This space — artsytravellerph — is something I've held in my heart for a long time. A quiet dream. A little corner of the internet where I can just be.
No pressure to be perfect. No need to have it all figured out. Just honesty, reflection, healing, and stories from someone who's learning how to love life one day at a time.
I’ve always loved expressing myself through writing — long paragraphs, scattered thoughts, quiet truths that don’t always make it into conversation. Writing feels like a way to process the things I can’t say out loud yet. Maybe you know that feeling too.
Here, you’ll find:
Journal entries from real moments I’ve lived through
Memories that shaped me
Honest letters to myself
Little tools and reminders that helped me keep going
Stories from my inner and outer journeys
The name artsytravellerph holds a piece of who I am. I’m someone who creates. Someone who travels — not just to places, but through emotions, phases, decisions, healing. And I’m from the Philippines, a place that shaped the way I see life.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re starting over… If you’re learning to forgive yourself… If you’re searching for joy again in the small things… You’re not alone. I’m right there with you.
This blog is my way of showing up for myself. And maybe, along the way, it becomes a place where you feel seen, too.
It’s four years since my Dad had passed and I had this dream.
I am walking up through stairs and my Dad was walking down. And when we passed each other. I went to him. And I sat beside him. Hugged him. I woke up smiling to myself. Because the hug felt so real. It soothed my longing heart. It’s your birthday soon.
I miss you Dad.
I am staying away to drinking until I drop. I missed the chance to be there more by your side. I wished I could take you to places. I want to explore places with you and talked more about life. Me and my brothers made it here in Canada.
We can eat things we can’t before. We have our own money to support our own selves too. We are slowly accepting that these things we really can’t do with you anymore but a memory of you is what really kept us here.
Immigrating was hard. But I can’t imagine if we are still in the Philippines and you are not there anymore with us. I hope that you are doing well in there. I hope that you are not feeling any pain and you are smiling as well.
Dad, a lot of things had happened to me. I once hid myself to the world even my own self. I thought it was the right thing to do. I ended up hurting myself that way because I didn’t want any one to see the pain that I am going through while I am grieving.
When you left me and it hurt me more than a breakup I have ever experienced.
Right now, I constantly ask myself how will I make your decision to send us here worth it. I want you to be always be proud of me. I will keep going to places and write my experiences.
I started living again. Little by little. Coming out of my room more than ever. Embracing life. One day at a time.
You were my strength. And I needed to be strong without you by my side. But at least you are in my heart always and my mind.
I also found a beautiful love for me. I am happy now. And maybe this is your way to greet me. I miss you too Dad. I’ll visit you soon.
Thank you for visiting me in my dream. I had the chance to get through the beautiful memories you gave me and my brothers.
Thank you because you were always the wind beneath my wings. I’ve accomplished a lot in my life by having you.
Every thing I do, win or lose, that’s why I love joining competitions because I have you.
You broke your generational curse and that’s how we afford to live this life.
You are a beautiful father, the best one, that God gave me.
Sometimes, when you overthink the “perfect” way to start something, you end up stuck. I’ve been there. Actually.. I’m still there in some ways.
This Monday, I need to start working on site again. And I’ve been trying to describe this feeling — the mix of restlessness and a bit of sadness. It’s not that I don’t want to work. I know that I need to. I have bills to pay, responsibilities to meet. But a big part of me just wants to stay here in my online journal, writing more entries like this. I am happy while doing this.
I don’t know when (or if) this blog will ever be monetized. But that’s not even the point. This is for me. A reminder that starting is messy. That there are no guarantees. And that it’s okay to pause something you love without abandoning it.
A memory keeps playing in my mind. A conversation from years ago. Someone once told me that I forgot all the dreams I had for myself — that I lost sight of them. And honestly, for a while, maybe I did. I was too busy helping my family because I wanted them to have a fair start before I focused on me. That person compare me to someone else, and I started doing the same. I crumbled.
The moment hurt me deeply. But it’s also a part of why I’m doing this now — writing, reflecting, returning to myself. Because I want to remind myself: Delaying isn’t giving up. back then, I made a choice I once did regret. But I’ve learned to forgive myself for that because it made me of who I am today.
