17 Greatest Blessings of 2017

Jasmine B. Suiza

As I welcome the new year, I find time to sit down, reflect and write my thoughts about the past year. This way, I am reminded of all the moments - may they be good or bad - and how Jesus helped me through it all.

The year 2017 was full of unexpected plot twists, answered prayers and new beginnings.

With this, friends, I would like to share with you My Top 17 Greatest Blessings of 2017 as a way of spreading optimism, faith and hope :)

1. Regular confession

As a Catholic, I am aware of the gift called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but I must admit that I sometimes find it hard to confess my sins and repent from my wrongdoings. I sometimes have this mentality that "I sin every day, why confess?" or "Our God is merciful, He will love me even if I am a sinner.". This thinking led me to more venial sins, and somehow blinded my perception of this sacrament. My misconception was changed during one of the formation talks that I heard from my SFC (Singles For Christ) community. I realized that you and I, sinners as we are, should allow Jesus to change our ways, through continuous repentance and faith. Because of this, I started to confess monthly - and believe me - it felt so good! Why not try it out this year? :)

2. Forgiveness of the past

There were wounds from the past that I had a hard time to forget - most especially forgive. In 2017, I realized that I have to let go of all the negative emotions because it will surely weigh me down in the future. Kailangang matuto magpatawad and trust in the beauty of new beginnings. Ika nga ni Sister Khen Obnamia, "Sabi nila time heals, pero ang totoo, Jesus heals."

3. Self-discovery

My often #MeTimeAllTheTime led to more AHA moments about myself. I discovered I can watch a movie, dine out, workout and travel on my own. This may seem sad for others, but for me, it was a time to celebrate life, love, faith and everything in between. This phase also allowed me to know, love and serve Jesus more.

4. Service as a Household head

Having been called to serve again as a Household head, a prayer leader for a group of single women for our SFC community, is not an easy task. I tried to delay (I think this is the closest word that fits. Sorry Unit Heads!) the acceptance of this service knowing that I will have a hard time juggling work, family, personal and SFC matters. But since I love Ate Bai, and I miss caring for my members, I took on the challenge to serve again. During the 12 months, I learned to give more, serve more and love more through my Household members. Shoutout to Akit, Angel, Camille, Dally, Glory, Kaye and Rona! :) 

5. Service through music

(Singles For Christ East B Sector Music Ministry, St. Andrew Choir, BK Chorale)

"He who sings, prays twice!" - St. Augustine

Singing for Christ is my way of loving and serving Him. I am grateful that I was able to serve for SFC East B Sector, St. Andrew Choir (our community-based chapel) and BK Chorale (First Friday mass service for our company). I gained not only musical knowledge, I also met new friends in Christ. Hello #TeamPasensyaNa #TeamBiglaan, St. Andrew Choir and Bro. Meynard!

6. Employment at Bell-Kenz Pharma

One of my earliest blessings of 2017 was Bell-Kenz Pharma, my current employer. Coming from a previous company situated in Taguig City, ako ay isang mandirigmang commuter, where I developed patience (in waiting for loooong U.V. Express queues) and perseverance (where I need to wake up at 4:30AM everyday!) Here in Quezon City, I can wake up at 6:30 AM and still arrive at the office before working hours. Praise God that I now have more time to sleep, workout and bond with my family, plus I found new great friends!

7. Service with family / More family time

The year 2017 was a beautiful year for our family since we now serve together under the Couples For Christ Family Ministries. Mama finished her Christian Life Program with CFC - Handmaids of the Lord! #FamilyGoals it is. But before the year ended, we experienced another "miracle" now that Mama can travel away from home, aside from Marikina and Cubao haha. Without her knowledge, I booked our first-ever family trip to Baguio City! Yes, our FIRST-EVER! Just imagine the joy that we all felt to have celebrated Christmas together in a different environment. :)

8. Sharmaine Ho

All thanks to Ultima's Daraitan hike, I developed a great friendship with Sharmaine "Min" Ho. Dahil ayaw nya ng corny, let the hashtags do the talking. Haha. #BestiesBullies #SistersInChrist #HappyMin

9. Justine Joy Balondo 

The Lord indeed answered my prayer by sending Justine Joy Balondo, Nutrition Care Assistant, and my Mini Me. :)

10. Hiked 6 mountains

Out of boredom and curiosity, I tried hiking with my friends at Mt. Daraitan last April 2017. Little did I know that hiking will be one of my "life changers" of the year. Not only was I able to conquer my fear of heights, I also met my bundok friends Paul, Enciong, Neo and many more!

11. Solo travel

My travel bucket list includes one of the world's most beautiful islands Coron, Palawan. I feared so many things at first, but Praise God that my first solo travel went out smoothly (minus the amoebiasis haha). I learned and realized a LOT from this experience and I am more than willing to travel on my own again in the near future. :)

12. Traveled to 12 Philippine cities

One of the exciting things about my job is that I get to travel frequently. Oh how I love my job! :)

13. Construction of San Isidro Labrador Parish

After months of fund-raising and prayers, our little parish will soon be bigger and better! 

14. Project ENhance and Fit Filipino National Weight Loss Challenge

As a Registered Nutritionist - Dietitian, my advocacy for a healthier and fitter workplace started with Project ENhance and continued with Fit Fil. Thank you to my bosses, colleagues, Coaches Jim and Toni Saret and fellow BK coaches who continuously support this healthy lifestyle movement!

15. Career highlights
Salamat Dok feature
Thank you ABS-CBN for allowing me to share my expertise about teas! #TeaLady #TitaTime

PNP SlimPossible
Fit Fil and PNP held a weight loss campaign that pledged a total of 500,000 pounds! But lo and behold, after months of sacrifice, PNP exceeded their pledge and lost 625,637 pounds! Indeed, it is SlimPossible!

Presentation at NDAP Convention in Cebu
#CareerGoals checked! It may be a short presentation, but speaking in front of about 200 dietitian colleagues was nerve-racking! Thank you Mama Mary and Jesus for helping me during this moment!

16. Faithbook

My blog is one of the many things I have been planning for a long time, but only materialized this year. Thank you to the jeepney rides that became my reflection time. :) Through this blog, I can now share my thoughts about anything and everything under the sun!

17. Nutrition Notes

My passion in writing was rekindled through NutritionNotes, a blog where I write about health and fitness. Thank you once again to Sharmaine Ho for this opportunity! If you are interested, you may visit www.nutritionnotes.net :)

Thank you 2017, and I am so ready for you 2018!