Possibilities spell out the likelihood of an event or thing from happening. You can also say that they prelude changes. And like life itself, possibilities aren’t just about dealing with solid negative or flat-out positive outcomes. They’re also filled with gray areas. After all, nobody ever has 100% information every time.
Instead of freezing up in the face of possibilities, here’s what you can do:
1. Get your facts straight.
You got to establish the premise that the possibility can exist at all. Look at the proof or evidence. How do they support or disprove the possibility? Though intuition can get you far, hard facts and evidences keep you grounded on reality and help you come up with a sensible plan.
2. Pick your stance.
Your attitude toward possibilities depends on their impact to your life. This means that you’re most likely to act indifferent if the possibility is less likely to happen and if it happens, it wouldn’t affect you that much. This is a case of live and let live.
It gets trickier though, when a possibility is more likely to happen and can greatly affect your life. You have to think about how the outcome can be an advantage or a disadvantage to you. Of course, when you identify it as an advantage, you may be excited or overjoyed! But if it’s a disadvantage, you may be frightened and anxious. These emotions are understandable, but useless. The possibility is more likely to happen, anyway. So you better get your act together.
3. Develop a plan and stick to it.
Whether it’s a positive or negative outcome, you need a plan on how to face the situation when it happens. When you identify the possibility as an advantage, determine how you can maximize it. Will it so that others can benefit from it as well. Express gratitude and infect others with positivism.
If the possibility would have an adverse effect, brace yourself. Identify the specific aspect of your life that will be hit the most. Is there any way to limit or minimize its effect? Determine the time frame that you’ll be working on. This will help you set priorities. You can also ask for help. In times when you don’t have enough answers, look for people who can fill in the blanks for you. You’ll never be 100% ready, so leave a room for faith. Everything does work at the end, but the essence of the plan is to carry you through it all so that you can reach the end.
In both cases, practice caution. Great expectations over possibilities with great advantages may lead to misery when they unfold in ways you failed to anticipate. And to fill your days with anxiety is to miss on other awesome things that life can offer. As always, thanks for dropping by!
This is Up North Adventures Part II! Now you get to have a glimpse of La Union, Baler and Subic! It’s business that I came for the former and leisure for the other two. These places define nature tripping at its finest!
La Union
Since I didn’t exactly came to La Union as a tourist, there’s only a few interesting places that I can share with you. Aside from the famous spots, the drive along the country side is something you’d enjoy (especially when you’re in the passenger seat).
Urbiztondo Beach: Surf Capital of the North
Just a stone throw away from San Juan Surf Hotel, the shores of Urbiztondo Beach is host to the province’s most anticipated surfing festival. Too bad we weren’t there for that. The receptionist said it’s usually held in October.
Comfy beds and nice ambiance. Though we only get to stay the night, it’s still a wonderful experience.
Surfing Break happens every October. Urbiztondo beach is a haven for surfing professionals and enthusiasts!
Halo-Halo De Iloko
For a quick detour, we dropped by this infamous halo-halo place in San Fernando City – Halo-halo de Iloko. Halo-halo is a native dessert – a mixture of sweetened fruits, milk, and ice cream sitting on a pile of crushed ice. It’s the perfect fix during summer.
Halo-Halo de Iloko has been featured on a television show and highly commended by celebrities. The place exudes this tribal, rustic vibe but the food itself is served with an enormous tropic touch. The halo-halo is served in a coconut, complete with mini-umbrella on the side. It’s aesthetically pleasing, is all I can say. You be the judge of its taste. Nothing so spectacular in that aspect, IMHO.
It’s halo-halo in a coconut! Doesn’t it look very refreshing?
The place has that native, rustic vibe. You can find pieces inspired from the provinces up north.
Oh, it has nails for eyes!
Celebs Been Here, Apparently
Baler
Recently, there’s a clamor from the people of the South to go visit this place 274km from Manila. Baler’s popularity is on the rise. Check out the places that we’ve been:
Millennium Tree
Contrary to its name, this enormous tree is actually a parasite. Balete is a parasite that lives off of its host, and this one has been doing so for the last 600 years. With 60m in crown diameter and 65m in height, it’s the Biggest Balete Tree in Asia. You can go through the tree by going under and over it’s twisted branches and roots.
It’s a tree, right? A parasite, but yeah, still a tree!
So, you want to know more about the Biggest Balete Tree in Asia?