I am not mad anymore. In fact, I ‘m grateful. That conversation made me ask deeper questions. It led me to discover what really matters to me. I started loving myself more, filling up my own cup. Because when you’re full of love, it spills over — in the best way. And when you know what you value, you don’t risk losing yourself again.
These days, I spend time reading books, writing my thoughts, listening to soul-soothing music, playing games that make me feel like a kid again, and eating nourished packed foods with cheat days. Staring myself in the mirror. No filters. No pretending.
And I write long paragraphs like this. Because a sentence for isn’t enough to hold all the emotions that want to come out.
I’ve learned to take it slow — day by day. Life will throw the unexpected, but I’ll always find a way to bounce back.
If you’re reading this, I hope you find the courage to be real with yourself too.
Slowly, I’ve come to accept that success isn’t just about talent or timing — it’s about pushing through when it’s hard. When it’s boring. When it feels like nothing is happening. It’s the late nights, the early mornings, the coffee that keeps you going until the sun comes up.
I want to always be in a state of creating. And here are the things I’ve done — and will continue to do — to stay in that space.
Showing Up Every Day
Right now, I’m getting the hang of it. I’ve realized that for the things that you want in life, you need to be hands-on and put in the hours.
It is possible — as long as you set your heart and mind into it. So today, I just want to say thank You, God. I pushed myself again.
I’ve written so many posts I can edit when I get back to work soon. I only have two weeks left —and I’ll do every thing in my power to make today count so that I will continue to keep publishing content.
Leaving Comfort to Find Growth
Leaving the Philippines was hard. I was so comfortable there. But I knew I wanted to build my own career, rooted at home—and now, I’m doing it.
I started blogging because I wanted to create an income stream where my hard work would pay off. I knot this will take years—maybe half a decade or more—but I’m willing to put in the work and grow in this industry.
Letting Go of Excuses
I used to have so many reasons why I couldn’t start:
I don’t have money
I don’t have time.
I don’t have the resources.
I don’t know how to start.
But I’ve erased all of that from my vocabulary. Because when you really want something—you’ll find a way. You’ll stop waiting for the perfect timing
Starting Before You’re Ready
I thought I needed a perfect setup: a good camera, a quiet space, a new laptop. But none of that matters if you’re not taking any action.
I was too busy trading my time for money, that I forgot how to live, to create, to feel passion. And I am grateful for the chance to start again—even if nobody knows me yet.
More Than Just a Niche
They say “pick and niche.” But there are already so many people writing informational content. Even AI can do that.
What I’m creating is for the soul—for someone who needs a nudge, a sign, or a shift. Even if it’s just a 1-degree shift in their day, that’s enough for me.
You’re Not Alone
I know what it’s like to wait. I waited too long for the perfect moment. But the energy, the fire—it never faded. It intensified.
So if you’re reading this, and you’re in that same place—this is your sign. Fall in love with yourself again. Remind yourself of your worth. Work for the life you deserve.
Final Word
Every successful person you admire? They put in the work. They showed up for themselves. They changed their mindset and improved day by day. If they can do it, so can I.
And one day, when I’ve made it, I will tell you:
“God made it possible. Through His grace, and with consistent action—you can do it too.”
I hope this soothes your heart. I hope it reminds you that life is more than just surviving.
We all deserve to live the life we dream of—and we have the power to make it happen.
I came across this writing prompt and I think this is going to be a great exercise for my mind. For me personally, there are two major factors that I consider.
1. A person is unique when they stay true to themselves This being said. They will get inspirations but they will never copy an idea. They get inspired by it and add their personal touch of character whether it’s an idea or a product.
2. A person is unique when they are brave enough to express themselves.
Not a lot of people have the courage to express themselves because they might get bashed and they think that there are ways that they are not going to be accepted by the majority.
And I believe that everyone of us is unique. We just need to balance listening to our hearts and mind while we take consistent action. So yeah. 🙂
Even I couldn’t believe it too. Of how I do not have anything back then. My Dad and our family is struggling financially. But I still hold on to the idea that there is something that I really like to do. And that is to travel to another country. Back then, 2017. Not a lot in my peers are open about travelling because of one main reason why. It’s expensive.
Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive. There are ways to travel without having any money. I hold on to this idea in my heart that I want to travel for free.
From getting someone to believe in me and sponsoring my ticket.
