Appreciate life while it's still there

By Lloyd Luna

Dear Lloyd,

Hi sir. I've read your blog and I actually followed your story. I think based on your entries that you're able to recover now from that “emotional turbulence.” I wonder sir, if I may ask you, how do you able to do that? Is there a scientific method that you've used? I can relate to you and I'd like to hear some advice from you. Thanks!

Hi there. First, I should thank you for following my little story, or series of stories. I had “fun” going from experience after the other. Defeats, blunder, or failures, we can't really avoid them. But I think being ready when any of them comes to our lives is more important to think about.

Second, I think I have to remind you that life really is what happens. It is never what happened or what's going to happen. It is the present. So let's see if my little adventure can help you. I'm going to share some highlights of my past two weeks. Maybe we can get something from it.

Right after my “emotional turbulence,” I wrote that I had to do the following: Spend half of my Friday in My Own Space (MOS), had a haircut, manicure, hands spa, shampoo, and foot massage, play badminton with my choir mates in a Saturday, practice choir after Sunday mass, pause on a Monday, overnight check in Astoria Plaza Hotel (alone!) and have a great breakfast experience, and go to Sofitel (formerly Westin Philippine Plaza) in a Tuesday for a meeting.

Then, travel to San Fernando, La Union, stay at Villa Estrella Hotel and Resort on a Wednesday, go up directly to Baguio City and check in at Camp John Hay Manor. I told myself that for this week I want (and will) go to four hotels and get the best experience from one hotel to another. It did happen and I'm glad that I was able to pamper myself with those experiences. It was totally fun. I'm writing this column here in Manor. You should aim at staying here as well. This is the best leisure experience you can have. If you're looking for a peaceful place, you can't go to anywhere else other than here.

Here are the lessons from each travel I had, which became one of the most unforgettable memories I have so far. Thank God for the turbulence. I really appreciate it!

One, it's ok to feel what you feel, experience the drama but don't let it kill you or your dreams. Stick to the bigger picture. Count the blessings and the instances you've made yourself happy. Two, don't force anything to happen. There are things you need to just pass by simply because that's not the perfect timing. If it's not for you, the Universe will know that and it will do everything in its power to separate you from that unnecessary attraction.

Three, your focus determines you reality. What you focus on happens to you. If you focus on the negative emotion, that's what you'll feel and get. Negative emotion can never make you feel good. Four, shift gears. Run as fast as you can to leave the past behind. Always make sure you run faster than the pains and failures. Don't let your frustration and disappointments reach the finish line first. Always be ahead of your worries and anxieties. Let the past to where it truly belongs.

On Friday, I'm going with Les Reyes, chairman and CEO of Reyes Haircutters International while he addresses the participants of the Financial Executive Institute seminar here at Camp John Hay. Then, on Saturday, I'm joining him and Bob Claudio, chairman and CEO of Toby's Sports at the Country Club here in Baguio while they play golf.

This is of course part of my commitment to publish the detailed and comprehensive Reyes Haircutters Story.

Appreciate life while it is still there. Take time to smile and greet each morning a happy morning. It's not always that we're going to see the sun rising. One day we will be cleared away. So, overtake those pains and start running with your happy moments and memories.

Value your dreams,

BIG