on the Verge of

It has been a long while since my last Encouragement Photo Challenge. Life and work has kept me busy. I've also done some freelance writing which probably took most of my free time for my blog. But with the recent challenges I'm facing in life right now, I felt the urge to go back to writing my Encouragement Photo Challenge. Not only does it aim to encourage others, but it personally encourages and motivates me as well. As you can see in my blog title, I removed the 'weekly' and placed a month instead. That's because I think it would be more feasible for me to do this on a monthly basis. My Encouragement Photo Challenge for this month of September is about tough times. This quote was sent to me by a colleague and a good friend of mine Shiela. She knew what I was going through and the message had an impact in me. I know that tough times are ahead of me. But one thing's for sure, I have the support of the people who believe in me. I know this is an oppo...

I'm finally back for my 13th Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge! For this week, my encouragement photo is dedicated to those who have chosen live life instead of ending it, who chose to brave the world and its atrocities rather than just give up with life itself. I came across this powerful line from a Roman stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca. It says 'Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.' Truly, in a world full of bullies, terrorism, poverty and many other things, hopelessness overwhelms our purpose of existence. We feel empty or useless, depressed or heartbroken. But to choose to wake up everyday and move on rather than sulk in the darkness of the world takes a lot more courage than we think. It takes so much willpower not to resort to suicide, to move on with life despite what is left. I laud the efforts of those who have overcome that stage in their life. And to those who are getting there, be strong. Someday, life will make sense. Then you wil...

My 12th encouragement weekly photo aims to share a positive attitude of always being thankful. Everyday is not always a good day. There are days when you are just grumpy and pessimistic about everything. Maybe you're too exhausted from work that doesn't feel like it's compensating you enough. Perhaps you're too frustrated about the long-term plans which you are having difficulty to execute. Or maybe you're just saddened by the fact that you're growing old on your own without anyone to share your life with. Despite all these things, there is always something to be thankful for. You have the freedom to take better opportunities. You have a work that provides you financial resources. You have family or friends to go home to. You are alive, healthy, and living well. Everyday is not always a good day. But everyday, there is always something to be thankful for. What are you thankful for today? :)

For my 11th week in the Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge, my post is something I can very much relate to since I am quite the worrier. I have the tendency to overthink and worry about a lot of things. I tend to think negatively and do redundant contingencies. While that worrying attitude could also be put into good use, it can also be time and energy consuming. Worrying can also give a negative outlook on things. But if there's anything I've learned so far, it's that life is will always be uncertain. It is perhaps an effect of life's constant changes. We never know what's going to happen next. There could be a relocation of a loved one due to work, a sudden advancement in career, an unexpected pregnancy, a new opportunity waiting abroad and many others. No matter what these changes are and the uncertainties they bring, let go of your worries. Don't be afraid to take chances or let go of opportunities. Life is too short to worry about its uncertainti...

I came across this quote from my favorite musician, Ed Sheeran, which I used as an inspiration for my 10th encouragement photo. The quote says ' Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end.' Everyday we feel like there's no end to all the struggles we're going through. We face one trial after another, wary of what we may be facing next. Sometimes it feels like the road has been too long and difficult.  That is why it's an encouraging thought that by the end of the day, the struggles will eventually end. Deadlines will be met. Projects will be finished. Relationships will find a way to compromise. It could take some time for things to get better but we cannot give up right away. We should never lose hope, fight everyday, and endure. Everything will be okay in the end.

With the recent conflicts from the ongoing Marawi clash, I felt it was only appropriate that my next Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge would be about peace. Peace is an elusive idea but it is not impossible. Too often do our conflicts result from differences in beliefs and imposing these to others who have different ones. Instead of using force to convince others, it is best to respect each other and live in solidarity with these differences. It is in understanding one another that we will be able to get each other to respect, cooperate for justice, and achieve peace. With this, I pray that our country will be able to overcome this crisis in Marawi, that everyone will stand united to fight and end terrorism. 

