Among the many cherished memories I hold, one stands out with particular warmth and significance: the quiet, heartfelt moments when my mother shares her wisdom and advice. These aren’t grand pronouncements, but rather gentle nudges and profound insights that have shaped who I am and how I navigate the world.
There’s a recurring theme in her guidance, a steady current that runs through all her words: bravery. My mother has always encouraged me to face challenges head-on, to step outside my comfort zone, and to not be afraid of the unknown. It’s a lesson that has empowered me to take risks, pursue opportunities, and learn from every experience, good or bad.
Another cornerstone of her advice is the importance of deliberation. “Think about a decision ten times before you make it,” she’ll often say. This isn’t about hesitation or paralysis by analysis, but rather about thoughtful consideration, weighing the pros and cons, and understanding the potential ripple effects of my choices. It’s a practice that has saved me from hasty mistakes and fostered a more mindful approach to life.
Perhaps most impactful is her emphasis on self-reliance. My mother has always instilled in me the value of independence – the ability to stand on my own two feet, to solve my own problems, and to be accountable for my own journey. This doesn’t mean isolating myself, but rather building the strength and resilience to be my own strongest advocate.
And finally, through all of life’s ups and downs, she reminds me that life is a beautiful thing to have. This simple yet profound statement is a constant source of perspective. It encourages me to appreciate the small joys, to find beauty in unexpected places, and to approach each day with gratitude and optimism.
These aren’t just pieces of advice; they’re the foundational principles of my life, whispered from a heart that wants nothing but the best for me. Each time she shares these thoughts, it’s a favorite moment, a reminder of her unwavering love and the incredible gift of her wisdom. She is, and always will be, my guiding star.
What’s a piece of advice that has profoundly impacted your life?
It’s funny how life shifts and priorities reconfigure. If you were to ask me “Who do you spend the most time with?” right now, my answer would be immediate and heartfelt: my Mama.
Life has me anchored at home these days, and with my mother having retired in 2021, our shared hours have truly blossomed. Our days are a comfortable rhythm of domestic partnership. We cook together, turning meal preparation into a collaborative and often fragrant activity. We tackle house chores side-by-side, making cleaning feel less like a task and more like a shared effort to maintain our sanctuary. There’s a deep contentment in this shared time at home, a feeling of togetherness that truly nourishes my soul.
Beyond the daily routines, this increased time together has allowed me to be her companion for her doctor’s and clinic appointments. It’s a small but significant way I can support her, especially since English is our second language and she often needs a translator. Being there, helping her navigate these situations, feels like a natural extension of our bond.
As my Mama gracefully ages, I’ve noticed a beautiful new dimension to our relationship. She’s begun to share her life learnings with me, imparting wisdom gleaned from decades of experience. These aren’t just stories; they’re valuable lessons, insights into life that she’s passing down. I’m incredibly grateful to be the recipient of this legacy, to hear her reflections and absorb her perspective as she moves through this phase of her life.
So, who do I spend the most time with? It’s always been, and continues to be, my Mama. Even when I was a child, she was my primary companion, my confidante, my world. And today, as adults sharing our home and our lives, that bond remains the strongest and most cherished connection I have.
It’s a fun thought experiment, isn’t it? If each of us walked around with a personal tagline, a concise phrase summarizing our approach to life, what would it be? It’s like distilling your entire being into a handful of words.
My Personal Tagline: “Just Do It.”
For me, the answer is surprisingly simple, and I’m going to borrow a classic: “Just Do It.” Yes, Nike’s iconic slogan perfectly encapsulates the mindset I strive for, and honestly, the one I often need.
Why “Just Do It.” Resonates with Me Life, for many of us, is a series of tasks, challenges, and aspirations that often require one fundamental thing: action. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a difficult conversation I’ve been avoiding, a new skill I want to learn, or even just getting out of bed on a Monday morning, most of my “problems” or goals demand that I tend to them and, crucially, act on them.
Procrastination is a powerful force, a siren song that lulls us into inaction. It’s easy to get caught up in overthinking, planning every minute detail, or simply feeling overwhelmed. This is where “Just Do It.” becomes my internal mantra. It’s a forceful, yet encouraging, reminder that analysis paralysis won’t get me anywhere. The only way to move forward is to start.
It’s a call to get up and try. It doesn’t promise success, nor does it imply that the task will be easy. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of the initial step, the commitment to engage, and the resilience to keep going. For me, it’s about breaking free from inertia and embracing the power of consistent effort. It’s a recognition that even small actions, when taken consistently, can lead to significant progress.
