enjoy – The Diary of The Deranged Writer

Notes to Self XX

I’m so excited for my birthday next week. (That’s December 5, for those who are asking.) And yes, my birthdays since 2020 have been lovely, but after all the joyful moments this 2025, I have never been beyond-cloud-nine excited for my birthday in years.

And on this 20th Notes to Self, let me share a quote that proves why my 2025 has been the happiest year of my life yet. And this time, this quote comes from my mind.

Notes to Self XVIII

Lately, aside from being consistent in my daily rituals (e.g., updating my journal system, skincare, listening to music), I have been exploring uncharted territory. Every week, I would visit a different café or watch a show I should have watched years ago. (Sorry for being late to the party, fans of the iconic action drama 24. Now I get it.)

But since September started, I need to sacrifice exploring new things—for the next few weeks, at least.

This is my 18th Notes to Self. (Also, I think this is my first time-pressured one?)

10-Minute Warning CLXXXII

All right. Before I do my Monday night ritual, what can I share here under 10 minutes?

After following a seven-to-eight-hour sleep schedule for the past few weeks, I slept at 11pm, and then I woke up at 9am. That’s a few hours later than I wanted to.

But I have to say: it was the most satisfying ten-hour sleep since my therapist, Dr. M, prescribed me to sleep that long. That’s in 2019.

I quote my therapist, Dr. M, “Sleep is medicine.” She’s right. Yes, I have been sleeping seven to eight hours lately (sometimes I go for six, which is not recommended) because I want a few extra hours for activities like work, writing, enjoying my other hobbies, and spending time with my loved ones. But last night, I fell asleep after watching Person of Interest’s Season 1 episode “Witness” (I’m doing my annual Person of Interest marathon again), my body did a forced maintenance without warning, and I didn’t wake up to my alarms. And when I woke up, I was so energized, and I did so just in time for work. Thank goodness for that beauty sleep, and for being able to do work from home.

Moving forward, I will sleep for seven to eight hours usually, but I will sleep for ten hours whenever I can.

And oh… how was work today? I have never been this productive at work in weeks. Sleep is medicine indeed.

Anyway, my 10 minutes are not up yet, but I’m going to end it here to prepare for my Monday ritual. See you in the next post, and have a nice week ahead!