🌸 Embracing Growth, Empowerment, and Purpose 🌸

Over the past few months, I’ve been reflecting deeply on my journey and what it truly means to move forward and thrive. I’ve realized that self-love is not just about caring for your mind and body; it’s about setting boundaries, prioritizing your well-being, and most importantly—putting yourself first. 💖

There’s a part of me that’s still healing, and I acknowledge that there are moments where the past feels heavy. But I’ve learned that letting go is sometimes the most loving thing we can do for ourselves. 💫 It’s about choosing growth over stagnation, peace over confusion, and, ultimately, loving myself enough to let go and make space for the future.

And speaking of the future, I’ve set my sights on some big dreams—dreams that are not just for me, but for others as well. My goal is to become a certified coach and mentor other women, helping them become confident, strong, and empowered to live life on their own terms. 🌟 The thought of guiding others on their journey fills me with so much purpose—there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone else rise up and realize their true strength.

But that’s not all. I’m also working on creating a center for women—a safe space where women can come together to develop themselves, learn, and grow in a supportive community. 🌱 I want to be part of a movement that fosters confidence and empowerment, and this center will be the heart of that mission.

And finally, one of the dreams that has been close to my heart for a long time—a Filipino cafe named HALINA. It’s more than just a cafe. It’s a place where culture, connection, and comfort come together. HALINA will be a space where people can gather, enjoy delicious food, and feel a sense of belonging. It’s my vision to create a welcoming atmosphere where every woman (and everyone) feels seen, valued, and supported.

These goals and dreams fuel my fire every day. They’re my way of moving forward—of living my purpose and making a positive impact on those around me. I’m excited about the road ahead, and I know that each step I take brings me closer to turning these dreams into reality.

To anyone out there who’s struggling to let go or figure out the next step—remember, your journey is YOURS. 💪 Don’t be afraid to prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and follow the path that aligns with your heart. You are capable of so much more than you think, and you deserve all the love and success that’s coming your way.

Let’s keep growing, supporting each other, and moving forward together. 💕

#SelfLove #Empowerment #Goals #WomenSupportingWomen #DreamsInTheMaking #HalinaCafe #CoachLife #PersonalGrowth #StrongerTogether

Holiday blues

The "holiday blues" after returning from a week in Rome, Italy, are real and hit me harder than I expected. One moment, I was walking through the grand halls of the Vatican Museums, staring in awe at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, and the next, I was back home, staring at my laptop screen, drowning in emails. The contrast

was jarring, and I found myself longing for just a little more time in the Eternal City.

The Loss of Freedom and Adventure

Rome had gifted me a kind of freedom I rarely experience in my structured daily life. Mornings were slow and unhurried, starting with an espresso prepared at home. Afternoons were spent getting lost in the cobbled streets of Rome or standing in awe of ancient ruins that whispered stories of the past, or just having my long siesta without even being bothered while waiting for a late afternoon lunch. Each moment felt spontaneous, every turn a discovery. But back home, everything fell back into the predictable rhythm of routine—alarm clocks, deadlines, responsibilities. The contrast made me feel caged, as though the adventure had ended too soon.

There was something magical about being in Rome—like I had stepped into a different world where time moved slower, worries felt lighter, and even the air smelled of history and possibility. For a week, I wasn’t thinking about work stress or personal challenges; I was simply living in the present. Returning home, however, brought all those unresolved emotions rushing back. The peacefulness of walking along the Tiber at sunset or listening to street musicians near the Pantheon only highlighted the weight of real-life pressures waiting for me.

Experiencing the True Italian Lifestyle

What made this trip even more unforgettable was spending most of my days with my Italian friends, who treated me like family. I was welcomed into their homes, where I indulged in homemade Italian food and dined at places where only locals go. Experiencing "la dolce far niente" and "la dolce vita" in a real Italian household was something I couldn’t trade for anything. It was a taste of life as it should be—savored, unhurried, and filled with warmth. Late at night, we would spin around the city in their favorite sports cars—one of the many things Italians are known for—before taking slow walks on cobblestone streets, escaping the bustling crowds of tourists. It felt like stepping into a dream, one I never wanted to wake up from.

Unmet Expectations

Before my trip, I had envisioned returning home feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to tackle life with newfound energy. But instead, I felt a strange emptiness. The reality of post-holiday life didn’t match the expectations I had set for myself. Instead of feeling refreshed, I felt like something was missing, like I had left a piece of myself in Rome and didn’t quite know how to bring it back.

