A frugal wanderer. Agriculturist. Lover of life and people. Adventure seeker. A typical human being who tries to live a healthy life and is occasionally lost in time and space.
As in all we want to do in life, it always comes with uncertainties. I have been hearing this tiny voice in my heart – to do something way different from my path now.
I am not disclosing it yet because I want to see if I will get that point. Just imagine this hypothetical scenario: you finished your medical degree after 12 years of focusing on this path since you thought you wanted to do this for the rest of your life, and you realized one day, when you were 32, that you wanted to be an airplane pilot.
Would you change your career? You are uncertain whether you will become a pilot, and if you do not succeed, how can you bounce back? I know 32 is not old, but it is also not young. I am scared. But I do not want to regret not trying what that tiny voice in my heart is asking. It looks so daunting, but then I am more than capable of restarting again (except financially, though I always believe that if there’s a will, there’s a way).
Let me reflect on this post and see if I will make it 10 years from now. I hope I make it to something my body, mind, and soul crave for and will enjoy doing.
My January 2025 was filled with happy memories from our 22-day Europe tour and here is our itinerary that you can copy on your upcoming trip.
Day 1 – Athens, Greece (arrived at 7am in the airport); visited Roman Agora and, Acropolis.
Day 2 – Flew from Athens, Greece to Rome, Italy; walked around the city since we arrived late.
Day 3 – Vatican City; attended the Sunday’s mass and walked around then went back to Rome.
Day 4 – Rome, Italy; went Italian food crawling, visited the Colosseum.
Day 5 – Pisa, Italy; went to the leaning tower of Pisa then traveled to Venice, Italy at night.
Day 6 – Venice, Italy; walked around Venice, rode the Gondola ($90 for two people).
Day 7 – Milan, Italy; went to Duomo di Milano and Sforzeco Castle museum.
Day 8 – Train to Switzerland; went and walked around Luzern and Zurich in Switzerland.
Day 9 – Traveled from Switzerland to Munich, Germany; Walked around the town.
Day 10 – Munich, Germany; walked around the town and did German food crawl.
Day 11 – An hour away from our hotel in Munich, Germany, was a frozen lake we went to.
Day 12 – Traveled from Munich, Germany to Frankfurt, Germany; walked around Frankfurt.
Day 13 – Met a friend in Frankfurt, Germany; more food crawling.
Day 14 – Walked around the town Frankfurt, Germany. Stayed here longer because of a friend and I got my Schengen visa in this country as well.
Day 15 – Amsterdam, Netherlands; visited Anne Frank’s Secret Annex and Red Light District.
Day 16 – Brussels, Belgium; Belgian food crawling and chocolate tasting, went to Grand Palace.
Day 17 – Ghent, Belgium; had Belgian waffles, went to Gravensteen Castle.
Day 18 – Calais, France; had crepes, walked around the shore.
Day 19 – Paris, France; went to the Eiffel tower and Louvre museum.
Day 20 – Nazare, Portugal; went to Praia de Salir do Porto, Portuguese food crawl.
Day 21 – Obisos and Lisbon, Portugal; went to a town surrounded with walls, did seafood crawl.
Day 22 – Barcelona, Spain; went to Sagrada de Familia, traveled to the airport to go back home.
The key is to find a hotel near the train station or the places you want to visit. Also, if you arrive earlier than the check-in, do not be shy to ask the hotel person if you can leave your things with them. Most of them let us leave our things, and we walked around without our bags.
Disclaimer: THIS IS NOT SPONSORED. I just found the one!
It is the one. The best luggage for me at this point. The brand? MONOS!!! The best investment for your money.
See that? I overpacked it for 22 days, as evidenced by the bulge, and rolled for kilometers. My boyfriend dragged it because I’m a travel princess. LOL. And I kid you not, he pulled it carelessly and dragged it down the stairs each time we moved from one place to another.
This luggage was not only in the carry-on, but we also used it for check-in. And we all know that check-in luggage is treated badly. It didn’t have a great time in taxis and trains, but it held up so well.
Although this is not cheap compared to other luggage brands, it is not as expensive as Rimowa and it is worth every penny. Just choose a color that does not easily get dirty.
The first month of 2025 has been good to me. I traveled to places. Met a lot of people. Ate lots of different food – pasta, cheese, and pastries to name some. Traveling is a fun way of learning. January made me appreciate life again.
MIA – missing in action. I have been MIA in the past few months. To the self that promised herself to be more consistent on her blog writing, I apologize as this present self has to be present in her priorities the moment is asking for. I need to cram writing my thesis and it is not easy. I will be MIA for the next weeks again and I hope to get back after this battle I am fighting. LOL. Ciao!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by emotions. However, it’s essential to recognize that our thoughts often precede our feelings. Understanding this connection can empower us to take charge of our emotional landscape.
When we experience a strong emotion, it’s typically rooted in our thoughts—our interpretations, beliefs, and narratives about a situation. For example, if you think, “I’ll never succeed,” that thought can evoke feelings of despair and inadequacy. Conversely, if you shift that narrative to, “I am capable and learning from my experiences,” you’ll likely feel more hopeful and motivated.
This shift isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Start by becoming aware of your thoughts. Journaling can be a powerful tool—write down your thoughts and examine how they influence your emotions. Are they constructive or destructive? Challenge any negative thoughts and replace them with affirmations that inspire confidence and resilience.
Remember, thoughts are not facts. They are simply perceptions that can be reshaped. By consciously choosing empowering thoughts, you can foster positive emotions that lead to action and growth.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself: What am I thinking right now? Reframe those thoughts, and watch as your feelings transform.
