What I learned late into adulthood — There is always this pervasive undertone among people (guys especially) that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Since young, this impression catches early onto me that concealing one’s emotion means demonstrating strength and reliability. This mindset stayed on to me until adulthood. I would force myself to remain tough and…

When you’re at the halfway marker and it’s time to reassess your priorities. — You know, I turned 35 this year. The funny thing about birthdays is that people expect you to be happy. Well, I do cherish my time by not exclaiming it in a rather jovial fashion, but like a ticking grandfather’s clock. Every birthday feels like a chime; a timely reminder…

From the bullet journal to the digital — It’s Friday afternoon. I have decided to call it a day and pore over my personal pile of the journals-and-junk, which are in dire need of housekeeping. …

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what people will think of me after I passed on. This thought has latched upon me like some persistent bug. How will they remember me? Will someone mourn over my passing? I want to live a true, meaningful life based on my own conviction. If…

Well, it’s not really that simple. — That one time, I scrolled on my Instagram feed and I saw a breathtaking photo of Venice during ‘the golden hour’. Instinctively, I swiped right to view more of the Venetian landscape. Right in the middle of the next photo is a bold, unmissable YOLO acronym begging for my attention. …

How I try to stay sane and keep at it anyway — I stared at the cashflow spreadsheet in front of me. The red digits bled all over my laptop screen like some doomsday counter. This is the third consecutive month that I am using my reserve cash. It has been a year and a half now since I try to work…

My thoughts about “falling behind in life” and the bane of excessive comparison. — Lately, I have been going to the park trying to get the health benefits of spending time in nature. During these moments of escape, I spend a significant amount of time with my thoughts, especially on why I feel like I’m sliding backward in life. I know that I am…