Brain Dump

  • Embrace Your Authenticity: Unleash the Power Within

    Embrace Your Authenticity: Unleash the Power Within

    In a world that often tries to fit us into predefined boxes, there’s nothing more liberating and empowering than embracing your authentic self. Your journey to living authentically is a path to self-discovery, self-love, and unapologetic self-expression.

    1. Unveiling Your True Colors

    Imagine a canvas splashed with vibrant colors, each stroke a reflection of your passions and dreams. Living authentically means allowing those colors to shine through in every aspect of your life. From the clothes you wear to the choices you make, let your authentic self be the masterpiece that captures attention and inspires awe.

    2. Casting Aside the Masks

    It’s time to cast aside the masks you’ve worn to please others or fit societal expectations. Peel away those layers and stand proudly in your own skin. Embrace your quirks, your interests, and your unique voice. The world deserves to know the real you, unfiltered and unapologetic.

    3. Boldly Embracing Imperfection

    Authenticity thrives in imperfection. It’s about acknowledging that nobody is flawless and celebrating the beauty in our flaws. By being open about your challenges and vulnerabilities, you not only embrace your own humanity but also create a safe space for others to do the same.

    4. Igniting the Spark of Self-Love

    Living authentically is an act of self-love. It’s about nurturing the relationship you have with yourself, just as you would with a cherished friend. Treat yourself with kindness, honor your needs, and prioritize your well-being. As you grow in self-love, you radiate positivity that attracts others on a similar journey.

    5. Inspiring a Movement of Authenticity

    Your choice to live authentically is more than just personal growth; it’s a movement that can inspire others to break free from the chains of conformity. Your story becomes a beacon of hope, showing that it’s possible to embrace who you are without fear. By living your truth, you encourage others to do the same.

    So, let your authenticity be a force that transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you. Embrace the journey, and remember: the world is enriched by the unique essence you bring to it. Your authenticity is your superpower – wield it boldly and watch as it lights up your path toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.

  • The Importance of Slowing Down: Why Women Need to Prioritize Self-Care

    The Importance of Slowing Down: Why Women Need to Prioritize Self-Care

    In today’s fast-paced world, women often feel pressure to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, from work and family to social obligations and community involvement. However, the constant demands of modern life can take a toll on women’s physical and mental health, leading to exhaustion, burnout, and stress-related illnesses. That’s why it’s important for women to slow down and prioritize self-care.

    photo of an upset kid crouching
    Photo by Norma Mortenson on Pexels.com

    Physical Health

    When women don’t slow down and take time for themselves, they can experience physical health issues related to stress. High blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic pain are just a few examples of conditions that can result from chronic stress. By slowing down and taking time to rest and recharge, women can reduce their risk of these and other stress-related health problems.

    Mental Health

    The demands of modern life can also take a toll on women’s mental health. When women don’t slow down and take time for themselves, they can become overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. Slowing down can help women manage stress and prevent mental health problems. Activities like exercise, meditation, and spending time with friends can help women relax and recharge.

    Self-Care

    Women are often caregivers for others, whether it’s children, aging parents, or partners. However, women also need to prioritize self-care. Slowing down and taking breaks is essential for women to recharge and avoid burnout. Self-care can include activities like exercise, reading, or simply taking a bubble bath.

    Work-Life Balance

    Women often struggle to balance work and home responsibilities. Slowing down and taking breaks can help women manage their time and energy more effectively, leading to better work-life balance. When women prioritize self-care, they’re better equipped to handle the demands of work and family life.

    Creativity and Productivity

    Slowing down can also boost creativity and productivity. When women take time to rest and reflect, they can come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. Taking breaks and slowing down can also help women avoid burnout and maintain high levels of productivity over the long term.

    woman doing hand heart sign
    Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR on Pexels.com

    Overall, women need to slow down to avoid physical and mental health issues, prioritize self-care, balance work and home responsibilities, boost creativity and productivity, and maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. By taking breaks, practicing self-care, and slowing down when necessary, women can create a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. So, the next time you feel like you’re spinning your wheels, remember the importance of slowing down and taking care of yourself.

  • Why International Women’s Day is More Important Than National Men’s Day

    Why International Women’s Day is More Important Than National Men’s Day

    International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th every year, while National Men’s Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. Both of these days are important in their own right, but there are several reasons why IWD is more important than National Men’s Day.

    Firstly, International Women’s Day is a global celebration that highlights the achievements of women and raises awareness about the challenges they face. It is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in advancing women’s rights and gender equality, while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. In contrast, National Men’s Day tends to focus on issues specific to men, such as their health and well-being, and does not address the broader societal issues that affect women.

    Secondly, International Women’s Day is a reminder that women still face significant barriers and discrimination in many parts of the world. Despite the progress that has been made, women continue to face inequality in areas such as education, employment, and political representation. IWD provides a platform for women to speak out about these issues and demand change, while also promoting solidarity and support among women around the world. National Men’s Day, on the other hand, does not address these broader issues of gender inequality and discrimination.

