Liebster Award

Before I say goodbye to August and say hello to the “ber” months, I’d like to give a shoutout to Carl Ibatnag of The Pine-scented Chronicles for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Liebster means kind or lovely in German, and this award is meant to promote and recognize bloggers within the blogging community. I’m honored to have received this, so thank you once again Carl!

I’ve been following The Pine-Scented Chronicles for some time now, and get my book list and reading inspirations from Carl. Check out his regular book reviews and book first impressions. I wish I have as big a book collection as him. I’m taking the baby steps approach, and I make sure I put in regular time to read because it brings my mind and heart to places.

What inspires you to keep on going every single day?

In December of 2016 I’ve been given a second chance to live so as much as possible I want to do a good deed each day, make a difference to someone or to the world however way I can. It is my way of thanking the Lord for allowing me to live a purpose.

How do you define happiness?

Happiness is being at peace with myself, and with the people around me. It is the feeling of gratitude in every little thing that comes my way. It is the warmth of time spent with loved ones.

What made you want to start writing?

Life is a whirlwind full of memories, and in order for me to revisit precious moments, I started writing to capture these moments to remember.

What do you look for in a good book or a good movie?

I look for a plot that brings me to another world or really stimulates my imagination. When I read or watch a show I get immersed in it so I tend to put myself in the shoes of a character. I enjoy those that makes me have a good laugh or cry.

Is who you are right now who you envisioned yourself to be when you were younger? If no, would you go back in time to change it?

When I was a child I used to play doctor or teacher. Those were the two professions I imagined myself to take on when I got older. Alas, the sight of blood makes me feel faint, and my attention span eventually got shorter and shorter as I got older, so I decided teaching was not for me. Traveling back in time is something I wish is possible – but not to change it. I’d like to relive the moments spent with loved ones. Won’t change anything except probably insert a good hug.

Is there a movie or a book you felt a strong connection with? What book or movie and how does it relate to you?

I connect with movies and books readily. The latest one I’ve read and then watched was Patrick Ness’ A Monster Calls. I’ve lost loved ones to sickness, so this really tugged at my heatstrings.

Who is that one person who inspired you the most or who has made the biggest impact in your life?

When I was growing up I remember my dad would come home from work in time for dinner. He and my mom would regularly go out after dinner since they were active members of the community. Because of that I was exposed to serving in the church and the community as early as when I was a pre-teen. They sent me to serve in the provinces with my friends which I looked forward to every summer vacation. I think this is where my love for travel started. Those years molded me in building relationships, networks and confidence. I would carry this later in my career where talking in front of an audience won’t spook me.

As I got older I would still go to my parents for advice. When I got sick in 2016, I found courage from learning that my dad also had his own ailments when I was younger – yet us children did not know the ordeals he was going through. He carried on through his worries with dignity and faith.

Give your three biggest life lessons.

1. We only live once. Make each day count.

2. Be kind.

3. The most valuable gift one could ever give and receive is time.

Once all quarantine and lockdown restrictions are lifted, what are the top three things you look forward to doing the most?

I will visit my parents and my brother. We will book a family holiday at the beach. And I will resume my church service.

The Golden Rule states that you should “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you“. What act/s of kindness have you received that you want to repay or to pay forward?

We have a couple of neighbors who have been sharing food to us whenever they have a celebration at home. We’ve been meaning to do the same for some time now, and since we have an upcoming celebration next month, we will repay this kindness.

An aspiring blogger approached you. What is going to be your first piece of advice?

Write from the heart and invest time to build your network in the blogging community.

The usual mechanics of the Liebster Award are: thank the blogger who nominated you; answer their questions; nominate bloggers; and ask them a new set of questions. But since I’m a breaker of rules, I am spreading the love and sharing this award with you!

Have a wonderful Sunday!