Are You A Workaholic or Lifeaholic?

I bought a book entitled Simplify and Live the Good Life authored by Bo Sanchez, a renowned preacher, leader and entrepreneur. I don’t know why I unconsciously grabbed a copy of this pocket book. Perhaps my inner self told me that there is a need to do some simplification in my life right now. Being in this helping profession as a teacher, there are times that I do really feel tired and burned out with so many demands and commitments. Don’t get me wrong, it is not like I’m already losing my passion on this journey, it’s just that I feel I need some refueling to keep my passion burning.

I am indeed so thankful to this book, because it enlightened me with new perspectives and taught me many ways on how to breathe simplicity and become wealthy and contended in all areas of life. Every chapter has an action plan that engaged me to apply what I have learned. I also wrote in my journal all the insights and discoveries I learned from this book.

One of my favorite chapters in this book is about quitting workaholic habits. Bo Sanchez confessed that he was a true-blooded workaholic (Did we come from the same bloodline? Ha-ha). But, he is now converted into being a lifeaholic, who is addicted to breath, to balance, to love, to peace, to joy and to simplicity.     

According to him, workaholic people differ from lifeaholic people in the following ways:

• A workaholic works long hours, while a lifeaholic works regular hours.
•  A workaholic works with no defined goals, he just wants to be busy. But, a lifeaholic has defined goals and works towards attaining them.
•  A workaholic has no interest outside his work, while a lifeaholic has pleasurable interests outside his work.
• A workaholic cannot delegate, while a lifeaholic masters the skill of delegation.
• A workaholic feels that life is one huge problem, while a lifeaholic feels that life is one mysterious and wonderful gift.

Are you a workaholic or a lifeaholic?

We only live once. Let us start focusing on what serves as essential to our happiness.
Breathe simplicity and choose to become a lifeaholic!

Peer Teaching in Photo Editing

Our department is currently conducting a series of Peer Teaching as part of our Teacher Quality Circle Program. Mrs. Rona Reyes, our Head Teacher-In-Charge, assigned me to become the chairperson of this activity. I immediately wrote a proposal letter for this activity addressed to our Principal to allow us to conduct this endeavor that aims to further increase the mastery of the TLE teachers in the mini-courses they are teaching, improve teaching and assessment strategies, as well as to enhance their personality and total wellness.

The following are the proposed topics for the first batch of peer teaching:

•  Teaching Guides for Electronics by Mr. John Michael Gulmatico
• Personality Development for Teachers by Mrs. Rosanna Isidro
• Teaching Guides for Photo Editing by Mr. Marlon Lalaguna
• Teaching Guides for Hand Reflexology by Mrs. Shirbenly Garcia

Last January 23, 2015, I facilitated a peer teaching in photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Our participants were Grade 7 and Grade 8 teachers, who are teaching exploratory courses. The learning engagement turned out to be both fun and challenging for the teachers.    

A delightful learning engagement with my fellow TLE teachers

Pope Francis in Philippines

Our country is so blessed to be visited by His Holiness Pope Francis. Being the largest Catholic country in Asia, this apostolic visit became the most anticipated event for the whole congregation of Roman Catholic in different parts of the country.  A historical event to be considered, the Palace declared non-working holidays (January 15-16 and 19) in the National Capital Region.

The Young Jorge Mario Bergoglio
"Pope Francis"
Photo Credits: Catholics Online

Pope Francis was saddened by the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan to the people of Tacloban, the main reason why he decided to visit our country and personally meet the survivors. Braving the storm, he held an outdoor mass for all the worshipers of Tacloban, who were mostly families of the typhoon victims. Pope respected the sentiments of all the survivors who lost their houses, livelihood and even loved ones, but he still encouraged them to never let Jesus down because He never let them down. He said “But Jesus is there nailed to the Cross, and from there, he does not let us down. There, he experienced all calamities that we experience. Jesus is Lord, the Lord from the Cross, he is there for you!” These heartfelt words of the Pope comforted and renewed the faith of the survivors.

Just this afternoon, Pope Francis held his concluding mass at Rizal Park. Perhaps, by now, the world is amazed how strong the faith is of the Filipino Catholics. Despite the heavy rains, still approximately 6 million worshipers attended the outdoor mass. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend this final mass, so I just watched this momentous event through our TV. But, it’s okay, I still feel so blessed because I learned a lot from his homily. J 

During the Holy Mass
Photo Credits: Today Online

The following are some important points from the Pope’s final homily:

• The Pope was so glad to celebrate the Sto. Niño Sunday with us. The image of the Holy Child Jesus should always remind us of the link of God’s Kingdom and mystery of spiritual childhood.
• As today’s gospel, he cited Mk 10:15:  “Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”
• He mentioned the lyrics of the official apostolic visit song “We Are All God’s Children,” which he considered as a perfect message of Sto. Niño to us. In Christ, all of us became God’s adopted children, brothers and sisters.
• We should focus on things that really matter. Be reminded that the devil is the father of lies, and often hides his snares behind the appearance of sophistication. 
• He said that Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionaries of faith in Asia.
• Lastly, just like how he always ends his previous encounters, he earnestly requested everyone to pray for him.

I will always pray for you Pope Francis, for good health and strength to continuously lead us in spreading the light of Jesus. Thank you so much for visiting our country. Long live Your Holiness!