Did you know that I only have 5000 PhP (120 CAD ) pesos pocket money that time and additional 2000 PhP ( 50 CAD ) because I ran out of my hygiene supply. And this is all in a span of 6 weeks.
Honestly, I didn’t know how I survived too.
Holding on to your silent wishes.
The most valuable lesson that this trip taught me. Is that everything is possible. You just need a new mind programming. Travelling is not just for the rich. It’s for everyone that wants to see the world with their own eyes.
My journey there. I do not know what to say. But I know that back then, I want to prove something for myself. To expose myself to an uncomfortable place where I only have myself. I made some friends. And it is really possible to live a life that you dream of.
You know it’s true, I can still remember vividly of the experience that I did get. After 8 years. And thinking about it makes me smile.
I was single that time and I am not in any relationship. During those times, it gave me another silent wish that I hold into my heart dearly. To have a partner that is going to share the experience with me as I travel the world. One place at a time.
Hold on to that dream in your heart. Universe will help you to make it happen. Also, you need to do your part too. Prepare yourself so that once opportunity presents itself, you are ready to take it.
1. YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IT.
In order to believe it. Hold on to it. Visualize and list the experiences you’d like to experience once you’re there.
2. KEEP IT AS A LITTLE SECRET TO YOURSELF
A lot of your friends and family will think of it as a crazy idea. One thing you can keep in mind so that you won’t be swayed is to stick to the plan. Only announce it if you’re already there. You should learn to decide for yourself.
3. BE HONEST TO YOUR PARENTS
All it takes is a little courage. To face our parents and tell them what we want. For my case, my father is not sure about it because he didn’t get to decide this on himself too. I acknowledge that during that time, we are not doing well financially. And spending money on me is not practical even, I have 3 brothers that time still studying. I told my Dad of how much I really wanted it and explained it to him.
4. TO START, YOU ONLY NEED ONE PERSON TO BELIEVE IN YOU
Tell your story. You never know if the person infront of you will support your idea. You only need one person to start anyways. And it did happen.
5. YOU HAVE TO BE READY AND HONEST TO YOURSELF
Part of it is accepting that there are things beyond your control. You do your part. And let universe do its part too. Delayed doesn’t mean denied. And closed doors doesn’t mean you failed. You have to prepare your heart. That no matter how much we want something we need to ask for guidance from above too. You have to learn to surrender.
I hope that this blog gave you a little bit of encouragement about travel. You can also visit AIESEC about Global Volunteer program or their internship programs. Good luck! Have a beautiful travel journey.
Feel free to ask me anything about my journey in Vietnam. 🙂
I came across this writing prompts. I think this is a great way to start a blog rather than starting with a clean slate of blog post.
What are your morning rituals like?
What does the first hour of your day look like?
For me, honestly, I still have a lot to work on with my morning rituals. Because before I’ve been so used of drinking coffee in the morning which I wanted to break as much as possible. Here are the 4 of the habits I have developed over time for my morning rituals.
Drinking warm water or something warm.
Whether I decide to get myself coffee later, at least I am already hydrated for the first part of my day. It also give me a sense of accomplishment. It’s nothing grand but I feel like I already won the day.
Face myself in the mirror for quick face wash.
Looking myself in the mirror and telling some affirmations for myself. I am really looking forward of the thins that I can do for today.
Playing some background music to set my day.
Whether I want to feel inspired or dreamy. Every music is out there. Mostly, I opt out for instrumentals, like ghibli or handpan music. Even disney music too. You are the main character of your life. You deserve some background music too.
Writing an entry to my journal.
Whether it’s one page or half a page. I am practicing consistency in my life. These small daily habits where its progress can’t be seen as of the moment. I am just hanging on to the idea that one day, I’ll thank myself that I did it anyways.
I think that’s it. Just 4 for me and looking forward to add more to the list.
Do you really want to put yourself in a hole so that no one ever finds you? I thought you have big dreams? For yourself. For your loved ones.
You told me that you have a lot of things to experience and places that you want to visit.
What happened to that person that I know of?
You’re disappointed? You’re angry? You’re sad? You feel like you are alone? Or you feel sorry for yourself? You know what’s the next step after feeling this way?
Feel every feeling.
Then release it.
