November arrived with the unmistakable feeling that change is in the air. After the intensity of the previous few weeks, I had hoped for a little breathing space. Instead, the month began with new conversations, shifting expectations and a growing awareness that the coming months could look rather different from what I had originally imagined.

At work, changing dynamics have prompted me to think more carefully about what I want from the next chapter of my professional life. There have been moments of frustration, certainly, but also some unexpected clarity. I’ve realised that having choices matters enormously, and that preparing for different possibilities is not necessarily a sign of uncertainty. Sometimes, it is simply good sense. That realisation has brought a fresh burst of excitement. Ideas that had been quietly simmering are beginning to take shape, and I find myself looking forward to exploring them. There is something wonderfully liberating about imagining a future built around work I genuinely enjoy.

The week also brought a particularly uplifting experience: connecting with a group of women whose conversations reminded me how much I value curiosity, thoughtful exchanges and the possibility of new friendships. Finding people with whom one might share an intellectual connection is a rather lovely feeling. And now, as Deepavali arrives, I find myself thinking about light in a slightly different way. Not just the lamps we illuminate, but the clarity that comes from recognising our own possibilities. Perhaps this week’s lesson is that sometimes, the most important change is not what happens around us, but the moment we realise we have more choices than we thought.

The founder of Epicureanism, a school of philosophy centred on achieving a peaceful and fulfilling life, ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus’ teachings emphasised that lasting happiness comes from tranquillity and the wise management of our desires rather than the endless accumulation of wealth or possessions. His quote reminds us of a simple but often overlooked truth: our constant pursuit of more can sometimes prevent us from appreciating what we already possess.

Human beings naturally have aspirations. We want better opportunities, greater financial security, meaningful relationships and experiences that enrich our lives. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to improve our circumstances. However, problems arise when our attention becomes so consumed by what is missing that we lose sight of everything that is already good. We might spend years working towards a particular goal, only to discover that achieving it brings satisfaction for a surprisingly short time. Almost immediately, another ambition takes its place. The finish line keeps moving, and happiness becomes something perpetually postponed.

Epicurus encourages us to recognise this tendency and question whether every desire deserves our attention. Some aspirations genuinely improve our lives, while others arise from comparison, social expectations or the mistaken belief that possessing more will automatically make us happier. Importantly, contentment is not the same as complacency. We can appreciate our present circumstances while continuing to grow, learn and pursue meaningful ambitions. The difference lies in whether our desires enrich our lives or diminish our enjoyment of them.

Perhaps the greatest wisdom in this quote is the reminder that happiness need not always be waiting somewhere in the future. It can exist in familiar routines, cherished relationships, good health, small pleasures and the freedom to live according to our values. We can look forward to tomorrow without forgetting to appreciate today.

This, in verse 9.22, the Bhagavad Gita talks about the fear that people carry when alone. Many people carry the fear that they are alone in facing life’s challenges. Krishna offers reassurance. When our lives are anchored in higher values, we are not abandoned to chance. This verse does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it reminds us that support often arrives in unexpected forms: a helping hand, an opportunity, a moment of clarity or the strength to continue. Trust does not remove obstacles. It helps us walk through them.

This week I learned that there are difficult moments that leave you wondering, “How did I end up here?”. Those moments can make you question everything. You replay every decision you made, every turn you took, searching for the answers that might explain why life began to look so different from what you had imagined. You wonder if you failed or if there was something you could have done to prevent it from happening. But this isn’t always a helpful way to look at things. You don’t have to make sense of everything immediately. Instead, allow yourself the space for a more meaningful perspective to emerge. Sometimes, feeling lost is the first step toward finding a path that feels more aligned. From here, another reality is still possible.

As homes glow with the warmth of countless lamps and families gather to celebrate Deepavali, may this festival remind us that even the smallest light can make a difference in the darkness. May the coming year bring peace to our hearts, warmth to our relationships and the courage to welcome new beginnings. May we find reasons to be grateful for what we have, strength to navigate what lies ahead and wisdom to recognise the blessings hidden in ordinary moments.

Wishing everyone celebrating a beautiful Deepavali filled with love, laughter, good health and happiness. Happy Deepavali! May the light within us always shine brightly. 🪔

What a week! October certainly decided to go out with a flourish, bringing a whirlwind of activity, unexpected encounters and moments that made me wonder whether the world had collectively lost its sense of proportion.

After weeks of preparations, an important event finally came together. There were last-minute adjustments, anxious moments and lessons for another day. But seeing everything unfold and watching people come together for a meaningful cause made it worthwhile. I even discovered that stepping outside my comfort zone can be rather enjoyable!

