Chapter 1: The Value of Time

In my recent edition of the 3 X 3 series, I’ve found myself reflecting on one of our most precious resources: time. How frequently do we default to saying, “I’m too busy,” or hastily move on to the next task instead of savoring moments with those who matter most to us?

During a recent visit to my hometown of San Jose, California, what I cherished the most was the time spent with others—engaging in genuine conversations and making meaningful connections. It served as a poignant reminder of the bonds we should nurture. Regrettably, I missed an opportunity to dine with an old friend, prompting me to commit to prioritizing conversations with those who have played significant roles in my life over the years. I eagerly await sharing both joys and challenges and learning about their experiences while conveying my own. These interactions are truly the gold that life offers.

We often provide superficial responses, failing to show our authentic selves to those closest to us, which is a missed opportunity indeed.

However, the three writers featured here have embraced authenticity, allowing us to connect with them and fostering a shared desire to improve our lives and uplift others.

Michelle Marie Writes is a remarkable author and a devoted mother to an autistic son. In her piece, "Meet Lola, The Girl From Havana," she narrates the inspiring story of a Cuban girl whose dreams face numerous obstacles yet remain intact.

Michelle articulates her motivation behind her writing beautifully. During a recent exit debriefing with a client, I emphasized that her success, in whatever form it may take, is what truly matters to me.

Emphasizing Positive Change Through Writing In her writing, she underscores that true progress often takes longer than expected. As she wisely notes, “Things happen for you, not to you.”

Embracing Divine Timing Everything unfolds for a reason.

While I’m not typically drawn to technology-focused content, editing Meriç Melike Yılmaz’s stories in ILLUMINATION has altered my perspective. As a senior engineering manager, her narratives convey humility and professionalism, offering insights applicable to various situations.

10 Tips for Effective Code Reviews Her advice on reviewing code can easily extend to providing constructive feedback in any context.

Working Remotely: Key Insights The next article shares tips for remote work that are equally relevant for in-office collaboration. Among them, “Active Communication” stands out as a crucial element. It’s vital to stay informed about teammates' progress and priorities to ensure project success.

To showcase her technical skills, Meriç created a simple application that helps analyze your Medium network.

Analyzing Your Medium Stats A tool to track your Medium follower stats and discover your network.

Lastly, I’d like to introduce You, Me and Happiness, who poses the thought-provoking question: why not choose happiness? Focused on conscious living, she offers practical advice to overcome mental barriers.

A DIY Energy Body Hack This innovative hack helps determine if you need supplements, and it’s surprisingly effective!

If you enjoy culinary delights, her roundup of "10 Sinful Foods" will surely inspire you to cook. Recently, I experimented with some indulgent recipes: creamy tomato soup accompanied by grilled cheese croutons, and zoodles with clam sauce. Delicious!

Exploring My Culinary Indulgences I relish these dishes without a hint of guilt.

To conclude, I’ll share a poignant poem reflecting on what truly matters in life: nurturing a positive relationship with oneself.

The Journey of Life: Time and Purpose A meditation on productivity, time, evolution, and life’s purpose.

You can uncover more outstanding writers in my 3 X 3 compilation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your engagement means a lot to me. Win the Day! John