Ilavueso

Category: Daily Prompt

  • What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?

    Daily writing prompt
    What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?
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    The phrase “having it all” gets thrown around a lot. For some, it conjures images of endless luxury. For others, it’s about juggling a perfect career and family life with effortless grace. But what does it really mean to have it all? And more importantly, is it actually attainable?

    For me, “having it all” paints a vivid and deeply personal picture. It’s far more than just material possessions; it’s a profound sense of freedom, fulfillment, and self-worth.

    My Vision of “Having It All”:

    It starts with mastery in a chosen craft or profession. Imagine reaching a point where you’re not just good at what you do, but you’re truly excellent, recognized for your contributions, and deeply engaged in your work. This success isn’t just about accolades; it’s about the satisfaction of knowing you’re operating at your peak.

    Hand-in-hand with professional success comes financial freedom. This isn’t about being a billionaire, but about having the resources to live life on your own terms, free from the crushing weight of obligation and external social pressures. It’s the ability to make choices based on desire and opportunity, not necessity.

    This financial independence unlocks a world of possibilities, including the freedom to design your life precisely as you envision it. Want to travel? You can, whenever you have the time and wherever your wanderlust takes you. Imagine spontaneous trips to far-flung destinations or extended stays in places that nourish your soul.

    Beyond adventure, “having it all” includes the stability and comfort of your own home, a sanctuary where you can truly be yourself. It also encompasses the warmth and support of a loving family, a cornerstone of happiness and belonging. And crucially, it means being in a profession you genuinely love, one that energizes you rather than drains you.

    Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of “having it all” is the internal shift: no longer questioning your worth or value. You reach a point of deep self-acceptance, understanding that you are inherently worthy of success, happiness, and all the good things life has to offer. This confidence allows for easy self-expression, where your thoughts, feelings, and creativity flow freely without inhibition.

    Finally, it’s about having the financial means to comfortably purchase your wants on top of your needs. This isn’t about extravagance, but about the joy of indulging in passions, investing in experiences, and having the capacity to support causes you believe in.

    Is This Vision Doable? Absolutely.

    While it might seem like a grand aspiration, I wholeheartedly believe this vision of “having it all” is not just a dream, but a truly achievable reality. It’s not about winning the lottery or some magical shortcut. Instead, it’s about a combination of intentional choices, consistent effort, and a fundamental shift in perspective.

    The key lies in understanding that “having it all” isn’t about perfection, but about the freedom to celebrate life in its entirety. It’s about aligning your actions with your values, cultivating meaningful relationships, pursuing your passions with dedication, and nurturing a strong sense of self.

    It’s a journey, not a destination, and every step taken towards this vision is a step towards a richer, more fulfilling life.

  • Do you remember life before the internet?

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you remember life before the internet?
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    Life before the internet is a concept that might seem foreign to many, but for those of us who experienced it, it conjures a tapestry of vivid memories. I was fortunate enough to spend my formative years in the Philippines, specifically in the province of Pangasinan, during a time when digital connectivity was still a distant whisper. My childhood was not just wonderful; it was a masterclass in organic discovery, community, and the art of anticipation.

    Growing up, my days weren’t dictated by glowing screens or endless feeds. Instead, they unfolded outdoors, fueled by the boundless energy of youth and the simple joys of traditional games. Text and pogs weren’t digital messages or collectible discs, but rather the names of local street games, echoing with laughter and friendly competition. We played tumbang preso, a chaotic yet thrilling game of tag where an empty can was the coveted target, and piko, the Filipino version of hopscotch, drawn with chalk on dusty pathways. These weren’t just pastimes; they were rituals, forging bonds with neighbors and creating a shared understanding of fun that transcended language barriers.

    The world outside my home was a source of constant wonder, unmediated by algorithms. Information wasn’t at my fingertips; it was something to be sought out, discussed, and sometimes, patiently waited for. I vividly recall the exquisite agony and ultimate delight of waiting for my favorite songs to finally grace the airwaves. Radio waves carried not just music, but stories, news, and the collective heartbeat of the community. Similarly, television shows were events, not on-demand commodities. We planned our days around their broadcast times, gathering with family to watch, discuss, and sometimes, critique. This forced patience, this embrace of anticipation, instilled a deeper appreciation for content when it finally arrived.


    Contrast this with today’s instant gratification. Any piece of music, any film, any scrap of information is readily available with a few taps. While undeniably convenient, this constant accessibility can sometimes dull the edge of curiosity. Before the widespread use of the internet, if you wanted to know something, you had to actively pursue it. This often meant poring over encyclopedias, visiting libraries, or, most commonly, asking elders and experts in the community. Information was a journey, not a destination. This pursuit of knowledge often led to tangential discoveries, deepening understanding and fostering a genuine sense of intellectual exploration. The absence of readily searchable answers also left room for wonder and speculation, allowing our imaginations to fill in the blanks. There was a unique satisfaction in piecing together information, like solving a puzzle with limited clues.

    The internet has undeniably revolutionized our world, offering unprecedented access to information and connecting people across vast distances. Yet, there’s a part of me that deeply misses the slower pace, the tangible interactions, and the inherent magic of a world where discovery was a more deliberate and often communal experience. My childhood before the internet wasn’t lacking; it was rich with experiences that fostered creativity, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the present moment. It was a time when curiosity was a driving force, and the answers, when they finally came, felt all the more precious.