Diguisit Bay
The jutting rock formations and the irregular shoreline of Diguisit bay make it a sight to behold. This pebbly beach lies 13.9km from Sabang.
Yes, that’s a man with a black umbrella on the shore. I know! Isn’t the beach supposed to be a place for basking under the sun?
Those rocks appear rough and sharp, a stark contrast to the smooth, serene waters.
Mother Falls
If you’re up for a bit of hike, then you should go see Mother Falls. Vehicle parking area is a bit far from where the hike actually starts so bring all your essentials with you. There’s no “formal” accommodation here, so if you decide to bathe in the falls, you got to trek down and change in one of the local shops. The coconut fields on the slopes plus the challenging track along the river makes the trip worth it.
Mother Falls, Baler
In and Around Town
We also went around town to explore other interesting sites. The Hanging Bridge is a joy to jumped on. There’s a small museum here, featuring oil paintings, religious artifacts and treasured photos of Manuel and Aurora Quezon. You can see historical markers along some streets. And as in anywhere in the Philippines, if the Church is within sight, you’d be sure to find the town hall and the market close by.
This house is the picture of affluence during the early 20th century. It’s owned by Aurora Quezon.
In many provinces, up and down Luzon, this sight of clothes drying under the sun is ordinary. I’m just envious that in these parts, the river stays pristine.
Tranquil waters below, bright skies above and verdant hills and mountains all around! Too bad I didn’t get to cross all the way.
Dedicated to Aurora Queaon, Civic Leader and First Lady of the Philippines under the First Commonwealth
Manuel L. Quezon, Indomitable crusader of Philippine Independence
Historical Marker
Subic
I like the roads going to Central Luzon. They just seem to stretch on forever. And the silhouette of the mountain range in front of you just urge you to move onward.
Subic Bay
Clear skies, bright sun, hooded and distant mountains. Great place for picnic, is all I can say.
Ocean Adventure
Yep, as the name implies, this place highlights creatures from the ocean! So have a video of cute dolphins strutting their stuff to some hip dance craze!
That’s all for my tours up north and central Luzon. I may be able to travel to other provinces soon. If you want to recommend more interesting places, share it on the comments box below!
Here in the Philippines, up north refers to Regions I and II. Places like Ilocos and La Union are usually top of mind. They’re almost synonymous to verdant hills, lush mountains, and frothy seas. This two-part post explores places you may want to visit up north. Ilocos is up first!
Ah so picturesque… Behold the Ilocos Norte Capitol, built opposite the Town Plaza of the maiden with gushing fountain and the oblation.
Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud Beach
Let’s start at a place 560km from Manila, where the seashore just glow crystal against the sun. The soothing blow of the wind syncs in time with the rambunctious splash of the waters. Over and over the waves roll… beckoning, inviting, enticing you to swim and bask in the sun. This is Pagudpud.
There are several hotels and inns around the area. There’s also a public beach for when you just want to make a quick day tour (which is what we did).
Locals wading in the water, Pagudpud Shore
Pagudpud Shores
The shoreline of Pagudpud
You can almost hear the sea heaving. Watch out, the froth’s coming!
Bangui Windmills
So much like loyal sentinels standing at 70m and 326m apart, these 20 Vestas wind turbines face the West Philippine Sea and bravely harness the wind’s energy. Altogether, they produce 33 MW – enough to power more than 20,000 homes (1MW: 645 Houses, based on this article).
In these parts, the waves can rise as high as 4m as they roll and slam to the shores. The wind pulls on your clothes, nudges you a bit, and blows your hair all over the place. Don’t take anything light with you, because once the wind tugs on it, you can never have it back.
More wind mills set up along the coast of West Philippine sea.
The souvenir shops along the shore of the Bangui Bay. You’ll wonder how these huts withstand the strong winds. They all look weary and forlorn.
Let have some perspective on how tall these sentries are.
A wind mill seen from the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Side by Side Now, Bangui Wind Mills
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
The man-made wind turbines are awesome, but the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is an equally breathtaking sight of nature in action. Oceanic and weather forces caused the rock’s creamy white and streamlined formation. It’s Mother Nature being harsh and beautiful at the same time.
Lam-ang facing off with a powerful crocodile. Lam-ang is the hero of the Ilocano epic, Biag ni Lam-ang (The Life of Lam-ang).
