LET OUR DREAMS BE BIGGER THAN OUR FEARS, OUR ACTIONS BE LOUDER THAN OUR WORDS. Failure is a word most of us can relate to and understand as many of us have experienced failure time and time again throughout our lives.  Failure is defined as “lack of success”’ and begins at such a young age and is embedded in our childhood. We were taught as children early in life that failure is about being incorrect, rather than being an important stepping stone to success. Many of us have had a fear of failure at some point in our lives because failure is not regarded as an important lesson and valuable way to learn how to succeed. 
I have learned to minimize my fear of failure early in life by trying to deal with it courageously with positive attitude and optimism.  We can be guilty of talking ourselves out of attempting something for fear of making a mistake or looking foolish. We often prefer not to try. We do not want to get it wrong and we worry what others will think of us if we do. Our ego steps in to protect us. Better to stick with what we know, even if we do not like it, than experience something new or challenging, especially if it does not work out the way we had hoped.
​I have also learned that fear of failure can cripple and freeze us in a time and place we do not want to be. I have been as guilty of this as the next person. I have been trying to live as perfectionist who has lived with a big fear of failure. I have spent years hiding myself, worrying too much what others think of me, what I do and how I live my life. So finally stepping out of my own shadow, giving things a go and picking myself up each time I fall, has been a slow and challenging process. I have learned to accept and be grateful for whatever I have. I have realized that acknowledging this fear in the first place, continues to be the best way to address it.  I am sure many of us can relate to a fear of failure. We can get one step closer to realizing our dreams if we are prepared to try; that being willing to get it wrong and not worrying so much what others think of us, is probably one of the biggest gifts we can give to ourselves. Here’s an inspiring article from our website: http://timyrna.com/ATP/fearoffailure.htm

MANY OF US RETURN SMALL FAVORS, ACKNOWLEDGE MEDIUM ONES AND REPAY GREATER ONES WITH INGRATITUDE. Ungrateful people complain about the one thing we have not done instead of being thankful for the thousands of things we have done for them. We should learn from the gratitude of the dog that put to shame anyone who is ungrateful to his/her benefactor.
I have learned that happy people are grateful people; that ungrateful people cannot be happy because they tend to complain and are never satisfied. However, we find them grateful as long as they think we can serve them or as long as they can extract something from us. Some people never remember the million times we have helped them, only the one time we don’t. Some people don’t notice the things we do for them, until we stop doing it.
Many of us often take for granted the very things and the very people that most deserve our gratitude; when we should instead show and express our gratitude while they are still around because one day they will not be around anymore.
I have also learned that as we get older and wiser, we realize that when people are given anything without having to earn it (unless they are physically or mentally utterly incapable of earning anything), they become ungrateful, lazy and resentful because they tend not to consider what we have done but instead, only consider what they think we should have done for them.
It is likewise true in dealing with our parents. It is sad to think that many of us take for granted what our parents have done us. Instead of thanking them for our life, for all their sacrifices and the many things they have done for us, some of us tend to either blame them, use them or get something from them as much we could, as we learn from the following inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/priceofbeingungrateful.htm

LET US NEVER ALLOW CIRCUMSTANCES TO CONTROL US. LIFE IS HOW WE MAKE IT. The circumstances when we were born or what we presently have, are not as important as the opportunity to live the life we want. We have the choice to improve our circumstances by purposely designing our day, hence our lives for the better. The gift of life, gives us the greatest opportunity to live and the chances to rise above any situation. With hopeful and confident attitude, we can overcome any struggle.
I have learned that there are countless possibilities to improve our lives. We must maintain a positive outlook to see the miraculous possibilities and find opportunities in any circumstance. Let us never become a victim; never allow the circumstances to stop us from pursuing our passion.
There is good all around us, but we get so used to it that we forget to celebrate it. The bad and unfortunate circumstances in our lives do not deserve all of our attention and energy. Let us remember to look for the good and give it our full time and attention. It makes all the difference. Our present circumstances may seem limited, but we are never limited by them. I did stop school after my elementary education because of extreme poverty but I was able to rebound under very hard and unusual ways and situations away from home; started high school after six years away from school and did not stop, working my way to college as janitor and a scholarship until becoming a professional with flying colors.
We cannot always change some circumstances nor the past, but we can improve and change ourselves. It is within our control to change our thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, actions, and reactions. We create our experiences by choosing how we perceive circumstances and events around us. Our present circumstances do not determine where we can go; they merely determine where you start.
There some people who live within unhappy and unfortunate circumstances and yet do not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give them peace of mind, but in reality prevent them from improving their circumstances. The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts and desire to improve them.
We have to decide how we are going to spend this one odd and precious life we have been issued. Whether we are going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that we have power over people and circumstances, or whether we are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who we are. We will realize and learn from the following inspiring article that the same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg; that it is about what we are made of and our attitude, not our circumstances that determine our destiny. http://timyrna.com/whathappenswithinus.htm

LET US NEVER COMPARE OURSELVES WITH OTHERS. Otherwise we may become vain and bitter for there will always be greater and lesser persons than us. Let us be the influence but never allow others to influence us. No matter how rudely people treat us, let us never degrade ourselves to their level to treat them the same way.
We must put ourselves first and never allow ourselves to be someone’s second best; never allow ourselves to be treated as nothing. Life is about making wise decisions and not about making ourselves the foolish one. It is never too late, no matter how old we get, anytime or any point in our life we can always have a chance to make a difference. We can always do our best and be all that we can be, because we will always be uniquely us.
It is always wise to listen to our eternal heart, our eternal instincts, and what they have always tried for and/or to do, because anybody can make a difference not only in one’s own life but in the lives of others. It is never too late to shine, never. I have learned that we should never change ourselves just for anyone. If people do not like who we are, maybe we need to change those people around us. I have also learned that insecure people have to make excuses, use or put others down to feel confident and important. Some show sympathy when we are miserable but become indifferent when they see that we have changed our life for the better. Within us, there is a spirit able to reach the stars. Within us is the ability to achieve our goals and realize our dreams. Let us not listen to others nor engage on competition issues. In each experiment, wisdom is gained. Let us have faith in ourselves and move forward with confidence, fully believing our ability as the special person that has been designed to be. Let us not change ourselves to win someone's heart as we learn from the following inspiring article: http://timyrna.com/ATP/justifyingourselves.htm

LET US EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED. SOMETIMES THE THINGS WE NEVER SAW COMING OFTEN TAKE US TO THE PLACES WE NEVER IMAGINED WE COULD GO. Sometimes the hardest decision to make is the one that is best for us. But in the end we have to trust our heart to do what is right. Truth can make us or break us, but in the end it will save us. If something bad happens, something good will come of it. Sometimes to get to heaven we have to go through hell first.
I have learned that occasionally, what we want is not always what we get, but in the end what we get is so much better than what we wanted. We enjoy warmth because we have been cold. We appreciate light because we have been in darkness. By the same token, we can experience joy because we have known sadness. It is like all the bad stuff we have gone through, the people who have disappointed us and the things that did not go our way, suddenly we feel grateful for them, because those are the things that got us what we want. Those are the things that made us stronger. Those are the things that helped us learn whom we can trust, whom we can depend on and those are the things that showed us what it is like to struggle, but in the end turn out just fine.
I have also learned to embrace the unexpected, that the things we never saw coming often take us to the places we never imagined we could go. Sometimes all we need is a broken heart to realize that something even better is right in front of our eyes, just waiting to be found. The truth may not lead us to where we thought we were going, but it will always lead us somewhere better. Sometimes God has to break us to make us. It is just a bend, it is not the end. We are all like glow sticks, no matter how much we are bent and broken, our light still shines.
​Let us be thankful for the bad things that happen in life for they open our eyes to the good things we were not paying attention before. God sometimes allows us to experience disappointment only to teach us lessons that we could not learn in any other way. The way which we learn those lessons is not to deny the feelings but to find the meaning that is underlying them. No matter who we are nor where our daily journey takes us, when we stay available for His service He will show what He can do with a yielded life as we learn from the following inspiring article: http://timyrna.com/ATP/rejectionasredirection.htm

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE ARE NOT ALWAYS GOOD, BUT GOOD PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL. We cannot heal ourselves without giving the gift of love, compassion and forgiveness. Compassion is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and to others. We are loved when we are born. We will be loved when we die. In between we should manage to love the best we could.
I have learned that love frees us of all the weight and pain in life. It is never lost. If not reciprocated, it flows back, softens and purifies the heart. Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend for compassion is a language the dead can hear and the blind can see. I have also learned that darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
I have also learned that God loves us and does not lead us around hardship, but leads us straight through hardship and amidst the hardship, He is nearer to us than ever before. Sometimes He rides out the storm with us and other times He calms the restless sea around us. Most of all, He calms the storm inside us in our deepest inner soul. So when we cannot carry certain weights in life, He is asking us to set them down and trust Him.  Why don’t we take His offer and have a peaceful and happy life.
The most useful asset we have is not a head full of knowledge but a heart full of love, with ears open to listen, and hands willing to help. The older we get, the more we realize that life ends when we stop dreaming, hope ends when we stop believing and love ends when we stop caring. We also learn that the measure of love is to love without measure; that true love sets no conditions; that it does not calculate nor complain, but simply love like the love and compassion of the little Billy in the following inspiring story: http://timyrna.com/godinmylittlebilly.htm

LET US KEEP THE FAITH. THE MOST AMAZING THINGS IN LIFE TEND TO HAPPEN RIGHT AT THE MOMENT WE ARE ABOUT TO GIVE UP HOPE. Faith is taking the first step even when we don't see the whole picture. For those who have faith no explanation is necessary but for those who are without faith, no explanation is possible. God gives us strength in faith, and the work that is done in faith. It needs a living faith to take pleasure in weaknesses, and in weakness to do our work, knowing that God is working in us.
We all have our days where we feel, we cannot survive. Sometimes dreams are shattered, friendships may fall apart, loved one may hurt us, finances may worry us, and sickness may overtake us. We may even lose people we love. But God will always be there to guide us through, even the toughest of times. Let us never lose faith, hold onto Hope and always trust in God.
I have learned that our hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of our life. When we keep the faith, it will be worth it in the end. No matter how difficult the challenge, when we spread our wings of faith and allow the winds of God’s spirit lift us, no obstacle is too great to overcome. 
​I have also learned that faith is like Wi-Fi, it is invisible but it has the power to connect us to what we need. No matter what happens, no matter how far we seem to be away from where we want to be, let us never stop believing that we will somehow make it. Let us have an unrelenting belief that things will work out; that the long road has purpose; that the things that we desire may not happen today, but they will eventually happen. Let us continue to persist and persevere. Faith, confidence and hard work are the best medicine to kill the disease called failure. They make us successful person. Here’s an inspiring article about faith published by the April 11, 2018 issue of Philippine Today, Northern California:http://timyrna.com/faithbuildsuponfaith.htm

WEAK PEOPLE REVENGE. STRONG PEOPLE FORGIVE. INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IGNORE. Remembering a wrong is like carrying a burden on our mind. Let us forget what hurt us in the past, but never forget the lesson that it taught us.
I have learned that someday, we will forget the hurt, the reason we cried and who caused us pain. We will finally realize that the secret of being free is not revenge, but letting things unfold in their own way and own time. After all, what matters is not the first, but the last chapter of our life which shows how well we travel our journey we call life. So smile, laugh, forgive, believe and keep on loving. When we forgive we heal, when we let go, we grow.
I have also learned that soft and kind hearted people are not fools. They know what people did to them but they keep on forgiving again and again because they have beautiful hearts. Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes a person with character to forgive. When we forgive, we release ourselves from a painful burden. Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean that we should still have to welcome that person in our life. It just means that we have made peace with the pain, and are ready to let it go.
However, although many of us know how to preach on forgiveness, it is easier said than done. Many of us show that we don't extend forgiveness to those who have offended us. Instead we hold grudges which then leads us to judge. Anyone can hold a grudge. It's not hard to judge but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to a peaceful and beautiful life and only a few find it. Here’s an inspiring article about forgiveness published by the April 4, 2018 issue of Philippine Today, Northern California:http://timyrna.com/duckandthedevil.htm ​

We can turn painful situations around through laughter. If we can find humor in anything, we can survive even poverty. Through humor, we can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once we find laughter, we can survive, no matter how painful our situation might be.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. I invite you to enjoy life, the precious moments you have; to spend each day with some laugher and happy thoughts to get your emotions going. Here’s something to put smile on your face: http://timyrna.com/ATP/doseoflaughter.htm

OUR LIFE IS A CREATION OF OUR MIND. LET US KEEP OUR FAITH ALIVE AND NEVER UP. Imagination is what convinces us that there’s more to the world than meets the eye. A great attitude becomes a great mood; which becomes a great day, which becomes a great year; which becomes a great life. The soul usually knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.
I have learned that the things we are waiting and hoping for, tend to arrive at the most unexpected moments, so always try to stay positive. A negative mind will never give us a positive life. A bad attitude can literally block love, blessings, and destiny from finding us. Let us not be the reason we don't succeed.
I have also learned that the first place we lose the battle is in our own thinking. If we think, it is permanent, then it is permanent. If we think we have reached our limits, then we have. If we think we will never get well, then we won’t. We have to change our thinking. We need to see everything that is holding us back, every obstacle, and every limitation as only temporary.  
​Good things come to those who wait. Better things come to those who do not give up, and the best things come to those who believe. Our life is not meant to be lived in constant sorrow. Let us never give up on our hopes and dreams for tomorrow. Everyone has sadness and struggles with hardship and pain. We grow in wisdom and strength as we fight to maintain. Let us smile and recognize our courage, strength and talents. We have what it takes to meet every challenge in life like the persistence of the dandelion in the following article:  http://timyrna.com/lessonsfromadandelion.htm

BEAUTY EXISTS IN THE MIND WHICH CONTEMPLATES IT. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make us beautiful. We may fail, we may have a broken heart, but if we believe in caring, in love and compassion, we are beautiful. I have learned that as we get older, we will understand more and more that it is not about what we look like nor what we own that matters most, it is all about the person we have become. Yes, it does not matter because in the end, we all lose our looks and all we have is our heart, our soul. I have also gratefully learned that when we are at the bottom, we find beauty in such little things, and goodness in such little gestures. When I look back and compare any struggle that I have today to the ones that I had in the past, there is nothing that can bring me down. To be beautiful means to be ourselves. We don't need to be accepted by others, we only need to accept ourselves for beauty is not how we look; beauty is a light in the heart. http://timyrna.com/ATP/beautythelightoftheheart.htm

Parents love their children unconditionally throughout their lives and no matter how old they get, they will always be that amazingly beautiful children that filled their lives with joy. Let us take care and honor them says the 5th Commandment. Our parents are the truest friends we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still they cling to us, and endeavor by their kind percepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

My mother was my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind. She planted the seed of faith and passion after my father died when I was six years old. "You deserve to be what you want to be as long as you have faith and fear of the Lord," she told us, her children. She always reminded us that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord; that when we stick to what is good, what is true, what is honest and what is real, we will always prevail at the end.
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It is sad to learn, however, that many of us, once we have our feet solidly under us, we tend to keep our distance and take our parents for granted. We tend to deal with them only at our convenience: perhaps to watch our children, or run errands for us. Sometimes we deem their concerns and affection as parental intervention. We expect them to reach out to us instead of the other way around. Many only make contact with them when they are ill or dying. We seem to overlook the fact that the older they get, the more they become sickly and insecure.  Yet, many of us have the tendency to be very demanding, use them and only think what we can extract from them. It is sad to say that some of us consider them as burden as we learn from the following inspiring article published (March 28, 2018) by Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/honorthyfatherandmother.htm

