Navigating stress in adulthood

It's exam season, and the stress is real.

My second semester MBA exams have started and are being held continuously over this week. There is nothing more tiring than a weeklong series of exams held in the early morning.

I have to travel about 20+ kilometers to write my exams and then travel back home during rush hour, only to prepare for the exam scheduled for the next day.

Along with the seven subjects of the MBA second semester, I also have a carryover from my first semester, which I missed writing due to a lack of preparation time.

Every day, I feel so dizzy in the exam hall. The three-hour exams are so boring, and I need to keep writing answers in the 44-page answer booklet.

I wake up at 6:00 AM to revise the subject and quickly skim over the key points. At about 8:00 AM, I take a quick shower and eat my breakfast. By the time I finish my breakfast, I tend to start forgetting most of the concepts I learned, and the stress slowly begins to build. By 8:45 AM, I pack my bag to travel to the exam center.

The exam is at 10:00 AM. When the invigilator hands over the question paper, I forget everything.

At this moment, I can closely relate to Mr. Bean when he went to take his exam.

The struggle to attempt exams is real, especially in adulthood, and it can bring a sense of lower confidence and self-doubt.

But I don't give up. My goal is not to be a top scorer but to acquire as much knowledge as possible and pass the exam. 

Some measures I take to control the stress:

1. drink ample amount of water
2. use a clickable pen, this will allow to keep pressing on the back of the pen during a stress condition, which allows to relax due to fiddling [change of focus].
3. pause for a moment when stuck and take a deep breath (in and out).
4. sit near a window or a well-ventilated space comfortably and allow cold air to flow near and around (both while studying as well as, if possible, for the exam).
5. use time wisely.

[These are my personal ways to control stress. I am not sure if it's a scientific method or not, but this has worked out for me]

Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary to Us!

 

Yesterday, May 21st, marked my second wedding anniversary. I couldn't believe that we have already completed two wonderful years—here's to many more days filled with love!

My wife surprised me with a beautiful custom-made caramel cake.

She went all out to create a delightful design on top featuring Tom and Jerry—I absolutely loved it. Her intention was to capture the strong and vibrant relationship we share.

It was a truly blessed and happy day to cherish. Thank you, Vinu—I love you!

Some stuff on blogging: IndieWeb, POSSE and Blogroll

I have been craving to write about the independent web and how I have started being a part of this culture. This post is gonna be quite a long one, 'cause it's a personal + technical one and an open writing.

The Beginning

I started my journey with the IndieWeb in 2023 when I first created a webpage on GitHub using HTML and CSS. I didn’t use any templates, rather hand coded everything from ground zero — for my love to code in HTML and CSS. 

I’m not a fan of JavaScript or other fancy webstuff, as I don’t feel comfortable with them (not my cup of tea). 

Though I have coded some basic coding in JavaScript and have a good knowledge of data structures, unfortunately, I don’t enjoy the process.

My main motive to maintain a blog is to embrace my love to write but present them in the most suitable way, correlating with the mood I want to set for my writings. On my research and learning about designing and CSS frameworks, I realized that the blog required a minimalist look, which allowed readers to engage with the post directly.

I planned out my layout and designed a static page with posts in simple HTML. I used my ASCII art skills to create landing image on the top. May be more on this story in other blog.

My exposure to IndieWeb

As I started to look into how others create blogs or websites for writing, I came across a group who appreciated a different approach, called IndieWeb. 

IndieWeb is a movement that promoted having an independent web, rather than relying on social media to publish our work—be it writing, photography, poetry, videos, drawings and sketches, etc.

The concept was all about owning the content and not falling for SEO and the algorithms of social media while publishing content. You probably know that I don’t have a niche. I blog random topics from a list of interest areas that I like to read or write about—basically, whatever strikes an interest in me.

I came to the realisation that social media algorithms are controlled by some random dude who cares nothing for the creator. I used to blog on Tumblr and Instagram, and I saw very little engagement due to the algorithm being selective about what it displays. Social media is not social anymore—rather, it’s psycho media, based purely on psychological behavior trends of its users.

You check out some random reel of a cat today, and you’ll see mostly cat reels piled up on your dashboard or homepage the next minute. The app just wants someone to be specific. I created multiple Instagram pages—one for my personal blog, another for my abstract art, one for my typography art, one for my poetry, and one for my write-ups. This became a big nightmare as I had to post regularly on all of them, and it was hard.

