Turning 30

Anticipation.  This would best describe what I’ve been feeling these past few years.  We all have dreams of how we want our lives to be.  As I turn 30, I cannot help but evaluate where I am in my life.  Is where I am right now where I imagined myself to be?

I remember setting life goals.  Particularly what I would accomplish by the age of 30.  I pictured myself having a self-sustaining business and my own family.  This became my measuring stick for success.  If this was still my basis, I would have failed terribly.  Despite not having these things at this point in my life, I can without a doubt say I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

While it is necessary to plan for our lives and work hard for it, a big part of the outcome is beyond our control.  No matter how ready we may think we are, some things can only be brought about by time.  I have responded with these “delays” with frustration, hopelessness and inadequacy.  This made me question my life’s purpose. Making me wonder if I am just chasing fantasies. It is only in running to God with the cries of my heart did I start to look at things at a different light.

I learned that accomplishments is just a small piece in the grand scheme of things.  Beyond the world’s definition of success, which isn’t guaranteed to last, it is important to build character.  Character is only something that can be forged through time, failures and set-backs.  Patience is something that I had to learn, it wasn’t easy and it is still a continuous learning process.  While I want things to go my own way, learning to wait and trust God is teaching me how to be humble.  Waiting doesn’t mean being idle, it is moving forward and being productive in every area of our lives.  By doing so, yet another character is being built: perseverance.  The Bible says:


Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4 NIV)

In retrospect, the character that is being built is developing maturity in my life.  And this is something that can never be taken away.  Though doubts more often than not fill my heart and mind, causing me to second guess myself and my purpose.  I have to fix my eyes on God and anchor my hope in Him.  I know one day all my dreams will come to pass and I will have the wisdom and the right attitude in handling it. When that time comes, I can be a blessing to others beyond just being blessed.

Power of a Woman

I’ve been thinking about some recent conversations I’ve had with friends. I noticed that we, women, often want to know what men find attractive.  It is probably because we desire to capture the hearts of men who would give us love and security.  I remember finding myself in different situations, one of which was being the only girl among men, and for some weird reason I think they forgot that someone of the opposite sex was in their midst.  The conversations normally started with how some girl was so into them and would flow to how easy it is to get a certain girl, how “hot” a girl was etc… Another situation is among women, where the importance of being attractive and sexy is what is emphasized, on how women can act a certain way to get the guy they want, on how you should just “practice” on random guys until you meet the one you like.  Conversations like this are seemingly fun, insightful but admittedly confusing. I have to admit that there’s a part of me that enjoys “girl talk” about boys, but I keep thinking to myself that for something so important as love there has to be a more important role for beauty, a deeper understanding of beauty than just as a tool for a game. If love is so great, if it is so special, why is it played like a board game?

Not to sound religious, but my questions on what exactly is attractive in a woman, made me prayerfully seek God for answers.  I wanted to know why men find women “easy” and why women can charm their way.  Mainly also because I’ve seen so many broken women who get what they want yet end up even more troubled than when they started.  I’ve seen so many women who are obviously settling for what is convenient.  I’ve also met women who are tired of being good because it really doesn’t appear to get you anywhere in this world.

Upon prayer and reflection, I realized that women have power and the power lies in the beauty each of us carry.  Why do you think an innocent flirt, a subtle manipulation can catch men off guard?  Why does the book of Proverbs warn men over and over again to be careful of seducers?  Advertisements and media glorifies this way of living by creating an illusion that you can use the power of your beauty to get the glamorous life everyone longs and strives for.  And yes, it works, beauty is powerful, it is tried and tested.

However, as much as you can lure, it can’t last.

Yet beyond this distorted power of beauty, there is the real power of beauty that God designed and bestowed upon each woman.  This is best described in 1 Peter 3:3-4

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 

Two of the things that really struck me in these verses are the phrases “unfading beauty” and “great worth”.  God has given us a beauty that transcends the demands of the world, it is a beauty that is imperishable.  He has also given us a beauty that is so precious to Him.  The beauty here is that of a woman whose heart is gentle and quiet because she rests secure in the love and identity that God gives.  My previous entry on Dignified Grace talks more about this.  This then results in power, and what exactly is this power? It’s gaining the favor of God and respect of men.  When a man respects a woman, he treats her differently. He doesn’t use her but partners with her. He doesn’t take advantage of her but understands that they’re greatest advantage is found in working together. He respects her role in his life and his life in hers, and he values this exchange.

Fruit Medley Recipes

It’s the middle of summer and you need food to keep you cool and energized!  I recently tried several fruit medleys as I have been getting hungry at a rapid pace lately.  This is a great alternative to junk or processed food.  It also serves as a wonderful meal for breakfast.

