According to Jamaican singer, songwriter, and cultural icon, Bob Marley’s quote reflects a deep insight into the nature of contentment and fulfillment. Marley is saying that true success isn’t measured by competing with others or chasing society’s version of success. Often, we’re so focused on “winning” externally—whether that’s in career, wealth, or status—that we lose touch with what actually brings us peace and happiness. When we let go of the relentless drive to outdo others or to meet external expectations, we can finally achieve a sense of inner victory. Winning, in Marley’s perspective, is about finding joy, acceptance, and meaning in life without needing to constantly race toward an ever-shifting finish line. This perspective invites us to shift our focus inward and consider what truly makes us feel fulfilled and happy, rather than only striving to meet external standards or goals.

And this quote is very timely for me this week. I have been plagued by many aches and pains this week in multiple parts of my body. One of the pain points is one of my ankles which is very painful especially when I walk. So this week, I have decided to take it slow and not walk as much as I do so that I can heal from it.

GG is extremely busy with school as she has exams starting next week and that will be end of her third semester. The difficulty level is ramping up and during term time, I can hear her muttering and grumbling about the course! BB is enjoying his driving course which should end sometime this month. We are also enjoying BB’s time with us as this portion of his course is stay-out which means he stays at home and goes to camp in the morning and returns home in the evening.

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

Today my stomach finally got respite from gorging Diwali sweets and savouries. Now that the festivities are over, it’s time to return to the real world.

Today’s quote by American writer and activist Rita Mae Brown illustrates language’s subtle yet profound influence over our thoughts, actions, and emotions. Just as the moon’s gravitational pull subtly but powerfully affects the tides, language shapes our perceptions and interactions in ways we might not immediately notice. It subtly impacts how we view ourselves, others, and the world. Language can evoke emotions, shape beliefs, and guide behaviour. It holds the ability to inspire, hurt, or heal, showing that words are not simply a means of communication but powerful tools that can alter human experience. Words can empower or limit us, shaping our sense of reality and what we believe is possible. The comparison to the moon suggests that, although the effect might not be immediately visible, language wields significant control over our inner and outer worlds.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking the past few weeks, mainly where I want to go in my life. I will share more once I have crystalised my thoughts. My idea is to do all my thinking before the start of the new year and put my plans into action when 2025 January begins. I love starting on a clean slate in the new year, so let me see where 2025 will take me.

The last few days of October saw me not walking much, what with Diwali prepwork on my mind and a slight pain in my ankles. But when I computed my steps, I realised I am now at India’s border with Myanmar, on my way back home. I still have about a year’s worth of walking before I reach home, but now it’s time to renavigate Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, before I set foot back in the little red dot.

I hope everyone has had a great festive season, and here’s to looking forward to more as 2024 starts its winddown. Keep smiling and stay positive!

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!