It’s Diwali week, and I am sure all Hindus will be very busy prepping their homes and getting festive ready. To all those who celebrate the festival, here’s wishing you a very happy Diwali. May the warmth and splendour, that are a part of this auspicious occasion fill your life with happiness and bright cheer and bring to you joy and prosperity for the whole year.

First century Greek Stoic philosopher, who spent much of his life as a slave before gaining freedom and becoming a prominent teacher of Stoicism, Epictetus is the author of today’s quote. Stoicism is a philosophy centered on virtue, wisdom, and the importance of personal control over emotions. Epictetus’ teachings, compiled by his pupil Arrian in *Discourses* and *The Enchiridion*, emphasise resilience, self-discipline, and the importance of focusing on what one can control while accepting what one cannot. This quote emphasises the importance of accepting life’s events as they occur rather than resisting them or wishing they were different. The quote suggests that peace comes from aligning one’s desires with reality. Instead of fighting against what happens or wishing things were different, one should embrace what is, and this acceptance will bring inner tranquility. It reflects the Stoic philosophy that we cannot control external events, but we can control how we respond to them. By accepting circumstances as they unfold, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and frustration. The message is that by wishing for things to be as they are rather than how we want them to be, we can maintain a balanced and peaceful state of mind, leading to a smoother, more harmonious life.

I had a bit of disappointment this week and for about a day I allowed myself to wallow in my disappointment, but then like I always do, I tried to bounce back. I have always found myself yo-yoing between being very positive and a ‘the glass is half full’ kind of person to a ‘this was the absolute worst thing that can happen to me’ person. I know being positive is the way to be, but sometimes, it’s hard not to get caught up with negativity when nothing seems to be going well in your life. I am trying though, and taking baby steps to correct myself when I find myself being negative and wallowing in self pity.

Anyway, I want to keep this week positive and enjoy the festival of light, food, and family! See you all next week! And in the meantime, keep smiling and stay positive.

I am knee-deep in annual cleaning and prepping for the festival of lights, Diwali. In Singapore, we don’t go as all out as we do in India, but there is still that air of anticipation and excitement for this pan-Indian festival. It doesn’t matter which region you belong to, which language you speak, or even which religion you adhere to, the festival of Diwali or Deepavali as it is sometimes also called, brings out the inner child in you. Whether it is wearing new clothes, eating loads of sweets and savoury foods, meeting family and friends, going to Diwali parties, or bursting firecrackers, everyone is caught up in the festivities. Do you celebrate the festival? Where are you in the planning process?

Today’s quote by American author Augusten Burroughs highlights the acceptance of human imperfections. Burroughs is best known for his memoirs, particularly Running with Scissors, which chronicles his unconventional and often difficult upbringing, and his work often explores themes of resilience, imperfection, and finding humour in life’s challenges, which resonates with his own experiences of overcoming adversity. In the quote, Burroughs emphasises that flaws are a natural part of being human. He finds comfort in being around others who are also imperfect, suggesting that vulnerability and authenticity are more relatable than striving for perfection. He acknowledges his own flaws but views them with understanding, knowing that despite his imperfections, he has good intentions. This reflects a healthy self-awareness and acceptance of the complexities of human nature. The quote suggests that true connections with others come from shared imperfections rather than a façade of perfection. Being open about flaws allows for deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Life is going on for all of us. I am still unemployed on a fulltime basis, but am doing some freelance writing, so that is some small consolation. I have been continuously applying for positions where I feel I would add value, but nothing has clicked so far. Please send positive thoughts my way, if you can that something clicks soon. GG is busy with school and the stress and pace has picked up a notch, but she is doing ok, so that’s a blessing. BB is also doing ok at national service, which, frankly speaking, I am surprised because most boys do not seem to enjoy the two years. I guess since he is doing something somewhat relevant to his course of study, he is not finding it as difficult as others. We miss him terribly, of course, but speak with him daily and see him for 48 hours every weekend!

