Later this year, I decided to challenge myself to live more slowly. The decision, which started as just an idea, came to me randomly after I watched a YouTube shorts from one of the few channels I’m subscribed to. 

Honestly, before coming across the "live slowly" practice, I had tried similar approaches countless times in the past, and I failed every time. It was always easy at the start because the idea itself was motivating, but as time went on, my biggest enemy turned out to be consistency. Whenever I felt tired, I’d subconsciously and reflexively reach out for my phone, as if it had become an extension of me—a habit so deeply ingrained that it was far harder to break than I had anticipated. So, when I decided to try it again, I was worried I’d fall back into the same pattern and end up with the same disappointing outcome. And, to be honest, there were moments when I did. When that happened, I’d guilt-trip myself and feel like a huge disappointment. I would even go as far as hating myself for not staying consistent. However, during those tough moments, I realized I needed to stop being so hard on myself. Instead of seeing my slip-ups as failures, I started viewing them as reminders that I could pick up where I left off. I understood that to make the practice consistent, I had to turn it into a habit. But I also had to accept that I might be tempted or fall short along the way. Sure, I could be disappointed in myself or even frustrated, but I had to remember that giving in didn’t mean giving up. Missing a day didn’t mean I couldn’t try again tomorrow—and that’s what really mattered. That’s where I went wrong before: every time I failed, I’d let guilt consume me and decide to stop altogether. Looking back, I realize I only liked the idea of living slowly, but I wasn’t truly committed or disciplined enough to stick with it.

Now, I appreciate the process so much more. I’ve learned that I need to let go of the idea of perfection. I have to allow myself to fail but also to stand back up afterward. It’s okay to feel disappointed, as long as I bounce back. Slipping up shouldn’t be an excuse to stop permanently. Instead, I remind myself that there’s always another day to start over. I guess that’s the reason why I’ve been relatively successful since I started doing it. It took a lot of maturity to learn how to be gentle with myself. And gentleness, I’ve realized, is one of the essential ingredients for embracing a slower way of living.

Living slowly is actually subjective and doesn’t literally mean moving at a slow pace. It’s about finding your own rhythm and living life with focus and intention. This involves decluttering everything you no longer need and keeping only what adds value to your life, your time, and your well-being.

By doing so, you ease your perspective and quiet your racing thoughts. It gives you a clearer view of the bigger picture and helps you recognize the things that truly enhance your life.

(side note: you may check this playlist to know more about "slow living.")

As the year comes to a close, I’ve reflected on four important "D's" I’ve learned in 2024, particularly after embracing slow living. Here they are:

1. Decluttering & Donating

All this time, I thought the idea I had about "decluttering" was accurate, until I learned it was only partially correct when I binge-watched her videos on the subject. I used to think that the act of literally throwing your old stuff away—without much thought—was already decluttering. I remember seeing the term online, perhaps in an acquaintance's IG story, where it was mentioned. Although I believed I looked up its meaning, I didn’t fully understand it at the time, as I was only fascinated by the definition I found on Google. The word itself sounded endearing, and I didn’t put much effort into understanding it beyond its literal sense.

So, when I watched her videos, I learned that "decluttering" isn't just about "throwing things away," but rather a therapeutic process. It's about stepping back a little to gain a broader perspective—like looking at your room from a distance. Then, you walk toward your closet, open each drawer, and reveal the piled-up clothes. You stare at them and decide, as you scan each item, whether you still need it. If you’re still using it, then you need it. If not, ask yourself: Is it wearable? Can it be donated? If yes, donate it. If not, maybe you can repurpose it—perhaps turn it into a rug or something useful. If it's beyond repair, that’s when you can throw it away.

Decluttering isn’t just about the physical action; it’s a thought process. It involves asking yourself what you can donate or dispose of. This assessment helps you measure the value of things in your life and whether they take up too much space—whether in your closet, your room, or your life in general. By letting go of some things, you create room for new things, or simply more breathing space, making your environment easier on the eyes.

As the creator said, "Decluttering is not just an act of minimizing, but a way to carefully edit our lives."

