Choose Greatness, Choose Your Circle

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it truly means to be great. We live in a world that often defines greatness by external measures: titles, accolades, wealth, influence. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that to be great, we must associate with those who are already at the top. The high achievers. The influencers. The ones society deems "successful."

But the more I grow, the more I realize:

Greatness isn’t about proximity to success. It’s about alignment with purpose.

Kraków old square

Who You Surround Yourself With Matters

The people we choose to spend our time with shape our thoughts, our energy, and ultimately, our direction. This doesn’t mean we have to surround ourselves with the richest, the smartest, or the most well-known people. It means we must choose those whose values echo our own, whose presence challenges us to be better in ways that feel true, and whose energy resonates with the life we're building not the life we’re trying to imitate.

There’s a saying that goes:
“Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.”

It’s simple, but powerful. And it holds so much truth.
Your circle influences you more than you realize it. Your mindset, your habits, your courage, even your capacity to dream.
You grow in the direction of those you surround yourself with.

There’s a difference between impressing people and connecting with people.

And often, the greatest moments of growth happen not when we chase impressive company, but when we settle into authentic community.

Greatness Is Not Imitation

It’s tempting to assume that if we want to be great, we must follow those who have “made it.” But greatness doesn’t always come from climbing someone else’s ladder. Sometimes, it’s found in building your own, step by step, with those who understand where you’ve come from and where your heart wants to go.

When we surround ourselves with people who live with honesty, humility, and heart people who may not be in the spotlight but who live their lives with quiet integrity we choose a different kind of greatness. A deeper one. A grounded one.

The Polish Way of Choosing People

Living between two cultures Filipino and Polish has opened my eyes to how different cultures shape the way we choose our circles.

Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality. We easily welcome people into our homes and into our hearts. Friendship is often given freely, and we tend to trust first, love openly, and accept others without hesitation.

But the Polish culture has taught me something different something powerful.

Polish people are among the friendliest and most hospitable people I know. They’ll share a warm meal with you, offer a helping hand, and treat you like family once you’ve earned a place in their world. But when it comes to choosing their close friends or inner circle, they are incredibly discerning.

Trust is not freely given in Polish culture it is earned. And once you earn it, it’s deep and unwavering. They don’t rush relationships. They observe. They protect their space. They wait to see who you truly are not the version you show, but the one you live.

What I admire is how the Polish people seem to have mastered the art of choosing who truly belongs in their circle. Not out of coldness, but out of care. Not from exclusion, but from intention. Once you’re in, they’ll stand by you, wholeheartedly.

That contrast between my Filipino openness and Polish discernment has helped me redefine how I choose my own circle. I've learned to carry both values: to lead with kindness, but also with clarity.

Energy Doesn’t Lie

You’ll feel it when you’re around the right people.

Not the most successful by society’s standards, but the most in tune with who you are becoming. These are the people who:

• Challenge you to grow without tearing you down.

• Accept your current state but won’t let you settle there.

• Speak truth into your life, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Cheer for you not because you’re impressive, but because you’re authentic.

This is the kind of circle that nourishes greatness from the inside out.

The Takeaway: Choose Your Circle With Intention

Being intentional about your circle isn’t about excluding people—it’s about honoring your path. It’s about knowing that not everyone is meant to walk every part of the journey with you. Some are for a season. Some are for a lifetime. And some, though they may seem "ideal" from the outside, are not meant for your soul.

So today, if you’re reflecting on your circle, ask yourself:

• Do these people help me align with my values?

• Do I feel seen, heard, and encouraged to grow?

• Do they hold space for the version of me I am now and the one I am becoming?

If yes, then you are already in the presence of greatness. Not because of who they are in society, but because of who they are in your life.

Choose greatness. Choose your circle.

Because your circle can either drain you or help you rise.

You choose!

Cheers!

xo,

Ai

Kapuśnioka Chronicles: A Cabbage Conundrum!

Our Village from the top of the hill

Did you know that in some parts of Poland, the word Kapuśnioki isn't just about delicious cabbage soup? 🥬🍲 Traditionally, Kapuśnioki refers to a beloved Polish soup made from fermented cabbage, like sauerkraut with pork ribs, and is known for its hearty, comforting flavor. Oh, this is one of my favorite Polish soup especially in the winter time. 😁

But here’s the twist: in some villages—like the one I’m currently living in—it’s also a playful nickname for the proud residents of villages where cabbage farming reigns supreme. 🥬✨ I don’t know if this humor is still widely popular, but my colleague shared it with me when she found out that I’m living in this small town, and in this small village.

