We’re in the last month of the year and I don’t know about you all, but I have started reflecting on how the year was for me and what I want for 2025. What about you? Do you reflect on your life in the last days of the year?

Today’s quote by Roshi Joan Halifax, an American Zen Buddhist teacher, anthropologist, author, and pioneer in end-of-life care speaks of the true, revitalising power of compassion. Often, people perceive compassion as an exhausting emotion, especially in the face of life’s myriad challenges, suffering, and demands. However, Halifax offers a different perspective, one that sees compassion as a wellspring of energy and fulfilment. When we engage compassionately, we step out of the confines of our limited perspectives and connect deeply with others, creating bonds that can inspire, uplift, and renew our sense of purpose. Halifax reminds us that compassion is not about depleting ourselves; rather, it is about opening ourselves up to the boundless energy that arises from genuine connection. Practising compassion allows us to transcend the narrow focus on our individual concerns and challenges. By understanding and empathising with others, we experience a profound sense of unity, belonging, and purpose. Compassion fosters empathy and helps cultivate a broader view of the world, often easing personal burdens as it places our own lives within a larger context.

Life is going on as usual, there’s nothing much to update. Nothing much has changed since last week. I have started planning and shopping for my trip to India and am super excited. GG is on leave and has been meeting up with friends before she goes on holiday and BB is busy with his camp. He will be using up his leave to go to India and visit his grandparents.

And with that, I leave you this week. Stay positive and keep smiling!