Last August, I did my first major decluttering. It took me about three days to finish everything—from sorting through house clothes, outgrown PJs and shorts, discarded shirts, outdated jeans, to other old items. In total, I donated five boxes and two bags to Caritas Manila, Inc., our chosen charity.

I wasn’t expecting it to feel this good to do these kinds of tasks. When I started decluttering my things, I felt physically exhausted, yet oddly fine with it because I was genuinely enjoying the process. At one point, I became so engrossed in sorting clothes, categorizing them, and folding them neatly into boxes that I didn’t realize I had been at it for more than three hours straight. My stomach was growling, and my body wanted to collapse onto the tiled floor, but I didn’t want to stop because my mind wasn’t as tired as my body. Seeing everything scattered on the floor, with boxes wide open and bags waiting lifelessly to be filled, I felt motivated to clear it all out. At the same time, I wasn’t in a rush—I was perfectly at ease with taking my time to go through the process.

It truly felt rewarding to do this every once in a while. The fact that I could enjoy it while also helping others made it a win-win for me. Now, I’m decluttering again. It’s not as much as before, but there are still items I feel would be better donated than left to sit in our closet, taking up space.

I’m looking forward to sending these items to the same charity. In our own small way, we’re able to extend a bit of help to those in need, and that thought alone brings me so much joy.

If you wish to donate as well, please find their contact details below for your reference, along with additional notes:

Address: 2002 Jesus Street, Pandacan, Manila

Contact Numbers:

• 09298343857 (Viber)
• 09054285001
• 02 8243 7171 to 72

Email: donatedgoods@caritasmanila.org.ph

Additionally, I made a separate donation of old books I had, which I dropped off last October (or possibly late September) at Ayala Triangle. You may check this link for more information.

2. Digital Detox

It was from her that I first learned about "Digital Detox." The moment I heard the term, I was immediately convinced to try it, simply because it sounded so therapeutic. "Digital Detox" — maybe it’s just the alliteration, but the term really resonated with me (haha, whatever, Thea!). It only took one video on the topic to convince me that I needed a digital detox. To practice slow living effectively, I realized I needed to build a healthier relationship with my phone as my next step.

I started by setting up a screen time limit. If I hadn't added this widget to my home screen, I wouldn't have known how much time I was spending on my phone each day. After checking my data, I was shocked to discover that my average screen time was around 6-7 hours, and sometimes even 8 hours a day! Realizing that I was spending about a third of my day in front of my phone—mostly doomscrolling through social media—made me feel bothered and embarrassed. That realization hit me hard, sparking a sudden rush of determination to make a change, slowly but surely, one step at a time. So, I set my screen time limit to 6 hours. Of course, it wasn't as simple as just setting a target for how long I wanted to use my phone. I had to change my habits and the way I used my phone. This included uninstalling apps that I could live without, like Twitter, which I used to open instinctively whenever I was bored. For the apps I decided to keep, I made sure to declutter them digitally. I limited a number of friends and followers on my accounts, archived posts to clean up my profile, unfollowed Instagram pages that didn’t align with my interests, and unsubscribed from YouTube channels I no longer enjoyed. Then, I deleted messages across all my communication apps and organized my emails by creating labels for easier filtering. I also unsubscribed from newsletters that were just filling up my inbox. Finally, I went through my photo gallery, deleted unnecessary pictures, and organized them into albums and sub-albums to make everything look tidier.

Honestly, everything felt exhausting. I even caught myself wondering why I needed to do this when I could simply leave things as they were. But I knew I couldn’t. I realized that these small steps were important to embracing the practice of slow living. Over time, my screen time decreased to just 5 hours a day, and there were even rare occasions when I used my phone for only about 2 hours. It was incredible, and I felt proud of myself for taking on the challenge and succeeding.

Since becoming more mindful of my screen time, I’ve realized just how much time I actually have—a lot—and how much of it I can spend on things other than endless scrolling. There’s so much more to life than screens. Life isn’t in the phone; it’s in what’s in front of you when you look up, away from the screen’s light that strains your eyes and keeps your fingers scrolling. Since reducing my time hunched over my phone, I’ve begun to notice and reflect on the things I had ignored, neglected, missed out on, or forgotten. When I look up, I see books I can read, notebooks I can write in, and my pet, whom I can bond with more often than before. I’ve rediscovered the moments when I’d simply sit in silence, getting lost in thought, and unexpectedly finding inspiration for my next piece of writing. I’ve also returned to a life where I jot down striking lines from the books I read. When I felt bored before, I’d search for ways to fill the time, often ending up creating something meaningful...and I want this to happen again next year.

