Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented in March 2020, and it is already April. The first week of ECQ was exciting and felt liberated from the usual and occasional toxic life I had at work. As we went on the first week Luzon's ECQ, I acquainted myself with my family about the updates on CoViD-19 by regularly watching news on TV, but we got tired of the news. They were just repeated every single day in every news program and the continuous increase of CoViD-19 patient did not make us feel any better. I stopped turning on the TV and diverted my watching time to social media which was not really the best diversion I needed during those time. I even subscribed to Netflix to watch k-drama, Ghibli movies and documentary films, so I could have other options online during this ECQ. Watching Netflix and reading manhua/manga went on until the third of ECQ. It was on the fourth week ECQ that I decided to stop depending on online entertainment, I needed to get a hold of myself I was turning into a 'netizen' anytime soon if I God didn't intervene with my unhealthy routine. Re-calibration happened, I did some gardening after watching how on Youtube and getting free seeds from the office of City Agriculture of City of Santa Rosa through the office of our barangay; I compiled my prose and poems and published an e-book on my birthday; and I got back with my to be read books, there are few of them.
Here are some of the books that I already read. These are good companions during these trying times. They will bring hope, joy, peace, and assurance in this time of uncertainties especially now that ECQ is extended until April 30.
1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It is classic literature. This book will remind you of what really matters the most in life. The most important things in life cannot be seen by our naked eyes, it is only through our heart. Yet, we have to make sure that our hearts are anchored to the truth. Because if not, our hearts can be more deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Only Him can make our hearts holy, always consult to Him in the form of a prayer to see what's really important in the life that we are trying to live on.
2. Love (Selected Quotations) by Paulo Coelho
The author of this is known for his works as inspirational, life-changing, and eye-opener. I fell in love with compelling quotes from the different works of Paulo Coelho. They are spiritual and nostalgic. This book will give you that extra kick you need to believe in hope that can only be found in love.
3. Fresh Start: The New You Begins Today by Joel Osteen
It is a Christian-based book. Fresh Start will give you a head start to living a life where God is the center of it, or for some, it will take you back to your Father if you are in the path where you struggle alone. This book re-route you back to your Creator. It is both spiritual and practical. Aside from text referenced from the Bible, it offers practical application in the Appendix part where it discusses different action plans on how to further deepen your faith and your intimate relationship with your Maker.
4. The Power of I AM by Joel Osteen
This is the book I just recently finished and I really love the message of this book. Just like any other book of Osteen, this one is also Christian-based. It talks about how a declaration of your faith can transform your day to day life into a restful, peaceful, and purposeful one. Life is not easy, but God does not want us to carry the burden of living in this sinful world. He wants to help you, to support you. You just have to surrender them all to Him. Just always remember who you and whose you are. You are the child of the Most High God. You are who He says you are. The book, The Power of I Am, will definitely remind you of who and whose you are. In this time of crisis, we have to remember who we are and who we are.
What's next to my reading list?
These are part of my TBR list, Paulo Coelho's The Deluxe Collection. Total is 12 books to read from PC. I am also currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear in its e-book format.
Now, it's your turn.
What other books can you recommend to bring hope, peace, and joy during EECQ?
P.S. Bible is the best recommendation.
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