Choose Life

Choose Life

The world is a much smaller place than it was decades ago, and instant, worldwide communication is easier than before. Opportunities are now open for people all over the world. One of the unintended consequences though is its effect on our mental health. Stress and anxiety levels are high not just in adults, but increasingly in younger people as well.

One serious consequence of this stress is a phenomenon called burnout. In this state, you feel constantly exhausted, lack all motivation to work or think, and constantly experience negative feelings or emotions. This is the result when stress and anxiety isn’t managed or relieved over a period of time. Continue Reading

The One Hour Poem

The One Hour Poem

I’ll be expecting your poem tomorrow, ok?”, my friend said to me as we left the room for the night. This was a big night for him: he is going to be married tomorrow.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the best man at the wedding wasn’t able to attend. A week prior to this night, the groom messaged me and said he wanted me to become the best man instead. It was an honor, and of course I obliged. Continue Reading

Rage against the dying of the light

Rage against the dying of the light

If there is one recognizable aphorism on how we should live our days to the fullest, it would be carpe diem. This is famously known to mean “seize the day”, but it is actually mistranslated. Its true meaning is closer to “gather while the day is ripe”.

This year has been hard for many of us. The pandemic brought widespread disruption in people’s lives by losing loved ones, layoffs, closed businesses, and isolation. Our family was not spared as well. This year I lost my sister to cancer. Several uncles and relatives passed away. This led me to think about the shortness of this life. Was gathering while the day is ripe enough? How can I even know if the day is ripe or not? Continue Reading

On Consolation

On Consolation

My sister passed away on February 24 after almost three years of her battle with cancer. She courageously persisted, and fought till the end.

Seneca the Younger (4 BC – AD 65) was one of the great Stoic writers. A Roman senator, he was exiled in AD 41 as he went against the reigning emperor. He wrote To mother Helvia, On consolationwhile on exile to provide comfort to his mother. Continue Reading