Conozco Pablo

Well, let's bid adieu to the unforgettable year that was 2023! These past twelve months have proven to be an exhilarating whirlwind of unexpected twists that have fundamentally reshaped the very fabric of my existence. As I engage in profound introspection, I'm delighted to present you with the luminous highlights that have graced my journey in 2023: 1. A Heartfelt Commencement   The dawn of this remarkable year was marked by the devastating and entirely unforeseen departure of my beloved father, shortly after the joyous New Year's celebrations. It was an earth-shattering surprise that none of us had foreseen, yet it ignited within me the flames of a profound rebirth and new beginnings. 2. Northern Charms Unveiled Following the poignant loss of my father, I serendipitously found myself in the enchanting embrace of Norway, where an unplanned hiatus beckoned me to the bosom of my family. To my sheer astonishment, amid the icy grips of winter, the North unfolded it

The phrase "No one is indispensable" is a common saying that implies that anyone can be replaced, and that nothing in life is permanent. While there is some truth to this statement, I believe that it is important to approach this idea with more compassion. This is the focus of this blogpost. While it is true that others may be able to do what we do, and even do it better, and that we are all transient beings in this world, it is also true that each person has unique qualities that make them who they are. These qualities include our strengths, weaknesses, personalities, and life experiences. One sociological theory that can be applied to an individual's indispensability is functionalism. Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social structures and institutions in maintaining the stability and well-being of society. From a functionalist perspective, the phrase "no one is indispensable" suggests that society is greater than any one individual, and t

Managing personal finances can be a daunting task, especially for those who are just starting out or have limited financial knowledge. This has also been a problem for me until I learned one of the most effective ways to manage personal finances through cash flow budgeting. In this article, there will be a discussion about the pros and cons of personal cash flow budgeting and provide examples to support the arguments. Personal cash flow budgeting has several advantages that make it a valuable tool for managing personal finances. One of the primary benefits of cash flow budgeting is that it helps individuals with financial planning. By forecasting cash inflows and outflows, individuals can make informed decisions about spending and saving, ensuring that they have enough cash on hand to meet their financial obligations. This would allow one to foresee months when cash meager, and thus preparations are necessary to make ends meet. For instance, a person may use cash flow budge

As someone who has been through a lot of ups and downs recently, I used to hold onto a lot of anger and resentment towards some people who hurt me deeply. I thought that my anger was justified and that it was the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. But in reality, my anger was only holding me back from finding true happiness and moving on. This is the focus of this blogpost. It takes a lot of courage and self-love to make the decision to let go of my anger and forgive those individuals. It isn't an easy process, but in the end, it can be worth it. Personally, I finally realized that holding onto anger was only causing me more pain and suffering, while those individuals had moved on with their life. I was the only one still trapped in the past, unable to let go. This is a never-ending negative-laden cycle. However, we have to note that anger can be a powerful motivator. It can give us the energy and drive you need to stand up for yourself or to fight for

Wow, can you believe it's been ten years? It genuinely feels like it was only yesterday when I took my very first steps into the beautiful expanse of Norway. I remember that chilly sensation under my shoes, reminding me that I had embarked on a whole new journey. Initially, my plans only involved a brief stint in this land, but life has a way of throwing surprises, and here I am, a decade later, calling it my home. Norway's mesmerizing beauty, from the vast and serene fjords to the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights, has been a constant backdrop to my life's myriad of moments. Whether I was riding high on joy or navigating through my challenges, the country's landscapes and culture have significantly influenced my personal growth. Allow me to indulge in a bit of nostalgia and guide you through my incredible journey here. The Early Days: Immersing Myself in Oslo Embarking on my new life in Norway was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. There wa

"Are you confused about the difference between socialism and populism? It's like the difference between giving everyone a small slice of the cake or promising a few people the whole cake. Let's take a closer look!" There are some politicians that are associated with socialism but some would consider them representing the ideology of populism. This is the focus of this blogpost. Allow me to clarify the distinction between populism and socialism. Populism is a political approach that seeks to resonate with the general populace, often challenging the established elites. Populist leaders might make sweeping promises to gain popular support, even if such promises might be challenging to keep in the long run. An instance could be a leader pledging to reduce taxes for all, regardless of the long-term economic implications. On the other hand, to understand socialism, consider this simple analogy: Imagine you have five candies and five children. Your goal is to dis

