SWEETLIFE

10 Quotes on Friendship

2015-01-18T05:36:00.000+07:00

"Friendship makes prosperity more brilliant and lightens adversity by dividing and sharing it"
Cicero

Pythagoras

" Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life."

Aristotle

" Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."

Baltasar Gracian

" Friensdship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil."

Sophocles

" To throw away an honest friend is, as it were, to throw your life away."

Khalil Gibran

" Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity."

Alan A. Milne

" Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

William Blake

" It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend."

Eleanor Roosevelt

" Friendship with oneself is all - important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else."

Carl Jung

" Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people."

Albert Camus

" Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.

Just walk beside me and be my friend."

Have a nice day to you..

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE, Editor in chief

A Night To Remember and What I Learned

2014-03-20T08:07:00.001+07:00

"It is more from carelessness about truth than intentionally lying that there is so much falsehood in the world."

Samuel Johnson

Carelessness is sometimes the root cause of lying. That when the moment of truth is right there in front of you - would be the only time - you would tell yourself how careless you were.

"Where is your passport?", a police officer suddenly appeared in front of me and my boyfriend while waiting for a bus to his home that late Friday night. It was traumatic to me. It was a nightmare!

Sitting on the tiled floor, looking around, speechlessly disbelieving what just happened a while ago. For nine years working in a foreign country, walking and traveling in Bangkok, when I have to go to the embassy for legal purposes, going to the mall with friends or alone, strolling freely - had I been so comfy that I thought I can always walk back and forth when suddenly was I caught without my passport or my teaching license once.

Feeling terrified I tried to struggle for explanations that I have to contact a Thai co-worker to talk to them in my behalf - so disgustingly irritated that these officers cannot speak English!

I just did my 90 days a day ago and submitted to the school personnel my passport and work permit for my one year visa which is going to expire on the third of April. It is always wiser to submit to her at least two weeks before the deadline. But that same day I don't know why she didn't make a copy of the necessary pages so that she could give it back to me. She required to keep it for the whole non-working days. I agreed with her and even reminded her to keep it safely. That was my mistake. I should have asked for a copy of my passport. It's also my mistake why I have never kept a copy with me to protect me wherever I go.

My boyfriend has the same case. He had no copy and his was with the agency who is paid to do the visa run. He's also a foreigner and no valid ID because the officers do not accept foreign driver's license or any type of identification card except passports.

My loving brother and a couple friends helped me out. My boyfriend's friends helped him out. We signed the reports after reading it to us what the case was all about. Honda, the petite young lady who is the Head of the criminal case, had been very nice and sweet. She's the only person who can speak and understand English in that department. She's the light that gave us hope and made me feel like human again. Unlike the police officers, she was NEVER rude.

But it was in the end I discovered the falsity of arresting people. You pay but no receipt if to say it is a LEGAL thing? Money and friends saved our lives from more hours of humiliation.

As we were walking away from that department...I promised to myself it will be first and the last.

Bottom line: To you who is reading this now, if you are a foreigner, carry with you your original passport or even a photocopy of it wherever you go. Be sure you have good friends whom you can run to in times of unexpected problems. Pay back the good gestures of kindness. Learn the lesson and accept that carelessness is no excuse.

It was a night to remember and I learned my lesson.

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author

Competencies: Formal and Informal

2014-02-21T21:43:00.001+07:00

" The young man who starts out to be poor and honorable, holds in his hands one of the strongest elements of success."

Orison Swett Marden

In the world of work, whatever type of work or job you're presently in, is not only about competing with everybody else in the business. Again, behaviour is the heart of your actions, your response and your reactions towards a situation.

I have been with different people of different ages and attitudes. To sum it up it is wise to know our grounds all the time, where we stand, before we can even react. Men and women have their own abilities and smart unique ways towards work and co-workers.

Establishing Formal Working Relationships

This builds relationships with the clients, stockholders, parents, organizational members, respecting confidentiality, demonstrating an interest in their work-related issues or activites while following through commitments.

This is to support the administration on a goal and working as one. Nurtures existing and potential relationships to help achieve the department's strategic plans.

This formal type of working relationship should be maintained most especially by the higher administrators towards their subordinates to ensure harmonious relationship at work.

Keeping a record of all contacts, records of all members and outlining plans to work on a target, say for the first trimester. A well-scheduled regular meetings letting members and clients report their progress and difficulties. Feedbacks are essential to a progressing career.

Building Informal Relationships

Practicing simple courtesies, like saying "Good Morning" to people you normally wouldn't. During coffee breaks or lunch, have conversations that interest them. Casual talks and smiles would be a great color to add to any routine every day.

"Small talks" are okay by paying attention to what is in the air about work but not to gossip about personal issues of a certain officemate. A lot of people do talk personal stuff but as long as it's about their own sharing it's just fun. Follow current news too as a target of your small talks.

If your purpose in this circle of work is primarily and basically to make profits and focusing on the target alone, remember that you're not the only one who is working on that goal. So avoid putting too much pressure and immediate inadequate rushes just to show a result. You are working with human beings, not robots. Allow some flexibilities when times are tough.

Encourage, approach and invite with enthusiasm and smile.

Goodluck to all!!

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author

Sweet Tips This Valentine 2014

2014-02-11T23:07:00.000+07:00

"When you love someone, all your saved up wishes start coming out."

Elizabeth Bowen

A Valentine Call

First thing in the morning of February 14, make a call with sweet greetings of love. Letting them know how much they mean to you and an early love greeting would make her/his day. Especially, if the gentleman makes the calling first.

Chocolates and Roses

Their magic are endless. It's not about where they were bought but the "thought". Show your love with these old fashioned ways. There's nothing wrong about it, they boost the feelings and make your partner feel loved.

A Gift

Affordable, practically usable and something she/he needs. Anything that comes from your heart always counts.

A Dinner

You can surprise your beloved for a dinner on Valentine. If you can afford, go out and have some fun together. If money is an issue, celebrate at home. Consider a candlelight dinner, red wine or champagne, and a good food. The thing is, if you're a couple living together, this is the best time of heating the feeling of love for both of you. Treat your beloved with a special touch and affectionate efforts. They strengthen your relationship and give you the chance to talk over the past misunderstandings, fixing whatever went bad the other day. That is pursuing love.

Make Love

The day should end in the most intimate way - make love. No smartphones, no tabs or computers in between. Celebrate Valentine with your full attention and time. Once in a lifetime with your partner, make Valentine something special. Make good memories, make her laugh, be fun. Let your beloved feel that they are loved and cherished.

There is more than heart-shaped balloons or chocolates though. Remember it's how we treat our significant other on this day. Love is nothing without action.

May you all have a sweet Valentine's Day!

Sofia Ann

Author SWEETLIFE

White Lies, anyone?

2014-01-26T09:11:00.004+07:00

"But little white lies here and there is human nature. Everybody does that"

Lucy Hale

Google photos

It's obviously and truth to be told that white lies are everywhere. If you will base your life in the road of righteousness and what the bible says about lying, you would say lies are lies be it black or white. I even challenged myself not to tell a single lie for thirty days. Not that am lying a lot, I call it a natural pull to save one part of myself when a situation arise. No, it's to save me not to hurt people.

So everyone tells a white lie on occasion, it's just a question of why? Some white lies save a relationship, some ease a hectic situation, and others buy us time. We all do it and there's no reason to deny it. As long as we're not hurting people or breaking a law, these innocent lies make things better at the end of the day.

The table will be ready in 5 minutes! - because it sounds a lot better than saying 15 minutes.

Thank you so much. I just love it! - because saying that the gift sucks would make you look an insensitive jerk.

I thought I already sent that email out. I'm sure I did! - because saying it's not your priority that day and you forgot, might hurt your relationship.

