A Decade in Review: 2010- 2019

The decade of the 2010s was the beginning of real-life stories about opportunities, commitments, achievements, and milestones. This is a decade of actual application of learning after graduation. 

Despite the hardships that marked the 2010s, I recall the moments when I rose above the pains, sorrows, losses, and defeats. This is the essence of life's bittersweet journey: victories and losses, regain and conquests, shape our path. The 2010s were a decade of resilience, a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome. Each year of the past decade holds profound stories of growth and triumph.

2010

The beginning of the decade brought us together away from home and my parents. Our siblings live and bond in Manila to celebrate meaningful moments and milestones.

2010 was the time when I gathered enough strength and regained my confidence to be more independent and unleash my inner powers.

2011- 2015

The first half of the decade was a period of significant personal growth. A pivotal moment was when I joined the BELife organization of Master Del Pe in April 2011. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards personal development and higher consciousness, through a series of empowering programs aimed at self-mastery.

The year 2011 was meaningful for me since I discovered the esoteric world, was exposed to and trained for Charity work led by Master Del Pe, and traveled to the tremendous spiritual country of India and visited some of its major cities to reach individuals, families, and groups and impart the teachings of Master de Pe, a renowned International Life mentor and spiritual leader.

During my 4 years of service at BELife and MDP Foundation, I gained knowledge and wisdom about life and other subjects taught by Master Del Pe. I have improved on different levels and will continue that valuable learning forever.

2015

A short and soulful journey happened in Baguio City, Cordillera, in May 2015. I have lived in this place and appreciate nature while enjoying its vibrant city life.

I trekked the mountains while enjoying the scenery and the cool weather. This is the kind of life I would want to live; a developed place where nature is abundant, protected, and preserved.

In September 2015, I joined the BPO sector as a Skills Enhancement Trainer. It was a great experience to manage a group of eager trainees who wanted to become contact agents in the BPO industry.

2016

In April 2016, I became part of The Medical City team in Iloilo City. I was a Patient Partnership Experience Manager and handled 4 units under its umbrella. I managed the Customer Service, Information, Patient Education, and Corporate Communications units. These units are the frontliners in hospital service, and we had to ensure that the patients and clients would have an excellent patient experience during their stay at the medical center.

2017-2018

In March 2017, I joined the automotive industry as a sales consultant and trainer at Ford Global City.

I never considered selling cars, but life brought me here. It was also at this place that I applied my customer experience knowledge, which I had learned earlier in my previous work.

That was a promising career but a tough one. To stay in this fast-paced job, you need more patience and perseverance.

2019

The Last year of the decade was freedom. Being free from the noisy world I used to live in. I have chosen to stay quiet for a while and gain enough energy before the start of the new decade.

This year, 2019, I was at home with my parents. I live simply and comfortably, and we have built a farmhouse where we can unwind. This is life away from the city—not a fast-paced life, but living in the Now! Living in the present moment.

As the 2010s drew close, I reflected on a decade filled with surprises, growth, and meaningful experiences. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey, and I am grateful for every moment.

The dawn of the 2020s, a new decade, is on the horizon, promising a fresh chapter and more surprises. I eagerly await the journey that lies ahead, filled with hope and the anticipation of new experiences and growth.

© 2019 Del Cusay

2019 Year in Review: The Greatest Love

The year 2019 is about to end, and it's the time of the year to review another roller coaster ride of life events and milestones.

This year 2019, is like a deep slumber. I am in a deeper state of rest and slow-paced living. As I experience this life, I learn life lessons about simple living and natural healing.

Religious Devotion

It was my first-ever experience seeing the flock of thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene on its feast day in January 2019. That was followed by the feast of Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, in the same month. These religious events strengthen my faith and belief in a Supreme higher Divine power who does miracles in our lives.

It was also my first time celebrating the feast day of The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish on June 27, 2019. The Blessed image is known to bring miracles for those who believe and pray through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, the Mother of Christ. 

I may not be able to celebrate the feast day of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish in the coming years. Still, my parents and loved ones will be there to express devotion through prayers and religious activities.