Laoag Sand Dunes
It’s the most thrilling, action-packed, adventure-filled 20-min ride of your life! Well, sort of. I wish I didn’t always had to slam on that metal bar, though. Hurts the chest, man! But the 4×4 ride has its own moments of glory! Like when it dove down a slope close to 90 degrees, or it stopped on top of a hill to give you this breathtaking view of the surrounding area. It’s all worth it. Like, thank-God-I’m-alive-to-see-this-moment worth it.
But the sand dunes really look divine, especially from afar, where you can see the straw-colored grass cover the hills like velvet, swayed from time to time by the gentle morning breeze.
You can also surf your way down the slopes, whether you want do it standing or sitting down is up to you. You’ll really enjoy it. Plus, you get to pay a visit to the West Philippine Sea.
Tour companies used to stop by the arc so that visitors can take photos. But it’s now deemed dangerous.
The pious and faithful patrons of the Church.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
This is where you can see one of the most amazing sunsets of your life. As the colors swirl in the sky and the sun decides to rest for the day, the muted scene of the country life steals your breath and holds you in that moment. The roads, for once, are almost empty and faraway. The treetops, meanwhile, are patiently receiving the last vestiges of sunlight. The waves slam into the coasts with such silent anger, they’re froth white and raging. After some time, the orange glow lose its warmth and you anticipate the falling of the night.
The veranda is the only place accessible. From there, you can have a wide view of the mountains, the forest and the sea. This Lighthouse is a National Historical Treasure. It’s still active today.
The sun’s soon to set, but this iron sentry keeps his post.
Sunset at Cape Bojeador
St. Augustine Church of Paoay
The Paoay Church is one of the Philippines’ National Cultural Treasures. Also, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve longed to get here, but not exactly for religious reasons. It’s always been my dream to touch something that’s been around during the early 18th century. I want to see and touch a legit Baroque structure. The bricks were actually made from baked corals. The church was under construction when we visited. I can only imagine how’d the sermon sound like bouncing off those ancient walls.
You’ll enjoy walking along the brick pavements or taking a short walk around the garden. The lawn is well-kept. There’s also the PAOAY brick structure where you can take selfies or groupfies. Opposite the church are shops where you can rest and eat.
Isn’t it just divine? One of the lasting Baroque structures in the country, St. Augustine Church of Paoay was founded in the 18th Century.
Interior, St. Augustine Church of Paoay
St. Augustine Church of Paoay
Historical Marker found at the Entrance of Paoay Church
Come take a selfie in Paoay!
Malacañang of the North
It’s a big house, built for selfish reasons. Imelda Marcos had the house built as a birthday present to his late husband, Ferdinand Marcos. The tour guide made sure to let us know that only fine materials were used to build the house.
As I was climbing that grand, Narra staircase, I thought about the children they could have sent to school had they chose to use simpler materials. Or if they had chosen to not build the house at all. Meanwhile, another tourist started chanting Oro, Plata, Mata and was truly delighted to know that the top landing coincides with Oro! Feng Shui wins!
There were several large rooms for owners and halls for visitors. Family photos adorn the walls. Some has been converted into museums or study. The veranda’s overlooking the serene waters of Paoay Lake. Such a shame, really! The grandeur of the place doesn’t compensate the rotten morals of the ones who had it built.
One of the many Meeting Halls in Malacañang of the North
Photowall featuring the Marcos Family
Masagana 99, as featured on the wall of the Museum in Malacañang of the North
Rant Galore!
Oh, and when we were in this hall that highlights the accomplishments of the Marcos regime, one visitor couldn’t contain his delight at how awesome President Marcos was! But his high didn’t last long, he was immediately reminded that those projects were done using the taxpayers’ money. It’s only right that they get done. It came with your rights as a responsible citizen, you’re entitled to such service because you lived up to your part of the deal. The projects were not outside the President’s scope of work. AH26 deserves commendation, though.
I’ll stop here, lest my political views muddle this post even more. Though I can’t understand why this seemingly useless thing is on display along with Imelda’s other collections? This article from The Guardian sure claimed that she also collects arts of the Masters. Shame, that fine structure of a wall should be graced with equally fine work of arts don’t you think? ‘Nuff said.
The Legend of Lake Paoay
What the water occupies now used to be a town full of rich people. But they grew greedy and they turn poor people away. So, the Heavens decided to punish them with heavy rains that eventually flooded the town. Not one of the residents have been seen since then. Locals suspect that all of them has turned into fish! One fisherman actually caught a fish with gold earrings on. Also, no one ever found out how deep the lake goes. The Late President Ferdinand Marcos even commissioned divers to measure the depth of the Lake, but none has ever succeeded.
