🌿 𝓖𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓾𝓭𝓮 & 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓽𝓱 🌿

Life is a mix of highs and lows, joys and struggles. Today, I pause to reflect on the beauty of it all—the good moments that warm my soul and the challenges that test my spirit.

Every triumph teaches me gratitude.

Every setback builds my strength.

I am thankful for the lessons hidden in pain and the blessings wrapped in love. Both have shaped who I am and continue to guide me toward becoming better, stronger, and more resilient.

Let’s embrace every chapter, every twist, and every turn with a heart full of gratitude and unwavering strength. 💪

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?

A pocketful of sunshine and 

 

Gratitude For The Simple Joy of Being

Grateful for this moment, for the calm, for the beauty of simply being here.

In a world that often feels like it’s rushing by, it’s easy to overlook the quiet gift of simply existing. But when we pause, even for a moment, and let ourselves breathe in the present, we open our hearts to gratitude. There’s a gentle bliss in knowing that, right here, right now, we have enough.

Gratitude isn’t about waiting for extraordinary things to happen; it’s about recognizing the beauty in everyday moments. The warmth of the morning sun, the sound of leaves rustling, the comfort of a familiar smile—these simple things remind us of the richness of our lives.

When we focus on these small blessings, we find that gratitude transforms our outlook. It invites peace into our minds and reminds us that life’s greatest joys often come quietly. Embracing this gratitude lets us live with a softer, fuller heart, appreciating the magic of simply being.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Embracing Life with Resilience

While we may not be able to control every event in life, we have the power to control how we respond. Our attitude—our perspective—is one of the most influential choices we make every day. It shapes our experience of joy, hardship, and everything in between.

Choosing a positive, resilient outlook doesn’t mean ignoring reality or glossing over pain. It’s about acknowledging those challenges while believing in our own strength to meet them. It’s finding gratitude in the small moments when the big ones feel overwhelming. 

When life presents its challenges, I try to focus not on what’s happening but on what I can do about it. I’m learning that the true richness of life isn’t determined by external events but by my inner landscape—how I choose to think, feel, and react. And that, ultimately, is where real freedom and peace lie.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

When Life Suddenly Turns Uncertain

 

𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓋𝓎, 𝓇𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇: 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓼 𝓹𝓪𝓼𝓼, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓼.

We go about our lives assuming a certain rhythm, a sense of continuity in our daily routines. In our minds, we know that life is unpredictable, but for the most part, it feels steady. And then, something happens—a moment that catches us completely off guard, making us realize just how delicate that stability truly is. When life takes an unexpected turn, it can feel like the ground beneath us shifts, leaving us unsettled and searching for our footing. These moments often bring waves of complex emotions: vulnerability, a heightened sense of awareness, and a reminder of how much we hold dear. They make us consider things we usually push to the back of our minds—the preciousness of each moment, the importance of the people we love, and the strength we may need to summon from within. Through it all, though, we discover a resilience we didn’t realize we had. We lean on the people who support us, find solace in their presence, and draw on the quiet strength that carries us through. Sometimes, we have to take it one day at a time, finding small comforts in routines, in laughter, in shared moments that remind us of life’s warmth. In facing the unexpected, we’re reminded of the value in living fully and honestly. We find a deeper appreciation for life’s joys, a gratitude for its beauty, and a courage that comes only from facing the unknown. These are moments that shape us, helping us see the world with fresh eyes, even if they come from a place of challenge. And through it all, we carry on, grounded in the hope and love that surround us, stronger for the journey.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

In Hindsight...

Image by Broquart Photography

It has been a beautiful life...

TRULY BEAUTIFUL!

It's not all about wealth.

It's not about what you have.

It's not about the size of your house.

Or the brand of your car.

It's not about the beautiful things you own.

It's not about your title or 

the brand of your clothes, bags and shoes.

Life is all about finding

PEACE OF MIND...

Learning to love unconditionally...

Giving without expecting anything in return...

Life is about finding your worth

and knowing you are ENOUGH...