Oh yeah! that makes sense! - because admitting you're clueless would make you look you're not really paying attention.

I'll start working on that ASAP! - because telling you have 10 other things to do first would irritate your boss.

Yeah! you look great in that dress. - because you don't want to be slapped!

It wasn't me! - because some things are not worth taking credit for.

I'd love to talk more with you but I have an early appointment tomorrow. I'll see you again! - because you're a gentleman so you don't want to hurt her feeling by saying "you're not my type".

I will call you for confirmation. - because some employers won't tell that personality is always a plus factor even if you're qualified.

I'm not ready for a serious relationship! - because it would save his ass by not telling "you're not the one I'm looking for".

Most of these white lies only stretch an interpretation of what the truth actually is. White lies simply cushion us from ourselves.

Be careful though, they boomerang too.

Sofia Ann

Author & Founder SWEETLIFE

Reference: The Evolutionary Roots of Deception and the Unconscious Mind

Wrong Places Toward Happiness

2014-01-22T02:28:00.000+07:00

"A new way of thinking has become the necessary condition for responsible living and acting. If we believe obsolete values and beliefs, we will continue to hold onto outdated goals and behaviors"

Dalai Lama

..the past


Photo via Google

Could have been that your past was much better than today. And you're wondering why things in your life are not going well this time. People change, including you. The world is changing. Systems and the flow of the Universe is changing. Just because something was right for you in the past doesn't mean it is still. On the other hand, if your past was terrible and heartbreaking, there is no need to bring them here in the present times.

Keep moving on and stop comparing your life from your past. What counts is not the journey you've taken but it's worth. Live life as of today, live each day meaningfully with full awareness. I believe, my focus in life is my family, to voice out some issues concerning me, being friendly, separating work issues from my private life, thinking more about what's to be done next, how to cut expenses, to face my own difficulties and to smile each day. Life is too short to be always pissed off.

..the future

Worrying from now that in the next ten years, you don't exist anymore. Thinking ahead that if you go to your dreamland, things could be more amazing. Simply imagining that in the next five years, you've become a somebody. There's nothing wrong about advancing your thoughts, especially if you're preparing for that TODAY.

What you are today is the future. What you do now is the future. The advanced life is not guaranteed unless you start doing something different, productive and positive NOW. Life is like a piggy bank. Keep on putting in your coins, no matter how much, gather them in one place and maybe don't even count how often you do that. There will come a time you will be broke, and that little savings will save you. Do something today! Enjoy your life right now while you're living it.

..too much of one good thing

From the words of Oscar Wilde, "Everything in moderation, including moderation."

Eating too much makes you obese. Playing too much leaves important things undone. Sleeping too much makes you weaker. Spending too much makes you broke. Working too much makes your loved ones at home unattended. Could one of these your true happiness, I bet you're really out of control.

A lifetime happiness is not based on one good thing, it is a combination. Lifestyle is when you distribute your resources properly and positively where your life is in deficit. Time management, budgeting, planning are some disciplines that when truly practiced - that is happiness!

..wrong relationships

Talking from my own experience, there were fabulous moments indeed, exalted laughters and togetherness but the person who made me feel loved, swept my feet off the ground was the same person who brought me down. I woke up one day and with all the bravery in my heart, I let go of him.

You can't be with a person who disrespects you, cheats on you, makes excuses which is far worse than lying, and someone who belongs to somebody else. Go for people who make you feel better. Surround yourself with happy people who talk more about funny experiences than complains. Nurture your relationship only with those who are happy and proud to have you in their lives.

..those who don't matter

Let me ask you, do you always entertain some of your friends who remember you only when they need you? How often do you hear others complementing on your good work? Is there someone who is always cross to your beliefs?

There will always be people who don't approve of you - your looks, your style, the things that you care about, your figure, the way you talk and so on. It's up to you if you let them ruin your day or stand up and accept yourself for who you are. These people are negative because they cannot accept others who are not in their line of preferences.

As long as you are sincere, doing your best..if not good for someone it surely is best for somebody else. We don't connect ourselves to one person but the whole circulation. You're not here to please everyone, but to please yourself by doing the right thing for you and for those who deserve your attention.

There is always the right place for everyone. It's already given to us, we just need to want to see it not merely believing it. In making changes, it doesn't have to be a big leap. Start from little steps and these little bits will add up in the end. That's the only time you will appreciate its value.

To your happiness..

Love,

Sofia Ann
Editor-in-Chief
SWEETLIFE

Sweet Signs of Feng Shui

2014-01-18T11:47:00.000+07:00

" Good feng shui has a number of definitions. It includes everything - landscapes, designs, shapes, elements and a host of other factors. "

Kathryn Weber


Image by Kwon O Chul

It was one ordinary working day in the office last year when I had the courage to ask my Chinese colleague about some things that bother me. It was actually a simple question, yet so important to me. I just had the feeling that somehow I would know some answers from her because I have observed her jolly behavior, confidence and her simplicity, but I feel that there is something about her. My intuition was right and that simple question went a long way. It was then I realized that I am missing a lot of knowledge about NATURE.

I felt so enlightened and since then, I started reading about Feng Shui. I absolutely learned a lot. I consider it as another chapter of learning life and how we interact with nature even in our own homes, place of work and most importantly - our own self. To many people, they perceive feng shui as a superstitious belief or something awkward. It's not an artificial thing like man-made objects that most people glorify. We have been so attached to these electronic devices and concrete objects. Most people have forgotten or have ignored how to be in tune with nature.

Believe in SIGNS, and where do you look for signs? These can be out your window, hanging on the walls, on the radio, television ... almost anywhere. Be attuned on what you see and encounter in your environment for feng shui "stamp of approval".

RAIN

When you are considering a financial move or starting a business and rain starts to fall, this is an excellent sign of prosperity, as water equals money feng shui. A light, lovely rain is a blessing and a good signal of prosperity. The rainbow is a signal of rain unifying the yin and yang. A heavy but short period of rain also means freedom because it washes away the bad energies in the air and freshens the plants.

SUNSHINE

Sunshine breaking through clouds and trees is an excellent sign of good fortune. Sun streaming through windows (as long as it's not blinding) is another wonderful sign. In your window, you can hang some crystal where the sun can strike it and will produce tiny rainbow light drops on the ceiling or on the floor.

WIND

When you leave your house to go for work, does a light breeze greet you as you step out of the door? When you open your terrace door, do you feel the light cool breeze on your cheeks? Is there enough breeze of air coming inside your house? These are excellent signs. Light, comforting breeze of air are good feng shui and augurs good luck. But don't let strong winds to come inside as they blow away good luck.

PLANTS

Blooming plants, trees or flowers are excellent signs. If you have plants and they are blooming very well, they are signs of good luck especially in your business. Hang a big picture of plants in the east of your house, or pottery of greens or vases of flowers.

FRUITS OR FLOWERS

Real, fresh or even in paintings, fruits and flowers are excellent signs of bounty and success. Pink flowers are considered good symbols of love, white flowers as good symbols of health and better times, yellow flowers are believed to be the best symbol for wealth, red as symbols of happiness. Do you flower bush that rarely blooms? Take not of what's happening in your life when it starts to bloom.

BIRDS

Birds chirping at your window sills, or birds flying over your house or business bring good news of prosperity. White birds signal good health or bad situations turning better. A picture or poster of flock of birds are good feng shui signs.

ANIMALS

Animals gathering close? A toad hopping by? Butterflies are considered excellent predictors of good outcomes and also bad outcome - when a relative passed away - a black butterfly may flutter around giving you a signal or message. Cows are symbols of wishes coming true! Pay attention to the animal world, their behavior and presence are signals of what is happening. Happy, beautiful animals are bringers of positive outcomes.

