Fluent as an Owl

Somehow, I think anyone can already guess what this post will be about. The keywords "fluent" and "owl" probably gave it away. It would've been even more on-the-nose had I typed "green owl." Hahaha! 🦉 😂🦉

I must admit one thing. The first draft of this post started as a Fool's Errand entry detailing a flashback of my foray into the language-learning app, Duolingo. However, the fact that I've reached more than 1,300 days in the app only means the foolish attempt no longer feels as foolish. Am I right? Thus, it no longer feels appropriate to be in the same category. 🤔

That initial draft was planned to go up more than five months ago. In mid-May, specifically. Sadly, my health went downhill, which led to a long period of recuperation. But why May, one might ask? Well, there were a couple of reasons. Besides being inspired by a video (which I will share below), some unpleasant news made me want to write about this famous linguistic app. As of the time of this writing, that development may not be as fresh. Still, I've decided to build on the draft and turn it into this opinion piece anyway. 😅

Of course, it would be remiss of me not to share my history with Duolingo first. How could I comment, analyze, or perhaps criticize it if I have zero experience with it in the first place? I'm aware that ODD BEHAVIOR seems to be the trend in recent years. People complaining and saying bad things about a topic or product at face value has become the new norm. No, that's not how I roll. My opinion would only feel valid, at the very least to myself, if it’s supported with actual research and experience. 😌🙆🏻‍♂️

So, let's rewind the clock for a bit. My memory may be a bit fuzzy with the details. But I'll do my best to keep it accurate and short.

(Source: Duolingo)

One Flew Over the Curious' Nest

As everyone knows, the world paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My primary job was already happening from home at the time. Therefore, the lockdown didn't quite affect my daily routine. 💻⏳

That said, there was a sudden absence of outdoor escapades I could previously do as I pleased. Strict stay-at-home mandates and all! It opened up my schedule to add an extra task. Learning that people used that window to pursue new academic degrees or other online activities/courses from home intrigued me. Even so, I was (and am) not in a place of privilege where a big financial decision like that could happen with a magical wink. My option was any service that didn't require excessive spending. 📚💸

Besides, my main goal was to challenge myself. “Can I stay loyal and diligent with something that doesn't cost a dime?” Oh, and also, something that's not a GAME! Hahahaha (despite the waning interest, 9 years in Pokémon GO speaks volumes, huh?). That's how Duolingo flew into my radar with its promise of FREE lessons. 📱👀💵

Funnily, it took me around another entire year to finally step into it. During the consideration stage, I kept going back and forth, pondering which language I should choose. English was never considered due to a rather conceited confidence that "I think I'm doing okay in it already." Not that it's the reality, if I'm being fair. Japanese? I had learned it already, albeit only on an entertainment level. German or Dutch? Both were great choices, especially the latter, thanks to my parents' Dutch-influenced upbringing. My Filipino pen pal then suggested Spanish, stating that the language is widely used in many countries, from Spain to Argentina. 🌍🌎

(Source: Thalia)

He made a really great point! Even if not as prominent as in the Philippines and its colonial history, Spanish is a familiar language in my country. Growing up, telenovelas were no strangers on my TV. And the stations never dub the theme songs, keeping them exactly as the original versions. ¿Creo que en todos los espectáculos, no? At the time, I was on a streak of viewing Spanish-language shows and movies as well. Moreover, much like Japanese, the pronunciation (phonetics, phonology, and phonemic orthography) doesn't require excessive adaptation from my mother tongue. 😃👂🏻

And so, in January 2022, I made my official debut in the app. When this post goes up, I should've reached my 1393-day streak. The actual number may be more, considering I've used Streak Freeze several times when my health prevented me from opening the app. But yeah, almost 4 years! Not bad, huh? 😉🤭

(Source: Duolingo App)

The Good to Hoot

Has the progress been worth the time and effort, though? That's likely the biggest question about Duolingo as a service. After all, Duolingo isn't the only language-learning platform in the virtual space. Besides other global and country-specific alternatives, non-digital methods of language studies are also available in various centers, offering experience with native coaches. 😲👱🏼‍♀️👨

I find it somewhat hard to answer that question because it inevitably cannot be objective. Frankly speaking, though? Duolingo certainly has its charms and addictive side, though it's nowhere near perfect for my taste. Let's focus on the technical for now. 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

(Source: Duolingo App)

Arguably, by design, Duolingo gamifies language learning by making the process feel less like a strict or rigid classroom. Early on, the app relies on common words and daily sentences that give a casual touch. It then repeats the same lines— sometimes exactly, sometimes with a change in delivery or a flipped scenario. Generally, we fill in the blanks with the missing words or verbally say them to the microphone. Later on, we translate those same sentences again, either within the same level or as part of a future review. By the time we reach that point, the app expects us to have memorized it already. 😅

