As a self-proclaimed book expert, I’ve decided to put into good use all the knowledge I’ve accumulated while browsing Goodreads and readying books, instead of participating in the brutal reality we call life.

How often do we let ourselves believe in the dreams we have? More often than not, we leave reality to swipe us into our usual routines without any force, and we abandon our dreams in the back of our minds, where they will flicker silently, never actually manifesting into the real world.

I have experienced grief in many forms. It’s always painful, and the feeling can leave you empty as if something is missing, but you cannot do anything about it.

The journey of introducing minor changes, forming new habits, and gradually expanding my comfort zone is what truly set me on a path of finding peace and calmness. It wasn't about a dramatic overhaul but about evolving 10% to 20% at a time, being present for each step towards a better, calmer version of myself.

Reflecting on the time spent with a stranger whose voice I can recognise with my eyes closed and from across the room, I cannot help but feel like these people were the managers I never got to shadow.