A Six-Year-Old Kid’s Acts of Kindness to Inspire You

by Rhea Vitto Tabora

“How do we change the world? One act of random kindness at a time.”

Remember this dialogue from the movie Evan Almighty?

We have heard so much about some random acts of kindness. But what is it really that will inspire someone to practice it and spread the power of goodness like wildfire? How do we spark kindness and keep the light burning?

This article is special. My six-year-old son helped me with the ideas based on his personal experiences and as a genuine act of kindness, he even volunteered to write this article, typing one word at a time on my laptop! Although he asked me many times what happened to what he wrote because I corrected his spelling and edited his words.

These are the things he did over the past week, written in present tense as he would like to continuously practice them.

1. Make a handmade card with a personalized greeting. What gift can be better than something you create personally? It’s the effort that makes it more special.  
2. Donate school supplies to a nearby school with underprivileged children. We know how some poor children can barely afford a box of crayons or a good quality pencil. Make them happy with some brand new school supplies.
3. Give your dog a hug. Dogs feel lonely too. A tight hug when you come home will make them feel loved.
4. Send random messages to your relatives on Viber or WhatsApp. We have a Viber group in the family, and my little boy loves sending random messages to his grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
5. Be someone’s cheerleader. When someone accomplished something, be happy and cheer for him or her.
6. Laugh often. Treat yourself nicely. Laugh like a child, again.
7. Say “good morning.” This simple greeting can make a difference to someone who is having a bad start of the day. 
8. Say “thank you” often. Express your gratitude always.
9. Add one more piggy bank – the second one is for a good cause. My little boy got excited purchasing some crayons and pencils for their school’s charity drive. Now he would like to have another piggy bank to support his charity cause and give back to the community. How heartwarming is that for a small child to do?
10. Donate clothing. Your gently-used clothing can be somebody else’s source of comfort.
11. Help set the table for dinner. Make it a family affair. Bonding can start even before you sit around the table.
12. Do what is right. Even when no one is watching.
13. Pick up trash on the road. Some people just don’t care about Mother Earth. We need to be kind to the environment too.
14. Share what you have. Not just the extra, or the things that you don’t need anymore.
15. Before you go to bed, say a prayer for all your loved ones.
16. Let your parents know how much you love them. A hug, a message, a call will mean a lot.
17. Say “I’m sorry” when you did something wrong.
18. Say “I love you.” And mean it.

Imagine how one simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and make an impact to the world.

As adults, we can do better, can’t we? If a small kid can show some kindness to the world, we adults should be able to do much more.

Let’s be kind. It’s not difficult. Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine hello, a friendly smile, a caring touch.

Are you ready to put a smile on someone’s face today? 

How a Simple Thank You can Inspire Your Day

by Rhea Vitto Tabora

There is always something to be thankful for. In the past, we always argued if the glass was half empty or half full. I am now joining those individuals who are thankful for having a glass, and that there is something in it. Yes, life is indeed simple. People, and sometimes greed, are the ones who make it complicated.

My little boy and I spent a few minutes earlier today exchanging notes on things we are thankful for. That inspired me to expand my list. So here I am spending some minutes to say thank you to the many people and things that have touched my life and made my days either special or challenging.

1. Thank you for another breath of life. I opened my eyes this morning and thanked God I’m still alive. Healthy and kicking.

2. Thank you for the smile. Seeing your loved one’s smile first thing in the morning is enough to make your day. Be it from your partner, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or a friend. 

3. Thank you, my family. I’m deeply grateful for your love and for always holding my hand.

4. Thank you for the hug. There’s nothing else that gives me the kind of comfort than a warm embrace.

5. Thank you, friends. Thank you for the good times, the bad times, the ups and downs. Thank you for the jokes, the joys, and all the moments shared.   

6. Thank you for my shadow. It means I am still alive, out in the sunshine, enjoying the open air. It also means there is light helping us see things in the darkness of the night.

