Today’s quote by British writer and intellectual, Aldous Huxley emphasises the importance of personal growth and self-improvement. The quote underscores the idea that the most reliable and impactful changes one can make are within oneself. It encourages individuals to prioritise their own personal development and well-being. While the universe may seem vast and beyond our control, the quote suggests that we have the power to effect meaningful change within our own lives through self-awareness, learning, and growth. By focusing on self-improvement, individuals can cultivate a sense of empowerment and agency over their lives. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by external circumstances, they can channel their energy into areas where they have the greatest influence. The quote implies that self-improvement is an ongoing process rather than a destination. It encourages individuals to embrace a mindset of growth and development, continually striving to become the best version of themselves. In essence, Huxley’s quote serves as a reminder of the transformative potential inherent in each individual. It inspires self-reflection, introspection, and a commitment to personal evolution as a means of positively impacting both oneself and the world around us.

I’ve been quite busy this week and before I knew it, it was Sunday and time for a new week. But life of good and I have already started thinking about my next holiday. I am hoping to go and visit my parents again by the end of the year. But that’s still months down the year. Work is still going on well and it’s nice to do something worthwhile.

BB is almost done with his basic military training and should graduate soon and then will be posted to his unit. GG is busy with school and has no time for anything or anyone anymore!

Stay safe, stay positive, my friends, and I will see you soon!

Today’s quote is attributed to English poet and botanist Libby Houston.Her quote suggests that when one’s dreams or aspirations become weary or dormant, they may retreat from the forefront of consciousness. The quote portrays dreams as dynamic entities that can become fatigued or lose momentum over time. Like living beings, dreams can experience periods of vitality and dormancy. The quote symbolises the idea of dreams receding from conscious awareness, perhaps into the subconscious or a hidden realm within the mind. It implies a state of latency or hibernation and suggests a protective mechanism. It implies that dreams may retreat from the forefront of consciousness to preserve themselves, avoiding potential disappointment or disillusionment. Despite their temporary retreat, the quote doesn’t imply that dreams vanish entirely. Instead, they remain latent, awaiting the right conditions or renewed inspiration to resurface and thrive once again. In essence, Libby Houston’s quote acknowledges the ebb and flow of dreams, suggesting that periods of dormancy or retreat can be natural and even beneficial. It encourages patience and trust in the cyclical nature of inspiration, suggesting that dreams may reemerge when the time is right, revitalised and ready to be pursued once more.

Even though it has been one week since we returned from India, I am still tired, but hopefully, this will pass soon and I will be back to normal. Our new office is ready and we will be starting work there physically next week. It’ll be exciting, though I am going to miss working from home on a full-time basis.

BB has been home on a long break for the Lunar New Year festivities and we are happy to have him here. For those celebrating, here’s wishing you a very happy lunar new year and may the year of the wooden dragon bring you and your loved ones abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

And on that note, let’s have a positive and wonderful week ahead!

We’re back home after a very hectic trip. I really enjoyed myself with my parents and sister. S joined me later in the week as we celebrated my father’s 80th birthday with a traditional ceremony called the Sadabhisekham. This is an important Hindu ceremony performed when a man completes 80 years or has completed 1000 moons or lunar months. The word is derived from the Sanskrit words “Satha” meaning “eighty” and “abhisheka” meaning “ceremony”. This ritual is performed by a man who is still married to his spouse and is a sort of renewal of their marriage vows. The couple is bathed and dressed in new clothes, and a prayer ceremony is performed in their honour. Sathabhishekam is considered an important ritual in Hindu culture, as it marks the completion of a significant milestone in one’s life and is believed to bring good luck and blessings for a peaceful and prosperous old age.

The trip was so hectic that it will probably take me the rest of the weekend to recover and start work tomorrow.

Today’s quote by American cartoonist and creator of the much beloved comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes”, Bill Watterson underscores the tendency of individuals to become overly preoccupied with future goals and concerns, often at the expense of appreciating and enjoying the present moment. The quote suggests that people often fixate on future possibilities, aspirations, or challenges, investing significant mental energy in what lies ahead. In the pursuit of future endeavours, individuals may unintentionally neglect or overlook the beauty, experiences, and opportunities available in the current moment. It speaks to the importance of mindfulness and being fully present in one’s current circumstances, rather than being consumed by thoughts of the future. The quote serves as a reminder to find a balance between planning for the future and savouring the richness of the present. It encourages individuals to appreciate the journey, not just the destination. In essence, Bill Watterson’s quote encourages a shift in perspective, urging individuals to pause, be present, and find joy in their current surroundings rather than being solely fixated on what lies ahead. It’s a reminder to cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the value of the “here and now.”