The smooth, serene surface of Paoay Lake
Paoay Lake
Ilocos Sur
Calle Crisologo
It’s superficial to say the least. I may be lacking in appreciation, but I’m happy that we get to preserve some of it. You can just amuse yourself with the bustling crowd.
Typical day at Calle Crisologo
Rolling Along Calle Crisologo
Sorry, I can’t help it. It’s just so right!
Bantay Bell Tower
Ancient edifice watching over the city, utilized by the Katipuneros during the Revolution. You’d think that inside is as hot as an oven, but it’s actually quite cool. The sight at the top more than compensates your effort for climbing up the many flights of stairs.
Well, it looks ancient because it is! This bell tower has been around since 1851.
Historical Markers in Ilocos
Historical markers are sporadically spread throughout Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. And not surprisingly so, because Philippine history boasts a great number of distinguished individuals who hailed from this part of the country.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
If you want a place with the right amount of nature and history, then head to Ilocos. Arrange the trip with a local tourism agency or with your friends. You’ll not regret it.
A child’s tiny feet,
Blue, blue with cold,
How can they see and not protect you?
Oh, my God!
Tiny wounded feet,
Bruised all over by pebbles,
Abused by snow and soil!
Man, being blind, ignores
that where you step, you leave
A blossom of bright light,
that where you have placed
your bleeding little soles
a redolent tuberose grows.
Since, however, you walk
through the streets so straight,
you are courageous, without fault.
Child’s tiny feet,
Two suffering little gems,
How can the people pass, unseeing.
Tiny Feet Analysis
Here is one of my most favorite foreign poems of all time. I suddenly remembered it from years back. I got a link for a copy of this poem and read my comment, explaining its meaning. (Yeah, I’ve forgot all about it!). And I was glad because my comment (now you know my name is Jel!) was actually helpful.
Note: I also wrote my analysis on this page. The content will be more or less the same from the link above.
In any piece of literature, as in any piece of art, one should first know the history of the person who created it so as to have a fuller understanding of the work.
Gabriela Mistral has been called a feminist most of her life, but she’s really a child advocate. And she wrote this particular poem to call attention to child prostitution.
From where she was born, prostitution, especially of children, has been rampant. Children, at the very young age of 5 or 6, are pushed to this trade in order to help their families. Child prostitution has become just another social issue that people choose to ignore.
The title, Tiny Feet, is a phallic symbol, just like the size of a male’s feet connotes the size of his sex organ.
There are several imagery and symbols in the poem. The word “snow” can mean indifference. Just like how we describe people who seem not to care at all as cold. “Soil” symbolizes fertility, referring to the vulnerability of female children. Tuberose is a plant that belongs to the lily family. In literature, it means dangerous pleasures. “Two suffering little gems” refers to virginity.
This poem calls the people attention protect and give importance to children. They are the most vulnerable member of the society and as older people, we are responsible for giving them shelter, security and support.
As a literary piece, this work is so reflective of Mistral’s style. She’s not a stickler for traditional poetry elements. The most defining element of her works is the strength of emotions she’s able to convey through the various use of metaphors, symbols and themes.
This poem has brought me sadness, made me feel horrible and ashamed. Sadness because it’s true, child prostitution is a real social issue and a great concern at that. Horrible, because I just couldn’t imagine the plight of a child described in the poem. And ashamed because I didn’t realize what the author wants to say until a literature professor explained it to me (and I’m not an active participant to end prostitution). I was so ashamed that I got shallow understanding about this beautiful piece of art. I felt I wasn’t giving it the respect it deserves.
Much is also true for what I felt with Ghibli Studio’s movie, “Spirited Away” which also alludes to child prostitution. That discovery made me really sad. Again, I was clouded by my ignorance.
So, if you want to add your own analysis or interpretation of the poem, please do so on the comments below. Thanks for dropping by!
I believe gratitude and happiness are inseparable.
Gratitude is thankfulness, the acknowledgment of the positive things and great opportunities that you have and expect in your life. And happiness, arguably, is that wonderful, warm sensation in your heart that lets you know something you wanted or planned for is finally happening.
And so, if you can acknowledge even the littlest of things that you’re thankful for, you can’t help but be happy.
Sounds simple, right? But most people remain unhappy.
Be thankful for the little things.
