How I stopped comparing my journey to others is a story that unfolded slowly over time. For the longest time, I didn’t even realize how much I was doing it. It was subtle—like a quiet background noise that crept into my thoughts, especially whenever I saw friends or acquaintances hit big milestones, post success stories, or […]
Finding home abroad changed how I understand what “home” truly means. I once believed home was a place — a house, a neighborhood, the rhythm of daily life with familiar faces. But after leaving the Philippines to live and work overseas, I realized that when you’re living between places, home becomes something deeper — something you build
I Rediscovered Myself Through a Solo Trip — and It Changed Everything I rediscovered myself through a solo trip to Sapporo — something I didn’t expect when I first booked my spring getaway. At the time, I just knew I needed a break. I was exhausted from juggling work at two schools, handling evening part-time jobs,
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A Personal Journey Through the Philippines, Thailand, and Life Abroad as an OFW Introduction: From Simplicity to Strategy As someone building a life abroad, my relationship with money has been a fascinating journey of constant evolution. It’s certainly not what I expected when I first left the Philippines, and it’s shifted dramatically through my years
OFW Japan Finances: How Moving to Japan Changed My Relationship With Money Read More »
When we talk about life abroad, we often focus on the big milestones—learning the language, landing a job, building a new routine in an unfamiliar place. But for many of us, especially as an OFW in Japan, true transformation doesn’t come in sweeping gestures. It unfolds slowly, through the quiet wins we collect in our everyday lives.
Quiet Wins: Small Victories That Changed My Perspective Abroad Read More »
My first teaching job in Lamphun marked a new chapter in my life. I was hired to teach Grades 7 and 8 at a public high school in northern Thailand. It was my first time teaching Thai students, and honestly, I had no idea what to expect. Still, I felt excited — ready to grow,
7 Memorable Moments from My Teaching Job in Lamphun Read More »
A Letter to My Past Self This first letter to my past self is addressed to the version of myself who faced the uncertainty of a first job rejection—a fresh graduate full of hope but silently questioning her worth. At that time, I believed that if I just tried hard enough, success would follow. But
A Letter to My Past Self: To the One Who Tried and Still Didn’t Get It Read More »
Filipino turon cravings can hit out of nowhere—sometimes wrapped in sugar and banana. It all started when a friend sent me a photo of this crispy, golden treat made with banana and sugar wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. She asked, “Gusto mo ba nito?” (Do you want some?) I didn’t hesitate. Of course, I said
Introduction: The Power of Solitude I’ve experienced the power of solitude deeply since I started living alone abroad. As someone working in Japan, spending time alone isn’t just something that happens—it’s something I’ve come to appreciate. I’ve discovered that the power of solitude lies not in isolation, but in self-reflection, peace, and healing. Unlike loneliness, solitude brings clarity, creativity, and emotional growth. Back
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人生で「遅れている」と感じることは、時に辛いものです。つい、周りの人と自分の歩みを比べてしまいませんか？友達や周囲の人たちは、もっと早く進んでいるように見えるかもしれません。成果を上げ、早く目的地にたどり着き、いつも次に何をするか分かっているように見えるかもしれません。 でも、今日はこんなシンプルだけど大切なことを思い出してください。あなたは人生で遅れているわけではありません。あなたにはあなた自身のタイムラインがあるのです。 人生は競争ではありませんし、誰もが追いかけるべき「成功」の形が一つだけあるわけでもありません。私たちはそれぞれ異なるペースで進み、各々の物語や季節、そして試練によって歩みが形作られています。 もしかしたら、困難から立ち直るためにもっと時間が必要だったのかもしれません。あるいは、目標を見直すために少し遠回りをしたり、一度立ち止まる必要があったのかもしれません。もしくは、まだ自分が本当に望んでいることを見つけている途中かもしれません。それでいいのです。 誰かが先に進んだからといって、あなたが失敗したわけではありません。たとえ違う道であっても、あなたの物語には同じだけの意味があります。 だから、今日は自分のペースを信じてみてください。ゆっくりでも、意図的に、そして自分を思いやりながら前に進み続けましょう。 これはあなた自身の旅路。焦らずに、あなたの時間を大切にしてください。
