2011 Year in Review: Endless Possibilities

There are many things to be grateful for in 2011. My life has had ups and downs this year, but I have struggled to persevere and endure the not-so-good happenings that brought sadness and tears. 

Yet, amidst these challenges, I've also savored the sweetness of life's blessings. As I see it, life is a delicate balance: a mix of victories and setbacks.

To triumph in life demands courage and unwavering determination. I've confronted my inner demons and uncertainties, striving to ascend, even if it's just a step higher. The person I am today is a testament to my readiness for change. I've triumphed over my old beliefs, perceptions, and self-doubts, knowing that 'I can if I will.'

2011 has been memorable as I recall the past events that made me smile for joy and cry for sorrow. Whatever those circumstances, they will be a thing of the past and will never be forgotten.

REFLECTION

The year 2011 began with a heartwarming New Year's celebration with my family. This event was a cherished memory, as we gathered to welcome the new year. The joy of sharing a meal on media noche, playing with firecrackers, and watching fireworks, all part of our annual tradition, filled our hearts with warmth and connection.

As we welcomed the new year, we did so with hearts full of gratitude for the past year's blessings and hope for the new year's abundance. Gratitude, we learned, is a powerful virtue that attracts prosperity into our lives. I am deeply grateful and feel truly blessed.

It is nice to reunite with loved ones and express love and affection. The beginning of the year was so bright, and it was an excellent start to achieving my goal.

THE BIRTH

We have also welcomed the new year with the birth of our youngest family member, Szymon Prince. He brought so much joy and blessing to the family. This young boy is the source of inspiration and happiness to his parents and siblings.

GRATITUDE

I have been blessed to become part of BE Life and have gained more profound knowledge and wisdom about different aspects of life. I have met wonderful people, such as my superiors, mentors, and colleagues, who inspire me.

I have become more insightful and learned to accept my higher purpose. Along this path, I have met like-minded people and served people to live their most extraordinary lives. I thank everyone who has touched my life; in return, I will continue to do the things that bring fulfillment to others.

I'm deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my spiritual mentors, colleagues, family, and friends throughout this year. Their presence in my life is a treasure I hold dear.

OPPORTUNITY

This year, I had the opportunity to travel and work abroad with my colleagues. This time, we will serve people of various backgrounds, creeds, and spiritual beliefs. I have accepted this challenge, and I will do my best to bring about positive results for the people I have met and served.

I have learned to be more optimistic. The power of positive thinking is valid and has made a difference in my life. There were moments of fear and doubt, but I shifted my thoughts to be positive and on the right track whenever they arose.

I have learned "The Secret" to endless possibilities: the three words Ask-Believe-Receive. I use these words to attract things that I want. We deserve to become abundant, which comes when we change our thinking. I have done it before, and I will pass on "The Secret" to my loved ones and everyone who may need it.

It feels good to have a self-inventory of whole years of experience. I have several questions about this year's inventory, like: Did I make any progress on personal development? Did I make a difference in someone's life? Did I grow in spiritual maturity? And so much more? On deeper reflection, I have found the answer to these questions and will continue to inventory myself each year for new personal development.

LIFE'S LIKE THAT

This year is not just a year of happiness but a moment of grief due to unexpected happenings. Life may be full of uncertainties and twists, and we have learned to accept them no matter how hurtful they may seem. This way, we know to be strong and courageous.

THE LESSON

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned in life is to view every experience, whether positive or negative, as a life lesson. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow and make a difference in the lives of others. Having been blessed, I understand the importance of sharing these blessings with those dear to us. How we can be a blessing to others is a challenge worth pondering and acting upon.

What an incredible year 2011!

© 2011 Del Cusay

Christmas in Our Hearts: A Wonderful Beginning

I have loved celebrating Christmas with my family since childhood. Christmas meant so many things to me when I was a kid, full of beautiful imaginations, like believing in Santa Claus and the gift to be received from him. As a kid, I had a meaningful experience during this season. For me, this is the season to gather as a family, having a meal together on Christmas Eve or Noche Buena. It is full of surprises like games, food, and gifts.

As the years passed, the landscape of Christmas changed. The belief in Santa Claus evolved, and the dynamics of our family gatherings shifted. There were years when we couldn't all be together, when the exchange of gifts was modest, and the festivities were subdued. Yet, the spirit of Christmas remained undiminished by these changes.

Every Christmas celebration is unique. We had several Christmas parties at school, parties with friends, and an exclusive celebration with the family.

Although the Christmas season is unique and extravagant, I have always remembered the real essence of celebrating Christmas: to give, share, and love one another—virtues instilled in my mind.

Celebrating Christmas is beyond values and virtues. More than the party, the gifts, and the food, it is the time to remember the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we have attended mass on Christmas Eve to commemorate His birth and to pray for blessings and abundance.

Moreover, Christmas is an excellent opportunity to reunite with loved ones, heal broken hearts, and forgive. This is in preparation for opening our hearts to receive many more incredible blessings for the coming of a new year. A more fulfilled life comes after an open heart—a giving and loving heart. Likewise, success is short-lived and never measured by how many material things we possess.

I've come to realize that true fulfillment transcends mere happiness. It's about how we live our lives, our impact on others, and our sacrifices for the greater good. These are the spiritual practices that define a life of fulfillment, echoing the virtues of Christ.

Although I won't be able to celebrate this Christmas with my family, I still feel connected to them. I don't have to feel lonely in a foreign land, knowing they live a good, content life with a sense of fulfillment.

I may be far away, but the spirit of Christmas is still there. There is no reason to be homesick or sad, but there is always a reason to smile and celebrate with people closer and dear to us.

This Christmas is, above all, and from a deeper perspective, about Jesus Christ. Hence, we must remember how to share indiscriminately, give heartily, and love unconditionally.

Christmas, as celebrated all over the world, would remind us to live with our responsibility beyond what we call being Christian and the virtues it has taught us should be practiced the whole year round, and that Christmas, regardless of race, creed, and religion, or spiritual affiliation will always be in our hearts forever.


© 2011 Del Cusay