Happy New Year!

“If my heart can become pure and simple like that of a child, I think there probably can be no greater happiness than this.” - Kitaro Nishida

I wish everyone a blessed 2009.

In difficult times, it helps to be positive.

It helps to have a clearer, more grounded perspective.

Cheers to greater love, happiness, abundance and friendship!

Change of heart

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” – William James

True enough.

I was not a Christmas person. Christmas carols made me sad.

I thought Christmas was overrated – people are just forced to be happy, giddy and good – all for the sake of the holidays and the birth of Christ.

It’s hypocritical.

We can choose to be happy, generous and be good people all year round.

Why make Christmas an excuse to become better persons when we can make the effort sans the occasion?

The holiday blues was made worse by the fact that this year is the 2^nd Christmas that Nanay isn’t around. It’s breaking my heart.

So what’s Christmas to me?

It just made me feel more miserable.

And empty.

But not this year.

In early December, I made a resolution that no matter the pain that the break-up caused me, no matter the heartache I feel that Nanay is gone – I will make an effort to celebrate Christmas --- to be joyful and grateful for all the blessings.

I completed the Simbang Gabi.

I prayed.

I wrapped gifts.

I cooked Christmas dinner – my much-celebrated pasta and meat sauce.

I spent Christmas Eve with the family.

I went to Boracay for a short trip with him. Yes, with him.

Because Christmas…

Is not about me.

I’m glad I made the resolution.

I am happier. More peaceful. And more in love… with life and with all the special people in my life.

Because love is beyond conventional definitions.

And so is Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope you have the same fortune that I have this season – to feel what it really is all about.