jessa

Everyday Stories, Lived

Blog

This is a collection of stories and daily musings.

  • The science behind why we synchronize with people

    A 2019 study on how strangers, friends, and lovers show different physiological synchrony in different emotional states highlighted several key findings (as quoted from the journal article): Read more


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  • Paying bills and taking financial responsibility

    “I used to think paying bills was a real pain, but now I see it as my ‘bill-ity’ to keep the lights on!” Pun generated using ChatGPT with the prompt: “make a pun about paying bills.” It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the bills you have to pay, especially when you live beyond your means.… Read more


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  • Crossing over

    The first day of change is hard. Why? Because you’re trying to find your rhythm again now that you can’t proceed with your usual routine anymore. But once you find your groove and figure out how to structure your day, repeating or improving it the next day becomes easier. And once you have crossed over… Read more


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  • Not stopping at second-best

    Although we may find a soothing alternative to the one we hope to have, the alternative can never compare to what we truly desire. And so we wait, even when the absence seems to grow. We focus on what’s important and keep doing the work while waiting. When the opportunity comes, we don’t shy away.… Read more


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  • Too absorbed by our storylines

    When all we hear is the sound of our voices in our heads, we may find it challenging to relate with others, especially when we are too absorbed by our storylines to bother about other people. Often, the thoughts in our heads get so overwhelming that we can’t go past ourselves and see others, connect… Read more


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  • Entering new spaces

    My husband and I never explored a commercial district we usually visit for supplies, even before we married. When we did, we allowed ourselves to wander for some time, occasionally asking for directions (in person and via online maps). It’s even amazing how we did not hurry but made the most of our time together.… Read more


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  • The Philippine map (lego map style)

    Playing with Legos was a core childhood memory that still elicits a smile whenever I think about it. And now that I’m an adult, playing with one isn’t something I do anymore.  While exploring how to use QGIS during the pandemic, I thought about making a Lego map style. However, since I still need to learn… Read more


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