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!

A German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was known for his deep moral courage and spiritual insight. He was a vocal critic of Hitler’s regime and actively involved in resistance efforts, which led to his imprisonment and execution at the age of 39. Bonhoeffer’s quote reflects on the often-overlooked abundance present in everyday life. It reminds us that we are constantly receiving: be it through the kindness of others, the gifts of nature, or the unseen efforts that sustain our daily lives. Yet, in the busyness of routine, we tend to focus on what we lack or give, rather than acknowledging the quiet generosity that surrounds us.

He points out that gratitude is the key to true richness, not material wealth. When we become aware of all we receive: love, time, opportunities, even lessons, we begin to live more deeply and meaningfully. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from complaint to appreciation. It enriches our emotional life, strengthens our relationships, and grounds us in humility. Ultimately, Bonhoeffer teaches that to live with awareness and thankfulness is to discover a richness that transcends possessions, one that fills the soul.

This week was a bit busy. I got my first freelance work, even though it was a very small amount, it gave me some hope that maybe I will be able to earn an income from here. Other than that, the week was spent writing, both for this space and for commissions, and I am happy because it means my creativity is back. BB & GG are busy with their work. GG’s internship will come to an end at the end of this month, and then she will start a new semester in August.

Life goes on, unbroken and constant, which can be simultaneously a blessing and a curse. While its a good thing that our lives are not in a constant state of uncertianty, but at the same time, it can get boring. So I don’t know if I should be happy or sad. I think I will choose happiness over sadness and look forward positively. That’s all from me this week, stay positive and keep smiling!