3. Decompress

2024 has honestly been so cruel to me. I went through a lot this year and found myself back in the same pit of loneliness. Everything came at me all at once, and I was on the brink of giving up again. This year, for the first time, I hated myself for how I looked. Whenever I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, all I could see were my blemishes, dark spots, acne marks, textured skin, dead eyes, crooked teeth, and lips that always seemed to refuse to smile at the world.

To uplift myself, I sought solace in hoarding cosmetic items to conceal my imperfections, which had never been insecurities before. I also started intermittent fasting in hopes of becoming skinnier, thinking those outfits I saw online would suit me better if I lost weight. However, I wasn’t happy doing it. It felt like torture—a punishment I imposed on myself. I skipped breakfast every day and limited the amount of rice I ate. While I did lose some weight, I looked sad... and old. The situation at home didn’t help either. Every day, I woke up and sighed, bracing myself for another day—unsure if it would be peaceful or filled with anger.

Of course, the situation didn’t drastically change when I started living more slowly. I still have the same messed-up family dynamics, plagued by old issues. I still dislike how I look, and I still sigh whenever the thought of living like this hits me hard. However, I realized that I had to climb out of this pit unless I wanted to be consumed by the darkness. It’s a scary place—no one wants to be there—but sometimes, you’re trapped there against your will. The way out isn’t going back to where you entered; you have to go through it to find the exit.

I’m not sure if I’ve found the exit yet, but I’ve tried to navigate the darkness until I glimpsed slivers of light. I was reminded of an essay I once wrote about allowing ourselves to feel emotions other than happiness. It doesn’t mean we should settle there and drown in them. Yes, there are other emotions, but we shouldn’t embrace them so deeply that we prefer them over happiness. So, despite the heaviness, I started dragging myself out almost every weekend to have fun—even if it was just by myself. I went to the cinema alone to watch movies. I visited parks to read and observe people. I started listening more to my body and realized that the best diet for me is having a healthy relationship with food. Ultimately, what helped me the most was finding ways to decompress.

Yes, 2024 has been cruel to me, but it has also been fruitful. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown this year. I found myself in many uncomfortable, even cringy, situations because I decided to finally put myself out there. I became brave enough to live for myself, even though it was so incredibly hard. I learned to take bigger risks without dwelling on whether the outcome would bring big rewards or not. Essentially, I allowed myself this year to let loose—to free my thoughts and intentions, to prioritize myself, and to be kind, gentle, and more forgiving toward myself.

4. Discipline

I mentioned earlier that my biggest challenge whenever I decide to start something is consistency. Honestly, I can declutter and donate, do a digital detox, and decompress whenever I want—but the real question is, can I sustain these habits without discipline?

I believe the reason I’ve been relatively successful in adopting slow living is my discipline, which stems from the goals and motivations that inspired me to start in the first place. This discipline has kept me grounded whenever I begin to veer away from the path I should ideally follow. To continue practicing the first three lessons I’ve learned, I need to place even greater emphasis on cultivating and reinforcing this discipline.

This is something I intend to carry with me into the coming year and beyond. My goal is not only to sustain it but to continue mastering it in the years ahead, ensuring it becomes an integral part of my lifestyle.

Last year was a real struggle for me. I couldn’t manage to put together my year-end countdown of favorite songs. Workload consumed my days, leaving no room for my beloved music. It felt like a crime to indulge in leisure during office hours. I constantly reminded myself to stay focused and finish on time, fearing another late night at the desk.

So, that’s the backstory of my 2022 song list failure.

But here we are now, a tad early for this entry. Still, I’ve adopted a rebranded motto: “better late than never.” After all, it’s better to be ahead of schedule than perpetually behind, right?

Enough blubbering—let’s dive into my Top 5 Songs of 2023:

1. I GUESS THIS IS JUST ANOTHER SONG 'BOUT TOKYO?

2. RUN AWAY, BUT WE'RE RUNNING IN CIRCLES

CIRCLES - POST MALONE 

In 2019, a song was released that has etched itself into my soul this year. The reason? I can’t quite pinpoint it.

