American author, editor, and journalist Will Schwalbe’s quote emphasises that mindfulness is simple presence, not a complicated practice or performance. He explains that mindfulness doesn’t require elaborate techniques; it’s about giving your full attention to the current moment and to the person or activity in front of you.

By saying “When I’m with you, I’m with you,” he highlights the importance of genuine presence in relationships. Too often, we divide our attention: thinking about the past, worrying about the future, or being distracted by devices. True mindfulness is about dropping distractions and fully engaging with what’s happening now. The quote reminds us that mindfulness is not about adding something extra to life; it’s about stripping away the noise so that we can experience connection, clarity, and peace as they naturally are in the present moment.

BB left for Australia yesterday early morning, and I am already missing him. He will be gone until the end of the month, and my only hope for him during this trip is that he is safe, enjoys himself, and learns something that will serve him for the rest of his life. GG is busy with school and is giving interviews for her six-month internship, which is a graduation requirement.

This week, I read something interesting about reclaiming your power. What it said was that your peace and happiness should never depend on someone else’s actions. Don’t sacrifice your calm over a missed call or a message left unanswered. You don’t need anyone’s validation to recognise your worth. Stand firm in who you are and honour your values. Stop investing energy in those who don’t give it back. Let people enhance your joy, but don’t make them the source of it. Root your happiness and peace within yourself, and stay aligned with your truest, most authentic self. Does it make sense?

At the end of August, I am almost done with my epic walk of more than 14,000 km from Singapore to my home in Mumbai, then a detour to Bengaluru and back to Singapore. By my estimation, sometime in the third week of September, I should finally reach home. Now, where should I walk next?

That’s all from me this week. Here’s to a fantastic September (albeit a week late)…