Learners go through each Level, consisting of 1 to 6 Lessons. The Lessons cover the four core language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. A group of Levels completes a Unit. Every one or two Units, the app boosts the Language Score. The Score is a new feature debuting early this year, available once Learners clear a certain number of Units. 🏃🏻🎯

Accumulated XP (Experience Points) can eventually be used to purchase items in the Shop. Each day, Learners receive three Quests to clear. The points from those then build up to a Monthly Badge, which serves as a milestone and collectible bragging rights. Achievement Medals? Yep, those, too! It really does play out like a game. 🃏🖥

Social interactions add to the process. If that's not obvious enough, the nonstop ads promoting the paid Family Plan (which doesn't really require actual family members) will! Each week, Learners engage in a Friends Quest to tackle a shared task. Friends Streak, a newly added feature, allows learners to enlist up to five close friends to have mutual encouragement to learn together. I'm grateful to have found good, diligent friends to handle this. Alas, there's a caveat to this social aspect. More on that later. 🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻👫🏻

As part of the larger community, the weekly Leaderboard randomly puts up to 30 learners to compete for ranks in a gem-named League. Diamond, the highest rank of all, then has a Tournament Mode that filters top-learners and pits them to win more prizes besides bragging rights. Again, Duolingo treats study progress like a fun game, either solo, with friends, or among other learners. 💎💯🥇

Have I mentioned the app has colorful and diverse characters that guide learners through their lessons? 😂

(Source: Fans of Duolingo)

Boo-hoo, Señor Buho!

Roughly one year after entering the Duolingo circle, the app greeted me with some surprising news. Two learners, Amanda Lopez and Rob Ciesielski, met on the app as fellow learners around 2021. Eventually, they interacted off-app, became a couple, and tied the knot in January 2023! I suppose I was too focused on my lessons and collecting Top-3 Finisher Streak that I didn't realize that was possible. People had photo profiles and could exchange messages on the app after all. Hahahaha. 💍💒

Yet, merely five months later, Duolingo introduced a new Avatar feature that somehow prevented, if not outright canceled, more potential romance stories. The Avatar turns learners into an animated character, eliminating their previous profile photos. Of course, it's still possible for friends to extend their interaction beyond the learning app and see how each other looks in real life. But love at first sight may be a bit harder to accomplish now. 😒🤡

Besides, posting comments has also been moderated. I've repeatedly experienced my comments on friends’ successes vanishing for no clear reason. Speaking of, the Friend Streak bit I mentioned above is great on paper. But guess what? The harmless reminder we can send them may sound rude and passive-aggressive! I've been in a situation where one friend apologized to me nonstop, saying sorry for making me angry. That incident left me puzzled until I realized the cause. All I did was push a Nudge button, yet it triggered Duolingo to send an angry reminder. 🔉😱

Simply put, the social aspect is nice. But the execution can be confusing. Whoever decided that's a good thing to do? 😟

THAT's my recurring issue with Duolingo, really. Its team behind it likes to make changes, but also questionable decisions. Updating software is nothing new, and as an app, Duolingo does that too. Some changes are good. Even Duo, the mascot, didn't look as cute as we know now. Then again, not every update sparks supportive reactions. Around November 2022, for example, the team altered the tree-like lesson structure into a path-sequence format. While it didn't bother me as much, the shift did alienate older learners who had already established a learning style in the tree approach. 🚷😤

Such an adverse reaction is understandable. The recent July 2025 update is a good example that hit me personally. The team decided to eliminate the Heart system and turn it into Energy. Megan Ellis of Android Authority explains how the new system works. In summary, though, it's all about monetization. 🤑

I'm not surprised that Ellis and a horde of others are feeling uneasy, if not strongly, about this. At first, it also seemed harmless to me. Yet, over time, the Energy system has slowly discouraged me from doing and completing any actual lessons. Going through the lessons becomes so unpleasant that I definitely won't achieve my monthly goal of increasing my Spanish Score by one. 😔

Before, I could clear 10 to 20 lessons per day simply by trying to land a perfect score. After all, the Heart system only requires a refill by watching ads once a Learner depletes it completely. That means, the Hearts can last numerous Lessons by being careful enough. With the Energy system? I tested this last night and noticed that 25 Energy per day only lasts for 3 Lessons, assuming the Learner doesn't make many mistakes. Afterward, we have to recharge by watching several ads, which, in my case, breaks the rhythm of learning for too long. 🥱🙄