One of the week’s unexpected pleasures was a thirty-minute taxi ride with a woman from the Bohra community. Growing up in Mumbai, where the community is sizeable and the women’s distinctive attire is a familiar sight, I had never expected my first encounter with a Bohra woman in Singapore to happen in a taxi. We chatted about her community, its traditions and how its practices differ from those of the wider Muslim community. The journey flew by!

Meanwhile, regional politics provided its own entertainment, although I’m not entirely sure whether to laugh or cry. Between reduced gas supplies, remarks about the clean air that apparently accompanies the haze, and suggestions that religious travellers avoid transiting through Singapore and Malaysia, I found myself wondering whether international diplomacy had somehow wandered into a kindergarten playground. Surely neighbours can disagree without everything becoming a contest of words?

As October ends, I’m looking forward to a little breathing space, fresh possibilities and perhaps some genuinely fresh air. This week’s lesson? People can surprise us wonderfully, and occasionally, so can politics, although not always for the right reasons!

This quote, attributed to American essayist, poet, philosopher and leading figure of the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson, encourages us to approach life with a sense of purpose rather than allowing our difficulties to determine the direction we take.

Problems are an inevitable part of life. Whether they involve relationships, work, finances or personal disappointments, they demand our attention and can sometimes consume our thoughts. When we become entirely focused on what is going wrong, our decisions may be driven by fear, frustration or the desire to escape an uncomfortable situation. We begin reacting to circumstances rather than consciously choosing where we want to go.

Dreams, on the other hand, give us something meaningful to move towards. They remind us of our aspirations, values and the possibilities we hope to create. Instead of asking only how we can get away from our present difficulties, we begin asking what kind of future we want to build. This does not mean ignoring problems or pretending they do not exist. Some difficulties require immediate attention, practical solutions and difficult decisions. The distinction lies in allowing our dreams to guide our direction while dealing with problems along the way.

There is also something empowering about recognising that our circumstances need not define our entire story. A setback may change our plans, but it does not necessarily have to change our purpose. Ultimately, the quote reminds us that life becomes more meaningful when we move towards something we believe in, rather than simply running away from what troubles us.

This week’s verse, from the Bhagavad Gita, verse 18.66 is one of the most famous verses in the Bhagavad Gita. It is often misunderstood as a call to abandon responsibility. In reality, Krishna asks Arjuna to release the burden of believing he controls everything. There are moments in life when effort alone cannot guarantee an outcome. We do our best, make thoughtful choices and fulfil our duties, yet uncertainty remains. This verse reminds us that faith begins where control ends. Surrender is not a weakness. It is the courage to move forward without having every answer.

When several things seem to be changing at once, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by life. Change is uncomfortable because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and brings uncertainty. You may find yourself wondering whether you’re making the right decisions when you no longer have the same things to rely on. You may even crave those moments when everything feels familiar again. At times, it can feel like you’re constantly trying to catch up. It’s okay if you don’t immediately know how to navigate everything. Take a breath, focus on the next step, and trust yourself to figure out the rest as you go. Give yourself time to become comfortable with the unfamiliar. You can handle the unexpected better than you think. From here, another reality is still possible.

And on that note, here’s to a fruitful November, one filled with joy, happiness and prosperity!

The Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius who ruled from 161 to 180 CE and is remembered as one of the leading figures of Stoic philosophy is the author of today’s quote. This quote reminds us that goodness, compassion and inner strength are not necessarily qualities we must seek from the outside world. They already exist within us, waiting to be discovered, nurtured and expressed.

The imagery of a fountain is particularly meaningful. Just as water continues to flow from an underground source, our capacity for kindness, wisdom and integrity remains available, even when life’s difficulties make it harder to access. However, reaching that source requires effort. We must be willing to look honestly at ourselves, question our reactions and consciously choose how we respond to the world around us. There will inevitably be moments when anger, disappointment, fear or frustration threaten to overwhelm our better judgement. During such times, it may seem easier to react impulsively or allow circumstances to dictate our behaviour. Yet Aurelius reminds us that our character is shaped not simply by what happens to us, but by how we choose to respond.

The instruction to keep digging also suggests that personal growth is an ongoing process. Goodness is not something we discover once and possess forever. It requires regular attention through self-reflection, patience, compassion and the small choices we make each day. Perhaps the most reassuring message is that we do not need perfect circumstances to become better human beings. Even during difficult periods, we can return to the values that matter most to us.