7. Thank you for the challenges. They made me stronger. They help me navigate through life with greater ease.

8. Thank you for the difficult times. They helped me grow and inspired me to move on.

9. Thank you for the silence and complete darkness. Those surreal moments when you hear nothing but the soft murmur of the air-con, with no lights to disturb your thoughts. No other moment can give you that kind of peace.

10. Thank you for the morning sunshine, the soft wind, the sand, and the beach. They provide the best combination to unwind.

11. Thank you, photographers. Thank you for capturing life’s beautiful moments into one awesome masterpiece. Thank you for capturing the sunrise, the rainbows, the sunset, the moonlight, and everything in between.  

12. Thank you for the books. Who doesn’t love them? I grew up in a house filled with them. I gifted myself with them. I spent so much time with them. I went to the malls for them. I can’t thank you enough for the knowledge, the inspiration, and the wisdom.  

13. Thank you for the word possible. It makes me conquer what is impossible.

14. Thank you for the adjectives. They help me in expressing my emotions better. They offer flattering words to describe people and circumstances. They add color to my writing. One adjective can make a lot of difference.    

15. Thank you for the flowers. How dull this earth will be without you?

16. Thank you, music for making me feel better. You and my headset are perfect partners in soothing my headache. I can’t thank you enough.

17. Thank you, bed for always carrying my weight and for absorbing all my fatigue when my body crush your crispness at night.

18. Thank you for the new opportunity. I always get this, and I am deeply grateful. It makes my journey more exciting.

19. Thank you, WiFi. Because of you, I can connect to the tech-savvy world. And yes, because of you, I am earning money.  

20. Thank you, social media. Because of you, I remain in touch with my old friends, meet new friends, and share my thoughts like this one. Because of you, I was able to make my dream to write a blog come true.

To you, thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you for the big things. And the small things.

And thank you for reading this.

What about you? What are you thankful for? 

How Your Mommy Lied to You Many Times. No, Really.

by Rhea Vitto Tabora

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you’re the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.”

I love you SO much. Much more than I love myself.

But I must admit - I have lied to you. And baby, I might continue doing it until you are old. Until when exactly? I have no idea!

Here’s how I have lied to you:

1. I slept well. You were a very active baby, even when you sleep. When we lay down after a long day, my exhausted body transforms into a punching bag when you start kicking your legs or stretching your arms. I was no longer surprised to see another bruise on my legs or arms the next day.

2. I am fine. When you were a baby, sleeping for four hours was one of my biggest struggles. The moment my back hits the bed at night, I could always feel the bed sucking my last straw of energy. Back then, I thought I could describe tiredness better than Webster. But despite the late nights, I always acted with full energy the next day. I had to wake up early to go to work and even though your dad was around, I wanted to attend to your needs when I got home in the evening. I was tired and starving and sleepy - but with you in my arms, all I could feel was love. Yeah, I was always on night vigil. But boy, I've learned to ignore the watch; I just stared at your face.   

3. I am full. I thought that last piece of bread was mine, but when you said with a big grin that you wanted one more, then, by all means, you can have that. I wanted it too, like a small child (haha!), but never mind.

4. I was not afraid. When you recently asked for permission if you can remove the balancer of your bike, we said yes, and that your dad and I will just keep a watchful eye until you get your balance. It wasn’t true, my dear. My heart skipped two beats, the way it did when you stumbled on your first walk. When you accidentally hurt yourself, I hugged you and told you it was okay, you will be fine in a minute. But I was anxious. I felt your pain. No, I want to absorb all the pain! It was just a slight bump, but what if you were hurt badly? What if you had a concussion? What if… what if…. Ahh, now I realize how true it is that when you become a mom, you had to deal with many fears you never knew existed.  

5. I love playing basketball. I love watching the game, but not playing. No, never! I was never the sporty type anyway. And I don't even know how to properly dribble a ball! You’re the one teaching me now how to play the game. The truth is, I really don’t love playing basketball. But I love doing it with you. You are extremely happy playing the game, and I am happy playing with you.

