Motivation for Monday

Mondays can be a little rough, but that doesn't mean they can't be a good start to a great week and sometimes all you need is someone to tell you, "You've got what it takes, you've got more than it takes!" For anyone that's going through a bit of a rough patch and you find your balance between questions and answers heavy with doubt, take a deep breath and then take another. I've been there and I'm somewhat still there.

Last week I found myself with a broken back burden with doubt. I've been traveling down a path that seems so long, but some inherent part of me, however small, tells me a I shouldn't give up, I shouldn't back down, this path, worn and barren now, will lead me somewhere great.

Teetering on the brink of tears, I turned to books and words. There's something unify in the fact that though complete strangers, separated by oceans and centuries, we all question ourselves. Some have figured it out while others went on blind faith that everything was going to be okay. Regardless of whether or not their questions marks were turned into periods and exclamation points, they persevered with their passions and I found solace and encouragement I should keep on trying as well.

I hope you keep on trying too. And may you always remember, that the passion and fire in your heart isn't there as a filler, there's a reason and that reason may very well be your purpose. May you have a great start to a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Cybill 

Hitting Home

Looking back through my previous posts and reading my About page, I realized I never mentioned where I'm from, aside from the fact that I grew up and I currently live in Florida. While I do consider Florida home, it isn't where I was born, it isn't where my family is from and it isn't my motherland. That land, that small piece of Earth, the soil that nourished my history is located half way around the world and right now, it's all over the news.

My family was born in the Philippines. I was born in the Philippines. My roots are in the Philippines and now, they need help. 

As you already know, Typhoon Haiyan devastated parts of the central Philippines, leaving thousands in need. Aside from losing their homes, many lost family members and loved ones, and while losing those near and dear is enough of a burden, they have also found themselves without clean water and food. Together, we try to do what we can from where we are and with that I'm sharing some resources below. 

• Google has set up websites to help connect loved ones and request rescue. 
• The Washington Post has shared a number of organizations accepting donations to aid the Philippines in their recovery. You may find The Washington Post's list of organizations, links to their website and phone numbers here. 
• Donations to the UN World Food Programme to aid those in dire need of food and water can be made here. Donations can also be made via text.
• US: Text AID to 27722 to donate $10
• Canada: Text RELIEF to 45678 to donate $5
• UK: Text AID to 70303 to donate £3.

I am always impressed by the human spirit in difficult situations and now I'm even more grateful as this difficult situation hits home. For your continued generosity and prayers, salamat.

Sincerely, 

Cybill