Ledowrites

#5: Be A Sponge.

I started working on my solo electro pop project, Somedaydream, around 3 years ago, but things got more serious when I started working with my manager, Champ Lui Pio (former frontman of Hale), in the latter part of 2010. I still remember the countless prep talks and advice I get from him, but one that really stuck to my head was the one about “being a sponge”… so I can absorb everything. “Absorb everything so that your journey in 2011 would be unforgettable,” he said.

As a new kid in town, I needed to absorb every juicy experience I can. To do that, I needed to open my self to new possibilities, new opinions, new lessons and new people. I needed to be aware of how things are done, aware of where I am heading and most importantly, be aware of who I am with. I did a lot of observing and reflecting. I savored every new experience and acknowledged the emotions that came with it. I absorbed the good and the bad, positive and negative, the challenges, the risks, the hard things in life and the beautiful things that come my way.

I did just that in 2011, and it’s been unbelievable. I am not a full sponge and I don’t plan on being one, but I have absorbed quite a lot. So in this humble new blog of mine, allow me to squeeze myself out.

#4 Be A People Person.

Meeting new people is part of my job, and I love it. The previous year really taught me how to be a people person because I get to meet, talk and interact with a lot of people. Although admittedly, I’m an introvert, I’d like to think that I can balance it out.

I learned a lot by being with different people. I get powered by a crowd’s energy. I get inspired by experiences friends make together. I am enriched by stories new people share. I am motivated by the craft of professionals and artists. I am fueled by our ideas.

It’s easy. All I had to do is to drop all prejudice and accept people for who they are. I avoid pretentiousness and strive to be honest and true to myself. Show appreciation and gratitude whenever it is due. Be open-minded. Enjoy the company of others. Bask in the experience and the time you spend together.

#3 Be Magis.

The word magis is Latin for “more”. To be magis is to “be more”.

It is the epic motto that the Jesuits instill in every Atenean’s mind and heart. We were taught magis when we were just kids in grade school, brainwashing us in a good way. We were put up to the challenge of being magis in high school so we can practice it; so that we can live out magis in college and beyond.

For me, to “be more” means to give your best at everything. To strive for excellence and not be mediocre. To give 100%. To seize the day. Carpe diem. To have more, get more and to give even more. To transcend.

In 2011, for the lack of a better term, I magis-ed the heck out of myself. I’ve never put this philosophy into action more than ever. I clocked in more hours in my make-shift home studio to come out with the Somedaydream album. I took school more seriously. I gave my all to every rehearsal, performance, and other endeavors I do. I lived more.

Of course, this meant that I needed to make some sacrifices. “No sacrifice, no victory.” That’s what my mentor always tells me. Magis. That’s what my heart and mind tells me. And in the end, I can truly say that it was worth it.

#2 Be Me.

To “be me”, I have to ask myself the questions, “Who am I?” or “Who do I wanna be?” Luckily I found a simple solution: I made myself an I-Am-List. Here it is:

I am Rez. I am a student. I am a musician. I am a songwriter. I am Filipino. I am a friend. I am a son. I am a brother. And etc. You get the point.

If I can tell myself an I-Am and feel good about it, and know that I can live it out, then that’s who I am (and more.) “That’s who I am and it feels good,” is not a usual phrase we can tell ourselves so it must be worth something, right? However, if I can’t tell it to myself and feel good… then that’s probably not me.

I also made an I-Wanna-Be list: I wanna be an influencer. I wanna be a millionaire. I wanna be a producer. I wanna be legendary.

The same rule applies for this too. If I can’t feel good about telling myself, “I wanna be… something,” then that may not be me. And to know for sure, I will need to devote a lot of time in actualizing it/doing something about it/making it real.

In trying to “be me”, I make up these simple lists and try not to waste time. I believe that the earlier we spend time in figuring out who we are, the better. The previous year taught me that to “be me”, I needed to focus on actualizing my I-Am’s and I-Wanna-Be’s. Focus. Because time is running out. That’s all there is to it.

#1 Be Grateful.

I used to think meeting new people was all just part of the job, and that it was something I will have to do coz “it comes with my line of work”. This was the wrong mindset.

It’s a blessing that I’ve met a lot of new people. I met professionals who shared their work, passion and wisdom with me. I made new friends who make living life more exciting. I met the Dreamers. The awesome legion of Somedaydream fans who continue to support and help me. I continue to meet different people of all ages, backgrounds, and personalities. And the wonderful thing is I learn something from them every time. And I’m grateful for that.

Being grateful keeps me productive. When you’re grateful for something, you don’t waste it. I appreciate time more and use it well. I put my free time and work time to good use. I make sure all my gear are utilized. I multiply my talents.

I’ve learned to always have a thankful mindset. This way, I can be more appreciative of the little things in life, or the things that we take for granted. It helps me appreciate the good things rather than sulk on things that I don’t like or don’t get. Being grateful keeps me happy and positive. I’m thankful for the material things, family, friendship, ideas, lessons and most especially the love we all share.

Finally, the best thing about it is… the more grateful we are for something, the more of it we get. So never stop being grateful, and life will never stop giving you blessings.

Thank you. *bow*