I may be wrong, but the Energy system seems to encourage Free learners to watch more ads if they want to learn more in a day. Or, to cave in and upgrade to Super Duolingo, which rewards Unlimited Energy. Can you guess where I’m heading with this? Yeah, this change feels implicitly ANTI-Free users. I won't be surprised if Duolingo eventually turns into a fully paid app and is no longer available for Free. The updated official term used on its webpages has changed to "Free to install" anyway. 😐

There's a bigger issue at hand, of course. Content creator Evan Edinger shared in the video below five months ago. It served as the reason the draft of this post came to be. The video was a response to the startling news that Duolingo was turning into an AI-first company. 🤖😨

(Source: Evan Edinger)

Much like Edinger's stance on AI, I'm neither a proponent nor a detractor of the service. Similarly, despite my fewer years of experience in the app compared to him, I could sense the small changes that he mentioned. The overall goal of this "AI-First" move seems, once again, to be profit. Luis von Ahn, the CEO and co-founder, has even patted himself on the back through the company's news page, saying, 

"Developing our first 100 courses took about 12 years, and now, in about a year, we’re able to create and launch nearly 150 new courses. This is a great example of how generative AI can directly benefit our learners."

Yikes! Sorry to admit, but reading von Ahn’s words about that "150 new courses in a year" only raises my concern. I'm not averse to them using AI. But relying too much on AI means losing the human touch. And language, as far as I know, is a deeply human thing that thrives on voice and emotion. No matter how much AI can replicate it to "look like" one, there's always a missing human factor in it. Loads of em dashes instead! 😖🙅🏻‍♂️

(Source: Duolingo App)

Is Migration Truly Mandatory?

Okay, let's not go into the AI argument altogether. As a learning app, the most important goal for Duolingo to achieve is really just one. To motivate people to learn. Using that benchmark, has it soared high or ruffled a few (green) feathers? Hmmm... 🤔

From a personal standpoint, it's yet another case of “it depends.” On the one hand, I do sense benefits from taking the lessons. Even so, I'm still wondering if I have gotten better, or at least made any real progress. This sentiment applies not just to Spanish, my main Course, but the other three that I added after: Dutch, which has been the most inactive; Japanese, the third language, driven by my curiosity about how high my previous autodidact process would score; and the newest addition, Music. 🎼🎹

(Source: Duolingo)

Music is not really completely new in Duolingo. It has been around since October 2023. That said, international users like me could only start using it around March. In a way, I was a bit late getting into the groove. Heck, I even wanted to use that for a separate Fool's Errand post earlier this year. 😅🎶

Honestly, I enjoyed it during the early Units. Now? Not so much. 😟

Maybe it's my phone that cannot support the lesson smoothly? I've been experiencing weird tempo lags that easily fail me every time I start a new song. It makes me question whether my understanding of rhythm and how to keep up with a song's tempo is awkwardly awful. After all, the notes I play tend to receive the LATE, TOO SLOW, TOO FAST, and other discouraging remarks. But when I replay the level, the sound I hear on my earphones no longer comes too early or too late. My timing was good all along. 🎧😑

Sadly, such a dubious doubt lingers on, as I still can't tell if my music skills have improved or not. Does the course jump too quickly to sharp notes without clearly explaining what they represent? Are the modern pop songs (which exist mainly to promote Super Duolingo) even helping with the practice? 😩😵

(Source: Duolingo App)

The same applies to the language Courses, too. In an earlier video this year, Evan Edinger shared his experience after reaching a 2000-day streak on the Spanish Course. What he said, once again, struck a chord. And not the Duolingo's delayed one! 😲

I can relate to what Edinger stated early on about the state of his Spanish skills at that point. "Can I understand this sentence? 100%. Could I communicate this way?" He then summed up, "I can have practical conversations, but I'm still far from native fluency." 😳👍🏻

To Edinger, it's an honest impression. To me? It's more like a frustration that I've shared with my Spanish-speaking pen pals. I want to be able to use Spanish to actually communicate with them in their language. For now, I can read and understand the gist of Spanish texts quite well. The same applies, though less confidently, for hearing dialogues in Spanish. But writing, more so speaking? My mind just checks out. 😫🤯

The fact that I still need to rely on ChatGPT to translate my letters definitely negates that target. And don't get me started on the different vocabulary used by different countries. Perhaps after a 600-day streak from now, once I'm around Edinger's current progress, that nagging doubt might "feel" different? 🤦🏻‍♂️