I vividly recall the moment—I was setting up my dual monitors for my relatively new job. Testing the audio, I navigated to YouTube. There, in the thumbnail, was Post Malone, striking an end-of-war pose. I’d heard the song “Circles” a few times before, but I hadn’t truly savored its entirety.

Yet, “Circles” lingered in my mind. It became my go-to during karaoke sessions and the soundtrack to my YouTube browsing.

Initially, I listened to it solely for its pounding beats, urging me to nod my head and pump my fist as if I were hammering away at something. But then, as I paid closer attention to the lyrics while it played in the background, a pang of guilt washed over me.

It was a sad song.

Despite its engaging sound, “Circles” wasn’t meant for carefree dancing. When Post Malone crooned, “Maybe you don’t understand what I’m going through,” I envisioned him—shoulders tense, exhaling hopelessly. The bridge intensified this feeling, transporting me back to my darkest days.

[Maybe you don't understand what I'm going through

It's only me

What you got to lose?

Make up your mind, tell me

What are you gonna do?

It's only me

Let it go]

During those moments—lonely or otherwise—you realize that no matter how you try to simplify your struggles for others, they’ll never truly grasp it. Even well-intentioned responses like “I know what you’re feeling” or “I’ve been through the same shit” fall flat, mere echoes in the vast cavern of your emotions.

When they ask, “What’s wrong?” you hesitate, unsure of how to respond. The conversation loops in circles, and you grow weary of explaining yourself. Eventually, you find solace in the simplest words: “It’s only me.”  

3. GUESS I WON'T EVER MIND CRISPING UP ON YOUR BACKBURNER

BACKBURNER - NIKI

I'm a la la lost you and lowkey baby. 

I know some of NIKI’s better-known songs, as I mentioned earlier, but not those that truly solidified her artistry in the music arena.

During my initial listens to the ‘Nicole’ album, I didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics, honestly. The song titles certainly scream heartbreak, emotive longing, and taking chances. However, I was too immersed in her voice. It’s simple—a good kind of simple, I must say—but also very familiar. It’s a voice you’ve heard somewhere, but not just anywhere. Personally, it’s her voice that makes her relatable to me. It’s affable, light, and vivid. It evokes a reachable imagination and a feeling of something closer to home.

It was NIKI who introduced the term ‘backburner’ to me. Before that, I had already listened to High School in Jakarta, Take A Chance with Me, Before, and even Oceans and Engines. All of those were great listens, even earning the coveted LSS (Last Song Syndrome) certification. However, what intrigued me the most about ‘Backburner’ was the curiosity it sparked with its title. What was it all about? Without resorting to Google, I delved into the lyrics, connecting the dots to grasp its essence.

My loose conclusion was that perhaps it’s about being a “rebound”. Still, I recognize that it’s not something I can personally relate to. Yet, as I mentioned earlier, NIKI’s voice is simple in a welcoming way. It’s as if this song beckons you whenever you’re ready to understand it. She’ll sing-song the words to you slowly, enunciating them with patience. 

If I had to pick a favorite from her album, it would undoubtedly be ‘Backburner’. For some reason, listening to this song leaves me feeling heartbroken—much like how Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’ shattered me. However, here, NIKI sounds more hopeful than reminiscent. It’s a foolish hope, directed toward someone who can only want her when it's convenient. 

4. WHEN THE BONES ARE GOOD, THE REST DON'T MATTER

THE BONES - MARREN MORRIES, HOZIER

Honestly, I enjoy this song just as it is. Well, a big part of that enjoyment stems from Hozier’s biblical voice—listening to him feels like experiencing an audio version of the Holy Bible. But there’s another reason: I genuinely revel in the vibe of the song.

Weird as it may seem, that’s how the song affects me. It allows me to picture myself in an open car, wind tousling my hair, and I’m singing the chorus with a carefree abandon:

[When the bones are good, the rest don't matter

Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter

Let it break, 'cause you and I remain the same

When there ain't a crack in the foundation

Baby, I know any storm we're facing will

Blow right over while we stay put

The house don't fall when the bones are good

When the bones are good]

Then Hozier enters, transforming the song into a celestial hymn. The heavens fill with horn-whistled cherubs and feathery confetti. And when both voices converge in the chorus, everything feels right, and the rest becomes inconsequential.

