Today’s quote from Anne Lamott, an acclaimed American author, essayist, and speaker, is a witty yet profound reminder of taking breaks to restore balance and functionality. It draws a parallel between technology and human beings, suggesting that just as a malfunctioning device often needs to be powered down and reset, we too require moments of disconnection and rest to recharge. In our fast-paced world, people often equate busyness with productivity and success, neglecting the importance of downtime. Overworking without pause can lead to physical exhaustion, mental burnout, and emotional distress. Lamott’s quote encourages us to embrace self-care and prioritise rest as an essential component of a healthy, sustainable life. Returning from the constant demands of work, relationships, and modern technology allows us to regain clarity, creativity, and perspective.

This idea also touches on mindfulness—the practice of being present and attentive to our own needs. Pausing provides an opportunity to reconnect with our inner selves, evaluate what truly matters, and approach challenges with renewed energy and insight. In a society that often glorifies hustle, Lamott’s words challenge us to redefine productivity as something that includes intentional rest and reflection. The quote serves as a gentle reminder to practice self-compassion. Just as we would troubleshoot a device without blaming it for its temporary failure, we should treat ourselves with kindness and patience when we feel overwhelmed. Lamott invites us to embrace imperfection and recognize that taking a break is not a sign of weakness, but an act of wisdom and self-preservation. Ultimately, her message is one of balance: work and rest are not opposites but complementary forces that, when managed thoughtfully, lead to greater resilience, creativity, and well-being.

This week was a tame week, with nothing of note happening and life settling down to the new year after a long India trip. I’ve started planning for my trip later in the year, and our group chats have been blowing up almost every day with the planning process. I am so excited about this trip and fingers crossed everything goes well and I can check off some of my travel bucket list places.

BB had a long weekend this week because of some forced half day and leave, so he enjoyed his sudden break. GG had one class this week because the class would not happen later in the month due to the Lunar New Year, and school will officially start tomorrow. This is supposed to be a hard semester with almost all core subjects that are content-heavy, so she has already started on her reading to get a head start on her work.

That’s all from me this week. Stay positive and keep smiling!