My sentiment, which is in line with Edinger's, isn't even new. Other videos online echo similar reactions that the language skills they build with Duolingo "don't sound natural." Oh, goodness me! It's never a personal issue all along! 😅

This is even more apparent in non-mainstream languages, such as Japanese or Mandarin. As Edinger pointed out, Courses for English, Spanish, French, and German have always had better content. It makes sense, considering Duolingo is based in the US, geographically closer to those languages. That’s why Japanese-native content creators, like Let's Ask Shogo, are shaking, if not scratching their heads, seeing the Duolingo Course's content and choice of words. Even during my Japanese lesson, I've consulted with my brother, who has an academic background in Japanese, several times about lines that simply sound... off. 😶

Without trying to discourage fellow Learners, it's a bitter truth we must accept. If we are truly serious about mastering a foreign language, Duolingo alone is NOT enough. Duolingo's accessibility and availability aspects are convenient, yes, especially for those who don't mind the repeated ads popping up after each lesson. That's how we "pay" for the service, making it seem "free." Unfortunately, to reach a more advanced stage, to sound natural? Duolingo may not have what it takes. We may need to migrate to warmer grounds to further expand our horizons and escape the stagnant chills. 🕊🦢

(Source: Duolingo App)

Doesn't Take a Duo

Why not just ditch Duolingo completely, then? Well, yes, that option is on the table. 😁

Nevertheless, to be fair, the app does implement handy features that motivate the learning experience. In his video, Shogo praised the Daily Streak approach. He does have a valid point, as that gentle push may inspire Learners to take at least one lesson regularly. While not every change applied to Duolingo is pleasant, some may work brilliantly to suit one's needs. The app’s attempt to diversify content and keep it exciting is admirable. I mean, they just released a short anime adaptation, for crying out loud! 😱

(Source: Duolingo App)

The Japanese Course, for example, has underwhelming Listening Lessons so far. The separate kana and kanji practice tab, on the other hand? It is delightfully helpful for non-native speakers like me who have limited exposure to the language's writing system and even orthography. I found myself breezing through basic Hiragana reading tests, having done regular kana reading and stroke practices on Duolingo. 📝🖌

No doubt, the risk of burnout will continue to loom large anyway. That happens to anything in life, naturally. It's easy to stumble upon comments on social media expressing how tedious and repetitive the Duolingo experience can be. Contrary to the playful animation below, no passive-aggressive notification or enraged-looking Duo on the app Icon could fix that! 😅 

(Source: Duolingo)

Ultimately, it all comes back to personal learning style and goal. The challenge, as Edinger pointed out through his video, is making it a habit. "It's that hard part of starting," he emphasized. "Just start a little bit, you'll find yourself learning a bit more," he shared his approach. Consistency is the keyword.

Learners just need to discover what inspires them to keep going. Code-switching may not be advisable. However, to some people, including yours truly, it does help to stay active in the app. Moving from Spanish to Japanese, then to Music the next day, adds variety and dispels fatigue to my learning process. Although that may explain why my Spanish is still far from sub-par, at least I'm sensing a slight growth in my Japanese character reading now. 🤓

Maybe it's the Leaderboard Leagues feature that can act as a key driving force? I've seen people who have become hell-bent on winning by any means necessary. Even my diligent, high-scoring Japanese friend was surprised to see others skyrocketing with thousands of XP above her. Still, if that method works for them, then why not? 🤷🏻‍♂️

To me, the Leagues no longer become a priority. Trying to maintain a Top 3 streak dragged me to massive exhaustion instead. I soon realized it distracted me from the actual learning goal while speeding up my burnout. So, much to my Duolingo friend's robust ribbing, I've switched my mindset and am now content in progressing Super Slowly (like Snail-level slow) in the less-demanding Obsidian League. Black is more of my color anyway. 🐌🐌🐌🎱

(Source: Duolingo)

For AI believers? There's also the new Duolingo MAX version that comes with AI support. It's certainly catering to those demographics, yes. Yet again, upgrading to Super or Max depends on the Learner's situation. If they have more free time to learn and use the app, and have reaped actual benefits from its lesson style? Then upgrading will streamline the process. The same goes if machine interaction feels like a safer or more comfortable option than talking with a live tutor. 📱💻

Personally speaking, learning from a native speaker teacher, either in real life or an online course, may be a wiser choice for my money. Especially if the cost falls within a similar range. The interaction may help improve some key skills, such as speaking and communication, that Duolingo lacks. As I wrote earlier, that kind of human touch could never be replaced. 👨🏼‍🏫👫🏻

