Mark Delgado PH

2021 may either be a great year for some or a difficult year for others but my sincere wish is that may we all learn to focus on the bright side of things and to be filled with thanksgiving for the Lord in all situation. Actually, this is the biggest lesson I've learned this year. Learning how to be positive and to have faith and hope at all times. Thank you Lord for everything that happened this 2021. Be with us this 2022. ❤️

2021 is coming to an end and as a yearly tradition I went racking my brain for the biggest lesson I've learned so far.

This year is about positivity. It's about focusing on the good things while being aware of the not so good things. Not toxic positivity wherein all things perceived as negative are just to be swept under the rug.

In the past, I've used "worrying" to my advantage. For example, whenever I worry that I will fail an exam that's when I double the effort in studying. It had worked so well for me and realized that fear-based motivation worked better than looking at the rewards. At least for me. Tim Ferris even created "Fear Setting" which I can relate to so much. I knew I've been using that principle even before I heard of its name.

But this year was different, my worries and fears finally caught some fire and are causing me panic attacks and depression. I have to rethink my life strategies. Fear based planning doesn't work when my challenges tend to pile up. I have to learn to focus on the upside of things and to always be in the state of gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Also, Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Who am I to oppose these truths? Also, no matter how countless are the times we read a verse, if we don't apply them in real life, they will remain head knowledge.

I praise God for his word that helped me get through the difficult parts of this year. I was brought to my knees and cried unto him a few times because of the heavy burdens but still God met me there — and that's all that matters.

Whenever I make decisions nowadays, I still have worries and I still do the Fear Setting thing just to be aware of the downsides.

But more than that, I found a better way of planning things and that is through "Faith Setting" or how will God move in whatever I am planning for.

It's far more soul-enriching and soul-satisfying and I can't wait for the years to come to be able to plan and do all things with God. ✨

is one of those modern day thoughts I subscribe to.

There are people who do it to the extreme and I can't do what they do. But I'm here to appreciate the basic principles.

We got so bombarded with ads and messages that tell us to buy more, acquire more and get more because that's what businesses are for — to convince us to buy.

Then I realized, we are creatures that are easily influenced and persuaded. And businesses had become too crafty in doing it.

Past few months, I got lost and was persuaded to buy stuff I don't need. All under the influence of retail therapy. Now, I'm going back to Minimalism.

It's good to be reminded again and for some reason, this usually happens during the holiday season.

Have you tried Minimalism? Would you be willing to live in a house which only have the essentials?