It's Worth Your Wage - A Guide to a Fresh Start!

  #43 - 2/16/2025 From Fear to Freedom: How Talking to Your Fears Can Change Your Life Several years ago, I discovered that a simple but intense fear would overtake me every time I was making a left turn or driving along a two-lane highway. It wasn’t just any fear—it was the fear of encountering a Semi 18-wheeler coming from the opposite direction. It’s a fear that still lingers today, though I’ve found a way to manage it, and in doing so, I’ve transformed my relationship with fear in general. At first, it seemed completely irrational. Why should the presence of an 18-wheeler, a vehicle designed for long-haul travel, trigger a visceral reaction of anxiety in me? After all, I knew I was a capable driver, and the truck was just a vehicle like mine—only much larger. But no amount of logic could stop my body’s automatic response. The tightening chest, the rush of adrenaline, and the internal voice telling me to be careful—every time, without fail. But then I was given a tip that would ...

#42 1/22/2025 I've Seen Wonders: Reflections on Life's Moments Introduction: Life is a tapestry woven with experiences, each moment a thread that adds depth and color. Recently, I found myself reflecting on the extraordinary and everyday sights that have shaped my journey. Inspired by a rare snowfall in Louisiana, I wrote a poem titled "I've Seen," capturing snapshots of my life. In this blog, I break down each part of the poem, sharing the stories and emotions behind these moments. I've Seen I've seen volcanoes at rest, Their mighty peaks in calmest jest, From the Philippines to Italy, Their silent strength humbling me. I've seen dolphins on a Guam sunset, swim in sync, A fleeting dance at twilight's brink. I've seen the wintry days of Delaware accumulate ice and snow, A frozen world where whispers grow. I've seen the Statue of Liberty with her torch held high, A beacon of hope against the sky. I've seen the Vietnam Wall, so solemn and...

  #41 - 01/05/2025 Embracing Goals Over Resolutions: My 2025 Journey Begins On this day in 2012, I sat down with a sheet of paper, divided it in two, and created what I called a "Rebuild List." At the time, it felt like a lifeline—a tool to climb out of my biggest setbacks and regain control of my life. What started as a desperate measure has since evolved into a structured system for setting actionable, meaningful goals that guide my journey every year. Over the years, I’ve refined this process by revisiting old journals, notes, and plans. As I look back through the records I’ve kept since 2014, I see a clear progression—a story of growth, learning, and transformation. Each page reveals small steps forward, occasional setbacks, and the undeniable power of persistence. In 2020, a pivotal moment reshaped my commitment to personal growth. Just days before the first pandemic case was reported in the U.S., I resolved to make that year one of profound change. I picked up a book ...

  Image credit : Free Malaysia Today   #40 12/18/2024 Money, Mindfulness, and Meaning: A Deeper Look at Financial Freedom I've always been intrigued by the classic question, "If money were no object, what would you do?" But recently, I decided to reframe it: "If money were no object, how would it change how I feel right now?" This simple shift in perspective led to a profound exploration of my relationship with money and my overall well-being. The Illusion of Infinite Wealth At first glance, the idea of infinite wealth might seem like a dream come true. It's easy to imagine a life free from financial worries, where every desire can be fulfilled. However, the reality is far more complex. While financial security can certainly alleviate stress and provide opportunities, it doesn't necessarily guarantee lasting happiness. In fact, studies have shown that beyond a certain point, increased wealth often has diminishing returns on overall life satisfaction. Thi...