I’ve always been intrigued to hear a friend’s story who pursued a career because his parents told him to do so: “Do this and you’ll be successful. Do this, it’s the right path. It’s the best choice.” Also, these stories:  Marriages who wanted their spouse to follow a certain path believing it’s the only way … Continue Reading →

We all complain. It’s part of our system — though I wish to stop it, or if not, minimize at least. I’m still practicing, trying my best, trying to understand. There were days when I don’t complain amid an annoying situation. Instead, I respond not react. And it feels good, it feels liberating. Then again, … Continue Reading →

When we’re in a dire situation, it’s easy to forget the barrage of choices we used to consider — finding a better job, running to our families, asking help from our most trusted friends. The list goes on and on. Complains and blames, then, become our new mantras:  “I hate doing this, but I have … Continue Reading →

I’m tired of complaining and hearing others’ complain — it saddens me all the time. Though I know it’s possible to stop, but sometimes it’s damn hard especially when you’re bombarded with adversities or when you’re surrounded with negative people. I wonder what would happen if everyone stops complaining and choose to respond mindfully to every … Continue Reading →

She’s an artist — in fact, a great artist. But she believes she’s not good enough, that she needs more money to improve her projects, or more time to tweak them until they reach perfection. So she hides her art, waiting for the right time, waiting for the perfect moment. Waiting. Hiding. The problem is not because … Continue Reading →

I have a few intimidating creative projects right now, which I have no idea whether will be successful or not. And like everyone else, I’m afraid to fail. I’m afraid of the critics. I’m afraid no one will appreciate my work. But I have 2 choices: Give it a try Continue living a safe life (and wonder what … Continue Reading →

After two years of working from home, I finally met the talented individuals behind the company I’m working for. We, together with my wife, spent a four-day vacation in Puerto Galera — a trip made possible by Damon Burton (lucky folks, thank you). The Takeaway: Spending time with these people building meaningful relationships — strolling the … Continue Reading →

Albert Einstein once said, “If you’ve never failed, you’ve never tried anything new.” The truth is, if you don’t have any failures, you’re playing it safe. You’re just doing what anyone else is doing — conform, follow traditional rules, or live with paycheck to paycheck. Sure, we all want safe, stability, and security. But just like … Continue Reading →

I don’t understand why we spend so much time earning more money only to spend it on entertainment and hoard material possessions and buy more properties. I don’t understand why we’re dissatisfied with simple living and why we want the latest gadgets and why they advise, “Don’t settle for less.” What’s wrong with settling for less? I don’t understand … Continue Reading →

The problem is you don’t appreciate your life. You think that you would be happy once you get the promotion. You think that everything will be okay when you have that money. You think that you’re unlucky because you’re not born rich. I’m not rich and you need not be either. Haven’t you realized that … Continue Reading →

This year, I was lucky to experience random acts of kindness. And what’s more surprising, it came from strangers — or let’s say people I haven’t met before. These people, whether they realized or not, conveyed life lessons I will forever treasure. They inspired me to be a better person. The first story was from … Continue Reading →

Attend a grad school? Pursue a law degree? Work abroad? A creative career? Freelance? Entrepreneurship? A corporate job? Work from home? Study the word of God? More time with nature? A physical fitness program? A community of like-minded individuals? There are so many choices in life. So many choices we end up incredibly perplexed. How … Continue Reading →

Last August 20, I turned twenty-seven — time flies so fast. I couldn’t believe. The first time I wrote Craftdeology, I was doubtful, full of fears, afraid of being ridiculed and criticized. Months flew and… yes, I’m still afraid of being ridiculed. As they say, fear is always there. “Well, people can mock what I … Continue Reading →

Negative people drain your energy. That’s a fact. Because no matter how good you are at focusing on the things that matter, or developing good habits, or leveraging your skills or things you’re good at, if ninety percent of your time is dealt with negative people, then you’ll never be happy, you’ll never achieve that … Continue Reading →

When was the last time I question myself about my priorities? I couldn’t remember. The past days, it’s like whirlwind: Get those things done. Run an errand. Help a friend in need. Write music. Sleep at least 7 hours. Declutter the room. Write. Read. Fix a broken thing in the house. Meditate. Exercise. Finish more tasks. I know my … Continue Reading →