And what happens when the bones are good, you ask?

5. WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS, WHEN WE ARE LOVERS?

SINCERITY IS SCARY - THE 1975 

Sincerity Is Scary has remained my steadfast favorite throughout the entire year. It’s my go-to song when I couldn't think of any songs to lull me when the afternoon boredom strikes in. The track offers an effortless listening experience and serves as a catalyst for my daydreams, particularly when Matt launches into the chorus with practiced ease:

[Why can't we be friends, when we are lovers?

Cause it always ends with us hating each other
Instead of calling me out, you should be pulling me in
I've just got one more thing to say]

1. TRACK YOUR MONEY...CREATIVELY

I have been tracking the ins and outs of my money just few months after I started working. Sure, it was strenuous in the beginning and tested so much of my commitment, but as the saying goes, what's worth doing is worth doing well so I just had to embrace the challenge of making it as a habit.

I think what helped also is the idea of incorporating my fancy in journaling to my money tracker. By purchasing a decent journal and making use of some washi tapes and colored pens, it made me enthusiastic to write out my expenditures.

This forced commitment has become my bi-weekly habit since then. It is effective to review your previous expenses and compute your budget to meet your required target savings for the whole month.

Doing this might be exhausting– and makes you feel obligated (which is a must, actually) but putting your own creativity actually works on me. So, it is always a trial and error but once you find your own groove on something it will be exciting to look forward doing it.

2. KASYA SA ALKANSYA

I bought myself a coin bank last December 2019. So, maybe I have been using it already for a little over two years now. It was initially for my monito at work but I decided to keep it for myself since it has a vintage design lol. I wasn't even planning to put my coins religiously, but it just happened that I started making it a habit whenever I have some extra 5 and 10 pesos with me.

I haven't opened the coin bank nor have I planned of doing it any time soon. So, I just let it sit there on its spot and let myself enjoy the fancy of saving up coins for the future.

3. THE WORLD IS SINKING...SAVE YOUR SELF-- FINANCIALLY

This year I also learned to open few savings account like EastWest's KOMO and CIMB. Since I just withdraw cash only if I had to, I took up my courage to put some of my savings into other online banks which have higher interest rates compared to my current bank account. Doing this helps me to divide my funds depending on their function. For example, I use my EastWest's KOMO to transfer money as a bi-weekly contribution to Mama's budget. Since opening an account comes with a free debit card, Mama is not tempted to spend money on the things which we don't need for the time being. I am also notified whenever she uses the card to buy groceries through text and can check the balance from time to time using their app. Basically this savings account is for Mama, the one that is really for me is my CIMB account which I am not active of using it yet. I have put more than 1000 as of now but planning next year to cash in 500 every payroll. I like to use this account for my emergency fund.

As early as possible, once you start getting your pay, discipline yourself to be mindful of your money. Track your expenses, target a specific savings every payroll, estimate the amount that you can only spend, be strict to your budget plan, set goals for your every savings account, and lastly treat yourself because you deserve it!

4. CASHBACK IS REAL!

Only this year when I learned about the beauty of cashback. It was also the same time when I installed PayMaya and discovered about its missions to their users. These missions guarantee a cashback voucher whenever you complete it within their guidelines. The first few days I used PayMaya, I was able to get around 400 pesos something which I cashed in to my Lazada and used to purchase items. Cashback is real, indeed!

So if you want to save up a little, then maximize the function of cashback for your next purchase! It helps, I swear.

5. DIARY OF A WIMPY ADULT

I have an on-and-off relationship with my diary on my phone. For the past years, I tried different applications and even used the traditional journals to keep a daily record of my experiences, however, none seemed to work. Only this year that I realized that it is not because of those things that I wasn't able to keep a diary every day but because of my wavering commitment and procrastination. I learned that I had to keep making myself guilty whenever I am too lazy to submit a journal entry. And it actually worked. I think that's a must when you're just starting to build a new habit. It requires your immense effort and continuous work until it becomes a part of yourself.

