Tag Archives: motivation

The March That Mattered

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A reminder that marching on is not just one bold move, but many small, faithful ones.

Before 2024 ended, my friends and I asked ourselves a simple but powerful question: “What will your 2025 headline be?” It was our way of manifesting what we wanted to see ourselves achieving in 2025. Mine was: “From holding back to marching on.” Bold. Hopeful. Scary.

You see, I had dreams tucked away for too long, one of which is stepping into professional speaking, a passion rooted in my desire to inspire and encourage others. After joining the Get Paid to Speak bootcamp, I felt like I had finally taken the first step. I imagined speaking in workshops or conferences, writing a book or even a shallow but equally big dream of emceeing a fan meet … Dreams that once felt distant now seemed within reach.

But then came the whispers:
“Can I really do this?”
“What do I have to offer?”
The familiar hesitation returned, dressed up as busyness and doubts. Until one day, just before the new year, I told myself:
“Enough. I have to march on.”

I declared 2025 as the year I’d finally start … intentionally, courageously.

Then January passed. February. And in a blink, Q1 was over.
Work picked up speed.
Travel came back into the picture.
My Wednesday prayer nights often clashed with meetings and commitments.
It felt like the stars weren’t aligning.
Not yet.

Tonight, at our Wednesday prayer night, we were asked:
“What’s your biggest answered prayer for the first quarter?”
For a moment, I couldn’t think of anything.
Time flew by. What did I accomplish? Did I even move?
And then I remembered March.

A group of students, aged 14 to 18, visited from a school in the Philippines. I was invited to speak to them – no formal topic, just a short talk about being a “Global Filipino.” And as I stood there, sharing my heart with these young dreamers, I felt something sparked within me once again … JOY. PURPOSE. FIRE.

It hit me … this was it.
This was an answered prayer.

Because more than just being able to speak, I had the opportunity to inspire. Not just to push them toward worldly success, but to question the “why” behind their dreams. I reminded them that being a Global Filipino isn’t just about how far you can go but how many people you uplift along the way.

That same Sunday, we brought these students to Lucky Plaza to meet our fellow Filipino OFWs. I watched their eyes open to the pain, strength, and sacrifices of our kababayans. That encounter didn’t just move them, it inspired them and deepened their dreams.

To cap off March, I took a trip to Hong Kong with friends, and once again found myself in the heart of Central, surrounded by hardworking OFWs, each one with a story, a sacrifice, a hope. I carried with me a quiet ache and a growing question: How can we help our kababayans here too?

So here I am, closing Q1 of 2025 with no big speeches.
No emcee gigs.
No book launch.
None Yet.
But I am grateful. Because maybe this quarter wasn’t about doing something grand,
but about remembering why I wanted to start in the first place.

My heart still beats for people.
And in a fast-paced world like Singapore, where it’s easy to grow numb, that alone is a gift.
To still feel.
To still care.
To still long to serve.
From holding back to marching on … maybe that’s not just a one-time leap, but a step-by-step journey.
And this was my first step.
A reminder that marching on is not just one bold move but many small, faithful ones.

As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded that even the quietest acts of obedience matter. That our not-yets still hold purpose. And our small yeses, strung together, can move mountains. Because in the end, it’s not always about how far we’ve gone but that we’ve chosen to begin and to keep going. Even if we don’t see the full picture yet. Even if the timing feels off or the path still feels unclear. What matters is that we move. In faith. In love. With purpose

As one wise voice once said:
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

And in those steps especially the quiet, unseen ones, we hold on to this promise:
“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

47 & Grateful : Life’s Short, But It’s Not Over

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Today, I celebrate my 47th birthday … am I halfway through my marathon? I’ve always loved how my birthday falls on December as year winds down. It feels like the perfect time to pause, reflect on what’s passed, and dream about what’s ahead.

Recently, I chanced upon a book at Kinokuniya that made me stop and think: time is just -passing me by. Life is short. 2024 — GONE! just like that. Have you ever felt that way, like there’s so much you still want to do, yet so little time to do it?

Life may feel fleeting, but as I sit here, penning down some thoughts on another birthday, I’m reminded that it’s not just about the time that has passed, but about the time we still have ahead.  At 47, I feel like I’m halfway through life’s race. And while there’s a natural sense of urgency as time ticks on, I choose gratitude. Yes, another day may have passed, but another day is about to begin.

