Who are you really ? Behind your career ambitions, achievements, and highlights in your resume. Who are you beneath all that ?

I've spent most of my life doing what society expected of me: studying hard, getting a job, and working diligently. While these aren't things to complain about, I can't help but wonder, what lies beneath it all? Who am I if I strip away my career? Yes, having a successful career is important, but it's also important to ponder upon other aspects of life as well.

If I ask were to ask you ‘ What do you do ?’, you would probably answer with your job title or your college degree. When did we get boiled down to just our jobs ?

When was the last time you kept up a hobby? When was the last time you spent 10 minutes doing absolutely nothing (without music, obviously)? When was the last time you looked back to see how far you’ve come? Okay, chill, this is not an interrogation. I have asked myself these questions time and time again. Many of us are caught in a race to outdo others professionally, financially, and socially. This can make us blind to what actually matters because our priorities get messed up.

Now before you accuse me of triggering another existential crisis, let me break it to you that most of us are on the same boat.

In this world, it’s almost impossible to survive in society without considering our careers as it’s interwoven with our lives. The question of "Who are you?" is one only you can answer. But to find that answer, we need to take breaks and reflect. Imagine reaching 70 with an accomplished career but having no idea who we are because we never took the time to pause and think.

I believe that knowing ourselves better can guide us to choose friendships and relationships more wisely. It empowers us to spend time on activities that truly bring us joy. Understanding ourselves helps us learn from our mistakes and eventually be better human beings.

I am nowhere close to figuring out who I am, but I am happy that I am trying to. Perhaps you might consider joining me on this journey.

With love

Jude

Do you ever feel that you’re missing out on life whenever you check out your friends’ Instagram stories? Why does it bother you? Shush, I know it does. If it’s not Instagram, maybe it’s LinkedIn?

I was doing perfectly fine with the life I had until I downloaded Instagram.

While I am genuinely happy for others, I eventually began to compare myself with people who were living lifestyles vastly different from mine. I started noticing what I lacked despite having so much in my life to be grateful for.

Even though the realization came late, I am happy that it did. As I entered my early 20s, my teenage highs calmed down and I began to think more clearly. The first big step? I uninstalled Instagram from my phone. I won’t lie - the following days were filled with anxiety and the fear of missing out. I would use my browser to check updates.

But, after a few days, I found myself feeling much calmer about the situation. I would spend my extra time reading books, watching my favourite shows, going out with friends, talking to family, walking alone, and losing myself in music. The hours I spent scrolling through meaningless reels were replaced with much more meaningful activities.

Instagram was once a platform where I could connect with friends and share a part of my life. But as it grew, it has somewhat become the opposite of what it was initially designed to be. Constantly bombarded with fake images, negative news, short videos decreasing our already tiny attention spans. I could rant about this for hours, you know!

After a few months of living without Instagram, I made the decision to permanently delete my account. And that was it! I can honestly say I'm so much happier now.

So, what's your experience been like with social media? Try spending a week without that one thing that's not doing you any good and see how it makes you feel.

With love,

Jude

PS: When you go off your socials, you realize how many of your ‘friends’ actually give a f about you.

How are you doing ? Some days are shitty, I know. If you are having a bad day, I just want to let you know that you are stronger than you think you are and this too shall pass.

It can get really lonely and challenging at times. We are all struggling in one way or another. It can get frustrating with people, situations and life in general. But there are also some moments that make you smile…right ?

Through this newsletter I am not promising to turn your life around with “5 Must Read Book Recommendations” or “My Success Morning Routine” type of shit. The world has already many of those.

This is simply a letter from me to you. A reminder that we are all in this together. I know that our lives are completely different, we may not even be dreaming in the same language, but we are unified by our experiences. The pain and joy that comes with life.

‘Dear Friend’ newsletters have nothing to offer you in terms of ‘productivity’, ‘finance’ and other grown-up BS. It is just a weekly dose of reminder from a friend with words of encouragement, my musings and maybe even a picture of a cute puppy. I am excited to start this journey with you !

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With Love,

Jude

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