Simple Rules to Live a Happy Life

1.   Focus on the POSITIVE.  All of us have problems.  Each with its own special circumstances.  As the saying goes, “Hindi lahat ng mayaman ay Masaya; hindi lahat ng Masaya ay mayaman.”(Not all rich people are happy; not all happy people are rich.)  Whether we like it or not we cannot divest ourselves of problems---it is a validation that we are alive.  I believe that the person who does not have any problem is already “six feet under”.

2.     Look at what you have going for you instead of that of others.  Envy fuels negativity.  Negativity breeds bitterness.  Appreciate what you have and be thankful.  I firmly believe that we all have our own special situation to be happy about.

3.      Give yourself credit.  God gave us all individual talents that we will need to survive life.  Look back at what you've accomplished---the trials that you overcome---and give yourself a much deserved pat on the back. Not many people appreciate what you have done but at least YOU DO.

4.     Embrace your situation.  Nobody said that life is going to be easy so stop whining and accept the challenges that come your way.  Just put in mind that God does not give us challenges that we cannot endure or overcome.  It’s just a matter of digging inside yourself to find the courage and the strength to rise up to all your trials.

5.   PRAY.  #4 is easier said than done so a dose or two of Divine intervention can make a difference.  Miracles happen every day.  Often they are disguised as coincidences.  I guess this is God’s means of remaining anonymous.

Chloe Bennet for Esquire Magazine

After the season finale of Marvel's Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. left us wondering as to what's next for the team of Agent Colston, here's one more reason why this show is such a big hit---Chloe Bennet aka Sky.  Damn you Esquire for making many a men ache in anticipation of the next season!

For ADULTS ONLY

When I was 4 or 5 years old I started wishing to become an adult.  I was looking forward to doing grown up things.  I found being young as restricting and boring.  It was DON'T DO THIS or DON'T DO THAT and barring any explanation (based on my recollection, that is) it was quite confusing.

In my young mind I saw that adult life was FREE-ER and seemingly more FUN. 

As an adult you can go out whenever you want, eat the food that you want (sans the veggies), have veto power over what television show to watch, and go to places where the post reads:  FOR ADULTS ONLY (which looked like a fun adventure).

However, when I eventually got to the "adult" age, life did not seem fun anymore.  

As an adult there is a need to work.  You have to wake up early to beat the early morning rush.  Kowtow to everyone above your pay-grade and basically kiss everyone's royal ass (which is bluer than your seemingly colorless hue).

RESPONSIBILITY can be a bummer.  You just can't get away from it (unless you want to get fired).  It was YOU HAVE TO DO THIS or YOU HAVE TO DO THAT.  You are swamped with delegated tasks  and imposed to accomplish them in a blink of an eye.  By end of the day you brave the afternoon rush hour, elbowing your way in a cramped train or lining up in a blockbuster queue for a van ride home.  And when you finally get home you are sapped and you go to sleep with a half chewed food in your mouth.  

This becomes a vicious cycle until you get to go up the corporate ladder or when you hit the mega lotto jackpot!  Suddenly, it dawns on me that adult life isn't really actually cool as I thought it would be. And then you miss the times when everything was practically given to you as a child---when you can sway adults with your puppy dog eyes and sweet smile.  Oh well...no time crying over spilled milk.

Chloe Dauden for FHM Philippines May 2014

Caution:  EXTREMELY HOT!