STRUGGLES

Have you ever felt so emotionally overwhelmed while writing that you needed a time out?

I give my everything while writing. To me, this is a special moment between me and the reader. I see it as a heart-to-heart talk rather than a I write you read interaction.

These moments are important to me, as I don’t really get to talk much. It is not that I have nothing to say, but because there just aren’t many opportunities to do so.

I am not working due to my health, so that's basically most of the social opportunities gone.

And I…

CONFESSIONS

Did you ever felt silly after being nice to someone?

You are not alone.

It is tough to be a good person, but it is not the act itself that is difficult. Clearing your tray at a food court, holding the door for someone, or treating someone with respect are simple tasks. All it takes is a little time and some calories.

So, what makes it so difficult to be good?

Our expectations.

We inevitably fall into a reciprocity trap when we do things for others. Think about what we learned back in junior school. Saying thank you when others helped you is a must. …

EDITORIAL

I see an increase in stories and social media posts about how terrible writing has become.

Tales of silent halls and empty rooms spread throughout the lands. Bands of wordsmiths gather to lament and miss the days of old.

If you noticed a shift in the style of writing above, I did that with a purpose.

Writing is a conversation. As of all interactions, the human mind is tuned to sift out nuances such as sincerity and intention. You could tell right away that I put thought into the two sentences to depict a medieval setting.

Therefore, no matter how…

BE HAPPY | HUMOR

Lately, life appears to have developed a newfound fondness for the dreadful.

2020 gave a new meaning to “What a F-ing year”, while 2021 remains shrouded in mystery.

How do I get by? Humor and satire!

For you nerds out there who cannot function without a scientific dump, here is your dream come true.

Benefits of a good laugh:

• Stimulate many organs
• Activates and relieves the stress response
• Soothes tension

If you continue to laugh even when your friends notice that you have changed from a depressed person to a laughing hyena, here are more benefits in the long run:

• …

EDITORIAL | REAL LIFE STORIES | SATIRE

I started RESONATES back in Oct 2020.

It was a moment born out of intense disappointment and despair. I was new to Medium at that point, eager to make my mark and to punch above the noise.

I’ve never been so wrong in my life.

It turned out that writing was the easiest part. I spent most of my time roaming about the halls of social networks, building relationships, and yearning for someone to hear what I had to say.

I enjoyed the interactions. I craved meaningful engagement. Met my share of “claps and go” but slowly, my silent shout-outs…

THOUGHTS

Time flies.

It seemed like yesterday when I decided to start writing. Medium was a foreign concept for me, and I wondered who would actually care about what went on with my life.

I mean, we all have our moments. Good and bad. Life is busy and quite a handful. Why bother about someone who wept when Jack Dawson died in Titanic? Who is this lad talking about gratitude while he struggles with his inner self?

I’ve never been more wrong in my life.

Sure. The beginning is always full of apprehension, as one tries to get a sense of…

STRUGGLES

I received an invitation from a boutique executive search recruiter. This role was a perfect fit for my competencies. Here I had was an opportunity to pick up where I stopped and continued on with my career.

But I rejected it.

I admit it was a struggle between my heart and mind. In fact, struggle is probably an understatement. More like an all out war.

I was from the banking industry. Started at the entry-level and worked my way up the ranks over a decade.

It wasn’t easy.

A journey filled with betrayal, anguish, tears, and jubilance.

I worked long…

INTROSPECTION

We all long for that one moment in the past when everything was perfect and happy.

Without a care in the world, the days were full of energy and fun.

I didn’t need to worry about putting food on the table back then. Bills and insurance were foreign concepts. Health was lenient to me.

I was definitely happier then.

So what happened?

You and I both grew up.

Suddenly, the world is on fire. Bills scream for attention, while diseases look for any chance to infiltrate. …