Personal Essay

Stepping out of my comfort zone – now that's a real challenge for me. You know, there's something oddly comforting for me about routine, about the familiar feeling of everyday life. It's like a security blanket that wraps around me, shielding me from the uncertainties that lie beyond. Sure, I've heard all about the thrill of trying new things, of exploring uncharted territories, but the fear of wasting my time/money or failing often holds me back. Take trying new restaurants, for example. I see my friends raving about this trendy Mexican place or the amazing pizza place that just opened, but I find myself hesitating. Why risk my money on something unknown when I can rely on the tried-and-true comfort of my regular Chipotle order? It's safe, it's familiar, and it never lets me down. The idea of wasting my time or money on something that might not live up to my expectations is quite large for me and it makes me reluctant to take the plunge. And it's not just ...

The classic question: Can money really buy happiness? It's a topic that sparks a lot of lively debates and dinner table discussions. Some people swear by the idea that a large wallet equals a happy life, while many others argue that life's best moments are actually free. Now, it is hard to deny that having a bit of cash in your pocket can make life easier. I mean, not having to worry about bills or where your next meal is coming from definitely reduces stress. And there's no denying the joy of being able to treat yourself and your loved ones to nice things or memorable experiences. Money can open doors, create opportunities, and let's face it, make life a whole lot more comfortable. But here's the twist – the link between money and happiness isn't as simple as it seems. It is like that excitement you get from a new gadget or a fancy dinner. At first, it's fantastic, but over time, the novelty wears off, and you're back to your regular level of happiness...

You know, the idea of "doing nothing" is a bit of a tricky one. I mean, can we really say we're doing nothing, even when we're binge-watching our favorite show or scrolling through endless YouTube videos and Instagram reels online? It's like we're always doing something, even if that something is seemingly unproductive. I've had my fair share of battles with this concept. There are days when I plan to be super productive, checking off my to-do list with gusto, but then I find myself on the couch, lost in a Netflix series black hole. At first, it feels like a guilty pleasure – a stolen moment of relaxation. But then comes the wave of guilt, the nagging feeling that I should be doing something more meaningful with my time. I've realized, though, that these moments of so-called "doing nothing" aren't really wasted. Our brains need a break, a chance to recharge. And sometimes, that means zoning out and indulging in some mindless entertainmen...

     Procrastination has been something that I am quite used to. We go way back to childhood when I would delay finishing homework or chores in favor of more entertaining activities. When there's work to be done, it slips in and whispers, "You can do this later." Though we've been companions for years, our relationship is complicated.      I both loathe and appreciate procrastination. On one hand, it completely ruins my productivity. The sink full of dishes that could be done in 10 minutes somehow stretches into an hour when procrastination lures me to scroll through social media instead. The same goes for other mundane tasks like laundry, returning emails, and especially doing homework or things for school. Procrastination makes easy things seem laborious. Yet, I also regard procrastination as a trusted confidant. It understands me in a unique way. When I'm feeling overwhelmed or anxious about a deadline, procrastination soothes me. "Take a break," it ...

I often describe myself as a lazy perfectionist, a quality I consider deeply flawed. This confusing trait, characterized by exacting standards and procrastination, has led me on a fascinating journey of self-discovery and personal growth. My journey into perfectionism began early. I was the kid who color-coded school notes, smoothed every wrinkle in my bedsheet, wrote and erased notes until my handwriting was perfect, and meticulously planned projects. With age, my perfectionism intensified. I spent hours ensuring assignments were flawless, often neglecting other vital aspects of life. On one hand, I strive for perfection; I want everything I do to be excellent, especially for school-related assignments. On the other hand, I procrastinate a lot, which some argue, is a trait of perfectionism. Instead of efficiently completing tasks, I need to catch up on details, using precious time on trivial matters. This situation is far from ideal and a constant source of frustration. I'm so fo...

     Do you ever find yourself wishing for a time long gone by, a moment when the world felt simpler and the worries of today were nothing more than what mom was cooking for lunch? If I were to choose a moment to return to from my past, it would be my third-grade field trip to the Shedd Aquarium with my classmates.      It started in the morning, when I woke up at 5 a.m., much earlier than usual, but still not an ounce of fatigue. I woke up and started packing the important stuff I would need for my big day. First I couldn’t forget my favorite plain blue shirt and my most comfortable and sophisticated buckled Nike shoes. Then I started packing the boring things, like a blanket in case I got cold, an extra pair of clothes and a towel in case I got wet, and some other items. Last but definitely not least I packed the most essential thing of all: A brand new box of Cheez-Its that my parents got for me the day before. My parents soon woke up, helped me pack my ...