It is such an achievement when you are able to write an entry especially every day. The feeling is the same with ASMR, the process of taking a moment of silence while trying to expand your memory of what happened to you at that day and reaching the most highlighted parts is pretty amazing. It is like meditation. The activity of easing your mind free from worries and just eliminate the trivial things to write the moments you want to keep is very helpful to every breathless-in-life adult.

6. なまえわ　なんですか。

This year I decided to continue learning Japanese language by heart. I remember those hard times during college when I couldn't stuck the Japanese numbers in my brain. The memory is still fresh when it was announced that I got zero in our quiz and our sensei had this mixture of shock and disappointment on her face. At that time, I was more interested in Korean language that's why it was hard for me to absorb things in a Japanese way. But now, I am a changed woman with a flammable passion to learn the language for my future with Yuki Ishikawa. It is Yuki Ishikawa who made me interested in Nihongo but what made me stay was my conviction to learn something new and prove that I can do it despite the hurdles. And this is what I am still doing.

Whenever I am studying Nihongo and understand the topics, I am thrilled with joy. Even recognizing Japanese characters may it be Hiragana, Katakana, or Kanji, I couldn't help but beam with so much excitement, what more when I set my pace first but eventually able to read the whole Japanese word??? すぐい!

7. WORKOUT TO WORK THINGS OUT.

Who would have thought that I would be committed to work out this 2021? Myself couldn't even believe it as well. Doing some workouts in the morning is absolutely and undeniably a struggle. Why would I exercise when I am already tired physically and mentally? Why would I exercise when I am satisfied already with my body? Why would I exercise when I simply don't want to? Why?

Those are just some of my questions to the world when half of myself was still convincing me to at least try to workout just to test the water. Last 2020, I gained so much weight that I couldn't believe that I actually have the ability to weigh more kilograms just by working at home. This realization came later than it should and starched until the 2021. And it was my first time being conscious of how I look in terms of my weight. This turned slowly to almost an insecurity which I tried to abolish right away by deciding to finally workout. And so I did.

The experience might not be life changing, at least for me, but for months (although not consistently) of trying to get fit by working out every time I have a spare time during my shift, I saw some little changes. I feel lighter and not conscious anymore and for some reason I was able to appreciate the grandeur of exercising. I am not only seeing it now as it is, but more of a ground to hone my discipline in taking care of my body. Along the way, I also learned to eat more greens, less oily food, and just consume food the balanced way.

Health is wealth, as they say, and it may sound so cliché but it is true when adults say it because I am adult myself now.

8. WORK-AND-LIFE BALANCE

One of the things I learned especially during the pandemic in 2021 is utilizing my rest days. My offs are on weekend and admittedly at first I wasn't able to manage those days like I have been doing now. I remember that I will just complain about how stressful the past weekdays and be completely somber about it and that's it. The cycle continues with me being me during weekdays or working days then will just spend the whole weekend with me being me again but sulky. But as I started adjusting in the pandemic life and work from home setup, I learned to manage my whole schedule from the moment I start my day until I turn off my phone to sleep. I learn to wake up just right on time with enough space for my morning routine since it is WFH I found it most comfortable to take a bath using the half hour of my lunch break. Then I also manage my time even during work by making sure that I finish my job on or before my end shift. Doing this helps me to have an allowance of time to do some little things like gawking at the wall or dead scrolling on my phone.

While my weekend, I usually spend my Saturday doing almost nothing that requires my strength and brain cells. I just let myself be lazy on that day without making myself guilty. Saturday also means No Ligo Day and I don't care if I don't smell like a fresh-from-the-bath person, I just want that day to be that way. It is my hibernation day. A day to relax my muscles and regain my lost energies from the past weekdays to perform my work tasks at best.

On the other hand, my Sunday is about me being productive but not on any working-related activities. I spend this day to wake up early to do household chores especially cleaning my work station and its surrounding. While in the afternoon, I will keep up on my Japanese lessons and visit my blog in case I am in the right mind to write and write.

Money is not only thing we divide, our time and days also. I learned that overworking is not equivalent to hard work, but time management is. Give yourself a time to take your mind off your work. It is important to your mental health and emotional stability.