6. I am upset when you cry for no reason. Not true. Because it breaks my heart whenever I see you cry.  You seldom shed a tear. You’re a happy baby. You never had tantrums. I think that’s why I am not used to seeing you cry.

7. I have a deadline; I need to finish this. You have always been on top of my list, baby. You are my everything. I will stop doing my things, look you in the eyes when you approach me, or give you a big hug, or even play with you. I am Superwoman, you know. And well, okay, Wonderwoman too! 

8. I cannot be your girlfriend. You’ve said it more than a hundred times – I will be your one and only girlfriend, for life. You always cry when I say I am your mom, I am daddy’s wife, and you will meet and have a true girlfriend when you get older. Not true, my dear. I want to be your mom, your best friend, your lifelong girlfriend, your one and only girl. Wait until your future wife reads this and maybe I will lie again.

9. I don’t lie. I never did, until I became a mom. But these are white lies. And I will most probably continue to do so for as long as I live. Because I will do anything in my power to protect you, to love you, to keep you away from harm. I may not be a perfect mom - maybe far from it, but I’m doing the best I can. I want to be the champion for you. 

I am a mom. And I will love and protect you forever. 

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What is so Inspiring about Manny Pacquiao?

by Rhea Vitto Tabora

This story is written through the eyes of a non-boxing fan.

Boxing sports is ruthless. I never liked it. I hated watching it. I never appreciated it. Those powerful punches were not only devastating; they were awful. I did not understand why it is considered a sport.

But Manny Pacquiao changed the way I view boxing. I don’t love it still. But I like Manny. And I admire what he does. More than as a professional boxer, but as an inspiration to many.

Oh, and have I mentioned I also enjoy his sense of humor?

Manny Pacquiao has conquered not just the boxing arena and the hearts of many boxing sports enthusiasts. He has also won the respect and admiration of many non-boxing aficionados.

One of his fans in Cambodia shared on Facebook that he decided to stay at home with his dad to watch the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquaio fight of the century instead of attending a relative’s wedding.

What’s with Manny Pacquiao? Why do many people look up to him and consider him different from other great achievers?

1. From zero to hero

Every Filipino knows his rags-to-riches life story. The world had witnessed how he rose from being a nobody to somebody. From being a street urchin to a responsible wealthy man. From earning two dollars a fight to millions per match. From being an insignificant member of a community to becoming a life champion. He is considered a hero back home in the Philippines and is regarded as the country’s National Fist.   

2. Committed Spirit

Manny is pursuing something that he is passionate about. A man of action, he is dedicated to perfecting his craft. He is always aggressive and determined to win the fight. His fighting spirit started at a young age. It grew with him and has won him many battles in life.

3. Grateful Heart

Despite his many accomplishments inside and outside the ring, Manny remains humble and keeps his feet on the ground. He does not brag about his accomplishments as a professional boxer. People all over the world praise him, and his response is just his usual burst of laughter and a thank you. His humility has won him more supporters from every corner of the world.

It is sad to see some achievers allow success to get into their heads. They become egoistic, conceited, and they go around with loud mouths. It’s a relief that a super-achiever with eight division titles to his name remains humble and likeable.

4. Acts of Kindness

Manny has a beautiful heart. He has become a symbol of hope for many of his countrymen. He shares the love, and he gives back to the community – giving food to the hungry, offering scholarships to less fortunate but capable individuals, and providing shelter to the homeless.

5. Solid Inner Strength

He’s been there, he's done that. But after a taste of the bad, he now embraces the good. His deep faith in his Creator has turned Manny into a Good Samaritan. He worships God and not his money.

His incredible career has stunned many fans. His humble soul has melted the hearts of many supporters. But whether he wins or loses in this fight of the century few hours from now, Manny will still be the winner in life – with his positive attitude and humble spirit.

Tweet: #MannyPacquaio is still the winner in life – with his positive attitude and humble spirit. http://bit.ly/1JHXPJW

Share and comment if you are a PacMan fan.