Often, you tend to overlook the little things in life that can bring you happiness. These are trivial, sometimes mundane events or things that you don’t even consider. But when you start to be conscious about all the things around you, you may discover a lot of things that you can make you happy, or at the least, smile.
List all the things that you’re thankful for. You might be surprised how your happiness is consists of small, every day things that you usually take for granted.
Think of your favorite weather, the smile you received from a stranger, or that kind guy who offered you a seat on the ride home. These simple, usual events are your simple blessings each day. And if only you acknowledge these as such, then you might just realize that life is easier, more bearable because you get these little miracles every day.
Be thankful for the big things.
Of course, bigger blessings are hard to ignore, especially the ones that you really worked hard for. But still, most people forget to give thanks. They feel entitled. They think that because they worked for it, they only deserve it. It’s all on them.
And maybe this is one reason why most achievers lead an abundant, but unhappy life. They forget about gratitude.
You shouldn’t forget that great things can’t be achieved alone. You may have been the leader or the main man for a really successful project or business venture, but you could have never been at the top without the people who helped you, supported you and prayed for you.
I believe in hard work, in discipline and focus. But I don’t believe that you can get to where you want on your own. There will always be people who you’ll need to ask help from or those who will offer you their help. And for that, you must be thankful.
Acknowledge the hardships for they made you stronger. Recognize your team because they supported and strengthen you. Thank the universe because it conspired to make you successful.
Be grateful for the success of others.
We’re echoes of each other. And the more we support other people to achieve what they want, the more that we make ourselves capable of achieving our own goals and dreams.
Be grateful for the success of others. Photo Credit: tedeytan via photopincc
Instead of being envious or holding grudges or blaming fate, it maybe better to say our thanks that our brothers or sisters finally achieved their dreams. Tell the Universe, or your God or whatever deity you hold the highest respect for, that you’re ready to receive yours.
A month or so ago, I found this true-blue Filipino blog called The Pinoy Warrior. I went around the website and found content that’s really informative and credible. Author does research really well. But, among all his articles about Filipino culture, traditions and celebrations, I noticed he doesn’t have any entries about the definition of Filipinos.
It was around the same time that I came across Nick Joaquin’s statement:
“The identity of the Filipino today is of a person asking what is his identity.”
So I went ahead and wrote an email, asking if he can make an article about it. And he didn’t disappoint.
A Take on Filipino Identity covers Filipino history, the author’s experience and what he sees at the moment. It’s a very reflective work and very consistent with what Joaquin had to say.
“So who is the Filipino? No one can really say… Today it is a state of mind and a choice, for each and everyone who proudly says I am Filipino.” – Russell Lorenzo
There are distinct Filipino traits, then there’s our environment and the legacy of our past, and the influences that’s shaping our society at present. In all of these, we can see fragments of what it’s like to be Filipino. If we zoom out and attempt to make sense of it all, our interpretations will be varied and irregular.
This isn’t at all bad, because we can have great opportunities for growth and development as a nation. But it’s also our main drawback. Are these traits and traditions enough to bind us in one thought? Does our history make us closer and help us identify with each other?
But we’re a young nation. And maybe we’re at experimental (confused) stage. We’re slowly discovering who we are. And with all these things that we’re doing and exposed to right now, we’ll find that certain and absolute identity that we’re searching for.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aims to establish ASEAN as a single market and production base where goods, services, investment capital and skilled labor flows freely between and among it’s 10-member states.
This means that effective 2015, import duties and non-tariff barriers for products and services will be eliminated, while people living within it’s member-states will have the freedom to work from anywhere within the region even without work permit. You can access the AEC blueprint here.
What do we stand to gain?
This integration is expected to boost investments, job creation, and income in the region. According to a report from ILO and ADB, the integration will make the following possible for the employment sector across the region:
Increase in demand for skilled workers by 41% (will create 14M jobs)
Increase in demand for medium skilled workers by 22% (will create 38M jobs)
Increase in demand for low skilled workers by 24% (will create 12M jobs)
EVERYBODY-WINS Situation?
The same report from ILO and ADB cited that unless decisively managed, this integration can increase inequality and worsen existing market deficits – such as vulnerable and informal employment and working poverty.
Also, small and medium enterprises, particularly those in the agricultural and the services sector are concerned how this integration will impact their plight.
Positive Expectations
But the figures remain strong. The ASEAN region has 600 million population and an aggregate GDP of US$2.2, trading at US$2.4. We’re a very sizable market ready for disruption. These are the things that make the ASEAN integration very exciting for investors and consumers alike.