    Thirdly, International Women’s Day serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations to work towards gender equality. It encourages people to take concrete steps towards creating a more just and equal society, such as supporting women’s organizations, advocating for policies that promote gender equality, and speaking out against sexism and discrimination. National Men’s Day, while important in raising awareness about men’s issues, does not have the same level of urgency or call to action.

    In conclusion, International Women’s Day is a crucial reminder of the progress that has been made in advancing women’s rights, as well as the work that still needs to be done. It is a call to action for all of us to work towards a more just and equitable society, where women have the same opportunities as men. We can each take concrete steps to support gender equality, such as advocating for policies that promote equal pay, supporting women-led businesses and organizations, and speaking out against sexism and discrimination. By doing so, we can work towards a future where every woman is empowered to reach her full potential and contribute fully to society. Let us all take action today, and every day, to create a world where gender equality is the norm, not the exception.

  • 10 Ways to Start the Year Right

    10 Ways to Start the Year Right

    You’re eager to get the new year off to a great start because it’s a brand-new year.

    You commit yourself that this will be the year that you grow your company or improve professionally. You make a list of resolutions and then get started!

    But before you know it, you’re back to carrying out your routine in the same manner and reaping the same results.

    So what can you do to maintain your course and accomplish your objectives? Here are some pointers to get you moving and make this your finest year yet!

    my secret plan to rule the world book
    Photo by Ann H on Pexels.com
    1. Make a plan. Once you’ve decided on your objective(s), move backward from there so you can see exactly what has to be done to reach your destination.
    2. Establish attainable and precise objectives. Making your aim unachievable is the best way to ensure failure. Be selective when creating your goals. It is preferable to advance one item a mile than ten things an inch.
    3. Compile a list of new abilities you’ll need. To advance in your profession or keep up with the times in your industry, you’ll probably require new skills. Make a list of the talents you’ll need to acquire this year and devise a plan for achieving them.
    4. Steer clear of repeating prior mistakes. Continuing to act in the same manner after failing to obtain the desired consequences won’t alter the result. Instead, adopt a different strategy.
    5. Outline your objectives. Inform trusted friends, family members, and coworkers of your goals so they can be supportive.
    6. Ensure that your objectives are quantifiable. What is measured is accomplished. Keep a record of your accomplishments and treat yourself occasionally.
    7. Adjust your course as necessary. Do not be reluctant to change your route if you discover that you are going in the incorrect direction. Objectives are not fixed in stone. Changing your objectives as you go is acceptable.
    8. Maintain a healthy balance between work and recreation. Most of the time, our jobs and work come before a lot of other things in our lives. There is no stopping work. The most valuable asset you can accumulate is free time. Consider this before deciding to pursue your passion!
    9. Plan some time just for you. Set out some time on your calendar to get away and avoid distractions.
    10. Request assistance if things aren’t going as planned. Admitting that you need help is not a sign of shame.

    Most of all, remember that it is okay to make mistakes and learn as you go. Here’s to fruitful and kickass new year!

  • Change is Constant

    Change is Constant

    As we near the end of the year, can you tell me what challenges you’ve faced and what changes you’ve experienced for 2022?

    A few years ago, I had a chat with a young friend who mentioned that he was getting bored with life. He felt that there was nothing interesting left to do and that he already knew everything there is to know about life. To this, I told him that growth and change are constant in life. You need to at the very least learn something new every year. It does not have to be something that would benefit your career, it might be something more creative.

    At that point, he challenged me, asking what new thing did I learn that particular year (2020)? I proceeded to list down new things I learned, both big and small. He said the small things do not count.

    I said they count if I say they do. And for me, they do.

    So as 2022 winds down, I suggest taking time to look back at the year that was and see if you learned something new. Write it down. Be grateful for the opportunity to learn.

    If you feel you have not learned anything new, then I suggest getting a lined journal, or a notebook, and writing down things that you would like to learn. I suggest making those goals smaller, more achievable, and some that are big. 

    Dream big!

    End of the Year Challenge

    motivational simple inscription against doubts
    Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com

    Since December 2022 is technically not finished yet, I would like to invite you to learn something new this month. Here are some ideas:

    • Learn to play Christmas tunes on a kalimba (you can use a kalimba app).
    • Learn to DIY a Christmas ornament.
    • Learn to make an advent wreath.
    • Learn 25 new words in a different language.
    • Learn something new about Christmas.

    Okay, maybe the themes are Christmas-themed but ’tis the season.

    Give it a try!

  • November Rain

    November Rain

    We’ve come to the end of November, and with it comes the tail-end of 2023. Around this time of every year, I frequently experience fatigue and a slight zombie state of mind. It feels as though I have run a marathon and I am losing speed and losing care that the finish line is appearing.

    Nothing to worry about. It happens every year. This year just feels a little bit heavier.

    I suppose I will have more strength in a few days.