LENT IS A TIME WHEN WE CAN SHATTER THE DECEPTIONS OF EVIL BY HOLDING FAST TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. Everything in life has its own time. There is time to celebrate and there is time to mourn. Lent is a time for reflection and transformation. Let us look within us and change into what we ought to be. On Palm Sunday, we Christians welcome Jesus with palms in commemoration of His entry in Jerusalem, riding on the back of a donkey amidst shouts of Hosanna. Once again, He humbled himself; once again we are invited to do the same in everything we do.
The virtue of humility enables us to view and judge ourselves correctly and truthfully with sober judgment. We are humble when we make realistic assessment of ourselves without the illusion or pretense of being something we are not. True humility frees us to be our true selves; we don’t have to wear a mask nor put on a façade in order to look and create an impression; we are neither swayed by fame, fortune, failure nor loss.
I have learned that humility leads us to true self-knowledge, honesty, realism, and it frees us to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves. It frees us to love and serves others for their sake, rather than our own. I have also learned the greatest example of humility in the person of Jesus Christ who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Here’s another inspiring article about humility: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/palmsundayvictoryofhumility.htm

During Lent we are encouraged to revisit our spirituality. We may begin by shaking and washing out our ego as cleanliness is next to godliness not just in body but in humility as well. True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. We may do ourselves an immense deal of good, if we do not care who gets the credit in whatever we do. It is far more impressive when others discover our good qualities, what we have or what we have accomplished without our help. An enlightened person doesn't ask, impress nor influence anyone to believe anything. He/she simply points the way and leave it to the people to realize it for themselves.
HOWEVER, IT IS NOT HARD TO NOTICE THAT IN OUR DAILY INTERACTION IN SOCIAL MEDIA LIKE FACEBOOK, MANY OF US CAN HARDLY CONTROL AND ARE ADDICTED TO POST OUR FACES AND PICTURES TO CREATE IMPRESSION AND FEEL IMPORTANT. I DO ADMIRE THOSE WHO SHARE TO INFORM, TO INSPIRE, TO ENCOURAGE OR MOTIVATE NOT TO BRAG, BOAST, NOR SHOW OFF. I have learned that humility is freedom from our own driven ego. Here's an inspiring article about humility: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/humilityfoundationofallvirtues.htm

Sometimes we take a hard look on our mortality and we realize that human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward our goal requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He's sufficient for all of our needs. When we accept this as an absolute truth in our lives and stick to what is good, what is true, what is honest and what is real, we will surely prevail at the end.
​I have learned that our lives are only developed and strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved through the experience of trial and suffering. I have also learned that life is a series of beginnings, not endings, just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements; that formation is an ongoing process, and when we try to make a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease. Soon we would eventually realize that during those hard times, when we were suffering and struggling, it was then that God was preparing us for a happy and comfortable life. We will also learn that the most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. Here's an inspiring article: http://timyrna.com/divinepedagogy.htm

During Lent, we think of Jesus Christ’s journey to the cross which is the central point of our Christian faith. The cross reveals to us the character of God: His love for lost sinners, and His perfect justice meet at the cross. If we want to grow spiritually in our love for God, which is the first and greatest commandment, then we must try to understand and appreciate more the significance of the cross which confronts the most prevalent and insidious of all sins, namely, pride. Here’s an inspiring article this Lenten Season: http://timyrna.com/tragedytriumphofcross.htm

AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE, THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018 IS BOTH WEDNESDAY AND VALENTINE'S DAY.  I am wondering how we are going to deal with both occasions. Ash Wednesday is by tradition a day of fasting and prayer while Valentine's Day is above love and compassion. Well, we can deal both in our hearts according to our conscience.  Please note that for the elderly and those with medical issues, the fasting discipline of Lent doesn't apply.

​Everything in life has its own time. There is time to celebrate and a time to mourn. Lent is a time for reflection and transformation. It is time to look within us and change into what we ought to be. During Lent and beyond, we try to put away all our pride; change our heart and give up all that are not desirable within us and love God with all that we are and all that we have. Through the years, I have learned that Lent is not just about putting away the bad things. It is about creating, sharing good things, helping the poor and the needy, and being kind to people and much more. It is not just about giving up our favorite food but it is also about going further and giving up things like hatred and refusing to forgive. Let us clean our heart and prepare our self for purity. Here’s an inspiring article about Lent: Here's an inspiring article about Lent: http://timyrna.com/wearepeopleofillusions.htm 

We should learn to value gratitude and humility in our lives. So many people had a hand in our success, what we are and where are today; from our parents and family members, from the teachers who inspired us, and to those people who were there with us in hard times. We must remember them with gratitude and value everyone’s contribution with love and respect. I have learned to know the true value of time; to snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, nor procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what I can do today. When we realize the value of life, we don’t dwell on what is past but concentrate more on the improvement and preservation of the future.
When we moved back to live in the area where we used to live more than a decade ago, people who were there for me during those hard, desperate and challenging times come to mind and I am very grateful. I truly believe that during those times they were part of God’s plan of preparing me for a better and comfortable life. They know who they are. Thank you to all of you. There's nothing I value more than the closeness of family and friends, a smile from someone, the opportunity to share, to inform, to entertain, to encourage, to inspire and motivate others in my own humble way. Here’s an inspiring article about the value of life: http://timyrna.com/ATP/valueoflife.htm

WE NEED MUCH LESS THAN WE THINK WE NEED (Maya Angelou).  Let us not spoil what we have by desiring what we do not have. Sometime we pass violets looking for roses; sometimes we pass contentment looking for victory. I have learned that there is no end for craving, hence contentment alone is the best way to happiness; that happiness is not a goal but a by-product of a life well lived. When we are not contented with what we have, we would not be contented with what we would like to have. Let us learn to enjoy every minute of our lives; be happy now and don't wait for something outside of ourselves to make us happy in the future. Let us think how really precious is the time we have to spend, whether it is with our family or whatever we do. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.

I have also learned that being lost in thoughts, thinking about things to do, what has been done, what could have been done... is not only tiring but also a brilliant way to waste energy. It diminishes our peacefulness and clouds our clarity. Every time we become lost in thought it means exactly that we are lost! To find ourselves, let us allow our mind to become quiet, to become utterly tranquil. In the quietness of every being, there is a stillness that contains a deep inner peace and wisdom that can guide us in our lives.

When we are discontent, we always want more, more, more. Our desire can never be satisfied. But when we practice contentment, we can say to ourselves that we already have everything that we really need. Contentment means embracing a sense of satisfaction and sufficiency. Contentment sees the cup half full, the beauty and bounty that are available to us. It allows us to take pleasure in what we have and what we are, even life's simplest offerings. It frees us from envy and longing and so makes us generous. Happiness really lies in contentment. Here’s an inspiring article about contentment published by Philippine Today, Northern California:http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/happylittletrain.htm

ESPECIALLY INTENDED TO HONOR WITH GRATITUDE THE TEACHERS: Teaching is one of the most stressful professions based upon the pressure put on them like, heavy workload and lack of government support. Amazingly, even with all these, our teachers have devoted and dedicated their lives to their students. Let us acknowledge, respect and remember with gratitude our teachers. They spend most of their nights planning; most of their mornings explaining; most of their afternoons correcting; most of theirs years encouraging; and most of their lives stressing. It’s all for the future of their students. Let us not make their jobs harder and let us always remember with gratitude their noble sacrifices for humanity.
The kindness and affection from our teachers have carried us through some of the most difficult periods and the memories of their love and affection have eased the journey in our lives. The great model of the affection of love in human beings is the sentiment which subsists between parents and children, between teachers and students. 
Let us never regret anything we have done with a sincere affection nor take for granted what others have done for us. I have learned that nothing is lost what is born from the heart. Every gift which is given, whether material or expression of love and caring, whether big or small is in reality great, if it is given with love and affection. The fact is that, most people are good, when given love, affection and security, they give affection and reciprocate in return and be secured in their feelings and their behavior.
It is sad to say, however, that many of us only show our affection to our loved ones and people we care about when they are gone. Let us shower them with love and kindness while they are alive and need it. We can show it in many ways. However, life is too sweet and too short to express our affection with just our thumbs. Touch is meant for more than a keyboard. Sometime, we are confronted with the misfortunes of our relatives and friends, only to realize that those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude. Let us give it freely and spontaneously. Here’s an inspiring article about an affection cherished and remembered by a teacher’s students even after many years, published by Philippines Today, Northern California:http://timyrna.com/cherishedaffection.htm

HAPPINESS DOES NOT DEPEND ON OUTWARD THINGS, BUT ON THE WAY WE SEE THEM. – Leo Tolstoy
Happiness does not reside in possessions, not in gold but the feeling that dwells in our soul. There is no key to happiness because the door is always open. Each one of us is born with ability to create happiness even though no one is born happy. Life is how we make it. We either make ourselves happy or miserable, the amount of work is the same.

Some of us blame others for our happiness. I have learned that good people give us happiness; bad people give us experience; and worst people give us a lesson. We have to decide on the type of people with associate with. I have also learned that most of us seek happiness in material possessions, in riches and are never satisfied, insatiable, greedy and therefore not happy. I have learned to be happy for being grateful for my life, for whatever I have and for the opportunity to improve my life from very disadvantage circumstances to a comfortable and happy life. Happiness is not in our circumstance but in ourselves. We can be happy in whatever circumstances we are in. It is not something we see, like a rainbow, nor feel like the heat of a fire. Happiness is something we are, something we create, like the person who is in worse circumstances than many of us yet manages to enjoy life, in the following article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/hospitalwindow.htm ​

LOVE IS THE ANSWER TO EVERY QUESTION. Love is sometimes complicated. It could involve countless numbers of wrong twists and turns, but when we get it right, it looks perfect no matter what way we look at it. Fear and love are two basic motivating forces in our lives. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, enthusiasm, excitement, and acceptance. I have learned that we need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others nor our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.

HOWEVER, MANY OF US LOVE OURSELVES SO MUCH THAT WE ARE ADDICTED TO POSTING OUR PICTURES OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON FACEBOOK FOR OTHERS TO SEE, TO CREATE AN IMPRESSION, SO "THE PEOPLE WILL KNOW," LIKE A POLITICIAN WORKING OUR FOR VOTE, INSTEAD OF SHARING SOMETHING WORTHWHILE TO ENCOURAGE, TO INSPIRE OR MOTIVATE OTHERS.

Many of us are looking around for some little ray of hope, some bright spot somewhere, a little love, a little mercy, inspiration and some place where we can find some relief. Yes, even the little things we do can mean a lot to some people. The light of our smile, the kindness of our face, the influence of our life can give shed light on many and have an amazing effect to others. It can change their whole outlook on life and give them hope and a new start. Let us try to touch the life of others with kindness, love and compassion not how great and lovely we are. 

​Yes, everyone looks outside for everything, including love. Love is all that everyone wants. Our purpose in life is love; to love someone, to be loved, to love our car, to love our dog, to love our house, etc. But all these types of love are perishable and are destined to fade away. The love we really want is within us all the time. We are love, we have an imperishable supply of the sweetest love possible within us. Let us share it and make others happy. Loving others is like taking care of a precious plant. We can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard nor just think it is going to get on by itself. We have to keep watering it. We have to really look after it and nurture it with love and compassion. Love is the only thing that can be divided without being diminished. It is strengthened by working through conflicts together. It is like a candle, it leads us in time of darkness and brightens up our future. So let us hold every person close to our heart. Let us never take someone for granted because we might wake up one day and realize that we have lost a diamond while we were too busy collecting stones. Happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/answertoeveryquestion.htm ​

LET AGE, NOT ENVY, DRAW WRINKLES ON THY CHEEKS. – Thomas Browne  Let us never hate people who are jealous and envy us but respect and ignore their jealousy because they obviously think that we are better than they are. No one else has access to the world we carry around within ourselves; we are its custodian and no one else can see the world the way we see it. No one else can feel our life the way we feel it. Thus it is impossible to ever compare two people because each stands on such different ground. When we compare ourselves to others, we are inviting envy into our consciousness; it can be a dangerous and destructive guest.
​I have learned not to overrate what I have received, nor envy others because he/she who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. I have also learned never to underestimate the power of jealousy and envy to destroy. Wicked people envy and hate; it is their way of admiring others. Here’s an inspiring article from our website published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/evilofenvy.htm ​

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER MEANS THE ABILITY TO OVERCOME RESENTMENT AGAINST OTHERS. The final proof of greatness lies in being able to hide hurt feelings, being able to endure criticism without resentment and to forgive quickly. Guilt is anger directed at ourselves at what we did or did not do. Resentment is anger directed at others, at what they did or did not do. Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten. I have learned that if we hug any resentment against anybody else, we destroy the bridge by which God would come to us. Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.
Resentment mostly exist not only among friends but also among family members: between parents and children, among siblings and among other relatives. Relationships with our siblings are often the longest ones in our lives. For the most part, relationships with siblings often start and end with life itself, outlasting even our relationship with our parents. It is sad to say that I have known many resentments among family members in my journey we call life because of greed, selfishness or desire for self-importance. What is there for me is usually the question that enters our mind because we are just human. However, I have also learned that if we were brought up to fear God; when we were taught to stick to what good, what is true, what is honest and what is real, by all means, we can rationalize and ignore human resentment because of fear of the Lord and karma, e.g… the evil we do remains with us; the good we do comes back to us in many folds. There are other forms and variation of karma as life is an echo.
​I have learned to always stand ready and lead down a different path where I am lifted up by my desire to succeed and not dragged down by resentment for my misfortunes, failures and what others have done against me. Yes, we can use resentment to plant the seeds of passion, courage and determination to improve ourselves for a successful, comfortable and happy life. Here’s a story about how resentment alienated two brothers for many years, published by Philippine Today of Northern California this week, January 24, 2018: http://timyrna.com/ATP/resentmentdividespeople.htm ​

​THE GREATEST VICTORY WE CAN HAVE IS THE VICTORY OVER OURSELVES. Let us accept the challenges in life so we can feel the excitement of victory. If we believe in ourselves and have dedication and pride, and never quit, we will be a winner. Far better is to dare mighty things, to strive for glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failures. If we have a dream, let us not just sit there and wait for things to happen, work for it. Let us gather courage to believe that we can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality. We cannot expect victory if we expect defeat. I have learned that great victory requires great risk and sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.
Who we are tomorrow begins with what we do today. Let us not allow mental blocks control us. Let us set ourselves free by confronting our fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks. I have learned that the world’s greatest achievers have been those who have always stayed focused on their goals and have been consistent in their efforts. I have also learned that there are people who have never been defeated. They are the ones who never fought. They managed to avoid scars, humiliations, feelings of helplessness, as well as those moments when they doubt the existence of God because they have less faith or have no faith at all.
The winners belong to those who strive valiantly and devote themselves with great enthusiasms, great devotions and perseverance to achieve their goal. They are the ones who understand the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, believe that if they fall, fail, while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Somewhere among us there is a defeat for everyone. Some are destroyed by it while some are made small and mean by victory. Greatness lives among those who triumph equally over defeat and victory. Here’s an inspiring article about victory:  ​http://timyrna.com/ATP/victorythechildofpreparation.htm

DESIRE MAKES LIFE HAPPEN, MAKES IT MATTER, MAKES EVERYTHING WORTH IT. In order to succeed, our desire for success should be greater than our fear of failure. We need to be inspired by the desire to achieve. We must go too far greater lengths to avoid what we fear than to obtain what we desire. Those of us who restrain desire do so because we are too weak to pursue what we want. The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach our full potential, these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. I have learned that sometimes I arise in the morning torn between a desire to focus on my goals in life, like learning and improving myself and to deal with what is convenient, easy and enjoyable at the time, which makes it hard for me to plan the day ahead.
The size of our success is measure by the strength of our desire; the size of our dream; how we handle disappointment along the way and always trying to learn something useful. I have also learned that all our actions have one or more of the following causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, and desire. Desire is the key to motivation, but it is determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of our goal, a commitment to excellence that will enable us to attain the success we seek. Burning desire to be or do something gives us staying power, a reason to get up every morning or to pick ourselves up and start again after a disappointment.
Our life is shaped by the end we live for. We are made in the image of what we desire. There is one quality which we must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what we want, and a burning desire to possess it. It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal. Here’s an inspiring article from our website published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/dealingwithburningdesire.htm

