Babyla's World

For as long as I can remember, I have been on the heavier side; chubby, round, and visibly carrying a few extra pounds. Growing up, I was always the kid who couldn’t keep up with the others during physical activities. While my friends played tag effortlessly, I was the one catching my breath after just a few minutes. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be fit, I just loved food a little too much and exercise a little too little. Every now and then, though, the fitness freak in me awakens like a long-lost warrior ready for battle. During these bursts of motivation, I religiously eat clean, control my portions, and exercise regularly. I become the person who wakes up early, goes for a refreshing morning walk, and chants my Buddhist mantras with renewed energy. It feels amazing, I feel lighter, and stronger, and even my skin glows with newfound vitality. I tell myself, “This time, I won’t fall back into my old habits.” And for a while, I truly believe it. But just when I reach my target weigh...

After nearly a decade, I finally found myself back in the vibrant city of Bangkok on the  2ⁿᵈ  of March, 2025, for a week-long training programme. This wasn’t just any ordinary training but an intensive and enriching experience on Quality Assurance in Higher Education, Advanced Research, and the exploration of generative AI tools. Alongside rigorous sessions, the program included both on-campus and off-campus field visits, adding a practical dimension to our learning. Little did I know that this professional journey would turn into a memorable adventure filled with warmth, beauty, and joy. The trip also came as a much-needed break from the monotonous routine of teaching. Stepping away from daily responsibilities offered a fresh perspective and a chance to rejuvenate. It reminded me how important it is to take a break from life sometimes; to recharge, reflect, and return with renewed energy and enthusiasm. The training sessions were intense, but every moment felt rewarding. The...

As I approach my 39th year, standing just a step away from the significant milestone of 40, I find myself immersed in reflection. This journey through life’s third decade has been one of transformation, growth, and an ever-deepening appreciation for the present moment. Each passing year brings with it lessons of patience, acceptance, and the quiet strength of knowing when to hold on and when to let go. And as I take stock of the people and experiences that have shaped me, my heart swells with gratitude for the love, companionship, and support surrounding me. Over the years, I have noticed a remarkable transformation within myself. My once neurotic tendencies have softened, and I have become more patient, more composed. I lose my temper far less frequently now, and while this shift feels like growth, it also leaves me wondering. Should I be grateful for my increasing ability to tolerate people, events, and circumstances; or should I question whether I am simply becoming more tamed and s...

Disclaimer: This blog post was originally written in 2015 and is being republished here on my Blogspot. Some references, experiences, or opinions shared may reflect when it was written. Enjoy reading, and thank you for revisiting this piece with me!   Though I am not someone who typically craves chocolates, cakes, or pastries; I am just not a sugar person, whenever I do get a sudden urge for something sweet, the memory of one particular pastry always comes to mind: the orange cupcake. It all started one weekend when I went on a long drive with my ex. As we cruised along, we passed a fancy bakery, and out of nowhere, I had a craving for cake. "Babyla! There's a bakery! I want a cake," I yelled. He raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Since when do you eat sweet things?" he asked, as it was so unlike me to indulge in sugary treats. But we pulled over anyway. He decided to have an ice cream, while I found myself scanning the pastry display with curiosity. He star...

I have always believed that the first month of the year sets the tone and mood for the months that follow. That’s why I make a conscious effort to speak and act in ways that foster peace and positivity, both for myself and those around me. As we step into February, I find myself reflecting on how the first month of the year unfolded. And what better way to reflect than to put pen to paper and capture the essence of January’s moments? The year kicked off with a bang in my professional life, and I’ve never been so busy or immersed in academic work. While it meant sacrificing holidays, it also gave me the invaluable opportunity to explore and learn something entirely new. I spent countless hours researching and reading literature related to my assignments. There were moments when I felt tempted to give up, but the stubborn side of me refused to give in. I found myself drowning in an overwhelming sea of readings, each one leaving me more confused than the last. Despite the challenges, the...

As the year draws to a close, I feel compelled to reflect on twenty seventeen—a year that profoundly changed my life and perspective. This write-up is both a celebration and a reminder of the milestones achieved and the lessons learned. The year stands out for two significant accomplishments: completing my Master’s in Psychology and achieving my reading challenge. Both were cherished childhood dreams that took over two decades to realize. These milestones have filled me with an immense sense of pride, and while I may sound smug, I believe this moment deserves to be celebrated. After two years abroad, I returned to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, my homeland. Living alone in a foreign land among people from diverse countries was an experience that tested my resilience. The struggles of those two years often found their way into my blogs and social media posts, reflecting the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar environment. My survival through those years was thanks to the unwaverin...

Well, if you know me, it probably won’t come as a surprise to read that I am not a morning person. This will actually be my second blog post on the topic of morning walks—something I often complain about in real life, not just in my writing. Yet, here I am, drawn back to this topic because my relationship with morning walks continues to evolve in ways I never expected.  In fact, my relationship with mornings has always been complicated, a true love-hate affair, if I had to put a name to it. There are times in my life when I am deeply committed to personal growth, which I jokingly refer to as a telltale sign of my ongoing existential crisis. During those phases, I make a conscious effort to wake up early. But let’s be honest: those phases never seem to last long. It still surprises me that it’s been over two months since I made a simple yet powerful change in my routine: I started waking up early to go for morning walks. My on-again, off-again relationship with mornings has taken a ...