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.

Today’s quote is not attributed to anyone, and yet, it offers a powerful metaphor for awareness and awakening, not just in the literal sense, but on an emotional, mental, or spiritual level. It suggests that often, we go through life on autopilot, caught in routines, assumptions, or unconscious patterns. We may believe we are fully awake or engaged, but only after a moment of clarity, growth, or transformation do we realise how unaware or disconnected we had been.

“Waking up” here refers to becoming conscious, to truths about ourselves, our relationships, our purpose, or the world around us. It could be triggered by a life-changing event, a deep insight, or even a quiet shift in perspective. The quote reminds us that true awareness often comes in hindsight, and it encourages us to live with greater mindfulness and presence. Ultimately, it’s a gentle call to live more deliberately, to open our eyes to the depth and wonder of the present moment, and to keep questioning what we think we know—because that’s where real growth begins.

It’s the start of yet another month, and here’s wishing a fantastic month of August to everyone. This month, I walked more than I had walked in a month since I started tracking my steps back in 2021 during the Covid months. As of the end of July, I’ve crossed into Malaysia and crossed the top part of Kedah and Penang and am back in Kedah for a short while before I will enter the state of Perak. I am about 700 odd km from home and if all goes well, I will be home sometime in mid-September. I am so excited to be seeing the end of this almost five-year long walk come to an end. What shall I do next? I have some ideas, so I’ll share more once I have finalised them.

I am about halfway through my 2025 reading challenge and as I pretty much say each month, I need to read more. Maybe this monthly check-in is the push I need each month to start reading more. So here’s to hoping I read more and crush my 2025 reading goals.

GG ended her internship on a high note – she was interning at an accounting big 4 company and got a priority offer for when she graduates. She still is not sure if she will accept it or not, but it’s good to be wanted and may be just the impetus she needs to work harder and end school with great grades. BB, on the other hand, is nearing the end of his national service obligation and now has the unenviable task of looking at what he wants to do once he ends – whether he wants to join the workforce, study or a combination of the two.

That’s all from me this week. Here’s to a fantastic month for everyone! Stay positive and keep smiling!