Here are two of my favorite Fruit Medleys:


Berry Medley (yields 4)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup chopped strawberries

1 mango – cubed

3 pcs passion fruit or 1/2 pomegranate fruit

1/2 cup pecan nuts or almonds or pistachio or mixed

1/3 cup non-fat coconut milk

2 tbsp mint leaves

Make sure to wash the fruits thoroughly!

1. Simply mix the different fruits in a large bowl, add the nuts, add the coconut milk and garnish with mint leaves.

2. Store in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

3. Serve and enjoy!

Tropical Medley (yields 4)

Ingredients:

1 cup diced melon/cantalope

1/2 cup chopped strawberries

1/2 orange, peeled and sliced into pieces

1/2 chopped walnuts

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Juice of one orange – blended or squeezed

2 tbsp Mint leaves

1. Mix the melon, strawberries, orange together.  Incorporate the walnuts and cranberries.

2.  Pour the orange juice on top

3. Garnish with mint leaves.

4.  Refrigerate for at least an hour.

5.  Serve cool.

You can create your own fruit medley!  There are numerous of summer fruits to choose from.  Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that you really like!

TRX Review

We believe that in order to get fit, you need to find a workout that suits you.  Something that will push you, motivate you and give you results.  TRX have been really effective for us.

TRX Suspension Trainer

I know, I know! I really need to make it more regular! But but but...Ok I have no excuse.

Anyway, when I used to do it regularly a few months ago, it really helped me a lot, like with Tennis, Running or even as simple as carrying my daughter. I really believe in the benefits of having a strong core. Engaging the core reduces injuries and tightens abs, which is what we all want! The one that I have is the TRX Pro Kit. It comes with everything you need to start your suspension training bodyweight exercise regimen. It includes the TRX Suspension Trainer, the Basic Training DVD and Door Anchor accessory.

TRX Bundle

The picture below shows some of the workout exercises I do with the TRX.

With TRX Suspension Training, you engage your core the whole time!!! This training uses your own bodyweight and that's important if you don't want to bulk up. It gives you that long and lean look. You'll feel strong without the bulky muscles. It works out the whole body and focuses on building core strength (tight abs), flexibility and balance.

TRX Suspension Training Brisbane

Another thing that I like about this workout is that it's easy to use and its portable. I can workout in the privacy of my room, or in the kids' playroom while watching them play. I can also bring it with me when I travel, as long as there's a door with space in front, I'm good to go. Some people use it outdoors (like hooking it on a tree branch) but I don't think I'll be comfortable doing that.

Here's a sneak peek of the TRX Suspension Training:

I (Rox) recently started TRX Rip Trainer in my gym.  My coach incorporated it into my workout program since I really wanted to focus on core exercises.  It was quite different from the TRX Suspension Trainer that I do regularly.  The TRX Rip Trainer involves a bar tied to a resistance cord.  For a more technical and detailed description check it out at the TRX website.

TRX Rip 

There are three positions that I do for now.  Push, where you face opposite of the cord and push the bar forward.  Drag, where you face the cord and pull the bard towards you.  Side, where you face sidewards and you move the bar to the other end.  You basically use your body weight and adjust the level of resistance by taking a step forward or back.  The trainers constantly remind me to bend a little, put my weight on my toes and to activate my core.

When doing these exercises, I feel the burn particularly in my arms, shoulders and abdominals.  My sweat continually trickles down from my forehead to my legs.  There are numerous exercises for the Rip Trainer and I'm excited to go to the next level and try out the more intermediate moves.

Check out this video:

I really like TRX workouts because it really helped me in Tennis.  My swings are stronger and more steady because of the strength of my core and arms.  It also helped in certain motions like twisting of hips and bending of knees.

TRX classes are usually offered in gyms all over the metro.  You  may also purchase the set in several shops.  Do give it a try!

Six Months After

I just realized that it’s been six months since I started getting fit.  I previously wrote an entry about it.  Looking back, it was a challenging but fun journey.  Now, I can really feel myself reaping the benefits of a change in lifestyle.  A lot of people have been asking me how I did it, and I’m often caught off guard by the question.  I would just answer “exercise” or “gym” or “tennis” but as I ponder upon it, I realized it really lies in the change of my attitude and improvement in my character.

Here are the changes and improvements I did on myself:

Discipline. Our  life is an ongoing battle against complacency.  From the moment we get up in the morning we must make a decision to make the right choices.  Do I go for a run or do I stay under the sheets for another hour?  Do I prepare a healthy breakfast or just get fast food? As unpleasant it will be majority of the time, we must develop discipline.  It starts from the littlest decisions we make.