Another effective alternative? If the resource is available, learn it where the language is needed on a daily basis! Being in an environment that "forces" us to apply and practice the language usually helps a lot. My aunt had no prior knowledge of Hokkien Chinese growing up. Her marriage to my Malaysian Chinese uncle changed that. Now, it feels like Hokkien has always been her natural speech. My former Korean American colleague? He always interacted with his neighbors and local people, and now sounds flawless conversing in this city’s regional dialect. Using the language in real life is the surefire way to master it. 😏☺️

(Source: Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 10, Hulu, 20th Television)

***

Languages will always fascinate me. Even if many of them are not so simple to study (looking at you, French and Mandarin!), they continue to remind me that the world is vast, diverse, and rich in unique colors. It’s a firm nudge that there are many things I don't know! With that in mind, I will keep learning (as long as Duolingo remains "free" in some ways, or via other tools) and exploring them all. 😀

Achieving language fluency is a continuous process, and I may not get there as quickly as I hope. But at least I can take pride in knowing one fact. Unlike the real, bold-feathered Buho, this bilingual Bo-hoy has more to hoot beyond "Who...? Who...! Whoooooo?!" 🦉😝🦉

(Source: Duolingo)

Or, "WA-BING, WA-BING, WA-BING-BING-DIIIIING." 😂

Fumbling for a Perfect Balance

 

(Source: Google Gemini)

Throughout my current art-related endeavor, I've been constantly reminded of one theme: BALANCE. In a way, I've also needed to remind others about it. After all, balance is a foundation of artistic aesthetics. Not every high-profile art form is designed in smooth symmetry. Yet, a degree of balance is always present to even out the elements, whether through a hint of hues or the placement of pieces. 🖼️🖋️

Such a fundamental concept eventually inspired this piece. Today is October 10, a double-digit or repetitive date. While it's not technically a palindrome, it consists of the same numerical value on both sides. A kind of numerical symmetry! They even out the scales to form what I often brand as "A Perfectly Balanced" day. ⚖️🔟

Why is that, you ask? Because, you know... what the number 10 and the 10th month generally represent and all? Okay, bear with me as we explore some symbolizations first. 😅🙏🏻

A Ten in Twofold

Based on Western (or Ancient Greek, to be accurate) astrology, the sun resides in the sign of LIBRA beginning around September 23 until October 22/23. Therefore, the first three weeks or the first half of October are definitely considered the heart of Libra Season. ♎

True to its constellation, Libra has the symbol of a weighing scale. You've probably known that by now, of course. Unless you've somehow avoided any knowledge surrounding horoscopes and/or astronomy all your life. Seriously, though, the word "Libra" itself means "Scales" in Latin and its original language. To further prove the notion, Ancient Rome later used the word as a unit of weight. Hence, unlike the metric system, which uses grams, a pound is always shortened as lb. 🌟

Fascinatingly, Libra is the only zodiac sign of the big twelve (or thirteen, if you prefer the newer version) that's represented by an object. Sure, Libra's origin is usually tied to Themis, the Goddess of Law and Order. However, the sign specifically represents her Scales of Justice, not the goddess herself. Thus, it makes logical sense why Libra often serves as a symbol of fairness, objectivity, and most of all, equal BALANCE. 🤷🏻

With the stars out of the way (it's daytime anyway 🌞), let's move on to the number TEN itself. Do you know that the double-digit debut in the decimal system is one of the happy numbers? No, I'm not kidding! It's a thing, just ask any mathematician. But if we explore further beyond its scholastic scope, the number ten has more to it than we think. 🔟

Ten is arguably rooted in humans, considering we generally have ten fingers on our hands and feet. It is how the idea or method of counting begins in a person's early years. Little kids use their fingers to understand numerical progression. And due to our physical/biological design that I just pointed out, the cycle always concludes in tens. 🙌🏻

Furthermore, several beliefs treat numbers to specific degrees, ten included. Biblically, ten is the symbol of completeness. In Judaism, ten is considered a holy number that represents union, a collection, or a framework for transformation. Pythagoreanism views the number as "unity arising from multiplicity," considering 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10. They call it "the most perfect number" and a symbol of perfection or completeness. ⛪🕍🔺

Put two and two together—or rather, TEN (the month) and TEN (the date)? Then it's a combo that represents balance and perfection. In summary, a Perfectly Balanced date. Would you agree? 🤭

A Pursuit of Perfection

That brings me to a curious question: What does PERFECT mean? 🤔😐

For so long, humanity has pursued the idea of perfection. That mindset applies to all kinds of angles and disciplines, even from a young age. In many countries, including mine, schools usually mark 10 (or 100, which is, you know, 10 times 10) as the PERFECT SCORE. No mistake, no flaw! The Highest Point (rarely given, cough cough)! 💯

