A Dream of a Better World: A Health and Happiness Booster

 

A Dream of a Better World" is a song I wrote and a video I created to capture a vision of hope and peace. This project has been a powerful reminder of how important it is to focus on inner peace to create outer happiness.

For me, this song is a personal health and happiness booster. It's a reminder that even in a noisy world, we can find a quiet place inside through meditation and visualization. By allowing ourselves to dream of a world filled with kindness and love, we're not just wishing—we're actively boosting our own spirits and contributing to a more positive world.

The lyrics and visuals in the video are a simple reflection of my belief that big change starts with a single thought. I hope this song inspires you to hold on to your own dreams for a better world, just as I'm holding on to mine.

I invite you to take a few minutes to listen and feel the message. Let it be a source of calm and a reminder that your dreams have the power to create a better world, one person at a time.

Peace is not a destination we travel to, but a dream we carry in our hearts until it becomes the world we walk on. -Ashley Goodale

Solitude, Sweet Treats, and a Serendipitous Soundtrack: My Mall of Asia Escape

 

Sometimes, the best way to hit refresh is a quiet moment, just for yourself. And what better place to find a little peace amidst the bustle than a hidden gem within a familiar space? Today, my health and happiness booster came in the form of a delightful solo escape to Mall of Asia, and let me tell you, it was just what the doctor ordered!

My sanctuary for the afternoon? None other than Wildflour, a perennial favorite. There's something so comforting about their warm, inviting atmosphere, and today, it was the perfect backdrop for my chosen indulgences. First up, a heavenly Leche Flan Danish.

Each bite was a delicate balance of flaky pastry and that rich, creamy, unmistakably Filipino Leche Flan goodness. Pure bliss! To complement this sweet treat, a comforting mug of ginger turmeric warm tea – a soothing, healthful hug in a cup. And as a cherry on top (or rather, a lovely bonus!), I even scored a Wildflour Plus discount card for free! Talk about a happy accident.

As I savored each moment, lost in my thoughts and the gentle hum of the café, a classic old song began to play. The melody was instantly recognizable, a nostalgic echo from another era. But it was the lyrics that truly caught my ear, pulling me out of my reverie:

"One step ahead of heartbreak... One step ahead of your arms."

Wow. Those lines resonated deeply. I found myself pondering the weight of those words, the incredible difficulty of being in a situation where you're constantly trying to outrun emotional pain or the pull of a past love. It felt incredibly poignant, capturing a very universal human experience.

My curiosity piqued, I quickly pulled out my phone and googled the lyrics. And that's when I discovered something interesting! While I had a specific artist in mind when I heard it, the search revealed that the song, "One Step Ahead," was famously sung by Aretha Franklin, but also by another iconic group: Split Enz. It’s fascinating how a song can be interpreted and delivered by different artists, each adding their own layer of meaning.

This little discovery added another layer to my already perfect afternoon. It was a reminder that even in our quiet moments, inspiration and unexpected insights can find us. A delicious pastry, a warming tea, a freebie, and a classic tune that sparked a moment of reflection – these are the simple, yet profound, boosters that truly nourish the soul.

What are your favorite "health and happiness boosters"? Share them in the comments below!

In the quiet of a bustling mall, I found that the sweetest treat wasn't just on my plate, but in the solitude that allowed a forgotten melody to become a profound discovery -Ashley Goodale

The Best Kind of Push: From Manila to London, He Helps Me Find Happiness

It’s easy to feel stuck when you’re on the opposite side of the world from the person you love. I’m here in Manila, and he’s all the way in London. On the days when the distance feels heaviest and I just want to stay in bed, my boyfriend has a way of knowing exactly what to do.

He doesn't "come over," but he sends a message that instantly pulls me out of my rut. Our anthem, born from the song I wrote, feels more real than ever:

"Yo, you up?... Ditch the house."

It's a simple phrase, but from him, it's a call to action. He knows I need to get out of my head and mentally close the thousands of miles between us. It isn't about a specific destination; it's about the act of choosing to be together and leaving my worries behind.

This is the beauty of our relationship, and it’s what I love most about the song. It perfectly captures how he helps me find my happiness, even across continents. The lyrics that follow are what we live by:

> "Gotta get out, gotta have a chill day,

> Spend some time with you, doing whatever, just doing what we wanna do."

> 

It's a reminder that my happiness isn't something I have to find on my own. It's something we build together. Our favorite thing to do is for him to read a book to me. He'll read a chapter of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff About Love" by Richard Carlson, and with every chapter he reads, we share each other's insight. It’s a simple, intimate way to connect that makes the distance disappear. The song’s most honest and powerful line is:

> "Nothing could be better than just being together."

> 

My boyfriend is more than just my partner; he is my "health and happiness booster." He reminds me that the best things in life are simple and that the greatest moments aren’t planned—they just happen when you have the right person beside you, no matter how many time zones away they are. This song isn't just a mood; it’s our story, and it’s a constant reminder of how we find joy in the little things.