DON'T WORRY FOR TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW SHALL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF. When we think about life, there is no amount of guilt that can solve the past and no amount of anxiety nor worry that can change the future.
Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair; we are constantly moving but we are not getting anywhere. Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out and live one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment.
Sometimes we worry about little things; we worry about the pot-holes on the road instead of celebrating the journey. We just have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting; have faith that things will work out, maybe not how we planned, but just how they are meant to be.
Worrying does not empty tomorrow if its troubles. It empties today of its strength. If it is meant to be, it will find its way! We cannot change the past, but we can ruin the present by worrying over the future. Let us not be anxious about anything... If we fill our heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, we have no today to be thankful for.
Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/lessonsfromtherobin.htm

DON’T LOOK BACK WITH REGRETS BUT LOOK BACK AS A FOUNDATION TO BUILD A STABLE FUTURE. There is something beautiful about all scars in our life. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed, healed, and done with. However, I occasionally glance and look back, learn from my failures and misfortunes, look ahead, and plan for the future; for I have learned that success is not built on past laurels but rather on a continuous activity, learning from the past, keeping busy searching out new ideas and going forward with utmost perseverance and determination.
Let us forget the past adversities and hardships; let us never lose time in vainly regretting the past nor in complaining against our pains and disappointments, for change is the essence of life. Each new season grows from the leftovers of the past. Let us not look mournfully into the past, it will not come back; but let us wisely improve the present, go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.
Yes, sometimes I look back with pleasure and cherish my painful past. It gives me reason to look forward with hope, faith, confidence, aspirations and determination. I consider my mistakes as lessons and the reasons to reason. Looking back strengthens my faith and gratitude to God for the opportunities to improve my life from extreme poverty and hardships to a happy and comfortable life. Looking back to my past life encourages me to share something, to encourage, to inspire and to motivate others. 
I have learned that life is an echo: what goes around, comes around; that it is in sharing that we do receive, it is in loving that we are being loved. Yes, I have learned that life is like a seesaw, it goes up and down; those who step on us and push us down to raise themselves up for selfish reason would eventually fall and tumble down for God is always fair. I have also learned that the evil we do remains with us; the good we do comes back to us in many folds.
So let us remember seriously that we can only connect the dots looking backwards; we cannot, by looking forward but we have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in our future if we have faith, perseverance and determination. We have to trust in something: our faith, gut, destiny, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down in my journey we call life; it has made all the difference in my life. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern: http://timyrna.com/dontlookback.htm

​IT IS EASIER TO FORGIVE AN ENEMY THAN TO FORGIVE A FRIEND. Tragedy in life normally comes with betrayal and compromises; by trading in our integrity and failing to treat life and others in our life with respect and dignity. That's really where the truest and the most tragic failures come from. They come from making the choice to betray another soul, and in turn, giving up a piece of our own.
I have learned that most betrayals are the results of selfishness and the desire for power and self-importance. Many of us show sympathy when a person is down and in disadvantage situation because we feel important, lucky or superior. However, we begin to be indifferent and begin to be false witness against that person when he/she begins to improve his/her life.
However, I have also learned that instead of being hurt, we should look at betrayal as a gift. It makes it that much easier to sweep it up and toss it out with the rest of the trash because trash starts to stink...and when it does, it has no more value in our life.
The worst pain in the world goes beyond the physical. Even further beyond any other emotional pain one can feel. It is the betrayal of a relative or a friend. However, I have learned to try really hard to release disappointment at once so bitterness has no time to take root.
Betrayal is never easy to handle. I feel having betrayed many times in my life and I am not sure how to handle nor to accept it the right way except to improve my life, seek greatness and live comfortably and happily. That’s the only righteous revenge I know and it seems to work great.
Here’s an inspiring article about betrayal published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/analyzingbetrayal.htm

WHO ARE OUR FRIENDS? LET US KNOW WHO THEY ARE! Friends are the ones who know us as us; understand where we have been; accept what we have become, and still gently allow us to grow. When we have been through hard times and come out the other side; when we look around us, the people who are still there are our true friends.

Some people pretend and express sympathy when we are down and struggling because they feel important and fortunate but once they see that our life has changed for the better, they become indifferent. Bad friends are like apples, the longer we keep them, the rotten they get. We may have some fake friends who are not different from shadows: they stick around at their convenience but disappear during our darkest hours. It is better to have an enemy who honestly says they hate us than to have friend who's putting us down secretly. It is not hard to identify them.

I have learned that good friends are like wine, the longer we keep them, the better they get; they are like stars, we don't always see them but we know they are always there for good times and bad times. When we think about friendship, let us reflect about people who act true to our face; people who remain true behind our back. They are not our friends until they have defended us in our absence. One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood. Many people will walk in and out of our life, but only true friends will leave footprints in our hearts. It comes to the point in our life when we do realize who our friends are. Here’s an inspiring article about friend: http://timyrna.com/ATP/blessingcalledfriendship.htm

 A TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR MOTHER, ISABEL TABINGO PEDROSA, MAY SHE REST IN PEACE: Death is simply a shedding of the physical body like the butterfly shedding its cocoon.  It is a transition to a higher state of consciousness where we continue to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able to grow. For those of us who seek to understand it, death is a highly creative force; the highest spiritual values of life can originate from the thought and study of death.
 
It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, that we begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had. When we learn to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, it becomes our teachers about life.

 I have learned that there is no joy without hardship. If not for death, would we appreciate life? Dying is nothing to fear.  It can be the most wonderful experience of our life.  It all depends on how we have lived. If we live each day of our life right, then we have nothing to fear. It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us. Rather, our concern must be to live while we are alive; to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are.

My mother, realized all these wonderful lessons in life after my father died when I was six years old while we struggled against extreme poverty, viciousness, unkindness, opportunism and the like. She lived her life for 101 years with courage, determination, faith, confidence, kindness, honesty and dignity in spite of unbelievable obstacles. She always advised us to stick to what is good, what is true, what honest and what is real by all means and we would always prevail at the end, for life is an echo, she said; that what goes around comes around; that it is in sharing that we do receive, it in loving that we are being loved.
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It is because of all these beautiful and inspiring words of wisdom that she lived her life to the fullest for more than a century. She died peacefully ten(10) minutes after hearing my voice on the phone on December 20, 2017 (Philippine time). Rest in peace my dear mother. Please continue praying for us so that someday, we too will be worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Here’s an inspiring article about death: http://timyrna.com/ourtimetogo.htm ​

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT LOVE AND KINDNESS.  As we bring to mind the past, enjoy the present, and dream of tomorrow during Christmas time, may we forever be grateful of God’s love and the love of our family and friends. May we come to realize that love is a precious bond, so fragile, yet so strong. May we come to think that love and friendship must be nurtured constantly by deeds, thoughts, and kindness not only when things go wrong.  May we come to appreciate the undying devotion of our spouse, the greatness of our parents, the unselfish support of our family members and the value of friendship for they make our load lighter.  May we always be grateful of God’s blessings: family, good health, good job, peace of mind, material things i.e. money, and friends.  Here’s an inspiring article reminding us that some people come to our life as a blessing and some remind us to be grateful, published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/christmasangelstory.htm

There are two things to remember seriously in life: To take care of our thoughts when we are alone, and take care of our words when we are with people. Words and hearts should be handled with care for words when spoken and hearts when broken are the hardest things to repair.
I have learned that a careless word may kindle strife; cruel word usually wrecks a life; timely word could help level stress; but it is the loving words that heal and bless.
In this season of love, may we all especially be generous with kind and loving words to our loved ones. Let us remember the beautiful love of our spouse, our children, family members and friends. We wish you a meaningful and love-filled Christmas season and New Year ahead. May your days be filled with love, joy, growth, and inspiration.
Here’s an inspiring article about an unusual gift of a daughter to her father that he treasured throughout his life: http://timyrna.com/ATP/kissesingoldwrappedbox!.htm

What is Christmas? The very word brings joy to our hearts. Christmas is not a time nor a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be abundant in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

It is about the joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other’s burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and sharing generous gifts from the heart. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world. Here’s an inspiring Christmas article: http://timyrna.com/whatchristmasisallabout!.htm

LOVE AND HUMILITY PUT CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR. This Christmas Season, may we come to realize that love is what matters most; that we are reflection of what we would like to see in others! If we want love, let’s give love, if we want honesty, give honesty, if we want respect, give respect. We get in return, what we give! If we brag, we will be ignored.
I have learned that our greatest test in life is when we are able to bless someone else while we are going through our own storm; that as we get older we find out that true happiness is not in how much we make, how many degrees we have, how big our house is, how many cars we have or how fancy they are, nor how much money we have. Soon we’ll realize that it is in continuously suppressing our self-centeredness and consciously trying to be humble that we find peace, joy and calmness in our lives and that will soon become the most important thing to us.
Let us do it in the spirit of love. For instance, let us start by sharing something on social media like Facebook, something to inform, entertain, inspire, encourage or motivate, NOT to impress, to show off, blow our own horn nor sing our own praises, in short, brag like many of us do. Such actions are clear indications of the level of our spiritual maturity, a false illusion of greatness. Here’s an inspiring article about love and humility: http://timyrna.com/bridgeoflove.htm

LIFE IS A ONE TIME OFFER, LET US USE IT WELL. The great blessings of mankind are within us, and within our reach; but we shut our eyes, and many of us fall foul upon the very thing we search for, without finding it.

I have learned that life is not about expecting, hoping nor wishing, it is about doing, being and becoming. It is about the choices we make. It is about being contented with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babies and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, and never hurry.

I have also learned that the secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, nor anticipate troubles, but to do what we love and live in the present moment wisely and seriously for when we look back upon our life, the moments when we have truly lived are the moments when we have done things in the spirit of gratitude, kindness and love.

Those of us who see with loving eyes, life is beautiful; those who speak with a tender voice, life is peaceful; those who help with gentle hands, life is full; and those of us who care with compassionate hearts, life is good beyond all measures. Let us always be grateful for the opportunity to live for there are those who did not live long enough like the chance we have. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/lifeislikeaflowergarden.htm

GOD WOULD PROVIDE. LET US DO OUR BEST AND GOD WOULD DO THE REST. If we allow God's word shape our thoughts, it will shape our life. I have learned that God’s silence is not an indication of His activity nor involvement in our lives. He may be silent but He is not still. Sometimes God does not give us what we think we want, not because we do not deserve it, but because we deserve so much more.

God will never take anything away from us without the intention of replacing it with something much better. I have also learned that He sometimes removes people from our life to protect us. Let us not run after them. SOMETIMES HE GIVES US WRONG PEOPLE BEFORE GIVING US THE RIGHT ONES, SO THAT WHEN THE RIGHT ONES COME, WE KNOW HOW TO APPRECIATE THE GIFT.

God sometimes closes doors because it is time to move forward. He knows we would not move unless circumstances force us to. God answers in different ways: He says yes and give us what we want. He says no and gives us something better. One of the basic differences between God and humans is, God gives, gives and forgives; while human gets, gets, gets and forgets.

I have also learned that the secret of a happy life is giving God the first part of our day, the priority in every decision and the first place in our heart. He always has something for us: a key for every problem, a light for every shadow, a relief for every sorrow and a plan for every tomorrow. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippine Today, Northern California http://timyrna.com/godwouldprovideA.htm

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY; GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We know we are getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it. The secret of longevity is when we have learned what to do and how to do it well and then look for new things to learn knowing that at first we may not do them well.
Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not counting the years. Maturity has more to do with what type of experiences we have had, and what we have learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays we have celebrated. I have learned that old age is like a bank account, we withdraw in later life what we have deposited along the way.
Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does, except wrinkles. It is true that although some wines improve with age, but only if the grapes were good in the first place. Here’s an inspiring article about aging: http://timyrna.com/ATP/aginggracefullyandhappily.htm

WE FEEL MORE THAN WE CAN EXPRESS, WE SEE MORE THAN WE CAN SAY. – Marty Rubin It is important that we take responsibility for our feelings and thoughts rather than assuming that they are triggered by outside forces because whatever we think and feel does not change the situation. Although we may think that someone else is making us feel what we feel, it is not the case. Although we could or should hold others accountable for their behavior towards us, we could not blame them for how we are feeling.
 
I have learned that our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we think and respond to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive thinking triggers a chain reaction of positive thoughts, feelings, events, and outcomes. It is a spark that creates extraordinary consequences.
I have also learned that by taking the time to stop and appreciate who we are and what we have achieved, perhaps we could learn through few mistakes, stumbles and losses; we could actually enhance everything about ourselves. Self-awareness, self-acknowledgment and appreciation are what give us the insights and awareness to move forward toward higher goals and accomplishments.
Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/awarenessofwhatwethinkandfeel.htm

DO NOT COMLAIN THAT ROSES HAVE THORNS, INSTEAD BE GRATEFUL THAT THORNS HAVE ROSES. Thanksgiving is not all about turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and other lavish food. The name of the holiday conveys what the day is supposed to be about. Sometimes some of us find it difficult to spend time reflecting on simple pleasures and expressing thanks and gratitude for who we are and what we have.
I have learned that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them; that we should never forget to thank God for the lessons we have learned through our difficult times; and that we should also be grateful to the people who make us happy for they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
I have also learned that we are happier if we are grateful for the positive things in our lives, rather than worrying about what might be missing; if we want to turn our life around, thankfulness is the answer, and our life will change mightily.
Like is short, so let us be happy and keep smiling; just live for our self and before we speak, listen, before we write, think, before we spend, earn,  before we pray, forgive, before we hurt, feel, before we hate, love, before we quit, try, and before we die, live! Let us be thankful and enjoy life. Happy Thanksgiving Day! Here’s an inspiring article about being grateful: http://timyrna.com/ATP/expectlessappreciatemore.htm

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY EVERYONE! Gratitude transforms common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. Let us give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of our life. Let us appreciate and never take for granted all that we have.
I have learned that when we forget the language of gratitude we can never be on speaking terms with happiness. Happiness comes when we stop wailing about the troubles we have, and offer thanks for all the troubles we do not have. If we are not grateful for the good things, we would not be happy with what we wish we had.
Let us be grateful for who we are and what we have. When we are thankful, we end up having more. However, if we concentrate on what we do not have, we will never, ever have enough. We hope you enjoy the following inspiring article about giving thanks and gratitude: http://timyrna.com/ATP/passingloveandhappinessaround.htm

HAPPINESS IS A STATE OF MIND. Our mind is like a garden and our thoughts are the seeds. We can grow flowers or we can grow weeds. A great attitude becomes a great mood; a great mood becomes a great day; a great day becomes a great year; a great year becomes a great life.
Yes, our life is a creation of our mind which is like a parachute, it does not work, if it is not open; it is like an umbrella in the rain, it won't protect us unless it is fully opened. We have to take care of our thoughts when we are alone, and take care of our words when we are with people.
The first place we lose the battle is in our own thinking. If we think it will happen then it will happen; if we think we have reached our limits then we have. We have to change our thinking. We need to see everything that is holding us back, every obstacle and every limitation as only temporary.
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, education, money, than circumstances, failure, successes, than what other people think, say or do. However, the good news is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we decide to embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that some people will act in a certain way; we cannot change the inevitable; the only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I do believe that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. We are in charge of our attitudes. http://timyrna.com/ATP/doorisalwaysopenforhappiness.htm

WE GLORIFY GOD NOT BY OUR COMPLAINS, BUT OUR THANKSGIVINGS. 
Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. Let us be thankful not only for what we have but let us also discover the blessings during hard times. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
When life seems like it is falling apart, we often forget to count our blessings. Whenever we are feeling down, we often lose sight of what we have to be thankful for in our life. But if we just opened our eyes, we would see that life isn't so bad after all. It's the small things that count.
Every moment in life has a purpose, and the path we will only take us to our destination if we learn how to find the good in the bad. This is why it is important to be thankful for things that seem bad, because, in the end, hardship is the only way we grow. Let us appreciate the power of gratitude.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Happiness comes when we stop wailing about the troubles we have, and offer thanks not only for all the blessings, but also the troubles we don't have. Here’s an inspiring article about gratitude. http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/discovertheblessingsinhardtimes.htm

LIFE IS A ONE-TIME OFFER, LET US USE IT WELL. We need to understand that life is not what we are given, it is what we create, what we conquer and what we aim to achieve; and that time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. We do not have to wait for the perfect moment; we can take the moment and make it perfect.