HAPPY CHILDREN

Children who are laughing and giggling are excellent signs. If children play around your house or your neighbor and are happy, they are good signs. Children's voices have high pitch that drive away bad energies around the house. Cooing, happy babies are especially good signs, as is pregnancy!

HEAVENLY VISIONS

Pay attention to symbols that you see that suggest spirituality. This can also include dreams. Jot down your dreams when you wake up in the morning and see for clues of what is happening in your life. I had dreams, most of them includes element of water or fire. Some are worms or beasts. Thanks to feng shui that I have found their meanings and what possible thing I could do.

Harmonious arrangement of your furniture speaks about where they should be placed, according to your Bagua. Cleanliness, smell, clutter-free cabinets or under your bed are feng shui cures to enable the good energy flow in your house accordingly. Any electronics that are broken and not working should be taken out of the house. Broken vases, glass or mirrors must not be in use, throw them away. Your home should receive enough light and air circulating.

Some people would tell you, "so you must be very rich now if you follow these feng shui things?". Good luck is not all about money. Good fortune means peace, health, a strong career, enhanced charm, happy family, no hindrances in your plans - anything could be smooth in your life. You may not know, what luck is in store for you.

Have a peaceful weekend!

Love,

Sofia Ann

Editor-in-Chief

SWEETLIFE

By Kathryn Weber

Edited and reviewed by Sofia Ann

The Best Days of Your Life

2014-01-16T09:14:00.000+07:00

" Being human is being a lot of things at the same time "

Matthias Schoenaerts

one big photo website

As we are all now living in a new year, would you consider this as another chapter of your life? Are you just beginning to realize it now? Or simply, a continuation of your life story?

The Present ..

Most of our experiences, resentments and regrets are not here today, at this very moment. They happened in the past. It is not necessary to carry them in our present times. Unless you did not forgive and chose to walk away leaving the tangled strands behind, that past would always haunt you today.

The present is today, live your life once a day. Anywhere you are at your present moment, focus on that moment, whatever you're doing, being with your family or even away from home, be conscious of what your are doing today. Any mistakes or arguments that has happened today, make sure to resolve as much as you can. Tomorrow is another day. Your story today would not be the same tomorrow, things and events around us always change and we all know that.

Not Being Okay ..

Bad things happen to good people while the bad ones do have good times. This is the irony of life. Being a human being is a combination of all - good and bad. Some people seem to have more bad days like..every single day, nothing good happened? At the same time, there are those who seem very happy, jolly and enthusiastic like...nothing bad ever happened ?

Did you know that NOT being okay is OKAY? Because bad days happen to everyone everyday at some point. The difference is how people deal with it. Be patient and tough, someday this pain will be useful to you. Don't be afraid to fall apart, for a while. It is a matter of being broken and become as a whole at the same time. Grow and rebuild yourself once again. Everything will soon be okay.

Cherish your life ..

Sometimes the hardest lesson to learn are the ones your spirit needs most. Your past was never a mistake if you learned from it. So take all the crazy experiences and lessons and place them in a box labeled "Thank You". Sometimes you can't really feel happy without being hurt. You can't sense the real meaning of victory unless you know what it means to fail. A complete shattered experience in life would be your guide of strength in the long run.

Hard times are often blessing in disguise. Let go, let it flow and let life strengthen you. You are alive today, and be thankful for another chance of being a beautiful human being.

Whatever points in life you want to achieve, you need to work for that goal today.

wishing you all a good meaningful day!

Love,

Sofia Ann
Editor-in-Chief
SWEETLIFE

2014 Wake-Up Calls

2014-01-04T14:00:00.001+07:00

" Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. "

Buddha

My 2013, among all other years, was my best year. There were things that to me were new as if I was reborn. It was not a total glorious and problem-free year, I have actually experienced the worst type of verbal attack from an unknown enemy. But God is so good, He gave me the wisdom to know who. It was a year of knowing myself, my purpose and my character in a deeper sense of realization. I have succeeded a little living a life with full awareness - my desires, my debts, my life in general, letting go and a deeper understanding of my reality.

I call it - my wake-up call!

Life isn’t about a single moment of great triumph and attainment. It’s about the trials and errors that get you there – the blood, sweat, and tears – the small, inconsequential things you do every day. It all matters in the end – every step, every regret, every decision, and every affliction.

I feel so lucky that I finally understood and changed some of the negative things about me before it's too late. This year, I believe, I could do more because of the positive growth in me.

All the small things make a big difference.

Some things that seem useless happenings add up to something. The minimum wage job with a short holidays, when all holidays are paid I think it's still worth it. The hours that you spent writing your personal blogs that no one reads, one or a couple of likes would tell you somebody have actually tried to read it. All those lonely nights thinking or reading or watching movies just o pass the time, they were actually your rest, just being yourself.

All of these seemingly boring life has actually strengthened you, you just did not notice. All of this has made you what you are today. You can always change it to something better. Your power is in you, so move on.

Happiness is not having more.

We already know that those stuff are not the real makers of happiness, but it's within us. At a certain point, the needless material objects you buy crowd out the emotional needs advertisers would like you to believe they are meant to support. So next time you’re getting ready to make an impulsive purchase, ask yourself if this thing is really better than the things you already have. Or have you been momentarily tricked into believing that you’re dissatisfied with what you already have?

Do you have patience?

Patience is the realization that the quality of your life is much more significant than the quantity of things you fill it with. Patience is your willingness to accept and appreciate what you have right now, while you put forth a steady, focused effort into growing toward your dreams and goals.

Patience doesn't mean doing nothing or simply waiting. It means doing your very best to appreciate the available resources you already have. Timing is everything. You can't just have more and more. Simply be happy with what you got. Same thing with love. No matter what you do, if things are not meant to happen you'll only find yourself trying too hard and fail once again.

Share your time.

As much as you can, be with those people who deserves your attention. When a friend or family needs you just for a talk - be there. You never know how you make people happy especially those who love you. Smile now, you may not see that person again. Every moments of our lives is meant to be shared to our loved ones.

If you think there are things to be done, it's your wake-up call. Before it's too late ......

Sofia Ann

* * * SWEETLIFE * * *

Photo by: onebigphoto.com

Resources: The Wall Street Journal

My Christmas Thoughts

2013-12-21T08:31:00.000+07:00

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!"

Charles Dickens

Counting back the years, it's going to be nine long years which means nine Christmases that I haven't celebrated with my family. Truly painful. Not that I don't want to, I would love to spend every Christmas with them. But where I am, has a sad fact of cruelty how short our holidays are and when we fail to come back on time at work, salary deductions takes place.

Another reason is that, I am not paid that much to compensate blissfully with my family, there are differences between races. But if to say I'm a single woman who has no children to feed, no sickly father to support...I could have gone home every single Christmas no matter how much deductions I had to lose.

But this truth about me will never change the fact how I love the season of Christmas. In my heart, my family is well-kept and loved, even when I was just myself during Christmas time, I still feel the joy of Christ's birth. It's in my heart.

Counting my blessings, you may not understand how lucky I am to have a blessed family, from my parents down to my children. I have a good, harmonious, loving, caring and sensible family. We may be short financially, but the "being" of who we are, is the greatest gift from God.

Counting my blessings, you may not see me smiling or laughing or pretty all the time, but my joy is in the heart, deep and meaningful. I may look serious most of the time, but it takes real people to bring out the joy in me, real jokes and real stories without any traces of lies. Only God knows what's in my heart.

Counting my blessings, I have friends but few. People who appreciate me, my works, my beliefs, my friendship. These people are rare because they stick to me despite of my flaws and mistakes in the past. I am blessed with a positive thinking, strength and perseverance. I am gifted with something special, and I am grateful.

