How to be an inspiration?

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What does it really take to inspire others? Do you need to be somebody? Do you have to be an influential person before you can be inspirational?

I don’t think so. I don’t really know how, but I think the list I prepared below might help.

1.    Smile
2.    If it suddenly rained and you don’t have an umbrella, dance like a little kid under the rain… and smile
3.    If your house was burned down, say “At least I’m still alive and unharmed,” and then… smile
4.    If you suddenly lost your dog, believe that he is happy, and loved, with his new owner… and smile
5.    If you find yourself suddenly out of job, think of the many possibilities. Like the prospects of new jobs you can apply to, or even start a business and be your own boss! And then… smile
6.    If your girl/boy dumps you for another one, know that someone better will come along… and smile
7.    When all your life’s savings went down the drain because you lose on a bet or invested it on a business that went kaput, realize that you can always start again. Remember that when you are down, there’s no way to go but up. And of course, don’t forget to smile.

Shallow? Yes, they are. But some people are not really looking for heroes. They are looking for real people – people who get hurt; people who fail; people who fall, and stand up.

You don’t have to do a great deal. You don’t need gigantic accomplishments. You can inspire others even if you yourself are still undone. As long as you continue to fight, no matter how hard you are hit. People will notice, and they will realize that it is still worthwhile to continue living. Then, they will be inspired too.

Does it make sense?

Then tell me… are you inspired yet?

Putting me in my proper place

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I attended a songwriting workshop conducted by The Maestro, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, today at the San Beda College in Manila. I was very excited because aside from the workshop itself, it will be the first time that I will meet Ryan Cayabyab. I've been watching him since Ryan Ryan Musikahan, and yes, you may say I'm a fan.

Together with him during the workshop were some of the finalists of the recently concluded PhilPop Music Festival Songwriting Competition. The contest I joined in, and of course, eventually lost.

They presented the finalists, and the finalists who were present there performed their winning songs.

Damn! They're good! No, I mean, they were excellent!

And I dared compete with those people?! And you know what's worse? They were so young, some were even half my age!

What does that make me? Twice a loser, I guess.

Ryan said well, "You've seen and heard these guys. They all play a musical instrument and they all can sing."

He emphasized that those are important factors for a songwriter.

I am a mediocre guitar player and definitely a lousy singer.

Should I still join future songwriting contests?

I don't know, those guys sure put me in my proper place.

Hot water system

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The cold season came early this year because of the continuous rains these past few days, waking it difficult to wake up and stand up so early in the morning. Much more take a bath in the cold weather. But to attend to classes, work, errands, etc., taking a bath is mandatory. The best solution is a hot shower, although right now there is no hot water system installed in our house. So I searched the web to look for some and stumbled upon some hot water circulator reviews to help me in choosing what is the best hot water system to be installed in our house.