Sometimes we never know the true value of a moment until it has become a memory. When we control the past, we control the future; when we control the present, we control the past. The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that we are not going to stay where we are. The secret of getting ahead is getting started and to always concentrate on how far we have come, rather than how far we have left to go. The difference in how easy it seems will amaze us.
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Life is what we make it, always has been, and always will be. The only person we should try to be better than is the person we were yesterday and we should always know the difference between what we are getting and what we deserve. Here’s an inspiring article about the value of the moment. http://timyrna.com/makingsandcastles.htm

HAVE FAITH AND POSITIVE THINGS WILL HAPPEN. We all have our days when we feel we could not survive. Sometimes dreams are shattered, friendships may fall apart, loved one may hurt us, finances may worry us, or sickness may overtake us. We may even lose people we love. But God will always be there to guide us through, even the toughest of times.
Let us never lose faith; hold onto hope and always trust in Him. Sometimes, our hardest moments lead to the greatest moments of our lives. When we keep the faith, it will all be worth it in the end.
Faith is like Wi-Fi, it is invisible but it has the power to connect us to what we need; the awesome power of faith take the leap. No matter how difficult the challenge, when we spread our wings of faith and allow the winds of God's spirit to lift us, no obstacle is too great to overcome.
Sometimes we wonder what we gain by praying regularly. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is not coming but we lost something more important instead like: anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity or fear of death; the answer is not gaining but losing, which ultimately is the gain.
Prayers are always answered. We don't have to beg or make deals with the Lord when we pray. The key is to pray with faith, knowing and believing that, what we ask for, we already have, as we learn from the following inspiring story published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/beforetheycalliwillanswer.htm

WHEN FATE HANDS YOU A LEMON, MAKE LEMONADE. – Dale Carnegie
We can control our destiny, but not our fate. Our destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choices to fulfil our destiny, but our fate is sealed.
We only have one life, let us not allow any difficulty to discourage us, no obstacle to disappoint us, nor trouble to dishearten us. Difficulties are but challenges of fate, contention to try our skill, stimulants to give us strength; and we rise higher and emerge greater after each encounter with adversity.
I have learned to accept the things to which fate binds me, and love with sincerity and loyalty the people with whom fate brings to my life; that actions are the seed of fate deeds that grow into destiny. I believe in luck and fate, and I believe in karma, that the energy we put out in the world comes back to meet us.
I have also learned to accept my fate without bitterness and try very hard to stay humble; that just because fate does not deal me the right cards, does not mean I should give up. It just means that I have to play the cards I get to their maximum potential.
Each one of us has our own destiny; it is only imperative to follow and accept it, no matter where it leads us. Everyone chooses the significant people in life. Destiny places us in particular circumstance; it dictates that we will encounter a particular person who is right for us, at a certain time and place. We cannot choose the day nor time, It happens in its own time. Here's a beautiful true story of love that survived the war: http://timyrna.com/girlwiththeapple.htm

WE COME TO THIS WORLD EMPTY AND WE WILL LEAVE EMPTY. So let us not wait until we are rich and famous to be happy. Happiness is free but it does not come ready-made, it comes from our own actions. Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of travelling.
I have learned that learning to be at peace is our most fundamental nature. Sooner or later we will learn that in life, it is not what we have gathered but what we have scattered that matters. What matters at the end is, how long we will be remembered, by whom and for what. Wealth is only meaningful if we can share and also enjoy while we are still alive, kicking and healthy.
One day we will wake up and realize that life has passed us by, that our dreams are gone, that the things we want are no longer there. This is the day when we can take control and create our future. Life is not about waiting, hoping nor wishing. It is about creating, doing and truly living. Today is that day.
A meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, being highly educated nor being perfect. It is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others. It is only then that we could have a full, happy and contented life.
What we do for ourselves, dies within us. But what we do for others will live forever. Let's leave the legacy behind. We cannot take anything along with us so let us enjoy life now. It has an expiration date. Let us relish every second we live. Here’s an inspiring article about life: http://timyrna.com/ATP/wecomeandleaveempty.htm

OUR LIFE WILL BE REMEMBERED BY A TINY DASH. The recent passing of some relatives, friends and acquaintances has made me wonder about my transitory life here on earth. I began to realize that it is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time to live and that, we have no way of knowing when our time is up, that we then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had.

After our death, many of us will begin to see that our life here on Earth is almost the sum total of every choice we have made during every moment of our life. Our thoughts, which we are responsible for, are as real as our deeds. We will begin to realize that every word and every deed affect our life and also thousands of lives.

We run after values that, at death, become zero. At the end of our life, nobody will ask us how many degrees we had, how many mansions we built, or how many expensive cars we could afford. That’s what dying patients teach us. It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us. Rather, our concern must be to live while we are alive; to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a frontage designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are.

Here’s an inspiring piece about the dash which will be on our gravestone that reflects our life and how you and I will be remembered. It is summed up in this little dash: http://timyrna.com/dash.htm

MORTALITY APPLIES TO EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE. THE FEAR OF DEATH IS THE DRIVING FEAR OF LIFE. - Nick Tosches It is time of the year when we remember and honor those who have gone before us and we come to be aware of our own mortality; this can lead us to wake up and live an authentic and meaningful life.
Many of the lessons we learn in mortality are through the things we experience and sometimes suffer. God expects and trusts us to face temporary mortal adversities so we can learn what we need to learn and ultimately become what we are to become in eternity.
I have learned that life’s trials and challenges make us conscious of our own mortality. They heighten our sense of gratitude for things that we previously have taken for granted or perhaps have never appreciated how precious they were. One of the reasons probably is most of us never stop thinking the upsetting aspects of our lives. We constantly worry about many things: our family, our career, how to get rich, how to attract attention and other selfish reasons.
I think there is something beautiful about mortality; it makes our decisions more meaningful and makes us live a fuller existence. When we were young, we had this feeling that we were indestructible. Our mortality did not even occur to us. But as time went by, we realized that we better change the way we think and live, if we want to continue to exist. Many things come to mind when we think of our mortality, like: the experience of tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitations in ways that prepare us for eternity. It is then that we realize that God put within our lives meaning and possibilities that quite outrun the limits of mortality. Here’s an inspiring article about becoming aware of our mortality: http://timyrna.com/ATP/recognizingourmortality.htm

WE ARE ONLY AS STRONG AS WE ALLOW OUR SELF TO BE. Let us never get discouraged, never give up because consistency and dedication are the key to success. Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one we have in mind. So we have to be strong enough to walk away from what is hurting us, and be patient enough to wait for the blessings we deserve.
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to what we are trying to accomplish. Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations; hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of our life. Remember a river cuts through a rock not because of its power but its persistence.
Having a very disadvantage and humble experiences early in life make me grateful for everything that Gods has given me; even the blessings that many of those who have been CATERED most of their lives take for granted. While I am grateful and enjoy the blessings, they always whine, complain, and never satisfied.
Mother was right when she advised us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; that everything comes to us in the right moment, in God time; to have faith, patience and perseverance; to stick what is good, what is true, what is honest and what is real by all means and we prevail at the end. Thank you, dear mother. Here’s an inspiring article that shows us that God gives what we deserve in due time, in His time: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/3trees.htm

WHEN LOOKING FOR A FRIEND, LET US NOT LOOK FOR PERFECTION, JUST LOOK FOR FRIENDSHIP. Having true friends is a must. We walk and wheel through life and we face obstacles. Our loyal friends are our rock, our strength, our support, our happiness, and our world. We sometimes choose the wrong people but when we trust ourselves, have belief and respect for who we are, the choices that we make for picking good friends are not really of much concern.
I have learned that in true friendship we find the missing piece of the puzzle to live a decent and enjoyable life. I have also learned that fake friends are of different colors. Some sympathize and pity us when we are down and struggling because they feel important, lucky, fortunate and superior. But once we have survived the storm of life and begin to enjoy God’s blessing, they avoid us. Obviously they want us to remain down, struggling and helpless. It is not hard to distinguish that trend in our so-called former friends. There are also some of our fake friends who are no different from shadow: they stick around during our brightest moments, for selfish reasons but disappear during our darkest hours.
Friendship must be about who acts true to our face. It is about people who remain true behind your back. A friend is one who knows us as us; understands where we have been, accepts what we have become, celebrates our success and good fortune and still allows us to grow. Here’s an inspiring article about friends and friendship: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/friendsandfriendship.htm

Good leadership is reflected by standards we set for ourselves. A good leader takes a little more than the share of the blame, and a little less than the share of the credit. The best leader is when others barely know he exists, when the work is done, aim fulfilled, and others say that they did it themselves.
Leadership is solving problems. The day others stop bringing us their problems is the day we have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that we can help or concluded we do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.
I have learned that in spiritual enlightened leadership, we understand spirituality not only as religious belief nor ideology but as the area of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love and compassion, and also intuition, creativity, insight and focused attention.
A good Christian leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. As a leader our actions should inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. I have also learned that it is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when we celebrate victory and when nice things occur. We take the front line when there are concerns, responsibilities and danger. It is then people will appreciate our leadership.
As good and successful Christian leader, we do what is the will of God, doing the best we can what we do well, knowing what we can do by ourselves and what we can do with God’s help, and living a life according to the teachings of the Old and New Testaments. Here’s an inspiring article about Christian Leadership: http://timyrna.com/ATP/idealchristianleadership.htm

THE GREATEST DOER MUST ALSO BE A GREAT DREAMER. – Theodore Roosevelt
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that we are not going to stay where we are because we will never get what we truly deserve if we remain attached to what we are supposed to let go of.
In achieving something, let us always concentrate on how far we have come, rather than how far we have left to go. We may make mistakes along the way but they are the stepping stones that lead to future accomplishments.  Sometimes, we have to get knocked down lower than we have ever been to stand back up taller than we ever were.
I have learned that the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after we fall. I have always worked very hard all my life, definitely, and I can declare that hard work pays off for nothing stops the man who desires to achieve. It does not matter how slow we are going, as long as we do not stop until reach our destination and get what we want.
I have also learned the hard way that life is filled with tragedy, with long patches of struggle but with beautiful bursts of joy and accomplishments. Having blessed with those moments, we should try to relax and enjoy as much as possible and focus on the little things, like the joy of sharing, encouraging and motivating others to be happy and successful. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/daffodilprinciple.htm

PEACE OF MIND IS THE GREATEST WEALTH WE CAN HAVE. Peace is the result of retraining our mind to process life as it is, rather than as we think it should be. True happiness lies within us. Waste no time and effort searching for peace, contentment and joy in the world outside.
Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble nor hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in our hearts.
​Nothing can bring us peace but ourselves. Until we make peace with who we are, we will never be contented with what we have. True peace can be experienced only when we stop giving and taking sorrow. In order not to give sorrow, we need a clear heart that has no ill feelings and for not taking sorrow, we need a big heart that can tolerate and help other souls to get over their weaknesses.
Let us not allow the behavior of others destroy our inner peace. Peace of mind comes not from wanting to change others, but by simply accepting them and rather learn to see our own faults. Peace is not something we wish for; it's something we make, something we do, something we are and something we give away.
To walk when others are running; to whisper when others are shouting; to smile when others are angry; to pause when others are hurrying; to pray when others are doubting; to know inner calm in spite of everything, that is serenity. 
Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/attainingpeaceofmind.htm

We learn from adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve our performance the next time. All the difficulties I've had in my life, all my failures, troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. We may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth (meaning something badly or unfairly happened) maybe the best thing in the world for us. When we come out of the storm, we won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about. Here’s an inspiring article reminding us that adversities and obstacles in life strengthen us for the better. http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/storyofanant.htm

HEALTH IS THE GREATEST GIFT, CONTENTMENT THE GREATEST WEALTH, FAITHFULNESS THE BEST RELATIONSHIP. - Buddha
Contentment means embracing a sense of satisfaction and sufficiency. Contentment sees the cup half full, the beauty and bounty that are available to us. It allows us to take pleasure in what we have and what we are, even life's simplest offerings. It frees us from envy and longing and so makes us generous. Although contentment is influenced by external circumstances, it is an internal attitude and can be cultivated no matter what our situation.
Contentment looks for the riches that can be found amidst poverty and the small marvels that can be found in the most terrible conditions. It is the close kin of gratitude and wonder.
Here’s an article directed to those who are bored, those who habitually complain and those who have negative attitude in life:http://timyrna.com/secretofcontentment.htm​

I’D RATHER HAVE A LIFE FULL OF MISTAKES THAN A HEART FULL OF REGRET - Unknown
 Most of our mistakes in life arise from feeling where we ought to think, and thinking were we ought to feel. It is not how we make mistakes, but how we correct them that defines us. Making bad decisions is a part of life but blaming others for our bad decisions is immature.
If we are wise, we learn from the mistakes of others, instead of judging them. We must be honest and courageous enough to admit a mistake; stand through it, learn from it and smart enough to profit from it.  
We make mistakes in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to pay for them the rest of our lives. A mistake is always forgivable, rarely excusable and always unacceptable. Everybody deserves another chance. That is why pencils have erasers, to correct our mistakes is part of being human. Let us appreciate our mistakes for what they are, as precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. We have the power to make our day and our future better.
The greatest mistake we can make in life is to continually fearing we will make one. I have also learned that sometimes wrong choices bring us to the right places for mistakes are great educator when we are honest enough to admit them and willing enough to learn from them. Some of our errors are our portals of discovery. Here’s an inspiring article on how to handle our mistakes: http://timyrna.com/ATP/wecanlearnfrompencilanderaser.htm

A KIND GESTURE CAN REACH A WOUND THAT ONLY COMPASSION CAN HEAL.- Steve Maraboli
We give but little when we give of our possessions. It is when we give of ourselves that we truly give. I have learned that the higher the level of our self-esteem, the more likely we will treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity. Goodness is about character, integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.
Let us try to practice and teach generosity and unselfishness, because as human, we are born selfish. I have also learned that happiness is never diminish by being shared as thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle is not be shortened.
There have always been people who encouraged and guided my path, towards many good things; towards improving myself. I didn't know nor care much about many of them. It is good fortune and generosity from other people that have given and guided me to all I have today and
​I am very grateful.
Let us make space in our life for the things that matter: our family and friends, love and generosity, fun and joy. Generosity is giving more than we can. We have not lived until we have done something for someone who can never repay us. Here’s an inspiring article about generosity and kindness that touched not only the recipient but also the giver: 
http://timyrna.com/ATP/dontweall.htm

NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE INFLUENCED. RATHER BE THE INFLUENCE. Our uniqueness always make us beautiful. Let us never change ourselves to conform to society’s shackles and chains. It won’t help if we compare ourselves to other people. We will only find what we expect to find.
If we think we are weak, everyone else will seem stronger. If we think we are strong, everyone else will seem weaker. There's no point in doing this. Let us simply look at where we are now, and aim to get better as we go forward.
It is good to have big dreams. It is good to want to improve. But if we start comparing ourselves to others, it opens the door for the enemy to steal our joy. If we don't learn to be happy where we are, we will never get to where we want to be. But if we choose to be happy, refuse self-pity and refuse to complain, then we are sowing good seeds for God to take us where we want to be in our future. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California:http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/comparingourselves.htm