Personal Development

• Health.   This year I have learned to listen to my body and slow down. A balanced and healthy diet gives nourishment and healing from illnesses. Although it's hard to fully commit, it teaches me about health consciousness for a better living. 

• Meditation. As I swing through a hammock, I am relaxed and at peace. While sitting on a chair and seeing the sunrise and sunset gives a beautiful feeling about God's loving presence. That's my meditation. Feeling great and sometimes in a trance state but with eyes wide open. 

• Developing Habits. Waking up early morning and early at bedtime makes an excellent daily habit. I didn't have the luxury of quality sleep in the past years, so I feel great upon waking up fully recharged. 

Celebrating Victories

On May 14, 2019, our father was elected by the people to serve another term as a Sangguniang Bayan Member in our town. This is his 5th term in service since he started in 1998-2007 and returned to do in 2016 after 9 years. We are part of my father's victory as we fully support his candidacy and commitment to helping the people. 

Welcoming Opportunities 

On October 30, 2019, the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, or SIDC, was opened in our Community at the R&L Commercial building. We're grateful for this excellent opportunity to serve the people through various products and services offered by the country's largest Agricultural - based Cooperative. This is the greatest blessing not only for my family but also for the whole Community. We're blessed and hoping for more opportunities in the years to come. 

Sustainable Farm Development 

My parents have finally initiated their plans for sustainable environmental development. The newly developed integrated farm features Mahogany trees, different kinds of fruit-bearing trees, and plants that help cool off the surroundings. This is where we unwind and have a good conversation while having coffee. In the years to come, this farm will achieve sustainability as we open some livelihood opportunities.

Some of my Soulful Sunday moments were inspired by the farm. A natural environment is truly a gift from God, and we're healed naturally from being connected with nature. 

Christmas in our hearts

We gathered again as a big family. It feels great to see the kids growing up as a teen. We had a grand Holiday celebration over the past years, and that was memorable and meaningful. This year we celebrate the Christmas eve mass or Misa de Gallo at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish, followed by a Noche Buena, a good night meal to share with the family.

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ as the center of our faith, and it's the time to get together as a family. This is the best time to enjoy the year-end and renew old habits and beliefs. 

We may have a stormy Christmas day and a shaky earth experience, yet we're comforted and saved by His Divine Mercy. We remain resilient through the calamities we encounter, and it'll help us deal with future crises. 

One thing that moved me was the Christmas message of Pope Francis when he shared about the unconditional love of Christ, saying, "God continues to love us all, even the worst of us. You may have mistaken ideas, but you have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you." and that's the expression of His greatest love. 

We all have wronged with our thoughts, intentions, and actions at some point, but God continues showing us His love and mercy. He cleanses our spirits and uplifts our souls, so we may continue showing our love to others.

I celebrate the holidays with the people who matter in my life. We may have differences and life choices, but we bond stronger as one family. This Christmas is about love and understanding; we would want a New year with a new beginning. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Year in Review 2020: Overcoming Great Odds

Weekend Retreat at The Farm

Highland retreats are more than just a weekend activity for the family. They offer a unique opportunity to step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature, free from the usual noise and distractions.

An excellent way to connect with nature is to feel and embrace silence, to be distant for a while, and to be grounded. That's human nature; we always find ways to heal our bodies and souls naturally. And for us, it will always be our little sanctuary—our farm far away from the city.

A weekend retreat is a nourishment for the soul. We inhale the pure energy of nature, exhaling the toxic negativity that may have accumulated within us. These stagnant energies are like poison that must be released from our body system. Nature, with its cleansing and healing properties, rejuvenates us.

Our coffee tastes even better as we have a soulful conversation. This begins a journey towards the soulful discovery of our capacity for sustainable environmental development. It is in this place that plans and dreams materialize.

As I sip my coffee, I reminisce about when I first saw this underdeveloped site in the middle of 2019. In July of this year, the dream materialized through the capacity of my parents, who have been farming on this farmland for years.

