Finding Our Wedding Motif: A Journey of Love and Inspiration

When my partner and I began planning our wedding, we quickly realized that choosing a motif was more than just a decorative decision—it was a reflection of our love story. It would set the tone for our special day, from the invitations to the floral arrangements, and even the cake. Here’s how we navigated the delightful and sometimes overwhelming process of finding the perfect wedding motif. 

 

Embracing Our Story 

The first step in our journey was to reflect on what made our relationship unique. We spent an evening cuddled up on the couch, reminiscing about our favorite memories together. From our shared love of travel to our passion for cooking, we brainstormed themes that resonated with us. Ultimately, we landed on a motif that reflects our love story - BURGUNDY, inspired by the adventures we’ve taken together and our dreams of exploring the world as a married couple. 

 

Gathering Inspiration 

Once we had our theme, it was time to gather inspiration. I dove into Pinterest, creating a board filled with ideas—from vintage postcards to maps and globes. My partner joined in, sharing images of beautiful destinations we hoped to visit. Together, we found a rich tapestry of colors, textures, and elements that spoke to our shared love of adventure. 

 

Choosing a Color Palette 

With our dreamy motif in mind, we turned our attention to color. We both adored fiery tones—think deep reds, soft browns, and hints of purple. These colors not only reflected our theme but also felt warm and inviting, perfect for the cozy celebration we envisioned. 

 

Personal Touches 

As we planned, we made a conscious effort to include personal touches that would make our wedding feel uniquely ours. Instead of traditional table numbers, we named each table after a destination we’d traveled to, complete with a photo and a short story about our experience there. This sparked conversation among our guests and brought back fond memories for us. 

 

Finding the Right Vendors 

With our motif established, we sought out vendors who could bring our vision to life. We shared our ideas with our florist, who created stunning centerpieces that incorporated local flowers with a touch of whimsy. Our invitation designer crafted beautiful stationery that featured our color palette and travel elements, setting the stage for our wedding long before the big day. 

Reflecting on the Journey 

As the wedding day approached, I felt a sense of joy knowing that our motif was more than just a theme; it was a celebration of our journey together. Every detail—down to the last decorative element—reflected who we were as a couple. When the day finally arrived, walking into our venue filled with travel-inspired decor was a surreal experience. It felt like stepping into a dream we had both envisioned. Surrounded by friends and family, it was clear that the love we poured into every decision created a day that was truly special. 

Choosing a wedding motif is a personal journey that allows you to celebrate your love story in a meaningful way. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your relationship and share those moments with your loved ones. Whether you choose a theme that’s bold and adventurous or simple and elegant, remember that it’s about what resonates with you and your partner. Embrace the process, and let your love shine through every detail!

Strengthening Your Marriage

Marriage is a beautiful commitment, but it requires effort and dedication to thrive. Here are several strategies to help strengthen your relationship and build a lasting partnership. 

 

1. Open Communication 

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful marriage. Regularly share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with each other. Practice active listening—show genuine interest in your partner’s perspective. This fosters trust and understanding. 

 

2. Quality Time Together 

In our busy lives, it’s easy to let quality time slip away. Prioritize regular date nights or shared activities, whether it’s cooking dinner together, going for a walk, or enjoying a movie. These moments reinforce your bond and create lasting memories. 

 

3. Show Appreciation 

Expressing gratitude can have a powerful impact on your relationship. Make it a habit to acknowledge your partner’s efforts, whether big or small. A simple “thank you” or compliment can go a long way in making your partner feel valued. 

 

4. Resolve Conflicts Constructively 

Disagreements are natural, but how you handle them matters. Approach conflicts with a calm demeanor, focusing on solutions rather than blame. Use “I” statements to express feelings without making accusations, which helps to reduce defensiveness. 

 

5. Set Goals Together 

Sharing common goals fosters teamwork and unity. Discuss your aspirations—whether they’re financial, personal, or related to family—and work together to achieve them. This shared vision strengthens your partnership and creates a sense of purpose. 

 

6. Keep the Romance Alive 

Don’t let romance fade over time. Surprise each other with little gestures of love, whether it’s leaving sweet notes, planning a spontaneous getaway, or simply making time for intimacy. Maintaining that spark is vital for a fulfilling marriage. 

 

7. Seek Support When Needed 

Sometimes, couples need an external perspective. Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or attend workshops if you’re facing challenges. Professional guidance can provide tools and insights to navigate difficult times. 