We are meant to feel it because we are alive. Can you please do me a favor? Cry if you need to. Squish a pillow if you need to. But please, don’t stay in that state. Recover yourself and bounce back. Recover from giving a deep sigh. And drink lots of water. And tomorrow, we are going to face it together.
It will get better.
Believe it or not.
It will.
Someone out there is believing in you. You are just clouded by your emotions right now that you really can’t feel it. Even if you do not meet the person that believes in you. Believe in yourself. Because I believe that you are capable of doing amazing things.
Remember all those dreams you had. It’s not just a dream. God gave that dream in your heart for you to pursue it. Because He believes in you too. And you just need to believe first it yourself.
Slowly.
Get up and choose yourself again.
It will get better.
Appreciate one thing right now. Can’t think of one? I can give you a list of things you can be grateful for right now.
– You have access to internet right now.
– You are breathing.
– You are alive.
– You are looking for answers. Right answers that can pull yourself together
-Here you are, you want to give yourself another chance. That is why you are looking for answers.
– You have this gadget. Whether new or old. It still does the same thing.
-You have your eyesight. You know how to read. Not a lot of people do.
– Your fingers work. Again, not a lot of people do.
– And you know what’s one thing you should be grateful for? You are unique. These things happened to you because you have greatness within you that you never explored yet. And only you have the power to tap that and bring it to life.
I know right now is not a good time. But I do hope that once you find your courage again. You’ll give chance to yourself. Forgive yourself and take action for your dreams.
Time that has been lost has already been gone. But hey! It turned into experiences and lessons along the way. Tailor it and use it in your life. And just like this article. You’ll be tapping someone’s life for the better too.
That’s how you found this.
” You are capable of doing amazing things. “
“I believe in you. “
Feels great right?
Look for the nearest mirror, say it to yourself. Feel the magic taking place.
( LONG POST AHEAD ) There are nights like this, that I honestly do not know what to do. Just like everyone else. I am entering this phase. For a week now, I am having an inner battle with myself. I am embracing my creative side and at the same time I also want to know more of what is my style.
Freestyle writing has been one for me. Like I can write down for hours. Just give me a pen and paper. I can entertain myself just by doing that. What do you do with these raging fire within you. Not knowing how to tame this inside me, I just can’t sit back and relax. Especially wait.
I know that there is no right answer. As I am doing more things out of my comfort zone, I am becoming more scared but I feel alive at the same time. I do not know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. They say, stick to one thing and become so good at it that they couldn’t ignore you. I hope that this would absolutely help me for the better too.
Diving deep down within myself, asking what do I really want in life. And what does feel natural to me? It’s writing freely. Just letting all these thoughts flow.
This week, I have published contents here on my blog. Of course, I do not have any solid base. On the other side, I have 3 subscribers already. There are times that you know it’s so hard to keep going especially when you doubt yourself if this will even lead to a greater cause. And no matter how much positive thinking you have, it doesn’t even do the trick. You feel stuck and powerless.
Nonetheless, you continue to press keys. Take action while doubting yourself. Because one day, you’ll look back on days like these and read that this is how it felt like starting. With no support, no connection, and not knowing what is going to happen.
Someday, this post will be a bookmark of how I started my blogging journey. It’s hard because I am now starting to question myself and there I need to give myself a deeper why in order to keep going. I am doing this for myself and for other people. Because not everybody wants to listen to a video, some would rather read an article like this. Excuse my wrong grammar and punctuation, this is unfiltered stuff, not even AI can even copy.
Maybe that perfection comes from the technology too that puts pressure on people like us. And I hope that we will conquer being perfect and continue creating crafts that we really love about life. And this is mostly my hobby, I am reflecting on my thoughts. To be really clear on what I want in life.
Is it true that when people doesn’t give up on their dreams, it will come true? I am looking forward for the day that I will get to answer and repost this post about me struggling to sleep at night, not knowing what to do about the fire that I kept inside me for too long. I need to keep creating because it’s the only way to ease this feeling.
When I discovered that I love to write, I even contemplated if I should go back to school. Learn different styles. But also, I am scared that it would take away my natural style because I do not want to go to a cookie cutter system.
I know that thinking hard is not the only way to discover. We have to do things and learn from it. Or is it just me, being to impatient. Wanting to skip the process and arrive to the destination desired right away.
