Once you've decided on an end-goal, it's so easy to get swept up in the motion of the little things: the to-do list you checkmark for every small detail or task needed to get you where you're overly prepared to be. It's so easy to get caught up in the minor things and forget to focus on yourself.

This is, of course, one of the biggest wrongdoings we can commit. One which I myself am quite guilty of during busy times like my recent move back to L.A. It's like they always say during the safety overview before liftoff: always attend to yourself before you can attend to others (or, other things). Focusing on yourself and your well-being is not selfish, it's necessary.

Recently I got into a light discussion with my talented friend Elvis, who shot these photos. It was about guilt, or moreso, "Asian/South Asian guilt" associated with respect for elders, and having been raised to tend to them first and foremost. We both found ourselves feeling similarly after my move to Los Angeles, and his to New York—simply for following our dreams. In no sense or form have either of our parents actually intentionally made us feel guilty; it's simply an afterthought of the values we were ingrained with. In fact, they've been more than supportive on both our moves; it's our own internal thoughts that bring us feeling wracked with guilt, for leaving them when we should, in fact, be standing on our own two feet & focusing on our careers as we are doing now.


Don't let yourself forget that you too, are human, and in need of your own love & care. Focusing on yourself is not selfish, if it's for the overall greater good. In fact, focusing on things that better the quality of your everyday is what should truly be on the top of your to-do list. The lack of this will implement itself into your daily life, and you'll definitely be able to notice. Without a better analogy at hand, this can even include going to the gym, for some—the endorphins definitely bring about a different quality of life, and one can notice the difference when they miss the gym for a few days.


For me, things that better the quality of my everyday life are a bit different. I tend to focus more on the aspects of manifestation, gratitude, and setting an intention for the day. Though you might not see me at the gym, it definitely doesn't mean you won't catch me making moves. And I won't be feeling guilty about it either. xx