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 →

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 →

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 →

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 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 →

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 →

Imagine there are 1 billion grains of sand on earth. And you are one of the grains. In your world, sands don’t do anything other than staying on the shore. They are just content being a sand. That’s it. But you are different. You think there’s more to life. You have a dream. So one … Continue Reading →

Our behaviors are not the problem — it’s an expression of the problem. I remember watching this video a few years ago. But I totally forget about it. Which I regret. If you’ve watched it, then you know what I mean: Our brains can be changed. And when we change our brains, we change our … Continue Reading →

Some people want to be always right. When someone does things they think are wrong, they’d feel the urge to correct them. They would share their thoughts about right vs wrong. For them, it’s their mission to bring these people back to the right path. Because who wants to be on the wrong path? These … Continue Reading →

Last 2019, I opened 17 books and finished the 11. This was much lesser than last 2018. But that’s because I tried a lot of new things last year. More action, less consumption (and I’m doubling the action this year despite the pandemic). I also discovered the importance of rereading. So I shuffled around 20 … Continue Reading →

1. The person who creates chaos. 2. The person who reacts to the person who created the chaos. 3. The platform serving the two participants. That’s what’s happening on Facebook and Twitter. One person posts or tweets something negative, and people react to it. Comments. Shares. Retweets. The result is a compounding chaos. Unfortunately, the … Continue Reading →

Many were devastated when their workplaces shut down temporarily. They were furious and anxious. I wasn’t surprised. Of course, they need money. Their loved ones depend on them. What’s surprising was when they said that they felt empty, restless, and bored (despite the fact that they’re healthy, they still have enough money, and they have … Continue Reading →

If you’re starting to learn a craft, you don’t have to become a master right away. You don’t have to be like Mozart or Picasso or J.K. Rowling. If it’s a music instrument, learning one or two chords and playing them properly in a day is enough. If it’s writing, one paragraph (or even one … Continue Reading →

People often ask me about this. So here’s my answer. First, let’s be clear: Nothing’s wrong with smartphones. I have nothing against them. Truth is, I often borrow my wife’s smartphone to document our travels or do a quick Google search. Other than that, my laptop and iPad handle all my digital activities — work, … Continue Reading →

1. More actions, less consumption. Too much information is pointless if it doesn’t add value to your life (and the people around you). Living is not about consuming. Strike a balance. 2. Believe but don’t fully subscribe. Just because an ideology seems helpful doesn’t mean it’s always right. Extract what’s only useful to you. Let … Continue Reading →