Words carry emotions. For example, the word "sour" may trigger your sense of taste, "warm"  may evoke feelings of comfort, and "smile" may influence you to cheer up a bit. When these sensory-laden words carry emotional weight, they can be tapped into our memories and bodily responses, often without us realizing it. In communication, we can use emotional words to create deeper connections between people.

Saying, "That meal was warm and comforting," paints a richer picture than simply calling it "delicious." Descriptive, feeling-driven language helps listeners and readers picture and feel the content.  These words turn our sentences into an experience—adding texture, temperature, feeling, and taste to our conversations. 

Here are some words that can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere:  warm,  cozy, safe, reassuring, gentle, calm, soothing, soft, light, peaceful, grounding, steady, supportive, familiar, and kindly. Each of these words carries a sense of emotional ease and stability, helping to foster an environment where people feel comfortable, valued, and at ease.

When we understand how words resonate with the senses, we begin to shape thoughts and feelings—making language one of the most powerful tools for human connection. Whether we want to soothe, energize, or persuade someone, choosing words that activate physical or emotional reactions helps us communicate more effectively. ​

​John Doerr’s Measure What Matters explains that OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a structured goal-setting framework designed to align teams and organizations toward measurable success. 

• An Objective is a clear, ambitious goal that provides direction.
• Key Results are specific, quantifiable outcomes that indicate progress toward achieving the objective. 

OKRs are not vague aspirations or simple task lists; they require clear definitions and measurable benchmarks. Unlike traditional performance management tools, OKRs emphasize stretch goals, accountability, and continuous iteration, ensuring that teams focus on outcomes rather than just activities.

Measurement is central to the OKR framework, as progress is tracked through well-defined Key Results, which must be specific, time-bound, and measurable. OKRs differ from key performance indicators (KPIs), which track business performance but do not necessarily drive change. While KPIs measure the health of an organization, OKRs push teams toward significant improvement and innovation. Other related measurements include CFRs (Conversations, Feedback, and Recognition), which complement OKRs by encouraging a culture of continuous feedback and growth rather than static performance evaluations. The book highlights that OKRs should be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on progress rather than rigid annual targets.

The key concepts behind OKRs include focus, alignment, commitment, tracking, and stretching—all of which contribute to their effectiveness. OKRs create transparency within organizations, ensuring all team members know priorities and progress. 

The benefits of OKRs include improved goal clarity, increased motivation through ambitious targets, and enhanced collaboration by linking individual and team efforts to overarching company objectives. Unlike traditional management approaches that emphasize top-down control, OKRs encourage autonomy, agility, and innovation that drive meaningful progress in business, social impact, and personal development.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it is essential to not only have a resume that lists your skills and experiences but also to showcase what you can do. Building a personal website or creating a portfolio is crucial in demonstrating your skills and relevance to potential employers.

For instance, if a job description emphasizes the need for data visualization, it’s much more effective to have a website that displays your previous visualization work instead of merely stating that you have experience in this area. Similarly, if you excel at communication and presenting concepts, consider sharing recordings of your presentations or visual workflows. If you are proficient in coding, you can share simple code examples or applications through your GitHub account.

​Presenting your work in this way is much more compelling in today's job market.

The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom (2025) is one of the few books that explains life philosophy so well and practically that I would recommend it to all my beloved family and friends. The message is simple: To live a happy and fulfilling life, we must race with time, cultivate meaningful relationships, nurture our mind with curiosity, maintain physical fitness, and achieve financial stability so that we can enjoy the freedom to pursue our desires.

​When people begin to consider retirement, their thoughts often revolve around financial aspects, such as taxes, living costs, and healthcare needs. Financial security allows them to choose where they want to live. Many talked about relocating to countries like Malaysia, Portugal, or Mexico for retirement, attracted by their low costs for medical services and living expenses, as well as the welcoming cultures that are friendly to older adults.

However, the most important factor in choosing a retirement location is your relationships. Social support from friends and family is essential because you can easily get isolated from the outside world if you exit the workplace. Social isolation can negatively impact both our emotional and physical health. Therefore, the best places to retire would be close to where you are now, close to your old friends, or the same city with children. 

In summary, while short visits or vacations to other destinations are enjoyable, long-term living after retirement should ideally be near our loved ones who can offer emotional and social support. While food and shelter are important, it is the social connections that truly enrich our lives.ght.