I was not planning to blog during my U.S. vacation as I wanted to savour every minute with my family and friends. With the sole purpose of relaxing and making memories, my mind was set. But, I am awakened with the truth that blogging at this point in my life is my calling. I have received numerous private messages from strangers and friends asking me to update. Without any sense of urgency, I let the messages slide and went on with my fun. Yet, the “bloggable” moments (which I believe to be God’s prodding) just came pouring in. So as the New Year sets in, let me start with this post. It is my sincere hope that each of you reading this will grow in your spiritual life and at handling life’s curve balls.
Jetlag has been manageable and it has actually fixed my out of whack Manila body clock. I have been able to sleep early and wake up early over here. There is a major gift attached to my mornings too. The gift of quiet time and having the perfect prayer spot in a home so generously lent to us by a dear friend.
a short morning trek to the garden gazebo amidst oranges, lemons, and many other fruit bering trees have made my quiet time so meaningful
Then, one morning I woke up to nasty comments on social media. I read these messages with detachment and said to myself, how can anyone take time out for things like this? I was surprised that I was not the least bit bothered or angry. Only bewildered at how one can have so much hate. Is this person angry with me? Or is this a simple case of bashing? But why me? Why would someone who does not know me want to hurt or shame me in any way? Too many questions and only one answer—do not take it personally. Many of life’s problems would disappear if the ego is not fed. What drives any human to cultivate and draw from that hate at the pit of his or her soul really leaves me confused. For one to go out of their way to create an account just to bash and feed the desire to hate on social media is mind boggling and pitiful. But the goal is to reach the point wherein you realize you have nothing to be ashamed of when people make you a target of their anger. A life mantra for me has been the saying “whatever doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.” Hate is a reflection of a troubled and wounded heart. Bask in the knowledge that yours is not. It is a precious gift to behold. How one can think they can make you weak, pain you or shame your very core is absolute arrogance. Do not succumb to it.
proof that a gentle answer turns away wrath. i answered without being upset and the hater took their whole account down
first signs of apples ready to multiply. hope for days ahead
I leave you with this; in my case, I feel, it is better to be called poor than branded a user. And as for any nasty comment thrown at you? Do not let anybody define who you are. Your only job is to build your own set of strong moral fibers and define yourself. A peaceful 2016 ahead. Happy New Year!
I found myself with moist eyes after reading this entry,and somewhat felt a lump in my throat.
Ms.Nicole,I have followed you on Istagram,albeit irregularly.I drool over your cheese pimiento just looking at the pics and reading the comments of those who tried it.At times,I would sigh at random photos you post that pull my heartstrings…I would marvel at the friendship you have with the ladies who are with you on this “#bhholiday”.At one time you inspired me to almost start my own blogging,but I am such a procrastinator that the inspiration hasn’t turned onto a reality.You had a post about gourmand market and there was a line that went like “…a place under the sun” and I thought Im gonna make that the name of my blog,because hey,everyone has a place under the sun,and also because i dont know what to blog about,and your line was perfect,it could be blogging about anything.Sorry this is long.I just want you to know that there are a lot of strangers like me who find inspiration and positivity in your posts.Keep it coming!Best wishes this 2016!
Godspeed,
Len Bravo
Thank you for this Len. It is this that makes me want to go on and inspire. Your words have blessed me today. I am grateful. Follow your dreams and let me know when you’ve made it happen. God bless…
Oh my God!You replied!I will do that,Miss Nicole…like I will definitely do that!!!When I get started,I will tag you and let you know.
Godspeed!
I like your simplicity and style Miss Nicole! For me you are classy. Your beauty is coming from within. Just pray for the those people.
At the end of the day, your relationships with the people in your life will be greater assets than any material things. Take time. Be present. You’ll thank yourself for it later.-Vironika
Tugaleva
Thank you so much for your insight…
Your so nice , with Class … I admire you Ms.Ortega !
Learned something today..thank you ms nicole ortega. Happy new year!
Wow! Thank you for this. ? Simple yet powerful message of handling hate. God bless you.
hahahahaha!! I laugh at your screen shots LOL!
ha ha! Right? Glad I made you laugh…
i will hold your words close to my heart and remember it is not about me but the wounds in the other person’s heart.
i am still reeling over the fake Facebook account that was created against me before Christmas. the words were utterly degrading and the one who made it went as far as to spread it to the students of the university where i am a professor.
i could not fathom the hatred behind it. it came out of anywhere.
but you are right. we do not have to respond with the same degree of venom. besides, we have no supply of such venom.
thank you for shining your light.
Amen! God bless…
Miss Nicole I followed you on IG matagal na but I just read your blog. I’m suffering some critics and wrong accusation. Got broke up with my husband coz his parents doesn’t want us to be together. We were very okay before but things have changed. I only have my daughter as my strength and of course God. What you wrote on your blog made me feel a little better. Nakaka inspire! Thank you for inspiring us lalo na sa akin na dapat continue lang na maniwala sa diyos despite any difficulties. God bless po Ms. Nicole! I pray to become like you one day. 🙂
Hi Arra. Don’t lose faith. Just remember the verse in Romans 8:28 that says “AND WE KNOW THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. Serve Him, pray and cry to Him and He will give you the desires of your heart. God bless you and your daughter.
Thank you so much ms. Nicole! Godbless you and your family 🙂