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!

Former American first lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote emphasises the transformative power of having faith in one’s aspirations and the positive impact it can have on shaping the future. The quote underscores the importance of believing in and embracing one’s dreams and aspirations. It suggests that having confidence in the beauty, significance, and attainability of one’s dreams is a key factor in achieving them. It implies that individuals who cultivate an optimistic outlook toward their goals are more likely to take the necessary steps to turn those dreams into reality. By believing in the potential of their dreams, they contribute to the creation of a future that aligns with those aspirations. The quote’s core idea is that the future is not a predetermined outcome but is influenced and crafted by those who possess the belief and determination to bring their dreams to fruition.

This week was fairly hectic in terms of work, but I can’t complain. Work is rather fun and interesting and I am enjoying what I do. I am also excited about an upcoming trip, details of which I will share with you all very soon!

BB is busy in camp and will soon go for his five-day field camp. He has also undergone shooting and arms training and so far, he is pretty chill about his national service obligations. GG will start her second semester tomorrow and is starting to get stressed about the workload now. So please keep her in your prayers and thoughts!

That’s all from me this week. Stay positive, everyone!

Here’s wishing every one of you readers a very happy 2024! I wish you a joyous and prosperous New Year filled with good health, love, and laughter. May all your dreams come true in the year ahead!

2023’s last quote is an unknown Chinese quote. The quote speaks to the profound connection between our mental and physical well-being and suggests that inner peace and emotional tranquility have a significant impact on our physical health. The quote suggests that there is a symbiotic relationship between emotional or mental well-being and physical health. When the heart, or inner state of being, is tranquil and content, it contributes to overall bodily health. Stress and emotional unrest can have a significant impact on physical health. Conversely, a calm and at-ease mindset is seen as conducive to maintaining a healthy body. The quote reflects the understanding that the mind and body are interconnected, and the state of one can influence the state of the other. Mental and emotional well-being can contribute to physical wellness, and vice versa. It aligns with holistic approaches to health that emphasise the importance of addressing both mental and physical aspects for overall well-being. Attaining a sense of ease in the heart is seen as a key component of this holistic perspective. In essence, the Chinese proverb encourages individuals to recognise the impact of emotional well-being on physical health. It emphasizes the value of maintaining a calm and content heart as a pathway to achieving and preserving overall health and wellness.

This year has been a good one for me, especially career-wise and I am at a happy place there. GG started university and BB started his national service, so they are also in a good place. BB does need to think about his future and what he wants to do in life, so that is something he needs to work on, especially before he finishes his basic military training.

All in all, I can’t complain about 2023 and am looking forward to the new year. I hope that this year brings a year of happiness, health, love, positivity, and joy.

Here’s to a blessed 2024!

To everyone celebrating the festival, here’s wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! May the spirit of the season fill your home with peace, love, and happiness.

American lyricist, librettist, theatrical producer, director, and award-winner Oscar Hammerstein emphasises the importance of having aspirations, goals, and dreams as a fundamental step toward achieving them. The quote suggests that having a dream is a prerequisite for turning it into reality. It emphasises the idea that a clear vision or goal is the starting point for any meaningful achievement. Without a dream to strive for, there might be a lack of inspiration and drive to pursue significant accomplishments. The quote implies that the process of realising a dream involves more than wishful thinking; it requires active effort, planning, and dedication. Simply having a dream is the initial step, but the subsequent actions are crucial for bringing it to fruition. The quote encourages individuals to engage in the practice of setting goals and envisioning a desired future. It suggests that the act of dreaming is not only valuable but essential for personal growth and achievement. The quote underscores the idea that dreams provide the foundation for meaningful accomplishments, and having a vision is a prerequisite for making progress and turning aspirations into reality. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating dreams as a source of inspiration and motivation in life.

We are in the last week of 2023 and this year, instead of goals for 2024, I want to think of what I want to do in the next year. There are some hazy and vague ideas in the back of my head, and until I have crystallized them myself, it would be premature to share them as yet. I want to make some fundamental changes to the way I think, work and live, and I want to take my time fleshing this out.

And on that note, stay safe and stay positive. Do reflect on how 2023 was for you and what your plans are for the new year.