The Hiddn Blog

Photo of little Stephen Belenky blowing soap bubbles with intense concentration, framed to show the bubbles mid-air, matching the caption’s joke about taking the ending of friendships seriously

It’s Fine. Really. We Don’t Have to Be Friends.

The older I get, the more I realize my time and attention aren’t infinite, and trimming away what no longer fits is actually an expression of care, not cruelty.

It’s Fine. Really. We Don’t Have to Be Friends.

The older I get, the more I realize my time and attention aren’t infinite, and trimming away what no longer fits is actually an expression of care, not cruelty.

Four friends grinning and waving inside a small Vietnamese leather shop, surrounded by rows of handmade bags, giving a mix of peace signs and playful gestures

It’s Not a Crisis. I Checked. Twice.

It’s Not a Crisis. I Checked. Twice. Most people think the hardest part of moving abroad is the move itself. It’s not. The real challenge is explaining your choices without...

It’s Not a Crisis. I Checked. Twice.

It’s Not a Crisis. I Checked. Twice. Most people think the hardest part of moving abroad is the move itself. It’s not. The real challenge is explaining your choices without...

Author Stephen Belenky sitting thoughtfully, looking down, with a speech bubble that reads: “Am I lost or just multitalented?”

Am I Lost or Just Multitalented (And Mildly Pan...

Am I Lost or Just Multitalented (and Mildly Panicked)? by Stephen Belenky I’ve spent the past few years swinging between two moods: I can do anything I have no idea...

Am I Lost or Just Multitalented (And Mildly Pan...

Am I Lost or Just Multitalented (and Mildly Panicked)? by Stephen Belenky I’ve spent the past few years swinging between two moods: I can do anything I have no idea...

Collage of two brothers reconnecting in Vietnam—laughing, reflecting, and wearing local hats.

Are You Happy?

When my brother flew across the world to visit me in Vietnam, I expected sunsets, phở, and sibling bonding. What I didn’t expect was to spiral over one innocent question:...

Are You Happy?

When my brother flew across the world to visit me in Vietnam, I expected sunsets, phở, and sibling bonding. What I didn’t expect was to spiral over one innocent question:...

Stephen Belenky in a hospital gown eating lunch after appendix surgery, with an IV in his hand, seated beside a tray of hospital food

Measure Twice, Quit Often: Counting the careers...

What if success wasn’t about staying the course, but knowing when to change it? After three (and a half) fulfilling careers, I’ve realized life isn’t just about chasing what we...

Measure Twice, Quit Often: Counting the careers...

What if success wasn’t about staying the course, but knowing when to change it? After three (and a half) fulfilling careers, I’ve realized life isn’t just about chasing what we...

Vintage family photo of three women—mother, aunt, and grandmother—standing arm in arm in a mid-century living room, capturing a quiet, intimate moment across generations.

They Didn't Know Yet

I’ve been staring at a photo of my mom, my aunt, and my grandmother. Three women standing in a living room I never stepped foot in, but somehow still recognize....

They Didn't Know Yet

I’ve been staring at a photo of my mom, my aunt, and my grandmother. Three women standing in a living room I never stepped foot in, but somehow still recognize....