Candid Musings with Michelle Abueva

"I wouldn’t have the opportunity to grow into who I am right now."

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with my BFF "down under," Lea Ann, as she shares her transformative eight-year journey living in Australia. What started as a plan to study Sports Management quickly turned into a masterclass in flexibility when life—and a global pandemic—threw a curveball.

My dear unni opens up about:

• ​ The Career Pivot: Moving from a corporate desk job at Citibank to studying MBA while working as a barista, and eventually finding her way into a Master’s in Nursing during the height of COVID-19.
• ​ The Struggle for Stability: The raw reality of being an international student, the pressure of permanent residency, and the "imposter syndrome" of choosing a career as a means to an end.
• ​ Life in Australia: The beauty of a laid-back lifestyle, building a home, and the vital importance of holding boundaries for your mental health.
• ​ The Power of "Why": Why finding your core motivation is the only thing that keeps you grounded when the "everyday" starts to consume you.

Whether you’re navigating a quarter-life crisis, considering a move abroad, or struggling to trust the process, Lea Ann’s story is a reminder that while your plans might not be foolproof, the version of yourself you become through the struggle is worth the journey.

The flu season can wait! In this special Season Two episode, we welcome back our very first guest and my BFF, June Nicole Chanlim Ting (a mother of one!), to dive deep into a topic close to both our hearts: Friendship Through the Seasons.

Life changes constantly—marriage, motherhood, and the hustle—but what's the true foundation of a lasting bond? Nicole and I reflect on how our friendship has matured over two decades and discuss the one common ground that has anchored us both: growing in a deep, intimate relationship with the Lord.

Join us as we share raw, personal stories of spiritual awakening, the transformation from a "me, me, me" transactional life to a surrendered, purposeful one, and the difference between worldly success and true fulfillment. We discuss the power of grace (the "most expensive free gift"), letting go of control, and the challenge of becoming and making disciples. Get practical encouragement and a powerful prayer to help you take that leap of faith and focus on the Giver, not the gift.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their connections, navigate life's changes with faith, and understand what truly matters in lasting relationships.

Join my "twin", Alexandra Barot-Yoshioka and I for a special episode of Candid Musings as we dive into the complex world of relationships and connection. We share a unique bond—both celebrating our birthday on September 9th—and our conversation is as candid and heartfelt as our decades-long friendship.

In this deep-dive discussion, we explore two essential relationship dilemmas:

1. ​Anchoring the Line: When to Let Go? 🤔 We tackle the tough question of knowing when it's time to outgrow and gracefully release certain friendships or relationships.
2. ​The Potential Trap: 💡 Examining the habit of falling for who people could be versus accepting them for who they are in reality.

Alex, a dedicated NICU nurse, shares her perspective on kindness, self-awareness, and the true meaning of a good friend, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are without expecting an equal 50-50 effort. We also discuss the necessity of protecting your peace, the wisdom of the "slow fade" as a form of closure, and why it's crucial to understand that we cannot change people—only pray for them.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the challenges of maintaining social circles across distances, the value of intentionality and quality over quantity in friendships, and the peace that comes from letting go of the need to be a "savior" or "fixer" in others' lives.

Is it possible to be alone without being lonely? In this episode, I sit down with one of my best friends and lowest-maintenance confidants, my main b*tch, Stephen Alegre. He shares how he went from a simple life in the province to living his dreams in the Big Apple—all while mastering the art of enjoying his own company.

We dive deep into why solitude is actually a superpower for self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth. Stephen breaks down his disciplined routines (from the 5 AM Club, to working out in the gym to museum dates with himself) and explains why he never feels lonely simply because he plans a life so full, there’s no room for negativity.

In this episode, we cover:

• ​ Solitude vs. Loneliness: Why you need to be happy on your own before you can be happy with someone else.
• ​ The "No Time" Mindset: How to schedule your life so negative emotions can’t creep in.
• ​ The 5 Pillars of Solitude: Faith, Self-Care, Gratitude, Community, and Excitement for the Future.

