Easy ways to make this world a wonderful place

If only we would take to heart every Christmas wish we received — either through SMS or the homily of the priest — this world would be a wonderful place. After all, what seemed to be a cure-all kit could be found in the simplest of things.

For example, during the Christmas Eve Mass homily in our chapel in Gulod, Fr. Roy Reyes, the priest in our parish, said: “Smile. Smile a lot.” He expounded that one’s face, as well as one’s body, is exercised when one smiles. Facial muscles are moved when one smiles, affecting the whole body to be happy, too.

I don’t know the science behind smiling but I know it is good for the soul. Days before Christmas, my dearest friend Rachy Cuna and I, after a very satisfying lunch, experimented walking around the mall with a faint but sincere and lasting smile on our faces. We observed that people tended to smile back at us — even flashing bigger smiles than what we gave them.  

“Don’t be bitter about life,” Fr. Roy continued his Christmas homily. Bitterness steals smiles from our heart. It robs us of simple joys. And valuing simple joys — just like watching the sunset, smelling the flowers, attending the PTA, finding innocence in a child’s face, loving our parents, spending time with family, laughing with well-meaning friends, enjoying peace and quiet in the beach, wishing someone “Good morning” or “Good night,” having a home-cooked meal or simply appreciating the little service done to us by others — is always the fresh way to start or end the day.

Here are other nuggets of wisdom I learned from Fr. Roy during his Christmas homily: 

1. Christmas does not end on Dec. 26. (Therefore, we should enjoy love and happiness every day.)

2. Christmas is not about finding a partner. It’s not Valentine’s Day. (My personal take: What’s wrong with being single?)

3. It’s not true that happiness is reserved only to married people or those who have partners in life. Single people are also happy people. (It’s a matter of perspective.)

4. Avoid financial stress. (If you can’t afford it, don’t force the issue. Simplicity is always in fashion. Just like kindness, it never goes out of style.)

5. Sa malalakas kumain, hinay-hinay sa pagkain. Napapagod din and tiyan. Ingatan natin ang ating katawan. Iwasan ang bagay na makakapinsala. Kapag kumain ng sobra, liliwanag ang bahay. Kaya galaw-galaw at baka pumanaw. (In short, gluttony is a sin. Eat in moderation. And exercise. Overeating and lack of exercise can be detrimental.)

6. Don’t take what is not yours.

7. Return what you borrow.

8. Be responsible for what you commit yourself into.

 * * *

My UPLB college friend Jennibelle Reyes-Ella made me ponder with this text message:

“My 12 Christmas wishes for you:

1. Sunrise after the darkest of nights.

2. Friends who bring out the best in you.

3. A love that makes you smile.

4. A belief that anything is possible.

5. Courage to finally do what you’ve been putting off.

6. Time for yourself.

7. Promises that are kept.

8. Answered prayers.

9. A heart that forgives.

10. A happy feeling every day.

11. A soul that heals.

12. A beautiful life and the best of health and everything.”

* * *

One of my prayer partners, Patty Trinidad, sent me an e-mail titled “20 truths to remember” from an anonymous author.

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn’t pray. If you pray, don’t worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It’s me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it’s just hearsay.

18. It’s all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully require courage. The goals and dreams you’re seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle — it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

* * *

Shortly before I hit the sack in the evening of Christmas, I received this SMS from Dr. Alex Ayco:

“Happy are the people who have life’s simple pleasures. They do not ask, they give. They do not keep, they share. They do not beg, they offer. They make this world a wonderful place.”

Happy New Year to one and all! Photos by Daniella Mabanta

(For your new beginnings, please e-mail me at bumbaki@yahoo.com. I’m also on Twitter @bum_tenorio and Instagram

@bumtenorio. Have a blessed Sunday!)