contains 20 episodes with genre ranging from romantic comedy (rom-com), historical and fantasy. Story begins with a prestigious chef having an accident and his soul entering a 19th century queen’s body.

This is pure comedy and best to watch it with a partner so you’ll not laugh alone. You may find the plot simple but there’s exciting twist in each episode. You’ll also cry and feel sad for the charming characters of this drama.

You’ll love the characters here, mine ofcourse is the king and queen. Their acting is superb! Kim Jung Hyun (King) and Shin Hye Sun (Queen) have great chemistry. Their bond in the story is heartwarming and passionate.

And so I’ll leave the experience to my readers… Mr Queen is in my favorite list, you can tell how much I recommend you to watch it 😉

Posted in women’s health

depression in endo

Posted on by M Artisans

You may consider her an expert living a decade with endometriosis. Bereft of many oppportunities unlike most healthy “young” and active women. Confined to restrictions, living in a seemingly endless pandemic. Taking pleasures from the simplest sips of coffee to a pain-free day.

Estrogen plays a huge role in endometriosis. If you have endometriosis, high levels of this hormone may promote and increase inflammation, trigger pain and stomach issues.

Endometriosis is one of the few estrogen-dominant conditions that affects 1 out of 10 women worldwide. Others include;

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Breast cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Fibroids, noncancerous uterine tumors

Sadly, there’s no cure to endometriosis and there’s limited treatment available. Usually in the extremes such as operation or removal of ovaries or uterus. On the onset of corona virus pandemic, I was introduced to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment. This is to induce temporary menopause and targets the decrease in the size of implants or adhesions.

It was quite effective, ovarian cysts became smaller and both ovaries now visible in the recent ultrasound with the loosening of adhesions. A bittersweet management for endo as one of the major side effects of GnRH treatment is an increase in anxiety and depression. This may be due to the dramatic drop in estrogen levels caused by these meds or from the imbalance itself.

And so this is expected, we can turn out to be a beautiful mess of writhing emotions – quoting the book I’m currently reading. Dealing with physical, mental and emotional, as if everything now is a struggle…

To all endowarriors dealing with depression, i feel you…

Posted in prayer, prayers

Prayer of Protection Against Evil

Posted on by M Artisans

Prayer For Protection Against Evil

Heavenly Father, You have promised that when we dwell in the secret place of the most High and shelter under the shadow of Your wings you will guard and guide us, protect us and keep us – for You are our refuge and our fortress and You alone are the one in Whom we place our trust.

Thank You Lord that no matter where I go Your hand leads me, and Your right arm upholds me.. for You are before me and behind me, You are above me and below me You are at my right hand and also at my left. And You are within me.. indwelling in my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit, Who is my ever present Help in time of trouble.

Father, I pray that You would protect me and my family from all the evils that are lurking nearby and from those that would seek to harm us. Uphold us and keep us safe from all the evils that encircle our lives. Put Your hedge of protection and safety around us we pray, and place a guard at our doors and protects us from all that pass by our gate. And Father, keep our hearts from fear but rather fill us to overflowing with Your perfect peace that passes all understanding. Thank You that You are indeed our refuge and strength. You are that ever present Help in time of trouble – therefore in Your strength we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the middle of the sea. – for You are with us wherever we go. Thank You in Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in life, psychology

What are the benefits of having Good friends

Posted on by M Artisans

Do you know that there are benefits of having good friends?

Having supportive people around you, includes family, partners, colleagues. These good friends can have a major impact in your life, health and overall well-being according to Mayo clinic.

Benefits of Friendship

  • Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
  • Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
  • Improve your self confidence and self worth
  • Help you cope traumas such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or death of a loved one
  • Encourage you to have healthy lifestyle or habit
  • Promote personal development

Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too.

Mayo clinic

People with strong social connections have reduced risk of many health problems. Studies found that older adults who have good friends and social support are likely to live longer.

Among all the benefits of having meaningful relationships, Emotional support is significant. They listen to your problems, can validate your feelings, and can help distract you when you’re sad or upset.

In one of the lessons I had, Professor Jonah Berger of Wharton University said, ” people are 36% more likely to quit smoking if a friend quits.”

Your friends can support your choices and even promote the right ones. They can cheer you on, motivate you like gym buddies or yoga partners.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Sense of belongingness comes in third on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Caring about others makes life more meaningful. Your self worth increases, knowing you have a support system can help you feel more secure in your own life.

On the other hand, unhealthy or toxic friendships can cause stress and bring you down. Choose your companions and avoid toxic people; gossiper, unkind or rude, manipulative, selfish, etc.

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Bottom line, good friends are important in your life. Strong friendships will continue to strengthen you, make you healthier and help you have a brighter outlook.