    November: A Month in Review

    Despite the fatigue, November came with surprises and new things learnt. No wonder my back hurts so much. Here are some things to remember this month by:

    • Stretching my coding brain – I relaunched my attempts at Flutter. This time, I made more progress. Perhaps you will soon see my app.
    • Creative BuKo – I’ve taken a step back to reassess where we are with Creative BuKo and thinking of more ways to improve it. I believe I have an idea now, but I just need one thing that I always needed: TIME.
    • Attended conventions – Little Boxes Solutions has attended conventions and participated in n events. One of which was the Cambodia Tech Expo. While majority of the speakers spoke in Khmer, it was still interesting to see how much growth Cambodia has had in the technology scene.
    • Reading progress – I’ve made progress with my reading after a month reading slump. This is one thing I am most ecstatic about because reading is life.
    • Revamped my business card – I have revamped my business card somewhat. Hope to have it printed soon.

    One thing I have missed is my writing, which I suppose this is the reason why I am writing a bit. I really hope to write some more, but the previous challenge was with having to switch laptops. Sometimes having multiple laptops can be challenging when some of the things you need are in another laptop, but you brought a separate one.

    Let’s talk more about other things when I get back.

  • Another Revamp?

    I think the problem with my writing is that I often look for images that need to go with a post. Sometimes, its the reverse: I look for words that go with the photo.

    I have this space for the longest time, and I have neglected it so I must really start using it… or get rid of it, so we’re going to have another revamp. Besides, it seems that writing has been slowly drifting away from me. I fear that my talent may be taken away from me if I do not write something.

    Perhaps I will not necessarily have a revamp of the website, but just keep writing things because I know that nobody visits this blog anyway… save for a few people who come to check.

    I’ve decided to also share my world.

    Having a lifestyle blog without actually sharing my world seems a little counter productive. For far too long I have just kept quiet, so now I will start doing things again. 😉

    While you’re here, you might as well visit my other websites or links on the side panel. Please?

    Thank you!

  • Reading and the Universe

    Reading and the Universe

    Someone I recently befriended told me that I flex about reading.

    I … I think I don’t.

    I talk about reading as if it is as normal as breathing. Every now and then, I am still shocked when people do not read. I still get surprised when I find out that the people I actually like are not readers.

    Then I remember that of course, maybe not everybody is into reading as I am.

    Now, some people who claim they love reading often peak my curiosity as I am only eager to discuss about books. Same situation applies to that said “new friend” who shared that he reads. To which I said, “yeah? Like what books?”

    That was not a flex. That was me asking what books the person liked. He then felt like I was showing off how many books I have read… I was not. I was just happy to know someone else read. I cannot help it if I read that many books.

    But then again, perhaps some people do find it intimidating – he said so as well.

    Reading the Universe

    I simple like to read. Perhaps I do not read as much as I used to, but I do find comfort in books. Books make me happy.

    Reading unlocks a whole lot of information in the world that makes sense to me.

    I simply find it enjoyable.

    To that sentiment, he also said I was flexing.

    eh.

  • Curious Cats

    In a world where there are so many observers, watchers.. *stalkers*, where would you categorize yourself?

    I … am… a ninja!

    But in terms of popularity, I classify myself as fairly unknown. Where nobody bothers to Google me, look for me, stalk me, or even try to find every social media that I own. Except, there are some who still keep coming back. Waiting to see if I posted something new.

    So here’s a quick post for my faithful guests (maybe 1 or 2 of you), who never fail to visit. 🙂

    Life Updates:

    • so many changes have taken place in September – life changing!
    • so many things coming soon – life changing!
    • planning, planning, planning things to come – life changing!

    You get it, right?

    Life changing things happened and are coming even more.

    I hope you stick around so I have some readers.

    Daily Blog Updates

    I have decided to blog daily — yes, maybe. Because I have not been blogging or writing a lot and my creative juices need to be rekindled. So, this will restart being the dumping grounds of what is in my mind. I need to stretch the creative muscles so that I have more ideas.

    Also, so that my brain gets preoccupied by things that are not ideal.

    I am talking about YOU.

  • Fickle Creativity

    Fickle Creativity

    Creativity is a fickle thing. She’s like the waves of the sea on a sunrise painted with pretty hues of pink and lavender, with touches of blue and cyan here and there. Inviting, inspiring, coercing.

    “Come create with me,” she says. “The possibilities are endless. Come and make this idea a reality.”

    And so, we go…

    Some are hesitant: touching her surface, dipping a toe, a foot, and then perhaps wading in until she reaches the calves. Some run to her with abandon, embracing her waves, going under. Under.

    Some feel confident, sure, and happy with her. Then she decides to become cold. Icy cold. Unwelcoming. Waves rage and cause people to run. The water turns dark, unsure, and dangerous. Some still welcome the change, the darkness, and the chaos, while others are caught helpless and have come ashore.

    Creativity is a fickle thing.

    We cannot control her. We must ride her waves, and listen to her voice. We must practice and learn to either receive blessings and enlightenment or face chaos. We must learn to turn what she gives us into something or learn to sit and wait until she becomes more welcoming.

    Truly, the life of a creative is full of promise and beauty, but often at the mercy of Creativity’s fickleness.

    Create.

    Create.

    Create.

    She’ll be back. Just create.