With October moving towards its final week, I can almost feel the year gathering speed. This week has been a curious mixture of urgency, reflection and the quiet satisfaction of recognising how far I have come. Work has been a combination of last-minute adjustments, conversations, preparations and the inevitable little fires that appear when something important is approaching. But amid all the details, there was a moment that reminded me why the work matters. Watching someone gradually find their confidence was a powerful reminder that behind every plan, spreadsheet and deadline are real people whose lives can be changed in small but meaningful ways.

Outside work, my creative world has been particularly alive. I’ve been revisiting childhood memories, thinking about ordinary objects and the stories they carry, and imagining what I want to write in the coming year. There is something comforting about realising that the smallest moments, the ones we barely notice while living them, often become our most treasured memories.

Meanwhile, the haze continued to be an unwelcome companion. Between checking air-quality readings and reconsidering outdoor routines, the changing skies have reminded me how easily we take ordinary pleasures, especially fresh air, for granted. At least there have been occasional improvements, even if the uncertainty remains.

On a more personal note, I’ve been reflecting on how my relationship with work, money and happiness has changed over the years. Perhaps growing older brings a different understanding of what constitutes enough. Family, familiar conversations, memories and the freedom to pursue things I love increasingly feel like measures of abundance in their own right. Perhaps this week’s lesson is that progress isn’t always about acquiring more. Sometimes it is about recognising how much we already have, how far we’ve travelled, and how comfortably we are beginning to inhabit the lives we’ve created.

This week, verse 2.64 of the Bhagavad Gita tells us that peace does not come from withdrawing from the world. Krishna teaches that peace comes from how we engage with it. We suffer when we cling desperately to what we like and resist what we dislike. The more balanced our relationship with life’s experiences, the more freedom we discover. True self-mastery is not about control over others. It is about understanding ourselves deeply enough that our peace is no longer dictated by circumstances.

This week I learned that we have to hold on to the part of us that believes things are still working in our favor. During the fiercest storms, when things are breaking down, plans aren’t working out, and everything feels so impossible that we can barely breathe, that’s when we need to hold on to that belief even more tightly. The belief may seem illogical at times, but the truth remains that our story hasn’t finished unfolding yet. Things can still fall into place in ways we never thought were possible. Through it all, our only job is not to let ourselves become consumed by fearful thoughts. Holding on to this truth can give us the strength to stay afloat. We have to remain open to possibilities that we cannot see yet.

To those in the region, still battling the haze, stay indoors, masked and safe.

This week’s quote is by Canadian mindfulness teacher, meditation guide, writer and storyteller, widely known for her work with the meditation app Calm, Tamara Levitt. In this quote, Levitt beautifully captures the essence of what it means to connect with another human being. Empathy is not simply understanding someone’s circumstances or feeling sorry for them. It is the willingness to step outside our own experiences and make room for another person’s emotions, even when we cannot fully comprehend what they are going through. Often, when someone shares their struggles, our instinct is to offer advice, suggest solutions or reassure them that everything will eventually be fine. While these responses usually come from a place of kindness, they may not always be what the person needs. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer is our presence. To listen without judgement, acknowledge their feelings and allow them to express themselves without immediately trying to make things better.

Empathy also requires us to recognise that another person’s experience may be very different from our own. We do not have to agree with every decision they make or have experienced the same difficulties to respect what they are feeling. It is about meeting people where they are rather than expecting them to see the world through our eyes. Importantly, feeling with someone does not mean carrying all their pain as our own. Healthy empathy allows us to remain compassionate while maintaining our emotional boundaries. Perhaps the most meaningful part of empathy is its simplicity. We may not have the answers or the power to change someone’s circumstances, but we can remind them that they do not have to face everything alone.

Some weeks seem determined to remind me that even the best-laid plans must occasionally surrender to circumstances beyond my control. This was one of them. With October gathering pace, there was plenty to keep me occupied. Work continued its steady march towards important milestones, with details to finalise, conversations to navigate and decisions that needed attention. There is something satisfying about watching months of planning gradually become reality, although the closer things get to completion, the more those little unfinished details seem to multiply!

At the same time, I found myself thinking about transitions, both the ones happening around me and those I am quietly preparing for. Change can be exciting and unsettling in equal measure, particularly when the next chapter hasn’t quite revealed itself. And as if the usual uncertainties weren’t enough, the haze decided to make its presence felt across Singapore. The grey skies, unpleasant air and constant checking of air-quality readings have made even ordinary activities unnecessarily complicated. Outdoor plans have been disrupted, familiar routines reconsidered, and everyone seems to be waiting for the day we can breathe comfortably again. It is remarkable how something as simple as fresh air becomes precious when it is no longer guaranteed.