I have offered everything to God, EVERYTHING; my life, my family, my fate, my love would always come from Him. It will no longer be my decision, it will be God to decide for me. And you know what? The more you let go, the more you accept your failures, the more you humble yourself, the more God blesses you. The more you want less, He shall give you more. This is the mystery of life. The meaning of Christmas to me. How God wanted each and everyone to be.

One day, as I was told by someone who believes in me, to pray for God's calling that I be a part of a church. He said, not everyone speaks the way I do. Not everyone thinks, the way I do. I am thankful for the compliments. I believe it will happen. In due time. When God knows I'm ready.

Christmas is ever sweet. Do not make the mistake of blaming the season just because you are mourning, in pain, alone, failure and nothing to eat. I've been there! I know how terrible it feels. But, if you have nothing to eat, at least feed your soul with God's words of wisdom.

Wishing you all, my dear friends, a happy Christmas - wherever you are!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Sweet Changes

2013-12-17T04:54:00.001+07:00

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek"

Barack Obama

static.gui.co.uk via Google photos

We all have a story. I believe, we all have gone through something that has changed us in a way that we could never go back to who we once were. This kind of change is inevitable, including the things or people around you. Our body, possessions, relationships are all impermanent. Sometimes, even if we have control on little things, what we need to internalize doesn't need to be controlled. This is life.

Not everything that's faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it's faced. While we choose sleeping and dreaming, we will not be able to achieve what we want in life because we believe things happen through miracles. Miracles happen, when you start putting an action to your dreams.

Opportunities come, but many people fail to achieve total happiness because they are not grateful enough for what they have right now. Being a great person doesn't mean winning all the time. Losing is a learning experience, it's not a stop sign. Our greatest struggles develop our greatest strengths.

In the end, we are not what we have done, but what we have overcome - all the pain, all the mistakes, all the rejections, all the hardships. After all, ask yourself, "am I still the same?".

Pay as much attention to the changes that are working positively in your life as you do to those changes that are giving you troubles. Appreciate the positive unexpected than the negative outcome of the expected. A priceless new beginning sometimes always occurs at the point you thought would be the end of everything.

Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Work diligently. Let go and let what's meant to be.

A sweet change in us, would be our greatest gift for ourselves this Christmas.

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Bitter-Sweet Realities To Tough Out

2013-12-15T07:44:00.000+07:00

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Put your vision to reality!"

Bob Marley

Google Photos

Over the past decade, I have dealt with severe hardships, including pinned debts, the sudden death of my mother, the loss of my good friend due to illness, financial shortages, broken marriage, betrayal, hurtful and insulting words through cyber bullying, failure relationships and as the breadwinner of the family. These experiences were brutal. My children and I were knocked down. Single parenting was tough.

But the time of suffering is not forever. When we started to get through, we pressed forward in life. We developed a greater understanding of what life is, we're stronger and have more respect in life. That was the toughest times of our life and we got through it.

It was never easy to live day by day as we struggle in moving on, with great faith and belief in our hearts. We had shaken knees and troubled minds, but these gave us strength. I focused in moving on. The first step is never easy.

Persistence is the single most characteristic of high achievers. They refuse to give up. Efforts must be aligned with our goals and then start every day ready to run farther than we did yesterday and fight harder than we ever have before. Life is not easy, but it's worth it. Good things rarely come quick and easy.

Admit it, we cannot control everything in our life - including ourselves. Bad times do happen in the most unexpected time and when surprisingly the time you were so down. It is more on your reaction and how you handle things in front of you. There's a lot we can't control. But think about this, when we are rejected from something good, we're actually redirected to something better. We will always have less control than we desire.

Each of us has a unique fire in our heart for something that makes us feel alive. It is our duty to find it and keep it, once found. Objects and things fascinate us and bring joy that we continue in focusing on the tangible material as a trace of happiness. We better start caring on the things that touch us. Things that money can't buy. Long term happiness cannot be bought, it is earned.

Sometimes, defeat and unhappiness are caused by our own thoughts, how long we carry them and they keep hammering in our head. The real happiness and success come down in two ways: the way we think and the way we act based on our thoughts.

Let us keep our faith, believing in ourselves and being kind in words, in thoughts and in deeds. Remember that positivity begets positivity. It's how the universe teaches us.

Love,

Sofia Ann
SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Inner Peace

2013-12-10T10:26:00.002+07:00

"The greatest revelation is stillness."

Lao-Tzu

worldofwisdom images via Google

Of all the gifts in heaven that I always wished for, is PEACE, inside out. December is a season love, peace and harmony. A season of joy, sharing and forgiveness. But I know life has always been challenging, sometimes unpredictable, chaos happen anywhere, anytime. Affected people would always have troubles, pains and feelings of hopelessness.

The only thing I can do to help is prayer. I have a strong belief in praying and my faith has held me in tact in times of problems, uncertainties and doubts. When I reached the stage of seeing beyond, what others couldn't see, I call it a gift from God.

"The mind is never right but when it is at peace within itself" Lucius Annaeus Seneca

In times of anger and disappointment, we tend to decide with all the force in our minds. We speak with rudeness, sharpness and even belittle those we hate or dislike. All emotions are temporary - sadness, happiness, anger, boredom and laziness, name it if you want to add more. Only when you are at peace mentally you will see justice and the right things to say.

"To have peace in one's soul is the greatest happiness" Oriental Wisdom

How heavy is our conscience? What wrong have we done to others? How long are we going to keep it? Grudge makes the soul heavy and uneasy.

There are couple of passages in the bible that I always remember, "Go to your brother and ask for his forgiveness before you come to me", and something like, "Only when you make peace with your brother and sister will you attain peace in your heart". Happiness, in all of its important forms, is achieving peace in our hearts.

"Life's sweetest things are the quietest things... A happy life consists of tranquility of mind" Cicero

As the saying goes, we can buy the most expensive and softest bed to sleep on but never the peace of mind. Material things that money can buy are good. But when things around us become loud, repetitive complains, nonstop demands, disordered surroundings may add to your discomforts in life. Change the disorders as much as you can.

Always find time to be at peace with yourself when you have a quiet time. In your privacy, take time to close your eyes and free your mind. This way, you are able to unload your problems and refresh once again. Feel it within yourself that you're empty. Only then you can handle things around you again.

"Serenity is the highest knowledge and love, it is the affirmation of all reality being awake at the edge of all deeps and abysses. Serenity is the secret of beauty and the real substance of all art." Herman Hesse

Be calm, still and untroubled. It is wise to solve problems by thinking properly when you are at peace. Avoid complicating your life, your mind and your heart. Do not try to fight. Let it flow, let it pass, let it be. Troubles will not stay forever.

Stay awake and see what is happening in your life. Closing the eyes may not see the walls, but it can clearly give you a focused picture of what you desire to happen for the sake of peace. I, too, have big problems right now, but because of faith and peace in my heart, God made a way to help me. I let Him control my life.

"Live peace yourself and then you can bring peace to others. A peaceful man does more good than a learned one." Thomas A. Kempis

He who is peaceful will also bring peace to others. People will feel that from you. As long as you change little by little each day towards peace, you are not only loving yourself but also being grateful in life. People come and go, so as good and bad times. No one can make you happy except yourself. Do not borrow happiness by depending on others' presence but within you is happiness even when alone. Keep your peace and share it with your loved ones.

May this season of Christmas brings peace and renewed happiness in your life.

