Ruminations: 30
I don’t drink as much, I can’t fill up my days with as many shenanigans as I like, but I can be more honest and I’ve become more certain of what is worth my time and energy and what isn’t. While I still have hang-ups of my own, honestly, I loved entering my 30s and starting from a place where it was no longer about fulfilling the definitions I set for myself.
It was just 30, and I let it happen without protest. It’s not about getting my first literary award, completing an MA, or even my first million pesos. It is about making a plan and sticking to it, even when it’s as mundane as wanting a choco-butternut donut and actually getting one on the way. It’s about consistently telling your nearest and dearest that you love them even if you can’t see them, and finally seeing them beyond that chat video app.
Ease into your thirties. Embrace your mortality and let it surprise you. Be shocked, be amazed…or just scoff and carry on.
The Grad School Survival Guide in Doodles
I haven’t had time to update because of this.
Are you a graduate student? How did you survive graduate school?
Mapping Out a Sky
I am actually forcing myself to write this blog entry. I want to write something that commemorates my first year of teaching in an actual classroom outside of ESL or special enrichment classes. Here’s an admission: I’m scared to write it out
[Portfolio] Que Horror! When Family Reunions Go Wrong
First published on Female Network, November 23, 2013. This assignment was a lot of fun to do.
The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s that magical time of the year where everyone gets together–and you know we mean every one. Family time does not always mean happy time, even on special occasions. Here are a few scenarios which may sound uncomfortably familiar, and a tip or two on how to survive them.
Continue reading “[Portfolio] Que Horror! When Family Reunions Go Wrong”
Letter Better
I first took up calligraphy and lettering to reconnect with words. It did more than that. It taught me to be brave, to focus, to let go when need be. More than the practice of lettering, I wanted it to help people from the inside. That’s how the Letter Better inspiration sessions began, and in time for the new year.
The first session was partially inspired by Patti Dubrowlski’s Tedx talk on visualizing your future. The first part involved the power of words, how to change one’s use of language to turn one’s hopes, dreams, and wishes into something that can be done. The second part helped participants visualize this with the use of lettering basics. Depending on the group, it can be more than that. For one group, it was about reconnecting with their creativity and cementing their goals. For another group, it strengthened their sense of community and sharing.
I am always in awe of how much art and crafts, from the very time a skill is applied, reveals. Wouldn’t you want to find out?
If you would like to hold a Letter Better inspiration session for you, your friends, and/or your organization in the Philippines, contact me at myachi at gmail dot com. Rates and packages can be customized to your needs.