DO NOT COUNT EVERY HOUR IN THE DAY, MAKE EVERY HOUR IN THE DAY COUNT. Circumstances do not push nor pull. They are daily lessons to be studied and gleaned for new knowledge and wisdom; knowledge and wisdom that if applied will bring about a brighter tomorrow.
When we are depressed, we are spending too much time thinking about the way things are now and not enough time thinking about how we want things to be. So let us dance above the surface of the world when we are disheartened and let our thoughts lift us into creativity that is not hampered by opinion.
When something happens to us, we can either feel sorry for our self or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep us from growing. We get to choose. In the end we would regret the chances we did not take.
I have learned that a stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist. END is not the end. In fact E.N.D. is "Effort Never Dies" and if we get NO in answer, let us remember N.O. is "Next Opportunity". So let us always be positive in life!
I have also learned that knowledge will give us power, but character respect. If we truly love life, let us not waste time; because time is what life is made of. To hell with circumstances; we create opportunities. Notice that stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.
As we think, so we shall become. In our self lies the whole world and if we know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in our hand. Nobody on earth can give us either the key nor the door to open, except our self. Our present situation is not our final destination… the best is yet to come. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippines Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/bestisyettocome.htm

THE TWO ENEMIES OF HUMAN HAPPINESS ARE PAIN AND BOREDOM - Arthur Schopenhauer. 
There's no excuse to be bored, to be sad, yes; angry, yes; depressed, yes; or crazy, yes. But there's no excuse for boredom, ever. Our life is influenced, directed and controlled by boredom. Let us avoid it by keeping ourselves occupied.
We can excuse everything but boredom. Boring people don't have to stay that way. Perhaps the world's second worst misconduct is boredom. The first is being a bore. Idle people are often bored and bored people, unless they sleep a lot, are unpleasant. It is not accident that boredom is a great preoccupations in our time.
There's a revitalization that goes on with us continuously as human beings. I don't understand, personally, how we can be bored. I can understand how we can be depressed, but I just don't understand boredom.  I know when I'm working, I seldom get into trouble. My educated guess is that boredom has caused most of the problems in our society.
Once hit by boredom, let us allow our self to be crushed by it; submerge and hit bottom. In general, with things unpleasant, the rule is: The sooner we hit bottom, the faster we surface. The idea here is to exact a full look at the worst. The reason boredom deserves such scrutiny is that it represents pure, undiluted time in all its repetitive, redundant, monotonous splendor.
Boredom is our window on the properties of time that we tend to ignore to the likely peril of our mental equilibrium. It is our window on time's infinity. Once this window opens, don't try to shut it; on the contrary, throw it wide open. Here’s an inspiring article about boredom:
http://timyrna.com/ATP/priceofboredom!.htm

Rumors can be lots of different opinions, based on what other people think. This is where lies
begin to build and develop into things that are harmful to others. We should get our information from the source with facts before sharing it.
I have learned not to dwell too much anymore, when people spread rumors about me as long as I stick to what is good, what is true, what is right, what is honest and what is real. For many
years I have been affected by gossip and I know people who have been, too. I've seen marriages destroyed by gossip. It is cruel. At the end of the day, all that matters is: Do we love what we see when we look in the mirror?
Let us try to be impeccable with our words; speak with integrity; say only what we mean; avoid using the words to speak against ourselves nor to gossip about others; and try to use the
power of our words in the direction of truth, love and compassion.
It is just as cowardly to judge an absent person as it is wicked to strike a defenseless one. Only the ignorant and narrow-minded people gossip, for they speak of people instead of things.
Here’s an inspiring article about the danger of gossip from our website, published by
​Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/dangerofgossip.htm

LIFE IS NOT ABOUT LIVING WITHOUUT PROBLEMS. LIFE IS ABOUT SOLVING PROBLEMS.
All the best things in life come packaged with a ribbon of risk. We untie the gift, we assume the
risk, and equally, the joy. In order to experience life in the full sense, we expose our self to
continual vulnerability. The secret of longevity is when we have learned what to do and how to do it well. Then look for new things to learn knowing that at first we may not do them well. The secret of good health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, nor to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly with
faith and confidence.
I have learned that we do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop
​playing; that growing older is mandatory but growing up is optional. The great blessings of mankind are within us, and within our reach; but we shut our eyes, and, like people in the dark, we fall foul upon the very thing we search for, without finding it. Should we find our self at a loss and pondering what is life all about, let us ask what our purpose is and be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Let us resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and the wrong. Let us seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child; look at everything as though we were seeing it either
for the first or last time; and remember that we are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but we are spiritual beings on a human journey. Then our time on earth will be filled with glory.
​Here’s an inspiring article about life: http://timyrna.com/focusonlife.htm

IF WE DON’T CHANGE, WE DON’T GROW. IF WE DON’T GROW, WE ARE NOT REALLY LIVING – Gail Sheehy. Progress is impossible without change and those of us who cannot change their
minds cannot change anything. There is a huge difference between wanting to change and
being willing to change. Almost everyone wants to change for the better. However very few are willing to take the step necessary to create that change.
I have learned that the one who falls and gets up is so much stronger than the one who has
never fallen. Let us never be afraid of change, we may lose something good, but we may gain
something even better. When we change our thoughts, we change our world. Change is a
process not an event. If we don’t like something, change it. Otherwise, sometimes we miss
amazing opportunities that the universe has sent us and in the end we might regret the chances we did not take, there are times we cannot change but we can always change our attitude
​toward it. Here’s in inspiring article about the need to embrace the changes in our Life:
http://timyrna.com/ATP/fallingleaves.htm

HAVE A HEART THAT NEVER HARDENS, A TEMPER THAT NEVER TIRE, AND A TOUCH THAT NEVER HURTS - Charles Dickens. Let’s keep our feet on the ground and share love abundantly but also let our heart soar as high as it will; refuse to be average nor to surrender to the challenges we come across. I have learned that educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. Let us put love in our heart, mind, soul, and even into our smallest acts. It is the secret of success. Let our soul smile through our heart and our heart smile through our eyes, that we may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts.
I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what we do, who we are, nor
where we live. There are no boundaries nor barriers if two people are destined to be together. At some
point, we will realize that some people can stay in our heart but not in our life. Throughout life, some
people will make us mad, disrespect us or treat us bad. Let God deal with them, because hate in our heart will consume us too.
I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for those handful of relatives and friends who
have given me a heart full of joy. I am very grateful. Let's face it, friendship makes life a lot more fun. In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures and concerns.  Our time is limited,
let us not waste it living someone else's life. Let us not be trapped by the belief of living according to other people's thinking. Let us not allow the noise of others' opinions draw out our own inner voice; and most
importantly, let us have the courage to follow our heart and intuition. Here’s an inspiring article about the heart that matters. What kind of heart do you have? ​http://timyrna.com/ATP/heartthatmatters.htm

HAPPINESS IS NOT ABOUT GETTING WHAT WE WANT; IT IS ABOUT APPRECIATING WHAT WE HAVE. 
No one is born happy but everyone is born with ability to be happy. We can be happy not because
everything is good, but because we could see the good side of everything. We seek happiness in material possessions, in riches; we are insatiable and never satisfied, and therefore, not happy. Happiness consists is loosening our grip on materialism.
I have learned to surround myself with what I love: whether it is family, keepsakes, music, plants, and
hobbies, whatever. Our home is our refuge. I have also learned that if I could not improve whatever I have,
I accept them gratefully believing that there is always a good reason.
I never put the key to my happiness in someone else's pocket. Let us laugh often, long and loud; laugh
until we gasp for breath; and if we have a friend who makes us laugh, spend lots and lots of time with that
friend.
To be happy is a choice. Why blame anyone in our life for our misery. Good person gives us happiness;
bad person gives us experience and worst person gives us a lesson. Let us avoid taking guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but not to where the guilt is. Here’s an
​encouraging article about how to be happy: http://timyrna.com/ATP/howtobehappy.htm​

EVERYONE IS GIFTED BUT MOST PEOPLE NEVER OPEN THEIR PACKAGE- By Salaam Khamisi.  
​If we look at what we have in life, we will always have more. If we look at what we don't have, we will never have enough. Let us reflect upon our present blessings, of which every man has many, not on our past
misfortunes, of which all men have. Let us always look at what we have left, never at what we have lost.
I have learned that every day that I have many reasons to celebrate and be grateful for all God’s wonderful blessings. I am very grateful for the unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the good and comfortable life and yes, even the hardship because they have served to make me stronger. Just as a
gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can a life be perfected without trial. These, I recognize and I
am very grateful.
Let us count our garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall; count our days, by golden hours and don't remember clouds at all; count our nights by stars, not shadows, our years with smiles not tears; our blessings not your troubles; count our age by friends not years.​
My life has been laced up with many difficult and ungrateful people but I am thankful because I have
​learned from them what kind of person I do not want to be. Here’s an inspiring article about being grateful published by Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/present.htm​

LET US KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE WHO FEED OUR EGO AND THOSE WHO FEED OUR
SOUl – Wisdom Healing Center. We must avoid having our ego so close to our position in
society and in life that when we fall, our ego goes with it. Leadership is not a popularity contest; it is about leaving our ego at the door because the name of the game is to lead without a title. Ego stops us from getting thingsdone and getting people to work with us.
I have learned to work really hard in whatever I am trying to accomplish in order to see the big
picture and not getting stuck in egotism. I believe we are all on this planet, each of us with
different a purpose. So, when we connect with each other with love and compassion that is
when everything unfolds. 
Instead of looking outside of ourselves and counting potential adversaries, let us turn our
glance inward, and take measure of our greatest challenge: our self and our ego, in our own eyes and as others see us. Yes, the biggest problem we face is to find out whether we are right or ​wrong, and identifying what our strengths and weaknesses are. Our ultimate aim is to see something, and to be something with humility.
Many of us are at a very low level of consciousness, we do not know how to treat each other as human beings. We are caught up in our own lives, our own needs, and our own ego
gratification. It is not hard to notice this trend in our daily Interaction in social media, the things we post so people will know how great and important we are instead of sharing to inform,
encourage, motive or inspire others. Here’s an inspiring article about letting go our ego:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/letgoourego!.htm

ALL THE WONDERS WE SEEK ARE WITHIN OURSELVES – Sir Thomas Browne. Yes, every
great dream begins with a dreamer. We have within us the strength, the patience, and the
passion to reach for the stars to change the world. We can develop our character through
experience of trial and suffering; through strengthening our soul, clearing our vision and
aspiring our ambition.
I have learned that success is not a destination, but the road that we are on, working hard
and walking our walk every day; that we can only live our dream by working consistently hard
towards it. That's living our dream. We become a person of value by putting our heart,
mind, and soul into even our smallest acts. We are only as strong as we allow our self to
be; never get discouraged, never give up because consistency and dedication are keys
to success.​
I have also learned that the greatest success we can ever achieve is when we help others
become successful. To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of
false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to know that even one life has
breathed easier because we have lived; to share, encourage, motivate, and inspire others what good, what is true, what is honest and what is real, without expecting something in return.  This is to have succeeded.
​Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippine Today, Northern
​California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/greatnessiswithinus.htm

WE TRY HARD TO HAVE SOME BALANCE IN LIFE AND KEEP ON WONDERING WHO ON THE
OTHER SIDE OF THE SEESAW. Life is like a seesaw. We need someone to play with. Someone
who can bring us higher than the sky and someone who can lift us up no matter how low we
are. A seesaw is made for two people so that when we go down, we hope there would be
someone to lift us again.
​Life is like a seesaw ride, full of ups and downs. When I was down some good relatives and
some good friends jumped on the other seat to bring me back up again. Thank you all, you
know who you are. I am very grateful. I have learned that we may slip but God does not let us down. His loving arms are always there to catch us.
Balance, it is all about balance. The center of the seesaw has neither up nor down, but upness and downness flow through it while it remains unmoved. We need to be the center of the seesaw so the pain flows through us, not into us.
I've heard people talk about the circle of life. What comes around goes around and other such
contiguous descriptions. But I think life is a seesaw, the kind used to populate every children's playground. Seesaws rarely balance. They're usually in motion, either flinging us up or
​dropping us down. They can be fun or they can be terrifying, a lot of it depends on the other person. Here’s an inspiring article about the seesaw: http://timyrna.com/ATP/seesawprinciple.htm​

THE WISE LEARNS FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS, INSTEAD OF JUDGING THEM. When we judge nothing, we will be happy; when we forgive everything, we will be happier; and when we love everything, we will be happiest. Our job is not to judge; not to figure out if someone deserves something nor decide who is right or wrong; but our job is to lift the fallen, restore the broken and heal the hurting. When we judge others, we do not define them, we define ourselves.
I have been judged many times in my life. I have known many false witnesses against me for selfish reasons but I have learned not to be bothered by them because dogs bark if they don’t know the
person.  I decided not to meet hurt by another hurt but instead, tried very hard to improve myself, my circumstances and to seek greatness. My mother was right when she taught me that when we stick to what is good, what is true, what is honest and what real at any costs, we always prevail at the end. 
Let us not judge each day by the harvest we reap but by the seeds we plant. Let us always be mindful of
the kindness and not the faults of others. If we judge people, we have no time to love them. Not all we see are always what they truly are. Here’s an inspiring article about judging others:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/thingsarenotalwayswhattheyseem.htm​

​OUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT WE HAVE, IT IS WHAT SHARE. It is during the worst storms of our life
that we get to see the true colors of the people who say they care for us. Let us treat others with kindness, we never know what burdens people bear now, what they are going through. We may have power to lift
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if we can't help them, at least we don't hurt them. Being a good person in life does not depend on our religion nor status in life, our race nor skin color, political views nor culture. It depends on how good we treat others.
The greatest people are those who were there for us when no one else was. Let us know the difference between those who feed our ego and those who feed our soul. Being told we are appreciated is one of the simplest, yet most incredible things we can ever hear. The world is full of nice people. If we can't find one, be one. To make a difference in someone's life, we don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful nor perfect. We just have to care. Here’s an inspiring article about a beautiful act of kindness published by Philippines Today, Northern California: ​http://timyrna.com/redmarbles.htm

WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES. We can either feel sorry for ourselves for what happened to us or treat what happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep us from growing. We get to choose.
I have learned that beautiful things happen in our lives when we distance ourselves from all the negative
things. Let us never be afraid to fall apart because it is an opportunity to rebuild ourselves the way we
wish we would. When we plant the seeds of faith and passion in our lives, we create path of opportunities
that would lead us to success and happiness.
Be flexible, notice that stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind. As we think, so shall we become! When we focus on problems we get more problems. When we focus on possibilities, we have more ​opportunities. Here’s an inspiring article about positive thinking:
​http://timyrna.com/positiveoutlook.htm

WEAK PEOPLE REVENGE. STRONG PEOPLE FORGIVE. INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IGNORE. When people
hurt me over and over, I think of them as sandpaper. They scratch and hurt me but later, I will be shining
and polished, while they end up useless.
A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever. Forgiveness is not always easy.
At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one who inflicted it. And yet,
there is no peace without forgiveness. It is the lotion that heals the wounds of unkind words and acts. The act of forgiveness takes place in our own mind. To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In
return, we do receive untold peace and happiness.
I have learned to forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness but because I deserve peace. 
Forgiving is not necessarily forgetting; it is letting go of the hurt.  I always try to forget what hurt me but
never forget what it taught me.
I have also learned not to waste my time on revenge. Those who hurt us will eventually face their own
karma. It really doesn’t matter if the person who hurt us deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a gift we
give our self. If we honestly discern what has transpired in our journey we call life, we would certainly
realize and learn that what goes around comes around for life is an echo and this is true for whatever we
have done to others and whatever others have done to us, good or bad . Here’s an inspiring article
​published by Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/forgivingwithoutforgetting.htm

