Nothing Can Keep This Filipino Entrepreneur & Blogger Down!
I’ve always believed that when your own life is in the pits, the best way to pull yourself out of it is to help someone else. Not only will it make you feel better but it will make the other person feel better too. Things will feel less bleak and you will both learn that you have the power to “do something” about a less than perfect moment. It is also a heck of a lesson to show any child looking on.
I remember a time when I had just lost my husband to Cancer. I was standing in line at a supermarket I had never been to before. I just happened to pass it on the way home and stopped in. I needed milk. While waiting in the checkout line, I noticed the woman in front of me - accompanied by three little kids - didn’t have enough money to pay for all of her groceries. She was using vouchers to pay for most of them as it was. Looking at her children and then her, I put myself in her position. I then paid for her groceries. My own children, who were standing with me, never forgot that moment. I’ve seen them do similar acts-of-kindness hundreds of times since.
Now, I could have easily said to myself at that particular moment, “I’ve just been shit on by life. It took my husband and my children’s father. Why should I help?” But I didn’t. My reason...because, I believe, that personal suffering does not excuse you from being ‘human’. In fact, it should inspire you to be even more human.
Our nation is suffering folks. We need an infusion of humanity more than ever before and blogger Reina Gonzales has written this meaningful post, "38 Random Acts Of Kindness That Will Absolutely Make Your Day", in an effort to make “helping” that much easier for everyone. Might I suggest that you read it as well as her interview below. Then consider lending a hand, today.
What is your full name?
Reina Marie Gonzales
Briefly describe you and your life, including where you live, children (if any), and whatever else you would like to share?
I am from the Philippines, but I will be moving to the US later this year. I’m single. I’m also in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop me from going after my dreams. I worked for eight years in corporate, then I decided to work 'freelance' full time before deciding to launch a startup content services company.
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Determined
What is your personal mantra?
Always think positive and love yourself.
Share the name of your blog as well as the date it was launched.
How I Love Myself – launched January, 2017
Explain what compelled you to begin blogging.
I started blogging 10 years or so ago but it was more like a journal. I did it because I loved to write and I had plenty of free time. I started my current blog because a lot of my friends say they find my FB posts inspiring, so I thought that I could inspire more people if I could expound on my thoughts through a blog.
I am also a great advocate of self-love. It’s a dominant message in my church community, and something that our community leaders teach us about. Sadly, not everyone gets to hear such messages. In fact, many people are alien to the concept of self-love or have misconceptions about it. I believe that self-love can help heal the world (I believe that many people do bad things towards others because they don’t love themselves), so I hope to contribute to that.
Which social media outlet works best for your public relations/marketing efforts?
Facebook, Linkedin, and reddit
What is the one piece of advice you would give to anyone interested in beginning a blog?
Write about something you’re passionate about.
Share some names of favorite blogs you follow.
To be honest, I’m so busy with work that I don’t get much time to write or read blogs unless they’re for a client. I’m still sort of struggling to achieve a work-life balance.
Beyond being a blogger, are you an entrepreneur, professional or business owner? If so, please explain.
I’m a technical writer by profession. I also still work as freelance writer for certain clients, but I mostly run my startup. I wear all hats at the moment (marketing, recruitment, editor, writer, mentor, etc.), so that keeps me really busy.
Share a social cause or cause-based organization close to your heart.
I advocate for self-love and empowerment as a solution to many of the world’s problems. I support all causes and groups that aim to empower and motivate people.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
The woman who never gave up.
She’s only just begun in the blogging world but, I have found, that if you come from a genuine place and speak good, you can expect to amass a loyal following in no time. I am confident that this will be Reina Gonzales’ fate, just as our’s will be added joy to our daily lives in reading and adopting her words and blog as standard reading -- your regular dose of strength and inspiration.