Confidently You

Tag: reflection

  • From Completion to Creation: Reconditioning Myself for What’s Next

    From Completion to Creation: Reconditioning Myself for What’s Next

    Hey gorgeous,

    Yes, the title of our blog today is “From Completion to Creation: Reconditioning Myself for What’s Next”

    I don’t know about you, but these past three months have been a whirlwind of decisions, endings, and fresh starts for me.
    And if there’s one thing I’ve learned — it’s that big decisions take big courage.

    And yes… it’s okay to be scared.
    I used to think fear meant I was doing something wrong. Like maybe I missed a sign somewhere or maybe I wasn’t ready.
    But the truth is… fear often shows up right when you’re about to grow into the next level of yourself.
    And right now? I’m stepping into a brand new chapter of my life.

    Is it uncertain? Absolutely.
    Am I terrified sometimes? 1000%.
    But here’s the surprising thing…
    There’s a quiet peace in me, too.
    It’s like deep down, even with all the unknowns, I know it’s going to work out. Maybe not perfectly. Maybe not the way I thought. But it’s going to unfold in the way it’s meant to.

    Now — let’s be honest here — do I wake up every day overflowing with positive energy?
    No, gorgeous, I would be lying if I said that.
    Some days, I wrestle with doubt. Some days, I wonder if I made the right moves.
    But I also know this: it’s not about pretending fear doesn’t exist — it’s about choosing how I respond to it.

    And that’s what I want to share with you today —
    How I’m handling this new chapter in my life… and maybe, just maybe, it can help you if you’re approaching one too.

    Because let’s be real — we all face new chapters.
    We all have moments when the path ahead feels blurry and uncertain.
    And you know what? It’s okay to feel scared.
    What’s not okay is letting fear keep us stuck.
    We are not meant to shrink. We are meant to expand, grow, and become.

    Here’s what’s been helping me recondition myself for what’s next:

    1. Flip the Script

    Instead of focusing on what could go wrong…
    I intentionally ask myself,
    “But what if it goes right?”

    When my mind tries to spiral into worst-case scenarios, I breathe and remind myself:
    Possibility lives right next door to fear.
    Every time you think of what could break, think about what could be built instead.

    2. See Fear as Progress

    I’ve started seeing fear as a green light instead of a red one.
    If something feels scary but exciting? That’s usually my soul telling me,
    “Gorgeous, you’re growing. Keep going.”

    Comfort zones are cozy… but nothing extraordinary ever happens there.
    Now, I see fear and think,
    “Oh, this must be important. This must be next.”

    3. Get Crystal Clear on What You Want

    I had to get brutally honest with myself:
    What do I actually want to see happen in the next few months?

    Vague dreams create vague results.
    So I wrote it down. I spoke it out loud. I painted a clear picture.
    Because if you can’t define it… how will you ever know if you’re walking toward it?

    4. Create Accountability You Actually Like

    It’s easy to set goals and then let life distract you.
    So I asked myself,
    “How can I make it easier to stay on track?”
    For me, that looks like:

    • Having a few trusted people check in with me.
    • Setting small deadlines I actually celebrate.
    • Making reminders for myself that feel like encouragement, not punishment.

    Accountability isn’t about beating yourself up.
    It’s about building structures that support the version of you you’re becoming.

    Gorgeous, if you are entering a new chapter too… I want you to hear me clearly:

    You are not behind.
    You’re not late.
    You’re exactly where you need to be to grow into your next season.

    Fear doesn’t mean stop.
    It means you’re on the edge of something bigger than you’ve known before.
    And you, my love, deserve to step into it fully.

    Remember, as my mentor Dr. John C. Maxwell said. Growth doesn’t happen by accident.
    It happens because we are willing to recondition our minds, our habits, and our hearts…
    even when it’s scary, even when it’s uncertain, even when no one else sees the dream but you.

    This is your season to complete what needed to end —
    and create what your soul has been waiting for.

    You’re ready.
    You’re doing it.
    And I’m so proud of you.

    With you every step of the way,

    -Ernelita

  • Reflecting on the First Five Months of 2024: Growth, Achievements, and Embracing Imperfections

    Reflecting on the First Five Months of 2024: Growth, Achievements, and Embracing Imperfections

    As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s time to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on so far. The first five months have been filled with remarkable achievements and transformative experiences at Confidently You LLC. From securing new opportunities to celebrating significant milestones, we’ve made great strides. Here’s a look back at what we’ve accomplished and the lessons learned along the way.

     Celebrating Achievements and Milestones

    1. Securing a 12-Month Contract:

    One of our most exciting developments has been securing a year-long contract to conduct workshops and seminars. This opportunity has allowed us to expand our reach, share our expertise, and empower more individuals to unlock their confidence and potential.

    2. Embarking on a Writing Journey:

    Another significant step has been the start of writing a book. This project is a labor of love, aimed at compiling our insights and experiences into a resource that will inspire and guide others on their journey toward self-assurance and personal growth.

    3. Serving in the Philippines:

    Our trip to the Philippines with the non-profit organization Peace For Warriors was profoundly impactful. Working alongside veterans and communities in third-world countries deepened our understanding of service and the meaningful impact we can have by coming together to support those in need.

    4. Moving to a New Town:

    Relocating to a new town has brought unexpected health benefits and a renewed sense of well-being. This fresh start has provided me with new perspectives and energy, enhancing my ability to serve our community with vitality and enthusiasm.

    5. Celebrating Anniversaries:

    We are thrilled to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our webinar series, “Path to Personal and Leadership Growth,” with Steve and Ernie. Additionally, we are marking the one-year anniversary of “The Leader’s Edge” and the milestone of conducting our 50th radio show episode. These milestones are a testament to our commitment and passion for personal and leadership development.

