Sticky rice, small wins, and self-respect

I didn’t expect to feel proud at a buffet.

But here we are.

It was my niece’s dedication.

Family everywhere. Big energy.

One of those restaurant buffets that turns everyone into a smiling savage.

I hadn’t hit one in years… so I did it right:

Started with a plate of salad (because fiber, right?).

Then went full beast mode: chicken karaage, shrimp tempura, salmon sashimi, roast turkey, lamb, beef.

A little bit of everything. A lot of joy.

And then came dessert...

Cakes. Pastries. Ice cream. A full-on sugar trap.

A few months ago, I would’ve loaded up on all of the above.

But this time, I paused.

I remembered the commitment I made earlier this week, cut the ultra-processed junk.

Not perfect. No food-police energy.

But just a little cleaner. A little more mindful.

So I made a different move: sticky rice cakes.

Simple. Sweet. Not loaded with chemicals I can’t pronounce.

Still felt like a treat. But I walked away from that table proud of myself.

Here’s why I’m telling you this:

That decision won’t go viral.

It won’t show up in my bio.

Nobody clapped when I walked back to my seat.

But it mattered.

Choosing sticky rice over sugar bombs.

Closing the laptop at midnight instead of doom-scrolling.

Writing the first sentence when you don’t feel ready.

Doing one pull-up when you’d rather skip the gym.

Sending the message you’ve been putting off.

Tiny wins. Private victories.

But those are the ones that build self-respect!

So if you’ve made one of those quiet wins lately…

Whether it’s with food, focus, family, or discipline…

I hope you noticed.
And I hope you’re proud.

And if you want to tell someone, I’d love to hear it.

Just reply to this email and tell me what win you’re celebrating.

Big or small.

I’ll celebrate it with you.

To your growth,
Vikko