Today, something happened that stayed with me long after we left the restaurant. What was supposed to be a simple family meal turned into a moment that tested my patience, my emotions, and my beliefs about kindness. We were sitting at our table, enjoying the meal and each other’s company. Our little daughter, who is… Continue reading A Lesson in Kindness and Rising Above Cruelty
Tag: Empathy
Why People Who Aren’t Happy With Themselves Are Mean to Others
It’s not always easy to understand why people treat others badly. Sometimes it seems like certain people are just mean for no reason. But if you look closer, a pattern often shows up. Many of the people who are harsh, cruel, or quick to put others down are actually struggling with something inside themselves. They’re… Continue reading Why People Who Aren’t Happy With Themselves Are Mean to Others
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
The Trick That Finally Worked: How I Got My Toddler to Let Me Brush Her Teeth
Parenting is a journey filled with little challenges that sneak up on you. Sometimes, it’s the big milestones—sleeping through the night, potty training, learning to talk. Other times, it’s the small, everyday things that test your patience and creativity. For me lately, it’s been brushing teeth. Or rather, trying to brush the teeth of a… Continue reading The Trick That Finally Worked: How I Got My Toddler to Let Me Brush Her Teeth
The Growing World of Stuffed Friends: Watching My Daughter Bond with Her Toys
There’s a kind of quiet magic in watching a child form attachments. Not just to people, but to the things around them—objects that somehow become more than just what they are. For my two-year-old daughter, this magic started with a small and soft gray stuffed dinosaur. We called it Baby Dino. To her, it wasn’t… Continue reading The Growing World of Stuffed Friends: Watching My Daughter Bond with Her Toys
When Rain Meets Another Rain
Rain is something we all know. It taps on our windows, soaks our shoes, brings the smell of wet earth. But have you ever thought about what rain feels? Not in a poetic, imaginary way—but in the way we might project a quiet kind of life onto something so constant, so present in the background… Continue reading When Rain Meets Another Rain
Be There When It Truly Matters
Life is made up of moments—some filled with joy, others with pain. We often imagine that being a good friend or family member means showing up to every birthday, wedding, graduation, or celebration. We think of love as confetti-filled pictures, cheerful claps, and smiling faces. And while it’s beautiful to share in someone’s happiness, there’s… Continue reading Be There When It Truly Matters
A Paper Bag of Jollibee and a Broken Heart
I came across a post on Facebook that quickly went viral. It told the story of a woman who had just given birth under heartbreaking circumstances. She labored for sixteen hours. Sixteen long, painful hours—alone. No mother, no sister, no best friend’s hand to hold. No husband’s voice to soothe her fears. Just the sterile… Continue reading A Paper Bag of Jollibee and a Broken Heart
A Scroll Through Wishes
As I scrolled through my Facebook Newsfeed today, I couldn’t help but notice how much of it is now dominated by discussions—heated, hopeful, and sometimes hostile—about the upcoming elections in the Philippines. It’s as if the platform transformed into a public plaza, buzzing with virtual voices of support, criticism, and speculation. Everyone seems to be… Continue reading A Scroll Through Wishes
The Many Ways We Learn: Beyond the Classroom
Learning is not something that only happens in a classroom. While school is one of the most traditional places we associate with gaining knowledge, it’s just one part of a much bigger picture. Every experience we have, every place we go, every person we meet, and every challenge we face has the potential to teach… Continue reading The Many Ways We Learn: Beyond the Classroom
You’ll Be Surprised by People
Life has a way of teaching us lessons when we least expect it, and one of the most powerful lessons is this—you’ll be surprised by people. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in disappointing ones, but always in ways that help you grow. People can turn out to be kinder than you thought, stronger than they… Continue reading You’ll Be Surprised by People
It’s Not All About You
Somewhere along the road of growing up, many of us get caught in a mindset that quietly whispers, “I’m the center of this story.” We don’t always say it out loud. Often, we don’t even realize we’re thinking it. But we move through the world as though other people’s actions are about us, as though… Continue reading It’s Not All About You
Live and Let Live
Life is full of different people. We all come from different places, believe different things, and live in our own ways. No two people see the world exactly the same. And that’s okay. In fact, that’s part of what makes life interesting. But sometimes, instead of respecting those differences, we try to change others or… Continue reading Live and Let Live
Are People Inherently Good or Evil?
This question has been debated for centuries, and the answer isn’t as simple as choosing one side. Human nature is complex, shaped by both biology and experience. Some believe people are born good, with kindness and empathy wired into us. Others argue that selfishness and cruelty are just as natural. The truth is, we have… Continue reading Are People Inherently Good or Evil?
Everyone Has a Story
Every person we pass on the street, every stranger we barely notice, every friend, every loved one—each carries a story within them. Some stories are beautiful, filled with joy and laughter, where life unfolds smoothly, and good fortune seems to follow like a shadow. Others are woven with pain, moments of heartbreak, or battles fought… Continue reading Everyone Has a Story
The Power of Active Listening: A Skill That Transforms Conversations
In our fast-paced world, where distractions are everywhere, truly listening to someone has become rare. Many of us hear words, but we don’t always absorb their meaning. We often wait for our turn to speak rather than focus on what is being said. This is where active listening makes all the difference. It is more… Continue reading The Power of Active Listening: A Skill That Transforms Conversations
Understanding Judgments: Why People See Things Differently
Every day, people make judgments—about events, people, and even themselves. These judgments shape decisions, conversations, and relationships. Yet, two people can look at the same situation and interpret it in entirely different ways. This difference in perception is not just a matter of opinion; it is influenced by psychology, experience, and even biology. Understanding why… Continue reading Understanding Judgments: Why People See Things Differently
The Experiences That Shaped My Growth
Life has a way of teaching us, not through textbooks or lectures, but through experiences that challenge and transform us. When I reflect on what helped me grow the most, I see a collection of defining moments—some expected, others surprising. Each one shaped my perspective, strengthened my resilience, and deepened my understanding of myself and… Continue reading The Experiences That Shaped My Growth
The Fishbowl Model: A Simple Approach to Learning and Collaboration
The Fishbowl model is an innovative and dynamic approach to learning and collaboration. It is widely used in educational settings, corporate training, and group discussions. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and flexibility. By using a small group of people to discuss a topic while others observe, the Fishbowl method allows for an engaging exchange… Continue reading The Fishbowl Model: A Simple Approach to Learning and Collaboration
Dreams for My Little Belle: A Future Filled with Promise and Possibility
As I cradle my little Belle in my arms, I am filled with a profound sense of wonder and possibility. The weight of her tiny form is both a reminder of how much she still has to grow and a symbol of the vast future that lies ahead. In this quiet moment, as she snuggles… Continue reading Dreams for My Little Belle: A Future Filled with Promise and Possibility
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life
Emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills a person can develop. It affects how we understand ourselves, interact with others, and handle challenges in life. While intelligence is often measured by academic success or problem-solving ability, emotional intelligence is about understanding emotions—both our own and those of others—and using that awareness to navigate… Continue reading The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life