     Embracing Imperfections and Learning from Them

    Despite these accomplishments, I must acknowledge that I have struggled with my word of the year: consistency. At the beginning of 2024, I promised to write a monthly blog post, but as priorities shifted and new challenges emerged, this commitment fell by the wayside.

    However, I want to share that it’s okay. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it’s natural to encounter setbacks along the way. The key lesson here is not to dwell on our failures but to learn from them, pick ourselves up, and keep moving forward. It’s about resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that we can always get back on track.

     Recommitting to Consistency

    As we move into the second half of 2024, I am recommitting to my word of the year. Consistency remains a cornerstone of our mission at Confidently You LLC. I am dedicated to rebuilding my routine and making the most of the remaining months of this year. This post marks the beginning of that renewed commitment, and I am excited to share our journey with you regularly once again.

    To all our supporters, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your encouragement and belief in our vision keep us motivated and inspired. Let’s embrace the challenges, celebrate our victories, and continue striving toward our goals with renewed determination and passion.

    Here’s to a phenomenal rest of 2024, filled with growth, resilience, and unwavering confidence. Always remember to be Bold, be Radiant, be Confidently You.

    With gratitude and determination,

    Ernelita Dacumos

    Founder, Confidently You LLC

  • My visit to the Philippines in November 2022

    My visit to the Philippines in November 2022

    Hi gorgeous, I feel called to share my visit to the Philippines in November. I would like to share my experiences and the lessons that I have learned.

    As you know, I was born and raised in the Philippines. You can say that it is my home country. Memories of my childhood up to my first year of college were in this country. But I am not here to talk about the past. I would like to talk about the “now”. I would have my visit to the Philippines all planned out throughout the duration of my visit. One of the things that we love to do is eat. And I always complain to my family that they do not cook for me when I’m home. Their response was, “You won’t sit still nor stay at home.” I guess it was my fault. So this time, I didn’t plan anything.

    The surprise visit to the Philippines

    My visit to the Philippines has always been a surprise. That was the goal at least, but somehow my mom knows that I will be coming home. My sister Rome and I planned to celebrate my brother’s birthday at a beach resort and the surprise is, I would show up.

    It’s funny because it was my brother’s birthday celebration but they cooked all the food that “I” liked to eat. From pancit, to lumpia. To pork barbeque and many more. My mom was surprised but almost hit me because she couldn’t breathe. Mixed emotions got into her that she was having shortness of breath. So, this would probably be the last time that I would surprise my mom.

    The days went by so fast. We watched the movie “Wakanda Forever” and freeze in the movie theatre since the AC was on blast. There were about 9 of us including my nephews. Of course, we had to stop at an arcade shop for them to play.

    Outreach day

    I had the opportunity to take part in an outreach program with my friend April Love. It’s her seventh outreach and it was my first. I would normally contribute and since I was in the United States, I was not able to participate. We were able to help 600 households with a bag of rice, canned goods, and noodles. She cooked pancit to feed 500 kids and gave away 500 candies. It was a great experience. To be honest, I was a bit emotional at the very beginning as we started to hand out the candies. I had to hold myself together to move past it. At that moment, I vowed to participate every time I visit the Philippines.

    I did not plan much on this trip but I feel like it’s the most fulfilling. I connected more with my mom. We have moments full of laughter and shared food that we both love to eat. I listened to her more and made sure she was heard.

    Five a.m. hike

    We hiked up at five o’clock in the morning just to visit my mom’s property in Iram where most of the Aeta’s lived. It was up the mountain and was not an easy hike. But it was fun. The view uphill was priceless. The fresh air was refreshing. I’ve missed that simple life. We set up a mat under the tree for us to lie down and enjoy the beautiful trees and blue skies. It was nothing but laughter, jokes, and reminiscing our childhood memories.

    Project “Sapin sa Paa”

    I know my visit here in the Philippines is not over yet. My friends and I were able to donate 553 slippers to Iram Elementary school. Again, it was emotional for me, and had to hold myself together. Teacher Rosalie was shocked when we brought the slippers to the school. She thought she was dreaming. And that reaction was priceless. The principal made sure to say hi and expressed her gratitude as well.

    Mini Highschool Reunion

    I got to meet up with my third-year high school classmates. That was a great experience as well. It’s amazing to learn that despite all the changes we’ve come across over the years, we all agreed that there are things that haven’t changed. Our year together as classmates was the most memorable year of our high school days. We talked about the old days and their lives now. I am embarrassed to say that I was the first one to go home after a bottle of beer. Despite the short time though, it was a great catch-up.

    My project before my visit in the Philippines

    And lastly, before my visit here in the Philippines, I envisioned a day with the kids. The native Aeta Children who lived in the mountains. I wanted to share a little bit of Christmas day with them. So I put together a “Helping Hand” program as you may have seen. I asked for monetary donations to make this day possible and I was grateful to make it happen. On Saturday, December three, we hiked uphill to reach an Aeta community in Iram, Olongapo City.

    There we shared snacks and drinks with them. Played some games. I have to say that I am out of touch with the type of music that kids listen to these days. We gave away loot bags with toys and some other items donated by family and friends. It was definitely a day of fun. The smile on their faces and ours were priceless. It’s a day I will definitely cherish. And because of this day, I am making a vow to continue helping others in need with the help of my friends and family.

    My visit here in the Philippines confirms that I have a lot to be grateful for. The memories I had while living here. I may have forgotten a lot of them. But once I had met with the people who were a part of that memory, it brought the memory and the emotions back. The simple things in life that I experienced when I was young reminded me of my values.

    Going back to my roots is a great way to stay grounded and stay fixated on the goals I have. Not just for myself but for my family as well. I would love to hear about your travel journey too. Please share your experience below.