Sometimes it feels as though the world has opened up and swallowed you whole.

Technology is advancing at an exponential rate, and we naively try to keep up with its rhythm. So much so that we’ve become obsessed with the delusion of ‘self-optimization.’ 

You now have access to the highlight reels of everyone else’s life: celebrities, founders, artists, and creators. Everyone fights for your attention, and so, indirectly, everyone influences your decisions.

No wonder that noise has muddled your vision.

You scroll. You consume. You listen. And most certainly, you compare. Noise. Noise. Noise. The grass always seems to be greener somewhere else, and everyone on that other side wants to tell you what to do and how to live your life.

No wonder you no longer know what matters most to you.

And so, in a world that is so connected, you somehow feel so disconnected from yourself… But that doesn’t matter, you try to convince yourself. You insist: I need to do better. I must. I need to be more productive. I should.

But why do we insist on ploughing on, stumbling forward as shadows on wobbly knees, when what we need most is to allow ourselves to pause?

To pause and find some stillness amidst the mounting waves of chaos. To breathe, in and out, and to introspect and examine one’s inner world. To play a little more. To dance a little more. To sing a little more. To explore the unpaved paths inside the forest of one’s curiosity. To tune out all the noise from the outside world, and lend your ear to your inner world, so that you may allow your truth to find its voice.

We all have a calling in life—a truth.

Mine is to write, and so, I write.

I write because writing helps me tune out the noise. How else will I be able to hear the traces of music? I write because writing helps me make sense of this world, of all its beauty and chaos, mystery and malice.

I write because the very act of writing makes me feel so damn alive. Why? Because writing is an act of rebellion. To write is to think, and to think is to question. And to question is to tear pages to pieces and rewrite them anew. And to rewrite them anew is to learn and unlearn and grapple with the threads of doubt while dodging the constant stabs of fear.

I have no answers, and I will never tell you what to do.

But I will keep asking questions.

I will not attempt to walk on water, but I’ll certainly dive into it, again and again, so that I may submerge into the heart of the ocean and see what wonders I may find.

And so, I must ask you, will you swim with me?

Inspired by the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “learn how to see; realize that everything connects to everything else,” I draw lessons from philosophy, psychology, and personal life experiences to share words and ideas that’ll inspire you and me to live a more fulfilled and joyful life, one that aligns with our inner truth.

My work focuses on three areas:

1. Personal Growth: How to understand yourself better.

2. Slow Life Design: How to live a more present and intentional life.

3. Creative Success: How to achieve success in your creative pursuits.

My life philosophy? It’s anchored in an ocean of optimism. Optimism fills me with awe and wonder, the enthusiasm to keep learning, exploring, and growing, and the will to honour my creative pursuit passionately.

Aristotle once wrote that “knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,” and the reason for that is quite simple: Life transformation begins with self-transformation—you are your greatest obstacle, just as you are your greatest story. 

So, whether you’re already a creative or someone who’s itching for the courage to explore the artist inside them, join The Optimist, my bi-weekly newsletter, and together, let’s unearth the art of slow, creative, and intentional living.

Every other Sunday, you’ll receive my latest essays straight to your inbox.

 My Life Philosophy

1. You only learn by doing, so if you have an idea you crave to explore, start now—that’s the only way to learn.

2. Who you’ll become in a year’s time is a summation of your daily habits and what you do everyday, today.

3. Growth is a function of experimentation; when you stop testing new ways of doing things, you stop growing.

4. Greatness is in the process, not the result—to be great at anything, you must be consistent.

5. The doors to change are all around you; if you’re unhappy, try opening a new door in your life.

6. Creativity wins when it’s simple—don’t complicate things.

7. You can always find a reason to be grateful and give more.

8. You will find joy in life when you learn to live slow, and you can build a habit of living slow only when you begin to see what can only be felt with the heart.