Gigil! Ghhhh - that feeling yes! It is somehow unexplainable but certainly felt. The Filipino feeling of "gigil" as a complex mix of emotions and behaviors that are deeply ingrained in the Filipino culture. This is the focus of this blogpost. "Gigil" can be described as a feeling of intense excitement, enthusiasm, or affection that is often expressed through physical actions such as pinching, squeezing, or tickling. This feeling can be directed towards a variety of stimuli, including loved ones, cute or adorable things, or even frustrating or irritating situations. For example, when a parent sees their child doing something cute, they may feel gigil, which is a mix of overwhelming love and the urge to pinch or squeeze their child. This feeling is so strong that it can result in a physical reaction, such as tightening of the chest or fists. However, a person may also feel gigil towards someone who has wronged them, such as a cheating partner or a rude co-

It is quite amazing that almost one month from now, I will be celebrating my birthday. I could not ignore the fact, that I actually feel older. I am noticing changes in my body that I never had just months before. I could willingly attribute these changes to my age. Unsurprisingly, I consider myself belonging to Generation Y. As a millennial or one belonging to Generation Y, let me give a glimpse into our lifestyle, problems, and what makes us unique. Buckle up, because it's going to be a wild and tech-savvy ride! First things first, millennials were born between 1980 and 1996, making us the largest living generation in the world. We're all about technology since we grew up with personal computers and the internet. We're practically glued to our smartphones and can navigate the digital world like nobody's business. Because of this, we value instant gratification and seek convenience. We love speed and on-demand services, which is why apps like Uber, Airbnb,

As a night shift nurse, I am no stranger to sleep deprivation. It's a common experience for anyone who works odd hours or has a busy lifestyle, and it can be both hilarious and frustrating at the same time. So, let's take another look at sleep deprivation and how it affects us all.  I know firsthand the toll that sleep deprivation can take on a person's physical and mental health. Unfortunately, it's a problem that is all too common among healthcare professionals, who often work long hours and have irregular schedules. Studies have shown that healthcare professionals, including nurses, are at a higher risk for sleep deprivation than the general population. This is due to a variety of factors, including working night shifts, irregular schedules, and high stress levels. The consequences of sleep deprivation can be serious, especially for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care and well-being of others. Sleep deprivation can lead to impaired c

Let me tell you something that's as pointless as trying to catch a slippery eel with your bare hands - comparing an extrovert and an introvert! It's also like trying to compare a chatty parrot with a contemplative sloth - they're both awesome in their own way, but they have different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. This is the focus of this blogpost. Firstly, extroverts are like social butterflies who flutter around from one person to the next, while introverts are more like solitary cats who prefer to curl up in a cozy corner with a good book. We have some famous extroverts like Ellen DeGeneres, who is known for her outgoing and bubbly personality. She loves being around people and making them laugh, and her talk show is all about spreading positivity and joy. Another famous extrovert is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who is known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off screen. He's a natural born entertainer who loves to engage wit

We, human beings all make mistakes because no one is perfect. Sometimes, we act in a way that doesn't align with our intentions, and that is acceptable. It's common to act based on the information we have at the time, thereby increasing the chance of committing mistakes. However, it's also okay to not do anything, even if everything seems clear. Unfortunately, we often prefer to keep things the same because change can be scary. Our actions whether resulting to mistakes or right action is worth pondering on. This is the focus of this blogpost. As a human being, I am not perfect, and I know that I make mistakes, too. I have done things that I regret, said things that I wish I could take back, and made decisions that did not align with my values. But despite these shortcomings, I remain optimistic. I believe that acknowledging our imperfections is an important step towards growth and self-improvement. It is through our mistakes and failures that we learn va

The saying that comes to mind in this context is "absence makes the heart grow fonder." While being available to your partner is important in a relationship, having some distance and personal space can also be beneficial. It allows both partners to pursue their own interests, cultivate their own identities, and appreciate each other's presence when they come together again. When partners are constantly available to each other, they may take each other for granted and become complacent in the relationship. This can lead to a lack of effort and a decline in the quality of the relationship. However, if partners have some time apart, they may start to miss each other and appreciate each other's company even more when they reunite. Being always available in a romantic relationship can have both advantages and disadvantages. As a hopeless romantic, the idea of always being there for your partner may seem like the ultimate expression of love and devotion. For me,