So, if you ever see me staring off into space, seemingly contemplating the universe, you can bet that somewhere in my mind, “Just Do It.” is echoing, urging me to tackle whatever challenge lies ahead.
What about you? If you had a personal tagline, what would it be and why?
We all have that one “luxury” we swear we couldn’t live without. For some, it might be a daily barista-made coffee, for others, a top-tier mattress. But for me, in this increasingly interconnected world, that one non-negotiable luxury is my flagship smartphone.
Now, before you picture me sipping champagne on a private jet (though that sounds nice!), let’s clarify. It’s a luxury precisely because, yes, I could get by with a cheaper, more basic smartphone. But I choose not to. And in today’s digital landscape, that choice feels less like an indulgence and more like a necessity.
Think about it. We live in an “ever-connected world.” Our phones aren’t just for calls anymore; they are our primary interface for navigating nearly every aspect of our lives. From managing work emails to banking, from ordering groceries to staying in touch with loved ones across continents, our smartphones are the hub.
And in that hub, quality matters immensely.
One of the biggest reasons my flagship phone holds such a vital place in my life is its photo capability. Our lives are a collection of moments, big and small, fleeting and profound. The ability to instantly capture those memories with stunning clarity and detail is invaluable.
From candid family moments to breathtaking landscapes on a spontaneous road trip, my flagship phone’s camera ensures those memories are preserved beautifully, ready to be revisited and shared. It’s more than just taking a picture; it’s about holding onto a piece of time.
Beyond the lens, the interface by which we use our phone is critical. A smooth, intuitive, and powerful operating system isn’t just about convenience; it’s about efficiency and reducing friction in our daily digital interactions. A flagship phone offers a seamless experience that allows me to navigate apps, multi-task, and access information without frustrating lags or crashes. In an age where every second counts, a responsive and well-designed interface empowers me to stay productive and engaged, rather than constantly battling my device.
Some might argue it’s just a phone, but for me, it’s the gateway to so much more. It’s my portable office, my personal photographer, my entertainment hub, and my connection to the people and information that matter most. It’s the tool that allows me to fully participate in the digital age, rather than just observing it from the sidelines.
So, while I appreciate the value in frugality, for me, investing in a flagship smartphone isn’t a frivolous expense. It’s a strategic decision that enhances my daily life, empowers my connections, and ensures I’m always ready to capture the next unforgettable moment. It’s the one luxury I truly can’t live without.
What’s your indispensable luxury? Let me know in the comments below!
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.
You know, sometimes life feels less like a grand narrative with a clear plot and more like a collection of incredibly random, interconnected haikus. You’re just just chugging along, doing your thing, and then bam – a perfectly timed gust of wind catches your hair just right, or the barista draws a tiny, perfect heart in your latte foam. These aren’t big, dramatic moments, but they’re the ones that often stick with you, aren’t they? They’re the whispered secrets of the universe, the little winks that say, “Hey, pay attention, there’s beauty even here.”
I was thinking about this the other day while trying to untangle a particularly stubborn knot in my headphone cord (a universal struggle, I’m convinced). It was frustrating, sure, but as I finally worked it free, there was this tiny, disproportionate surge of triumph. And then it hit me: life is just one giant knot of unexpected things. Some are messy and annoying, some you have to really work at, and some just magically loosen up when you least expect it. We spend so much time planning, projecting, striving for the “next big thing.” And while goals are great, there’s a quiet magic in simply existing within the current moment, acknowledging its oddities and small victories. It’s in the way the sunlight hits the dust motes dancing in the air, or the comfort of a worn-out t-shirt, or the sudden, uncontrollable giggle fit with a friend over something utterly silly.
Maybe the secret to navigating the beautiful randomness of it all isn’t to fight the knots, but to appreciate the process of untangling them. To find the humor in the tangled mess, the satisfaction in the small victory, and the quiet poetry in the everyday. Because honestly, those little moments are what stitch the fabric of our lives together.
The Grand Illusion of Control
We’re conditioned, aren’t we, to believe in the linear progression of life. Go to school, get a job, climb the ladder, buy a house, retire. There’s a certain comfort in that narrative, a feeling of control. But then you wake up one Tuesday, and the universe decides to throw a curveball: a flat tire on the way to an important meeting, a sudden downpour on your perfectly planned picnic, or an unexpected email that shifts your entire day’s priorities. These aren’t failures of planning; they’re just life doing its messy, beautiful thing.