Yes, many of our academic institutions have shifted to the letter grading system in recent decades. But even an A or A+ remains equivalent to the numerical value of 8,0 to, drumrolls, 10,0. Other schools and universities opt for a grade based on excellence instead. Then again, an Excellent score is, in essence, just another name for Perfection. 👌🏻👍🏼

As such, most of us, if not everyone, are accustomed to chasing that ultimate score even after we have left the scholarly settings. We're always striving for the perfect job, idolizing those perfect pairings we see in the media, or dreaming of that perfect life partner. It's unconsciously ingrained in our heads to the point we tend to grade items or people the same way. How else did that viral TikTok-later-X trend "He’s a 10 but" come to be? 🤣

By the way, do you know there's even a WikiHow page for that? Hahaha. 🤭

Right on cue, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word "Perfect" refers to this list of definitions:

• Complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault. 
• Exactly right for someone or something. 
• To make something free from faults.
• Complete and right in every way; having nothing wrong.
• Exactly right for a particular purpose or situation; being the best possible.

Oof! That's a tall order, eh? Talk about one impeccable and, arguably, flawless word! Philosophically speaking, however, it's a question as old as time. And to help shed light on its ambiguity, Viktoriya Sus published a fascinating piece about it. Her writing explored various famous figures' perspectives, which unsurprisingly led to a similar conclusion:   

"Perfection is a subjective, personal journey of continuous growth and authenticity."

Nobody (except GOD Almighty?) and nothing will ever be perfect in life. It's an imperfect world, after all. And, believe it or not, that's not just my personal take on the matter. Plato believed so, too. Perfection is always in the eye of the beholder. Or, as Jean-Paul Sartre noted, perfection is "Something one creates for oneself." What one thinks is perfect may not or never be the same as what others have in mind. 😌🙄

A Life for Work or a Work for Life?

Do you see yourself as a perfectionist? I don't consider myself to be one. That said, some of my friends and acquaintances have told me that I CAN seem like one. 😳

Come to think of it, maybe they're not so wrong after all. 🤔

Little, menial, fixable flaws DO bother me. Commenting on social media, for example, can be a chore if an EDIT function is available at all times. A missing space, a displaced apostrophe, a simple, harmless TYPO will trigger me to click that button and revise my lines. Once. Twice. Thrice. YIKES! Likewise, my writing would often go through repeated reviews until I "feel good" about it. That's why it may take some time to finalize. 😅🤦🏻‍♂️

But on the other side of the equation, it doesn't take a genius to see that I'm also not perfect in plenty of ways. I mean, didn't I recently share how I struggle keeping the puzzle pieces of my daily duties intact? The recurring burnout during my previous job is also evident enough. Right? Hahaha. Ugh! 😩

Nevertheless, I'm sure I'm not the only one juggling a lot on their hands. Otherwise, all those think pieces about the "Work and Personal Life Balance" wouldn't be so prevalent. In fact, more companies are now deploying means to support each individual's well-being. The concept of the Four Pillars of Wellbeing has aptly demonstrated it. 😲

It makes a lot of, if not perfect, sense, naturally. As a person ages, life delivers more professional demands, whether from school or job responsibilities. Then there's the societal, familial, and implicitly personal pressure to always be productive and successful. When those stack on top of one another, it may feel like an unending, heavy burden that hangs the person in a risky balance. A slight tip of the scales, and the tilted result might make or break said subject. Either they rise up exhaustingly to the top, or they go down to an overwhelmed low. ☝🏻👎🏻 

To see where you might stand on this issue, some questions you can ask yourselves are:

• Am I genuinely enjoying my work? Or just trying not to feel overwhelmed by it... 💼
• Can I correctly share how my child is doing at school, remember the last time I celebrated my spouse or partner's achievement, or recall the funniest moment during my sibling's birthday party? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎉 
• Do I keep in touch with my friends, near and far? And say that I know what's happening in their colorful lives lately? 💬🌈
• Could I still find time, or even make time to engage in my hobbies? To do light exercises, at least... 🎨🏃‍♀️
• Would I feel guilty if I need to step away from my digital devices to, I don't know, uhm, rest? To dwell in delight, in the downtime? 📱🧘‍♀️
• Why am I doing everything I do? Is it because they fulfill me? Or simply because I have to... 🤔
• How am I really doing and feeling about my life in general right now? If I'm being frank, that is. 💭
• What kind of life will I see myself in a year, five years, or a decade from now? Would that be one where life always gets in the way? Or the other way around, where life gives all the way! 🌅