Missing the Connection

Traveling through Rome, I had brief but meaningful interactions with strangers—friendly shopkeepers, fellow travelers, the elderly woman who smiled at me while I struggled with my Italian. Each connection, no matter how fleeting, added warmth to my experience. Now, back home, I missed that sense of connection. The spontaneity of human interaction in a foreign place, the shared smiles, the laughter over a mispronounced word—it all felt distant, making my usual environment seem lonelier than before.

A Personal Pilgrimage to the Vatican

One of the most humbling moments of my journey was my personal pilgrimage to Vatican City. I walked through the Holy Doors for the Jubilee Year, a rare and sacred experience. Standing in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, I felt a deep sense of devotion as I prayed—for myself, my well-being, and my loved ones. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and surrender, reminding me of what truly matters beyond the excitement of travel.

Nostalgia

The memories linger like a soft haze over my days. The way the golden hour painted the Colosseum in hues of amber, the echo of footsteps in St. Peter’s Basilica, the taste of gelato melting too fast under the Roman sun—I replay these moments in my mind like a film I don’t want to end. Nostalgia makes the present seem dull, and I catch myself wishing I could relive those moments over and over again.

Adjusting back to real life feels like hitting the brakes too suddenly. The ease of strolling through piazzas has been replaced with rushing to meet deadlines. Instead of choosing which trattoria to dine at, I’m meal prepping for the week. It feels as though I’ve been yanked from one world and thrust into another without warning, making the return to normalcy a bit of a struggle.

Yet, as the days pass, I remind myself that Rome is now a part of me. The experience, the feelings, the memories—they aren’t gone. They live in the stories I tell, in the pictures I revisit, in the small ways the trip has changed me. And maybe, just maybe, the holiday blues aren’t just about missing the past, but about finding ways to bring a piece of that adventure into everyday life.

There Are So Many Ways to Be Happy

Happiness is not a destination—it’s a journey. While many of us seek a grand, all-encompassing sense of joy, true happiness often comes from the small, everyday moments that we sometimes overlook. There is no single formula for happiness because everyone’s path is unique. However, here are some beautiful and diverse ways to cultivate joy in your life:

1. Embrace Gratitude

Happiness begins with appreciating what you have. Keeping a gratitude journal, saying “thank you” more often, or simply reflecting on your blessings can shift your mindset toward positivity.

2. Connect with Others

Human connection is essential for happiness. Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in meaningful conversations, and nurture relationships that bring out the best in you.

3. Engage in Activities You Love

Hobbies and passions give life color. Whether it’s painting, dancing, playing an instrument, or gardening, doing what you love fills your soul with joy.

4. Prioritize Your Well-being

Taking care of your body and mind leads to a happier life. Regular exercise, nourishing food, and quality sleep contribute to overall well-being.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Living in the present moment reduces stress and enhances joy. Simple mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or savoring a cup of tea can make a difference.

6. Give Back

Helping others creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear can bring immense joy to both you and those around you.

7. Surround Yourself with Positivity

The environment you create influences your happiness. Choose uplifting people, declutter your space, and consume content that inspires and motivates you.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Happiness comes from recognizing progress, no matter how small. Celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your growth, and take pride in your efforts.

9. Explore and Learn

New experiences bring excitement and joy. Travel, learn a new skill, or try something outside of your comfort zone—it keeps life interesting and fulfilling.

10. Let Go of What You Can’t Control

Holding on to negativity only diminishes happiness. Learn to release past regrets, forgive yourself and others, and focus on what you can change.

At the end of the day, happiness is about finding joy in the simple things and making the most of every moment. There are countless ways to be happy—so find what speaks to your heart and embrace the journey with an open mind and a grateful spirit.

xo,

Ai

A Tearjerker Film: Lessons Learned from Hello, Love, Again

"Hello, Love, Again" is an emotional and deeply moving sequel to Hello, Love, Goodbye. It’s the kind of film that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving audiences in tears as it explores love, sacrifice, and personal growth. Beyond being a love story, it’s a reflection of real-life struggles, especially for those who have had to leave home in search of a better future. If you've watched Hello, Love, Again, here are some key lessons one could take away from it:

1. Love Evolves Over Time

Love isn't always about staying together at all costs. Sometimes, love requires distance, growth, and even letting go before finding its way back. The film likely explores how love changes as people change.

2. Prioritizing Personal Growth Matters

Like the first film, Hello, Love, Again reinforces the importance of self-improvement, career goals, and finding oneself before fully committing to a relationship. Growth sometimes means making difficult choices.

3. Timing is Everything

Even if two people love each other, being together depends on the right timing. The film emphasizes how circumstances shape relationships and how patience plays a role in love.

