Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how people change when opportunities and wealth come their way. It’s a strange thing to witness—how success, which should be a blessing, sometimes transforms into pride and arrogance. Some people begin to act like they’re on a “God level,” as if having money or influence automatically makes them greater than everyone else.

I’ve seen how easy it is for people to forget where they came from. When the bank account is full, when doors open, and when recognition starts pouring in, humility often becomes the first thing to disappear. What’s left is arrogance—an attitude that looks down on others and a heart that no longer remembers the days of struggle.

But here’s what I’ve realized: true character isn’t built in poverty or in wealth—it’s revealed by how we handle both. A humble person, no matter how successful, will stay grounded and grateful. Meanwhile, an arrogant one will use blessings as weapons of pride.

I can’t help but think, I hope people like this don’t wait for God to humble them. Because when God does, the consequences can be devastating. That’s why I keep reminding myself and others: be humble today, even in the peak of success, greatness, and abundance. That way, if everything falls apart, you won’t fall too high or too hard. You’ll still be grounded.

For me, success should never intimidate—it should inspire. It should lift others up, not push them down. What’s the point of reaching the top if you lose the respect, love, and trust of the people around you?

At the end of the day, money or wealth is not what really makes people happy. It can’t buy genuine peace, love, or joy. And it certainly isn’t the ultimate measurement of success. To me, true success is found in gratitude, in the lives we touch, and in how we remain grounded no matter how high life allows us to rise.

✨ Reflection: Wealth and opportunities are temporary, but humility and kindness leave a lasting mark. So, if blessings come, may we carry them with grace.

When I was younger, I dreamed of visiting the places I saw in movies and on TV. I told myself, “One day, I’ll explore the world.” But as I grew older, I realized that turning those dreams into reality comes with a hefty price tag. Traveling abroad isn’t as easy as it looks—it can be very expensive if you don’t know the secrets to budget-friendly travel.

As I matured, I also noticed something: many people spend their entire lives in the same place they were born. Some never leave their city at all. Honestly, I felt the same way for a long time. I love living in Cagayan de Oro. As long as life is good here and I have work, I never saw a strong reason to leave. Still, every now and then, I take trips—to different parts of the Philippines and occasionally to nearby Southeast Asian countries. Why? Because they’re close, affordable, and don’t require a visa.

Now that I’m in my 40s, I realize I still haven’t set foot on the other side of the world. Part of it is the cost, but it’s also because I’m not much of a risk-taker. I tend to get anxious when I’m too far from home and family. Still, the passion for traveling never really goes away.

I’ve always admired those fearless travelers who seem to hop from one country to another as if it were just a weekend trip. Are they simply wealthy enough to afford it? Or do they have hidden travel hacks—like making friends abroad who offer them free accommodation? I honestly don’t know, but I do wish I did.

Maybe it also comes down to personality. I tend to be a bit shy, which makes traveling more challenging. Even asking for directions in a foreign place can feel intimidating. But I’ve learned that traveling isn’t just about reaching far-off destinations. It’s about the experiences, the people we meet, and the lessons we carry with us.

So, why do we travel? Because it opens our minds, introduces us to new cultures, and offers fresh perspectives on life. Even small trips outside our comfort zone can be life-changing, teaching us something valuable every time.

For now, I may not have traveled the whole world, but who knows? Maybe someday, I’ll find both the courage—and the budget—to go even farther.

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!

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.

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!