I once heard Pastor Ed say something that stayed in my mind like a seed that refuses to stop growing. He said, “Let’s try our best to be independent because once we are hungry it’s easy to surrender our rights.” The more I thought about it, the more I realized how painfully true this is.… Continue reading Freedom Has a Price Tag: Why Financial Independence Matters
Author: Little Belle's Mama
A mother, wife, and leader, as well as a writer at heart who shares her thoughts and stories through blogging. Before moving to Germany, she spent seven years as a copy editor, where she developed a deep appreciation for clarity, storytelling, and the power of words. She graduated cum laude and was class valedictorian, earning her Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Management Accounting. Passionate about continuous learning, she has also completed an online Data Science course at Harvard, expanding her skills at the intersection of business and technology. A relentless pursuer of growth, she brings the same dedication to her family, career, and creative pursuits, always striving to inspire and make a difference.
The Giant Pumpkin in Our Garden
There it sits, right in the middle of our backyard, looking like it owns the place. A giant pumpkin, fresh from the vine, still with a little bit of dirt clinging to its skin. We picked it today, and I keep glancing at it like it might suddenly decide to roll away. It feels like… Continue reading The Giant Pumpkin in Our Garden
Minimize Pain, Maximize Pleasure, Do the Most Good
We often hear people say life is short, but many of us do not really feel its weight until something shakes us—a loss, a milestone birthday, or a quiet moment of realizing how quickly time passes. The truth is, life moves fast. We wake up, go through our routines, handle responsibilities, and suddenly years have… Continue reading Minimize Pain, Maximize Pleasure, Do the Most Good
When Life Reminds Us How Fragile It Truly Is
I heard last week that someone I once worked with has passed away. We weren’t particularly close, but back in those long office days, we shared moments—small conversations, quick laughs over work jokes, the usual rhythm of colleagues. I thought she was fine. I didn’t even know she had been sick. Maybe I missed any… Continue reading When Life Reminds Us How Fragile It Truly Is
Not Every Sorrow Belongs on Social Media
We live in an age where life’s highs and lows can be broadcast in seconds. One tap, and the world knows what you’re eating, where you’re going, and—sometimes—exactly how much you’re hurting. Social media has become a stage where both joy and grief are performed for an audience of friends, strangers, and everyone in between.… Continue reading Not Every Sorrow Belongs on Social Media
Finding a Taste of Home at Jollibee in Earl’s Court
On our second day in London this summer, we decided to take a break from the usual sightseeing and hunt for something familiar. While we enjoy exploring new cuisines, especially Japanese and Korean food, there are moments when you crave the comforting flavors that remind you of home. For us, Jollibee has always been that… Continue reading Finding a Taste of Home at Jollibee in Earl’s Court
A Sweet Sunday on the Millennium Bridge
There are days that feel like a gift, not because something big happens, but because of how quietly perfect they are. That Sunday on the Millennium Bridge was one of those days. London is rarely still, but somehow that afternoon it felt like the city had stepped aside and given us a little space. The… Continue reading A Sweet Sunday on the Millennium Bridge
Five Days in London: A Birthday, An Anniversary, and an Uber Boat
London had been on our list for a long time, but life always had other plans. Until last week, it remained one of those cities we said we’d visit “one day.” Finally, that day came, and we made it there as a family for the very first time. This trip felt extra special because we… Continue reading Five Days in London: A Birthday, An Anniversary, and an Uber Boat
Life in the Barangay: The Beauty and Bitterness of Knowing Everyone
In the Philippines, many people live in rural areas called barangays—small communities where neighbors aren’t just neighbors. They’re family, friends, and sometimes… your toughest critics. If you grew up in one, you know exactly what that means. These barangays, whether they’re nestled in the mountains, spread across fields of rice, or lined up along coastal… Continue reading Life in the Barangay: The Beauty and Bitterness of Knowing Everyone
The Trouble with Power Tripping: How Control Turns Toxic