God bless you all!!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Quotes reference: The Ways of Wisdom GIFTBOOK by Helen Exley

Remarkable People Are Sweet People

2013-12-09T13:31:00.000+07:00

"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves, they have the first secret of success"

Norman Vincent Peale

Mother Teresa by Photobucket

Anyone could be remarkable. What makes a person remarkable? The word remarkable means "notably unusual" or "worthy of notice". A remarkable person then is someone who is unusual, who is worthy of our noticing. Being "unusual' or "worthy of notice" does not necessarily mean being famous or well-known. Many famous people are not remarkable, and many people who are truly remarkable are not famous.

Who are these remarkable people?

A former U.S. president devotes the rest of his life to promoting peace, to helping resolve conflicts, and to building homes for the needy around the world.
A professional golfer uses his fortune to support organizations in helping children to excel and to reach their dreams.
A young woman who wants to make a difference in environmental issues and in education spends a year counting penguins and teaching school to children in a lonely outpost at the bottom of the world.
Someone who sacrifices his food for the children who are out-of-school-youth, being abandoned and neglected.
A teenager who is lame at birth and learns to develop his other skills and talents to become a useful and proper citizen of the society.

Some of these people are rich and famous, and some are not. Some are young and some are old. What do they have in common? All of them are remarkable.

These people are remarkable because all of them set difficult goals and then worked hard to achieve them. Perhaps, that is the measure of remarkable individuals; people with courage, strength and perseverance to work - and keep on working - toward something that they believe in. As Booker T. Washington once said, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."

We can learn a great deal from people we consider to be remarkable. We can be inspired by their work and their way of being because they enable us to see what is possible in one life.

May your December be glorified!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Reference: Patricia Werner Mosaic 1

Sweet Reminders from God

2013-11-24T03:01:00.001+07:00

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever"

Isaiah 40:8

beartales.com via Google photos

Once again, a new day reminds me of God's another gift - the present. If we're going to think back this year, November is almost finished this coming week. How time flies. This month also reminds the strongest typhoon in the world that hit the Philippines. Families were devastated, many have lost their lives, houses, great destruction it was.

But God sees everything! The world was not blind and deaf, once again, the goodwill from all over the world made concrete help in cash and in kind. I hope that soon, the aid and service be properly utilized for the victims.

In any part of the world, if it wasn't a war, there would be inequalities. If there were no typhoons, there would be floods even in the absence of rain. If there were no thieves on the streets, there would be cheating in any form. But God sees everything! He is looking at you, now.

Let us be reminded all the time, everyday of our lives the sweetness of God's glory.

In Jesus' Name

There is a powerful significance attached to the name of Jesus. The apostles performed miracles (Acts 3:6-7,16; 4:10) and cast out demons in His name (Luke 10:17). They spoke and taught in the name of Jesus. Believers are baptized in the name of Jesus. And it is only through the name of Jesus we gain access to the Father.

We pray in His name. Let us reflect His light to any darkness we encounter, whether in our neighborhood, our workplace or even our home. I am a sinner, but because I believe in His name, there are transformations that happen inside me. I see Him because He is in my heart. We are made worthy in His name.

Richly Blessed

The blessings of God are first manifested in things - the world. Whoever believes in Jesus are blessed beyond measure. If you have anything you need now, be thankful and grateful. But why are there people who are still bored and unhappy despite of the fact they have everything? They may have the THINGS around them to complete their daily lives, but it is the richly blessed in the heart who really feels the joy of life without glorifying things.

Live with a rich attitude towards life. It is time for a good change while you can. We never know when a fellow pilgrim may need a reminder of the goodness of God.

Selfless Giving

When you do a simple act of goodness, what credit is that to you? If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? (Luke 6:32-33).

Jesus wants us to do good to people who can in no way pay us back. I am a bit confused of those couples who fight over money. Husbands who calculate how much is worth giving for his wife. And wives who control everything and act as the man.

When my son, who was a newly graduate from college, married right away - there was a sigh of disappointment in my heart. He could never fulfill his promises again. But then, I love him so much I can't hate him. I gave them my blessing. Today, I'm proud and happy to have a son who did not run away from his responsibility. A son who believes in God. "Mama, it will be a sin against God not to marry Leiden. We have to live in His blessing". Those were his words, and it hit my heart right away.

I don't count the fees and allowances I have spent in his studies. He doesn't need to pay me back. My love for my son is the most important thing.

God's Power

...is immeasurable. When He hears your prayers, be patient. It shall be granted to you in His time, not your expected time. His light will always brighten the darkness in your life. All you need to do is to BELIEVE.

Life becomes complicated because of our own choice. Remember that the gift of life is truly simple, just that when accidents and disasters happen, we blame Him for that. But when we are in the middle of great happiness, success and earthly richness, we almost forget Him.

God sees everything. And He's looking at it now! Believe and it shall happen.

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Title and verses from the mini book "Our Daily Bread"

Edited by Sofia Ann 24th November 2013

The Wings of Life

2013-11-19T18:05:00.002+07:00

"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."

Psalm 36:7

Photo by wallsave.com

When you were a little child, have you heard from your parents about stories of angels? How often do you see angels in books that you read in your childhood? Now that you're grown up, do you still believe in angels?

I was first curious about the images of cherubs, who appear to have a head and wings in the absence of the body. An old friend of my grandmother told me, they were the unborn children who died while in their mother's womb (the blue babies). She said their souls were pure and therefore go straight in heaven.
Angels have wings and like the white doves, they represent the Holy Spirit. If you ever believed that you have a "Guardian Angel", then you are watched over by your guardian angel.

Humans have no wings but, we have something more than wings. These are the wings of life. In reality, we use them invisibly and unknowingly.

Your Heart
What is in the your heart shows outside. A good natured person have wings because he can make others feel welcome and at peace with you. A good heart understands and gives without asking in return and by doing this, your wings elevate the person and become happy with you. A pure heart is light and extends its vision for the goodwill.

Your Helping Hand
You may have helped only one person today, but its greatness will be endless. It will be done hand in hand. Imagine the world's hands who have helped the Philippines from the tragedy of the world's strongest typhoon, they were wings of life to support thousands of lives, shared love and sympathy for the great loss and damages the victims have had.

It doesn't matter where you are, as long as you help, you are using your wings for the good of others.

Your Kind Words
Kind words come from a good heart and good thinking. Do you know how much you inspire someone just by saying kind words? What you say is a reflection of your heart. Spoken words have wings, they fly and reach another ears. When you hear something good said about you, how do you feel? You feel inspired and it fills joy in your heart. Continue saying kind words, they are always inspiring.

Your Prayers
Prayers are soundless, immeasurable and powerful. As long as they come from your heart, God needs no sound. He hears from the heart not from your mouth. Prayers have wings, your faith brought wings to your prayers. Miracles happen, very rarely, you may not even realize how or when or where. You may thought it's an accident. But they do happen. Pray from your heart sincerely.

My friend, do not be misled by today's society and endless changing lifestyles and fabulous things that your eyes can see, that your ears can hear, that your hands can feel.

Remember that human wings will always be invisible because these wings are about us, what's inside us and what good thing you can do, for you and for others.

May you have a blessed day, always.

Love,

Sofia Ann
SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Sweet Trails of Wisdom

2013-11-16T16:49:00.000+07:00

Green Fairy by escapeintolife.com

...words on trust, kindness, acceptance, hope, perseverance - gems of wisdom to give us direction and strength in life.

From Helen Exley Giftbook

This is what knowledge really is. It is finding out something for oneself with pain, with joy, with exultancy, with labor and with little ticking, breathing moments of our lives, until it is ours as that only is ours which is rooted in the structure of our lives.

Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

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You got to walk that lonesome valley, you got to walk it for yourself. Nobody can walk it for you, you got to walk it for yourself.

Author Unknown

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Finish everyday and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

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Nothing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

Epictetus (c.55-135 A.D.)

