Posted in faith, prayer

Worry Ends where Prayer Begins

This year has been the most difficult for me. The emotional impact of endometriosis is so immense and it’s more debilitating than physical pain. 

Perhaps I’m in no position to render advice, and this may appear to you as superficial and ordinary. But I know God can touch us in many ways than we can imagine. He reaches out to us even if we fail to remember Him. 


God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. – Psalm 136:23


When we hold on to worry, we give it life. Jesus told us these exact words…

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34



Do you know that God doesn’t want us to carry our burdens? He asks us to lay them down at the foot of the cross. He wants us to surrender our heavy loads to him. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Come to me all who are weary and burdened,and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28



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Posted in life

Endometriosis 2022 update

More than a decade ago, I was first diagnosed with endometriosis and then adenomyosis. Two similar medical terms, both are giving pain and suffering to millions of women worldwide.


Endometriosis is often equated with period pain but it is much more than period pain. It’s a chronic condition and many lack awareness and resources to help them with this disease.



A term was coined – “endowarrior”. Many organizations are built to raise awareness and spread word about endometriosis. And help fellow sufferers in their journey.

There’s power in weakness / pain – a life motto that I cling to. A decade long of this indescribable pain and suffering. Resounding symptoms of pain, stomach upset, bloatedness, body weakness and recently low mood. My last ultrasound revealed progressive adenomyosis and adenomyoma, reoccuring hydrosalpinx and ovarian cysts.


An endometriosis journey can be described as trailing down a long dark road without any maps, tools, or light to help guide the way. A journey without being understood or heard. At least, that has been my experience.

– Marisol Velez


Proud of our endo-community in Instagram, endowarriors give each other support and advices. After 10 years of TTC (trying to conceive) and enormous amount of pain, I’ve decided to just have everything removed. Yes, one tough decision that endowarriors go through… 😦

Posted in Kdrama

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (K-drama)

While waiting for season 2 of Alchemy of Souls, I was recommended to watch this after Because this is my first life. Both Korean dramas starred our favorite couple – Lee JaeWook and Jung So-min (but separately).

I like Jung Somin character in Because this is my first life, however this post is dedicated to Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol starring no less than Lee JaeWook.

KBS

Why you’ll love this K-drama?

  • super funny
  • dog named “mimi” is the cutest
  • the positivity of Rara is contagious
  • unique kind of fairy tale

This drama revolves around RaRa (Go Ara) who is the heiress of RaRa cosmetics. Like what I said – she is an optimistic talented lady who sees the best in people and in every situation. Her positivity is contagious and brings good vibes everytime. Tragic events happened during her wedding ceremony and meets Sunwoo Joon (Lee JaeWook) a good looking warm-hearted man who is the complete opposite of Rara.

Fond of her beautiful curls which remind me of mine and her bubbly character that’s like no other.

Eventually they developed feelings for each other as things become complicated.

Watch or binge it in streaming sites like Netflix.

KBS

More photos of Mimi ❤

Posted in News Media

OpenLine New Media Forum Cebu

OpenLine News Media Forum is a new program by MyTV Cebu Philippines that airs every Tuesday morning and can be livestreamed via social media channels like Facebook, YouTube and their website.

The host/moderators are veteran broadcast journalist Mr Erik Espina and the captivating Ms Andrea Patena-Matheu. This show tackles current and relevant issues in the Philippines.

OpenLine News Media Forum is where all lines are open. Journalists, media and even viewers can participate by posting their questions and suggestions in the comment section.

Posted in psychology

Narcissistic, my God i luv it!

Ive’s Narcissus concept in “Love Dive” became an instant hit since its debut comeback. They even won multiple awards with this song (congrats Ive). Not only it is catchy but the dance choreo (my favorite) is addictive. There’s a particular move – “mirror princess” where members look into a “mirror”. A symbolic of Narcissistic adage.

Love Dive – Ive

What is Narcissistic?

– by Merriam-Webster definition, relating to or characterized by narcissism; extremely exaggerated sense of self-importance, marked by or characteristic of excessive admiration of or infatuation with oneself.

Narcissism comes from the story of Narcissus. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter known for his beauty. He fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it until he drowned. At that spot, a flower bloomed which is now called as the narcissus plant or the daffodil.



A tragic story like many mythologies I’ve read, has a lesson worth noting. Pride and self-obsession for Greeks are obstructions to piety and religion. Proving the cruel fate of Narcissus.


Daffodil photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Narcissistic personality disorder NPD is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.

Mayo Clinic

A narcissist can have many problems in different areas of life. They are disappointed when they’re not given the attention they believe they deserve. And symptoms are as follows;

  • Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.
  • Feel that they deserve privileges and special treatment.
  • Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
  • Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.
  • Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.
  • Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people.
  • Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.
  • Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them.
  • Take advantage of others to get what they want.
  • Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
  • Be envious of others and believe others envy them.
  • Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.
  • Insist on having the best of everything.

The hallmarks of NPD are grandiosity, lack of empathy for other people, and the need for admiration. They are described as self-centered, manipulative and demanding. They also have trouble handling criticism. To them, criticisms are just personal attacks.

These people think there’s nothing wrong with them. They are resistant to changing their behavior even when it’s causing them problems. Their tendency is to pass the blame to others.

Narcissists believe they are better than everyone else and often exagerrate their own achievements and talents. They live in a fantasy world that supports their delusions of grandeur. They have a sense of entitlement and consider themselves as special.

For their overly inflated ego that needs to be constantly fed so they surround themselves with people who are willing to cater to them. This kind of relationship is usually one-sided. Since they lack empathy, they often take advantage of others to get what they want.

There are more topics (and medical terms) related to NPD, however I’d like to emphasize the problem with them – they are not even aware of their own behavior. Thinking – what could be wrong really? Yes, it is sad especially when you know someone who is one! but stay calm – real and lasting relationships are based on mutual respect and love.

Since narcissists are not capable of reciprocating your love and affection, it’s all about them as the center of the universe. It is best to set healthy boundaries and don’t take things personally. It’s not about you, it’s them.

And lastly, don’t argue with a narcissist.

It’s pointless.

Ending with this reminder – spend time and make memories with people who are worth your precious time (and life).