As someone who lives in a small agricultural village with just over 3,000 people, I think it’s safe to say I’ve earned the title Kapuśnioka! How is that? *wink

Here, the land is so fertile that cabbage grows as if it’s on a mission. 🥬✨ But that’s not all. Our village thrives on agriculture, with fields of potatoes, carrots, and more—helping to supply goods to the entire country.

Living here means cabbage is practically now in my DNA. Need proof? I can spot a top-quality head of cabbage from a mile away! My credentials? A lifetime surrounded by cabbage plantations and neighbors who treat farming as an art form. 😄

Imagine a place where cabbage isn’t just a crop; it’s a way of life. Need a new outfit? How about a cabbage leaf cape! Feeling philosophical? Just gaze into the heart of a cabbage—it has layers, just like life.

So, here’s to the Kapuśnioki—the village heroes who make sure our pierogi, soups, and sauerkraut are always on point. And as for me? I’m your proud Kapuśnioka! Next time you enjoy a bite of fermented cabbage or a slurp of Kapuśnioki soup, remember the folks behind the farm fields, turning humble cabbage into a cultural icon.

Tag your favorite Kapuśnioka or Kapuśniok below! Let’s give them the recognition they deserve. 🥂✨

#KapuśniokaVibes #CabbageCulture #PolishHumor #LifeInTheVillage

Much love,

Ai

xo

3 books about Philippines written by Polish authors

Filipiny - Philippines, the country I was born and culture I grow up with.

A lot have been written in other countries in Asia, but none much about my country. I'm so glad to have found some more travellers - Polish in particular, found an inspiration to write about my country. Not only about their travels or how to travel there, but how it is to live in the Philippines.

Twarze Tajfunu - written Małgorzata Szumska is a book and story about the author's unique travel to Philippines where she helped people devastated by the strong typhoon Yolanda, where she helped restore back their homes and found love, optimism in the endd at this great island paradise.

If you don't know much about my country, it is a Typhoon prone area. Typhoon is a common calamity and usually challenges us Filipino so well to remain strong despite of. 

How I wish I could give you a more wonderful narrative of this book, but due to my lack of knowledge of  the Polish language, I could only give you what I only know basing from the excerpt and what I understand.

Filipiny written by Anna Błażejewska . This book is purely a traveller's guide to Philippines, its islands and big cities. I've known Ania for quite awhile now from her blog wazji.pl . I love her photos of my country and she lived there for quite awhile before moving outside the Philippines. This book is wonderfully written and curated. 

Pod Ciemną Skórą Filipin written by Tomasz Omsiany is a book that my husband is currently reading. A book enrich with life learnings, where he visited some tribes and experience life by living with them.  How I wish again there is an English version of this book so that I could read it with thorough understanding. My husband find this book wonderfully written with much humor mixed into its stories. 

All of these, gave me such gratefulness that my country is slowly recognized not only with how beautiful our crystal beaches are, but how our history influence our culture in general. If you're Polish, perhaps you may want to grab a copy of these books. Links are in the descriptions....

Someday, (maybe) I'm going to write my own book about my quest here in Poland. Although, I did one with one of Polish author here about being a Filpina mum here. However, there is much difference when you put into words your experience with the culture, language and people.

Who knows! The ambitious me kicks in once again. But yeah, I always love to express my thoughts and experience through writing. I think growing up as a child with a diary in hand all the time could be blame with this secret ambition, that is no longer a secret.

*wink!

Alright, thank you for dropping by once again. 

Ai

xo

The book: Mama dookoła świata

Quick note for today:

Remember this post  SNEAK PEEK?

 It is because they featured me in a book about moms' around the world. I talked about being a Filipina mom living in Poland. The book is exciting but at the same time i am a bit nervous what the readers reaction about what i talked there. I just said about my experiences being a Filipina, our culture, traditions and what i practiced/adapted  at our Polish home.

If your in Warsaw area tomorrow or living in nearby Warsaw please do drop by in Empik Junior for the book signing and launching of the book Mama dookołą świata by Ofelia Grzelińska (Mama around the world).

See pictures below for the exact address and a little about the book....

I hope you will grab a copy and let me know..though the book is all in Polish language but maybe in the future there would be copies in english.