Strengthening a marriage takes intention and effort, but the rewards are immense. By prioritizing communication, quality time, and mutual respect, couples can build a resilient and loving partnership that stands the test of time. Remember, every small effort contributes to the foundation of a strong and lasting marriage.

Is Midlife Crisis a Myth or a Reality?

The concept of a midlife crisis has been circulating in popular culture for decades, often portrayed as a period of dramatic upheaval and self-doubt. It typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s, when individuals face the realization that their youth is fading and they may not achieve all the goals they had set for themselves. I am turning 38 this year and the realization indeed came to me and affected my major decision making. It is real and it hit hard.

Common Symptoms of a Midlife Crisis

• Dissatisfaction with life: Feelings of boredom, emptiness, or lack of fulfillment.
• Desire for change: Seeking new experiences, hobbies, or even relationships.
• Fear of aging: Anxiety about physical decline and mortality.
• Questioning life choices: Wondering if they have made the right decisions about their career, relationships, or lifestyle.

I Call it PEACEFULNESS

 

I call it #PEACEFULNESS. 

I believe the first method of improving ourself is by erasing the people from our life that brings only trouble, problems, doubts and pain. I am slowly eliminating one by one. I don't need all that toxicity in my life. 

It's really better to be alone than to surround ourself with all those unworthy people whose contribution into our life is only to pull us down to their level or state of mind.  Because like crabs, they don't care about us. They are using us, stepping over us to get ahead or to achieve what they need through us. They are not happy about themselves and so they are also not happy about us, for us and definitely they are not happy with our progress.

So it is not loneliness, it is peacefulness. It is a reward for just being with yourself, free from envious, cunning people. Go and flourish! 

Securing Your Future with Long-Term Life Insurance

Financial security for yourself and your loved ones is crucial when it comes to planning for the future. Long-term life insurance is one effective way to achieve this peace of mind. Being the family's breadwinner, I am always worried about what will happen to my family when I can no longer work. Or how will I be able to take care of myself when I get old and immobile knowing the fact I have no children? With all those worries in my head, I took the initiative to invest in long-term life insurance that could help to have some peace of mind for the inevitable future. I chose Kaiser International Healthcare Group to cater that need.

Let’s break down what long-term life insurance is, its benefits, and why it might be the right choice for you.

The Old Folks Way: The Worn Clothing

Folklores and some back story....on how I met the first love of my life. Whew!😅

According to my old folks, if you feel deep sadness brought by missing or longing for someone, you just have to collect the person's worn clothing and smell its natural scent. The natural aroma is perceived to have the power to create an illusion that the person is physically present beside you. It might seem weird but back in the day, I believed its effectiveness. 

Growing up, I was named as "Balay-Balayon" or someone who feels uneasy in other people's homes, preferring to be in my own house. Part of being an introvert, maybe. While my younger siblings had no problem sleeping over at our relatives' home, I, on the other hand, would cry all night until somebody took me back home, nevermind if it was in the middle of the night. It always happened during a sleepover. I just couldn't be away from home because I easily miss my parents. My designated sleeping spot was always next to my father, under his armpit. I knew he would leave the spot to lay next to my mother if I am confirmed asleep but making me sleep had to be like that or I wouldn't be able to sleep the entire night. This continued until my mid-teens when I had to leave home to attend college in the city. It was the start of a huge challenge!

Living in Guilt Through the Years

I still harbor the feeling of guilt towards my father's death. Mentally, I am still not stable. Self-condemnation and emotional anguish are putting my mental health to the test all through these years as I continue blaming myself.

I find it difficult to forgive myself for not giving him more attention while he was still alive. I turned to drinking to drown my sorrows, staying out late to party, and coming home drunk in an effort to heal the wounds left by losing touch with my husband. While I did all those useless activities to mend my own broken heart, I neglected to perceive my dad's own battles as he wrestled with misery following his separation from my mother. I was selfish to think only about myself. 

Introduction: Welcome Back to Blog Land!

I am beyond thrilled to be able to resume online writing or blogging. Due to some unpleasant life circumstances, I stopped blogging halfway through 2012. 

Why did I stop blogging?

I was disheartened by the absence of my husband and my father's illness, which ultimately resulted in his untimely death on the very last day of December in 2012. I lost two important men in my life: one I lost contact with and one I totally lost in this lifetime. My world turned into nothing but pitch-black. I no longer enjoy participating in any of the activities I used to enjoy so much. I simply stopped caring about life. All I did was sulk in a corner, cry, and overthink. My depression and anxiety plus OCD developed altogether simultaneously.