In the list above, the first four cover work, family, social, and self angles. A full-on "YES" as the answer to those means I'm green with envy at you! Hahaha. That hints you've already gotten a well-balanced life. And you probably sashayed yourself through the second half of the questions like a ballroom champion. Take pride in that! 💃🏻👍🏻

A Workaround That May Work

Of course, there's nothing wrong with getting less-than-perfect answers to those casual questions. After all, as explored before, perfection is subjective. There were only 8 points, anyway, so the total score would never net you a perfect 100. Oh, hey, but remember! 80 usually still counts as A. 😁

Grading jokes aside, you should be able to identify which areas you can improve from those points. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is our ability to balance life properly. While some may reach that goal easily, most of us require time and patience through slow but progressive efforts. Fortunately, guidelines and approaches are present to support the process. 😌

Have you heard of the 8-8-8 rule? It's not necessarily a perfect double 10. But having an 8 on each corner with a third sitting in the center does provide an equilibrium state. Right? ⚖️

The 8-8-8 rule is a time management technique that seems, well, simple and straightforward. It divides an entire day into three parts: 8 hours for focused work, 8 hours for leisure activities, and 8 hours for proper sleep. The three-way balance ensures all elements enrich one's productivity and happiness level. 💙

Sleep is the most self-explanatory part. Any human being needs to recharge their biological state, which in turn helps ensure the right stamina for the other two. Focused work can be a job or a study, but also includes the necessary short breaks to avoid burnout. Lastly, leisure activities refer to the time when we can incorporate distinct hobbies or moments for family and friends. That's equally important as sleep, considering this is where we infuse dopamine-boosting joy. 🙂🙋🏻‍♂️

In reality, this approach may require repeated practice to get the hang of it. We should be disciplined about switching on and off every 8-hour part, so one part doesn't spill into the next. Yet, at the same time, a degree of flexibility is also necessary. We may need to readjust the timeline or positioning for special cases, especially within the work hours window. Is the load of a job heavier than usual, physically or mentally? Then, it's wise to extend the break duration to ensure it doesn't exceed our capabilities. ⏱️⏳

Australia's health services echo and complement the 8-8-8 rule with their own advice. Their site reaffirms the importance of planning and exercising the right time management that suits your work-life circumstances. Likewise, it points out that we need to find the "perfect" ways through runs and reviews. Several additional pieces of advice enhance the rule even more, though. 😀

Little changes, such as shopping online, working from home, or organizing remote meetings, can reduce the significant time spent commuting. I can attest to this, as attending my current art project alone already swallows around 2 hours of my day, to and fro, not counting the hours on location. 🚌🏃🏻

Boundaries, too, are essential. Yes, we're connected almost 24/7 thanks to the advancement of the digital era. However, that doesn't always need to be the case, too! Social media will not go anywhere if we don't visit them. They'll still be there, endlessly scrolling through their toxic reels. Going fully off the grid, or at least firmly resolute not to accept work-related communication once we're beyond office hours, is ALWAYS an option. 🌐❌

More importantly, if our office doesn't support that, nor our well-being? Probably it's no longer the place where we should pour our efforts. Know and embrace our values and worth. If we enjoy our work, then the likelihood of it driving us into depression would be minimal. And even when there are unpleasant challenges, we will likely stay motivated to stay there anyway. Particularly, if the place can maintain a welcoming and supportive atmosphere from our co-workers or leaders. 🏢🤗

A Little Thing Called "Doing Nothing"

The final point on the Health Direct site is "Have downtime." Honestly, reading the closing example tickled my giggle. It reminded me of an essay by Robyne Hanley-Dafoe in Psychology Today. 

Despite my instant lighthearted response, that isn't exactly a laughable matter. "Doing Nothing" is a real, beneficial thing! For one, it DOES fit into the 8 hours of leisure activity rule. It's nice that the essay wisely compares it to athletes and recovery time. Without ample recovery time, anyone engaging in prolonged physical activity will only have an increased risk of injuries. Been there, done that. 🤕😵

The key lies in the keyword "Nothing." In general, it usually means "the complete absence of anything, as the opposite of something and an antithesis of everything." But here's the twisted truth that's been argued by as far back as early Greek Philosophers: Nothing is never really nothing. In the case of human activities, that may indeed be the fact. 🤔