This place is where we can experience solitude as we contemplate or meditate. It teaches us an important life lesson about contentment but being bold and daring to dream and survive.

We are leaving our little ones with a natural environment that fosters family connection and unity. Here, they can continue the legacy of love for nature and enjoy a quality and blissful life. As they grow up, they will learn to love nature and do their best to protect and preserve it, strengthening our family bond.

Our weekend highland retreat is a simple celebration of life. We will forever be thankful to the Divine for a meaningful life— where dreams are alive. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

When Christmas Tree Makes You Happy

Decorating for Christmas is a jolly moment for our family. It gives a joyful vibe and a nostalgic feeling about our childhood. As we decorate, we also reflect on how our decorations evolved through the years. Back then, we did not have a giant Christmas tree, but we made sure to have something to decorate for Christmas.

There's a special magic in the air when our family comes together to deck the halls for Christmas. As we string up the lights and hang the ornaments, we share stories that have become part of our holiday tradition. These memories, like the decorations themselves, add a vibrant hue to our lives as we celebrate Christmas.

For Christmas 2019, we wanted our Christmas tree to reflect how we feel and what kind of life we want. So, we set up sparkling multi-color Christmas lights around the tree and decorated it with glittering accessories.

Even in the midst of life's challenges, our Christmas tree stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us to let our inner light shine, to cast away the darkness and embrace the brightness that the season brings.

As we gather around the Christmas tree, we're filled with a sense of joy and anticipation. We're ready to bid farewell to the year that was and welcome the new one with open arms. We're hopeful for a brighter year ahead, and we're energized to make it our best yet.

Oh, Christmas tree! You bring light and color to the holidays. You bring smiles to the kids, the family, and everyone. You give meaning to a life worth living. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Garden I Want For Christmas

Christmas is a time for decorating ideas. It is about transforming the home into something bright and glittering, with a Christmas tree full of lights. It makes people happy as they accomplish their desired theme for Christmas.

But this time, I thought of doing something different. I have improved the landscape of our indoor garden. Several months ago, I had it on my mind and have made the desired transformation. 

Our indoor garden is more than just a place for meals. It's an open space with good air ventilation and a serene ambiance, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

What makes our indoor garden truly unique is that it has become a sanctuary for Eurasian  Sparrow birds. They serenade us with their chirping sounds in the morning for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. It's a soulful serenade from nature that adds a unique touch to our Christmas celebrations.

This garden is not just a visual delight, but also a source of nutrition for our family. With a malunggay tree and a papaya tree, it's a haven for birds. I've also added some tropical plants and a palm tree to enhance its beauty. It's now a tropical indoor garden, a living testament to the harmony between nature and our well-being. 

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a fulfilling activity with many benefits for health and well-being. As we bring a piece of nature into our home, we also celebrate the soulful and meaningful spirit of Christmas. It's a win-win situation that you should consider.

© 2019 Del Cusay

What I Love About December

What excites you about Christmas? Is it the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of endless year-end parties, the thrill of giving and receiving gifts, or the anticipation of the New Year's arrival and the fresh start it brings?

At some point, we have all experienced the Christmas mania that December brings. This is the time to mark on a calendar the most important event of sharing good times with the most important people. 

Some may have been planning themed Christmas parties, while others are looking forward to a holiday shopping spree, whether for gift-giving or buying a gift for themselves.

That's a fun-filled activity for the commercial side of the festivity. Perhaps the most expensive season, but one of the most memorable for whatever reason. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st of December, is about welcoming a merry and joyous season of love and peace. A heartfelt season to hug and kiss. 

I will spend the Holiday season in my hometown with my family. This is the best place to contemplate the year that was or year-end, breathing out of what is unwanted and what is to be renewed. As I look back on the past year, I'm grateful for the memories and experiences, and I look forward to the new year with hope and anticipation. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st day of December, brings calm wind and drizzle, setting the mood for the coming days before Christmas. The wind blows gently with a natural melody; the trees are swaying, the birds are chirping, and the people are singing—Christmas in our hearts is coming. 

© 2019 Del Cusay