If you want to know more about the issues, challenges and how best to take advantage of the ASEAN integration, you can attend the 12th MAP International CEO Conference. Hosted by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), this is the culminating event of the first phase of their three-year program to bring awareness and prepare Philippine companies and business leaders for this major economic integration. With the theme “THE INTEGRATION MOMENTUM:Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunities“, it’s designed to equip organizations with knowledge and networking opportunities. The conference will be held on Sept 09 at Makati Shangri-la. You can find the list of speakers and topics right here.
#Stop the Beauty Madness campaign aims to create a new culture around beauty. A culture that’s based on holistic self-qualities instead of physical appearance or vital statistics. A culture that encourages women to raise their confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. A culture that wants women to acknowledge that they’re enough, and for me, perfect as who they are.
They have various ads for the campaign, which features women of all ages. They also have a website and Facebook fan page, Twitter and Instagram.
Pretty. Ad Campaign for #StopTheBeautyMadness
But what, really, is beauty madness? Does the culture of beauty madness exist? What does it mean to be beautiful in the first place?
Let’s get real. Beauty is something that we all aspire for. We all have a yearning towards it. Beauty evokes feelings within us and moves us into action. It’s a self-satisfying experience to say the least. And that makes it very personal. The conflict comes in when we try to represent or embody our idea of beauty to others.
But as humans, we tend to overlook our own version of beauty so that we can belong to a group. We compromise our own beliefs to what the majority dictates so that we can be accepted. And only then, we’ll feel that we’re being recognized.
And there lies the problem.
The two or three similar opinions of others do not need to become your truth. And I am not saying this to promote disunity or rebellious attitude. Cases like, since you and I have different opinions on this, we can never agree, therefore, cannot be in harmony. No, what I’m saying is that, our society lacks respect for singular opinion and understanding of where that opinion is coming from.
And here’s another irony.
We put blame on the media, on the other people that we interact with everyday, their narrow views and their judgmental attitudes. But, when did we ever look within ourselves?
You got to take 100% responsibility of your life. This means, you’re in control of which opinions to believe, which influences you allow to enter your mind and affect your life.
So, if you think and feel that you got to conform to what majority thinks is beautiful, you decided on it. That was your choice. And by choice, it means that you have all the rights in the world not to take it in the first place.
So, let’s take a moment here to think back on the latest issue of the beauty magazine that you’ve seen, or that last ad for an amazing beauty product, or even that gorgeous ensemble of clothes, shoes and bag at the boutique.
It’s called marketing, the activity is called promotion, specifically, using a print ad. No brute force right here, only gives you options on achieving your wants. Photo Credit: classic_film via photopincc
The thing is, the owner of those products knows you enough to arrange certain elements that would certainly catch your attention. What you see in the media is the reflection of what you want. Why would they let you see something that you don’t like? That will definitely not pull in any revenues. That’s bad business.
I have nothing against women who wants to be like a supermodel, or who wants to get a nose-job or boob-job. It’s their preference. It can be the thing that makes them feel good about themselves. Or it can be their way of expressing self-love.
It’s all about choices. Choices that hopefully, they made in line with their values and not because other people think it’s cool or because they heard it from someone else.
I recommend moderation. Because whatever’s done in excess never ends up with something good. You want to lose weight? Please be reasonable and do it the right way. You want whiter, smoother skin? Please ask yourself if that would serve you well.
Always, always ask yourself if you’re doing these things for the right reasons.
And the idea that physically attractive people should just be on the cover of magazine and nothing else… Defies all reasons and common sense. Don’t you have any imagination? Those physically attractive people can go after any dreams that they like. They can be anything that they like to be.
Remember, you don’t have power over any other person, unless, UNLESS they let you. The reverse is also true. No one can have power over you without your permission.
So, personally, I don’t think that there’s beauty madness, that one perception of beauty is more acceptable than others, or wanting to be beautiful should be condemned.
I’m for diversity. The more ideas of beauty we have, the more representations we can make of it, the better. That way, we’ll have more options, more perspectives, more opportunities to learn about ourselves and our values. The more we can build something that’s definitely us. A personality we created out of our own choices. Our very own version of beautiful.
What about you? What’s your take on beauty? This campaign? Do you agree with this post? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading!
Photo Credit: 
jelsjournal.home.blog 