Some thoughts on the barangay and SK elections

Today we, as one nation, trooped for the second time this year to our respective polling places and voted for our village (barangay) officials. We chose the people who will lead our communities.

The barangay is the basic unit of governance. The most basic of services should be delivered first and foremost by this unit. The barangay is also the governmental unit closest to home since it encompasses the community. Hence, the barangay elections were perceived by the authors of the Local Government Code to be as non-partisan as possible.

However, the barangay of today is not what it should be. Barangay councils start to lack credibility, transparency, and accountability. the barangay chairperson uses facilities such as the barangay patrol car for his/her personal use. Even the Sangguniang Kabataan, which is supposed to be the voice of the youth in the community, has now become a breeding ground for trapos or traditional politicians. And the positions are very much "to die for", explaining the culture of violence that marred past barangay elections, including this one.

The electoral process we have witnessed today is no different from the elections of the past. Perennial problems - missing names in voters list, blatant violation of the Omnibus Election Code, delayed delivery of election paraphernalia, and long lines - still exist. And as I have mentioned, several incidences of violence nationwide have rocked this electoral process.

Everyone is dismayed with the lack of preparation for today's electoral process. We still have a long way to go in terms of reforming our process.

But then again, why keep on whining? We are responsible for building this nation; let us start with our respective barangays.

Use Empowering Words When You Talk to Yourself

got this again on email I need to share this.

Use Empowering Words When You Talk to Yourself

by Bill Greer

How do you talk to yourself?

Do you use the words "can't", "won't", "don't need to", "why try"? Many people do. Do you find that what you say to yourself turns out to be true? Why is this?

You see your brain is like a computer that you feed each day. It doesn't know always know what's real or not unless you tell it.

Example: If someone you love has hurt you, you may tell yourself that all people who love you will probably hurt you too.

Your brain just files this information for reference, it's data, little zeroes and ones and no column that asks "true or not true?" Now your brain thinks, based on what you told it, that everyone you'll ever love will hurt you.

How do you think you will respond the next time you get hurt?

Right!!

Now, what if we instead told our brain:

"Okay this person ripped my heart out - but that's only one person. I'm lovable and have many loving people in my life who are not out to hurt me. I know that the right people are coming into my life all the time. If someone hurts me, I will forgive them and bless them on their way."

Words can be empowering.

I can I love to I want to I will I must I am

We can reach a new level of living, if we feed ourselves empowering words and practice saying them until they become a habit.

I know first hand that it takes time. And I also know that it's worth it. Try it for a week.

Catch yourself saying, "I can't", when you don't really mean it and instead try, "I can", and see how you think and feel about yourself.

Remember, the words you use to empower yourself will have a lasting effect, only if you practice them and they become a habit (an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary).

They say it takes at least 28 days to develop a habit. After a week, you will see that it becomes easier. It's a mindset and you can control your thoughts. Be proactive and not reactive - give yourself some good words.

Dream big and empower yourself! Believe you can and you will.