Money or Time? Awareness and Boundary

What most modern people want is to have enough money and more time. Money + Time  = Ideal life But we have to remember the tradeoff (there’s always a tradeoff). Earning more money (the right way) would consume time. There’s a sacrifice. We might consider setting aside some hobbies or entertainment, and instead, use our … Continue Reading →

 

10 Truths I Learned at 30

Last Aug 2019, I turned 30. What a year. This post should have been posted last year. But as usual, life gets in the way. Did a lot of things. Learned a lot of new things. You can check the truths I learned at 29 here. 1. The pain or adversity we experience today will … Continue Reading →

 

You are “You”

“At the end of the day, it’s just you.” I’m not sure what that quote means for you. But I think about it this way: No matter what I do or what others do, at the end of the day, I still end up with myself. I’m still inside this body. This is a good … Continue Reading →

 

It’s Happening Right Now

My wife and I moved into a new house 4 months ago. It was an abrupt decision. We weren’t prepared. But we took our chances. And glad, we made it. For the past 4 months, everything felt messy. I had to balance working (we both work from home) and organizing the house, and assisting my … Continue Reading →

 

My Happiness Formula

I didn’t invent this. But you can try. Gratitude + Contentment + Acceptance Gratitude: Grateful for everything I have. Grateful for the time I can spend with the people I love. Grateful for being alive and healthy and safe. Grateful I can still do things that give me joy. I can still be useful. Contentment: … Continue Reading →

 

It’s Not Their Fault

You have a dream. You want to become a painter. You want to become a musician. A novelist. A dancer. A scientist. You want to start your own small business. You want to start a tech company. But your parents, your relatives, and every person you know disagree because your dream won’t make you rich. … Continue Reading →

 

Change it, Leave it, Accept it

In almost every circumstance, we only have 3 choices: Change Leave Accept If we can’t change it, then leave. If we can’t leave, then change. If we can’t change or leave, then accept whatever it is. But we all know that changing or leaving may lead to consequences we might regret. And accepting is easier … Continue Reading →

 

Nobody Wants to Suffer, But That’s What We Need (Sometimes)

In the middle of suffering, we wish it to end. We wish to be in a different situation where everything feels pleasurable and smooth. But it is through suffering that we learn the most about life. The more we experience it, the more we become wiser. Suffering gives us a new perspective on what it … Continue Reading →

 

Extracts from Motivational Speeches

I wouldn’t lie. A lot of motivational speeches on YouTube are fascinating. Thanks to those who compiled them. Yes, most of them are clichés. But who cares. Clichés are reminders. Everyone needs reminders or maybe a boost, especially when feeling down. Words are powerful. Here are a few that I happen to reflect a lot … Continue Reading →

 

Others’ Agendas

I wonder where it all started — where we started to believe that for life to be enjoyed it had to have prestige, profits, lots of properties, and an incredible amount of money. I wonder who popularized the idea that contentment was for losers and if we didn’t work our ass off to earn lots … Continue Reading →

 

Do You Really Need a Bachelor’s Degree?

My younger sister was confused. She knew I didn’t want to be a school teacher. But I told her I would consider being a teacher (for now). But I didn’t mean lecturing in front of students using a lesson plan — I was talking about teaching people my own way. This blog is an example. … Continue Reading →

 

A Work in Progress

We are not completely in full shape. We are formless ever since we’re born. And as we grow older, our thoughts, emotions, and views about the world fluctuate. But the good thing about this is that each day is an opportunity to learn and grow. We can either learn from others and understand their worldviews, … Continue Reading →

 

A Journey to the 2 Different Worlds

You exist in 2 different worlds. But you don’t think about it as often as possible. The first world is inside your head. It’s what you imagine about yourself. It’s how you perceive things happening around you. It’s your own perfect world. In that world, you are the center. You are the main character. You … Continue Reading →

 

It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect

It always fascinates me when people messaged because they loved what I wrote in spite of it not being perfect. I reread, puzzled why many love my own little world. Because it resonated with them. Whenever I perform with my band, I usually lose track of time. Because it’s so fun. Sometimes I hit the … Continue Reading →

 

What’s Your Advantage?

If you’re born in a first world country like the US and Australia, that’s already your advantage. You have more opportunities and privileges than the people in the third world. But if you’re not from the first world, yet you’re born and raised in a wealthy or powerful family, that’s a huge advantage, too, by … Continue Reading →