How is life treating you?

A few days ago, I received a text message from a friend who is in town from Los Angeles that read: "Hi Dero! How is life treating you?" I texted him back saying everything’s fine and that we must see each other soon.

Later, as I scrolled through my phone’s contacts file, I saw the name of a friend living in Dipolog City whom I haven’t heard from for sometime. I decided to send him a how-are-you-doing text and without meaning to be a copycat, asked the very same "how is life treating you" query.

After sending the text, I realized that the often used phrase "How is life treating you?" is such a lame question. The truth is that life is what you make of it by the second, by the minute, from day to day. Thus, the right and pro-active question is: "How are you treating life?"

Most of us complain about how hard life is. We wake up to what we call the "daily grind," where we expect to be ground and grilled. Instead of whining and focusing on the negatives, we must be thankful that we are blessed with the chance to experience this ride that not everyone is lucky enough to endure and enjoy.

How must we treat life? We must regard it with awe and gratefulness. We should celebrate it and at the same time, push ourselves to greatness. Life is not something that just comes to you; it is something you work for. Be careful about how you treat life because how you do is how it will treat you!

If life throws you a lemon, make a lemonade. Life will not always be rosy and sweet. When a bitter experience comes, sweeten it and turn it to something good.

The only time you really have is now. Stay away from the "someday when things are better" and "the good old days were better" mentality. Life is fragile; yesterday is gone and tomorrow might not come. Go for your heart’s desires right now.

Surround yourself with joyful friends and possessions. Indulge in life’s joys and pleasures. Value people, friendships, and relationships; surround yourself with love, beauty, and joy.

A problem or difficulty is but another bump on the road. Every now and then, a truly trying time comes. You must view it as another bump to hurdle on the way to your sweet destiny.

It is better to hope than to despair. Some events in life take us down to the depths of depression, hopelessness, and gloom. Why focus on the mud when you can look at the stars?

If you need love, you must give it first. Many of us complain about being alone. And, yes, many are lonely even in a crowd. If you don’t give, you won’t receive. Loveless is he who cannot love.

The way you live is a choice. You may live in a box yet fix it up like a castle. You may not be a millionaire, but you can live like one. All it takes is your imagination. Remember that life is lived by your own design.

Don’t wait for miracles; create them. Most of us sit through the day waiting for a savior or a miracle worker. Don’t hesitate to create magic in your life. These days, even stars and celebrities are made, not born.

Listen to your heart and follow your dreams. Only you know your innermost wishes and desires. In truth, you know more than you think you do. Let your heart and soul guide you to your heaven on earth.

Don’t postpone happiness. We are always procrastinating, leaving the fulfillment of our dreams to some distant future. A day away from happiness is a day of emotional vacuum. Go for happiness right now.

Love the life you are living. They say that the greatest joy comes from loving the life you are living. Most of us are not happy with the life we lead. Learn to love yourself, what you have, and the people you share life with.

Be grateful for every breath and rejoice with each new day. Life is precious and priceless. Live life to the fullest, be the best that you can be, be a source of love, inspiration, and joy, and always think what a lucky person you are!

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