School - Not as quite planned

Good morning, everyone!
Original data - 13-07-2013

First of all , I suppose I «owe» you an explanation.
I know I have not been writing as often as before
I had my reasons, not only in professional, but personal matters , too.

Now that I am, at least, feeling (slightly) better
I would like to share a particular episode about the course I attended.

It did not go exactly as planned.
I always aim to get things done and finished, so my wish (and ambition)
was to get the diploma stating that the course was concluded.

This course was highly demanding of 1460 hours in total
There was several subjects too, from correspondence, English,
Computing Applications, Archive...

Then numbers. Many numbers...
I have done my best, but I was not able to pass certain subjects.
I know I tried. I am aware, too, that some trainers were supporting me
And hoping that I would manage to go to the next stage
(To work and apply knowledge at a company, in a particular department)

But I still had some of those subjects/units, behind.
And I could only go with everything with positive evaluation.
That was not possible.

[...] I still remember her calling me out of the classroom
The conversation began and I knew what was going to happen.
I was sort of expecting it, seeing it coming.
But I was still fighting a lot to recover the subjects/units behind.

That moment, that time,
Was when I gained consciouness that I couldn't do much more.

The ultimate decision was...
whether I wished to go the following day or not.

I mean, as much as I resisted and fought to have a positive mark on the units
And tried to recover through tests/exams...
It got to a point when I had those units left behind and little time to recover.

My self esteem was a bit bruised.
Tears came along.


I had to stop the battle [...]



After a while, I accepted what happened and took my own time to recover. Now I absolutely have another perception about what happened.



NOTE : I do not wish to throw a pity party with THIS.

What I want to say with this post

Is that not everything goes as planned.

It is my latest lesson.



What I want to teach and the message I wish to share is this

This course was not for nothing.

I was one amongst many to enter this particular course.



Plus, I have gained so much!

- Knowledge (that cannot be taken away)

- I have met some wonderful people such as trainers and my best friend along the way.

- I met the councelor on College who was a great support during this journey and even, after that.

So, remember...

Even if things do not go as according to planned, everything happens for a reason.
There might be a new opportunity out there for you,
Just rest for a while, warrior, to come back stronger and wiser than before.

Blessings!

Depression - Darkness?

Good evening, my readers!
This title might be tricky... and the timing too.
I remembered something that happened, some years back.
When I asked someone how could anyone be able to live with depression :

As in, the struggles, the "fight within" behind closed doors,
Even when someone breakdown at night, for instance...
The response was to... simply and actually live with it.

Some years later on, I understood it.
But until that understanding arrived...

I was in pure disbelief!
"What?!" , "How??" , "Is it REALLY POSSIBLE??" (YES!)

If you just knew me back then...
you wouldn't tell that it is the same person talking, now...

Since around 2008 that I have been feeling with ups and downs...
Now I still have them, but those relapses no longer grab me as much as they used to...
A fuller understanding about depression without dwelling about consequences can save someone.
(i'm writting with lowercase "d" for it to decrease its value, which was a start)
Can save you.

Then I pushed depression away, like a unwanted guest,
Or that neighbour we don't really appreciate
but sometimes we have to deal with him/her (...naturally!) from time to time.

Lets push some of the darkness off of depression
and find closure, this way.

God bless!

POV - Insecurities

Good afternoon!

UPDATE : Reviewed by Jam

POV : Who hasn't had any insecurities in some point of life?
I had. I mean, from minor, tiny insecurities...up to major insecurities...
it has accompanied me since childhood, until this very day.

Looking back, I see how much they chained me up.
Hence the importance of detecting and erasing those insecurities away (for good!)

Who knows me really well...knows I have two big insecurities
(quite self conscious about my body) then minor ones, as in,
thoughts trying to knock me down
(some leftovers from depression, I suppose).

I am stronger than that.

And so are you.
I confess, I still have rough times and thoughts lurking in
But I am not hitting rock bottom again.
I am «stubborn» enough to say that I won't allow it.

My advice is to directly fight those insecurities...
(Question how they appeared - source...and what can you do to lessen them)
- Plus think about the greatest in you - because it is there.
Whether it is a beautiful face or a smart, bubbly, caring or nice personality.
Nourish it, treasure it. Improve your «self».

- Think positively, it can open many doors and do wonders.
I'm curently aiming and targeting mine. I am going to win.
See? Starting one positive thought makes more pop up.
Let's do it!

Regards,

World - Being Vegetarian / Vegan

Note : Eventhough it isn't usual to happen,
This post contains translation in Portuguese!

[EN]
Good morning, dearest readers!
I hope everything is okay. Been busy with work (the usual...) plus trying to enjoy the Summer.
I will try to post as much as I can.

The subject for today is about being a vegan, or following a diferent lifestyle.
It is not just about stopping eating meat, or fish or eggs, unlike many might think.
Had this interesting conversation with one girl yesterday called Sara
all because I was really curious about the steps for someone to become vegetarian (and/or vegan, in her case) how long she was and what were the challenges.