4. Sacrifices are Part of Love

Love isn’t always easy—it requires sacrifices. Whether it's choosing career stability, family responsibilities, or self-respect, the characters in the film face tough choices that reflect real-life relationships.

5. Distance Doesn't Always Mean the End

Just because two people part ways doesn't mean they stop loving each other. Sometimes, love survives despite distance, and sometimes, it fades. Either way, it teaches people to appreciate what they had.

6. People Change, and So Do Relationships

The person you once loved may not be the same years later. The film touches on how people evolve with time and experiences, which may strengthen or weaken a past connection.

7. Closure vs. Second Chances

Not all love stories get a second chance, but sometimes, reunions happen for closure rather than rekindling romance. The film explores whether old flames should be reignited or left in the past.

8. The Struggles of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Are Real

For Filipinos living abroad, especially OFWs, Hello, Love, Again is deeply relatable. Living overseas, away from family, is one of the greatest challenges Filipinos face—sacrificing their own happiness just to provide for loved ones back home. It is incredibly difficult to be away from home while also trying to nurture a romantic relationship. The film highlights how love is not always enough when weighed against the responsibilities and obligations that come with being an OFW.

9. Home is Not Always a Place, But a Person

One of the most touching realizations from the film is that home isn’t always a physical house—it can be found in a person. Sometimes, no matter where you are in the world, a single person can make you feel safe, loved, and at peace. But when that person is no longer there, it can feel like losing home all over again.

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Personal Reflections:

Some scenes in the film truly hit hard, especially when Joy said, “We are strangers. You don’t know me.” That line carries so much weight—it reminds us that time, distance, and life experiences change people. Even those who were once deeply connected can become strangers. It’s a painful but real truth that many go through, especially those who have walked away from love in pursuit of something bigger—whether it’s career, family, or personal healing.

Another scene that stood out was when the guy had to sacrifice his love for Joy to return to the Philippines for his sick father. This moment put love and duty on opposite ends, showing how life sometimes forces us to choose between the people we love and the responsibilities we carry. This particularly resonated with me because I lost my dad while living in Poland. Being away from home, knowing that my brothers are struggling, is never easy. This film made me reflect on my own sacrifices, my longing for family, and the weight of being far from home.

However, Hello, Love, Again also made me appreciate my life here even more. It reminded me that while I am still given the opportunity to live and provide love, I must also remember to nurture myself. I need to fill my own cup first before pouring into others. Because love—whether for family, a partner, or myself—can only truly flourish when we take care of our own well-being.

This film was more than just a love story—it was a mirror that reflected the realities of life, love, and the sacrifices we make.

Final Warning: Bring Tissues! (Spoiler Alert!)

I’m warning you now—bring tissues when you watch this film! It will hit you right in the heart, especially if you have ever loved, lost, or sacrificed something dear to you. Consider yourself warned! 😭💔

 

I am wintering!

Winter is still here, not just in the world outside, but in the rhythm of our lives too. It’s a season for slowing down, for leaning into rest, for retreating into warmth, and for looking inward.

Wintering is more than just a time on the calendar. It’s a way of being, a surrender to the cold and the quiet, a recognition that sometimes, we need to rest. The earth is still, and so are we. It’s a season for nurturing the seeds of growth that we can’t see yet, trusting that when the time comes, they will bloom.

But wintering is also a time of deep transformation and healing. As the world outside freezes and retreats, we too have the space to transform in ways that are often invisible to the eye. In the stillness, we can confront what needs to be healed, letting go of old patterns, fears, and doubts that no longer serve us. It’s the quiet work of renewal, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

Wintering has taught me the power of healing, growth, and transformation. It has shown me how to bear the loss of people so dear to me—those I thought were essential, that I once believed were always meant to be part of my life. Yet, through the stillness of this season, I’ve come to understand that loss is also part of the journey. It is within this space that I’ve learned to find strength in letting go and creating room for new chapters.

Right now, I am in my own winter. I am sitting in stillness, grounding myself, embracing the art of letting go. There is power in this quiet solitude, a profound peace that comes from simply being, without the pressure to do or become. I am learning to trust the process, knowing that even in the cold, the ground beneath me is still working, supporting me as I transform.

If you’re in the season of wintering, take it as an invitation to rest deeply. Tend to yourself with softness and grace. Know that even when everything feels dormant, the groundwork for new beginnings is being laid, unseen. Winter is a reminder that growth comes in cycles—and sometimes, the best thing we can do is let the season be, allowing it to heal, teach, and transform us from the inside out.

I am wintering.

xo,

Ai