9. MAKE UP TO MAKE THINGS UP.

Maybe I am already too late to say this, but make up is an art. I used to judge people especially girls who, despite their young age, already know how to use make up. But now, bow down to the queens. I have never thought that I would be satisfied watching makeup tutorial videos across my socmeds. Looking back, I used to scoff at them. I really hate myself for that. If it weren't for these tutorials, I won't have any idea on how to use concealer or what shade is compatible to my complexion (which I still don't know) but I am still learning.

I learned that we have our own outlets that can boost our confidence. Some may be comfortable being only focused on skincare, others might be more into beauty care, whatever it is, respect them and if you can't just don't say anything because they never ask for your opinion. Period.

10. YOUR HAIR NEEDS AN EXTRA CARE.

Hair is the girl's crowning glory. And I don't believe at it when I was growing up. I don't care much of myself back then, I used to think that I don't really care about anything that people will throw at me but as I grow up and started working it dawn at me that the reason why I am not taking care of myself is also because of them, so it has always been them. Now that I am working, I realize that it might not bluntly pronounced but it is important that you equally take care of your appearance as much as with you health. Stop thinking that you should or shouldn't do something because of them. Take care of yourself and make yourself confident by doing your looks for yourself.

My hair might not be my crowning glory, but I should take care of it. I learned this year that it is more damaging when you do not comb your hair than you actually do. When I started using Gugo't Lawat shampoo I noticed that my hair feels lighter and healthier than it was before. I think it helps that it is organic and paraben-free and sulfate-free which is nice to my hair. I also reduce shampooing my hair every day, only just two to three times a week to let it natural oil produce. While some other days that I don't use it, I either wash my hair only with water or use conditioner for extra care on my hair ends.

11. LEAN IN TO YOUR SKIN.

It's a no brainer, that's why I feel like I had no brain back in the days when I was too stubborn to take care of my skin. This negligence has become my haunted insecurity when I was growing up. I couldn't wear clothes without having to consider if my scars and all my skin imperfections will be visible. It has been my long-time struggle. I feel like everyday is a slumber party, wearing pajamas not to actually have fun but to cover up my imperfections.

I may be late now to redeem myself of the chance to take care of myself, but I guess it is better late than never, isn't it?

Take care of your skin as early as you could. You can have fun without comprising your self. You'll soon realize that it is also a form of self-care and we all need that.

12. DRINK YOUR WATER, BEACH.

Cliché as may it seems, but we really have to take in more water than we should. Like some beauty products, the long-time effect of water can really test your patience.

Is it really beneficial? Does it really make your skin healthy?

But why I feel bloated than healthy? Why is my skin doesn't look glassy when I have been gulping more glasses of water?

More than stressing out myself from questioning the universe why I have to establish such relationship with water, maybe we can shift to thinking that we get to be hydrated when we do it. After all, I think, it is better to be bloated than dehydrated.

13. MAY KWENTA ANG PODCAST.

I learned about podcast way back in 2020. We were already working at home when I got to listen for the first time ever to Joyce Pring's Adulting 101. It was such a momentous discovery for me since aside from doing the actual work, I have no other options to maximize my opportunity to do other stuff except taking a quick nap. But ever since I started listening to a podcast and put it within my routine, it created a dynamic force in my stagnant working life.

It was a game changer. The experience I get from doing it is like I am eavesdropping a group of friends who are talking about random things that make sense. I think podcast has been one of my few companions throughout this pandemic.

14. EAT SLOWLY.

One of the things that actually worked on me during also this year is to slow myself down while taking my food.

I used to eat fast especially when I had pending tasks that need to accomplish on or before my end shift. However, it came to me later that doing such routine means that I have been compromising my time to relax. I think it also boils down from the fact that I used to mess up my time management which then affected even my eating habit.

Now, like I said on my eight lesson, I learned to take my time off work by maximizing my 1-hour lunch break and two 15-minute short breaks. Doing this has effectively helps me to catch my breath, and reminds me that taking my lunch is not a racing competition that needs my speed, but a recreation that needs my attention.

15. DO HOUSEHOLD CHORES.

So, this is what happens when you reach that point in your life where doing household chores feels like you're doing a morning meditation?

