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 😀

Our quote today comes from Victoria Moran, who is known as an author, speaker, and holistic health coach known for her work in the areas of spirituality, wellness, and vegan living. Her quote highlights the power and potential that exist in the present moment. The quote emphasises that each moment holds unlimited potential for change, growth, and opportunity. It encourages focusing on the present and recognising that the choices made now can shape the future in countless ways. Moran’s message inspires a mindset of openness and possibility. Being present and aware can unlock new paths and opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. The quote suggests that life is full of endless possibilities, and it is up to the individual to seize the present moment to explore, create, and make the most of it.

This week, the fragility of life was impressed upon me. One of my uncles, who had been sick for a while, finally gave up the struggle. I had met him earlier this year on my trip to Bangalore, and didn’t think the next time I would be in Bangalore, he won’t be around. This is life, I believe and underscores how much we should enjoy time with those we love, especially the elderly. 

BB & GG are super excited about their upcoming birthday and they will have two parties – one with friends at the end of this week and the next with extended family next week. I have lots of things to prepare for both parties and so the next two weeks I have a lot of work to get the house ready for guests.

As for GG & BB, they are busy with their lives – BB with his driving and national service and GG with school and exams. And I am busy with my job search, but nothing seems to click right now.

That’s all from my side this week, stay positive and stay happy always!