I was not able to post what I wanted, nor show my work properly. My posts were not even displayed on the home page/dashboard of my close friends who used to like my feed before.

This made me rethink and shift to the independent web: IndieWeb.

In short, maintaining an IndieWeb helps its users retain full ownership of their content and present it exactly as they want. No algorithm would judge the content or determine its fate; that is left to the humans reading it.

Since I started writing on my blog, I started reading and learning more about such concepts. I got exposed to concepts like POSSE and Blogroll.

What is POSSE? 

POSSE stands for Publish (on your) Own Site, Syndicate Elsewhere.

So basically, POSSE is a principle in which the independent creators on web, first publish their content on their own websites. This content will be later reshared on other social media platforms using a link alone or CTA story followed by the link to their original write up on the website.

I started writing all my write-ups and publish them first on my own site, and then I share it (fully or partially) on other platforms like:

• Twitter

• LinkedIn

• Medium

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Newsletters, etc.

This is called syndication. Syndicating your content helps you maintain ownership, as your site remains the original source. By posting across different social platforms, you increase the chances of visibility and discovery among various audiences.

So now I have a single face on my social media as a "blogger". I publish just a brief on the story and link to the post on my blog. The original post is published on my website (unless I write for someone else).

The core idea of POSSE is:

1. You control your content (since it lives on your site).

2. You reach your audience where they are (by syndicating it).

3. You retain a canonical version of your work on your domain, which helps with longevity, archiving, and SEO.

Blogroll

A blogroll is a list of links to other blogs or websites that a blogger recommends. It's usually found on the side or bottom of a blog. The purpose of a blogroll is to share favorite sites with readers, helping them discover new content that the blogger enjoys or finds useful.

I got a blogroll running through my 😎 Cool Bloggers page.

Today I have also become a part of a very successfully running Blogroll:

Screenshot from the https://blogroll.org/

This way being on a blogroll, can help others interested to know about my blog and may be get converted to regular readers.

Relying on a self-made blog, though the blog is hosted on Blogger and domain registered on Squarespace, brings in a couple of advantages:

• Being part of a worldwide Blog lovers
• Being part of a movement
• Own your writing and content

Joining the IndieWeb has changed my writing journey for the better. It allows me to own my content and share it freely without worrying about social media algorithms. With the POSSE approach, I can publish my work on my own site and still share it on other platforms, helping me connect with more readers.

Being part of a blogroll has also helped me meet other bloggers and grow my audience. This community supports each other and makes sharing our work more enjoyable.

As I continue on this path, I look forward to exploring new ideas and connecting with others. I encourage everyone to consider the IndieWeb, where you can express yourself freely and share your unique voice with the world.

You’ve been wrong about sudoku all along!

Hey buddy, quick question, where do you think Sudoku actually comes from?

Thats an easy question. Japan, right?

I mean, it’s a Japanese puzzle! Who doesn't know that. 

You’d think so! 

Yes OfCourse! What do you mean, that it's not Japanese?

Sudoku is not originally Japanese. Shocking, huh? It's actually a French game.

Are you kidding me? But the word is Japanese! How can it not be from Japan?

I know, it’s confusing. The name “Sudoku” is Japanese, sure, but the puzzle itself has a much older, international history. It actually traces back to 19th-century France.

France?! No way. How did it end up there?

So, there was this French mathematician, Édouard Lucas. He invented something called “Latin Squares”.

What is that?

It's basically grids where each number or symbol appears only once per row and column. That’s basically the DNA of Sudoku.

Huh, Latin Squares... sounds fancy but kinda boring compared to Sudoku.

True, it’s more abstract math stuff. 

So, is that what evolved to Sudoku?

Not exactly. Fast forward to the 1970s, an American architect named Howard Garns took that concept and created the first puzzle that looks exactly like modern Sudoku. He called it “Number Place.”

An architect? Designing puzzles? That’s unexpected!

Right! He wasn’t just sketching buildings instead he was building brain teasers. Then, this puzzle traveled to Japan in the 1980s, where it exploded in popularity. The Japanese publishers gave it the name “Sudoku,” meaning “single number,” and boom! It became a cultural phenomenon.