Our love story proves that distance isn't measured in miles, but in moments. The song I wrote and the book he reads are our bridges. - Ashley Goodale 

#OriginalMusic #Songwriter #NewMusic #AcousticSong #Lyrics #MusicForLife #Blogger #CreativeProcess #Creativity #WritingCommunity #BloggersOfInstagram #CreativeExpression #MusicAndMindfulness #MentalHealth #Happiness #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #PositiveVibes #HealthAndHappiness #Bloggers #OriginalContent #Manila #London #LifestyleBlog #CreativeExpression #LongDistanceRelationship #LDR #LongDistanceLove #RelationshipGoals #RelationshipAdvice #Couples

​"Ang Aking Munting Himig" - Isang awitin na nilikha ko para sa aking anak. Ang bawat linya ng kantang ito ay naglalarawan ng pag-ibig, pangarap, at pag-asa na nais kong ibigay sa kanya.

 As a mother, you learn that loving your child is not just a feeling; it's a promise. It's a vow you make the moment they're born to be their strength, their constant, and their greatest defender. But what happens when you're the one who needs saving?

That's the story behind "Ang Aking Munting Himig," the song I wrote for my son, Miguel. It's a melody born from the deepest part of my heart, a melody that became my reason to keep going when I felt I had nothing left.

Life has a way of testing you, and there were times when the road became so heavy that I almost gave up. In those moments, when I felt like I couldn't go on, I would hold on to a single promise—a promise that lives in the heart of this song:

• "Kahit anong mangyari, hinding-hindi ako susuko / Para sa 'yo, anak, lahat ay gagawin ko." (No matter what happens, I will never give up / For you, my child, I will do everything.)

This is more than just a line in a song; it is the ultimate vow of a mother. It holds more weight now than ever. It's my unwavering commitment to Miguel, a promise that remains true even as our roles have changed and he is now a man.

Miguel is no longer the little boy whose hand I held. But in my heart, he remains the light that cuts through the darkness. His existence is a constant reminder that my life is a gift to him, a purpose worth fighting for. My love for him is a powerful force that has carried me through the darkest days. It is my purpose.

I wrote this song for him, but I share it with you in the hope that it can reach anyone who is struggling. It is a reflection on the beautiful, and often difficult, journey of motherhood. My son is my reason for hope, and my love for him is what keeps me going.

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I hope this song reminds you to cherish the deep love you have for your children and to remember that your life is a beautiful gift to them.

A mother's love is not just a feeling; it is the unbreakable promise that holds you to the world when you have almost let go. -MM

#TagalogSong #OPM #OriginalSong #ParaSaAnak #HeartfeltSong #MothersLove #EmotionalSong #Inspiration #Hope #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #ParentLove #MotherAndSon #FamilyLove #AngAkingMuntingHimig

A Journey to Freedom: Breaking Out of the "Glass Cage"

 

I'm so excited to share the song I wrote, "Glass Cage," with all of you. It's a song that speaks to a journey many of us are on—the path to breaking free from the expectations and pressures that can hold us captive.

The "glass cage" is a metaphor for all the ways we can feel trapped: by the need to be "well behaved," to stay quiet, and to conform to what others expect of us. This song is about the powerful moment when you decide to shatter that cage and embrace your true self. It's a reminder that your voice isn't meant to be a whisper; it's meant to be a "battle cry," a fierce declaration of who you truly are.

"Glass Cage" is an anthem of rebellion, but not in a destructive way. It's about choosing your authentic chaos over a "pretty prison." It's about finding the courage to let your inner storm rage and to stand tall, unapologetically yourself.

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"Glass Cage": A Health and Happiness Booster

Why is this song more than just a piece of music? Because I believe it's an anthem for all of our health and happiness boosters. It's easy to think of these boosters as just meditation or exercise, but they are also acts of self-liberation.

Breaking out of the "glass cage" is the ultimate act of self-care. It's about letting go of what no longer serves you—the pressure to be quiet, the need to please everyone, the feeling of being trapped by a life that looks good from the outside but feels empty inside.

The moment you decide to shatter that glass, you are practicing powerful self-love. You are choosing your own fierce truth over a comfortable lie. Every time you listen to this song, I want you to be reminded that finding your voice and living authentically is one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being. It’s a bold step toward a life that truly feels like your own.

Sometimes the prettiest prisons are the hardest to escape, but the freedom found in shattering the glass is worth every shard. -Ashley Goodale

#HealthAndHappiness #GlassCage #OriginalMusic #AuthenticSelf #FindYourVoice #BreakFree #NewMusic #Songwriter #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Empowerment

A Song for My Special Brain: My Journey of Love and Understanding

My boyfriend and I have been together for almost a year, and it’s been a beautiful, eye-opening journey. He’s autistic, and through him, I’ve come to understand the struggles he faced growing up in a world that didn't always get him. This is why I wrote this song. It's a way for me to process his story, to honor his experiences, and to share a message of empathy.

I've been thinking about how to create a more understanding world, and for me, that starts with a song. I poured all my heart into "A Song for My Special Brain," a song I hope will help people see the world from an autistic perspective. It’s my way of using music as a health and happiness booster—not just for him, but for anyone who feels misunderstood.

