Lessons from a government stint
Hello, I’m back! First of all, I want to thank the management of The Philippine STAR for accepting me back after my stint in politics. I loved writing about the beauty of the land, health and wellness — and most especially about life. And I loved my readers, so here goes.
Let it go. Keep things positive. I find this is a very good dictum in life. It’s a good way to be healthy. Just let it go. Life is what it is . We don’t have control over outcomes or people — but we do have control over ourselves. An essential dictum in life to keep oneself afloat is to LET IT GO. Just LET IT GO.
Stay true. When I was in government, my number one concern was the complicatedness of the political scene — and also my and other people’s complexities.. So how to navigate and stay intact? I found that a non-negotiable commitment to keep true was of the essence. This needs constant reflecting, it needs feedback from people who are clear-sighted and forthright enough to tell you things as they are. I would sit with someone daily to make sure I wasn’t going off track. Because being righteous can still mean one is going off track. It’s not what one does — it’s where one is coming from. That’s not easy when one’s buttons are being pushed, so that was my spiritual challenge. I am certainly not perfect, but one keeps trying — in humility, in courage.... that’s what life is all about.
Next, health! I found that making a determination to sleep enough was important. When one is tired, then one gets irritable and makes wrong decisions.... so I really made an effort to sleep enough. I even had a couch from my house brought to the office, so I had a place to lie down when there was time. Even in the car I have a soft blanket that I love and a Tempur pedic pillow. Rest is of the essence for quality of life.
Lastly, I want to share my conviction that the essence and secret to societal growth is caring for the other. This kind of attitude allows one to see the goodness in all. To connect and see the possibilities because one stays positive. In this line, I have started an organization called I LOVE, which stands for Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies. The goal is to build the country from the bottom up. But it’s based on the non negotiable commitment to values: to working together, to compassionate entrepreneurship, to Integrity — to ecological harmony.
Two days ago, I met Joey Concepcion of Go Negosyo because I found out he has an agri business arm that aims for inclusive growth. It’s amazing how he has bloomed the organization. I love the values on which his organization runs. His principles are the 3 M’s: money, mentoring, marketing. I totally agree that’s what is needed. I met George Barcelon, president of PCCI, and Peter Perfecto, executive director of Makati Business Club. I was thrilled at their sincere commitment to inclusive growth.
The Pinoy heart is on a level all its own. That has been my experience. Rich young, old, poor — there is an inherent thread of “heartness” and it’s so beautiful!
We just need to work together. Everyone has something to give.. The dots need to connect. Our hearts need to connect. Everyone has something to give.
Much love to all of you!
My next column is on how I cured myself of the Big C. See you! I feel healthier, stronger, happier. We are fellow travelers on this path.
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You can reach me at hellogina@gworld.ph.
