Life’s Manifesto by Holstee

January 13, 2012 By 23 Comments

 

By  Alpha Miguel-Sanford

Life is short – and that is fact. It is not questionable or an issue worth debating. We all know that. We recognize that our lives is all that we have. Yes, we do own a few material things like our houses, our cars, our careers, some investments – but the reality is we only have one thing in our hands and that is our life!

This is why we continue to search for the ultimate question: what do we need to do in order to live our life to the fullest? How do we do it? Are we doing it right? Are we living happily or just merely surviving? Are we pursuing our dreams and passions? Do we have greater insights into what lies ahead?

Well, I do not know the answer.

But Holstee has it!

Holstee is a company whose products are not just ecologically manufactured and ethically produced, but also a company that has a life manifesto for its business plan. It was a company that started small in funding, but great in ideas. It is a fairly new company, given its establishment only three years ago. But, even as young as they are – this company fueled by passionate people (Mike, Fabian and Dave) created a company that breathes passion and life into the world everyday.  They share an inspiring message that no matter what kind of business you own or whatever you do for a living, there should be LIFE associated with it. It should not just be work because you need it – but because you know that life is so short and that you have live it!

Here is the video:

And if you want to watch only the words or the message from Holstee, here it is:

Enjoy your life, for it is too short!

Filed Under: Happiness, Lessons in Life, Most Popular Posts, VIDEOS Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons in Life

January 12, 2012 By 43 Comments

 

 

Photo of Michaela Cruz- Ungos

By  Alpha Miguel-Sanford

I agree you’ve probably read many lists of ___nth lessons in life as I have myself! But what I am going to share with you today is a list which I think is extraordinarily real; something that is not really taught at school and something that addresses all aspects of our lives including spirituality (faith to many), finances (money to many), family and relationships, health (specially cancer), career, happiness and passion.

The author of this list is Regina Brett - a Cleveland writer/author/blogger who started writing down her list of 45 lessons life taught her when she was forty-five. However, she added more to it until it now becomes 50. When it first circulated around the web – some people were re-branding this article as  “Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old”. In fact, there were over 400 entries on google search that she was a good-looking 90 years old! The truth is, she is only in her fifties and is passionate about many things including her family!

When I first read the list with the title “written by a 90-year old women” I was intrigued and excited to read. I immediately associated this list with proper wisdom and made me more fascinated with the writer’s thoughts and life’s reflections! As I read each list, I understand that these are universal “food for thought” – and one way or the other, whether we live in China, the United States, Philippines, Somalia or Haiti – we need something to hold on to.

It is also nice to know that – God never blinks!

Here is the list:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over-prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

And if you are wondering how does Regina Brett look like, here she is:

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration, Lessons in Life, Most Popular Posts, Photos by Michaela Cruz-Ungos Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Day 97: WT…? Lessons from the Road

October 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Photo by: Randy Legaspi

 

It happened pretty quickly. I was driving along I-128 (a Massachusetts state highway) on my way to work when suddenly the traffic came to a full stop right before Exit 5. I had to immediately hit my brakes and boom! I heard my brakes hit the ground, as if my AWD system was gripping an ice-covered road. Then I swerved slightly to the breakdown lane. I had to! There was no other way to avoid a possible wreck to my hood other than to swerve.

But just as I swerve, a car was merging through the highway at a high speed of about 75 mph! The driver knew I was taking a right before I swerved. She saw my right blinkers on – but she decided to still continue with her speed. Instead of slowing down after seeing the pile of cars in front of her, she contined to pass me along with the other cars - missing only an inch away from hood!

I could have been hit at that moment, had I not hit my brakes.

What happened next was unbelievably crazy.

The driver, a woman (about my age) flicked her finger and uttered through her window, “WTF are you doing?” She was probably waiting for me to say something wise in return – but all I said was, “Go! Thank you!” She was obviously irritated if not angry at me for thanking her. She probably could not figure out why I was saying thank you. She also probably saw how calm I was – and she looked so revved up! Then, she continued carelessly at a full speed on the breakdown lane at 6:45 in the morning, instead of slowing down!

My encounter with the woman driver left me thinking about a few things:

1. Was it my fault?

2. The next time a stranger gives me the finger, I’ll give them my full five fingers to bless them!

3. The next time I will heard someone utter the “WTF” phrase, I will say to myself, “what the fudge?” and just think about how hungry that person is for some chocolate and fudge (maybe even some lovin’ and fun).

4. The next time somebody will cut me off, I will do what one of my friends does, she says “Thank you!” to them.

5. The next time a driver decides to pass me, I will say “Bless you!”

Daily with you,

- Alpha

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Filed Under: INSPIRATION, Lessons in Life, Life's Little Reminders, Photography by Randy Legaspi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Day 55: Never Settle for Less

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Photo: Michaela Cruz-Ungos (Teacher Mica)

Here is a personal  story of not settling for less:

A few weeks ago, I needed a new pair of prescription glasses and I know exactly what brand, what style and shade I would like to purchase.  I have that particular frame and design in my head long before I headed to the local optometrist’s shop (more like a chain store).