The past week has been an exhausting one. Aside from the physical and mental stresses, I had to go through some emotional ordeals as well. As such, I found myself oversleeping on a Saturday morning, too tired to get up from bed and eat breakfast. I had some personal errands that day and even thought of going to the office to finish some work. But I was too tired that I couldn't do any of it. I had to give myself some time to get some decent sleep and recover. I had to stop neglecting myself and prioritizing others. This time, I had to give myself some love. Sometimes we forget that we need to love ourself first before we can truly love others. Don't be too hard on yourself and know your worth. You are beautiful and deserving. So I say this to myself and everyone else, 'Always Love Yourself' ❤️

I know it's a bit late for my week 7 photo challenge. Nonetheless, here is my encouragement photo for the week which is about gratitude. The past week has been quite tiresome for me. Everything was just dragging and exhausting, running a lot of stuff in the office and going to the gym. I feel like complaining about the problems and restraints I have in life. But then I realized that there's so much to be thankful for despite all my dilemma. If I could shift my attitude towards gratitude, I can see a more positive outlook in life. I can be thankful for the work that provides me financial resources, for my family and friends who love me, and for this opportunity to live a simple yet extraordinary life. Gratitude is indeed the best attitude!

My sixth Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge reminds me that it's okay to take those breaks in life. In this fast paced world that we live in, we sometimes forget the need to give ourselves enough time reflect on the things that have passed, enough time to heal all wounds, and enough time to allow ourselves to be whole again.

My fifth photo for the Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge is from a favorite author Paolo Coelho. I quoted his tweet ' Happy week and remember: Avoiding Problems you need to face is avoiding the life you need to live'. Sometimes we are afraid to face the adversaries we encounter in life. But avoiding them will do no better. We need to take courage to look at the problem, find a solution, and solve it. There will be some pain, worries, and stress along the way. After all, life is a constant struggle. Eventually, there will be a relief in seeing an end to the problem and life goes on. So take courage and live.

Before this week ends, I'll be sharing my fourth encouragement photo, one that best fits all the challenges I've been through this whole week. "Mountains are meant to climbed. Problems are meant to be surpassed." Each time I feel like giving up, I try to go back to the main reason why I'm doing this. Each obstacle faced is part of the struggle to get to where I want to be. Short breaks can be taken along the way, but never falter and give up. Move forward and know that the end in mind will be reached. 

In this Holy Week, I go back to the Bible to find encouragement in life and inspiration for my photo challenge. On my way home last night from a hectic Monday grind, I find myself humming the song 'Here I am to Worship' by Hillsong. The last line of the song refers to Romans 10:13 which says "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." The line aptly describes what I felt earlier that day. I was in a middle of a crisis at work. I needed support and saving. I had to think and move fast despite the delays that I've been experiencing. It was during one of those brief moments of pause that I silently cried to God for help. And despite the hopelessness I felt that time, I knew I had to draw strength from Him and move on to the next. Thankfully, after hours of communicating to everyone, my crisis was finally resolved. I thank and praise God for His goodness and the goodness of the people who helped me.

There are some days when it feels too dreadful to just even get up from bed. This is usually after a good weekend, holiday or travel. But when school or work is waiting for you, you can't help but feel defeated by the reality that strikes in. That's why it's good to know the reason why we are doing this: why do we go to school or work and what is our end in mind. It's knowing our short-term and long-term goals in life that we find purpose to carry on even in the most gloomy days.

Inspired by my good friend Karla's Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge , I have decided to join in and start my own. Bits of encouragement go a long way. Not only does it aim to encourage others but it also challenges us to carry on and do better each day. I hope that through this photo challenge, I am able to uplift others through my insights, discernments, and my favorite quotes in life and encouragement.  To start my first week in this challenge, my first encouragement photo is about a Bible verse which I find fitting for my recent struggles. “Be strong. Be Brave. Be fearless. You are never alone.” — Joshua 1:9