The Darn Diaries Darnell Setiadi

It's crazy how you can make your body adjust to your state of mind. If you told me to run a half marathon while weight training 9 months ago, I'd tell you: "No chance. You're crazy."

Long story short, I ran my first unofficial half-marathon a month ago, another three after, and, in about two months, my first official half-marathon race.



Key takeaway: You can do anything you set your mind and heart to, no matter how challenging.

Personal Project Realities

It's hard AF. School teaches you how to be disciplined, bounding you to grades and academic progress toward graduation, but when you're on your own? You're only bound by the rules and systems you create for yourself.

Screw Stress

The best way to kill stress is simply by taking action. There's no point in ruminating or overthinking what could've been or should've been; instead, focus on the step ahead of you and move forward.

Life Update

Listen to the end to find out about my love life and my big announcement.

This episode is a tribute to my late grandparents from both sides. They were a big part of my life, and I will forever be grateful to have been raised by them.



They taught me more than they'll ever know, and I hope they know how proud I was and still am of knowing and being loved by four beautiful souls.



Popoh, Kung Kung, Ema, and Engkong, this one's for you.

Double F***

I was not only humbled once but twice: first by my potential job and second by my could've-been-date (not her fault, though).

Keep Swinging

All we need is one homerun, one perfect swing, to send it all the way. The problem is, not everyone swings until they hit a home run.

Dating Standards

I've kept mine pretty high since my last relationship and there's a reason why I never compromised on it. (Also me: Crying to Ghostown by Benson Boone for the past 6 Valentine's days).

Mini Update

I recently caught the flu, so pardon my voice, but otherwise, I am still in the job hunt despite having a few interviews in my pocket.

Dating Life Revived

It's been almost six years since I last dated, until this coming Saturday. She seems nice, but we'll see where it goes.

Discussing Dating Strategy

You're in for a treat on this one. I learned a few things from my past relationship and talking stage that I hope you don't have to learn the hard way and how I'm approaching dating now.

Planning Mechanisms

"When a man/woman plans, God laughs." We can't always foresee every outcome's success, but we can always prepare and plan for the ideal and worst-case scenarios. Once you have, just run the plan and stick to it, and suddenly, you're in control.

It Works Out Eventually

It's a series of ups and downs, but somehow, everything seemingly pieces together in the end. There's a saying that goes: Everything's gonna be okay in the end; if it's not okay, then it's not the end.

Live a Little

I spent a lot of time on the grind that I'd forget to enjoy my time with myself, family, and friends who stuck by me through thick and thin. Work and school shouldn't define your life (though they are important), so get out there and do what you love.