Just think about it. Even if someone calls and asks us, "What are you doing?" Providing "Nothing" as an answer doesn't necessarily mean we're non-functional like a smartphone that runs out of battery or a robot whose power source is turned OFF. During that state, what we "proclaim" as "nothing" may be resting on our laurels on the sofa, silently exchanging blinks and beams with our furry or feathered family members, and even the act of replying to that message. Eating a snack while pondering about how to "Try to take over the world" is most definitely NOT nothing. 👀🤣

Funnily enough, I used to think the opposite. Once, when I told my friend that I felt tired that week, he proposed, "Maybe you were too busy." In my head, I wasn't busy at all, as I didn't produce any significant results. At the time, I associated my activities with "not being productive." Researching and reading materials for my writing, doing Friends Quest on the language app, and replying to letters from my pen pals didn't "feel" like being busy. To me, it felt more like "doing nothing." But after I explained what I'd been doing, my friend replied, "So, yeah, you WERE busy all along." 😱😅

That might have been a poor example, I admit. But seriously, doing nothing always means we are doing something, just in a more relaxed manner. And that necessary downtime is often the peace and quiet our bodies need. 😴🎲

Writer Oliver Burkeman wrote for The Guardian a decade ago, "Too much busyness is counterproductive." Considering how I literally (physically) and figuratively (mentally and emotionally) crashed by forcing myself to stay busy to suppress my grief? Yes, Burkeman's words ring oh, so painfully true. I wasn't alone. Emma Gannon shared with the BBC that she, too, learned it the hard way. Apparently, my entire generation is the same, to the point that we have been branded a burnout generation. Ouch, that burns! That's how the likes of #SlowLiving and Quiet Quitting became a thing, I guess. 🤨🤷🏻‍♂️

In all honesty, doing nothing is not a bad thing. By doing so, we can brighten our brains or strengthen our bonds with the people we care about. It doesn't need an expensive escape to a hidden resort or anything luxurious. Talking about the daily dillydallies with the family while relaxing in a garden helps maintain the moment with them. A casual walk to the mall with friends, without any particular intention, can sometimes spark new fun ideas. Playing Pokémon games may end up leading to several writings that Google Gemini reviewed as "TOO DETAILED." Mwahaha. 😜

So, yeah. Try doing nothing for a change! It might just save a life. Your own, specifically. 😌🙏🏻

A Balancing Act of Balance

As I've started typing this final part of this piece, my mind can't help but wonder. "My goodness, this has gotten longer than I planned. AGAIN! Arrrghhh!" 🤦🏻‍♂️

Hahaha, okay, definitely not just that. "Have I achieved this so-called balance I talked about?" and "Have I, at least, juggled things better since my last post?" 🤔

My answer to both is no. Or perhaps, not yet. I'm still fumbling my way, figuring out a better time allocation system that will meet my needs. While it's a small step so far, I've cut back on a few activities, so my days don't feel too overwhelming. There might be some more down the line. I'm also working on pacing my progress without being too hard on myself if I can't complete everything. All in all, it's a constant work in progress, and that, in itself, is a good thing! 😉👍🏻

Hey! The fact that I'm here, writing again, and posting another piece after weeks of absence? That's something, eh? 😅

It's imperative that we understand and ultimately accept that being human means being limited. There's only so much that we can do or handle in one day. Even the most capable multitasker would know to take on things that won't exceed their limits. 🙆🏻‍♂️🙅🏻‍♀️

Such a limit applies to both the body and the brain. In the second episode of Brilliant Minds Season 2, Zachary Quinto's Oliver Wolf summed it nicely, 

"A big breakup, going through the IVF process, working too hard, not sleeping enough, with huge hormonal fluctuations that provoke the worry, the stress, and the tonnage of those elements created a perfect storm for a mental break for you. You put enough pressure on a bone, and it will break. The brain is just as fragile. It can only take so much."

We should never forget that perfection is subjective and that comparing our limits to others' is futile. It's perfectly OKAY to NOT be perfect. 👌🏻💯

The overall desire for balance is, fittingly, a balancing act on its own. Focusing on our top priorities, ones that don't sacrifice quality time for ourselves and our loved ones, can provide the pointers to do so. It's all about ensuring that our work/job, physical rest, and downtime are in tandem with one another. And that such a delicate composition helps keep us in check, in health and happiness, without breaking us down into pieces. ❤️☺️

October 10 has been declared World Mental Health Day since 1992. So, if you can, try making your mental health a priority. And if you haven't, start today! Aim for the balance that feels right in your life. It'll do you good in the long run. More importantly, may it lead you to your own Perfectly Balanced way, even when life adds a bit of weight. 🙆🏻‍♂️⚖️🤷🏻‍♂️

YOU GOT THIS! 😉👍🏻

(Source: ChatGPT)