My first day in Mas. Time to find a gym.

Something I hadn't done consistently in a while: hit the gym. It was one of my top priorities to tackle right away. But first, I had to scout one out.

I'd decided that in these initial weeks, I'd walk everywhere—not having my international driver's permit played a part, but it felt invigorating. It let me connect with the locals through small interactions, revealing a village brimming with warmth. Kind souls eager to share goodwill with anyone, regardless of origin. Some eyed me suspiciously, which I get—I was one of the few on foot. In Bali, people hop on scooters as soon as they can toddle. So, strolling down the street seemed downright odd, like, "What are you doing?" But hey, that walk became an adventure in itself. In the end, we found a gym just a 20-minute trek from home.

I have to admit, that 20 minutes dragged on forever. My first real brush with Bali's intense heat and humidity. But it was absolutely worth it.

This marks the launch of Phase 1 in my plan (which I'll unpack as it unfolds in the coming days).

Phase 1: Calibrating habits.

I'd arrived with a tangle of routines that no longer served me. Things like daily weed smoking or casual drinking—not excessively, but out of habit rather than genuine enjoyment. I know I savor a glass of wine with an exceptional dinner, but the standard weekend beer? It rarely added value.

The goal isn't to overhaul everything at once. Instead, it's about gaining clarity on my current habits now that I'm solo, then gradually adapting them to support me rather than hinder.

I still smoke cigarettes and adore my coffee, and I'm not beating myself up over it yet. If change is needed, it'll come in time. First, let my body adjust to life without weed, recalibrating to its natural high, and proceed step by step. This feels like a solid approach, and I'm thrilled to refine my habits and self into a more consistent version—aligned with my inner being, the person I want to become. Not the one clinging to outdated patterns that hold me back.

These intentions will evolve as my outlook on life shifts. But this is our starting point, and from here, we head into paradise.