Dear Stranger You don’t know me but I hear you are going through a tough time, and I would like to help you. I want to be open and honest with you, and let you know that happiness isn’t something just afforded to a special few. It can be yours if you take the time to … Continue reading Richard Branson on Happiness
On mental health…
Mental health is a difficult topic only when we decide to avoid talking about it and pretend things are fine, or that mental health issues will eventually disappear. We put a mask on them and keep going without addressing the deeper problems happening inside our minds. But mental health issues get deeper the longer we … Continue reading On mental health…
On quitting Instagram…
It's been over twelve years since I first joined and started sharing photos of my life on Instagram. I remember the quirky in-app filters, friends sharing food and random in-the-moment pictures (before stories came out), and all the nice people I met through the platform before it became what it's nowadays. There were no influencers, … Continue reading On quitting Instagram…
Soccer is BACK ❤️
Soccer is BACK, and I am PUMPED! 💥 The start of a new season brings a renewed sense of excitement and energy for everyone on the team. We're all starting from scratch when it comes to our soccer fitness, but I know we'll rise to the challenge and come out stronger than ever. Personally, I'll … Continue reading Soccer is BACK ❤️
Adapting to the game (soccer)
I’ve stopped running long distances after my last half marathon in July this year and have thrown myself into playing soccer full time. Soccer is something I’ve loved ever since I was a kid. Although I stopped playing it competitively when I came to the US, I never stopped following and loving the sport. Playing … Continue reading Adapting to the game (soccer)
Birthday call
It was my birthday a few days ago, then important people to me started texting me birthday wishes throughout the day. I’m grateful for having them in my life. Then during the afternoon, a receive a phone call. My mind goes, “a phone call? That’s interesting and unexpected.” I looked at the caller’s name and … Continue reading Birthday call
Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part three
Mile 21 was when I knew the real marathon would start for me. This is when my body started wanting to give up, ask for forgiveness, and want to walk, all while my mind wanted to keep pushing. It’s always an internal battle between the two of them, in which the mind mostly wins. I … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part three
Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part two
The course was mostly flat, with some downhills, some uphills, and some cobblestone streets. The most memorable uphill didn’t come until mile 20.5. What a killer. It was a long uphill, not very steep, but long enough to make you suffer and wonder if it would ever end. Luckily, it did after about two minutes. … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part two
Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part one
It was 9am and Dennis and I are racing after having waited for close to two hours in the cold morning of Paris. It was Dennis’ first full marathon so as soon as we started, I told Dennis, “do your own race, don’t run with me.” Since we were aiming for different times and would … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part one
Paris marathon 2022 – sleeping, preparing, and waiting
I woke up around 6am, had water, and stretched first thing in the morning as I normally do – habits are an incredible way to achieve what you want. Right after this, Philipp and Dennis, my friends from studying abroad in Hong Kong, came over as they were also racing that day. Then we all … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – sleeping, preparing, and waiting
Richard Chan 