I also had the chance to read her blog (fully written in Portuguese)
It makes us think twice about what we eat and mostly makes us ask questions, such as:
- "How did that animal ended up in our plate?"
- "How is everything processed?"

I believe it is very important to choose a cause and actually holding onto it.
She has a blog called "Animais fora do Prato" (Animals out of the plate)
And she is vegetarian for THREE years already. Congratulations Sara!

I'm leaving the link to her blog here.
See, read it, subscribe and / or comment at
http://animaisforadoprato.blogspot.com

God bless you,

---

[PT]
Bom dia queridos/as leitores/as!
Espero que esteja tudo bem. Tenho estado ocupada com trabalho (o costume...) e também a tentar aproveitar o Verão. Tentarei postar o máximo que me for possível.

O assunto para hoje é acerca de ser Vegan ou seguir um estilo de vida diferente.
Não é só «parar de comer carne, ou peixe ou ovos», ao contrário do que muitos possam pensar.
Tive uma conversa interessante ontem com uma rapariga chamada Sara,
tudo porque eu estava mesmo curiosa sobre os passos para alguém se tornar vegetariano
(e/ou vegan, no seu caso), há quanto tempo o era e quais eram os desafios.

Tive também a oportunidade de ler o seu blog (totalmente escrito em Português)
Que nos faz pensar duas vezes acerca do que comemos e sobretudo faz-nos interrogar:
- "Como é que aquele animal foi parar ao nosso prato?"
- "Como é tudo processado?"

Eu creio que é muito importante escolher uma causa e realmente dedicarmo-nos a ela.
Ela tem um blog chamado "Animais fora do Prato"
E a Sara é vegetariana já há TRÊS anos. Parabéns Sara!

Vou deixar o link para o seu blog aqui.
Vejam, leiam, sigam e/ou comentem :
http://animaisforadoprato.blogspot.com

Deus vos abençoe,

Stress - Coping Methods

Good afternoon , dearest!

It has been quite a while since I last wrote.
Many things have changed and I begin to understand that is the way life is.
To fit pieces together that are apart, in any aspect.
To bring challenges and even change...even chances to improve oneself.

I don't always have time to post or bring updates or the biggest posts
But know that this blog is on my thoughts.
And you are on my prayers.  My post for today is about coping methods and regarding the tools
that I have found to handle anything. I am delighted to share them with you all :

1. Call me workahollic... but one tool that I use is to work TONS.
Working hard, to forget and cope, somehow.
The biggest reward might come by the end of the month - I think to myself!

2. Use of the Rescue Thought.
I mentioned it before and it comes in handy in case of an episode of anxiety or stress...
Basically it is the «repeating process of conforting phrases to the self»
I do get stressed at times, I am a bit of a stressful person myself.
However, I have learned to tame that side, by using those tools.

3. Use of the Positive Thought 
Instead of cursing onto everything or being frustrated at anything,
anything that has happened and/or is happening
You can't control it, not every time.
It is not in your hands to grasp it...to change it.
Not every time. So why any anxiety and stress?

"Instead of a NO... say YES...
Instead of seing the obstacles in each problem,
See the solutions, because there is no problem without its solution
There is no lock without its key". 

4. Details... 
Ask yourself : "Am I healthy?"
"Do I have a home/shelter?"
"Do I have a loving family or friends? (or even one true friend)"
"Do I have someone, anyone loving?"
If your answers are «YES», the rest are mere details.

5. The thought about good moments...
Not exactly «holding onto the past» but thinking about stuff that makes you happy!
Happy in the now, moments that are a bit away but are still there. Present.
I, for example, think about dancing... those particular memories built recently.
I think about parties and the dinners.
That makes me smile...

6. Newest Weapon : Sense of Humor
I laugh it off...
I tend to laugh it off.
Did someone treated me bad on the phone? I joke about it.
I use sarcasm as a shield.
I do not treat others badly but I use this to protect myself
And also to not get affected by daily issues.

So, for now these are the methods I use to cope.
I hope I was able to help.

Blessings,

Work - The Dont's

Good afternoon,

This post comes after a brief conversation with one fellow colleague
who I built confidence with. She is older than me and wiser, I must add.
I was listening...  (Some irony and sarcasm are used in this post).

So the following advice are...

1) Don't confide to your boss.
...Don't tell where you are going,
What you do before or even after your job is done in the firm.
Work is work. Personal is personal. Why?
It can be used against you, when you least expect it.

2) Don't be too nice.
Me and my friend agree on this one.
I learned it recently, through experience.
If you are too much of a nice guy or a nice girl (in my case),
it is likely for people to say whatever they want to you
(they think they have enough «freedom» and trust to do so)
or have none respect upon your figure.

3) Smarts over Inteligence.
Sometimes being «smart» help you out of a rough situation.
Self explanatory to the ones who are smart in their job and get away with it...

4) Don't «explode»
My experience. Again. It can feel good, to reply to a colleague
who keeps on competing or gossiping or saying crap about everything or everyone.
It can feel bad to hear your boss disrespecting you...over and over...
But there are no awards nor rewards for replying.
They can only make the whole situation worse.