I don't know but that's what I feel-- not always though, but there came some points in my life, when I allot time to do some chores before I start my day.

Doing household has been therapeutic to me. It sets my mind into focus, the feeling is almost like when I am writing in my journal. The only thing I am connected to is either that broom or that rag in my hand. It requires me to live in the present by dismissing other stuff.

16. NEED VS. WANT

My first purchase online was in 2020, I think it was already few months after the height of the pandemic. It was a tough year since for some reason I became impulsive on buying things that I don't need. I never had any experience of online buying/shopping before that phase, so everything felt new and exciting but irresponsible.

During the year 2021, when I finally got into my senses. It dawned on me that I have to hold myself back and think and rethink before placing an order. I have to keep asking myself if I really need this one and if my budget wouldn't be put into compromising. I had to keep putting myself in a mental interrogation room for more than a week (sometimes it lasts for a month or so) just to ensure that I am buying things not for the fancy of doing it, but because it is something that will contribute to my general productivity.

17. JOIN WEBINARS OR WORKSHOPS.

Also this year, for the record, that I joined several online webinars and workshops. Those times were the toughest ones having to urge myself on waking up earlier than my set alarm and listening while fighting off myself from not dozing off.

Attending such activities might not change the course of your life, but it is great to hear someone educate you on important matters. With my experience, I decided last year to participate in a leadership program at work. It was nerve-wracking to do activities that requires me to discuss things to my team and shadow people of the higher positions. I guess that was the hardest part of the training-- talking. Anyway, the reason why I joined such training was because I wanted to feel alive again. I wanted to relive nervousness in me. I wanted to challenge myself outside the things I usually do at work. That's why. It actually helped me.

18. DECLUTTER YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.

Uninstalling Twitter was one of the hardest decision I had to make, although I knew it was necessary for my mental health. When Facebook was no longer something I need for my social life, it was Twitter that helped me in many little aspects. It is a platform built in with news updates, latest trends, and random tweets about anything-- anything like everything including dark tweets. 

When I was struggling mentally back in 2019, my feed was heaving with depressive contents. And when something felt relatable, it was as if you're relieved because you're not only one experiencing such depth of loneliness. On Twitter, you are always bombarded with so much information and opinions, and it was overwhelming. Instead you consume it, it is the one that consume you. That's why, even it took long enough, I decided to finally uninstall it last year. It was hard at first since it had been a part of my everyday life, but I had to keep myself away from that black hole. It might helped me for sure but in the long run I realized that I had been going in and around the same cycle and there's no progress in doing that. After deleting Twitter, there's something changed, I don't know exactly what it is, but I don't feel stuck as much as I was back then.

Also before 2021 ended, I installed my Facebook just to declutter it. I unfriended people I did not know, unfollow pages, delete some posts, and add people that contributes something in my life. It looks clean now but still I uninstalled it afterwards.

19. TAKE A PICTURE, IT WILL LAST LONGER.

I am still camera shy. But in 2021, I learned to take photos and have photographs of me taken. Maybe I am getting older now and realized that while I am still young, I had to have something to remind me of things and myself. It's kind of hard to look back on things when you have to scan through your memory files and filter the ones you need at the moment. Memory can be our mental storage but it is still nice when you have a photograph that can visually and vividly reminds you of the bygone days.

20. VOICE OUT. SPEAK UP.

One of the things that made me quit Twitter was the overwhelming pressure of having to be politically involved. When I opened my Twitter, I was immediately bombarded with a myriad of tweets. I may be informed and educated, but the little energy I had after being exhausted from work was consumed at the last bit. It fueled my anxiety. I felt bad at some point when I can't speak up and voice out like others. I hated myself for not being as active as the ones I am following on Twitter. That's why I took a break just to take my mind off the pressure and also for my mental health. I knew that it is my responsibility to participate in the noise, but I have to shut down the unwanted noises in my mind first. I have to put my well being at the top of my priorities.

This 2022, the upcoming election will be our chance to vote the right and deserving candidates and unvote the ones who never wanted to serve the people. I learned that one vote can take us an inch to the change we have been dreaming of. Vote wisely!

21. DEATH.