So, Japan basically gave it a catchy name and made it famous worldwide. That’s some serious rebranding power.

Exactly! It’s a brilliant example of how ideas evolve, and they’re never truly owned by one place. Sudoku’s journey from French math to Japanese bestseller is a global adventure.

That actually makes playing Sudoku feel cooler, like you’re part of a puzzle with a secret international backstory.

Totally! Next time someone brags about Sudoku being Japanese, you can school them with the real story.

Now I want to try “Number Place” puzzles next.

Reference:  Math Games:Sudoku Variations

Jenga of Life

Life often feels like a game of Jenga.

We start with a steady base, which often depends on our upbringing, our early experiences and the people who shape us.

As we grow, we begin stacking over the existing base: new jobs, relationships, lessons learned, goals, failures, wins. 

Each move we make is built on what came before. Just like in Jenga.

We’re always try to balance between and within the existing situations and happening in life: pulling from here, shifting there, trying to keep things upright while still making progress.

Sometimes, a piece falls. 

A plan doesn’t work out. 

We lose something or someone. 

We’re left staring at the mess, wondering what to do next. But just like in the game, we don’t throw the tower away. 

We rebuild. 

We learn. 

We use what’s left to create something new, maybe even stronger than before.

Success doesn’t come from never making mistakes. It comes from having a solid foundation and the ability to adjust when things get shaky. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. Being aware. Staying calm. Making thoughtful moves when it matters.

And most of all, remembering it’s just a game. One to be played with curiosity, courage, and a little bit of fun.

Just continue to play, no matter the times you fall. If the base is not strong, build reinforcement and try to support.

Take risk and "build again" if it falls.

Take risk and "build again" if it stands.

Take risk and build again, to be in the game.

Life is like Jenga: built on experience, shaped by change.

Milestone Achieved: Celebrating Our First 1,000 Visitors!

It has been a constant effort to attract readers to my website organically. I have been using Blogger for the past two and a half months and am just beginning to learn about how to use SEO on Blogger.

My goal was to reach at least 1,000 views within three months. Given my small circle of friends, I had little hope of achieving it. However, I’m excited to share that I finally hit 1,000 views last night at midnight!

My Journey So Far

My first post was published on March 8, 2025, and it was about my favorite game: Sudoku. Since then, I have published 15 posts on various topics. I’m thrilled to have reached this milestone, especially on days when my site received up to 100 views!

This achievement has motivated me to create and share even more content for my dear readers.

Upcoming Content Ideas

In the next three months, I have some exciting new ideas that I can’t wait to share:

1. A new series on the history of puzzles and arcade games.
   
   I plan to research and write about the history of puzzles and arcade games. As someone who has enjoyed playing and solving puzzles for a long time, I’m eager to explore their cultural significance and evolution.
   
   
2. Publishing my poetry and haiku
   
   I write Haiku, a form of short poetry that conveys deep meaning, often using metaphors related to nature and animals. I intend to publish my Haiku as a digital collection on my blog, and if they resonate well, I may compile them into a book in the future.
   
   
3. Participating in IndieWeb blog chains, carnival and online challenges
   
   I’m looking forward to engaging with the blogging community through various challenges and collaborations.

Looking Ahead

My next milestone is to reach 2,000 views and maintain a consistent daily readership of 50 or more.

Join the Journey!

I would love to hear from you! What topics would you like to see covered in my upcoming posts? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback and support mean the world to me as I continue this journey. Thank you for being a part of my blogging adventure!

AI and me

As you know, I have been upskilling myself through an intense four-week course at GrowthX. I am learning growth strategies to scale a company and assist a startup with its growth. 

[For those who are new to my blog, here is the context: I am currently participating in an intensive four-week course at GrowthX, where I am focused on developing growth strategies to help scale companies and support startups in their growth journey. This program is designed to equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive business expansion and foster innovation in emerging ventures.]

Two Saturdays ago, I submitted my onboarding assignment and received peer-reviewed feedback from a team member. He expressed that he felt the assignment was written by AI. He claimed that he ran it over an AI tester, and it showed 80% AI written. The comment left me feeling disheartened.  

My inner voice at that moment: Why did he even use AI in the first place to evaluate my assignment? I don’t understand how an AI tester can actually determine if a piece of writing is authored by AI or by a human. I often use en dashes and em dashes in my writing, and even when I used to edit manuscripts, because they are created to be used at necessity.