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It is necessary to try to pass one's self always; this occupation ought to last as long as life.

Queen Christina of Sweden

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The only real satisfaction there is, is to be growing up inwardly all the time, becoming more just and true, generous, simple, manly, womanly, kind, active. And this we all can do, by doing each day the day's work as well as we can.

James Freeman Clarke (1810-1888)

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All that is required to feel that here and now is happiness, is a simple frugal heart.

Nikos Kazantzakis (1885-1957)

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Do you want to be happy? Then make your life as soulfully simple. As sleeplessly breathing.

Sri Chinmoy, B. 1931 from the "Wings of Joy"

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Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

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Many run about after happiness like an absent-minded man hunting for his hat, while it is in his hand or on his head.

James Sharp (1613-1679)

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In spite of all wanderings, happiness is always found within a narrow compass and among objects which lie within our immediate reach.

Bulwer

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Be sincere in your thoughts, be pure in your feelings. You will not have to run after happiness. Happiness will run after you.

Sri Chinmoy (B. 1931)

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Joy is not in things; it is in us.

Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

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To watch the corn grow, and the blossoms set; to draw hand breath over ploughshare or spade; to read, to think, to love, to hope, to pray, - these are the things that make man happy.

John Ruksin (1819-1900)

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...from happiness we get peace, and from peace we get happiness. The two are inseparable.

Sri Chinmoy (B. 1931)

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One of the deepest secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.

Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)

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What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?

George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) (1819-1880)

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Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless.

Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

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Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution.

Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)

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Human beings who leave behind them no great achievements, but only a sequence of small kindnesses, have not wasted lives.

Charlotte Gray (B. 1937)

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Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.

Theodore Isaac Rubin

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A person's true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.

Mohammed (c. 570-c.632)

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Always be a little kinder than necessary.

Sir James M. Barrie (1860-1937)

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If you have not often felt the joy of doing a kind act, you have neglected much and most of all yourself.

A. Neilen

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I had found a kind of serenity, it seemed no longer important whether everyone loved me or not - more important now was for me to love them. Feeling that way turns your whole life around; living becomes the act of giving.

Beverly Sills (B. 1929)

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What is the best gift you ever received? Better still, what is the best gift you ever gave? Perhaps you will recall that in each instance, the best gift was one that was tied with the heart-strings of the giver, one that included a part of self.

Wanda Fulton

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I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.

William Penn (1644-1718)

Compiled by:

Sofia Ann
SWEETLIFEAuthor&Founder

Sweet TRUTHS You Should Know

2013-11-12T13:38:00.000+07:00

" Truth never damages a cause that is just "

Mahatma Gandhi

Personally, every single person on Earth has their own truths. Sometimes, this is how people explain themselves. Truth is something that is universal. It is a fact written or said that has been proven and tested through our own life experiences. It is something you cannot deny.

Life is a challenge

Life is not something we toy just to make it simple. Sometimes, it becomes complicated because of related issues. There were mornings when, you almost don't want to go to work or to school. There were times when it's easier to mess around than fixing things up. I had these many times in the past.

But, look here, be thankful you experience them. It means your eyes were opened to the truth and do the best not to be there, in that dark corner again. Yes, they happen, but you have the power to change your life. So please, SMILE. Life is a gift and it's up to you to grow with it, appropriately.

No man is an island

We are all in this life together. Why do you think you were born with a family? Why are there people we call friends? Independent you may be, for being a strong person from all the hardships in life. In business, we need clients. In Education, we need learners and professors. In medical, doctors are needed by sickly patients.

Nobody is perfect, and there can never be one. It is a myth. We all have issues. We all go through the test of life. But we can never be alone. We are all in this together.

You are unique

Imagine everyone around you with the same face and characteristics like you? Only twins have their copy. Millions of people are living in every part of the globe, different cultures and traditions, beliefs and philosophies. But through it all, YOU are unique.

No two people are exactly the same. Every single individual have their own unique personality, and you are one of them. Never compare yourself, even if others do. In every strengths and weaknesses, we will always find someone who will compliment and fill up the missing parts. Believe in yourself. Have faith in yourself. You are lucky to be born.

Love is life

God so loved the world that He delivered His begotten Son. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ to save mankind from the sin, is the greatest love of all. We are expected to do our part in behalf of His Son. Not to be perfect, but to do good to other people. Doing good is LOVE.

Sprinkle love in your home, in your work, in your prayer, to your family, to the people who mostly give their time and help. Life is meaningless without love. Love your life, it's a gift.

To the happiness you deserve in life!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

Sweet Things I Love About Google

2013-11-10T04:00:00.001+07:00

" Google is my all time favorite search engine ever "

Sofia Ann

I don't exactly remember what year I started using Google in search of anything, I mean ANYTHING. Below are some of the sweet things I truly love about Google.

Google + Social Media Sites = Quality Free Stuff

It's fast and cool and presents an organized array of things you need from the latest to the oldest page by page. It truly amazed me. I am a lover of wallpaper stuff, free photos for my blogging, quotes, even clip arts for teaching and EVERYTHING you need. These "free" stuff of course attracts spams or viruses but even though, when you already downloaded from Google search engine some good quality free anti-virus that were already in use and filtered many times, you're still safe.

Aside from images, social sites, videos, music and movies are also conveniently searchable through Google. The birth of Google+ and Blogger combined are just awesome. Free blog sites like Wordpress, Blogger, Webnode and a lot more are reachable in just a second.

Using Google to search for your favorite social media sites is your best bet. It has become more manageable because Google has organized searching by its feature like the g+, g-search, images, Gmail, Maps, Play, YouTube, Drive and Calendar. Type on it and bingo, you find quality content ranked by hundreds of other people.

Google is just sweet.

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author&Founder

5 Sweet Ways To Boost Your Body Confidence

2013-11-05T00:56:00.000+07:00

"When I became a mother and had six children, I learned to appreciate my body in a whole other level"

Denise

Let's get physical today. So far, I have been talking about your inner stability to develop a positive attitude towards anything in life. Maybe it's also being real to talk about the reality outside your body.

Women are by far more conscious and sensitive when it comes to their body looks. Let's face it, the more you look fit the more you feel great because you have a normal weight which gives an ease and confidence in moving and carrying yourself. On the other hand, there are average-sized women who are also confident and feeling great because they have learned to love their body figure and carry themselves confidently. These two types of attitude towards body confidence are must haves.

Let's study a little bit more how to boost your body confidence.

The body beautiful

When a woman pass by and men can't help but turn their heads to look at her, she got IT! Before you get upset about yourself, why don't you try to think first that the woman who just pass by did something right about herself that you may also consider trying. A body beautiful can be naturally born in you. You just need to work it out.

Forget about the "ideal-slim" that society has input in your brain. A body beautiful means shape, curves with a round butt and boobs, a normal meat all over your body but not bones and fats. Tone your body with proper exercise, proper meals and proper rest. Maintain your body beautiful as much as you can.

Avoid negative body triggers

Remember that anything our senses received, can cause a positive or negative impact to our body. This means what you see, hear, smell, feel or taste has a lot to do with our emotions. What makes you feel bad?

seeing your ex with or without his girlfriend
smelling the rotten rubbish around the corner
feeling bad from a relationship break up
no privacy
financial shortages

If one of these are your bad signals, avoid them and walk away, clean up, accept facts, tell yourself that you're not the same again because you've grown up and find a place soothing to your well being. When you feel good, it radiates outside. Be happy.

Look after yourself

Check out yourself naked in front of a mirror. Get a smaller mirror to spot your backside opposite the big mirror. What do you see?