❤

Posted in life

Small Businesses Vs. Corporations

Posted on by M Artisans

It’s not easy running a small business, I know this from experience. A Small Business owner myself, this post aims to motivate and inspire dreamers. Standing proud for thriving through the hurdles of Covid-19 pandemic and super typhoon Odette.

There are numerous challenges to overcome even before you can open the store. Application of permits, approval and paperworks that felt like forever.

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Yes, it is almost impossible to compete against massive corporations. With current economic situations and opening of tourism slightly favoring big companies. They have the resources, manpower, budget, warehouse, etc.

Though it seems like we don’t stand a chance, there are also advantages of small businesses according to Forbes.com

  • Custom Approach

Small businesses can offer a more personalized and customized service. That something large companies cannot do. It would be a waste of time (for them) to cater to individuals instead of dealing with consumers as a whole.

Being one of the pioneers in cake customization business, I remember famous bakeshops used to offer basic birthday cakes, clients are asked to choose from cake designs that are – basic and generic.

  • Flexibility and Less Bureaucracy

Big companies have complex internal structures, they follow a heirarchy. Approval and response processes can take a lot of time in a large organization. While small businesses can be flexible in dealing with customers. Adding a personal touch to everything, treating each other as family.

  • Creativity

Just like with flexibility, they have an edge in creativity. Having decision-making in their hands, creativity can flourish. There’s more ‘relaxed’ room to design, create and improve. No added pressure from meeting monthly quotas, etc.

  • Level of Care

Small businesses provide an individual level of care and involvement. For them service is on a personal level. Not from a corporate standpoint. Everyone is treated like a family. They have the ability to provide a one-on-one, personalized experience that clients value the most.

  • Adaptability

Business is all about people and small businesses have the advantage of knowing each and every client really well. The ability to be flexible and adapt to day-to-day needs of customers, invention of new products and services, and so on.

  • Passion with Purpose

Small businesses are well appreciated in social media like Instagram. They are trailblazers, supporting and igniting people using their passion with a purpose. There’s no shortage of passion as they continue to stay motivated by fueling their shops with personal connections to customers.

  • Speed and Agility

Aprroval and decision-making processes are faster in a small business. When a client needs help right a way, they can respond in small but special ways when big corporations are too busy.

  • One-on-One Magic

That advantage to connect one-on-one with customers is what small businesses have. I ventured into franchising from a famous convenience store chain and noticed the complex nature of their structure. An ordeal when trying to sort out things with them, I didn’t feel we were connected and that our intentions are for the business alone.

Learning from experience and seeing through it all, small businesses can maximize these advantages competing against astronomical companies. Having the right and loyal people communicating to clients gives your store a personal touch.

❤

Posted in faith, life, motivational, prayer

How to be content with your life

Posted on by M Artisans

For those who’ve been following me in IG, one chronic side effect of my treatment or symptom management is depression. It can also be brought by endometriosis (and adenomyosis) either way am 😦

We’ve all had this feeling before – sadness, dark cloud above your head, low days, lonelines… I cannot describe this state in the most positive way possible, an overall feeling of doom, zero inspiration and motivation.

Truth is no one could completely grasp one’s feelings and emotional well being. Help starts with you. It takes massive effort yes, but it’s worth the try…

Please remember that – your current state is not forever, this (too) shall pass.

How to be content with your life?

  1. Change your perspective – the easiest way to be content with your life is adjusting your perspective. Instead of being stuck with the past or obsessing over the future, focus on Living in the Present.
  2. Be Grateful for what you have – though our life may be miserable today but try thinking of the things you have and how lucky you are compare to other people. This also includes – to stop comparing yourself with others. As the old saying goes – “the grass is greener on the other side” – the things we don’t have seem better than the things we have. This is the biggest obstacle in achieving happiness. Because there will always be someone who is happier, healthier, richer than you. But why look? If it’s only going to make you more miserable and unhappy.
  3. Appreciate the little things – Every detail in your life counts. We may take for granted this little things because we are too focused on the negative. Daily reflection, write a journal, a walk outside for some fresh air. Making a habit of reflecting will help you think rationally when a problem arises and will keep you from being blind-sided by problems that are lurking in your life.

One thing that really helps me is – FAITH. I can’t imagine myself being in the center of these all without Jesus. To be able to believe in something greater than us is the most effective coping mechanism for people who are suffering.

Yes it’s okay not to feel okay, if you need to cry then do it…

David Spiegel, MD, the medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, reminds us that “Happiness is not the absence of sadness.”

Let me share these beautiful songs… Allow Jesus to be with you, to cry with you and feel with you…

Happy are the people who are sad now,

God will come near to help them.

Matthew 5:4 Easy

I will be still and

know You are God.