LET US FORGIVE WHEN SOMEONE LOOKS DOWN ON US. LET US IMPROVE OUR SELF AND SEEK
GREATNESS. THAT’S THE ONLY RIGHTEOUS VENGEANCE. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.
I don’t think anyone of us is useless, otherwise God would not have created us. There is one God looking down on us all. The person who looks up to God rarely looks down on people. I have learned that
people... who look down on other people don't end up being looked up to. I also always try to be the best
I ever can be and never ever look down on myself. How I see myself is what people will learn from and
treat me; to see myself as the winner no matter what and a winner always will be even during difficult times. We should stop giving people so much power over our lives. Their opinions do not affect our destiny nor our purpose. So when someone is nasty or treats us poorly, let us not take it personally. It says
nothing about us but a lot about them. Sometimes we have to give up on some people. Everyone in our life is meant to be there, but it doesn't mean they're meant to stay. Yes, when other people look down on us,
the best revenge is to improve oneself, seek greatness, and have a great, comfortable and happy life.
​Here’s an inspiring article about looking down of others:  http://timyrna.com/ATP/giftfromadevil.htm

DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY THINGS HAVE TO TURN OUT THE WAY THEY DO? - Nicholas Sparks
Those of us who have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with admiration, pleasure, wonder and even ecstasy, are very fortunate. Without wonder, there is no progress; nothing gets done, nobody goes anywhere. If we don't exercise our capacity for wonder, we either use it or lose it.
God does not necessarily go the way we want Him to prescribe to us; rather, His way is beyond all
comprehension, free and self-determined beyond all proof. Sometimes we don’t understand and we take
for granted the real blessings that He generously always gives us. When we are humble, when we rejoice
and believe in Him, He marvelously does wonders where we despair; He takes what is little and lowly and makes it marvelous, and sometimes we do not even recognize it.
​ And that is the wonder of all wonders, that God loves the lowly; God is not ashamed of the lowliness of
human beings; He marches right in; He chooses people as His instruments and performs His wonders
where we would least expect them. God is near to lowliness; He loves the lost, the neglected, the
unseemly, the excluded, the weak and the broken. Here’s an inspiring article about the real wonders that
​we often ignore and take for granted: http://timyrna.com/ATP/realwondersoftheworld.htm

SOME MEMORIES ARE UNFORGETTABLE, REMAINING EVER VIVID AND HEARTWARMING - Joseph B. Wirthlin.  We can close our eyes to reality but not to memories. Many of us keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come and gladly share these keepsakes with others to inspire, build hope, and 
bridge to the future.
We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward,
they're called dreams. Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. One of the best ways to
make ourselves happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past. When someone is no longer
with us, we look around for some little ray of hope, some bright spot somewhere, a little love, a little mercy, some things and some places  where we can find some relief and some reminders of those who loved us
and no longer with us.  Even the little things we do can mean a lot; the light of someone’s smile, the
kindness on a stranger’s face, anything that can shed light on the memory of the people we do miss
can change our whole outlook on life and give us a new start.
Love is a really scary thing, and we never know what's going to happen. It's one of the most beautiful things in life, but it's one of the most terrifying. It's worth the fear because we have more knowledge,
experience, we learn from people, and we have memories to look back and hopefully to enjoy. Here’s a
touching story of a young girl who tries to relive the memory of her late mother in a very special way,
​published by Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/dress.htm

​CHALLENGES RE WHAT MAKE LIFE INTERESTING AND OVERCOMING THEM IS WHAT MAKES LIFE
MEANINGFUL- JOSHUA J. MARINE. Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is
what makes life meaningful. Challenges make us more responsible. Life without struggle, is life without
success. Don't give up and learn not to quit. I have learned that the soul usually knows what to do to heal
itself. The challenge is to silence the mind. We have a choice to take a chance or our life will never change. Sometimes, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; there is ...no point in
pretending that nothing has happened nor in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. Let’s face it with hope, faith and confidence and go forward. Here’s an inspiring
​story of Nick Vujicic, a man without limbs: http://timyrna.com/noarmsnolegsnoworries.htm

​JUDGMENTS PREVENT US FROM SEEING THE GOOD THAT LIES BEYOND APPEARANCES -Wayne Dyer. Sometimes people who criticize our life are usually the same people who don't know the price we paid to
get where we are today. It's easy to look at people and make quick judgments about them, their present
and their past, but we would be amazed at the pain and tears a single smile hides. What a person shows
to the world is only one tiny facet of the iceberg hidden from sight. And more often than not, it is lined with PAINFUL CRACKS AND SCARS that go all the way to the foundation of that person’s soul. Never judge,
learn to respect and acknowledge the feelings of others. Here's an inspiring article published by PhilippineToday, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/scarsoflife.htm

IN LIFE, WE HAVE A CHOICE TO LIVE OUR BEST LIFE EVERY DAY, NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCE. ​Life is like a camera. Focus on what is important and capture the good times. Develop from the negatives. If things don't work out,
just take another shot.
I have learned that there are no accidents in life.  Everything happens for a reason. Every person we meet, will have a
role in our lives, be it big or small. Some will hurt, betray, and make us cry to become stronger. Some will teach us lessons, not to change us but for us to realize our mistakes, and to help us grow, and make us a better person. Some would
simply inspire and love, to make us happy.
I have also learned that life is hard sometimes, but a life in which happiness is possible is also beautiful, and the path to a beautiful life is paved with beautiful thoughts, beautiful outlooks, that bring a smile and spread happiness to others.
Yes, life is better when we are happy, but life is at its best when other people are happy because of us. Let us be
grateful for the opportunities to improve our life for the better. Here's an inspiring article published by Philippines
​Today, Northern California: www.timyrna.com/tpedrosa/imaginelifeasagame.htm

LIFE IS PRECIOUS AND THERE'S NOT A LOT OF ROOM FOR ANGER -FRAN DRESCHER.
​Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is
poured. Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful than the injury that provokes it.
Anger is the most impotent of passions. It effects nothing it goes about, and hurts the one who is possessed by it more than the one against whom it is directed. It will never disappear so long as thoughts of
resentment are cherished in the mind.
Let us not allow any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths when we are angry. Let us not mix bad
words with our bad mood. We will have many opportunities to change a mood, but we will never get the
opportunity to replace the words we spoke.
Here’s a beautiful narrative of a couple who had been married for a long time and somehow managed to
make room in their love story for the bad mood, the hate and resentment that they sometimes feel toward
each other, published by Philippines Today, Northern California:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/angerintheshoebox.htm

PAIN AND BOREDOM ARE THE TWO ENEMIES OF HUMAN HAPPINESS - Arthur Schopenhauer. Boredom
​is the root of all evils and the reverse side of fascination. Both depend on being outside rather than inside a situation, and one leads to the other. Many bored people are habitual casino patrons and mostly
unwarranted and impulsive shoppers who maximize their credit cards. They are usually moody and they
complain too much. Boredom will continue to be an epidemic in the parasitic class of people who are never satisfied. It is not fun to live with a bored person. Most of them cannot stand spending few minutes by themselves yet they expect others to understand and spend even a lifetime with them. Getting busy, doing
what we enjoy and most of all developing an attitude of gratitude, are the best antidote/therapy for
boredom according to some experts. When we live with gratitude, we turn what we have into enough and
we live contentedly, peacefully and happily. Here's an inspiring article about boredom:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/dangerofboredom.htm

MEMORIES ARE KEY NOT TO THE PAST, BUT TO THE FUTURE. Memories could haunt us to recall days of sadness and hardship; we could haunt memories to recall good times and happiness. Sometimes we look backward to refresh our thought and restore it, to render it more fit for its prime function of looking
forward; and we surprisingly discover how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time. Memory is a complicated thing, although a relative to truth, they are not alike. Many of us try to manipulate
or control our thoughts through meditation and enter a state of nothingness. There certainly are times of
great tranquility when concentration is strong and we have few, if any, thoughts. But other times, we can
be flooded with memories, plans or random thinking. It is important not to blame ourselves but keep on
trying to relax and be at peace for practice makes perfect.
There are times when the faintest breath is enough to induce feelings of eagerness or anticipation, to
transport us back through time and space to a long-forgotten moment in our childhood. It can
overwhelm us in an instant or simply tease us, creeping into our consciousness slowly and evaporating
almost the moment it is detected but it keeps on coming back for us to either enjoy or to haunt us. 
​Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories; gratitude is for those who have tried their best,
faithfully, honestly and decently in their journey we call life. Here’s an inspiring article published by Philippine Today, Northern California: http://timyrna.com/ATP/tripdownthememorylane.htm

SELFISHNESS IS THE ENEMY OF A LASTING RELATIONSHIP. God creates us free, free to be selfish, but
He adds suffering that could penetrate our selfishness and wake us up to the presence of others in this
world. Self-centeredness in all its forms kills understanding, let alone compassion. When we focus on
ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on
others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the border of the mind and so seem smaller, and we
increase our capacity for connection- or compassionate action.
​Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to a selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in
other people but justify in ourselves. Intensely selfish people are always very decided as to what they
wish. They do not waste their energies in considering the good of others. If we try to make ourselves worthy of happiness, then happiness will come readily. The world is full of beauty when hearts are full of love.
Life ends when we stop dreaming, hope ends when we stop believing and love ends when we stop caring. So dream, hope and love... make life beautiful. Here’s an inspiring article about selfishness:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/selfishnesseffect.htm

There are no accidents in life. Everything happens for a reason. Every person we meet, will
​have a role in our lives, be it big or small. Some will hurt, betray, and make us cry to become
stronger. Some will teach us lessons, not to change us but for us to realize our mistakes, to
help us grow, and make us a better person. Some would simply inspire and love, to make us happy.
I have also learned that life is a staircase not an escalator nor an elevator, we have to walk our
way up and not to wait to be pushed up nor lifted up by others! Life is a balance, let us be kind
but don't let people abuse us, trust but don't be deceived, be content, but let us never stop
improving ourselves.
I have also learned that life is better when we are happy, but life is at its best when other people are happy because of us. It's a hard life sometimes, but a life in which happiness is possible is
also beautiful, and the path to a beautiful life is paved with beautiful thoughts, beautiful outlooks, that bring a smile and spread happiness to others. The best lesson of life is listen to
everyone and learn from everyone, because nobody knows everything and everyone know
something. Let us learn from Alexander the Great in the following article:
​http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/alexanderthegreat3lastwishes.htm

OUR LIFE IS LIKE A PENCIL. We should realize that we are a special person and no one else can fulfill the purpose to which we were born to accomplish. We should never allow ourselves to get discouraged and think that our life is insignificant; that we cannot make a change and make a difference. Let us take time to sharpen our insight so we can clearly see what we are about in this world. Here's an inspiring article about life:
​http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/ourlifeislikeapencil.htm ​

ACCEPTANCE, TOLERANCE AND FORGIVENESS ARE LIFE-ALTERING LESSONS. Some of us believe that holding on and hanging in there, are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it. I have learned that life is a series of natural and
spontaneous changes and not to resist them for it only creates sorrow; to let reality be reality; to let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they tend to bend/lean over.
I have also learned that understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there
be recovery; the more we know who we are, and what we want, the less we let things upset us. The great
Buddha said that suffering is caused by desire we have learned, and that the cessation of desire means
the end of suffering; that when we stop wishing, things will not fall apart, but we stop suffering when they do.
​ We have to accept pain as a condition of existence; to understand that doubt and darkness are the costs of knowing; that we need persistence and determination in conflict and in struggle but always ready and
capable to accept every consequence of living and dying. Here’s an inspiring article about acceptance as
​key to our happiness: http://timyrna.com/ATP/acceptancethekeytohappiness.htm

CHOICE, CHANCE, CHANGE: WE MUST MAKE A CHOICE TO TAKE A CHANCE OR OUR LIFE WILL NEVER CHANGE.
Making a decision is different from making a choice. In making a decision, we consider the pros and cons. After
analyzing everything, we would be able to come up into a decision. In making a choice, we know the pros and cons.
However, we still do what we want to do and disregard everything. The content of our character is our choice. What we
choose, day by day, what we think and what we do is who we become.
I have learned to choose, to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not
manipulated; to be useful, not to be used; to excel, not compete; I choose self-esteem, not self-pity. I choose to listen
to my inner voice, not the random opinion of others.
Life is inherently risky. I have also learned that there is only one big risk we should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing. A wise person makes his/her own decisions; an ignorant person follows public opinion. Here’s a
​beautiful parable of choices. Let us be guided accordingly! ! http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/wolfwithin.htm

MANY HAVE FALLEN BY THE EDGE OF THE SWORD BUT NOT AS MANY AS BY TONGUE. Words and hearts should be handled with care for words when spoken and hearts when broken are hard to repair. A lot of
troubles in our world today are caused by combining a narrow mind with a wide mouth.
For many years I have learned that many of us have been victims of unjust, unkind and malicious words
thrown upon us or behind our back and they have created much damage. In most cases they came out of
jealousy, resentment, to extract selfish compliance or unrealistic selfish expectations, even disregarding
the presence of gratitude for favor received and without regard to what the giver had lost or given up. However, I have also learned that we must forgive for our own sake. Let us remember that what we do and what we say to and about others come back to us in many folds for it is the law of nature, that life is an echo; that as the saying goes, what goes around comes around.
​Let us try hard to speak with conviction, humility, sincerity and kindness; not with arrogance, egotism,
​pride and likewise not hesitate to apologize whenever we hurt somebody with words. It’s the right thing to do. Here’s an inspiring article about the words we say: http://timyrna.com/ATP/watchyourwordsA.htm

HURT LEADS TO BITTERNESS AND BITTERNESS TO ANGER. WHEN WE TRAVEL THIS ROAD, THE WAY
IS LOST. Bitterness and resentment only hurt us, not the person we are resenting. It is hard to build
anything if frustration and unreasonable bitterness occupy our emotion. It is not hard to notice this
negative sentiment of bitterness and anger in our daily interaction with others. It has become a habit to
some of us.
​ However those of us who subdue ourselves shall be free; and shall cease to be a slave of passions. By
casting off evil and rooting out covetousness, retrospective bitterness and illusion, the righteous achieves inner peace and joyful spirit. I have learned never succumb to the temptation of bitterness for it is like
cancer that eats upon the host while anger is like fire, it burns it all clean. I know from personal experience how damaging it can be to live with bitterness and unforgiveness.  It's like taking poison and hoping our
enemy will die. And it is really that harmful to us to live this way. Here’s in inspiring article about
​itterness: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/disguisedgift.htm

PERHAPS THE LESS WE HAVE, THE MORE WE HAVE THE TENDENCY TO BRAG. The person who toots his/her own  horn has everyone running to get out of the way. There is no need to boast of our accomplishments, what we have nor what we can do. A great person is known, and needs no introduction. People who shine from within don't need a spotlight.
I have learned that bragging and boasting won't attract any real friends. It will set us up on a pedestal, however, making us a clearer target. Still many of us don’t get it, we brag in many different ways, in every opportunity we have. It is not hard to notice it in our daily interaction with others. Many of us brag to attract attention and feel important, instead of sharing to entertain, to inform, to encourage, to inspire, or to motivate others. Let us learn from the following article the greatest virtue called, humility.
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/braggingeffect.htm

FROM WHAT WE GET, WE CAN MAKE A LIVING; HOWEVER, WE MAKE A LIFE FOR WHAT WE GIVE. Our
happiness does not reside in our possessions, not in gold nor other material things, our happiness
dwells in our soul. The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual, forms a bridge among us which could become the basis of understanding much of what is not shared and lessens the
threat of differences among us.
Loving is best understood when we share: time, energy, food, resources, insights, and information,
whatever. When we give, when we share, encourage, motivate or inspire others, whether tangible or
intangible, we are sharing hope, faith and happiness that sharing brings, that could translate into positive changes and moral values like generosity and compassion, in our life and in the life of others.
However, we should be mindful of what to share. Sometimes it is a tremendous challenge to curb our
craving to share something to attract attention in order satisfy our desire for self-importance and other
selfish intentions. Human selfishness must not be ignored.  It is not hard to notice this trend in our daily
interactions with others. Here’s an inspiring article about the importance of sharing and kindness:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/cowandpigstory.htm