And that’s all for today. I am taking this weekend very slowly as I unpack and get ready for a new week!

Namaskara from India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru! I arrived here a couple of days back for a very important reason. My father turned 80 last week and this week will be his Tamil star birthday, for which we have a small ceremony at home. And I met my sister after eight years! Though we speak on the phone daily and even do video calls regularly, it is so much different to physically see and hug her! We were very close growing up, and because we had just 18 months apart, we used to do everything together. All her friends were mine and vice versa! So it’s so good to be together and relive our girlhood for a few days. It’ll be so good to catch up with uncles, aunts and cousins while I am here, as well as, of course, my sister.

Our quote today comes from Richard Bach. Born in 1936, Bach is an American author widely known for his philosophical and inspirational writings, including Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella that explores themes of self-discovery, freedom, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Today’s quote conveys the idea that the desire or aspiration for something comes with an inherent ability or potential to achieve it. However, the realization of the wish often requires effort and dedication. The quote encourages individuals to recognize their inherent capabilities and emphasizes the value of hard work in turning dreams into reality. The quote suggests that when you have a desire or a wish, it is not a random or arbitrary occurrence. Instead, it implies that within the person, there is an inherent capability or potential to bring that wish to fruition. While the quote acknowledges the inherent power, it also emphasises that realising a wish often requires effort and dedication. The quote encourages individuals to believe in their abilities and to recognise that they have the tools necessary to achieve their wishes. The quote also conveys the idea that wishes or dreams are not passive; they require active participation and commitment. The combination of having a wish and being willing to work for it can lead to the fulfilment of personal goals. In essence, Bach’s quote inspires a sense of self-empowerment and encourages individuals to believe in their capacity to turn their aspirations into reality through dedication and effort. It aligns with themes of personal growth, perseverance, and the transformative power of taking action toward one’s dreams.

BB will start his field camp this week. Field camp in national service. The first field camp is considered a rite of passage and takes the young soldiers away from all the comforts they are used to and gives them their first taste of living and fighting in the jungle. At the 5-day Outfield Field camp, recruits will live in self-pitched tents, and learn tactical fighting and leadership skills, as well as other skills useful to a soldier. We were also asked to write him letters which would be given to the recruits on the third day of field camp and all three of us plus some friends who had been through this experience wrote him words of encouragement. The letters have already been posted to his company and his commanders will hand them over to the boys. I hope BB does not struggle too much this week and I am sending him all my love and encouragement.

GG is busy with school and when she is at home, she is busy with either online classes or studying. So some days, even if we are the only people in the house, I barely see her. But that’s all right; this is the time for her to focus on her studies and her career and make the most of her twenties.

Continue staying positive and keep smiling!

Vietnamese monk, peace activist, and author Thich Nhat Hanh is known for his teachings on mindfulness, meditation, and engaged Buddhism, which emphasize applying Buddhist principles to social and environmental issues. Thich’s quote underscores the significance of mindfulness and living in the present. The quote highlights the idea that the present moment is the only time that truly exists for us and emphasises the importance of being fully present and engaged in the “now.” By calling the present moment “the door to all moments,” Thich suggests that our experiences of the past and the future are interconnected with and accessed through our awareness of the present. The choices and actions we take in the present shape our past and influence our future. The quote suggests that by cultivating mindfulness and being present, we gain access to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the unfolding of our lives. The quote also reinforces the idea that each moment is fleeting and that, by fully embracing and appreciating the present, we acknowledge the transient nature of time. The quote encourages individuals to recognise the richness of the present moment, to be fully engaged in their experiences, and to understand that the way they navigate the present influences the past and shapes the future. It speaks to the profound wisdom found in being present and mindful in our daily lives.

We’re in the third week of 2024 and I hope this year has been going well for everyone. Our lives have not changed since last week, and things are at the status quo. The weather has been wonderful here in Singapore, with rain almost happening daily and the temperature dipping. I love this weather and hope it continues for a bit longer.

Stay positive and keep smiling!