Serendipity

 I first encountered the word “Carpe Diem” in high school when I watched Dead Poets Society. In the film, Mr. John Keating, played by Robin Williams, challenges his students to question what they are told, see things from different perspectives and have the courage to live their own lives. Upon searching it's etymology I learned that The phrase carpe diem comes from the Roman poet Horace: “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” commonly translated as “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.” At first, I thought carpe diem simply meant enjoying life by earning money, traveling, having fun, or doing what makes you happy. But as I grew older, I realized it means something deeper. It is not about living recklessly or having a YOLO mindset. It is about understanding that today is the only moment we can truly act upon. One scene that stayed with me was when Keating showed his students old photographs of former students. Those young men once had dreams, ambitions,...

    Life isn’t about what you deserve; it’s about what you can negotiate. While some have to work hard to build leverage, others are handed a golden spoon from the very start. But that shouldn’t stop you from building your own leverage, creating your own opportunities, and negotiating your way toward the life you want. Your starting point may not be equal but it doesn’t have to determine where you finish .

  Approaching 30 made me realize how real the “hedonic treadmill” is. At 22, I once thought:  “Once I graduate and pass the board exam I’ll be happy.”  “Once I get the job, I’ll feel successful.”  “Once I save money, I’ll finally relax." Then I achieved those things… and my brain immediately created a new target. The goalpost keeps moving. A degree, license or certification becomes “not enough.” Savings become “still lacking.” Progress becomes invisible because comparison never stops. Especially today, where social media lets you compare yourself to everyone: the millionaire your age, the young professional traveling the world, the politician or businessman who inherited a position or business, the person who seemed to figure life out earlier. As a Filipino nearing 30, there’s also silent pressure:  “May bahay ka na?”  “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?”  “Magkano sweldo mo?” You start measuring your worth through milestones instead of fulfillment. B...