L I F E

When I was young, around 7 to 10 years old, I always wondered why my sisters and other adults were always stressed, even though they had freedom and some money to do whatever they wanted. Once, my sister told me that when I got older, I would understand. I guess I took her words lightly.

Now that I’m well into adulthood, I constantly feel stressed - whether it's from my demanding job, societal pressure, peer pressure, or family expectations. Most of the time, I feel like I can’t breathe.

They say happiness is in your hands, you just have to choose it. I want to believe that, but it’s easier said than done. I try to fall in love with my life, but things keep dragging me down again and again.

As human beings, how do we strengthen ourselves to fight all these external pressures?

"If you’re not happy where you are now, you won’t be happy anywhere else." I take this to heart.

I’ve started to enjoy my life a bit more—baby steps.

I’ve begun to observe life around me: myself, my colleagues, my friends, and my family.

I’ve picked up new hobbies and joined activities with strangers, like playing badminton and going hiking in my own country.

I stay active—playing sports like badminton and working out at home (to save money and because it’s more comfortable).

I’ve noticed a positive shift in both my mental and physical health.