On life and living

Do you wake up feeling content? At night, do you find a sense of calm before sleep — no second-guessing, no overanalyzing? How often do you take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life? How often do you play?

We spend so much of our lives in our heads, and another huge part just going through the motions without understanding why. Living is inherently challenging — a mix of curse and blessing.

I believe everyone reaches a point in their life when they try to make sense of the world and search for purpose (raisons d’être, ikigai). Perhaps some are fortunate enough to realize early on that this pursuit is usually fruitless. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter to anything or anyone how you live your life — it’s completely irrelevant. However, accepting too much of a nihilistic mindset could deprive us of some pleasures we might otherwise experience.

I believe it’s valuable to wrestle with these thoughts for a while, ultimately arriving at personal truths that make life feel lighter and more joyful. My current views align somewhat with existentialism and absurdism, both of which acknowledge that life lacks a clear, predetermined purpose. Existentialism invites us to accept life’s unpredictability and apparent lack of meaning, yet choose to live authentically, crafting personal significance through our actions, relationships, and experiences. Absurdism, on the other hand, encourages embracing life’s inherent absurdity and finding peace in acknowledging it. You accept the absence of a grand purpose, yet still strive to enjoy life to the fullest in your own ways.

Curiosity & creating

I’ve always been curious about a wide range of topics and eager to try different hobbies until I find something that resonates with me. Growing up in a small town of 3,000 people made it hard to pursue most of my dream activities. I was quite bored and lonely as a kid, bullied a lot, and without many friends.

But we can still play and explore as adults, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing over the past few years, trying out different hobbies and exploring various interests. The desire to learn and create is what truly enriches life. It’s important to enjoy these pursuits by focusing on the love and joy they bring, rather than constantly thinking about money and gains. Of course, in today’s world, we must also ensure financial stability. The good thing is that intrinsic curiosity is what drives us the most to work hard and reach our dreams. Balancing passion with practicality while avoiding burnout is crucial.

Reading

One thing I’m deeply grateful to my dad for is fostering my love for reading. Books were my escape in primary school, shaping my thinking, creativity and mental growth. There’s a lot of noise in the world today (everyone writes), but good books and insightful paragraphs can be found.

Healthy mind & emotions 🧘🏽

Calm the mind. Learn not to live solely in your head. Learn to ignore the noise and nonsence that surrounds us. Learn to appreciate the present. Many overlook the importance of meditation — I used to be one of them. When I meditate regularly (and I’m far from a seasoned meditator), I’m noticeably less stressed and worried, more focused, and more accepting of whatever comes my way. Life flows more effortlessly. It’s hard to explain; it must be experienced.

Beyond meditation, therapy and emotional self-exploration are essential for developing a healthy individual. We’re all imperfect in ways we may not even realize until we start digging in. It’s lifelong work, but incredibly rewarding. You can’t fully appreciate life or the present with a troubled mind or emotions.

Traveling & nature

Over the past two years, I’ve taken several solo journeys that have reshaped how I live and perceive life. These experiences have taught me to slow down, be fully present, and find joy in life’s simple moments. Spending time alone allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us. I never truly appreciated a simple cup of coffee before — it was always something I consumed while multitasking. Now, I often find myself noticing its flavor and warmth.

There’s something healing and meditative about being surrounded by water, waves, and nature. It’s no surprise that people who live by the sea often seem happier. Experiencing this lifestyle has made me realize how much I want a home close to both water and mountains. Whether it’s waking up early to hike and watch the sunrise or unwinding on the beach after work as the sun sets, these moments bring me a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.

People

People are complicated. Some are hard to please. Others need help but don’t want it. Many grow up indifferent and ignorant, convinced they’re better than others. When I was younger, I believed everyone was good at heart. Perhaps we all start that way, but as an adult, I’ve come to realize that truly cruel and malicious people exist. The goodness they once had is buried deep within their subconscious, sometimes beyond reach. It’s essential to learn how to keep those who uplift you close and minimize the time spent with others who don’t.

There are also incredible people in this world, a truth I’ve come to appreciate more deeply during my travels. Over the past two years, I’ve encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique stories. I’ve met highly successful people, those who have escaped war-torn countries, and others whose families have battled addiction. I even met a kind-hearted man who, despite spending a few years of his youth in a Colombian jail for cocaine, radiates compassion. Along the way, random strangers became friends, helping me on my journey in ways I never expected.

Life is not easy, but we can choose to find contentment and strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Be kind by default. Show empathy. Learn to help and give without expecting anything in return.

You don't see things as they are.
You see them as you are. 
Change yourself and you change the world.