I had used an AI tool to fix grammar and make my points more concise. The core idea is mine, and I don’t think that using AI as a tool to improve your existing write-up or compression is a mistake.

Since this tool is available and free to use, I believe it’s not a bad or wrong thing to utilize it. In fact, it would be a missed opportunity not to take advantage of such resources.

As a writer who has been consistently honing my craft for the past three to four years, I have witnessed the evolution of technology in the writing space. For instance, Grammarly, which initially lacked AI capabilities, sparked fears among editors about job security. However, it became clear that editors were still essential for structuring thoughts and providing nuanced insights.

Many believed that Grammarly would replace editors, but it never did. Instead, it served as a tool that helped writers produce drafts with fewer spelling and grammatical errors. It remains just that a tool.

Today, we have AI that claims to generate original content based on vast amounts of data available on the web. AI has become an integral part of nearly every application; almost everyone in the digital world uses it, or their applications are powered by AI, or at the very least, their data contributes to AI systems.

I was working as a development editor during the rise of the AI revolution, particularly with tools like ChatGPT becoming commonplace. The fear was real, seeing and experiencing its capabilities. It has surprised me and amazed me with the speed at which it can produce something, even if its mediocre piece. Its revolutionary and its already there.

This shift has transformed the landscape of writing and editing, making it essential for writers and editors alike to adapt and embrace these advancements.

I strongly am AI positive, and it should be used by writers, editors and other content producers to enhance the content game. 

I still use AI to compose my thought and perform a first-hand analysis. It has though me so much, about structuring, priming with hooks and even bring some first principal thoughts on writing. 

My process of writing is quite simple; I open either my blogger post editor or a notepad on my laptop and start to write. If the write up requires some sort of research, I google them, at times I use ChatGPT to find references on topics.

Once the idea is formed, I jot down my thoughts and make a clear structure on the editor. At times I even add links and references. Not all posts are completed quickly. Some take time. I have about 5 to 6 draft write ups currently on my Post tabs, which are incomplete.

Some topics remain so close like this one which I try to complete ideation, research, writing my draft, fixing errors, syntax and structure, and finalise the draft in 30 mins. You may read my other blog [How I write in 30 mins?] to know more.

This process of writing varies based on the topics and requirements. 

It’s clear that embracing AI has not only enhanced my craft but also opened up new avenues for creativity and expression. 

While some may fear that technology could overshadow the human touch, I believe that when used thoughtfully, AI can serve as a powerful tool that complements our unique voices rather than replaces them. By integrating these advancements into my writing process, I’ve been able to streamline my workflow, refine my ideas, and ultimately produce content that resonates with my audience. 

As we continue to navigate this technological revolution, I believe that the heart of writing is in our ability to connect, inspire, and share our stories—something that no machine can replicate. 

Understanding ceasefire: a path to peace

In the midst of conflict, a ceasefire can serve as a beacon of hope, offering a chance for healing and resolution.

As the sounds of gunfire fade, the possibility of dialogue emerges, allowing warring factions to pause their hostilities and reconsider their paths to peace.

In a world often overshadowed by violence, ceasefires remind us that even in the darkest times, there is an opportunity for understanding, compassion, and a collective effort toward a brighter future.

So, what exactly means a ceasefire?

Ceasefire is a military order to cease (come to an end) firing. 

It's generally described when a military temporarily stops the war, and both the sides mutually agree to stop their agressive actions.

It is an agreement between conflicting parties to stop hostilities, often as a precursor to negotiations or peace talks. 

Sometimes the agreement can be permanent as well, depending on the circumstances and the willingness of the parties involved to reach a resolution. 

Why are ceasefires initiated?

The conflicting parties come to an agreement to:

a) Stabilize environment for humanitarian aid: 

During armed conflicts, access to affected areas is often severely restricted. It becomes extremely difficult for the humanitarian organizations/team to deliver food, medical supplies, and other essential services to the effected zones. 

A ceasefire allows these organizations and teams to operate without the immediate threat of violence, enabling them to reach those in need. This can help alleviate suffering, prevent famine, and address health crises that arise during conflicts.

b) Facilitates safe evacuation of civilians:

Armed conflicts often put civilians at great risk, leading to casualties and displacement. A ceasefire can establish safe corridors or designated times for civilians to evacuate conflict zones. 