Power trips are as old as power itself. The moment someone feels they have a little more say, control, or authority than others, the temptation to misuse it can creep in. Sometimes it’s subtle. Sometimes it’s blatant. But wherever it shows up—at work, in schools, online, in politics, or in day-to-day life—it leaves a trail… Continue reading The Trouble with Power Tripping: How Control Turns Toxic
Understanding the Difference Between 3PL and 4PL in a Clear and Simple Way
When people talk about logistics and supply chains, they often mention terms like 3PL and 4PL. These might sound complicated but they are simply two different ways businesses manage how their products move from factories to customers. Knowing the difference can help companies choose the right option to save costs, improve delivery times, and keep… Continue reading Understanding the Difference Between 3PL and 4PL in a Clear and Simple Way
When My Toddler Picks Favorites: Navigating the Preference Phase
Lately, I’ve noticed a big shift in my daughter’s behavior, and it’s been equal parts fascinating and challenging. She’s two years and five months old now, and she’s suddenly started showing strong preferences for certain caretakers—both at home and at the kita (daycare). And not just subtle preferences, either. We’re talking full-on declarations: who can… Continue reading When My Toddler Picks Favorites: Navigating the Preference Phase
When Friendship Is Tested by Silent Posts and Unspoken Debts
Lately, I’ve been quietly observing something that left me both sad and thoughtful. Two people I once saw as incredibly close friends now seem to be caught in a silent back-and-forth on Facebook. No direct words are exchanged, but the subtext in their posts is loud enough to hear. You can feel the tension between… Continue reading When Friendship Is Tested by Silent Posts and Unspoken Debts
Letting Go: The Strongest Revenge of All
There are moments in life when someone lets us down, and the hurt or disappointment doesn’t come crashing in—it arrives quietly and takes its place. Whether it’s betrayal, disrespect, or being brushed aside by someone we once trusted or respected—at work, online, among friends, acquaintances, or even family—the weight of that disappointment finds its way… Continue reading Letting Go: The Strongest Revenge of All
Correction Is Not Abuse, and Leadership Is Not About Fear
A post has been going around lately—written by a Filipino teacher—that struck a chord with many. It speaks about the frustration of not being able to discipline students anymore without being labeled abusive, of feeling powerless, of fearing backlash for simply doing what was once considered “normal.” The post paints a picture of a generation… Continue reading Correction Is Not Abuse, and Leadership Is Not About Fear
You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Building Something That Takes Time to Matter
It’s easy to feel like you’re late. Late to succeed. Late to figure things out. Late to be noticed, to arrive, to make the impact you imagined. The world moves fast, and it seems like everyone else is already far ahead, posting achievements, announcing wins, building something spectacular — or so it looks. But the… Continue reading You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Building Something That Takes Time to Matter
The Sweet Gift of Summer Berries
Some moments arrive so simply, you almost miss how special they are until you look back on them. One of those moments came to us recently, right in our backyard, over something as small and lovely as a handful of fresh raspberries. It started as an ordinary summer day. The three of us — my… Continue reading The Sweet Gift of Summer Berries
Not Everyone Deserves a Front-Row Seat to Your Journey
As we grow, it becomes clearer that not everyone is meant to walk every step with us. Life has a way of revealing who’s genuinely supportive and who’s just curious. Sometimes, we confuse access with loyalty, or proximity with care. But just because someone has known you for a long time, or happens to be… Continue reading Not Everyone Deserves a Front-Row Seat to Your Journey
Even the Moon Had to Go Through Phases to Be Whole
The moon holds a quiet kind of strength. It doesn’t scream, sparkle, or compete for attention—yet its presence is undeniable. Whether it’s just a thin crescent or shining in full, the moon reminds us that change is a natural part of life, and that true beauty doesn’t rely on being flawless. The phrase “Even the… Continue reading Even the Moon Had to Go Through Phases to Be Whole
The War the Children Didn’t Start, But Can’t Escape
The noise never truly stops. For children, the war between Iran and Israel isn’t something they read about or hear discussed in passing—it’s the sirens that yank them from sleep, the trembling ground, the walls trembling around them. The sudden roar of missiles overhead and the sharp crack of defensive interceptors have shattered the illusion… Continue reading The War the Children Didn’t Start, But Can’t Escape