I used to get so stressed by these deviations. My carefully constructed mental schedule would crumble, and I’d feel a surge of frustration. But over time, I’ve started to see these interruptions not as obstacles, but as invitations to flexibility. The flat tire becomes an opportunity to listen to a podcast you’ve been meaning to catch up on. The downpour transforms the picnic into a cozy indoor board game marathon. The unexpected email? A chance to reprioritize and perhaps even discover a more efficient way of working.
It’s about shifting perspective, really. It’s about understanding that while we can steer the ship, we can’t control every wave. And sometimes, the most scenic detours lead to the most memorable destinations.
The Echoes of the Past, The Whispers of the Future
Another fascinating aspect of life’s randomness is how seemingly insignificant moments from our past can suddenly echo in the present. You hear a particular song, and suddenly you’re transported back to a summer day from your childhood, the smell of freshly cut grass, the feeling of endless possibility. Or you meet someone new, and a seemingly throwaway comment they make sparks a memory of a conversation you had years ago, revealing a new layer of understanding.
These random connections across time are like little breadcrumbs, showing us how intricately woven our experiences are. They remind us that nothing is truly lost, and every moment, no matter how fleeting, contributes to the tapestry of who we are. It’s a comforting thought, isn’t it? That even the most forgotten instances hold a place in our personal history, waiting for the right cue to reappear and offer a new perspective.
And then there’s the future, that vast, unknowable expanse. We make plans, we set intentions, and we dream. But so much of it remains delightfully, terrifyingly uncertain. That’s where the thrill lies, I think. The thrill of the unknown, the potential for unexpected blessings, the sudden twists and turns that no one could have predicted. It’s the constant possibility of serendipity, of stumbling upon something truly wonderful when you least expect it.
Embracing the “What Ifs” (Without Drowning in Them)
The randomness of life also invites us to ponder the “what ifs.” What if I had taken that other job? What if I hadn’t missed that train? While it’s easy to get lost in a spiral of regret or alternate realities, there’s also a creative exercise in acknowledging these branching paths. It reminds us of the sheer volume of choices we make every day, and how each small decision can subtly shift our trajectory.
But the key, I’ve found, is to acknowledge these “what ifs” without letting them overshadow the beauty of the “what is.” Our current reality, with all its quirks and imperfections, is the sum of every choice, every random encounter, every happy accident. And within that “what is,” there’s so much to appreciate. The resilient human spirit, the capacity for joy even in hardship, the simple comfort of a shared meal or a quiet evening.
Finding Your Own Haikus
So, how do we lean into this beautiful randomness? How do we find our own “haikus” in the everyday?
Practice presence: Put down the phone, look up, listen. Notice the small details: the pattern of light on the wall, the sound of birdsong, the texture of your coffee mug. Embrace flexibility: When plans go awry, take a deep breath. Ask yourself, “What’s the unexpected opportunity here?” Cultivate curiosity: Ask questions, explore new ideas, try new things, even small ones. A different route to work, a new recipe, a conversation with a stranger. Document the small joys: Keep a gratitude journal, take photos of seemingly insignificant moments, or simply make a mental note of things that make you smile.
Life isn’t a straight line. It’s a glorious, messy, unpredictable dance. And the more we learn to sway with its rhythm, to appreciate the unexpected steps and the occasional missteps, the richer our experience becomes. It’s a journey filled with ordinary moments that, upon closer inspection, reveal themselves to be extraordinary.
What’s a small, random moment that brought you unexpected joy lately? Share your own “haiku” of the everyday!
In a world increasingly characterized by rapid change, emotional volatility, and an overwhelming deluge of information, the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers a profound and remarkably relevant sanctuary. Far from the popular misconception of a cold, emotionless existence, genuine Stoicism presents a deeply humane and immensely practical framework for cultivating inner peace, resilience, and a life of purpose. Its beauty lies not in suppression, but in understanding; not in indifference, but in profound wisdom.
At its core, Stoicism is a philosophy of action, a way of living that prioritizes virtue, reason, and harmony with nature. Developed in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BC, and later refined by figures like Seneca, Epictetus, and the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it has guided thinkers, leaders, and everyday people through life’s inevitable storms for over two millennia.
The Inner Citadel: Understanding What We Control
Perhaps the most fundamental and liberating tenet of Stoicism is the Dichotomy of Control. This concept, famously articulated by Epictetus, distinguishes between things within our power and things outside our power. Our opinions, impulses, desires, and aversions – these are within our control. Our bodies, possessions, reputation, and the actions of others – these are not.
