Namaskara from India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru! I arrived here a couple of days back for a very important reason. My father turned 80 last week and this week will be his Tamil star birthday, for which we have a small ceremony at home. And I met my sister after eight years! Though we speak on the phone daily and even do video calls regularly, it is so much different to physically see and hug her! We were very close growing up, and because we had just 18 months apart, we used to do everything together. All her friends were mine and vice versa! So it’s so good to be together and relive our girlhood for a few days. It’ll be so good to catch up with uncles, aunts and cousins while I am here, as well as, of course, my sister.

Our quote today comes from Richard Bach. Born in 1936, Bach is an American author widely known for his philosophical and inspirational writings, including Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella that explores themes of self-discovery, freedom, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Today’s quote conveys the idea that the desire or aspiration for something comes with an inherent ability or potential to achieve it. However, the realization of the wish often requires effort and dedication. The quote encourages individuals to recognize their inherent capabilities and emphasizes the value of hard work in turning dreams into reality. The quote suggests that when you have a desire or a wish, it is not a random or arbitrary occurrence. Instead, it implies that within the person, there is an inherent capability or potential to bring that wish to fruition. While the quote acknowledges the inherent power, it also emphasises that realising a wish often requires effort and dedication. The quote encourages individuals to believe in their abilities and to recognise that they have the tools necessary to achieve their wishes. The quote also conveys the idea that wishes or dreams are not passive; they require active participation and commitment. The combination of having a wish and being willing to work for it can lead to the fulfilment of personal goals. In essence, Bach’s quote inspires a sense of self-empowerment and encourages individuals to believe in their capacity to turn their aspirations into reality through dedication and effort. It aligns with themes of personal growth, perseverance, and the transformative power of taking action toward one’s dreams.

BB will start his field camp this week. Field camp in national service. The first field camp is considered a rite of passage and takes the young soldiers away from all the comforts they are used to and gives them their first taste of living and fighting in the jungle. At the 5-day Outfield Field camp, recruits will live in self-pitched tents, and learn tactical fighting and leadership skills, as well as other skills useful to a soldier. We were also asked to write him letters which would be given to the recruits on the third day of field camp and all three of us plus some friends who had been through this experience wrote him words of encouragement. The letters have already been posted to his company and his commanders will hand them over to the boys. I hope BB does not struggle too much this week and I am sending him all my love and encouragement.

GG is busy with school and when she is at home, she is busy with either online classes or studying. So some days, even if we are the only people in the house, I barely see her. But that’s all right; this is the time for her to focus on her studies and her career and make the most of her twenties.

Continue staying positive and keep smiling!

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!