THE GREATEST FAILURE IS NOT TO TRY. Let us hold on to our dreams; let us not allow past failures nor
dire economic forecasts make us pessimist; let us keep our dreams alive and create our own
opportunities. Too often we just look at glistening successes but if we think closely, behind them in many, many cases are failures along the way. Those failures teach us every bit as much as the successes. There were failures before the storm and failures after the storm.
I had many setbacks and failures in life which only motivated me to learn and to try harder. I have definitely fallen on my face many times but I also have comparative successes in life because I do not easily give up.
​I have learned that we learn more from our failures than our successes, so let us embrace those mistakes, as difficult as that sounds, and grow from them. When we fail, we always know why and that is how we
learn and grow. We only learn from wounds, scars, mistakes and failures. And that's the truth. Let us
develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to
success. Here’s an inspiring article about success and failure:
​http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/closeddoors.htm ​

EVERY TIME WE OPEN OUR EYES EACH DAY IS A NEW GIFT FROM GOD; WE ARE STILL ALIVE AND
THEREFORE IT HAS BEEN GIVEN. Every moment in life has a purpose, and it is in learning to how to find
the good in the bad that will take us to our destination. It is important to be thankful for things that seem
bad, because in the end, hardship is the only way we grow. By being thankful, we treasure things around
us, and appreciate life in a better way; we learn that the universe provides us with abundance when we
give thanks. Every one of us is gifted but most of us never open our package.
Let us find one thing each day to be grateful for, such as our health; doing so, will make our body radiate
with energy; we will not only attract more good health, but we will also truly want to treat our body like a
temple. I have learned not only just to be thankful for the good, but also to be thankful for the bad ones
as well. Going through difficulty is personal growth specifically designed for us to persevere and become a stronger person which will allow us to cope with the next problem that will present itself in our life. Let
us be thankful for the strength we have garnered. I have also learned that when we are grateful, it turns
what we have into enough. Even if we have lost something, we look at what we have left and never look at what we have lost.  Here’s an inspiring article about giving thanks and gratitude:
​http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/valuewhatyouhave.htm ​

I HAVE NOT FAILED. I’VE JUST FOUND 10,000 WAYS THAT WON’T WORK.-THOMAS A. EDISON. 
​Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something. Sometimes we get bogged down by
little failures and feel defeated by our mistakes. I have learned to think of life's adventures like little seeds. Some seeds succeed and flourish, but only at the expense of many other failures. I have also learned that
it is far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failures...
than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. Winning is great, sure, but if we are really going to do something great
in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If we can pick up after a
crushing defeat, and go on to win again, we are going to be successful and be a champion someday. Let
​us learn from the Law of the Seed. http://timyrna.com/lawofseedA.htm

DIFFICULT ROADS OFTEN LEAD TO BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS. LET US NOT ALLOW OUR TRIALS TO
PUSH US DOWN, LET THEM LIFT US UP.  EVERTHING COMES TO US IN THE RIGHT MOMENT.  BE
PATIENT! Better things come to those who don't give up and the best things come to those who believe!
The moment we are ready to quit is usually the moment right before a miracle happens. Don’t give up.
Sometimes, no matter how much we want for things to happen, all we can do is to wait.; and usually,
waiting is the hardest part. Many of us give up so fast because we tend to look at how far we still have to
go, instead of how far we have come to be. Let us never give up on something if we think we can fight for
it. It’s difficult to wait but it is more difficult when we regret. When God pushes us to the edge of difficulty,
trust Him fully because two things can happen: either He’ll catch us when we fall, or He will teach us how
to step up out of the well like the donkey in the following story.
​http://www.timyrna.com/farmersdonkeyA.htm

HUMILITY IS NOT THINKING LESS OF OURSELVES BUT THINKING OF OURSELVES  LESS. - C. S. Lewis.
True humility is intelligent self- respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of
ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be. It means
freedom from thinking about ourselves at all.  I have learned that whatever makes us feel superior to other people, whatever tempts us to convey a sense of superiority, that is the gravity of our sinful nature, not
grace.
True humility is staying teachable, regardless of how much we already know. Too many of us overvalue
what we are not and undervalue what we are; we tend to sympathize with others but actually trying to
create an impression for selfish reasons. It is not hard to notice this tendency in our daily interaction
with others.
I have also learned that it is FALSE HUMILITY when we think less of ourselves than of other people; when we have a low opinion of our own gifts; when we are submissive, passive or tolerant and allow others to
gain something at our expense. However, still many of us sincerely try to share something to inform,
​entertain, encourage, inspire, motivate, and not to brag, to boast nor blow our own horn.
Let us wash out our ego every once in a while, as cleanliness is next to godliness not just in body but in
humility as well. True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. Sometimes we have to shut up, swallow our pride and accept that we are wrong. It’s not giving up, it’s called growing up. Here’s an inspiring article about humility:
​http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/humilityeffect.htm ​

WITH MONEY, WE CAN BUY A HOUSE BUT NOT A HOME. I have learned to solve my money problem by
first solving my mind problems. Wealth is no harm, but the inability to give it up is deadly. Happiness is not in having great possessions but in having few wants. To possess money is very well; it maybe a most
valuable servant; however, to be possessed by it is to be possessed by a devil, and one of the meanest
and worst kind of devils.
A truly godly person is more interested in possessing inner resources which furnish riches far beyond that which Earth can offer. Let us surround ourselves with what we love: whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, and hobbies, whatever. Our home is our refuge. Yes with money, we can buy a house but
not a home.
I have also learned that money will buy: a bed but not sleep, books but not brains, food but not appetite,
finery but not beauty, medicine but not health, luxuries but not culture, amusement but not happiness, a
crucifix but not a Savior nor a church-pew but not Heaven.
Time and money are the heaviest burden of life, and the unhappiest of all mortals are those who have more of either than they know how to use. Here’s an inspiring article about money:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/moneyfactor.htm

IF WE DON'T LIVE FOR SOMETHING, WE WILL DIE FOR NOTHING. Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. When we dare to face the things that scare us; we open the door to freedom. Most of our obstacles will melt away if instead of recoiling before them or procrastinating about dealing with them, we make up ours. I have learned that life is like a staircase not an escalator nor an elevator. We have to walk
our way up and not to wait to be pushed up nor lifted up by others! 
​Let us work for a cause, not for applause; let us live life to express not to impress; not to strive to make
our presence noticed, just make our absence felt. Yes, life must be lived and curiosity kept alive. We must never, for whatever reason, turn our back on life.  I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive. Savor life, savor all of life. Here's an
​inspiring piece about our journey we call life. http://timyrna.com/ATP/ourtrainoflifejourney.htm ​

GOD DOES NOT CALL THE QUALIFIED; HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED. One of the basic differences
between God and humans is, God gives, gives and forgives. But the human gets, gets, gets and forgets.
Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into a
victory; God will turn broken pieces to master pieces. When we are weak, God makes us strong; when we are strong, God makes us better. Sometimes God’s silence is in no way indicative of His activity nor
involvement in our lives. He may be silent but He is not still. Nothing happens by accident, God is directing each one of our steps. Even our when our plans fail, God always gives us better options.
I have learned that the secret of a happy life is giving God the first part of our day, the priority in every
decision and the first place in our heart; that God is the best listener; that we don't need to shout nor cry
out loud because He hears even the very silent prayer of a sincere heart.
Sometimes God doesn’t change our situation because He is trying to change our heart. Let us never be
afraid of change. Always remember, God will never take anything away from us without the intention of
replacing it with something much better. He always has something for us: a key for every problem, a light
for every shadow, a relief for every sorrow and a plan for every tomorrow. Here’s an inspiring article about a slave trader who later became an ordained priest and wrote the famous Amazing Grace, published by
​Philippine Today of Northern California: http://www.timyrna.com/amazinggracestory.htm

When we feel the entire world is against us, there is still a little voice at the back of our head that keeps
saying... "You can do it, I know you can!" That is because we can. Every struggle in life has shaped us
into the person we are today. Let us be thankful for the hard times; they can only make us stronger and
better; have patience and wait for the things we want most and we will get them in God’s time.
I have learned that we all have dreams. But in order to make our dreams come true, it takes an awful lot
of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and efforts. Here's an inspiring article that shows us how
misfortunes, trials and challenges make us stronger. They are the greatest motivators for success that
I ​have known: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/trialspartofadivineplan.htm

​LOVE WITHOUT DISCIPLINE IS FALSE; DISCIPLINE WITHOUT LOVE IS FORCE. The ability to discipline
our self to delay gratification in the short term, in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is
necessary prerequisite for success. True freedom is impossible without discipline. The really important
kind of freedom involves attention, awareness, discipline, effort, and being able truly to care about other
people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in countless little ways, every day.  I have learned not to
train the children to learn by force nor harshness; but direct them to what amuses their minds, so that we may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of their genius. We would be able most of
ll, to love them for who they are, not to spend our whole time trying to correct them. Here's another
​inspiring article about parenthood. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/allweeverdid.htm

HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER. Gratitude is one of the best tools to remind us of what is
really important in life and to connect us to others by expressing our appreciation. I wrote the article, "The 5th Commandment" several years ago as a tribute and recognition of my gratitude to my mother and to
serve as a wakeup call to those who have some issues with their parents.
I have always been away from my mother most of the time since early in life, but I have always been
guided by her prayers and wisdom. She taught me the power of inspiration, courage, perseverance and
she did it with strength and passion. My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seeds that I
base my life on. I have learned from her that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; that when we stick to what is good, what is true, what is honest and what is real at any cost, and we will always prevail
at the end.
​Our parents are the truest friends we have. When trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity
takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us; when trouble
thickens around us, still they cling to us, and endeavor by their kind percepts and counsels to dissipate
the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts if we are willing to listen. Let us try to
understand them; respect them; don’t take them for granted nor blame them for the troubles of our own
making. Here’s an inspiring article about how to deal with our parents:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/5thcommandment.htm

LOVE BEGETS LOVE. Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone; we
find it with another. The measure of love is to love without measure; true love sets no conditions; it does
not calculate nor complain, but simply love. I have learned how some parents had bargained with God
enormouse sacrifice for the life of their child; how they gave everything they had to raise the child. Parents have only good intentions for their children but in raising them, sometimes something happens beyond
their control even though they do everything in their power to keep their family in tact or sometimes they make mistakes.  We should understand because they were made out of love and their desire to prepare their children for a better future. Here's an inspiring story, a touching manifestation of fatherly love, giving
freely the gift of love and compassion without expecting something in return:
​ http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/daddyshands.htm ​

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO LIVE THE SAME THINGS THEY TEACH. Fatherhood is a very natural
thing; it's not something that shakes up our life but rather it enriches it. A father has to be a provider, a
teacher, a role model, but most importantly, a distant authority figure for the good of the family. I have
learned that the best thing we can do for our children is to allow them to do things for themselves, allow
them to be strong, allow them to experience life on their own terms, allow them to take the subway... let
them be better people, let them believe more in themselves. Pampering and spoon-feeding them would
only make them weak; they would not develop their full potential.
I have also learned that parents should not necessary educate their children to be rich but to be happy so
that when they grow up, they will know the value of things, not the price; that  the best way to give advice
to our children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it. Yes, being a role model is the
most powerful form of educating. Youngsters need good models more than they need critics. It’s one of a
parent’s greatest responsibilities and opportunities. Here’s an inspiring article about fatherhood:
​http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/wisdomandlegacyofafather.htm

​This article was brought about as a result of many conversations with unhappy parents through the years. I think the struggle for survival and desire for self- importance and attention of either or both parents and
children, in most cases, are the main reasons for the indifference, misunderstanding, too much
expectation or what we might call, “I don’t care attitude” triviality in the family. We hope that this article
​may serve as a wake call; that love, gratitude and forgiveness will prevail among us.
​WE NEVER KNOW THE LOVE OF OUR PARENTS TILL WE HAVE BECOME PARENTS. Parents love their
children unconditionally throughout their lives, no matter how old they get. However, many of us take them for granted; many of us spend years wishing our parents would get off our back, only to realize they are
the ones who really have our back. Some of us unconsciously try to use instead of helping them; try to
extract whatever we could from them. Good and decent children are more understanding and tolerant to
their parents as they get older. Let us remember them with love and gratitude. Our children will do the
same to us when we reach their age. Remember, what goes around, comes around!
​http://timyrna.com/parentswish.htm

EVERY GREAT DREAM BEGINS WITH A DREAMER. We have within us the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. We can develop our character through experience of
trial and suffering; through strengthening our soul, clearing our vision and aspiring our ambition. I have
learned that success is not a destination, but the road that we are on, working hard and walking our walk
every day; that we can only live our dream by working consistently  hard towards it. That's living our
dream.
​We become a person of value by putting our heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest act. We are only as strong as we allow our self to be; never get discouraged, never give up because consistency and
dedication are keys to success. I have also learned that the greatest success we can ever achieve is when we help others become successful. To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and
the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false
​friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to know even one life has breathed easier because we have lived. That is to have succeeded.

MARRIAGE IS GREENER WHEN PROPERLY WATERED AND FERTILIZED. Marriage does not guarantee
that we will be together forever, it is only paper. It takes love, respect, trust, understanding, friendship and faith in our relationship to make it last. I have learned that love is friendship that has caught fire. It is a
quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is honesty, respect and loyalty through
good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses. I
have also learned that all married couples should learn the art of battle as they should learn the art of
making love. Good battle is objective and honest, never selfish, vicious nor cruel; it is healthy and
constructive, and brings to a marriage the principles of equal partnership. I have likewise learned that if
we stick to these principles, we always prevail at the end.
​Many of us have learned the hard way that the secret to a happy marriage is to have peace with someone
within four walls; to be contented that the person we love is near and will emotionally, spiritually and
socially support us; that we both agree to keep outside interventions (especially the in-laws) out in our
marriage; and finally to accept our spouse wholeheartedly as a person without financially nor social
consideration. Many marriages we have known have succeeded because the couples did personally
decide what they want and what’s good for their own family not what other people wanted. I have likewise
learned that many advice, suggestions and ideas are good but many are also made for selfish reason(s).
​So beware! Here’s an inspiring article about marriage: http://timyrna.com/tpedrosa/marriage.htm ​

WHAT WE SEEK FOR OTHERS, WE FIND FOR OUR SELF. Our purpose in life is to be happy. We feel happy when we make others happy; what pleases us in others will generally please them in us. We don’t
perceive a sense of our worth until it has been reflected back to us in the mirror of another loving, caring
human being. I have learned that we need to focus on the karma rather than on the lesson for what goes
around comes around. We should never wish for others what we would not wish for our self. We are to do unto others as we hope they would do unto us. That is what love is about. Love never lives on a one-way
street, for it will always come back up the road bigger than how we had sent it down the road. Whatever we decide to throw out there will return to us. If we do not like what to come back, we should change our
output.
​I have also learned that our job on earth is not to criticize, reject, nor judge. Our purpose is to offer a
helping hand, compassion, and mercy. We each have the power to give. It’s the most gratifying feeling
ever. By reaching out to help others, we are sending ripples of positive feelings not only to them but also
​to us. Here’s an inspiring article about echo and the golden rule: http://timyrna.com/echogoldenrule.htm ​

THERE IS NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN BELIEVING IN ONESELF. All the thoughts and dreams in our minds and all the emotions connected with them will sooner or later manifest as our reality if we have faith. Once we accept and believe, we open the door to change. Change is not something we do, it is something we allow. Our aspirations move us towards the right place, at the right time, and with the right people.
When we succeed in good things, ultimately we will experience enlightenment towards success.
​I have learned that the negative energies we send in the universe will reap an equivalent or more of it. It
can come back in many negative effects. I have also learned the wonderful things happen due to positive
beliefs and good karma which make our lives beautiful. So let us consult not our fears and negativity but
our hopes and dreams; not our frustrations and unfulfilled potential, not with what we tried and failed in,
but with what is still possible for us to do. Let us dream anything we want, that is the beauty of the human mind; let us do anything we want, that is strength of the human will; and let us trust ourselves to test the
limit, that is courage to succeed. Here’s an inspiring article about faith:
​http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/reflectionofwhatwebelieve.htm ​

