Ibyang
Ibyang

Deep Thoughts

Affirmation: Abundance Thru Positive Thoughts

Affirmation:

I create abundance in my life
thru the
power of
my positive thoughts.

 
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Abundance does not only refer to material wealth. It most importantly refers to some things in our lives that cannot be measured by money: family, friends and passions in life.

While I agree that financial wealth is important in having a comfortable life, I believe, more than ever, in having a positive outlook in order to create an overflowing of abundance of love from family and friends and fulfillment from the things we love to do.


Sending you an abundance of positive vibes and wishing you a great week!

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Some Days Can Be Tough, But It Will Always Be Alright

Tough days.
Busy days.
We all have days like these.
Days when we’d rather curl up in bed, sleep and just wake up when the tides are over. 
It’s always tempting to be lazy when I’m having these kinds of days.
But instead of being lazy, I force myself to get up from my cozy bed.
Take a shower to wake up all of my sleeping nerves.
Dress up nicely and put my lipstick on.
Yes, amidst the struggle, it is during these times when I put more effort in dressing up.
And yes, putting lipstick on is always a pick-upper for me.  I don’t know why or how, but it works. 
To look good is to feel good, maybe.
On days when responsibilities and challenges seem to be raining down on me, that’s when I double my efforts in saying to myself, “I can do this”.
Over and over again, I would affirm it.
I believe that tough days shall pass.
But moreover, I’m a believer that when tides are turning, something better will come out of it.
So I make sure I’m there to see moments unfold before me even if things can be overwhelming.
And I smile and enjoy the moment I’m.
Some days can be tough….but I know it will ALWAYS be alright.
🙂
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Reflective “Me” Time on Maundy Thursday

Here in Australia, we still have work on Maundy Thursday but from where I work, we were given a free half-day if we go to work on Thursday. I left work as soon as I finished my morning tasks and met up with the Husband for lunch. For a change, I wanted to eat fastfood coz I craved for Hungry Jack’s onion rings.



After lunch, we walked towards QVB checked out this funky store called Bristol and Brooks where you can find designer gifts and amusing, cool stuff for the home


After a few minutes of walking along George Street, the Husband went back to work so I decided to hang out at Hyde Park. I especially brought along my Canon 400D with the Fujinon 55mm lens for some test shots at the park.

I took photos of flowers…

of trees….


of park benches…
of people sleeping on benches….

and the park.
 

I’m amazed at how powerful and sharp the vintage Fujinon lens is. I love it.


 
Stayed at the park for a while. Walked around and then at one point, sat in one of benches and just watched people pass by. Listened for the sounds of nature and life around me and most of all reflect. No matter how hurried some people were around me that time, I felt a certain peace coming out of me…of my heart.

 

Before I went home, I continued my “me” time at a nearby Starbucks for a cup of Cafe Mocha and a slice of New York Cheesecake to celebrate one of my recent achievements at work (which happened the day before).



It was one lovely afternoon of great weather. It may not be the ideal, quiet Maundy Thursday that I usually celebrate in the Phils, but nevertheless, my quality “me” time was filled with serenity, joy and gratitude for the life I have and the life I’m living.

All photos by Ibyang Sanchez, Copyright 2010.
Canon 400D and Fujinon 55mm lens.


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What We Would Love for 2010 to Look Like

6 April 2010 9 Comments Category: Deep Thoughts

This was supposed to be an entry published at the start of the year but due to so many things going on in our family, work and social lives, I keep on bumping off writing this.

The first quarter of the year is over. I’m overwhelmed by how time’s going too fast. I might be paranoid but I don’t really think so. My Husband and I had very full, productive and busy weeks in the past three months and we’re very happy with what we have achieved so far, both as a couple and individually.

Before 2010 started, one of the things that my Husband and I talked about was how we want our 2010 to look like. Here are some of them:

More days and weekends of rest. Part of the things I manage at home is our social calendar. So yes, if we look like we’re always out with relatives and friends, I’m mostly to blame for that. My Husband specifically requested that I put more time for rest and relaxation on days when we don’t have work and to minimize going out at night. Last year, we hibernated during the winter months but apparently that is not enough, so more restful days it will be for this year. I will definitely try my best to make this happen because it also coincides with our other goal which is…

Health comes first. After two major surgeries in my lifetime, I get the message. Stress is my number one nemesis and since my doctors have always told me “If you feel pain, then that is a sign that you have to take it slow and rest.” And since I don’t want to be hospitalized again for surgical reasons and it’s really not wise to wait for pain to settle in, I’m taking this advice up another notch. Nowadays, I’m learning how to say “no” to extra commitments. I have realized I can only handle so much and that I don’t have to be at every gimik that friends asks us to attend.

Work. Our careers are getting busier by the minute but we love the opportunity that our work brings to us. Some days, it’s a challenge to juggle work and home responsibilities but we are trying to be as flexible as possible.

Travel. There are travel plans this year but it is not a priority. However, we hope to be able to visit some nearby places around NSW and we are preparing a trip out of the country to attend a wedding.

Photography. Acquisition of a few gears and doing photowalks are part of our plans for this year. We also hope that either one of us can attend a workshop in creative photography. We are also looking forward to a few events and photoshoots that we will cover.

Blogging. I have received an email from one of my e-pals who is also a follower of this blog and he has commended the streamlining of my entries. Thank you for that. I’m trying my best to share as much information as I can with as little time I have these days. It is not easy finding time to blog nowadays as compared to two years ago due to the demands of my work. I have several drafts that seem to be piling up and I really need to write more to get rid of it and for my blog to be updated. I’m still figuring out how to go about “working smartly” with regards to my blogging. The good news is, I’m more diligent now when it comes to commenting back and visiting other blogs. In a few days, I hope to get my blog and photoblog on track.

Limit time online. I know, it’s ironic that I want my blog to be updated and yet I’m limiting my time online. That’s basically the reason why my blog isn’t updated. There are days when I don’t turn on my computer at home and just cook, rest and watch TV. There are stories that I don’t get to share anymore because I just don’t have time and energy to go online. Reality is, I really don’t have the luxury of time nowadays as compared to when I started blogging. And I also don’t think it’s healthy to be online all the time so I’m doing it in moderation. I’m a work in progress here in terms of balancing my time online, so goodluck to me in finding the right formula on this one.

These are a few of those things that we would like to happen in 2010. We’re happy with how our 1st quarter had been and we hope that in the coming months, our plans and wishes will fall into places.

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Reflection and Quiet Time

Most true happiness comes from one’s inner life, from the disposition of the mind and soul. Admittedly, a good inner life is difficult to achieve, especially in these trying times. It takes reflection and contemplation and self-discipline. 

– William L. Shirer

 
image by Chris Sanchez

In celebration of Holy Week, I have decided to spend a lot of quiet time until Easter. My Husband and I will mostly spend a peaceful time at home and will only see relatives if need be.

I will also make myself scarce online for now. I will resume blogging and other online activities I participate in after the Easter festivities.

I wish everyone a safe and spiritually productive Holy Week. Keep happy, kind thoughts!


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