Perhaps this week’s lesson is about making room for what I cannot control without allowing it to overwhelm everything I can. The skies may be hazy, and parts of the future may be equally unclear, but there is still work to be done, joy to be found and life to be lived. And hopefully, clearer skies ahead.

In this week’s verse from the Bhagavad Gita, verse 17.16 speaks of austerity. When people hear the word austerity, they often think of physical discipline. Krishna offers a different definition. Mental discipline matters just as much. A calm mind, gentle speech and pure intentions require constant practice. This verse reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured by appearances. It is reflected in how we think, how we speak and how we treat others when no one is watching.

Falling apart is ugly and excruciating. There are tears, anger, and hopelessness. But even amidst all of that, there is hope, light, and balance. This state of vulnerability can become the foundation for a new chapter in your life that makes room for new gifts and enriching experiences. Even in the darkest seasons, light can be found in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, that light is reflected in the smallest choices you make each day; choosing to get out of bed, taking a deep breath while you cry, or simply holding on to the belief that tomorrow can be better. Hold on to the truth that your pure being, despite everything it has endured, is still capable of feeling, loving, and beginning again.

So to those in Singapore and the region, stay home, stay safe if you are going outside and hopefully we see clearer skies very soon!

This week’s quote attributed to the Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas profoundly influenced Chinese and East Asian thought, Confucius invites us to think about beauty as something that depends as much on the observer as on the thing being observed.

We often associate beauty with conventional ideas of attractiveness: a spectacular sunset, an impressive building, a perfect flower or a beautiful face. Yet much of what makes life beautiful is quieter and easier to overlook. It might be found in an ageing face that carries decades of stories, weeds growing through a crack in the pavement, the sound of rain against a window, or an ordinary moment shared with someone we love. The difference is not necessarily that some people are surrounded by more beauty than others. It may simply be that they have learned to notice.

This makes the quote as much about attention as beauty. When we move through life hurriedly, distracted by what comes next or preoccupied with what is missing, we can become blind to what is already around us. Slowing down changes our perspective. Curiosity helps too. Something initially unremarkable can become fascinating when we look closely enough. It also reminds us that beauty does not require perfection. There can be beauty in imperfection, ageing, change and even things that don’t immediately appeal to us. Seeing it sometimes requires looking beyond our first judgement. Perhaps beauty isn’t particularly rare at all, our attention is.

This week felt like an exercise in balancing the things I can control with those I simply cannot. October is barely underway, yet the final quarter of the year already seems to be gathering momentum. At work, there were plans to refine, conversations to follow up on, and pieces of a complicated puzzle that needed to fit together. Some things are finally taking shape after weeks of effort, while others still require patience, persuasion and perhaps a little creative thinking. I am learning that progress isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it is about asking better questions, making thoughtful decisions and knowing when something is good enough to move forward.

Outside work, there were reminders that life doesn’t always provide answers according to our preferred timelines. Uncertainty has a way of occupying far more mental space than it deserves, particularly when the questions matter. But I am trying to resist the temptation to write stories about outcomes that haven’t happened yet. There were smaller moments of curiosity too, the kind that sent me down unexpected paths of thought. I find myself increasingly interested in understanding not just what happens, but why I respond to things the way I do. Even the most ordinary experiences can reveal something interesting when I pay attention.

Perhaps the biggest lesson this week was that not everything needs an immediate resolution. Some things need action, others need observation, and a few simply need time. As the year moves towards its conclusion, I am beginning to realise that growth isn’t always visible in what I accomplish. Sometimes it is reflected in how I handle what remains unfinished. And perhaps that is progress enough for now.

In this week’s verse, 12.18-19 from Bhagavad Gita, the Gita shares that most people are kind when circumstances are favourable. Character reveals itself when circumstances change. Krishna describes a person whose inner stability does not depend on praise, approval or comfort. Such balance does not make someone indifferent. Instead, it allows them to respond wisely rather than react emotionally. In a world full of constant judgement and comparison, this teaching remains deeply relevant.

This week, I learned that there is a quiet fire within you that glows even when life feels dark. It has carried you through moments you thought would break you completely. Stoke that fire by choosing trust, again and again. Despite the harrowing experiences you’ve endured, there is a resilient part of you that refuses to give in to the darkness. You can still care, still hope, and still respond to life with unwavering optimism. That is proof that even the hardest moments could not change who you are at your core. Stay true to your authentic self. Nourish the fire within you.

That’s all I have for this week. As always, stay safe, stay calm and be positive!