That's your body. It's either you're seeing a fantastic result of your workouts or accept the fact that you gained extra weight this time. If you think you can do something about your weight then start working out. But what about your other physical enhancers like your beautiful hair, good skin tone, well manicured nails and a proper make up?

Take good care of yourself, period. Enough rest, dress well, wear a good pair of shoes or sandals, fix your hair and as much as possible, wear a good smelling perfume. As long as you look after yourself, you will always feel good inside out.

Moisturize

Give your skin the moisture it craves. After bath or shower, applying lotion all over your body is a good skin care. Your face needs night crèmes to avoid dryness too and sunblock to avoid UV effects. A dry skin is more prone to allergies and itchiness. To avoid skin problems, you can check with your dermatologist to give you proper prescription of products with a lower chemical effects on your skin.

Eat healthy

Eat breakfast, it's important. People who go to work are found more active and productive when they had their breakfast in the morning. Lunch can be ideal with proper amount of rice and meat partnered with salads. Dinner should be less, more on veggies not in carbohydrates.

Snacks in between your meals could be fattening especially if they're salty or sweet. Coffee or tea are more recommended during break times but no to cola. Water must be taken more.

My final say...

Its okay if you gained some weight but be warned not to become fatter than that. Confidence about your body is more likely on how you look after yourself and appreciate YOU. You take control of your confidence and only you can do magic to yourself.

Stay sweet and happy!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author & Founder

7 Sweet Daily Plan

2013-11-03T05:55:00.000+07:00

"As long as you live, keep learning how you live"

Seneca

It's really awful when you feel good upon waking up and arriving for work, when a negative energy from some negative person hit you early in the morning. Wow! surely it's a rubbish. Well, let's help ourselves by creating a shield against any negative attacks again by following these sweet 7.

1. Sniff a lemon

According to the Tel Aviv University scientists, citrus fragrances alleviate depression and boost our mood. Lemon is the best example for this. In my office I have a lemon gel fragrance to give a fresh smell. A good smell of citrus fragrances boost the level of serotonin (good feeling hormone) and lower the level of norepinephrine (stress hormone). So start your day, from now on, with any citrus fragrances in the form of air fresheners, gels, candles or even a lemon candy.

2. Stretch for 20 minutes

When you wake up and still lying in the bed, try stretching first before you get up. When you feel a bit warm, get up and continue your stretch exercise on the floor. The 20-minute stretch helps you regain the energy from your motionless sleep last night. The endorphins released during an exercise are scientifically proven to boost your mood, making any form of physical activity a sure-fire to start another beautiful day.

3. Wake up a few minutes earlier

There are more good advantages in waking up earlier than later in the morning on weekdays. You will have time for your morning prayer, morning stretch and the morning preparation for your quickie breakfast. There is no need to rush around like a madman and ending up messy, disorganized and totally unprepared emotionally and mentally for work. I can imagine how weary you would feel for the rest of your day when a negative attack hits you, you will 100% sure absorb it and may ruin your day. So, be different this time. Remember, we are planning how to shield ourselves by having a good physical, mental and emotional level of readiness each day.

4. Think positive

Nothing is more painful to the devil than showing him your positive attitude and smile. By accepting the fact that things might go wrong, at least it's not your fault. Whoever is making an issue, I think it's their problem not yours. Positivity is one if the best mechanism to overcome negative feedback, criticisms and sarcasms. Be thankful, you're not like them. So go ahead and let your light shine through. You may also learn from them, just update your mind setting all the time.

5. Have a daily bath

There is a little bit difference between a shower and a bath. If you woke up earlier than usual, have your bath after your stretch. A dash of shower is not really enough. But if you will have a bubbly bath and thoroughly scrub and wash your body, it will give you the fresh look and appearance and they will show. An eight to ten hours of work everyday will truly give some weight of stress one way or the other.

6. Smile

A greeting of "good morning" with a sweet smile goes a long way. Oh don't worry even if you fake it sometimes. I'm telling you, it's about making people feel relax and appreciated, even the rude ones. Nothing is wrong with a smile especially when the person is from okay to good towards you. If the negative boss comes along with a smile well, smile back. At least she has a way of smiling other than frowning at you. A smile doesn't cost you a dime, it's free. Sure you will get it back free. Smile :)

7. Sleep before midnight

I was once advised by the doctor to sleep before midnight. He said a good sleeping habit helps the brain, nervous system and the heart. Children and adults have their own sleep lengths. I have also read that lack of sleep is truly more dangerous to our health than not eating well. Whatever your internet activity, always make a stop before midnight. Movies, chatting, online browsing, blogging or anything to do on the cyber world can wait til the next day. I understand that most adults have sleeping problems, but I think it's a matter of mind setting and comfort too. Just try and you will feel better than usual.

If these tips are sweet for you, please like us.

My best regards to you!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFE Author & Founder

5 Sweet & Sour Personal Challenges

2013-10-31T10:21:00.002+07:00

"A challenge is something new and push yourself into areas that test your capabilities as well as widen your horizons"

Simon Doyle

Photo by peruvianandes.com

I salute adventurous people who have been in heights and lows of the world and places where I could only imagine. Well, I had a few sweet memorable moments of challenges like when I climbed the 100 stairs to Mama Mary's Grotto in Baguio City, Philippines in one of my high school days excursions, have climbed the highest steep old stairs in one of Angkor Wat's temple in Cambodia (May 2007), climbed its nearby mountain to view the full distant image of Angkor Wat (man, it's not easy!). On the mountaintop were huge binoculars for tourists to be able to see the skies at night time and the famous temple, Angkor Wat.

Challenges are actually windows to your inner interests and thereby waving at you and say "try me"! For some reasons, the challenges are not always resulting to sweet memories but also sour, sometimes. But the thing is - you tried! Check out these few tips.

Challenge 1: Exercise your brain
Not into sports? Maybe you can try brain exercises by doing something mentally challenging. Word games by creating new words under time, try learning other languages or learn to play musical instruments. Whatever that will flicker your mind into something interesting is good for the brain.

Challenge 2: Surprise yourself
A simple carpentry or carving a pumpkin are some of the things that maybe you haven't tried yet. By trying with your determination to learn something new will surprise yourself then you will say, "wow! I did it!" and this experience will be your lifetime precious moment.

Challenge 3: Try again
Nothing is more painful than to lose a loved one, lose a job or worse, lose hope. In this life, we all experience pitfalls. Even the kings and the queens, the presidents, and all people from all walks of life, failure is a part of life.

Times like this, your faith must flourish more and while you're in the dark side of life, your hope should be your guiding light. In every bad situation, there is always what we call a silver lining. Don't focus on the bad effects rather continue looking up ahead and see the light promised to you by God. Just do it one more time.

Challenge 4: Overcome a fear
There are many types of fear that we feel. Fear is one of the scary emotions putting a person down and get stuck. What is your fear? It's essential to know your biggest fear and why. If you can overcome, try by doing small steps. Start telling yourself that failure is part of life, so try again. Start telling yourself that in love nobody is perfect, so try to be in a relationship. Get out of your shell once in a while and explore yourself by trying some things that you should have done a long time ago. You never know until you try.

Challenge 5: Be brave
Know your rights and your value. Don't let others put you down by their negative feedbacks. Tell your truth and nothing but the truth. It may hurt them but words are sharper if spoken truthfully. Truth hurts, be it said sarcastically or nicely. Because lots of people deny truth and they see the world in accordance of their own negative perception. Understand that these type of people are not open minded or sometimes bias. Always speak your truth even when you're all by yourself. Stand for your rights.

My best regards to you!