This not only protects lives but also allows people to seek refuge in safer areas, reducing the overall humanitarian impact of the conflict. It can also help prevent situations where civilians are caught in crossfire or used as human shields.

c) Opens opportunities for dialogue: 

Ceasefires can create a pause in war/conflict that allows conflicting parties to engage in dialogue and negotiations. 

This acts a crucial step for addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding a sustainable resolution. With a temporary halt in fighting, both sides may be more willing to come to the negotiating table, discuss their grievances, and explore potential compromises. This dialogue can lead to peace agreements, reconciliation efforts, and long-term stability.

In a way to peace, ceasefires play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of war, facilitating humanitarian aid, protecting civilians, and fostering dialogue for lasting peace.

How I write a blog in 30 minutes?

 I think 30 mins as a long enough time, to write something. Consider 30mins in seconds.

1 min = 60 sec

30 min = (30 x 60) sec = 1800 sec

1800 sec is a long time. Wondering how?

I assume I can write at least one character per second. That means I can write around 1,800 characters in 30 minutes. On average, I use about six characters per word—that adds up to roughly 300 words in 30 minutes.

With practice, this speed can increase. But for now, 300 words is a good enough count to share an idea or a thought.

Basically, I begin by setting a timer. I use the Clock app on my laptop and set it to 30 minutes. Once the timer starts, I begin writing.

Beforehand, I usually have a rough idea of what I want to write about. This makes thinking and planning easier once the timer is running.

I follow a top-down approach. I begin with the topic header—that is, the title.

The title helps me anchor my thoughts. I try to focus on the nuances and intricacies of the theme and communicate the idea clearly.

I start writing right away. I don’t worry too much about typos or sentence structure. What matters most is not interrupting the flow of thought.

I let myself write continuously, pausing only to think more deeply about the topic. Of course, I occasionally glance at the time left.

Once the initial draft on the topic is done, I do a basic grammar check using Grammarly or AI tools. I also analyze my content using GPT-4 to see if there's any inconsistency or if a section needs improvement.

The idea behind writing for 30 minutes straight is:

• To stay committed
• To develop focus
• To challenge myself to write consistently

If I get stuck somewhere, I either browse internet to other blogs or forums to see what others think of the topic.

It’s not about writing perfectly—it's about showing up, exploring ideas, and building a habit of reflection.

Once I’m satisfied with the write-up, I run a content analysis using GPT-4.0. This helps me identify pain points, uncover any gaps, and gain insights on how I can improve next time. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in refining my style and becoming a more thoughtful writer over time.

This simple 30-minute routine has helped me become more disciplined and self-aware as a writer. Over time, it’s not just the words that improve—but also the way I think and express myself.

Try it out—set a timer, pick a topic, and just write. You might surprise yourself.

Why I want to write for big brands?

I've always loved communicating with people—sharing knowledge, exchanging insights, asking questions, and listening closely. My curiosity has been a lifelong companion, constantly pushing me to question things and seek solutions. That’s my greatest passion: solving problems that spark my interest.

But my mind often races with ideas, and I tend to forget things. That’s when I turned to writing—not just as a tool to remember, but as a way to organize my thoughts, reflect on them, and connect with others.

Over time, I’ve come to see writing as a superpower.

It's one of the greatest abilities humans possess—something no other species has mastered. While many living beings communicate, humans alone can write. That makes it a mega-power—a tool that can inspire, explain, guide, and transform.

As a great man once said, "With great power comes great responsibility."
That quote lives in me.

I want to be a responsible writer. One who uses words to help, not just to fill space.
I want to:

• Help people find the brands that resonate with them

• Help brands build trust and convert users into loyal customers

• Create communication that feels human, clear, and honest

When that happens, both sides win—users feel seen, and brands grow with integrity. Great writing can bring harmony to this relationship. It builds a bridge of understanding and respect.

That’s why I want to write for big brands.
Not because they're popular, but because they hold the potential to influence at scale. I admire the time, energy, and resources that large brands invest in understanding their users. And I want to help them stay user-focused and values-driven—through strong, impactful writing.

Because words are sharper than a knife.
They can break or build a world.
And I choose to build a world—a community—through mine.