Through my existence, I have interacted with diverse individuals with varying personalities and even varying cultural backgrounds. I have come to realize that effective communication goes beyond the words we speak. It also entails nonverbal cues such as eye contact, touch, distance, and time. This will be the focus of this blogpost. EYE CONTACT Ironically, as a nurse, I often find myself preferring to be alone. I tend to talk less and avoid eye contact, which I have learned can be emotionally draining, especially when dealing with patients. However, maintaining eye contact is crucial when communicating with patients to show empathy and understanding. Although I try to protect myself by talking carefully and avoiding eye contact, I remain vulnerable because I tend to talk too much. This is my weakness. Eye contact is a crucial aspect of nonverbal communication. It is the act of looking directly into someone's eyes while speaking or listening to them. Eye contact can have

Today, I am going to talk about an important lesson that I've learned over the course of my life. It's a lesson that I believe is crucial for all of us, especially those of you who are just starting out on your life journey. The lesson is this: no one is perfect. This is the focus of this blogpost. It's a simple truth, but one that we often forget in our pursuit of success and perfection. This is because we live in a world that values perfection and often judges us harshly when we fall short of that ideal. But the reality is that none of us are perfect, and we shouldn't expect ourselves or others to be. Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait, associated with high standards and achieving excellence. However, like many traits, perfectionism also has its drawbacks. One of the main advantages of perfectionism is that it can drive individuals to do their best and strive for excellence in all areas of their lives. This can result in a strong work ethic, a

Dear friend, I know that you've been making some mistakes lately, and I want to talk to you about something that I think is really important: the idea that two wrongs don't make a right. The saying "two wrongs don't make a right" has been around for a very long time, and it still holds true today. This is something I would like to talk to you about here. This expression basically means that it's not okay to respond to a wrong with another wrong. For example, when someone wrongs us, it's natural to want to seek revenge. But seeking revenge only leads to more harm and doesn't solve anything. It's better to focus on finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. Another example is when we have arguments or disagreements with others. In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say hurtful things or engage in disrespectful behavior. But doing so only makes things worse and can harm relationships.  As humans, there are instances when we feel th

I want to caution you about the concept of caring. While it is a fundamental aspect of any healthy relationship, caring can also have its drawbacks. It is important to consider how we express care and whether our actions are truly beneficial to the person we care about. This is the focus of this blogpost. Undoubtedly, the act of caring for others, particularly in intricate relationships such as those amongst friends, can be a daunting task. Caring is undeniably a crucial and affirmative aspect of any friendship, but it can also pose a considerable number of challenges. This is quite natural as the friendships evolves through time - it becomes more complicated as it seems. One of the main challenges of caring for friends is navigating the different needs and preferences of each person. People have different communication styles, emotional needs, and ways of dealing with challenges, which can sometimes clash with the needs of others. It can be difficult to know how to best su

As a health care worker for almost fifteen years, I have dealt with all kinds of people, patients, and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. I have communicated with them in at least four different languages, and let me tell you, it has been a unique experience. I have been both in the academe and in clinical settings, dealing with both acute and non-acute patients. It has been a journey, but one thing I never thought I would struggle with the most is dealing with the ups and downs of daily patient interactions. Now, let me tell you something. Patient interactions require a lot from us, health care practitioners. It's not just about having knowledge and skills; we also need the right attitude. And let me tell you, attitude is personal and natural. You can't just learn it. I used to think I had the sufficient attitude, but I was wrong! Every time I interacted with my patients, a little part of me was either lost, numbed, or even confused. It was irritating

  Recently, I have been reflecting deeply on past interactions, and it has become clear to me that my gut instinct was accurate. Throughout my life, I have often relied on my intuition, but my rational mind offered another choice. However, time and again, my gut feeling has proved my perception wrong and guided me towards making wise choices. Whenever I suddenly make drastic changes, it is because my gut feeling kicked in. I start to see things that others may neglect, or I may have repeatedly ignored previously. At times, I tend to tolerate certain situations, but I instantenously realize that I need to follow what my instinct tells me. Luckily, I am patient enough to confirm that hunch, and when I do, I close my eyes and walk away, knowing that I do not need to waste my future on a senseless situation. Intuition, commonly known as gut feeling, is the innate sense or sensation that steers us to make decisions without any factual basis or logical explanation. While some ind