Turning 47 feels like a milestone, not because of the number itself, but because it marks a point in my life where I’ve started to shift my perspective. Instead of counting the years that have slipped through my fingers, I want to focus on the moments that lie before me—the dreams still waiting to be pursued, the impact I can still make, and the people I can still inspire.

Yes, life is short, but it’s also abundant with possibility. And the best part? Every new day brings a fresh chance to live it fully.

I’ve come to realize that chasing success for its own sake doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. What matters more to me now is creating something lasting—not just in terms of achievements, but in the lives of others. What lives on long after we’re gone, after all, is the true measure of a life well-lived.

Two weeks ago, me together with a group of friends reflected on what our “headline” for 2025 would be, what we want to manifest and make happen in our lives. For me, the headline is clear: “From Holding Back to Marching On”.

Year after year, I’ve felt the pull to pursue something beyond my work in IT. While I deeply value the technical aspects of my career, what I love most is the opportunity it gives me to mentor, to build up, and to empower others. It’s a passion that ignites something in me every time I see someone grow and succeed because of the support I’ve been able to provide.

This year, I want to embrace that calling more fully. In whatever way I can, I want to be a channel of inspiration – a bow that launches arrows, a force that propels others to fly higher than they imagined. It’s time to stop holding back and start marching boldly toward the impact I know I’m meant to make.

As I welcome another year of my life and a new year for all, let us remember that Life is Short but It’s NOT OVER. Let’s live LIFE as we should .,,

L – Live Intentionally:  Life is short as I repeatedly ponder. Don’t just exist; choose how you want to spend your time and energy. What truly matters to you? What legacy do you want to leave?

I – Ignite Your Passion & Inspire Others: What sets your soul on fire? What makes you come alive? Pursue those passions with unwavering dedication. Inspire others by sharing your passion and encouraging their own pursuits.

F – Focus on the Present: Make the most of every moment by being fully present. Avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Embrace the now and make each second count.

E – Embrace the Journey: Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate the victories, learn from the inevitable setbacks, and savor every moment along the way.

What’s your “headline” for 2025? What powerful story will you write in 2025? What courageous step will you take today to bring that headline to life?

FearFighter: Crashing Fear with Strikes of Service

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What if the key to shattering your deepest fear lies in wielding the powerful weapon of compassion towards others?

When it’s Wednesday, me and a couple of friends regularly gather to have a time of exchanging of stories, prayer and feasting. After indulging in a feast of seafood delicacies like spicy raw marinated crab, garlic buttered prawns, sour fish head soup and many others, we opened our discussion with an activity to draw our biggest fears and our greatest loves.

Among the drawings, one interesting picture was that of a pre-school teacher whose greatest joy is being with her students, yet she fears that one day they might forget her.  Another friend revealed her fear of illness and her deep love for her family and physical activity, illustrated with sketches of barbells. One drew a snake, highlighting her paradoxical fear of snakes against her profound love for nature, trees and the moon. From the rest, despite the diverse fears shared—ranging from being bedridden and death to public speaking, sleeplessness and heights—majority in our group expressed a profound and common love for family.  While some expressed fear of losing their voice and feeling lost among many people, their great loves revealed a different side: one cherishes mangoes and avocados, while the other finds joy in music. As for me, I shared my biggest fear of failing and my deep love for inspiring and mentoring others.

Reflecting on these personal fears and loves, it’s clear that such fears can often paralyze us and hold us back from reaching our greatest potential. Yet, there’s an intriguing irony: many of our fears are closely tied to what we cherish most, as illustrated in our drawings. This connection reveals how our deepest anxieties and passions are intricately linked.

I remember whenever we would go to Lucky Plaza to connect with our fellow Filipinos, I often feel uneasy initiating a conversation with strangers, fearing rejection or that we won’t jive. Despite this discomfort, I would still end up pushing myself to engage because I know many of our kababayans need someone to talk to. My friends and I just wish to share our blessings even in small ways, like offering a bucket of Jollibee chicken joy to bring a smile to their faces.