The Quiet Game of Office Politics
In every workplace, beyond tasks, deadlines, and job descriptions, there’s something quieter but just as powerful shaping daily life: office politics. Whether subtle or overt, internal politics influence how people behave, who advances, and who feels stuck. It can be hard to spot at first, but its effects are lasting. What Is Office Politics? Office… Continue reading The Quiet Game of Office Politics
The Quiet Ones Speak in Their Own Way
There’s a certain kind of person who never rushes a sentence. Their voice stays low, even when others raise theirs. They don’t interrupt, don’t compete for attention, don’t fill the silence just to avoid it. Calm and soft-spoken, they move through the world with a steady presence, the kind that often goes unnoticed until it’s… Continue reading The Quiet Ones Speak in Their Own Way
When Patience Meets a Short Fuse
Some people move through the world with a quick temper, like a spark waiting for something dry to land on. Reactions are sharp. Words come fast. The tension arrives before anyone else can prepare for it. Conversations become careful. Steps get lighter. Not because fear takes over, but because some personalities demand that kind of… Continue reading When Patience Meets a Short Fuse
The Economic Power of the Mittelstand: Backbone of German Industry
If you’ve ever wondered what really keeps the German economy running—not just the flashy cars or the big-name multinationals—you have to look a bit deeper, into towns and regions far away from Berlin or Frankfurt. Tucked into smaller cities and even rural communities, you’ll find a unique group of businesses known collectively as the Mittelstand.… Continue reading The Economic Power of the Mittelstand: Backbone of German Industry
Embargo and Sanction: What They Mean and Who They Affect
Embargoes and sanctions are powerful tools that governments and international organizations use to influence or punish nations without resorting to armed conflict. Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different approaches with shared goals: to change behavior, uphold global norms, and protect national interests. An embargo is like a total blackout. One nation,… Continue reading Embargo and Sanction: What They Mean and Who They Affect
Christmas Markets and Beyond: German Traditions Explained
There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas in Germany. From the first twinkle of lights in late November to the quiet calm of early January, the season unfolds with a comforting rhythm shaped by centuries of tradition. And while the Christmas markets often steal the spotlight—with their glowing stalls, the scent of roasted almonds, and the… Continue reading Christmas Markets and Beyond: German Traditions Explained
Church Tax in Germany: Faith, Money, and the Quiet Exodus
In Germany, being part of a recognized religious institution—mainly the Catholic or Protestant church—comes with a financial commitment known as the Kirchensteuer, or church tax. It’s a unique system that’s been in place for decades, and it surprises many, especially newcomers or those not deeply involved in religious life. While for some it’s just another… Continue reading Church Tax in Germany: Faith, Money, and the Quiet Exodus
Grateful for the Pause: A Public Holiday to Catch My Breath
It’s not even the end of the week, but I’m feeling especially grateful for today. A public holiday. It sounds simple on the surface. But this one is landing like a lifeline. A pause in a calendar that has barely allowed time to think, let alone rest. Burnout doesn’t feel far away anymore. It’s circling… Continue reading Grateful for the Pause: A Public Holiday to Catch My Breath
796 Cries in Ireland That Were Never Heard
Reading the article on Sky News about the excavation at the former mother and baby home in Tuam, Ireland, shook me to my core. As a mother, it’s hard to even type this without my chest tightening. Nearly 800 infants — tiny, innocent babies — buried in a sewage system. No graves. No headstones. No… Continue reading 796 Cries in Ireland That Were Never Heard
Small Talk in Germany: Why It’s Rare and How to Navigate It
If you’ve ever visited Germany or spent time with Germans, you may have noticed something interesting: small talk doesn’t happen much. The friendly banter that comes easily in some cultures—chatting about the weather, asking about your weekend, or tossing in casual comments during an elevator ride—isn’t as common here. In fact, many visitors feel confused… Continue reading Small Talk in Germany: Why It’s Rare and How to Navigate It
