"What Was The Opportunity Cost?"

It's day 96 of documenting 2025.

Sometimes....😔
That's all I could think of to start with.
I'm not so high in spirits as I type this....but no matter how I feel, the show must go on.

I was moody yesterday evening.
It first started with my time of the month coming earlier than it did last month.
I was extra conscious at the tutorial center.
Then I had unusual sugar cravings.
Whole food didn't seem to interest me.
I'll probably be paying for it when the pain comes 😐

I got home to get ready for a scheduled call with my mentor and some other guys concerning a project.
Before the call, I started to look for some change that I had kept in my bag.

For some reason, I couldn't remember where I kept it.
I searched and searched.
Did someone take it? 🤔
I started thinking in that direction....
If it doesn't turn up by today or tomorrow.....then I probably lost it.

Anyways, the call went on and I chipped in where necessary.
To be honest, it felt weird.
To be part of a team, talking about what could be achieved and work to be done.
Which in this case, was research.

Personally I think I'm better off solo.
In business, in work, in a project.
It's just me versus me.
When it comes to a team or a group, I tend to be cautious.
I can participate, but I don't usually feel like I belong there.
No matter how well meaning it is.

Let me give ME some advice.
Here it goes:

Duon, I get it
Maybe because you haven't been in a group that has lasted or because you're comfortable dealing with just one person.
You know what, girl?
None of that matters.
It's all in your head.

You can bring your A game on, no matter what group you find yourself in....I believe in you 💝
Here's what I think....you may feel that you don't belong in a group because you had nothing to do with it's initial setup.
What if you form a group of your own? Something that will last....as long as you keep going.
From there, you can build a team.
A team that will last.

Yo! This makes sense.
(Or nonsense.... depending on how you see it 😄)
It's the fear of actually becoming part of something bigger than just me.
And from what I know, fear is just an illusion.
I shouldn't let it hold me back.
I'll try to get more involved in the groups I'm in....as well as figure out how to start mine.

There was also something I did yesterday.
That was before my mood swing.
(By the way, I felt better after a bath....guess I needed one)
This happened at tutorial center.
I had some cash and to prevent me from spending it on sweet stuff, I got a particular book containing notes on key topics in Economics.
It's called an AOC (Area Of Concentration) handout.
As well as a new crochet hook.
(It's the 4mm crochet hook!...a bigger one)

What was the opportunity cost?
The snacks I unconsciously decided to spend the money on.
I thought a lot about it.
As the teacher in front was talking Chemistry.

Here's a bit of how my thoughts played out:
"Man! I got some cash!....I would just keep it and....
Wait a minute!
It's ME we're talking about....I know what I'm capable of.
Why not put this money to good use and invest in something that would help me?

Hmm 🤔
There's that new crochet pin I've been having my eyes on....
As well as the AOC texts for each subject that Master Blessing advertises daily.
I can only get one.....
What would it be? Chemistry?
Nah! I already have a Chemistry notes app.
Biology? I have a lightweight textbook for it....as well as for English.
Economics it is!"

Before the lessons ended, I bought the hook and the AOC text for Economics.
That way, I couldn't change my mind.
Which is a good thing....because I curbed an unhealthy tendency of mine.
What I applied was from Tony's book, Awaken The Giant Within, where he talked about decisions.

I learned that a decision isn't really a decision until some form of action is taken.
Simply put, if you decide to do something beneficial that you don't really enjoy, do something in that direction to cement your decision.
It may become hard to go back on your decision afterwards.
The intended effect of the action.

See? Books can actually change the way you think.
That's why I read at least one book daily.....mainly to remind myself of my writing streak and also learn something.
Something that I always share with you 🤗
I call it "Highlights".
So, let's get into it....today's note was about silencio.

365 Days With Self-discipline
📌 On Silence

"Silence is the absolute poise or
balance of body, mind, and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence — not a leaf, as it were, astir on the tree; not a ripple upon the surface of shining pool— his, in the mind of the unlettered sage, is the ideal attitude and conduct of life.
(…) If you ask [him]:
“What are the fruits of silence?” he will say: “They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character.”
Quote by Charles Alexander Eastman

"In today’s noisy world, silence is uncomfortable.
Most of us rarely, if ever, experience true silence.
We listen to podcasts when exercising, listen to music when commuting, and interrupt work with a chat or two with colleagues."

"Silence is uncomfortable, because it means there are no outside distractions: it’s just you and your thoughts.
Silence in a conversation is even more uncomfortable because there’s an unspoken rule that when people have nothing to talk about, they should come up with any topic just to avoid an awkward silence that might require them to become  present and aware of how they
really feel."

"......sitting in silence and listening to your inner thoughts without any external distractions can help you slow down and analyze your recent decisions or assess how well you’re doing with your new goals.
Try to spend at least five minutes a week in silence and you’ll be surprised how much valuable feedback you can retrieve from within you."

".....try the following challenge for one day: when talking with somebody who has a different opinion than you do, resist the temptation to immediately attack them and instead listen silently until they have fully presented their arguments."

The first quote was pretty long but proves a point.
Silence is golden 🪙
It's better to be a good listener.
I'm getting good at listening to others, most especially my friends.
I guess the skill of communication is being developed.

Don't know how the rest of the story goes....🤷🏼
But I'm living my story as I write....one post at a time.
Do you want to read more of my former posts?
Former days I've lived?
Head on to Documenting 2025.
Scroll as much as you like....then pick a post and enjoy!
Thank for reading, my friend 😊

I almost forgot!
It's Sunday morning!
I wish you a wonderful week ahead.
This new week will go better for you last week.
Cheers to that! 🍷

I'm Duon Ada....the eccentric writer behind the screen.
I'm documenting 2025.
And I'll see you tomorrow.
Ciao 💕