Despite how overwhelming our fears may seem, there’s a powerful truth: what we love and are passionate about often have the strength to overshadow and overcome them. As illustrated in our drawings, what we hold dear can provide the courage and motivation to rise above our deepest anxieties, showing that our greatest loves have the power to outshine even our biggest fears.

This realization resonates strongly with 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  Despite our fears, it is the strength of our love and passions that compels us to rise above them. This verse underscores that our divine gifts of love and power enable us to conquer our anxieties, demonstrating that what we cherish most can indeed outshine and overcome our greatest fears.

As we embrace the power of love and divine gifts to overcome our fears, we find reinforcement in 1 John 4:18:  “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” By integrating this truth into our lives, we can further strengthen our resolve by utilizing acts of service as our weapon. In the daily arena of life, we strike fear with three powerful aspects of service rooted in love—empathy and connection, generosity and sacrifice, and encouragement and uplifting. These three strikes effectively knock out our fears, transforming our own anxieties and making a meaningful impact on those around us, embodying the perfect love that drives out fear.

Here Are 3 Strikes to Knock Out Our Fears!

Strike 1!  Empathy and Connection: Deepening Relationships.
Fear often arises from an inward focus—our insecurities, inadequacies, and uncertainties can dominate our thoughts. However, when we engage in acts of service rooted in empathy and connection, we step out of our comfort zones and begin to diminish the power of these fears. Empathy involves genuinely understanding and addressing the needs of others, which shifts our focus from our own worries to the well-being of those around us.

By reaching out and showing authentic care and concern, we strengthen our relationships and foster a sense of community and support. This active engagement in understanding others helps us move beyond our personal fears and anxieties. The act of connecting deeply with others not only builds meaningful relationships but also reveals that our fears lose their grip when we invest in the lives of those around us. In essence, empathy and connection become powerful tools that help us transcend our own insecurities and create a supportive network that benefits everyone involved.

Strike 2! Generosity and Sacrifice: Sharing Resources and Time.
Once we have deepened our relationships through empathy, the next step is to put those connections into action by sharing our time, resources, and energy selflessly. Generosity involves prioritizing the needs of others over our own, which reinforces our sense of purpose and value. By offering even small blessings, whether it’s a meal, a kind word, or a helping hand, we extend our support and make a meaningful impact. This act of giving not only alleviates our fears but also transforms our anxieties into positive actions, demonstrating how service rooted in love can effectively overcome our personal challenges. Through helping others, we gain new perspectives and realize that we can make a difference despite our own challenges. Often, serving others brings a profound sense of fulfilment and purpose that helps override our fear.

Strike3! Encouragement and Uplifting: Empowering Others.
Fear often makes us feel like we are losing ourselves, as it shakes our sense of identity and control. Yet, as Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  By focusing on empowering and uplifting those around us, we shift our attention from our own fears to the greater good, finding renewed purpose and strength in the process. Encouragement and uplifting others focus on providing support and motivation. By helping others overcome their own fears and challenges, we build resilience and confidence in both the giver and receiver. This aspect of service highlights how love can inspire and uplift, ultimately diminishing our own fears.

In summary, each of these three strikes serves as a powerful weapon in our fight against fear. By starting with Empathy and Connection, we deepen our relationships and shift our focus from personal insecurities. Generosity and Sacrifice then build on this foundation, as sharing our time and resources reinforces our sense of purpose and transforms our anxieties into positive actions. Finally, Encouragement and Uplifting empower both ourselves and others, showing how love and support can diminish even our deepest fears. Together, these three strikes create a formidable knockout punch, demonstrating that through acts of service rooted in love, we can conquer our fears and make a lasting impact on the world around us. By embodying these principles, we not only overcome our own fears but also inspire others to rise above theirs, fulfilling the truth of 1 John 4:18: “Perfect love drives out fear.” Indeed, love stands as the ultimate weapon to strike out fear and transform us from being fearful to fearless.

Here’s a glimpse of the Wednesday folks, transforming our fears to love.

Ready … Set … Go!

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Think Less, Just Start : Overcoming The Hurdles of Taking the First Step

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Taking the first step is often the most daunting challenge. Just like a crawling baby, every parent eagerly anticipates that pivotal moment when their child finally stands and takes those uncertain first steps. It’s a mix of apprehension, fearing they might stumble, and exhilaration, as they witness their child embarking on a journey of growth.