5) They.aren't.talking.
Or say to yourself "they are not important".
As in, someone is rambling, not quite in your favor,
but instead just throwing comments...
Well, Ignore them, they are no good.
Replying only make them feel more "accomplished" in their low life.
So, don't.

6) Don't confide to your acquaintances from work...
Because mostly aren't really your friends.
They are acquaintances from your job.

Truth is, few are or can be considered as friends.
Don't confide to your acquaintances...
...because it can be used against you (or not).
But it is better be safe now than sorry later
if anything unpleasant happens in your workplace.

I hope I was helpful...

Peace be with you,

Social - Free Hugs

One particular time I would like to register and leave it
for the forever-and-ever records: it's one afternoon
I went for a walk around Chiado where my hometown gains that special spark.

A spark of culture, colour and a variety of food and history,
for the ones who wish to discover it.

I was going for a walk when I found a group of girls
with a big poster saying «FREE HUGS».
Curious, of course, I had to approach.

They were speaking English, so I am not 100% sure
maybe they were English but I found that simple gesture so sweet.
The group of girls was smilling.
One hugged me and gave me a red card saying in the front
«SMILE ALL THE TIME =) »
and behind with a big smile « =) and a peace sign »

I hadn't seen the card but said « Thank you, dear ! »
« You're welcome , hun »
and off I went to my walk around the town again.
But I thought it was special, so I wished to share here,
what happened to me on this afternoon, during the summer of 2013.

Blessings,

Work - Situations (Love for Life)

Good afternoon, my readers,

I was to write this for some time.
It was something rather curious that happened to me
while I was working at a company at the same time whilst studying in 2013.
I always learn something during phonecalls.

It was a very cute thing.
A elderly man answered the phone and said he was 80
And that he was married for 60 years. Whoa.

How often do we see the so-much-called love for life?
Makes me reflect and picture this cute image that I am going to find
(Maybe I already have...w.)
That special someone to spend the years that are to come.

It is something that we have to save and keep from previous generations.
Values that must not disappear. It is a shame and pity, if it does.

Reminds me of the elderly couple that took the photos every season....
Source : fb-troublemakers.com

During each season, this couple took a photo together in front of their house. The series of photos tell a love story, but the last one will probably move you the most.

(source: viralnova)

Sad...yet beautiful, too, isn't it?

Many blessings,

Depression - Hope to Live

Good evening, dearest... !

It is night here where I live and I promised to myself that I would write this.
My testimony regarding depression.

I wish to raise awareness about this mental illness.
Not wishing to neglect any other, but this is one disorder
I have been going through, for some years in my life, in particular.
I can only pronounce about illness that I know or gathered knowledge / information about it.
So, I know depression and it knows me.
It knows that I'm much stronger than this illness.

We all need to see, little by little, that we are here to support eachother.
Not to hurt, bash, judge or create a war.
We are together on this...

POV : 
For years I was negative, with poor self esteem (due to bullying at school)
My pattern of thinking was negative too...for years
(as if I had a magnifing glass
and pointed out everything that was negative,
forgeting about the positive things in my life)

Source : Depression Awareness Worldwide

It began in 2008 when I was 16. 

I was a very revolved person, negative too.

As the year passed, I went to a downwards spiral in 2009.

Back then, a very important person in my life was my psychologist.

The school psychologist and I owe much to her.

Because there was a time too when I felt helpless.

Not the «false friends» or colleagues 

because they abandoned me when I needed the most.

The «friend list» dropped and I am thankful for it (not back then, but now)

Why? Because maybe, just maybe they weren't proper people 

to be walking around and being around in my life anymore.

The hope to live... My hope to live...

It doesn't have to be this way.

Fortunately the teachers helped during classes

And my psychologist was following the situation.

That image above is... 

«What if we saw other physical illness as we see depression?»

Makes me think. I was very resistant (not to say stubborn) 

about seeking proper treatment.

I changed my way of thinking after years of therapy and much support. 

It is not easy at all. But it is possible.

From mild depression with ugly phases (done things i'm not proud of)

Up to the now that I have the tools to live and face almost anything.

I am not going to refuse treatment again because I knew the consequences.

I am not indestructible but I am strong enough 

to deal with problems that may appear on a daily basis and cope/ handle them.

My mission now is to teach you what I have learned.

See through my eyes now. Seek help.

Praying for your recovery!

Much love,

POV - Ego

Good evening , everyone.
Today's chosen topic is EGO.
A very important topic... often to be seen nowadays...

There is a fine line between loving oneself and between being egocentric.
The word «Ego» comes from the latin (and greek)
«I» , «myself» which are self explanatory.

Ego can be very , very destructive.
It can blind anyone from sense, truth and reason.
Can shatter one into pieces.

Let not Ego take over...

"A true Master does not show 
All of his/her cards at once"

[...] He / She is silent and has discretion...
Wise to know the how and when.
You must know your value.

You are very precious.
Tell it to the world through your mastery
Not shouting to the world, shouting louder than thunder.

It is not about having a masters degree,
but instead to stay silent, praise, thank and appreciate.

Be your own master.
Dare. Love.
Love your surroundings.

Blessings,