SOME MISFORTUNES ARE OPPORTUNITIES. Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to
overcoming the consequences of any misfortune. Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of
adversity or temporary defeat. Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know of no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our troubles, the greater is their power to harm us. 
I have learned that whenever we are struck by trouble, there is a higher purpose behind it, which we may
not understand at the time. Through suffering, God helps us improve ourselves and make good our
mistakes. It is a form of purification and also God’s way of testing the strength of our faith and the
goodness of our character. Suffering draws us closer to God because when we are well, sometimes we do not remember Him.  When we believe that hard luck is part of living, our trouble always turns itself for the better even the most painful turns in human affairs. Everything happens for a reason. The daily challenges, tragedies and troubles are all meaningful events that make us stronger leading us toward an ideal
conclusion. With that in mind, there probably isn't really any meaningless misfortune. Here’s an inspiring
​article about misfortune and opportunity: http://timyrna.com/ATP/considermisfortuneasopportunity1.htm ​

A SMILE IS HAPPINESS WE FIND RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSE. When we smile, we don't only appear to be
more likable and courteous, we appear to be more competent. When we see many people with smile on their face, then we must be doing something right.   I have learned to develop a thirst for a grateful and happy life; to be excited every day and be prepared to look the bad and the good straight in the face and greet them both with a smile.
I wake up with a smile, go to sleep with a laugh, and be grateful for another day. I have learned the power
of love; to focus on the long-term big picture; and the light-hearted approach sense of humor that always makes me smile and the people around me. Here’s an inspiring article about a gift we can give for free, but the rewards are priceless, both to the giver and receiver.
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/happinessunderournose.htm ​

WE DEFINE OUR SELF WHEN WE JUDGE OTHERS. It is easy to look at people and make quick judgments about them, their present and their past, but we would be amazed at the pain and tears a single smile
hides. There is a story behind every person. Let us think about that before we judge.
I have learned that what we show to the world is only one tiny facet of the iceberg hidden from sight. And more often than not, it is lined with cracks and scars that go all the way to the foundation of our soul. If we could look into each other's hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we
would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. So when we find
ourselves in the position to help someone, let us be happy and feel blessed, because God is answering
that person's prayer through us. Our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the dark but to be a light to
others, so that they may find way through us.
​I have also learned that what we have done for our self alone dies with us, but what we have done for
others and the world, remains and is immortal. Here’s an inspiring article about judging others:
​http://timyrna.com/puppiesforsale.htm ​

IT IS IN SHARING THAT WE RECEVE; IT IS LOVING THAT WE ARE BEING LOVED. The most useful asset
we can have is not a head full of knowledge but a heart full of love, with ears open to listen, and hands
willing to help. Compassion is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see and love is the master
key that opens the gates of happiness, of hatred, of jealousy, and, most easily of all, the gate of fear. I have learned that the more we are motivated by love, the more fearless and free our action will be; that we are
here on Earth to heal, not harm, we are here to love, not hate and we are here to create, not destroy. I have also learned that a love without reason is beautiful; that a goodbye without reason is painful. Yes, we can
give without loving but we cannot love without giving.  
We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone, we find it with another person. We can try stirring up friendly and loving feeling and try to use the ​power of love to overcome hatred, the world will know peace. Here’s an inspiring article about an innocent and sincere love of boy: http://timyrna.com/dollandrose.htm ​

​WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, DON’T GO WITH THEM. The size of our success is measured by the strength of our desire; the size of our dream; and how we handle disappointment along the way. The principles of
living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and
trial with humility. If we are ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.
I have learned that every disappointment that happens to us, every wrong, even every closed door has
helped make us into who we are; that when we face the worst that can happen in any situation, we grow;
that when circumstances are at their worst, we can find our best; and that success is how high we bounce when we hit bottom. Let us not allow today’s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow’s dreams.
Disappointments are just God’s way of saying, “I have something better, be patient, and live life."
​Here's an inspiring article on how to deal with disappointment: http://timyrna.com/ATP/howtodealwithdisappointment.htm

We spend so much time during our petty existence worrying about our image. Many of us have the
tendency of not sharing at all. On the contrary, some of us have the tendency of sharing too much, sharing things that are too personal; sharing something to make a selfish impression, like material things or
possessions; or sharing something that others may not appreciate.  Some of us feel that we have a duty
to ourselves to create and preserve a certain image from which others will perceive us. It is not hard to
notice these tendencies in our daily interaction in the social media. Sometimes the hardest part about
sharing is finding the courage not to do it.
However, although creating boundaries and maintaining positive image are admirable traits, by censoring ourselves, we deny ourselves the opportunity to share our most important thing, no one can see the world like we do. All our relationships are person-to-person; they involve people seeing, hearing, touching, and
speaking to each other; they involve sharing goods; and they involve moral values like generosity,
compassion and more.
I have learned that one of the best things we can do is to inspire, motivate and help others with our story. Whether it's with the health issues or with spirituality, we can try to run the negatives into positives. If we
can help others by sharing our story, then it is worth it. Our greatness is not what we have, it is what we
give. It is not what we have gathered but what we have scattered that we will be remembered. What matters at the end is how long we will remembered by whom and for what. Here’s an inspiring article about the
​benefit and importance of sharing: http://timyrna.com/ATP/bysharingwelearnmore.htm ​

​GOD IS NOT AN OPTION BUT A NECESSITY. Prayer helps us respond to misfortune with courage, to
react with confidence and to rebound with enthusiasm. Every day we live is a priceless gift, loaded with
possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insights so we could live with courage, faith, hope and
confidence. When our day starts with prayers and ends with prayer, everything in between seems to
always work out. Prayers are always answered. We don't have to beg or make deals with the Creator when we pray. The key is to pray with faith, knowing and believing that, what we ask for, we already have!.
​I have learned that when we allow God's word to shape our thoughts, it will shape our life; that we may
gain nothing obvious by regularly praying, but our anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, fear of
death and other negative thoughts could disappear. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is not gaining
but losing; which ultimately is the gain. Here’s an inspiring article about the importance of prayering:
​ http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/godisalwaysincontrol.htm

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE OBVIOUS HATRED IN THEIR HEARTS, REVENGE IS NOT THE ANSWER.
Vengeance is an act of turning anger in on oneself. On the surface it may be directed at someone else, but it is a surefire recipe for striking out emotional recovery. Weak people revenge; but strong people forgive
and intelligent people ignore. We should release disappointment and hatred at once when we feel we are
deceived or betrayed, so bitterness has no time to take root.
I am one of those people who were greatly disadvantage early in life and because I am just human, there
were times when my brain more often than not, was busily devising new and interesting ways to bringing
those who deceive, betrayed, took advantage or using me; those enriching themselves at my expense; or
being false witness against me; all for selfish reasons........ wishing them sudden, suppressing, struggling and agonizing hardship.
However, with God’s grace and with my mother’s great wisdom and guidance, I have learned to make my
ultimate mission on this world, not one of countering hurt with more hurt, but one of love and friendship
and kindness.  I have learned and realized with heartfelt gratitude that vengeance is one of life’s great
motivators; that to improve oneself, to seek greatness is the only righteous vengeance; that the best
revenge is to live on and prove oneself; that the greatest revenge is massive success, living well,
comfortable and happily.
May we not succumb to thoughts of violence and revenge, but rather to thoughts of love, mercy,
compassion and kindness. Here’s an inspiring article about vengeance and revenge:
​http://timyrna.com/ATP/revengeisnottheanswer.htm ​

BEAUTIFUL ACT OF KINDNESS IS AN OPPORTUNITY. The very best we can give each other is our love not our advice, and certainly not our judgment. Some of us need those who point out what we can do and what we are capable of; those who do not turn their backs on us whenever we need help. It is a beautiful thing
to see a person smiling and even more beautiful to know that we are the reason behind the smile! We can
always make ourselves a blessing to someone; our kind smile or pat on the back just might pull
someone back from the edge.
As we get older, we must remember that we have two hands: The first is to help our self, the second one is to help others. So let us remember that whenever somebody needs a helping hand, it is just at end of our
arm. I have learned that when we treat a person as he/she is, that person will remain as he/she is. But if we treat the person what he/she could be, that person will become what he/she could be. I have also learned
that what we have done for our self alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world
remains and is immortal.
So whenever we feel something as simple as a smile or a kind act will go unnoticed, let us do it anyway;
we never know how much it might change someone else's life. We only pass through life but once, so if
there be any opportunity to do kindness or any good thing we can show anyone, let us do it now for we
shall not pass this way again (William Penn). ​Here’s a beautiful act of kindness displayed to a mentally
​retarded boy: http://timyrna.com/ATP/bluerose.htm       ​

A Letter to My Grandchildren
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as well as labor does the body. If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old. I have learned not to train children to learn by force or harshness; but by directing them to it by what amuses their minds, so that we may be better able to discover with
accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of the children.
I have also learned that our kids require us most of all, to love them for who they are, not to spend our
whole time trying to correct them. Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers. It may not be difficult to store
up in the mind a vast quantity of face within a comparatively short time, but the ability to form judgments
requires the severe discipline of hard work and the tempering heat of experience and maturity. ​ Here’s an
​inspiring and realistic letter to grandchildren: http://www.timyrna.com/lettertomygrandchildren.htm ​

BEING APPRECIATED IS ONE OF THE SIMPLEST, YET ONE OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE THINGS WE CAN EVER HEAR! Every moment in our lives has a purpose and the path that will take us to our destination is, if we learn how to find the good in the bad, to be thankful for things that seem bad because in the end, hardship is the only way we grow. We should never forget to express our appreciation to those, who most specially give everything they have to improve our lives; and as we express our gratitude, we must remember that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.
Gratitude is one of the best tools to remind us of what is really important in life and to connect us to people through expressing our appreciation. I have learned, however, that the gratitude of the dog puts to shame some people who are ungrateful to their benefactors; that we seldom find them as long as they think we can serve them, as long as they expect more coming. Some people never remember the million times we have helped them, but only the one time we don’t. They only consider what they think we should have done and expect more, more…
It’s the ingratitude that really hurts. We often take for granted the very things and the very people that most deserve our gratitude. As we get older and wiser we realize that when people are given anything without having to earn it, they become ungrateful and lazy. Ungrateful people will never realize our values and what we have done for them. Let us surround ourselves with those who do. Here’s an inspiring article about a son who realizes the importance of his parents after applying for a job:  http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/mymothershands.htm ​

​May 14, 2017 is Mother’s Day. Let us remember with gratitude our mother who always loves us throughout her life; and no matter how old she gets, we are always be that amazingly beautiful child that filled her
heart with joy. Let us remember as well, with affection our grandmothers who mothered our parents; let
us also think with respect our mother-in-law who mothered our spouse. Regardless what many people
​think about her, some are really nice, trying hard and know where they should be. Here are some thoughts about motherhood: http://www.timyrna.com/heartofamother.htm

A TRIBUTE TO ALL MOTHERS. Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall, but a mother’s love outlives them all. The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When a woman becomes a mother,
she is no longer the center of attention, she relinquishes that position to her children.  Motherhood is a
great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day mothers are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending
their time and money on less-than-grateful children, or preparing meals, mothers continuously put others before themselves. 
​To the world my mother is just one person, but to us her children, she is our world. This year, she will be
101 years old. We pray for her with utmost love and gratitude Here's an article dedicated to all mothers:
​http://www.timyrna.com/forallmothers.htm ​

SPECIALLY DIRECTED TO COMPLAINING SENIOR FRIENDS AND ACQUANTACES. PEACE BE WITH YOU!  Let us learn to get in touch with silence within ourselves, know that everything in this life has a purpose
and waste no time and effort searching for peace, contentment and joy in the world outside. There is more happiness in giving, reaching out, sharing a smile, a hug, inspirations, etc. Happiness is a perfume we
cannot pour on others without getting few drops on ourselves.
​No matter what looms ahead, if we can eat today, enjoy the sunlight, mix good cheer with those around us, let us enjoy today and thank God for it.  Let us not look back on regrets for they belong to the past, nor too much to our dreams for they belong to the future. Once we start seeing the beauty of life, ugliness starts
disappearing; we start looking at life with joy, sadness starts disappearing because we cannot have
heaven and hell at the same time, we can only have one. It is our choice. Here’s an inspiring article about
​our priorities in life as we age:  http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/prioritiesoflifeasweage.htm ​

WHAT DO WE VALUE MOST? To many of us, LOVE is on top of the list. What is worth living for and what
is worth dying for; what is sacred; what is spiritual, what is honest and real. The answer to each of them is LOVE. Our outlook in life, our estimate of our self and estimate of our values are largely colored by our
environment. Our whole career is modified, shaped, molded by our surroundings, by the nature and
character of the people we grow up with and with whom we come in contact every day.
​ It was my dear mother who taught me to value myself. She told me that I could be what I want to be if I
have the passion, determination and perseverance to change my life for the better regardless of our
situation at that time. I have learned that we do not know the true values in life until we have undergone
the test of time.  It is the value of hard work by working hard and focusing to my goal at any cost that
I have learned along the way.
​I have also learned to value gratitude and humility. So many people had a hand in our success, from our
parents and siblings who motivated and encouraged us, our teachers who inspired us and many others
who have unselfishly helped us in our journey we call life. We must value everyone’s contribution and
treat everyone with love and respect. Here’s an inspiring article about what do we have to value most:
​http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/whatdowevaluemost.htm ​

IF WE BELIEVE, THE TRUTH WILL SET US FREE. We set ourselves free when we stop worrying,
wondering, and doubting; in having faith that things will work out, maybe not how we planned, but just
how they are meant to be. We cannot change the past, but we can ruin the present by worrying over the
future. Let us not be anxious about anything. If we fill our heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries
of tomorrow, we have no today to be thankful for. I have learned that in life, worrying is like sitting in a
rocking chair; we are constantly moving but we are not getting anywhere. Worrying does not empty
tomorrow of its troubles but it empties today of its strength. Here’s an inspiring article about setting
​ourselves free and enjoying life to the fullest. http://www.timyrna.com/tpedrosa/setyourselffree.htm ​

MANAGING OUR THOUGHTS. Our life is a creation of our mind. A great attitude becomes a great mood;
which becomes a great day, which becomes a great year; which becomes a great life. My imagination is
what convinces me that there is more to life and to the world than meets the eye. I have learned that the
first place that we lose the battle is in our own thinking. If we think it is permanent, then it is permanent.
If we think we have reached our limits then we have. If we think we will never get well then we will not.
We have to change our thinking; we need to see everything that is holding us back, every obstacle, and
every limitation as only temporary.
I have also learned that our mind is like a parachute, it does not work if it is not open; it is like an umbrella
in the rain, it won't protect us unless it is fully opened. So let us remember two important things in life: to
take care and manage our thoughts when we are alone, and to take care of our words when we are with
people. Here’s an inspiring article of how to live a peaceful and happy life by managing our thoughts:
​http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/managingourthoughts.htm

 ​THE FULLNESS OF LIFE IS HOW WE MAKE IT. Let us learn to enjoy every minute of our life; be happy
now; don't wait ​ for something outside of ourselves to make us happy; think how really precious is the
time we have to spend, whether it is at work or with our family. We should enjoy and savor every minute.
Being lost in thoughts, thinking about things to do, what has been done, or what could have been done,
is not only tiring but also a brilliant way to waste energy. It diminishes our peacefulness and clouds our
clarity. Every time we become lost in thought it means exactly that we are lost! However, when we allow
our mind to become quiet, we find ourselves and we become utterly tranquil. In quietness, there is a
stillness that contains a deep inner peace, wisdom and we find contentment.
​I have learned that contentment is a real wealth. When we are discontented, we always want more, more,
more. Our desire can never be satisfied. But when we practice contentment, we feel peaceful and happy,
and we can say to ourselves, 'Oh yes, I already have everything that I really need.' Here’s an inspiring
​article about being contented, peaceful and happy: http://www.timyrna.com/ATP/fullnessoflife.htm ​