I have never really been the Belle of the Ball type of gal.  In fact, I’ve always been more of the more quiet wallflowers who would only go to parties and events because I had to and not because I wanted to. I’ve never really been Little Miss Sunshine when it comes to social situations and I really tend to be just disappear to the sidelines. In the same manner, I’ve never been the bright eyed optimist, at least not when it came to me. It’s funny though, because when it comes to others, I am able to help them see the silver lining in any dark cloud they may come across. Perhaps that was because of how I felt about myself not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. Add to that the fact that for the most part, I really am more of an introvert who likes being in very small, intimate groups rather than large social networks.

However, I have to admit that discovering the blogging community and being so warmly welcomed into it has changed that for me. And now, I’m really working hard at being more positive about things.

Over the past few months, I have been overwhelmingly blessed in the different aspects of my life. Personally, I have grown so much and my heart has been filled with so much joy. In finding that joy, I found my way to losing weight and becoming a Fat Girl No More (at least almost a Fat Girl No More!). Professionally, I have made very big choices and while this does include closing certain chapters in my book, many, many other opportunities and discoveries have come to light. I have rediscovered my passions and for now, I am running with it. Having this blog recognized as one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs has been the icing on top of my blogging cake, so to speak :-) .  On a spiritual level, while I still may not be the traditional, religious type of believer, I feel that I have become more soulful and thus I have rekindled my relationship with my God in a way that works for me. Socially, I have expanded my networks and welcomed so many great people into my life both on and offline.

Because all of these, I can’t help but be filled with so much gratitude, happiness and pleasure. I’m so overflowing with positivity right now it, like I said on my Facebook page, borders on a: infectious or b: annoying. Your choice. Of course I’d wish you’d say it’s infectious :-) There’s really so much for me to celebrate and honor these days, so I make it a point to appreciate and express my gratitude for all these things, whether they are little or big :-) With that, I’d like to invite all you beautiful bellas out there, to share with me what it is in your life that is worth celebrating…oh, and did I mention that by sharing your stories you can have a chance to win your very own 2011 Belle de Jour Planner?

Paint the Town Pink at the BDJ 2011 Launch!

Joining is easy. All you have to do is answer this question by either leaving a comment on the comment box below or on your own blogs (be sure to leave your contest post URL on the comment section so I can find it :-) ):

What have you realized in your  life that is worth celebrating?

In keeping with the fair’s theme this year, Paint the Town Pink!, be sure, to use the word “pink” in your answer.

Contest will run from today up to October 20, 2010. The best answer will win (1) 2011 BDJ Planner which you can claim at the BDJ Fair on October 24, 2010 at the Venice Piazza in Mckinley Hill, The Fort, from 2:00-9:00 pm where exciting festivities, remarkable shopping finds, delectable fare, stimulating talks and great company await anyone coming to the fair :-) * Winner will be announced on October 21.

Criteria for judging is simple: I will pick the most relevant, creative and heart-felt comment or post. Of course, the use of pink will help tip the scales a whole lot.

For me, I am celebrating a renewal of life, one filled with hope despite challenges,knowing that challenges as mere obstacles that will somehow end one way or another. A life that has a promising tomorrow filled with love, peace and contentment.  Join me as I lift a glass of a yummy pink strawberry margarita in a toast to all that is good that is waiting to happen (that is, of course, if you’re old enough to have a drink…if not…we can definitely toast with something else :-) )

*if the winner is unable to make it to the fair, shipping of prize can be arranged…but why miss all the fun, right? :-) Plus…coming to the fair will not just be a whole lot of fun. By simply coming and registering (and paying the Php 30.00 pre-registry fee/ Php 50.00 walk-in fee) you can help educate many Filipino children! This year, 100% of entrance fee proceeds will be donated to the Scuola della Gioia, a school for underpriviledged children in Tondo, Manila. For more details or to pre-register to any of the fun events for the fair, please check out the BDJ Facebook Page or website.

The BDJ Fair beneficiary, Scuola della Guioia, a school for underprivileged kids in Tondo, Manila.

During the fair, you can also get your own BDJ Planner at 20% off . Each planner will retail for only Php480 during the event. See you at the fair!

About Belle De Jour and The BDJ Fair:

The Belle de Jour power planner is a unique, fun, and smart planner that is the first of its kind. Targeted for women ages 20 to 35, Belle De Jour combines witty and useful articles, sophisticated yet fun illustrations, a relevant and practical layout design, and great discount coupons from various lifestyle brands, in one stylish package.

On it’s 5th year, tbe 2011 BDJ Power Planner edition celebrates in Mardi Gras style with themed festivities and booths, filled with various activities and talks from beauty and fashion experts, and of course, lots and lots of shopping fun for all :-)