Life lessons

In a few hours, the new year, 2019, will ring in. Looking at my planner this year, I can't help but be amazed at how fast time flies. So many things happened this year, 2018. New friends were made, old friends found again, and wonderful moments were spent with loved ones.

One of the lessons I have learned and am still learning this year is the need to make time to rest. Rest is good. Rest is refreshing. Rest is a must.

One of the country's most successful businessmen, John Gokongwei, Jr., apparently makes sure to take care of himself well. He takes hour-long power naps after lunch. He also exercises every day and is always home for dinner. More of his life lessons are in the book "Lessons from Dad, John Gokongwei, Jr." by Lance Gokongwei with Yvette Fernandez -- a little book worth reading.

View this post on Instagram

One of the best reads I had this year is this little book I swiped off my dad's table: "Lessons from Dad, John Gokongwei, Jr." by Lance Gokongwei with Yvette Fernandez. You can finish reading it in less than an hour, but it's filled with wise advice practiced by Gokongwei himself covering family, work, living. Some of the lessons he lived and shared: Spend as much time as you can with your family; It is never too late to get an education; Find your passion; Live simply; Pray. #karensbookoftheweek #lessonsfromdadjohngokongweijr #bookstagram #lancegokongwei #johngokongweijr

A post shared by Karen Galarpe (@kgalarpe) on Dec 31, 2018 at 1:13am PST

What has this year taught you? May we all take stock to look back at what we have learned and ought to learn some more, and thank God for His blessings. Happy new year!

BOOK OF THE WEEK: I finally finished Nick Joaquin's "A Question of Heroes" which casts a critical eye on our history. Heneral Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Jose Rizal, and Andres Bonifacio, among others, come alive in this book and you come away feeling that history would have turned out differently had cooler heads prevailed.

VERSE OF THE WEEK: You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12