For what feels like ages, I’ve been toying around the idea of diving into coaching, training, or professional speaking. Empowering people to reach their fullest potential isn’t just a dream; it’s what drives me daily. It’s a passion I would pursue relentlessly, even if money were no object. I can picture myself at 100, still cheering people on, because to me, there’s no greater reward than helping people thrive and grow.

As passionate as I am about this dream, my fears are equally intense. The daunting question of where and how to begin has often left me paralyzed by self-doubt. Overwhelmed by fear, I’ve hesitated between wanting to start and worrying about my qualifications or skills. What if I’m not cut out for this? What if no one listens? Worst of all, what if I have nothing meaningful to say? These uncertainties have held me back, preventing me from taking that crucial first step forward.

I realized that these WHAT IF’s are my dream-killers.

SELF DOUBT – “What if I’m not cut out for this?”
The moment I decide to take that leap, impostor syndrome kicks in. The path ahead seems unclear, leaving me unsure of where to start or how to proceed. It’s easy to question my abilities, resources, and whether my goals are even achievable. These doubts can lead to hesitation and inaction, amplifying the impostor syndrome we often feel.

PERFECTIONISM – “What if I have nothing meaningful to say?”
I’ve always struggled with the need to have everything perfectly planned or executed from the start. This fear of not being perfect often leads to overthinking. The more I try to iron out every detail and anticipate every step, the more it prevents me from taking action. The more I worry about potential mistakes, the less likely I am to make a move at all.

FEAR OF FAILURE – “What if no one listens?”
Ultimately, my need for perfection and my self-doubt stem from my deepest fear—the fear of failure. Many people hesitate to start because they fear they might fail. The thought of not succeeding or making mistakes can be both intimidating and discouraging. Instead of facing potential disappointment, it’s often easier to avoid trying altogether. But by not trying, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to grow and succeed. The real failure is in never taking that first step.

Just as we use Google Maps to find our way to a destination, it’s crucial to set our starting point and re-center when we get lost. Similarly, recognizing these obstacles—self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure—is the first step toward overcoming them. While they may seem overwhelming, I’ve realized that to move past these barriers, I need to shift my mindset and take intentional actions. By doing so, I can transform these dream-killers into stepping stones: Ready, Set, Go!

Ready – Overcoming Self-Doubt:
Get prepared by building confidence and self-belief.  To combat my self-doubt, I need to take the time to prepare myself mentally and emotionally. One way to do this is by acknowledging my strengths and reminding myself of past successes. It’s also important for me to seek out knowledge and skills that can bolster my confidence. By being ready, I reduce uncertainty and build a strong foundation to begin my journey.

Set – Tackling Perfectionism:
Set realistic goals and take manageable steps. Perfectionism can be paralyzing for me, so it’s crucial that I set realistic expectations and break tasks into smaller, achievable steps. I should focus on progress rather than perfection. It’s also important to remember the value of embracing my imperfections and allowing myself to make mistakes and learn from them. Recognize that starting doesn’t require perfection. Accept that initial efforts may not be flawless, but they are crucial steps toward improvement and learning. By setting clear, attainable goals, I create a pathway to action and reduce the pressure to be flawless from the start.

Go – Conquering Fear of Failure:
Take action and embrace the learning process. Fear of failure often holds me back, but I know the only way to overcome it is to TAKE ACTION. It’s crucial to accept that mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey. From here on, I should be prepared to embrace the learning process and view each step as a valuable experience. As I push myself to start, another important step is to seek support and feedback. Surrounding myself with a supportive network or mentorship lessens the fear. Sharing my aspirations and progress with others can offer encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback, helping to build my confidence and momentum.

By going forward despite my fears, I build resilience and open myself up to the possibility of success.

As I reflect on overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and the fear of failure, I am reminded of the words from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse assures me that with God’s strength, I can face any challenge, take the first step, and continue each stride moving forward, transforming obstacles into opportunities. By embracing readiness, setting achievable goals, and boldly stepping forward despite my fears, I am empowered to pursue my dreams with confidence. With faith as my foundation, I trust in God’s guidance and provision, knowing that He is with me every step of the way. As I journey onward, filled with hope and determination, I am ready to embrace the path ahead with courage and faith.