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

The 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi is the author of our quote today. Born in 1207 in present-day Afghanistan, his works have transcended borders and time, making him one of the most beloved poets in history. Rumi’s poetry explores themes of love, spirituality, and the divine, blending deep philosophical reflections with lyrical beauty. His most famous work, the *Masnavi*, is considered one of the greatest works of mystical literature. His teachings continue to inspire people around the world, emphasising unity, love, and the pursuit of inner truth.

Rumi’s quote emphasises the power of thoughtful, gentle communication over aggression or loudness. The quote suggests that it is not the volume of our words that matters, but the substance and wisdom behind them. Just as rain nurtures growth gently, calm and meaningful words can lead to understanding and positive change, whereas forceful or angry speech, like thunder, can be disruptive and ineffective. Rumi highlights that raising the quality and depth of what we say, rather than becoming louder or more forceful, is the way to build connection and foster growth in relationships. It also speaks to the idea that subtle, quiet strength (like the rain) is far more powerful and nurturing than aggressive or destructive actions (like thunder).

After nine nights, the festival of Navaratri finally came to an end and now we have Diwali to look forward to. I need to start planning what to make for the festival, check my pantry stock and purchase what is needed. And after nine days of eating sundal, usually made of some sort of lentil, my stomach needs some rest before the onslaught of the Diwali sweets and savouries!

That’s all from my side this week, so take care and talk soon!

And we are in the last few months of 2024. It’s true as we have all heard our parents say, that as you grow older, the days begin to pass faster. It just felt like the beginning of the year, and here we are looking at another year waiting to take its place centrestage.

Today’s quote is from one of the most influential spiritual thinkers of our time, Eckhart Toile, widely known for his works on mindfulness and living in the present moment. Tolle’s quote emphasises the importance of inner calm and mental quiet in discovering new ideas and resolving challenges. The quote suggests that by quieting the mind and finding stillness, we can access deeper creativity and clearer thinking. In moments of stillness, without the distractions of constant activity, we allow space for insights and solutions to emerge. He highlights the idea that creativity and problem-solving are not always achieved through intense effort or thinking but often through mindfulness and letting go of mental noise. The quote implies that inner calm can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and life’s challenges, making stillness a powerful tool for finding clarity and perspective.

After a few months, I finally managed to update my steps for 2024 and as of the end of September, I walked more than 10,000 km in the past 3 years and 9 months. I started this journey in the beginning of 2021 trying to walk to my home in Mumbai. Along the way, my parents moved to Bengaluru, so I moved my end journey to that place. After reaching Bengaluru, I started walking my way back to Singapore and at the end of September, I stand almost at India’s border with Myanmar. I am currently just inside Nagaland’s border with Assam and the India-Myanmar border at Moreh is still about 300 km away. After Myanmar, I have to cross Thailand and Malaysia, before I reach Singapore and home. This is still about 3600 km away.

As far as my reading is concerned, I am about 70% into my annual reading goal. There is still three months left and I am sure I will be able to hit my goals and hopefully, exceed them. Some books, I devour, and some take me ages to finish. 

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

Today’s quote comes to us from the American composer, conductor, and teacher, known for his contributions to both classical and modern music, Truman Fisher. Born in 1902, Fisher composed symphonic works, operas, and chamber music. He was also a teacher who deeply influenced his students with his philosophy of music and art, emphasising the importance of all elements in composition—especially silence, or the “pause.” Fisher’s quote highlights the significance of balance and timing in all forms of creation and life. The quote suggests that moments of rest, reflection, or silence, aka the pause, are just as crucial as moments of action, expression,, or the note. These pauses provide depth, structure, and meaning in music, conversation, or life. In music, pauses between notes create rhythm and tension, allowing the listener to fully appreciate each note. Similarly, in life, taking time to pause allows us to reflect, recharge, and gain clarity before moving forward. The quote encourages the idea that patience and mindfulness—allowing space for pauses—are essential for growth and creativity. It’s a reminder not to rush through life, but to embrace moments of stillness. Isn’t this food for thought?

This was a pretty quiet week where we all recovered from the past two weekends of partying. I have been reading a lot the past few weeks and will update my stats next week. My walking and steps are also going well, so that’s a win in my book. BB & GG are busy with their lives, and nothing of note happened this week. 

That’s all from me this week. Stay smiling 😀