Today’s quote is brought to us from American writer, poet, and attorney Max Ehrmann, best known for his prose poem “Desiderata,” from which this quote is taken. Ehrmann’s work often explored themes of spirituality, self-reflection, and the human condition, encouraging readers to seek peace, truth, and kindness. This quote is a powerful reminder of our inherent worth and the importance of self-compassion. In a world that often emphasises achievement, perfection, and constant productivity, we can easily fall into the trap of being overly critical of ourselves. Ehrmann gently urges us to take a step back and treat ourselves with the same kindness and patience we might offer a dear friend. 

The phrase is an invitation to acknowledge your imperfections, your struggles, and your humanity. Life can be challenging, and we will inevitably make mistakes or face setbacks. Rather than harshly judging ourselves for these experiences, Ehrmann encourages us to extend grace and tenderness inward. He places us within the grand scheme of nature, alongside the trees, the stars, the oceans, and the mountains. This perspective helps dissolve feelings of unworthiness or smallness. It reminds us that just by being here, by existing, we are inherently valuable. Like the stars and trees, we don’t have to earn our right to be here; it’s already ours.

This quote also touches on belonging. In moments of doubt, loneliness, or self-criticism, it can be deeply healing to remember that we are part of something vast and beautiful. Just as the stars belong in the sky, we belong in this world. Our presence is not a mistake. Ultimately, Ehrmann’s words are a gentle nudge toward self-acceptance and inner peace. They ask us to quiet the voice of judgment and instead affirm our place in the universe. It’s a quote that invites reflection, grounding, and a return to the simple truth: you matter, just as you are.

Election fever is at its peak, and over the last week, this has been the only topic of conversation everywhere we have been. Even GG and BB’s friends are going to election rallies to see and judge the candidates in their constituencies so that they can make informed and correct choices.

GG ended her exams and is enjoying her two odd weeks of freedom before she starts her summer internship. BB is now on a stay-out option, which means that he gets to come home daily. He has been super happy since this was announced since he can sleep in his bed, game with his friends, and, most importantly for him, take lunches from home since he feels the food provided is not that good. 

My big trip is just a few weeks away, and I will share more later. It is also becoming what looks to be the most expensive trip I have taken. However, I am taking the hit to my savings because it’s something we have been planning for years!

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

Earlier this week, Singapore’s parliament was dissolved, and elections have been called. This 14th general election is the first under the current Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. It’s also a day of firsts for us – GG & BB will be voting for the first time. Until nomination day next week, we won’t know for sure if we get to vote this election cycle, but all indications point towards a fight in our constituency. In another first, S will also have to do election duty this year. 

Today’s quote is from American author, salesman, and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, known for his enthusiastic and inspirational approach to personal development and success. The quote captures the essential difference between simply wishing for something and actually working toward it. Many people have dreams: visions of a better life, ambitions, or desires, but without a clear plan or timeline, those dreams often remain vague and unattainable. Ziglar’s quote emphasises that for a dream to transform into a tangible achievement, it must be backed by action and structure. 

When we give a dream a deadline, it becomes a goal, something we can measure, plan for, and track progress toward. This quote is also about personal empowerment. Dreams can often feel distant or overwhelming, but once they are broken down into goals with deadlines, they become achievable. The act of setting a deadline forces you to take ownership, make choices, prioritise your time, and commit to consistent effort. It encourages discipline and forward momentum.

Ziglar’s message is motivational. He believed in the power of vision, purpose, and positive action, and this quote invites us to stop merely hoping and start doing. If we want to live a fulfilled life, we must treat our dreams as serious intentions, not just fantasies. That means setting goals, creating plans, and holding ourselves accountable to timelines. Ultimately, this quote reminds us that the bridge between inspiration and success is built with action and time management. Dream big, yes, but also set deadlines, show up every day, and move with purpose.

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

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!

Today’s quote by Hafiz conveys a powerful message about selfless love and generosity. Also known as Hafiz, Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muhammad Hāfez-e Shīrāzī, who lived between 1315 and 1390, was a Persian poet and Sufi mystic, celebrated for his deeply spiritual and love-infused poetry. The quote draws a beautiful analogy between the sun and the Earth to illustrate how true love and kindness do not come with expectations or conditions. The sun shines daily, giving warmth, light, and life to the Earth without demanding anything in return. It does not say, *”You owe me for all the energy I provide.”* It simply gives because that is its nature. Similarly, the highest form of love is unconditional; it expects nothing back yet has the power to illuminate everything around it. 

