Christmas in Our Hearts 2012: A Joyous Journey

"Christmas is all about remembering Jesus Christ and celebrating his presence in us. He is our guiding light, the way to the right path, and our greatest hope.  May we live the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, lead us towards a joyous journey, and  brings us joy, love, and everlasting peace."


Here comes the most beautiful season of the year--Christmas. This time of the year, I feel joyful and more blessed. The season where I can express my gratitude by giving thanks to the Lord Christ for a year that is abundant and meaningful.

This Christmas is the time to give, share, to express our loving spirit. It may not be through material presents, but the kind thought of giving good wishes and blessings to others provides more sense of fulfillment.

I am always fascinated by how people worldwide celebrate Christmas regardless of culture, religion, or spiritual affiliations. Through this recognition, the world feels united in Christ's loving spirit. 

What symbolizes Christmas in modern times is the presence of colorful and bright lights around, like Christ, who guides humanity towards a more promising path and illumines life. During this season, many families are amused by the decorations that they have made on their Christmas trees. The symbol of hope, a brighter and prosperous life.

Although I missed celebrating the previous Christmas in my home country with my family, I still feel connected and inspired to make the yuletide season festive and gleeful. It was indeed an excellent opportunity to have a glimpse of Christmas in a different culture. Hence, I have written my thoughts about last Christmas in Our Hearts (click to read).

Now that I am back home, nothing compares to the Christmas celebration with my family. Knowing how everyone is doing, and their state of being is good. Being genuinely connected and receiving blessings from them is a good feeling.

On Christmas Eve, I enjoy having a simple gathering with my family. The night party is full of excitement for everyone, especially the little kids. Exchange of gifts is usually part of this event, and it feels good to have given and received presents, simple acts of kindness yet memorable.

I feel blessed to have attended the Eucharistic celebration with my family, also popularly known as the "Misa de Gallo"- a well-celebrated and preserved tradition. This is a 'holy night' when Christ was born and is considered the greatest gift to humanity. 

Following the mass is the family gathering known as the "Noche Buena" or Good Night. It is great to share a sumptuous meal and some fun and laughter. This is a yearly tradition that we have been observing since this serves as a thanksgiving for the blessings of the current year and to wait a better year ahead.

Christmas is all about remembering Jesus Christ and celebrating his presence in us. He is our guiding light, the way to the right path, and our greatest hope.  May we live the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, lead us towards a joyous journey, and brings us joy, love, and everlasting peace.


© 2012 Del Cusay

Oprah's Lifeclass: Dreaming Big Life Work

When working for a dream, Joel Osteen, an American motivational speaker, shared with Oprah that it's more important to look back at how far you've come rather than focusing on how farther you have to go with your dreams. Gratitude is also essential in dreaming something big, and it is done through recognition of the blessings that come. 

I'm sharing my thoughts on several questions on working with 'Dreaming a Big Life.' 

1.  What do you believe is possible for yourself? If your answer is "nothing," why do you think that?

Everything is possible to acquire or achieve if I have strong willpower and then follow my actions. I have proven that whatever I want to achieve, I have to ask for it, believe it will happen, and then celebrate the achievement.

2.  Are you wishing or dreaming for something to happen? How can you change your wish so that it becomes a dream?

To wish or to dream could be synonymous. Wishful thinking is creating thoughts to produce future results, while dreaming is a goal waiting to materialize at any time. More important is to conceive ideas through a wish or a dream, have the will to achieve it, and reap the rewards afterward.

3.  Things don't happen overnight. What do you wholeheartedly believe you're meant to do?

Success in any endeavor is a cumulative effect of constant positive actions. What I do presently will predict who I am and what I will be destined to become. The present time is the key to the future. I may never know the lot, but I am determined to achieve my desires.

4.  What is your heart's dream (not material stuff like making money or getting a fancy car)? What truly fulfills you?

Material things are not my ultimate source of joy, although it makes me feel good. Success is short-lived, but to become fulfilled leaves a lasting bliss. What I can offer to my family and others fulfills me. Fulfillment is not based on age nor a destination, but a deeper and constant emotion of something achieved no matter what status you hold and whatever adversities will come.

5.  Are you pursuing a life or chasing a dream that isn't yours? If so, what is it?

Whatever I do is the result of my personal choice. I have the freedom to follow what I want to become. However, I need people to guide me on where I am heading. I still follow my life mentor, spiritual teachers, and even advice from family and friends. They all have a big part and contribution to my life and the achievement of my dreams.


6.  Instead of looking at the road ahead, Joel Osteen says, you sometimes need to look back and be grateful for what you already have. What are you most thankful for? What goodness has been brought into your life already?

It is essential to look at what lies ahead; that is vision. Nevertheless, looking back could lead to being stuck in the past, especially if there's an intense emotional attachment to specific events. I believe in being grateful for the blessings that have happened, whether from the past or present. Gratitude makes us open to more benefits that will come our way. In my life, I am grateful for having a supportive family and my unique skills/talents. It gives me joy and the feeling of prosperity--that life is abundant with blessings once recognized.

7.  Has anyone told you that your dream isn't possible? How will you use your energy to believe and not worry if you're feeling negative or discouraged?

There were moments from the past when I have been told, 'I can't make it' or 'I'm not that good,' followed by facial grimaces and derogatory statements. However, I choose to be optimistic rather than being affected. I know my capabilities and my limitations. I'm not easily discouraged and don't give up despite hindrances. Some people fear you will make it and would rather criticize than support you. 

In my blog post, "Following Our Heart's Desire, " I've shared my thoughts that we can achieve everything we want"Following Our Heart's Desire,," I've shared my thoughts that we can achieve everything we wanted if we genuinely aspire and need it. Otherwise, some will think our dreams are only possible once it is done.

8.  Every time a negative thought comes into your mind, replace it with a positive one. Do this for an entire day. Then, rate your day. Did it feel life-changing?

Sometimes it works, but it is also good not to block it immediately; I have to feel and understand it. It only means that my instincts are working and would depend on the proper judgment. If I've made the right decision and judgment, that's the time I feel inner peace and contentment.

9.  Is there an example of a time a door closed in your life--and a door to something even better opened? Can you see now why the first door was completed on purpose?

There were instances when I needed to get what I wanted. There were unanswered wishes and dreams or still working in progress, but I believe it happens for a reason. I realized that I was not ready to receive the blessings. Whenever I get something unexpected and opposite to what I've wished for, that's the right opportunity for me.

10.  Do you expect good things in your life? What do you expect now? Or what will you start expecting?

I see the bright side of life and that good things are about to happen anytime soon or soon. I don't want to expect it because it means I am very sure of what lies ahead, but I believe in myself that something good is already happening.


© 2012 Del Cusay