Life is about the relationships you have formed,

the lives you have touched...

Life is about being content with what you have

and finding happiness in what you do...

Life is about KNOWING that you love what you do

and that you are where your heart is...

Life is about learning the lessons 

that each heartbreak taught you...

Life is about the people around you 

and knowing that you have served them well...

Life is about making the people you love HAPPY that you are in their lives...

Life is all about Faith, Hope, Strength, Courage and Wisdom...

It's all about Love... Contentment... Peace...

Life is finding meaning and making a difference in your own little way...

Life is all about Living and Loving and Coping...

Life is PERFECT the way things are...

And that is why LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

☀️☀️☀️

Thank you, Lord, for everything. 

A pocketful of sunshine to you all! 

Of Time and Pain... and Gratitude (A Birthday Reflection)

I once dreamed of a sweet and gentle life

Where bliss greeted me at the door

And soft rose petals covered my bed...

But dreams are just dreams

And reality brings more pain

Than one can ever imagine...

Sheltered all my life

I thought it would all be easy

After all, up until then, life was a breeze...

Imagine my surprise

When the life I knew was suddenly interrupted

By people who thought they knew better...

Not only was there pain but shame as well

The crowd that used to surround us

Slowly dissipated into thin air...

Thank God for family and TRUE friends

It took one misfortune to unmask these faces

I wouldn't have survived without them...

Then you get to realize that

There is no such thing as an easy life

Everyone has an ordeal to tell...

Mine is a story of LOST love, life and hope

Until I decided to take the reins again

And stand up on my own...

Mine is a story of independence and liberation

Not of war but of love for life

A quest for deeper meaning of my existence...

You see, seven years ago

I would have perished with James

And my three kids would have been orphaned...

But no, God had other plans

These kids are my mission

They are meant for greater things...

And I am here to guide and lead them

To the paths that the good Lord

Has paved for them...

God has been good to us

And I feel blessed to have everything we need

Enough lessons to teach us gratitude...

Now whenever I hear my kids say "thank you"

For every little nice thing done to them

I thank God for life lessons that were not wasted...

(Re-posted from A Birthday Reflection)

© Bing Yap [PinkLady] 2012

All Rights Reserved

Linked to The Poetry Pantry #120 
and dVerse Poets Pub Poetics: It's About Time

The 6th Year

i leave all pain and tears behind

as i walk towards the rising sun

confidently i take my stride

knowing all is well and fine

lessons learned by heart

regrets, i have none

expect, i'd rather not

with acceptance i shall

embrace life as it is

i am stronger...

i am better...

i am me...

© Bing (PinkLady) 2011
Posted for Poetry Potluck: Rules, Regulations and Laws...

Yesterday marked the 6th year anniversary of James' disappearance. My children and I honored him through a Catholic mass offered in his memory. For the first time since 2005, I did not go through any melancholic episode. Instead, my heart was filled with gratitude for having been part of James' short-lived existence and for my own resilience. I felt the blessedness of life itself as my 3 kids wrapped their arms around me. Tears rolled down my face not because I felt sorry for myself but because I was truly THANKFUL for the way things turned out.

If you have lived, take thankfully the past.

~John Dryden

 

It has been a long blogging hiatus for me here and  I was pleasantly surprised to read:

Review Tuesdays - OF LIVING AND LOVING

which was  written by esteemed poet Someone is Special at Jingle Poetry. SiS, your kind words really touched my heart and I thank you for that.  In reply to your article, let me quote an old comment I posted here also in reply to a fellow blogger's encouraging words, to  wit:

"I started this blog with the hope of inspiring others and helping them deal with the overwhelming aftermath of a sudden loss or tragedy in the family. I love to write. I went through my grief process by writing in my journal every single emotion that I felt and every single milestone in my journey towards healing. I didn't get here easily, you know. Believe me, I had all kinds of criticisms for staying so long in my grief. But taking my time to heal was all worth it. Grief is a normal and natural response to any loss. Have no fear and let it run free. It is OK not to feel OK. Express it and then release it.

