Today’s quote comes to us from Denmark. The proverb carries a valuable piece of advice about caution, responsibility, and foresight. The proverb means that one should not venture into situations or commitments that are beyond their ability to handle or control. Just as when one is on a boat, one should avoid going too far from the shore if they’re unsure whether they’ll be able to row back to safety. This proverb advises against taking on more than one can handle, the importance of risk assessment and management, prudent decision-making, self-awareness, and being prepared. It encourages a balanced approach to taking risks, one that considers both the potential rewards and the potential challenges. By not sailing too far from shore, i.e., venturing into the unknown, without the ability to row back or address challenges, or retreat if necessary, one increases their chances of navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties more effectively.

Also, this week, Chandrayaan 3 successfully soft-landed on the Moon’s south pole. This made India the fourth country to have landed a rover on the moon, after the United States of America, Russia, and China and the first to have landed on the south pole of the Moon. The Moon’s south pole is an area of great scientific interest due to its unique characteristics, including permanently shadowed regions that could potentially contain water ice and other resources. Chandrayaan 3 aims to explore and study these regions to unravel more about the Moon’s geological and environmental history. Like millions of Indians, I too was glued to my phone watching the live stream from ISRO and cheered when the Vikram lander soft-landed on the Moon’s surface. A soft landing on the Moon is an intricate and challenging feat, involving precise engineering, navigation, and communication.

Singapore will go to the polls to elect a new President next week and while I do have a candidate I am leaning toward, I am still evaluating all three candidates before I make a final decision. That’s all for this week, see you next month!

Today’s quote is attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States and a prominent human rights advocate. The quote suggests that having a strong belief in one’s dreams and aspirations is essential. It emphasises that those who genuinely believe in the potential and value of their dreams are more likely to work hard, persevere, and take the necessary actions to achieve them. It encourages an optimistic outlook on life and highlights the potential for creating a better future through the pursuit of these beautiful dreams. By believing in their dreams and working towards them, people can influence the course of their lives and contribute to the future they envision. Lastly, the quote implies that belief in the beauty of one’s dreams provides the motivation and resilience needed to persevere in the face of obstacles. The quote serves as a motivational reminder to actively believe in and work towards one’s dreams. It encourages people to take ownership of their goals and take steps to bring their aspirations to life.

GG started school this week and she is enjoying some subjects and not so much for the others. It’s a long journey, of which she has just taken the first step. I am also enjoying my new workplace and because I am doing meaningful work in a space I love, it is fun!

I am getting behind in both my writing and reading, but that’s the tradeoff I am willing to make to do the work I am doing. I just need to figure out how to best utilise my weekends.

And with that, have a wonderful week ahead. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay positive!

Today’s quote is attributed to the ancient Roman philosopher and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. It expresses the idea that books, literature, and learning are essential components of a fulfilling and meaningful life. In the same way that a body without a soul is considered lifeless and devoid of consciousness, a home without books is likened to a place that lacks intellectual and spiritual nourishment. Cicero’s quote underscores the value of education, knowledge, and intellectual exploration. It suggests that books not only provide information and entertainment but also contribute to personal growth, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world. The presence of books in a home is thought to enrich the inhabitants’ lives and contribute to the development of their character and intellect.

GG starts school tomorrow, and I pray that she has a wonderful four years in university, learning what she needs to know to become a productive member of society. I also hope that the contacts she makes in school and the networks and knowledge she gains will stand her in good stead and help her achieve her life goals.

I also have some news: I started a new position this week, and I am loving it. It is meaningful work in a field that I am super interested in—empowering women and girls—and so I too hope that I can contribute and not only help women become a better version of themselves but also become a better me!

Singapore also announced the next Presidential election, which, if there is more than one qualified candidate, will take place on September 1 and will be a public holiday. So that’s a nice long weekend to look forward to. May the candidate who has Singapore’s best interests at heart win.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay positive!

In July, I walked 342 km and am currently somewhere on the National Highway 48, a 2807 km expressway that begins at Delhi and terminates in Chennai, between Hubbali and Davanagere. I am still about 350 km from my final destination in Bengaluru.

Today’s quote is from the former American president and lawyer, Abraham Lincoln. It is one of my favourite quotes and I feel is a powerful message that shows how one can take control of one’s life and destiny through proactive actions and personal responsibility. What Lincoln tries to say is that rather than relying on mere predictions or passively waiting for the future to unfold, individuals have the ability and agency to shape their destinies. It emphasises the importance of taking initiative, making conscious decisions, and actively working towards one’s goals and aspirations. This quote serves as a motivational reminder that one is not a passive bystander in one’s life. By taking ownership of one’s decisions, actions, and ambitions, one will have the power to shape the course of one’s future and work towards creating the life one envisions for oneself.

I read 5 books this month and am at 90% of my reading goal for this year. I was hoping that at the halfway mark, I would have completed my goal, but let’s hope I can complete it this month, though I doubt it. I also read my first advance review of a book which has not yet been released and that’s another tick from my bucket list. Hopefully, there will be more to come in the future.

Otherwise, life for BB & GG is the same. University will start later this month for GG and she will soon become busy. BB is, as usual, enjoying life before enlistment. And something is cooking in my life too, which I will share shortly.

And that’s all from me this week. Take care, stay safe and remain positive always!

Today’s quote is by American Christian televangelist, pastor, motivational speaker, and author, Robert H. Schuller. One of Schuller’s most famous quotes, this one conveys an important message about the power of one’s mindset and beliefs in shaping their reality. It suggests that thoughts and attitudes play a significant role in determining whether one can achieve one’s dreams or not. Constantly dwelling on negative thoughts creates a mental environment that hinders from taking necessary actions and pursuing dreams with confidence and determination. On the other hand, an optimistic mindset, which believes in oneself and one’s potential is more likely to overcome challenges, work harder, and persist in the face of obstacles. Such a mindset can lead to personal growth, learning, and ultimately, turning dreams into reality. Individuals need to recognise the power of their thoughts and beliefs and remind them that the primary battleground for achieving their dreams is within their minds. By conquering limiting thoughts and adopting a positive outlook, one can unlock the potential to achieve what might have initially seemed impossible.

This week was an extension of last week and nothing notable happened that I can share. GG is looking forward to ending her internship on a high note next week and then taking a break before university starts in mid-August. I may be able to share some good news very soon, just waiting for some last bits of pieces to fall into place.

It’s been very hot these days with the temperatures hovering around 30-33 degrees Celsius. I am tempted to use the air conditioning daily but try to restrain myself with great difficulty. But c’est la vie and we have to roll with the punches it throws at us.

Take care and stay positive everyone!