You hold the power to create the mindset that fuels your dreams. Choose wisely, and let your thoughts pave the way to a more fulfilling emotional journey.
Life is a series of ups and downs, victories and setbacks. In a society that often celebrates success, it’s easy to feel ashamed when you find yourself labeled as a “loser.” But what if I told you that it’s not only okay to feel this way at times, but it’s also a vital part of growth? Here’s why embracing those moments can be transformative.
1. Redefining Success
The first step in accepting your “loser” moments is to redefine what success means to you. Society often equates success with wealth, status, and constant achievement. However, success is subjective. It can mean personal growth, learning from failure, or simply having the courage to try something new. Acknowledging that it’s okay to struggle can free you from the relentless pressure to perform.
2. Learning Through Failure
Every setback is a lesson in disguise. When you fail, you’re presented with an opportunity to learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Each “failure” can guide you toward eventual success by highlighting areas for improvement and prompting reflection.
3. Building Resilience
Experiencing loss or failure teaches resilience. Life isn’t always about winning; it’s about how you respond to challenges. Embracing your moments of defeat helps you build mental fortitude, preparing you for future obstacles. Resilience is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.
4. Creating Authentic Connections
When you’re open about your struggles, you allow others to do the same. Sharing your “loser” moments can foster deep, authentic connections with those around you. Vulnerability breeds empathy, and you may find that many people have faced similar challenges. This sense of community can provide support and remind you that you’re not alone.
5. Redirection and Reinvention
Sometimes, being a “loser” can lead you to paths you never considered. When you face setbacks, it can be an opportunity to reassess your goals and passions. Perhaps what you initially aimed for wasn’t truly aligned with who you are. These moments can serve as a catalyst for reinvention, leading you to discover new passions and directions in life.
6. Challenging Societal Norms
Finally, it’s essential to challenge the stigma around failure and the label of being a “loser.” By embracing your experiences and sharing them with others, you contribute to a culture that values authenticity over perfection. Every successful person has faced setbacks; the difference is often in how they respond to them.
In a world that often values success over struggle, it’s crucial to remember that it’s perfectly okay to be a “loser” at some point in your life. These moments are not the end of the road; they’re stepping stones toward growth, learning, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of yourself. Embrace your journey, imperfections and all, and remember: every setback is just a setup for a comeback.
In today’s digital age, words hold immense power. They are the bridge connecting thoughts, ideas, and emotions across the vast landscape of the internet. If only I could touch every word that has ever been spoken, written, or searched for! If I could reach out and touch those words, I would uncover the heartbeats of countless stories, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
The Magic of Words
Words are more than just tools for communication; they are vessels of emotion, intent, and creativity. Each word carries a weight, a history, and a myriad of interpretations. If I could touch every word, I would feel the echoes of countless stories and experiences. People search for advice, seek solutions to problems, or simply look for inspiration. If I could delve deeper into each word, I would unearth the hidden motivations and feelings behind them.
The Stories Behind the Searches
Whenever someone types a query into a search engine, they reveal a piece of their soul. Are they seeking help with a problem? Searching for inspiration? Or simply looking to escape into a world ideal for them? If I could access those hidden layers behind each search term, I would gain insight into the collective human experience. I would understand the hopes and fears, the triumphs and struggles, that drive people to who they are becoming.
CraftingMeaningfulContent
As a writer, I dream of crafting content that resonates. If I could truly touch every word, I would know exactly what people need to hear. I could weave together narratives that speak to their hearts, providing solace, inspiration, and motivation. The ability to connect deeply with the audience through the right words would elevate storytelling to new heights.
Listening to the Digital Echoes
In essence, the internet is a vast echo chamber of human thought. Every search, every click, sends ripples through the digital realm. If I could grasp those echoes, I would like to listen closely to the dialogues occurring around the world. This understanding could lead to a more compassionate and informed society.
The Future of Words
As we move into an increasingly digital future, our relationship with words continues to evolve. From text messages to social media, the way we express ourselves is changing. If I could touch every word, I would engage with the evolving language of our times, understanding the nuances of communication in the digital age. I would embrace new forms of expression while honoring the timeless power of language.
I am feeling extra guilty today for overspending this month. T.T
I also overprocrastinated, trying to avoid something important to gain control over my life again.
September hasn’t ended and yet I overspent $400 this month alone, which is equivalent to PhP 22,000! And I am not proud of it. T.T
I wasted 24 hrs to escape from the task I need my focus and attention the most.
These two things I am not proud of and feel very guilty about, especially today. So, I am challenging myself for a month of no spending except for healthy food. Also, of using my time wisely.
But, let me identify first why I am doing these two bad habits knowing that they are bad habits?
1. I am overwhelmed about writing my dissertation and scared of looking at the revisions. My inner soul is so freaked out it diverts itself to instant gratification, such as buying stuff or doing other things like cooking or sleeping instead of facing my fear.
Then, identify what has been done and what can be done?
I already bought them, and that’s done. I can eventually sell or give away some of my stuff that does not spark joy anymore and STOP accumulating more stuff starting today. Any amount you are thinking of spending, put them in stocks. Invest your money in your retirement and future – something that can still be done.
I already spent my time doom scrolling and doing other stuff instead of the important things, and that’s done. Time is our most precious asset use it wisely. I can start being more organize and face my fear instead of running away from it. Any second I am thinking of scrolling or doing unnecessary stuff, grab a research article and read it thoroughly. Invest your time in your growth: read, write, meditate, run, learn stock trading, learn a new language, learn how to create digital product, or learn how to become a part-time content creator. Allocate a couple of minutes to focus and give your attention at the task at hand.
Small efforts that consistently done everyday will accumulate towards a better you. Let’s do two things everyday:
larswrites 