The lyrics were inspired by everything he's taught me, and everything I've learned from research. I describe a mind as a "super computer" that perceives the world with amplified senses, where for some, a simple hug can feel like a "big tight squeeze" and loud noises can be overwhelming. Luckily, my boyfriend doesn't have a problem with me hugging him, or him hugging me, which is something I know isn't true for everyone. I'm thankful for the small things and how much we've learned together.

This song is my gift to him and to everyone else out there who wants to feel seen and heard. It's a testament to the idea that love and understanding can truly change how we see the world.

You can watch the video and listen to my song here: https://youtube.com/shorts/rX-8F22dW48?feature=shared

Sometimes, the fastest way to understand a different mind is through a song that comes straight from the heart. -Ashley Goodale

#Autism #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #LoveStory #HealthAndHappinessBoosters #OriginalSong #Songwriter #ASongForMySpecialBrain #Empathy

The Healing Power of Memory: Why Honoring a Loved One Is a True Health Booster

 "The stars are beautiful, because of a flower that cannot be seen."

— The Little Prince

Our journey to health and happiness often focuses on the future—on new goals, new habits, and new beginnings. But sometimes, the greatest strength we can find comes from looking back. From honoring the people and moments that have shaped who we are.

This is a very personal lesson I learned recently while creating a tribute for my brother's birthday. He passed away in 2013, but the day remains deeply significant, especially for his twin brother, Ben. As I looked for a way to celebrate their bond, I found myself drawn to the timeless story of The Little Prince.

The Little Prince’s timeless message about seeing with the heart and the stars we can’t forget felt like the perfect way to honor his memory. Just as the Little Prince left his planet, my brother left ours, but his presence, his laughter, and his love remain.

Creating this video was my personal health booster. It was an act of love, a moment of reflection, and a way to channel my feelings into something beautiful. I hope this musical tribute inspires you to find your own way to celebrate the love that remains, whether it's for a person, a memory, or a part of yourself that needs healing. The act of remembering, of truly seeing what is essential, is a powerful path to inner peace and lasting happiness.

The most important lessons are to see with your heart, not your eyes, and that love is a wonderful surprise that lasts forever. -Ashley Goodale

#GriefHealing #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealth #LittlePrince #Love #Hope #RememberingYou #HealingJourney #SelfCare #HealthAndHappiness

A Sweet Escape to Filling Station

 The last time I was here at Filling Station, it was with Eddie when he visited me from London last month. But the last time I had a banana split here, it was with my brother, Ben. It’s funny how a single spot can hold so many different sweet memories.

I've been cooped up for days, writing lyrics, working on my blog, and managing my online store for kids' clothes. Eddie noticed I was stuck at home and, from all the way in London, told me to get out. So, here I am, taking his advice.

I’m in my favorite spot on the second floor, perched in a comfy chair by the big glass window. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by. Right in front of my table, a couple in their 20s is sharing a moment. He looks British, and she, Filipina. From their nervous energy and the way they keep glancing at each other, it feels like it's their very first date. It’s a sweet thing to see, and it makes me think of you, Eddie. I miss you. I wish you and Ben were here with me now. They're the only ones who can help me finish this gigantic banana split!

I started with a delicious plate of pasta aglio olio, but now I’m on to the main event. As I dig in, the background music fills the air—Doris Day’s “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” With the classic tunes and the vintage decor, it feels like I've stepped into a time capsule from the 1950s. This ice cream is a sweet escape from a hectic week. It’s making me feel happy and just a little closer to the people I miss most.

This is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things, like a banana split, are the best health and happiness boosters you can get.

"In the quiet comfort of being alone, the sweetest thing is feeling a little closer to the ones you miss most" -Ashley Goodale

To read more about my life with Eddie and our long-distance relationship, you can visit our Joined Journal.

#BananaSplit #FillingStation #Manila #SoloDate #HealthAndHappiness #JoinedJournal #Nostalgia #DorisDay #PastaAglioOlio #Philippines #Eddie #Ben #SweetTreat #CafeLife #VintageVibes #SelfCare

Edible Art and Soulful Moments; Finding Beauty in a Special Meal

In a busy day in Makati, we all need a break. For me, one of my favorite ways to find that break is at my favorite Japanese restaurant, Seryna.

I always love Seryna for its delicious and real Japanese food. I remember one time, when my tempura bento box came, I noticed something new. It wasn't just about the food; it was about how it was arranged.

The golden tempura was placed neatly next to the colorful pickles and rice. Everything had a place. This care, this way of making the food look beautiful, felt like a small work of art.

In our busy lives, we often rush through our meals. But this special bento box made me stop and look. It showed me that even when you eat something nice, you can find a quiet moment to enjoy the simple details.

Taking a second to look at how beautiful the food was made my day better. It was a good reminder to slow down and find joy in the care that people put into their work.

So, the next time you have a special meal, take a moment to really see it. You might find a small moment of art and happiness on your plate.

"The best feelings are not always in big moments. They are often in the quiet, simple parts of your day." - Ashley Goodale