December 2025

There’s something magical about hearing an old song and suddenly finding yourself back in the late 80s when life felt simpler, lighter, and full of moments that still make us smile today. Sometimes all it takes is one familiar beat to bring back a thousand memories: childhood days spent playing outside, dancing without a care, and enjoying a world that moved just a little slower.

This morning, I played an 80s and 90s dance compilation we used to listen to while driving, now it’s playing here at home. I suddenly found myself missing those years, and one of the easiest ways to bring them back is through music. The beat fills the room with that familiar, happy energy. Every song unlocks another memory. Mama and I ended up talking about all the fun we had back then.

There’s this one old dance song that instantly brought me back to the year when my cousin and I joined a dance contest. I won’t go into every detail, but piece by piece, the memories came flooding back. During our number, everything went wrong. Back then we were using cassette tapes, and one got caught and tangled in the player, so a different version of the song suddenly started. I remember just freezing, not knowing what to do, and the whole performance ended up a mess hahaha!Even so, it was fun and memorable.

Back then, I often spent time alone with music, borrowing my cousin’s Walkman and some of his tapes, sitting by the window, lost in the melodies. I don’t really remember what I was thinking, only the feeling of lightness each moment brought. Kids my age would hang out on the streets, playing and dancing, and of course, experiencing those innocent little crushes. Life had a different, simple vibe for kids in the 80s and 90s. Those moments still feel so special.

Thinking back, it’s amazing how these small moments-dancing to a favorite song, running around the streets with friends, borrowing a cousin’s Walkman -still hold so much joy decades later. Life was simpler then, full of innocence, laughter, and little adventures that didn’t need to be recorded or shared, they were just meant to be felt. And yet, all it takes is a familiar beat, a melody, or a rhythm to transport us right back there, reminding us that those carefree days helped shape who we are, and that the magic of childhood never really leaves us. Even for just an hour or two, I got to travel back in time, and it felt so good. Well, I’m back in 2025, and errands are waiting now! Time to get back to reality. I almost forgot about them while reminiscing. Ciao 🫶

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas Holiday! 🎄💜

~Nodz

Photo by cottonbro studio

We often think that caring for family means putting ourselves last, pushing through exhaustion, ignoring stress, and sacrificing every bit of energy “for their sake.” But the truth is simple: our well-being sets the tone for the household, and whatever we carry inside quietly spills into the people we love.

When I cared for my sick child years ago, I learned firsthand how important it is to care for my own inner world. Writing and blogging became my safe space – a way to make sense of my emotions and keep my mental health steady. In the middle of exhaustion and uncertainty, I slowly discovered pockets of calm, humility, and kindness within myself. Spiritually, I realized that we’re not meant to be perfect. We stumble, we get overwhelmed, but God’s grace lifts us again. That season reshaped me. It matured how I see life and gave me the strength -mentally, physically, and spiritually – to survive challenges. The growth and grounding it gave me from writing were priceless, and it helped me show up stronger for my family.

Now, another season- stepping into the role of caring for my elderly mother, I’m confronted with a challenge that tests my mental strength more than anything else. Our personalities clash, and her unappreciative attitude often leaves me emotionally exhausted. I remind myself that parents come from a different generation, shaped by their own hardships and limitations, and sometimes they express themselves in ways that are difficult for us to understand. Some days, the need for quiet feels like survival, yet I still battle guilt for wanting space. But this is my responsibility, and I’m learning to face it with compassion- for her, but also for myself. This role is emotionally heavier, mentally draining, and spiritually testing. I’ve had to rebuild my mental strength, revive my spiritual grounding, and take better care of my physical health. I remind myself every day: I must care for myself first because the strength I build becomes the strength I give.

Finding small joys has helped me sustain this balance. Writing and reading nourish my mind, while walking clears my thoughts and refreshes my heart. Little routines, like mixing and matching clothes in front of the mirror or listening to music, give me quiet “Me Time” and help me regain calm. Even amidst responsibilities, I try to carve out these moments. They aren’t indulgences- they are lifelines.

Spiritually, I lean on prayer and attending Holy Mass. Prayer keeps my life aligned, reminding me that we all stumble every day, yet with God’s grace, we can recharge and continue with renewed strength.

When we take care of our own physical, mental, and spiritual health, it creates a ripple effect. We respond with patience instead of frustration. Our homes feel calmer, lighter, and more stable. Our presence becomes a source of comfort and steadiness, and our hearts grow more compassionate and understanding.

Caring for ourselves first isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation that allows us to care for our family better. The more we nurture our own well-being, the more love, patience, and strength we can offer. And in the end, when one person in the family grows healthier, everyone benefits from the ripples.

~Nodz