A Season Of Renewal: Reflecting On Progress And Gratitude

Two and a half months ago, I shared a post titled "Handling Challenges With Positivity: Improving Health When There Is Less Work", where I opened up about the struggles I was facing and the mindset I hoped to adopt to navigate them.  Today, as I look back on that chapter, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and renewed clarity.  Life has not become perfect, but I have changed, improved and adapted, and that in itself has made a world of difference for myself.

Better in Body, Mind, and Spirit

Since November 2024, I have lost 9% of my body weight.  That milestone did not come overnight, instead it came through consistent effort, healthier habits, and a shift in priorities.  More importantly, my latest health checkup confirmed that every one of my health metrics has either improved or stayed at a good level since February 2025.  This validation from within (my own body) means more to me than any external affirmation.  It is a reminder that progress often happens quietly, but steadily, when we care for ourselves intentionally.

Financial Health through Simplicity

Alongside my physical transformation came improvements in my financial habits.  I have been spending significantly less on unhealthy snacks and impulsive food purchases, partly because I have replaced snacking time with movement, and partly because I have become more conscious about what truly nourishes me.  Based on my records, it seems like my expenses have declined by approximately 15%!

This shift not only contributes to better health but also gives me clearer financial insights.  I am starting to extrapolate what my spending might look like if I were to Barista FIRE progressively starting next year.  And further down the road, when I fully FIRE, I now have a much more grounded estimate of what I will need.  Living with purpose and intentionality has brought both clarity and calmness to my financial outlook.

Patience, Peace, and Presence in Work

One of the most significant changes I have experienced has been emotional.  I have become more patient, especially with my students.  Looking back, I am proud to say that I have not lost my temper with any of them this year (though I am not supposed to in the first place, but being human, agitation is unavoidable when dealing with students).  It is a small but meaningful achievement.  Remaining calm and centered during every lesson has helped me build better connections, and at the same time, it has had a positive ripple effect on my own mental health and blood pressure.

This peace of mind, this emotional discipline, did not happen by accident.  It came from making space, physically, mentally, and emotionally, for better habits, better thoughts, and better energy.

A Note of Gratitude

Today, I just want to say thank you.  Thank you to the past version of me who decided not to give up.  Thank you to the people who support me, whether knowingly or silently.  Thank you to life’s little challenges, which taught me the importance of slowing down, listening inward, and adjusting my course.  I am learning that self-care is not a luxury, instead it is a responsibility.  And progress is not always dramatic, instead it is often quiet, steady, and deeply personal.

Here’s to living lighter, living wiser, and staying the course.  Barista FIRE, here I come...!