How Becoming Malta’s First Sex Therapist Changed Me as a Man
When I first set out on this journey, I thought I was introducing something Malta desperately needed—open, honest, and professional conversations about sex, relationships, and intimacy. I didn’t realize how much this work would reshape me as a man, how it would influence my relationships, and how it would challenge my perception of love, trust, and even myself. Being Malta’s first sex therapist wasn’t just about breaking cultural taboos. It forced me to question my beliefs, refine my emotional boundaries, and, at times, navigate unexpected struggles in my personal life. It Changed How I Saw Trust—Sometimes for the Worse
Lessons Learned from Being Malta’s First Sex Therapist
When I stepped into the world of sex therapy, I wasn’t just opening a clinic—I was opening a conversation that many in Malta didn’t want to have. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew people would resist. But I didn’t expect just how much pushback there would be, not just from the public but from institutions, educators, and even within my professional circles. The journey has been filled with lessons—some rewarding, some painful, all invaluable. Lessons Learnt Being First Means Facing the Fire Alone Being the first sex therapist in Malta meant I had no blueprint to follow.
How I Work Hard and Live Well: Staying Productive Without Burning Out
People often ask me how I manage to stay motivated and avoid burnout despite working long hours and juggling multiple projects. Over the years, I've developed a system that allows me to be productive while still living a fulfilling life. Here's an inside look at how I make it work. Waking up at 4.30 am - I realise that most people think 4:30 am is absurdly early, but it's been revolutionary for me. I used to feel hurried when I woke up, already behind on emails, and like I was plunging into pandemonium. My secret weapon is getting up
Ikigai vs. Workaholism: Why I’ve Given Up Perfectionism and Workaholic Tendencies
Throughout my career, I've always faced problems head-on. Confronting challenges directly is part of who I am. However, there was a time when my dedication to work tipped into workaholism. I wasn't running away from personal issues or avoiding complex relationships; I tackled those as they came. My workaholic tendencies were more a reaction to external obstacles: authorities who seemed intent on hindering my progress and colleagues who, perhaps out of envy, spread misinformation or tried to undermine my efforts. I could overcome these barriers by working harder and striving for perfection. Perfectionism became both a shield and a
Building Bridges in Mental Health: The Journey and Vision Behind Willingness
Looking back on the road since establishing Willingness in 2011, I am filled with gratitude and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. As a student, I noticed that mental health treatments in Malta were sometimes disconnected, particularly in the private sector. Building a New Model for Mental Health Care At that time, clients seeking assistance faced a fragmented system where experts worked independently, making comprehensive care difficult to access. This experience led me to envision a different approach—one where teamwork and communication would improve care quality and provide clients with more holistic services. With this aim in mind, I founded
The Art of Enough: Lessons on Contentment from the Fisherman and the Businessman
Once upon a time, in a small, serene fishing village in Mexico, there lived a fisherman with a simple routine. Each morning, he set out in his modest boat and sailed into the open sea. By midday, he returned with just enough fish to feed his family and sell a few to his neighbours. With his needs met, he spent his afternoons relaxing, enjoying meals with his family, and chatting with friends. In the evenings, he played guitar and watched the sunset, satisfied with his day's work and content with life. One day, a wealthy businessman from a bustling
The Camel Driver and the Sandstorm (Middle East)
A camel driver once found himself caught in a desert sandstorm. Blinded and lost, he didn’t know where he was or if he would survive. However, instead of panicking, he covered himself and his camel and waited out the storm. When it finally passed, he could see the horizon again and found his way. He learned from this experience to stay calm during difficult moments, knowing they will pass. Lessons The account of the camel driver trapped in a desert sandstorm offers valuable lessons on resilience, patience, and mental fortitude. These are some important lessons: The Authority of Waiting:
Healing Over Answers: Life Lessons from The Story of the Poisoned Arrow
In the Buddhist tale "The Poisoned Arrow," a man suffers a wound from a poisoned arrow during a battle. Writhing in pain and nearing death, he arrives at a healer, who begins preparing to remove the arrow and treat the injury. However, before the healer can proceed, the man interrupts with a barrage of questions. He demands to know who shot him, the attacker's caste, their origin, and the type of bow and arrow used. He also asks whether the attacker is tall or short, fair or dark, and which clan they belong to. The healer urges him to
The Ant and the Grasshopper : A Tale of preparation and responsibility
Once upon a time, on a warm and sunny day in a meadow, a busy little ant was working tirelessly, gathering wheat grains for winter storage. She knew the cold months were coming and wanted to be prepared. Meanwhile, as she carried one grain after another back to her nest, a grasshopper sat nearby, watching her with amusement. The Grasshopper, relaxed and carefree, spent his days singing, playing, and enjoying the sun. When he saw the ant working, he chuckled and called her, "Why are you working so hard dear ant? There's plenty of food right now, and winter
Lessons on Contentment and Self-Worth from The Dog and His Reflection
Once upon a time, a dog came upon a juiced bone. Thrilled with his gift, he gripped it securely in his teeth and hurried off to savour it quietly. He passed a little bridge across a quiet pond on his route. He peered down and saw his reflection in the water below, but he didn't realise it was only a reflection. Instead, he considered it another dog with an even larger, juicier bone. Greedy, the dog concluded he also wanted that other bone. Hoping to frighten him off and grab his bone, he opened his lips to bark at