Self-Control. This means saying “no” to unhealthy things.  Exercise must always go hand in hand with a balanced diet.

Perseverance. You know you are improving when you go to a higher level, the intensity of your workout or exercise routine should increase.  It is challenging and it’s easy to remain in your comfort zone but you must push yourself.  Don’t give up.  I always remind myself that in a week or so, I’ll be able to do a difficult routine at ease, I just need to start somewhere.

There has been an outburst of the number of exercises and workouts you can choose from.  Each are effective in its own right, but what makes it effective for you is the attitude or character you have towards it.  There are no short cuts for long term results.  The best thing you can do is start with a change within you.

Surf Experience

I’ve always wanted to surf.  The thought of being in the midst of the sand, sea and waves brings out the adventurous side in me.  My first time surfing was back at 2006 when I traveled to Australia.  It felt like surfing was something I wanted to really get into but I didn’t have the opportunity (or didn’t make the opportunity) to pursue it.

I recently traveled to Hawaii for a short vacation and I was so excited to find out that Waikiki is one of the best places for surfing for beginners.  My friend, Ava, and I enrolled in a surf school for 5 sessions and we definitely had a blast!

There’s just so much to surfing!  Here are my personal insights on it:

Every single session is a unique experience in itself. Every surf session is filled with unpredictable factors.  As advanced technology is now to predict weather conditions, it can never fully describe the actual surf environment you’ll be in.  This, I believe, is a big part of the thrill behind this sport.  You just need to hang loose (relax) and let the waves take you to a new adventure.  For me, this is a great reminder that at times, we need to let go of control in our lives and trust God because most of the time we can never predict what will come our way.

It’s a total body workout.  Carrying your surfboard, the current pounding your board, paddling to catch a wave, falling off and getting back again, maneuvering your board; takes a lot of muscle movement.  Ava and I actually prepared for this trip by working on our core, shoulder and arm strength.  We did Indo board, rowing machines and TRX.  We also developed our endurance.  Surfing is really tiring, our instructor even said that it’s like joining a marathon.  So it would really be of great advantage if you prepare your body for it.

It gives you an opportunity to bask in the beauty of nature.  I couldn’t stop thanking God for creating such amazing scenery in the middle of surfing.  The feeling of just standing on your board and riding the waves while looking at God’s masterpiece is priceless.  One of our most memorable experience was when a beautiful rainbow appeared in the midst of the sparkling sunlight above the crystal clear water with reefs and fish below.

It requires character.  Again, like everything in life, character is important.  Surfing requires a lot of disciple, most surfers wake up before dawn to train and to be able to catch good waves.  Paddling to a spot where you wait for the waves takes effort.  Waiting for a wave to catch requires patience.  Perseverance is needed for you to get back up whenever you fall.  It also requires confidence as you would need to take risks and go with your instincts.


Having said that, it would be a great experience to try surfing.  There are a lot of local surf spots that you can check out.  I guarantee you, you’ll be hooked!

Dignified Grace

“She smiles big, dreams big and does not settle.”

These words bring a myriad of thoughts and emotions to me.  I believe its a perfect picture of how girls, young ladies and women should live.  It sounds so pure, so strong, so secure, so hopeful, so confident and so joyful.

We as women, face a daily battle for our identity.  Often times our struggles are belittled, overlooked or ignored.  We weep, we numb the pain, drown the voices by distractions and continue on- not knowing the effect it has on our hearts.  This changes how we perceive and live life.  I’ve personally been through this and though it caused me to second guess myself and live in fear, I learned to let love overpower these detrimental worries.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)

Understanding the heart of God on how He designed us to live and allowing it to transform us will give us dignified grace.  Let’s look into the meaning of these two power words:


Dignity. The quality or state of being worthy, honored or esteemed.  A legal title of nobility or honor.  -Merriam Webster


Grace. A virtue coming from God.  A charming or attractive trait or characteristic.   -Merriam Webster

God gave us honor and He esteemed us.  He made us charming and attractive.  This is our birthright and we need to live it out.  We must not let anything or anyone tell us or make us believe otherwise. This doesn’t necessarily mean being glamorous, fashionable, or sexy, but being truly beautiful inside because we know that we have God in us. Whenever we face challenges, trials or setbacks let us always go back to the identity that God bestowed upon us.  In doing so, we can wear that big genuine smile that draws people to catch a glimpse of eternal beauty, we can dream big dreams because we know where our strength lies and perceive the future without fear and we will not settle because we know we are of nobility and deserve nothing but the best!