I created this blog to share the light I have seen at the end of the tunnel with everyone who is in the same journey. The comments I have received from all of you validated that I have somehow achieved my purpose."

SiS, although I would have easily chosen pink as my background color because of my pseudonym, I instead opted for red as I felt that, at this stage of my life, this color defines me more now - i.e., intense, fearless, enthusiastic and passionate about life.

I was an accidental, albeit reluctant, poet, mind you. Ji (Jingle, as she is commonly known) was the one  who prodded me to take poetry seriously and join her Thursday Poets' Rally.  For that, I am most grateful to her. . 

I would  also like to thank everyone in Jingle's community who voted for me for The Celebrate Poet of 2010 Award.

Image courtesy: Link

Musical Monday... What Moves You?

I just got back from my two-weeks-break and my heart is so full of love and gratitude right now. This song says it all...

Thanks To You by Tyler Collins

Thank you...
For teaching me how to live
Putting things in perspective
Teaching me how to give
And how to take...

Thanks to you!

Posted for Musical Monday... What Moves You?

Rejoice (Haiku)

friends who stand by us

through fair and stormy weather

one of life's pleasures

♥♥♥

love from family

pure and unconditional

God's greatest blessing

♥♥♥

sunshine in your heart

amidst an overcast sky

keep your light glowing

© Bing (PinkLady) 2010

 ♥♥♥

Friends
by Amii Stewart and Mike Francis

(1984)

Posted for Haiku Heights and The Poetry Pantry
Image from Leonid Afremov's Gallery

A Birthday Reflection

I once dreamed of a sweet and gentle life

Where bliss greeted me at the door

And soft rose petals covered my bed...

But dreams are just dreams

And reality brings more pains

Than one could ever imagine...

Sheltered all my life

I thought it would all be easy

After all, up until then, life was a breeze...

Imagine my surprise

When the life I knew was suddenly interrupted

By people who thought they knew better...

Not only was there pain but shame as well

The crowd that used to surround us

Slowly dissipated into thin air...

Thank God for family and TRUE friends

It took one misfortune to unmask these faces

I wouldn't have survived without them...

Then you get to realize that

There is no such thing as an easy life

Everyone has an ordeal to tell...

Mine is a story of LOST love, life and hope

Until I decided to take the reins again

And stand up on my own...

Mine is a story of independence and liberation

Not of war but of love for life

A quest for deeper meaning of my existence...

You see, five years ago

I would have perished with James

And my three kids would have been orphaned...

But no, God had other plans

These kids are my mission

They are meant for greater things...

And I am here to guide and lead them

To the paths that the good Lord

Has paved for them...

God has been good to us

And I feel blessed to have everything we need

Enough lessons to teach us gratitude...

Now whenever I hear my kids say "thank you"

For every little nice thing done to them

I thank God for life lessons that were not wasted...

Let me take this opportunity to thank friends in  the blogosphere for making my birthday special...

To Thom for the nice birthday greeting that he posted in his blog "Thom's Place 4 Whatever".He just arrived from his Seattle trip and has been kept busy by a lot of things but he found the time to make a special post for my birthday.

Thom, your post took me by surprise. I don't even know how you got wind of my birthday but believe me, it felt so good to read your greetings online. You made me feel so special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And a big thanks as well to everyone who left a birthday wish or message for me in your blog.

To Jingle who really made it special with all the awards she gave me on my birthday. It was

indeed a pleasant surprise to see all those beautiful images that she made just for her Thursday Poets Rally Week 23 participants.

Jingle, I understand what you're going through right now. I am amazed at your  undying desire to lift our spirits up despite your own struggles. Rest assured that your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you for these beautiful awards:

 The Perfect Poet Award for Week 23











 The Most Consistent Poet  Award

The Most Persistent Poet Award

The Most Admirable Poet Award

The Celebrate Poet of May Runner Up Award

Friends are Precious Award

Wings of Light Award

Participation Award