Getting Back on Track: My Journey to Fitness

A few years ago, I committed to intermittent fasting, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world on lockdown, working from home in the IT industry here in Cagayan de Oro made it easier to strictly follow the 8/16 fasting routine. The fear of going out and socializing also played a role—no random food trips, no late-night cravings from eating out with friends. It was just me, my routine, and my discipline. Eventually, I even pushed myself further, sometimes doing one meal a day (OMAD). Surprisingly, my body adapted well, and hunger wasn’t as much of a struggle as I initially thought.

Within 3-4 months of strict fasting, I lost over 10 kilos. It felt amazing—my body felt light, movements became effortless, and simple things like tying shoelaces or walking up the stairs felt like a breeze. But as the weight dropped quickly, I decided to shift from fasting to portion control instead. It was a more balanced approach, and I maintained my progress well.

However, as the world reopened and the pandemic restrictions lifted, social life came back in full swing. Going out with friends and family almost always involved food. While I still tried to control my portions, the little indulgences here and there led to gradual weight gain—not too much, but enough for me to notice. My once-flat stomach, where I could proudly see and flex my abs, now has a bit more volume than before. These days, I find myself reaching for a shirt before posing for a photo instead of confidently showing off my progress.

Now, my biggest challenge is getting back into the fasting habit. Unlike the lockdown days, maintaining discipline feels harder with all the social gatherings, celebrations, and restaurant invites. Work and other responsibilities also take up most of my time, leaving little room for exercise, especially my once-regular morning walks and strength training.

But I’m determined to change that. From now on, I want to refocus on my fitness goals—to shed a bit of weight, get back to my ideal size, and regain that feeling of lightness. I’ll start with small, consistent steps, like walking every morning again. It won’t be easy, but I know that if I did it before, I can do it again. Here’s to getting back on track and working towards the body I truly want!

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Why Some People Are Toxic to Some, but Not to Others

Human relationships are complex and multifaceted. One person may be seen as toxic by some but deeply cherished by others. This phenomenon can be puzzling, leading people to wonder why perceptions of the same individual vary so drastically. The answer lies in the different levels of understanding, personal experiences, interaction styles, and even emotional spectrums that shape how people perceive and relate to others.

The Subjectivity of Toxicity

The idea of someone being "toxic" is subjective. What one person finds intolerable might be acceptable or even endearing to someone else. Factors such as personality compatibility, past experiences, emotional intelligence, and personal biases influence how people judge and interact with one another.

For instance, a person with a blunt and straightforward nature may be perceived as rude or harsh by someone who values diplomacy and subtlety. On the other hand, another individual who appreciates honesty and directness may find that same person refreshing and genuine. This is why the same behavior can be admired by one person while being detested by another.

The Role of Experience and Emotional Spectrum

People’s reactions to others are largely influenced by their own experiences and emotional spectrums. Someone who has had negative encounters with individuals exhibiting certain traits may be quick to label a person as toxic if they display similar characteristics. Conversely, those who have had positive associations with such traits may feel a connection instead of resentment.

For example, an assertive leader in the workplace might be seen as inspiring and motivating by some employees, while others might perceive them as overly aggressive and dominating. The difference lies in individual sensitivities, upbringing, and the experiences that have shaped their views on authority figures.

Level of Understanding and Interactions

Each person processes interactions based on their level of understanding and social awareness. Close friends of a seemingly toxic individual may see a side of them that casual acquaintances or strangers do not. Deep, personal relationships often allow for more context, enabling friends to see beyond the behaviors that others may find problematic.

Moreover, the frequency and depth of interaction influence perception. Someone who only encounters a person in stressful environments may associate them with negativity, whereas those who engage with them in relaxed settings might perceive them as fun and kind. The context in which people interact plays a crucial role in shaping opinions about one another.

Why Some Hate, While Others Love

No person is universally loved or hated. Some individuals naturally align with others due to shared values, interests, and personalities. At the same time, clashes occur when differences become irreconcilable. This is why an individual may be adored within their circle but disliked by others who fail to connect with them on the same level.

For instance, a comedian with a dark sense of humor may be admired by fans who appreciate that style but offend those who find such humor inappropriate. A person’s traits and behavior are not inherently good or bad; rather, they resonate differently depending on the observer’s perspective.

Embracing Differences in Perception

Understanding that people perceive others through the lens of their own experiences and emotions can help foster empathy and reduce unnecessary conflict. Instead of labeling someone as entirely toxic or wholly good, it is helpful to recognize the complexity of human nature.

Rather than engaging in harsh judgment, practicing open-mindedness and acknowledging different perspectives allows for healthier relationships. People are not one-dimensional, and everyone has both positive and negative qualities. Accepting that perceptions vary can lead to greater acceptance and understanding in human interactions.

Conclusion

People are seen differently depending on who is looking. What one person considers toxic, another may see as loyal, honest, or even admirable. Differences in experience, emotional spectrum, interaction levels, and understanding shape how people perceive and relate to others. By acknowledging these variations, we can better navigate relationships with empathy, patience, and a more balanced perspective.

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Love Beyond Valentine's Day!

As Valentine's Day draws near, the world prepares for a grand celebration of love. Romantic movies will dominate theater screens, restaurants will be fully booked, and florists will sell out as red roses fill the air. Chocolates and sweets will disappear from store shelves, love songs will play on repeat, and inboxes will overflow with heartfelt messages. Everywhere you look, red will be the color of the day—red shirts and hats for men, red dresses and ribbons for women. Heart-shaped chocolates, balloons, plates, and even kiss marks will serve as symbols of affection.

But should love be confined to just one day? Why celebrate it once a year when we have the chance to make love a daily expression? Imagine a world where love and kindness take center stage, where peace replaces hatred, and violence becomes a thing of the past. A world without conflict, without senseless destruction—a dream, perhaps, but one worth striving for.

This Valentine's Day, let’s go beyond tradition. Let’s embrace love not just for a single day, but as a way of life. Let’s be kinder, more compassionate, and more understanding—every day. Because in the end, love isn’t about grand gestures on February 14th; it’s about the small, everyday moments that make the world a better place.

Wishing everyone a heart filled with love, today and always. Happy Valentine's Day!

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