This week, many communities across India will celebrate their New Year. The Tamil New Year is tomorrow, as is Baisakhi or the Punjabi New Year. Vishnu, the new year in Kerala, Bissau Parba of the Tulu people, Buisu of the state of Tripura, Bwisagu of the Bodo people, Pana Sankranti in Odisha, Bohag Bibu of the Assamese, Pahela Baishakh of the Bengali people, Jur Sital of the people of Mithila in Bihar, Sangken of the people from Arunachal Pradesh, Bizhu for the people of parts of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, and Mesha Sankranti for people of Uttarakhand and those of Nepali descent also fall in this period. Here’s wishing everyone whose new year falls this week a very happy solar new year!

Today’s quote is from French-Cuban-American diarist, essayist, and writer of fiction Anaïs Nin, best known for her intimate and lyrical personal journals that span several decades of her life. Anaïs Nin’s quote is a powerful metaphor about growth, transformation, and the courage to change. The image of a bud represents a person staying closed off or confined, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, perhaps due to fear, comfort, or uncertainty. At first, staying in that safe, familiar state may feel less risky. But over time, it becomes stifling. The pain of not evolving, not expressing your true self, or not stepping into your full potential eventually outweighs the fear of leaping into the unknown. Nin’s quote speaks to that pivotal moment when a person chooses growth over comfort, even if growth is uncertain or difficult.

Blossoming involves risk; it means being vulnerable, seen, and open to failure and beauty. But the alternative is staying hidden and never fully alive. Many people experience this in relationships, careers, or personal development. The quote encourages embracing change and trusting the process of becoming. It reminds us that transformation often starts with discomfort and that the first step toward fulfillment comes when we allow ourselves to feel that discomfort rather than avoid it. Personal growth involves moving through fear, and this movement, like a flower blooming, is both a release and a revelation. Nin’s words are empowering for those at the edge of a major life decision. They remind us that change may be scary, but stagnation can be even more painful. Blossoming might be risky, but it is where life truly begins.

Life is going on as usual. GG is super busy with exams, and even though she may be at home, I barely see her. BB is busy with his work and hopefully has started thinking of plans for post-national service. This week, I was reminded that they are legal adults, so I can’t say too much about where they go and why.

Anyway, that was all there is this week. Stay positive, keep smiling, and I will check back next week!