It’s been a week since BB has been in Australia. Though we speak over the phone almost daily, it’s not the same. I’ve been counting down the days when he will come back home. But he is enjoying himself and the scenery is just amazing from the few photos he shared with us. And that’s what is important. This week, I barely saw GG also as she was super busy with school work, tests and project submissions. But she has been very hard at work, especially after her priority offer, so I am happy for her.

Today’s quote is from Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher best known as the author of The Art of War, an influential text on military strategy, leadership, and tactics, Sun Tzu. His philosophy emphasises discipline, foresight, adaptability, and the intelligent use of opportunities and his teachings remind us that success often comes from strategy and decisiveness rather than sheer force.

The quote emphasises the idea that taking action creates momentum. Sun Tzu suggests that opportunities don’t just appear randomly; they grow out of the ones we act upon. When we seize a chance, it often opens the door to new possibilities, connections, and paths that wouldn’t have existed had we hesitated.

For example, saying yes to one project may lead to new partnerships, recognition, or further opportunities down the line. In contrast, failing to act can cause opportunities to vanish. The message is clear: initiative breeds abundance, while inaction breeds stagnation. This insight applies not only to warfare, Sun Tzu’s primary subject, but also to everyday life: careers, relationships, and personal growth. The more proactive and courageous we are, the more doors open before us.

Another thing I read this week is also similar and spoke to me. What it said was that little tweaks in the way we speak to ourself can transform the narratives that shape our life experiences. For example, instead of saying “I let go of control”, we can say “I let go of the illusion of control”. This little distinction can help us remember that we don’t have to worry about figuring it all out by ourselves. Things work better when we surrender control, open up to trusting more. So by reframing “This day is ruined” into “This is only a difficult moment. It will pass soon”, we take control of how we perceive and shape our view. The key is being aware of the way we perceive our experiences, it makes all the difference.

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

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)…

Today’s quote by American writer Richard Bach explains that luck is not purely random; it is the result of being ready when opportunities arise. Preparation equips you with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to recognise and seize chances that others might miss. When opportunity presents itself, those who are unprepared may see it pass by, while those who have prepared can act and benefit. In essence, luck is less about chance and more about diligence and readiness. The harder you work to prepare, the luckier you seem, because you are in a position to capitalise on opportunities when they come. This quote shows that luck isn’t random; instead, it’s created. When you prepare yourself with the right skills and mindset, you’re ready to seize opportunities as they arise. True luck is the meeting point of preparation and opportunity.

I also read this recently, and it resonated with me. What is meant for you will come in ways you could never predict; that’s the magic of life. Too often, we exhaust ourselves by overthinking every detail or forcing a timeline. But when we learn to trust and allow life to unfold, everything begins to align with greater ease. What’s destined for you cannot be taken away. Hold onto faith that it’s already on its way. That trust will steady you through the waiting and the unknown, and when the right opportunities arrive, they will bring the clarity and reassurance your heart has been longing for. What’s meant for you will always find its way, often in ways you never expect. Trust the timing, let life flow, and know that what’s yours cannot be lost. This came to me at the right time, when I really needed to hear it.

Yesterday, BB invited some friends to celebrate his birthday. GG has decided that this year, she will go out with her friends. I also told them that this year, they are responsible for their party; they need to source a cake, make the food (GG to make Thai green curry and rice and BB to make his pesto with pasta), and arrange for everything. And they did a good job; I am so proud of them. The reason for this early birthday is that BB leaves for his military exercise at the end of next week. He will be away for slightly over three weeks, and we are going to miss him so much!

As for me, everything is standing still. I am where I was last week in terms of my job search, and now I wonder if I should even continue with this. Is the universe giving me sign after sign, which I am ignoring? Let me sleep over this for a few days and see what I come up with.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay positive and know that the universe has a plan for you.

Spanish writer, poet, and motivational thinker known for her uplifting reflections on life, love, and personal growth, Foka Gómez’s quote emphasises the power of self-belief as the foundation for achieving goals and creating change. It suggests that what may seem like “magic” in life—success, transformation, or overcoming obstacles—doesn’t come from luck or outside forces, but from the confidence we hold within ourselves. When you truly believe in your abilities, you activate resilience, creativity, and determination, which allow you to turn possibilities into realities. The message is simple yet profound: self-belief unlocks potential. Without it, doubts hold us back; with it, even the impossible starts to feel within reach. In essence, the “magic” is not external; it lives inside us, waiting to be tapped. This quote reminds us that the real magic lies in self-belief. When you trust in your own abilities, you unlock the strength and confidence to overcome challenges and achieve your dreams. Believing in yourself is the first step to making anything possible.

I once again spent the week working on my content calendar for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Some posts were easy, some took time, and some have still not come to me. But hopefully, what I write is interesting and makes you want to continue to read.

BB is busy with the final touches to his big trip next month, and he and his platoon are doing all they can to make their mission a success. GG is busy with school, assignments, projects, and tests. 

I read something recently that I thought I should share: There are many times when we feel that we can’t go lower than where we currently are. But we should never let the dark moments make us forget how powerful we truly are; we will always rise above. We should not let the temporary thoughts and emotions fool us into thinking we are weak, because when we’re vulnerable, it is easy to fall into the trap of assuming we can’t handle this. Remember, no matter how many times life has been hard, we have always found our way to the light. We’ve always shown up with resilience, strength, and grace and have it in us to overcome adversity and rediscover joy in our lives.

That’s all I have for you this week. Stay positive, keep smiling, and remember, it is always darkest before dawn!

American author, spiritual teacher, and lecturer whose work blends psychology, spirituality, and self-empowerment, Marianne Williamson’s quote is about releasing attachment to the past, especially to the narratives, identities, and limiting beliefs we carry about ourselves. Our story can include old wounds, failures, labels, or patterns that shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. When we cling to this story, we keep living in its boundaries, unintentionally blocking new opportunities and growth. Williamson encourages us to trust the flow of life and open ourselves to transformation. Letting go doesn’t mean denying our past; it means loosening its grip so that new chapters, filled with fresh possibilities, love, and purpose, can unfold. It’s an invitation to surrender control, embrace uncertainty, and allow the Universe (or life itself) to surprise us with something greater than we had imagined.

Earlier this week, while I was doomscrolling at night, I came across something that I decided to incorporate in my daily life and thought to share it with you all. What I saw was this – when you wake up in the morning, even before you get out of bed, say a small prayer and think of three things you are grateful for. If you are agnostic or an aethist, just be grateful. I’ve always said a small prayer when I wake up, so adding this three gratitude sentences really made me appreciate the goodness in my life and made me thankful for what I already have. I noticed that throughout the day, when I felt disgruntled or unhappy, thinking of what I have and being grateful for that, made my mood shift and turn positive. Try it and let me know if it helps!

GG started school this week and she is very busy. She is also very happy as she managed to secure an offer by the company she interned in for when she graduates in two years time. So that’s one big stressor off her and our head. Now to start worrying about BB when he graduates from national service in a couple of months and what he plans to do after he ORDs.

That’s all from me this week, stay positive people and remember to be grateful for all the small and big things in your lives.