What a week! October certainly decided to go out with a flourish, bringing a whirlwind of activity, unexpected encounters and moments that made me wonder whether the world had collectively lost its sense of proportion.
After weeks of preparations, an important event finally came together. There were last-minute adjustments, anxious moments and lessons for another day. But seeing everything unfold and watching people come together for a meaningful cause made it worthwhile. I even discovered that stepping outside my comfort zone can be rather enjoyable!
One of the week’s unexpected pleasures was a thirty-minute taxi ride with a woman from the Bohra community. Growing up in Mumbai, where the community is sizeable and the women’s distinctive attire is a familiar sight, I had never expected my first encounter with a Bohra woman in Singapore to happen in a taxi. We chatted about her community, its traditions and how its practices differ from those of the wider Muslim community. The journey flew by!
Meanwhile, regional politics provided its own entertainment, although I’m not entirely sure whether to laugh or cry. Between reduced gas supplies, remarks about the clean air that apparently accompanies the haze, and suggestions that religious travellers avoid transiting through Singapore and Malaysia, I found myself wondering whether international diplomacy had somehow wandered into a kindergarten playground. Surely neighbours can disagree without everything becoming a contest of words?
As October ends, I’m looking forward to a little breathing space, fresh possibilities and perhaps some genuinely fresh air. This week’s lesson? People can surprise us wonderfully, and occasionally, so can politics, although not always for the right reasons!
This quote, attributed to American essayist, poet, philosopher and leading figure of the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson, encourages us to approach life with a sense of purpose rather than allowing our difficulties to determine the direction we take.
Problems are an inevitable part of life. Whether they involve relationships, work, finances or personal disappointments, they demand our attention and can sometimes consume our thoughts. When we become entirely focused on what is going wrong, our decisions may be driven by fear, frustration or the desire to escape an uncomfortable situation. We begin reacting to circumstances rather than consciously choosing where we want to go.
Dreams, on the other hand, give us something meaningful to move towards. They remind us of our aspirations, values and the possibilities we hope to create. Instead of asking only how we can get away from our present difficulties, we begin asking what kind of future we want to build. This does not mean ignoring problems or pretending they do not exist. Some difficulties require immediate attention, practical solutions and difficult decisions. The distinction lies in allowing our dreams to guide our direction while dealing with problems along the way.
There is also something empowering about recognising that our circumstances need not define our entire story. A setback may change our plans, but it does not necessarily have to change our purpose. Ultimately, the quote reminds us that life becomes more meaningful when we move towards something we believe in, rather than simply running away from what troubles us.
This week’s verse, from the Bhagavad Gita, verse 18.66 is one of the most famous verses in the Bhagavad Gita. It is often misunderstood as a call to abandon responsibility. In reality, Krishna asks Arjuna to release the burden of believing he controls everything. There are moments in life when effort alone cannot guarantee an outcome. We do our best, make thoughtful choices and fulfil our duties, yet uncertainty remains. This verse reminds us that faith begins where control ends. Surrender is not a weakness. It is the courage to move forward without having every answer.
When several things seem to be changing at once, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by life. Change is uncomfortable because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and brings uncertainty. You may find yourself wondering whether you’re making the right decisions when you no longer have the same things to rely on. You may even crave those moments when everything feels familiar again. At times, it can feel like you’re constantly trying to catch up. It’s okay if you don’t immediately know how to navigate everything. Take a breath, focus on the next step, and trust yourself to figure out the rest as you go. Give yourself time to become comfortable with the unfamiliar. You can handle the unexpected better than you think. From here, another reality is still possible.
And on that note, here’s to a fruitful November, one filled with joy, happiness and prosperity!
