2023 Week 48 Update

We’re in the last month of the year and I am already counting down to 2024. Did you hit all your goals in 2023 and what are your plans for the new year?

Today’s quote comes from Mexican author and spiritual teacher Miguel Ruiz, whose teachings often revolve around themes of personal transformation, self-awareness, and the pursuit of spiritual well-being. According to Ruiz, the fear of truly living, embracing life’s opportunities, and taking risks can be more daunting than the fear of death itself. Many people may harbour a fear of fully engaging with life, pursuing their dreams, and taking risks, which could stem from concerns about failure, rejection, or the unknown. The fear of taking risks is portrayed as a significant obstacle to living authentically and passionately, which might prevent individuals from stepping outside their comfort zones and exploring new possibilities. By contrasting the fear of living with the fear of death, the quote suggests that the latter, in comparison, might seem less daunting. It prompts reflection on how individuals may inadvertently limit themselves by avoiding risks and challenges. This quote prompts contemplation about the fears that may hold people back from fully experiencing life and underscores the idea that embracing risks and challenges is essential for a fulfilling and authentic existence.

After the stress and tensions of the previous two weeks, this week was very calm workwise. This calmness may continue over December as many take their year-end holidays and clear leave. I also have some leave that I will be clearing this month and have planned to make time to write during this period. After starting work, I find less and less time to work.

That’s all for today. Stay positive and enjoy the holidays!

2023 Week 47 Update

I am beyond exhausted, so today’s update will be a very short one. Yesterday’s event was a success, but the days leading up to it were hard work. But I am glad it’s done and dusted and life can go back to normal.

Today’s quote is attributed to the Buddha. This quote encapsulates key principles of mindfulness, the law of attraction, and the power of positive thinking. The quote underscores the influence of thoughts on one’s character and actions. It suggests that the nature of our thoughts plays a significant role in shaping who we are and what we eventually manifest in our lives. It also suggests a connection between emotions and the energy we attract. Positive emotions are thought to attract positive experiences, relationships, and opportunities, while negative emotions may draw in corresponding challenges. By envisioning a desired outcome or scenario, individuals are believed to contribute to the manifestation of those imaginings in their lives. The quote reflects the idea that our mental and emotional states play a crucial role in shaping our reality, aligning with principles found in various spiritual and self-help philosophies.

BB is also home this weekend and next week, he has block leave, which means he will be home for a block of time. I am excited about this so I can get to spend time with him. And it’s perfect because my big event is also over and I will have the time to spend with him.

That all this week, stay positive and keep smiling! 

2023 Week 46 Update

Today’s quote is from the American animator, film producer, and entrepreneur, Walt Disney. The quote emphasises the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. According to Disney, success is achievable as long as one does not give up or quit in the pursuit of their goals. It implies that success often requires a commitment to enduring difficulties without giving up. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is often their willingness to keep going despite challenges. A positive and determined attitude can make a significant difference in the outcome and by not quitting, one can increase their chances of reaching their desired outcome. Success may not always come quickly or easily, but the quote implies that persistence over time can lead to victory. The quote reflects the belief that continuous effort and the refusal to quit are key elements in achieving success, and the difference between winning and losing often lies in the decision to persevere.

This week has been very stressful, as will the next week be, because of an event at work, of which I am an important part in the coordination. But this too shall pass and then there will be some downtime.

BB has his first nighttime guard duty during his training. They did two hours of duty, followed by four hours of rest and this was over 12 hours. He is back home and will book into camp in a few hours from now. BB has more or less adjusted to life inside the camp. My only prayer is that he ends his basic training without any injuries.

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

2023 Week 45 Update

Today is the festival of Diwali or Deepavali, which is celebrated across the country and everywhere where the Indian diaspora lives. Here’s wishing everyone reading my blog a very happy Diwali. I wish you a Diwali filled with love, laughter, and sweet moments.May your home be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and love.

Today’s quote comes to us from the American media mogul, television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey. In this quote, Oprah tells us that each of us has a unique passion, talent, or calling that inspires us and gives our life purpose. Discovering and nurturing this inner “light” is the key to making a positive impact on the world. The quote encourages us to search for what truly excites and motivates us. It suggests that finding and nurturing this inner “light” is not only essential for personal fulfilment but is also the foundation for making a meaningful contribution to the world. The quote implies that by following one’s passion and making a positive impact, we can inspire and influence others, contributing to a better and brighter world. Today’s quote is a motivational reminder that each of us possesses the potential to create a positive change in the world by pursuing what genuinely inspires and drives us. It emphasises the importance of personal passion and purpose in making a difference and leaving a lasting impact on society.

And BB came back from his confinement week just in time to celebrate the festival of lights with us. We were thrilled to see him, because even video calls daily are not the same as having him in the house. Later in the evening today, we will go and visit his grandmother and grandaunt, who also can’t wait to see him again. He will go back to camp tomorrow and because of the public holiday tomorrow, we get an extra day with him. But now the wait will only be for a week each time, so I guess it won’t be so bad!

That’s all from my side today! And now off I go to celebrate Diwali with my family! From my family to yours, here’s wishing you a very Happy Diwali or Deepavali and may the festival bring you and your loved ones only joy, happiness and prosperity!

2023 Week 44 Update

It’s been a week now since BB enlisted and all of us are slowly getting used to just talking on the phone every night and only seeing him over the weekend. This weekend he is still in confinement and will only come back next weekend, just in time to celebrate Diwali with all of us.

American actor, director and activist Christopher Reeve, best known for his iconic portrayal of the superhero Superman in the 1978 film “Superman” and its sequels, is the author of today’s quote. In this quote, Reeve conveys the idea that the journey toward realising our dreams often follows a progression from initial doubt and scepticism to ultimate achievement. At the outset, our dreams may appear unattainable or “impossible.” As we continue to work toward our dreams with determination and effort, they may start to seem more attainable but still “improbable.” With unwavering determination and willpower, we can ultimately make our dreams “inevitable.” This means that with persistence and belief in our abilities, we can overcome obstacles and reach our goals. This quote encourages individuals not to be discouraged by the initial sense of impossibility or improbability that often accompanies ambitious dreams. Instead, it emphasizes the power of will and determination to transform what once appeared unattainable into a reality. It’s a message of perseverance and belief in one’s ability to make the seemingly impossible achievable.

In October, I reached the town of Ongole in Andhra Pradesh and am making my way through India’s east coast, the Coromandel Coast, on my way to Kolkata, where I will turn north. I’ve not been walking as much as I used to because of a hectic work schedule and the fact that R is away in India. But I will buck up and hopefully make up the difference in the last two months of the year.

In October, I only managed to read 5 books and I am sure this will continue in November. By the end of November, a big work project should end and I hope that in December I will have time to read more.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay positive everyone!