Jill and the Books Talk

I am 10 lbs heavier and happier. I am healthier in mind and body because  I have learned how to let go of relationships that don’t respect and reflect my values,  say no to activities that don’t align with my purpose, choose my battles wisely,  and be content to rely on God’s grace each day.  Grace to accept that God’s thoughts are higher  than my thoughts,  grace to forgive, grace to do what I have to do even if  I don’t want to  get out of my comfort zone.  Grace to eat better, slee p soundly and be physically active.  More importantly, I have learned to be happy with my appearance,  to be content with my lot in life, not seeking anyone’s approval  and couldn’t care less about popularity, what I wear, how I look or  even what accolades I have in order to impress anyone  because I have reached that point in my life  where I no longer have to seek  anyone’s approval to affirm that I am loved, wante...

All these years I came to realize that life is too beautiful to waste on trivial pursuit of people and things that deprive one from experiencing inner peace and joy. A beautiful life is not perfect but we can make the most out of it by choosing to look at a glass of water half full instead of half empty.  Want to live life to the fullest?  Choose to honor God in everything that you do. It will be easier to decide on things. Learn to receive love and reciprocate. Don't be afraid to let go of relationships and friendships that do not make you a better person. Pray for the people who weigh you down. Allow God to work in you individually and separately then trust Him for restoration at the right time.  Take care of your health. Your bank account is connected to it. For when you get sick, you will need money and unable to make more money. Be grateful for all blessings that come your way whether big or small instead of whining over things you do...

35 years have passed. Oh how time flies.  I was once a little girl who loved to read books, play the piano and play "house" with my Barbie dolls. Then I became an adolescent who was preoccupied with studying to finish college, romance and fashion. I was a shopaholic. And then I had to "grow up" and deal with responsibilities, businesses and everything it takes to build a career. I've had my ups and downs. Life was not perfect but I wouldn't have it any other way.  It took a lot of painful disciplining and pruning to make me realize that at the end of the day, my relationship with God is all that matters in this world. That my family is a gift from God and they should always come first next to God. That it is both a privilege and joy to be enabled by the Holy Spirit to have a career and work. That my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and for that very reason, I should take good care of it. That it is God who gives me the ability to produce weal...

Colorful life stories color my career life. For the past 12 years, I’ve heard countless reasons on why women want to be beautiful and sexy. Once, a client with a pretty face and Prada purse came to see me and said: “I really don’t need a dietitian. I know everything about being healthy. I read a lot.” I replied, “I understand. Please tell me why you’re here.” Then she burst into tears leaving me mortified. I grabbed a pack of tissues and just let her cry. Then she looked up and said: “I feel so ugly!” I know how it feels to be ugly. I had horrendous acne breakout I practically had to wear a wide brimmed hat to cover my face. I had fungal infection on my toe I didn’t wear open toed shoes or flip flops until it got better. I felt like my acne and toes were the only things people see in me! Beauty...  a gift... an aspiration... an obsession... a burden. Movies, magazines and the media had given us unrealistic standards on beauty. Reed-thin bodies, flawless skin, fa...

Yesterday, I walked towards 2 women and stood beside them to wait for the lift. When I turned to smile at them, I caught one of them rolling her eyes and pursing her lips towards my direction after staring at me in a hostile manner. The other woman in front of her snickered. They again turned to my direction and I held their gazes, which immediately dropped after realizing that I caught them in the middle of their juvenile and churlish behavior.  On that day, I was wearing a dress from Jill by Rustan's, shoes by Enzo Angiolini and an LV Mahina Leather XL Bag. Sharing a photo taken right before I had the misfortune of meeting those two. May 19, 2014 All water under the bridge now. I am not one to hold grudges but I have a vivid memory.  People close to my heart have been alienated from me because of jealousy. Contrary to what you might be thinking now, I was not the jealous party. I was the one envied. It wasn’t the nicest position to be in. In high school, a ...

Written on April 9, 2013 Last night I had perhaps the greatest realization about my life after talking to one of my best friends.  Gazel: “Che ikaw nalang! I’m sure your mom will pressure you about getting married.” My mind went blank. I couldn’t comprehend what Gazel meant. Then after a few seconds I got her point. I’m the only one among our friends who is SINGLE. 2 of us are happily married with kids and 2 recently got engaged. I was surprised at how I reacted because I was so clueless that i’m the only one left without a man beside me. I didn’t even feel it all these years until my dear friend pointed it out.  My friends... We’re like mirrors. We can’t lie to each to each other. I love them so much! I thought... What happened to the Cheshire who was capable of loving so intensely that it broke her heart to a gazillion pieces a couple of times? Why am I single and why didn’t I realize I was single all these years? 10 years ago, I was so brok...