The world is full of facades that might surprise you if you have a closer look at it—anything from buildings, software applications, and books to people, relationships, and families. There is a cover for almost everything when looked at from the outside. I think a bit of skepticism is normal and sane to avoid going … Continue reading What you see is not what you get
Tag: Life Lessons
Catch yourself
There is much written and said about human self-awareness. Things like we should know who we are, what we want, what our values are, and what we like and don't like. These aspects define us as humans. They make us different and unique. Based on this, we think, analyze, and make decisions. Self-awareness is a … Continue reading Catch yourself
Repetition, iteration, and progress
There is something magical behind these three stages: repetition, iteration, and progress. Most of us want to progress in our life, but rarely want to deal with the boring parts – repetition and iteration. But they are all intertwined. We can't have progress if we don't repeatedly work on what we want to make progress on. A project … Continue reading Repetition, iteration, and progress
Scars
Scars are beautiful. They remind us that we dared to try doing something. Scars remind us that we made it through tough situations – we survived. They remind us that we are stronger than our failures. There is a story behind every scar. It’s a story to be told to those who care, to those … Continue reading Scars
Relationships change, you adjust
There is always an easy way out of relationships. No doubt divorce rates are at around fifty percent in the United States. It’s too easy to leave when you or your spouse is not the same person compared to when you both first started dating. You will change. Your spouse will also change at some … Continue reading Relationships change, you adjust
From zero to one – a wild ride from nothing to now
I recently got promoted to being a Senior Engineer. Yes, it’s a big deal. It’s something to celebrate for and be immensely proud of. Actually, now that I think about it retrospectively, it’s a HUGE deal. It’s been a wild ride so far – one that started a few years ago amid uncertainty. It was … Continue reading From zero to one – a wild ride from nothing to now
Fighting addictions
I have a problem. How many of us can be honest and say these words not only to ourselves but to the people that love and want the best for us? I think it is necessary to often look inward and examine what, how, and why we do the things we repeatedly do. I have … Continue reading Fighting addictions
I became you
Somewhere, some time, and at some point, our paths crossed, and some part of me became part of who you were. This didn't happen by accident. We spent a considerate amount of time together, talking and laughing, sharing stories and jokes, and thinking and planning our futures. Clearly, it was difficult not to absorb some … Continue reading I became you
Living and Learning
Whatever you do, protect your motivation and self esteem at all costs. What you are attempting to do is very hard, and you should expect to suck at it for a long time. In fact, you should expect to repeatedly suck at it as you move up to more and more complex things. Don't hate … Continue reading Living and Learning
Life goes on
Life is not binary – it's not an either-or situation. It rarely is. Life is what happens to us while we are making plans – a so-called John Lennon had already said that. “Life is What Happens To You While You're Busy Making Other Plans.” — John Lennon. Life usually teaches lessons the hard way. … Continue reading Life goes on
Richard Chan 