By Paulyne L. Fermin
In the last few hours of our two and a half weeks Christmas vacation in Los Angeles, my family watched The Greatest Showman, a movie musical based on circus great P.T. Barnum’s life. The film gathered the multi-talented Hugh Jackman and a power cast of performers which include Oscar nominee Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. I found myself immediately captivated by its songs, rich performances, and life lessons. So, for my first article of the year, I take inspiration from the words and lyrics of a story about dreaming big, overcoming obstacles, succeeding, losing it all, and starting over again.
“Every night I lie in bed, the brightest colors fill my head.
Love and Gratitude Always be thankful for life’s many blessings.
A million dreams are keeping me awake.
I think of what the world could be, a vision of the one I see.
A million dreams is all it’s gonna take… for the world we’re gonna make.”
The New Year heralds 365 new chances for us all. To keep track of my daily activities, I got myself a planner. I have also set small and big goals. First on the list, a healthier, fitter me. Exercise and lose 10 pounds. Keep away from sweets and white rice. (Goodbye Skittles and eating adobo.) Secondly, and on the request of the husband, I must downsize. I will use everything I have in storage and give away everything else that’s purposeless. (Chant “Less is more!”) A book, a business of my own, and the rebirth of my personal blog are all in the game plan. The year 2018 will be the year I get busy building an empire!
New Beginnings Decide to live your best life.
“Cause darling without you, all the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the night sky will never be enough
Never be enough… for me”
It is said that the highest frequencies are love and gratitude. Gratitude will shift you to a higher frequency and you will receive much better things, according to Rhonda Byrne, author of The Secret. Oftentimes, people think I have it easy. What could possibly bother you? Once, a very displeased aunt told me, “You lead such a glamorous life. You really should stop posting happy pictures.” These comments used to bother me a lot. Not only because they were furthest from the truth but because they were made by relatives and so-called friends. I have since cut ties with most simply because I don’t have space for negativity.
Instead, I choose to lavish love on the people who matter. The gift of a hardworking and faithful husband, loving children, and a few genuine friends is more than enough. I will continue to have a grateful heart because life is short and we must all find the good in it.
“When the sharpest words wanna cut me down. I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. I am brave, I am proof. I am who I’m meant to be, this is me.”
The year 2017 taught me that only I have the power to live my life. My happiness is in my hands and no one else’s. So this year I choose to celebrate the person I am at this very moment. Fierce mom, supportive wife, dedicated writer, world traveler, bookworm, and a lover of fashion. No apologies. Tried by time, stronger in faith. I have decided that this will be a ridiculously spectacular year. Happy 2018 everybody!
And please find the time to watch The Greatest Showman. Make time for wonder!