We went to a local coffee shop called Good Habits Coffee in Paseo Arcenas. Of course, matcha. It was after walking around the area for a bit. I love it there coz it’s cold. The kind that makes you want to jog even if you did not plan to.

It was also the first time someone checked in on me in person after I ended my relationship. I kept it real. I am not exactly okay yet, but I am at peace now. No more random 5 a.m. trip pa-Talisay para mag lechon for breakfast. Funny how endings slowly change your habits without asking permission.

We talked about so many things. Life. Routines. The adjustments you do for people and the feels when something important ends. Then we noticed a question written on the wall.

What is your good habit?

We both paused. Hmmm. No quick answer. We finished our drinks, went home, and called it a night. But the question followed me. It still lingers.

Maybe my good habit is that I am mostly in control of my own thing now. I get to choose my hard. Some days, that means caring deeply. Other days, it means intentionally not caring about things that no longer deserve that kind of space in me. Protecting my peace is top priority.

Maybe another good habit is simply showing up. Showing up even when I am unsure. Showing up to conversations, to coffee (matcha actually), to cold evenings that make me want to move. Being intentional with where I place myself, because I know I cannot be here forever. So I will show up while I still can.

I also believe that another good habit I have developed is thanking God for the things I enjoy and even for the ones I do not fully understand. Some blessings are easy to recognize. Others are confusing or uncomfortable. But I thank Him anyway. I trust that clarity does not always come first.

And lately, I am grateful for the simple grace of holding space with someone. Sitting across from another person, sharing quiet amusement, listening to stories without needing to fix or rush anything. Just being present. Just being thankful to listen.

So, what’s your good habit?