Simon

I often find myself in conversations with people who seem disengaged. While they hear my words, they frequently miss the underlying melodies that convey my message. This disconnect is frustrating—especially after sharing something personal, only to realize the listener completely missed the point. Many focus solely on the literal text, overlooking the tones and nuances that carry the true essence of the communication.  I frequently feel disappointed when my thoughts and emotions fail to resonate. I don’t believe this is solely the listener’s fault; perhaps I need to find a more concise way to share. It is possible my words come across as dissonant or my prose too lengthy, causing people to tune out. I recognize that this disconnect can stem from my own speaking style. However, what concerns me most is that, in a world where individuality reigns supreme, we have learned to prioritize our own narratives over listening to others. In a culture that values self-promotion, empathy for th...

Yesterday, I had breakfast at Organic Fresh. I ordered a smoothie bowl and a hot Thai tea. To my disappointment, the smoothie bowl was overly sweet and contained hardly any granola, making it nearly inedible. At approximately 300 baht, it left me feeling both cheated and unsatisfied, prompting me to seek a proper breakfast elsewhere. Serves me right for trying to indulge in Western “food” in Thailand! If I had been as wise as the Thais, I’d have opted for a breakfast of Pad Thai or noodles, at around 50 baht.   As I left Organic Fresh, I realized that I had consumed only 5% of my meal, indicating that 95% of my breakfast was wasted; both in terms of food and money. This experience led me to coin the term "empty money," reflecting my frustration over spending my hard-earned money on something that ultimately left me dissatisfied. Thinking of past purchases, I recognized that I’ve encountered such scenarios frequently: perhaps buying shoes only to discard them before they wore ...

Adulthood brings the pernicious illusion of control The mirage of dominion over one’s own life That allows us to feel like adults We associate this maturity with autonomy The sovereign right to determine what is going to happen to us   Disillusionment comes sooner or later It always comes It doesn't miss an appointment; It never has And when it arrives We receive it without too much surprise   No one who has lived long enough is surprised to find  That their biography has been molded by distant events By other people's wills With little or no participation from our own decisions   There is a chain of circumstances that awaits around the corner And even though we know it And are certain that those things are happening There’s no way we can anticipate them   Struggling against its effects is all we can do Nevertheless, it's always somewhat dreadful When someone reveals to us The chain that has turned us into who we are   It's always disconcerting to discover ...