The beauty of this distinction is its radical simplicity and immense power. By focusing our energy and concern solely on what we can control (our thoughts, reactions, and choices), we free ourselves from the immense anxiety and frustration that comes from trying to manipulate external events. The traffic jam, the rude comment, the unexpected illness – these are externals. Our reaction to them, however, is entirely up to us. This understanding builds an “inner citadel,” an unassailable fortress of the mind that no external misfortune can truly penetrate. It is a philosophy that offers genuine equanimity in the face of chaos.
The Virtuous Path: Living with Purpose
Beyond mere emotional management, Stoicism is a robust ethical system centered on four cardinal virtues:
Wisdom (Prudence): The ability to navigate complex situations, make sound judgments, and understand what is truly good and bad.
Justice: Treating others fairly, acting with integrity, and contributing to the common good.
Courage: Facing fears, enduring hardship, and acting in accordance with reason, even when difficult.
Temperance (Self-Discipline): Moderation in all things, control over desires and impulses, and living in harmony with oneself.
These virtues are not abstract ideals; they are practical guides for daily living. The beauty of the Stoic emphasis on virtue is that it provides an intrinsic compass for life, one that is independent of external rewards or recognition. A virtuous life is its own reward, leading to genuine contentment and a profound sense of meaning. It teaches us that true success is not measured by wealth or status, but by the quality of our character and the integrity of our actions.
Embracing Adversity: The Alchemist’s Stone
One of the most compelling and counter-intuitive aspects of Stoicism is its approach to adversity. Rather than shying away from difficulties, Stoics view challenges as opportunities for growth and practice. Seneca famously wrote, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”
This perspective transforms setbacks into learning experiences, obstacles into training grounds for resilience. The loss of a job, a personal betrayal, a physical ailment – these are not simply misfortunes to be endured, but tests that reveal and strengthen our character. Through practices like negative visualization (contemplating potential misfortunes to appreciate what we have and prepare for their eventuality) and the acceptance of fate (amor fati), Stoicism helps us cultivate a profound sense of gratitude and an unshakeable inner calm, even when external circumstances are dire. It is a philosophy that prepares us not just for good times, but for all times.
Practical Beauty: Tools for Modern Living
The enduring appeal of Stoicism lies in its practicality. It’s not a philosophy to be merely studied, but to be practiced. Here are just a few of its beautiful and actionable tools:
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Before it was a buzzword, Stoics engaged in rigorous self-examination, often through journaling (like Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations), to scrutinize their thoughts and reactions.
Premeditation of Evils (Premeditatio Malorum): Mentally rehearsing potential difficulties helps to diminish their shock and prepare a rational response, fostering a sense of preparedness rather than anxiety.
The View from Above: Imagining oneself observing life from a cosmic perspective helps to contextualize personal troubles and foster humility.
Journaling: Regularly writing down thoughts, reflections, and analyses of events helps to clarify thinking and apply Stoic principles.
Discomfort Practice: Deliberately engaging in minor discomforts (e.g., a cold shower, walking instead of driving) builds resilience and lessens attachment to comfort.
The Misunderstood Sage: Dispelling Stereotypes
It’s crucial to address the common mischaracterization of Stoics as emotionless robots. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Stoicism doesn’t advocate for the suppression of emotions, but for their rational management. We are human; we will feel anger, sadness, fear. The Stoic aim is to prevent these emotions from becoming destructive forces, to acknowledge them without being enslaved by them. It’s about feeling appropriately, not excessively. It’s about reason as a guide, not a dictator, allowing us to navigate life’s emotional landscape with grace and wisdom.
A Path to Eudaimonia: The Good Life
Ultimately, the beauty of Stoicism lies in its promise of eudaimonia – often translated as “flourishing” or “the good life.” This isn’t a fleeting happiness dependent on external circumstances, but a deep, abiding contentment derived from living in accordance with reason and virtue. It’s about finding freedom not in external liberty, but in internal self-mastery.
In a world clamoring for quick fixes and external validation, Stoicism offers a timeless counter-narrative. It reminds us that true power resides within, that peace is a product of our own minds, and that the richest life is lived not by accumulating more, but by desiring less and acting with integrity. It’s a philosophy that empowers us to become the architects of our own character, to face life’s inevitable challenges with courage, and to find profound serenity in the everyday. For those willing to embrace its disciplined wisdom, Stoicism offers not just a philosophy, but a beautiful way of life.
