Working Mom Magazine March 2014 issue's tagline "START FRESH!" caught my attention. It's summer break and I think it's a perfect time for me to reflect on how was I as a person, wife, and mom for the entire school year---"Am I more sensitive to my loved-ones needs and feelings? Am I just physically present but mentally absent? Am I conscious with my family's health? Do I give them proper nutrition? Does my parenting style fit my kids' personalities? Am I overprotective? Do I practice my faith properly?" These excerpts from this month's issue struck me. I hope that these help me to start fresh and be BETTER in all aspects.
On marriage...
"Every couple goes through that moment when you think, 'Is this worth it? What do we need to do to make things work?' It's not a fairytale, it's real life, and you stay strong and make a choice. I realized there is a lot of love in this marriage. There are moments when you don't feel in love, but the bond and friendship are there...You have problems. That's life. But you look at everything and decide what matters. I saw, 'there's a lot of love here'".
--- Lexi Schulze Berenguer-Testa, Happily Imperfect (p.48)
On parenting...
"As a teacher, I learned that if somebody gets hurt, kids will base their reaction on yours. If you freak out, they'll get scared and start crying. Ten years of doing that daily, and my instinct is to be calm and say, 'This is what we need to do; it's going to be okay.'"
--- Nicole Schulze-Lopez, Rebel with a Cause (p. 50)
On fitness...
"Include a cheat day. Diets have a duration for a reason. It's supposed to be a guide, but it's not written in stone. Don't punish yourself if you cheat a little, once in a while. It's not the end of the world."
--- Chef Pixie Sevilla, New Body, New Life (p. 60)
On self-improvement...
"She (mom) said the names were just words, and that success was the best revenge."
--- Venus Raj, Confidence Cheat Sheet (p. 65)
"I look at my son and tell myself that mothers have been here before and didn't give up on their children or on themselves. If you give up on yourself, no one can help you."
--- Angeli Bayani, Confidence Cheat Sheet (p. 66)
On kid's safety...
"Don't trust a stranger who needs help. Why? Because adults certainly don't need help from a child on emergency situation. The best thing they can do is run home and let you know that someone needs help."
--- Michelle Aventajado, Raise Him to be Street Smart (p. 78)
On gratitude...
"It hit me. Graduation is a big deal. My words flowed from the heart: 'Today does not belong to me, or to any single one of us. No, today is a celebration shared by all. Parents, teachers, guardians, be proud! We are here because of you. You encouraged us to do our best. You stood with us when we were strong, and you lifted us up when we were down. You, all of you, shared your love. We won't forget that.'"
--- Scott Lee Chua, Graduation Matters (p. 82)
On spirituality...
"If we look at the three key words---to praise God, to reverence God, to serve God---the purpose of the human person is to get out of our confinement, to get out of ourselves, and to reach out to God in praise, in reverence, and in service. And it is only losing ourselves that we find our true selves...If your purpose is clear, and it is not directed to self-propagation, then you can really be an asset to society and to the world." (Cardinal Chito Tagle at the Ateneo de Manila University, March 2013)
--- adapted by Queena N. Lee-Chua, Words to Live and Lead By (p. 83)
Aside from these excerpts, I learned a lot from the story of three sisters, Lexi Schulze Berenguer-Testa, Georgia Schulze-del Rosario, and Nicole Schulze-Lopez. Their honesty in relating their experiences as siblings and parents are remarkable. Despite the fact that they belong to the famous Revilla clan, they show that they are also like ordinary citizens, who experience ups and downs on parenting and marriage. Their story is so wonderful and inspiring! I am still reading the article over and over. It's very nice.
Aside from a chance for me to REARRANGE my life, it's a good time for me to organize our home (p. 88) as well as our schedule for a more memorable bonding time with my loved-ones (p. 96). After all, this is what God made me for--- to be a MOM that is always there for my family.
I'm so glad to have a copy of this magazine! Thanks again, Working Mom Magazine and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.!
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