The Power of Self-Control: How to Achieve the Joy of Little Victories in Life

A listener shared:“I feel overwhelmed with my business. Nothing seems to work—business permits, government documents, all of it. I only want to help the community. I feel like giving up and stopping the business. What can I do?” As a mental health professional with...

Burnout does not happen because you are weak.It happens because you have been strong for too long—often without enough support. This reflection comes from a teacher who described herself as organized, reliable, and committed to her work. Her skills were still intact....

As we step into 2026, I want to invite you to begin the year with a mindset that is often misunderstood—but deeply freeing: Acceptance. Acceptance is not giving up.Acceptance is not weakness. Acceptance is taking your power back. After more than 20 years in mental...

A Therapist’s Reflection on Teens, Safety, and Connection As a Therapist, one of the most common struggles I see in families is not a lack of love, but misunderstood intentions. Parents often come into therapy saying,“I just want to protect my child.” Teenagers come...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m tired of being nice”? Not because you want to be rude.Not because you’ve suddenly become selfish.But because you’re exhausted—emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically—from constantly adjusting to others. If this...

Many people ask, “What’s the difference between being selfish and loving myself? Aren’t they both about choosing myself?”It’s a genuine question—especially for those who grew up prioritizing others, suppressing their needs, or equating sacrifice with love. But the...

The Christmas season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many Filipino families, it can also become the most stressful. Between reunions, gift-giving, travel, and financial pressures, the joy of the season can easily be replaced with anxiety...

We often think that love needs to be expressed in grand gestures — surprise trips, expensive gifts, or dramatic declarations. But the truth is, the strongest relationships are built not on big moments, but on small, consistent ones. A hug after work.A kiss before...

In marriage, it’s easy to spot what’s missing. The undone chores. The tone of voice. The things your spouse forgot again. But here’s a gentle truth — constant criticism can dry up intimacy faster than silence ever could. The quote says, “Choose to notice, not to...

Sometimes, we wait for something big to happen before we say thank you. We think gratitude is reserved for milestones — a promotion, a dream vacation, or a major answered prayer. But in truth, joy grows when we start noticing the little things — like someone washing...