Hafiz suggests that when love is pure and selfless, it can transform lives, just as the sun lights up the entire sky. Love, when given freely, creates a ripple effect, spreading warmth, happiness, and positivity. It inspires others to love more deeply, creating a world filled with kindness and light. This idea can be applied to many aspects of life, including relationships, friendships, and acts of service. When we love others without keeping score or expecting anything in return, we experience a deeper, more fulfilling connection. On the other hand, when love is transactional, when we constantly expect something in return, it loses its beauty and purity.  

The quote also carries a spiritual lesson: love is most powerful when it is not attached to ego or personal gain. True love is divine, just like the sun’s unconditional warmth. Many spiritual traditions emphasise this kind of love whether it’s compassion, charity, or simply being kind without expecting recognition. In a world where love is often measured by what we receive in return, Hafiz reminds us of a different kind of love, one that gives without question. This kind of love, whether for a partner, a friend, or humanity as a whole, has the power to light up not just one life but the entire world.   

In March, I walked 544,504 steps and 359 km. My total journey to my home in India and back to Singapore as of the end of March is almost 12,500, which brings me in proximity to Myanmar’s border with Thailand and about 2000 km from home. This month, I started walking more intentionally, and this was reflected in my steps for the month. I did do some readings, but I didn’t read as much as I wanted to, and this month, I plan to change that to make time for reading every day and read daily!

GG has exams starting next week, and she is, as expected, very stressed. BB is also busy with work and often spends time in overtime. As for me, I am exactly where I was last week; no changes there.

That’s all for this week. Take care, stay safe, stay positive and keep smiling!

To all those celebrating, Eid Mubarak! May the moon’s brightness this Eid bring you and your loved ones endless blessings, happiness, and success.

Today’s quote is a simple but profound reminder to live in the present moment. Attributed to Ram Dass, who was born Richard Alpert, a spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author known for bringing Eastern philosophy to the Western world, Ram Das was a Harvard professor who became deeply involved in psychedelic research before traveling to India, where he studied under Neem Karoli Baba and embraced Hindu spiritual teachings. The quote encourages us to let go of past regrets and future anxieties and fully immerse ourselves in the now, where life truly happens.

In modern society, many people struggle with overthinking and distractions, either dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about what lies ahead. This tendency keeps them from fully experiencing the richness of life. Ram Dass suggests that true peace and fulfillment come from being completely present in whatever moment we are in, without resistance or attachment.

When we focus on the present, we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. This awareness allows us to engage with life more deeply and authentically rather than being caught in the endless cycle of mental chatter. “Be here now” is not just about passivity; it’s about actively embracing the moment, appreciating its beauty, and responding to life with clarity and wisdom.

This philosophy aligns with many spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and meditation practices, where being present is considered the key to enlightenment and inner peace. Instead of trying to control or resist life, Ram Dass teaches that true happiness comes when we surrender to the now, accepting things as they are. In a practical sense, this quote encourages us to slow down, breathe, and fully engage in whatever we are doing, whether it’s having a conversation, eating a meal, or simply observing the world around us. By being fully present, we can reduce stress, enhance our relationships, and find deeper meaning in everyday experiences. The quote is an invitation to live life with awareness, gratitude, and a sense of presence. It reminds us that the past is gone, the future is uncertain, but the present moment is always within our reach.

GG is amid project submissions and prepping for her final exams. So, even if she is at home, I barely get to see her. Once her exams are done, she has a break for a couple of weeks, after which she starts her summer internship. So a very busy few weeks for her.

BB is busy with his work too, having to work overtime many days as well as having to do overnight guard duty. But the end is near, and that’s what matters.

This week also marked the one-year mark when I was told by my hiring manager that they would be letting me go, not because I was underperforming, but because the project I was hired for didn’t get its funding renewed. I was very upset initially, but now I have gotten over it and can look at it objectively. I also know that the universe has a plan for me and this was part of the plan. To get something good, you need to reach rock bottom and then climb up.

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