I went to Pearle Vision first and checked out their selection. As soon as I entered their store, I couldn’t find exactly what I want, so I asked one of the salesclerks  if they carry that brand and she said,  “Oh, yes we do –but recently we have not been getting our orders on time, so I pulled them out of the display area.” She went on to show me the only remaining style from the brand that I was looking for, which I didn’t particularly love. Because the lady was very accommodating, she told me, “If you do not like this, I can call you in a week  and see if they could ship to us other styles, then I will give you a call!’

That’s how it ended.

Exactly a week later, I got a phone call from her informing me that some styles from the brand that I like finally  arrived. (Okay, keep in mind that I have already pictured what I would like to buy.)

When I stepped in the shop, she was waiting to show me what styles came in. I tried all four of them, but somehow none of them was exactly what I was looking for. I asked if any of the sunglasses came too but there was none. She said she could get them in a few weeks or so. Then, here comes the part where she was pushing me to “just settle for less” or “just settle for what we have” type of marketing pitch.

She said, “Well if you want, you can buy these pair of prescription sunglasses with your regular prescription glasses. They (referring to the sunglasses made in China) are quite as good as the ones you like, besides you’ll save a few dollars if you’ll get these.”

In my mind, I was going “Uh-uh”…

Then she added, “Also, if you’d like…you can go ahead and place the order for your regular prescription glasses. Which one do you like?”

At that point, I told her I will be back later to make the decision (but in reality, I was planning to go to another store to compare the prices).

Off I went to the second store: LensCrafters

The moment I stepped in their store, I went straight to the glass case where the brand that I was looking to purchase was displayed. Immediately I called for assistance and in a snap, a licensed optician opened the case and let me choose which ones I like the best.

Going from left to right of the glass case, I picked out the frames for my regular glasses and also for my sunglasses in less than five minutes.  These were what I wanted to get- what I have been looking for!

In less than fifteen minutes, I placed my order; adjusted my frames; haggled and then haggled some more telling the sales clerk that I deserve to have more discount because I gave him a very quick sale; then  I walked out of the store, very satisfied and pleased.

Did I settle for less? NO DOUBT.

When you  know exactly what you want, you never settle for less!

Do not let anybody talk you out of what you want, just because it is more convenient for them or for you.

Do not let anyone, make the decision for you to settle for less. You have the capability and equal reasoning power to decide for yourself!

Do not settle for less just because of the discount.

Make them work for what you truly want.

Do what Tala often sings, “Don’t just compromise!” -  Of course, I do not know whether she understands the content of her one-liner song but hey, I’ll take it!

Daily with you,

- Alpha

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Filed Under: Buying things, Lessons in Life, MOTIVATIONS, PURPOSE IN LIFE Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Day 49: The Prayer of Forgiveness

August 1, 2011 By 4 Comments

Photo: C. Claflin (Mom Fashion World)

I can only hope that you are free of enemies, of critics that affect you in a negative way, of friends that betray you, of many opponents who are constantly against your will and your way. But, life can sometimes surprise us with a big thud and the next thing we know – we have an enemy or we have created one.

When life comes up to you with such negativity, learn to be still and think of the person, of the event and of yourself, and why they are zapping your energy out.

Then, learn to forgive, not forget.

Forgetting about what happened is just temporary and doable. It is a quick-fix to the underlying problem. You have to get to the root of the issue, by letting yourself forgive;  by showing the act of forgiveness.

Learn instead to forgive, and forgive completely.

If you do not know how to start to forgive, you might want to say the following prayer as a healing point. You can add more to the following prayer of forgiveness, as you please:

Lord, I come to you today to ask for forgiveness. Your unconditional love guides me to go to you. You are the only one who can comfort me through this time. You are what makes my life.

I want you to help me forgive myself first for letting this event/person take away some of my valuable time and happiness.

You know how I am feeling right now. Help me find the way to learn how to forgive.

I pray for the (person/situation) that caused me pain. I pray for (her/him) to be in a closer relationship to you and with your power, this (person) and myself will become more understanding of our own faults.

Forgive me Father for any of my shortcomings. Forgive me for anything else that I am not aware of.

I know You are my Father and with you I can now feel the power of forgiveness.

Thank you for helping me become a new person and for coming to my life. Thank you for helping me forgive and let go. Amen.

Daily with you,

- Alpha

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Listen to Alicia Keys’ PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS:

Filed Under: Lessons in Life, PURPOSE IN LIFE, VIDEOS Tagged With: , , , , , ,