LIVING a life without books to read is like a person without a soul. And so, in my heart is that dream that in time a portable library paradise will be available for all. In my heart, I also wish to speak to the authors of touching books I read -- chit chat or have some coffee together. Because I feel that if reading a book can entirely change lives, how much more when conversing with the writer.
Just recently, I read an inspirational ebook entitled "Life is a Journey." Honestly, because of the beauty of its content, I have found a way to speak to the author of the book Dr. Nelson C. Magnaye.
In our conversation, I found out that he is a dentist, motivational speaker, and guidance advocate. He graduated with his master's degree in Pastoral Ministry, major in Family Ministry and Counseling from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2008.
With a grateful heart, I can say that the ebook can help people who are facing life stressors, especially during this pandemic. It is so timely as it can be a tool for people to see the beauty in the mundane and live a life armed with appreciation, patience, and devotion to God. Hence, I would like to share some of the authors' thoughts which I have inferred based on how it helped me personally.
There is no other soft pillow such as a clear conscience. I believe that the best sleeping pill is a clear conscience. When we are not true to ourselves, we are also not going to be true to others. We can never win when our opponent is ourselves - these are internal enemies that destroy our conscience. So, let us listen to our conscience and sleep well.
Magnaye also shared the importance of letting go of unrealistic expectations or fantasies. Oblivious fantasies can sometimes lead to frustration.
Yes, fantasies can be convincing but in truth, it denotes a breakaway to an element beyond the reach of possibility. Hopeless imaginations can cause life dissatisfaction. So, with all our hearts, although some things are hard to let go of, we need to ask grace from God to let go of these.
Lastly, he emphasized that change is constant in this world. Even the moon goes through different phases and like man, is also in constant change. Embracing changes can lead us to grow on a constant basis, hence we need to treat the change like our best friends. Holding on to something good for us now might be the reason we do not have something better. So, do not resist change as it will only create sorrow.
I believe when everything gets rough in our journey, God's love is the only thing that remains. God completes us and it remained to be constant. And God does not give us fruits and blessings just to make us happy, but he blesses us to be a blessing to others.