Join us for a conversation about faith, friendship, and falling in love with the life you have right now.

**CORRECTION**

30:46 - Dr. James Hollis (not Doty) & Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s Podcast (not Mel Robbins’)

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What if your purpose isn't a grand, future goal, but something you live out right now? 🤔

In this heartfelt and honest episode, we sit down with one of my best friends, Dr. Jake Sofronio Coja, a Family Medicine Resident, to discuss “Finding Your Purpose in the Everyday.” Ga Jake shares his inspiring, non-linear path—from being a barista and an accounting and law student to finally becoming the doctor he was meant to be.

We tackle big questions, like:

• ​Why does society often equate career titles with our worth?
• ​How can the pain we overcome become the source of our compassion for others?
• ​Practical ways to shift your perspective and embrace gratitude to find fulfillment in the mundane.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that God uses every twist and turn of our story. As Mother Teresa said, “You can't do great things. Only small things with great love.” 💖 Don't miss this deeply personal chat on living a meaningful life, one day at a time!

#CandidMusings #CandidMusingswithMichelle #CandidMusingsPodcast #FindingYourPurpose #MeaningInTheMundane #LiveOneDayAtATime #PersonalGrowth #FaithOverFear #DoctorLife #EverydayPurpose #Gratitude #FilipinoPodcast #LifeIsAJourney

Are you tired of constantly chasing an unattainable ideal? Join me and my dear friend, Tatiana Icamen-Gomez as we dive deep into the profound freedom and powerful connection found in Embracing Imperfection.

In a world that constantly bombards us with curated highlight reels and the pressure to be 'perfect,' we challenge the notion that flawless is best. Sit down with us as we explore why shedding the mask of perfection is the most liberating thing you can do for your mental health and relationships.

We discuss:

• ​ The exhausting cycle of seeking perfection and how it impacts self-worth.
• ​ The unexpected strength and beauty found in our flaws and vulnerabilities.
• ​ Practical ways to cultivate genuine authenticity in your daily life.
• ​ How being truly ourselves—messy edges and all—is the only way to forge deep, meaningful human connections.

Tune in for a candid conversation that will inspire you to drop the act, find the courage to be seen as you are, live your truth, and discover the true joy that comes from being genuinely, wonderfully YOU.

#CandidMusings #CandidMusingsPodcast #CandidMusingswithMichelle #Authenticity #Imperfection #SelfAcceptance #MentalWellness #Vulnerability #SelfImprovement #Connection #PersonalGrowth

What does success really mean to you?

Is it the number in your bank account? The title on your business card? The boxes society says you need to check?

We’ve been chasing a definition of success that doesn’t always lead to fulfillment. In our new podcast episode, “Redefining Success: Beyond the Metrics,” we’re tearing down those old expectations.

One of my best friends @heyiamryan and I are exploring what it truly means to be successful on a personal level—one filled with purpose, peace, and alignment, not just status.

If you’re ready to create your own definition of a successful life, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Tune in now! Link in bio.

We want to know: How do YOU personally define success? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#CandidMusings #CandidMusingsPodcast #CandidMusingswithMichelle #RedefiningSuccess #BeyondTheMetrics #NewEpisode #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #MeaningfulLife #PurposeDriven #AuthenticLiving

What does a “good fence” look like in your life? Is it a text you don’t answer after 9 PM? Is it saying “no” to protect your peace? My dear buttercup, Atty. Loveth Dejarme-Fornolles and I are diving deep into the art of setting boundaries, why a little space can save a relationship, and how learning to decline can be a pivotal life lesson in protecting your energy and time.

❤️

- What I did today (April 01, 2025)

- This season’s realizations: grieving the life I expected to have by now, obedience & humility in God, truly trusting in God’s plan, letting go of the impulse to control & completely surrendering to His will