They said, “Dream big.” But as I am getting older, these dreams makes me so scared and right now I am taking action to chase after them. I do not want to wait anymore years, that time will come, I will regret of not seeing what it’s like to experience how it’s going to feel accomplishing things. More than accomplishment, I am so crazy about the idea of building something. Especially business from scratch and doing it daily. Make overs and renovation. These are some of my core.
I read a lot of books last year. Most of them are self-help books. Personal development, through those books I know that I am also lacking the most important thing. Taking action. Without taking action. There’s nothing out of it too. I hope that I am not pressuring myself so much right now again.
It’s true starting is really hard. Especially when you are alone.
I hope that my heart will still carry on as I figure things out for myself. I know that I have delayed a lot of things in the past and that’s the reason why I am here right now. I am prioritizing myself to embrace the truest highest version of myself.
Micah, I also need to remind you that there is beauty in waiting. You have to remind yourself that trees don’t grow in a week, in a month, in a year. It will take many years to see that tree, with strong roots as it’s foundations.
Cultivating the land is part of that too. Don’t be too focused on the fruits that you wanted to bear, but rather prepare yourself to the person you really wanted to become. You have to be really clear to yourself what you want to become. Avoid hitting random goals. Set a clear one for yourself.
To tell you, when I was in my early 20s, all I wanted was attention and recognition. Then I choose to be silent because there are too many voices that I couldn’t avoid to listen. Most of their voices will tell me to stop and be practical. Most of them, think that I am not grateful for the life that I have right now for wanting more in life.
This drive inside me that doesn’t want to sit still in one place and wants to really do something about my dreams. I think this is the time, the perfect time that I have been always been waiting for. Is the time that I decide that I will take a step toward my goal.
I exhaled a deep breath. While I feel the goosebumps around my shoulders and my back. I do not want to be comfortable. Most of the advice I received here is playing it safe and just be grateful with what you have. I have to embrace uncertainty and this journey in front of me. With all my strength. It will pass Micah. You just need to go through this season of transformation. Aligned with that, you need to answer these questions too.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
AND HOW WILL YOU GET THERE?
For writers and creators out there, how did you overcome this phase?
-Micah B.
March 30, 2025 | 3:37 AM | Fort St John | British Columbia
My current job allowed me to observe and learn from my surroundings and I have applied it in my own life too. In the fast paced world that we currently in, there’s so many inventions and discoveries that are already present to help mankind into making each job simpler and faster.
By adding or not adding equipment, machinery, manpower, and weather to the potential hazard. Ever heard of Benjamin Franklin quote?
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
By knowing where you currently at, you can assess the things you need and the things that doesn’t help you to thrive. Doing this job gave me a framework that has been part of my life choices and decisions.
Here are the three things asked daily while practicing safety in our life.
What is the task that needs to be done?
By identifying the task that needs to be done, you are establishing a clear communication to yourself that this task has associated risks that you need to be aware of. And also, by knowing what is the task, you are already eliminating distractions so that you can accomplished this task faster and do what you want to do afterwards. Which is part of the next question below.
What are the risks involved in doing that?
Being clear to us what is the task that needs to be done, we also need to consider the risks involved in doing the task. Does it affect us physically? Like staying in one position or doing a certain task in repetitive motion for hours? How about the environment? Is it too warm or too cold?
How will you mitigate each risk?
By listing down, the risks involved. We are now ready to think of a way how to mitigate and handle these risks. By asking the right questions, our answers can guide us to prepare to face the risks associated for us to complete the task that we set for our life. Let’s answer, how will it affect us physically? And how will I mitigate for example I am going to do a task that needs to be done in repetitive motion for hours? I can mitigate that risk by having proper body posture and taking breaks as needed, also stretching. How about the environment? If it’s too warm , then I’ll make sure that I am hydrated with tinted protection for the eyes too. If it’s too cold, then I need to make sure that I am wearing warmers and proper layered clothing.
I have been in this job for almost a year now. I am embracing the good and the bad. And will focus on the lessons and the good. Feel free to use these three questions to apply in your daily life.
Enjoy your journey and take calculated risks!
-Micah B.
March 30, 2025 | 2:14 AM | Fort St. John | British Columbia