Love,

Sofia Ann
SWEETLIFEAuthor&Founder

5 Sweet Ways To Be An Extraordinary Person

2013-10-29T18:24:00.000+07:00

"There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and lifting others up"

Unknown

Early mornings of every weekends I wake up early and do a water run. I have enjoyed this early walking exercise because I find it refreshing, feeling the cold breeze in the air as I walk on the street.

One morning, on my way back home, after filling my water bottle, I thought of buying some food sold by the locals, fresh, hot and cheap. When I was about to pay, my money was not enough, so I
gestured an apology and asked the woman to just take a few back. But to my surprise she refused. "Take them and pay me next time. I always see you walk around every morning, no problem", she said. I thanked her with full smile and showed her my gratitude when I came back to pay her in full.

What the woman did was extraordinary to me. I think she simply made my day and I kept on thinking how lucky I am to meet some extraordinary people unexpectedly. It came to my mind that YOU can be an extraordinary person too. Let us count the ways.

Sincerely supportive
In any way you can as long as you know the people around you and how reliable they are, then be supportive and sincere in being there for them. Not only that they can help you in times when you were down, when you needed a shoulder to cry on, when you needed ears to listen to your heartaches, when you have the chance to do the same, do it with all sincerity.

In this world, I think, kindness is all that matters. Your concern to other people, your willingness to be of help, of service from your heart and that kindness is a form of love.

Open-minded
An umbrella won't shelter you if it's close, you have to open it. You won't know what's in a gift box unless you open it.

In matters of arguments or expressing thoughts and opinions, you can't just reject what's in the mind of other people. You can't say, they're wrong and yours is the only perspective that is correct. In an open conversation or realities of arguments, you need to be open-minded and digest both sides' opinions. No matter how much you dislike a person, don't deny the fact that he has a point also.

An open-minded person is more able to embrace and see himself which is the wrong or the right path to take. Someone who is open-minded to situations that are difficult or easy, is more likely to find solutions very smoothly without breaking the rules or breaking anyone's heart.

Recognition
An extraordinary soul recognizes the strength and positive outlook of others. Give genuine praise if they deserve so. It's an investment in them that doesn't cost you anything, and the returns can be astounding.

I remember this ugly thing that happened to one of my colleagues in Facebook. Her roommate described her awfully and distastefully on air which I happened to see. I sent her an inbox message to ask what happened and she told me later in the afternoon. After days, her roommate somehow said an apology to her, insincere or not, no one knows. She could have also done the apology on air and describe how bad she felt for what happened, maybe it would have been more acceptable. Her status went like this, "just got up in the wrong side of the bed".

"Praise in public, penalize in private".

Gentle and considerate
How far you go in life depends on how willing you are to help without being asked, respectful to the aged, tender with the hurt, supportive to those who need help.

Be considerate on people who are undergoing difficulties and remember the times when they have helped in the past. If ever they haven't yet, you never know what tomorrow brings and you find yourself needing some help, one way or the other. A lot of people who are in a high powered career position overlook this quality. They focus more on what should be done, the urgencies unminding that people are not robots and that we are all humans to make mistakes in the middle of work sometimes.

Speak your truth with modesty, help out in silence, and give your moral support sincerely. "No one has ever become poor by giving" (Anne Frank).

The difference between the ordinary people and extraordinary people is the word "extra". Simply do something nice and unexpected for those people around you, especially those who may never be able to repay you.

Understanding people
Most of the time, people get pissed off so quickly as a reaction against someone who behaves indifferently. What others say and do are most are often based entirely on their own self-reflection.

When you are new in a group, you let them talk and listen to things they were saying about a person they've been with, most of which are negative feedbacks. But because you're an open-minded person you really did not believe everything they said was true. You have your own time of knowing the truth. When the time comes for you to know both sides, you will be amazed of the truth that those people who shared negative feedbacks were actually the ones who have character problems.

Allow people to save their face by becoming quiet or back themselves into a corner. Look the other way until they get themselves out, then act as though it never happened. Don't even remind them that what they already know is not their most intelligent behavior. When we realize that people behave in such ways because they are in a place of great suffering, people react in their own thoughts and feelings and their behavior often has nothing to do directly with you.

Life is too short to be narrow-minded all the time.

Sofia Ann
SWEETLIFEAuthor&Founder

Isn't It Sweet When Someone Wishes They Were YOU?

2013-10-26T16:47:00.000+07:00

"People run their lives in many ways - peaceful, scary, fashionable, complicated or simple. Point is, everyone has the opportunity to do it right or wrong and the chance to be grateful or ask for forgiveness."

Sofia Ann

Do you really know who you are? What you've got and why you're smart? Did you know that despite of our differences and how you live your life, some people out there still wish they were you?

Your life is what you choose and you're solely responsible of any flaws or wellness it may bring you. Before you know it, you're actually telling yourself, "Goodness, I have it pretty darn good!"?

Here's why many people in this world wish they had what you have.

You're educated

Education is brilliant, something you must be thankful for. It is the greatest platform of personal growth and the means by which every human being can realize their full potential. The basic knowledge of reading, writing, counting and reasoning are already very important, how much more if you have it in full?

Imagine yourself as a no-read no-write person, isn't it crazy to think that you can't make use of this basic human right? Truth is, there's a significant percentage of the population who can't read and write.

You have a home

Not the physical structure of a house which is located in a certain part of the city or country. Not the mansion containing all the comforts anyone could dream of having.

It's your family, who gave you love and care. People whom you are sharing your joy and tears, your success and pains, every single day. It's your friends and lovers that complete your life. It's the small community in your heart that you share with others and they too, find a home in you.

You have means for a living

You have a job, be it a white collar or blue collar, you are paid. You did not sit on the streets to beg for coins or for leftover foods. You woke up with roof over your head. You're not sick and today is just another day to go for your work which gives your family substantial living.

How many people are struggling to be employed? Don't you think where you're working now was just one of your dreams before? Be sure you understand this - living comfortably with what you have is something you must appreciate. Less is more.

You have guts

Oh yeah, I'm hats off to those people who did it even if they were unable to finish proper education. Some people were just born with glitters in their blood, do you believe that? Born with sweet talents and they do what they can to make it happen because they believe and they have faith. They go for it without fear because they choose to take the risk for a good result.

You have it! So be cool with it and make it happen. Believe me, there are those who were so taken aback because of fear and they let their fears pin them down.

You have the freedom to choose

Whoever you are, think it this way, it is about your liberation of choice which is already offered to you. Whatever you think is the next step, you are free to choose. As I already mentioned in my quote, the opportunity is whether we do it right or wrong and chances are, it's either you're grateful of its outcome or makes you regret, its upon your choice of action for the next step.

You are not living your life for the expectation of others, but yours. You have the power to make your life simple or complicated, not theirs. As you use your brain in making decisions, follow your heart for making it smooth and not rough.

To your happiness!!

Love,

Sofia Ann

SWEETLIFEAuthor&Founder

Life Is A Sweet Gift

2013-10-25T17:41:00.003+07:00

A Life Story To Live By

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always
there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see
the world, I will marry you.'

One day,
someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages
came off, she was able to see everything, including her
boyfriend.
He asked
her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The
girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The
sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected
that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life
led her to refuse to marry him.

Her
boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her
saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before
they were yours, they were mine.'

This is
how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who
was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a
Gift

Today
before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't
speak.

Before
you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone
who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone
who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today
before you complain about life - Think of someone who died
too early on this earth.

Before
you complain about your children - Think of someone who
desires children but they're barren.

Before
you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or
sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before
whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who
walks the same distance with their feet.

And when
you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your
job.

But
before you think of pointing the finger or condemning
another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.

And when
depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on
your face and think: you're alive and still
around.

Photo credits to the following websites:

Shivender Kumar
smashingspy.com
armor-life.com
helpontheroads.com