Norman Vincent Peale is the author of our quote for today. An influential American minister, author, and speaker, Norman Vincent Peale is best known for his work in the field of positive thinking and self-improvement. He authored the internationally acclaimed book The Power of Positive Thinking, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. Peale’s teachings emphasised the importance of faith, optimism, and the power of the mind in achieving personal and professional success. This quote suggests that our thoughts and mindset play a significant role in shaping our perception of the world and ultimately influencing our experiences and outcomes. Peale believed that by consciously altering our thoughts and adopting a positive perspective, we have the power to transform our lives and the world around us. If we consistently entertain negative thoughts and focus on limitations, we may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negativity that affects our overall well-being and limits our potential. On the other hand, by consciously choosing to think positively and embracing an optimistic outlook, we can cultivate a mindset that empowers us to overcome challenges, seek opportunities, and create a more positive reality.

Life continues even when it seems as if nothing remarkable has occurred between last week and this week. In seemingly uneventful moments, routines persist, relationships evolve subtly, and personal growth unfolds quietly. While there was nothing of note that happened this week, life continues to shape us through small victories, moments of reflection, and the incremental progress we make each day. In the absence of notable occurrences, it is the continuity of life’s rhythm that reminds us of its inherent beauty and the potential for growth in even the seemingly ordinary moments.

And that’s all that is there from me this week. Take care and see you next week.

Today’s quote comes to us from American author, keynote speaker, advisor, and former publisher of SUCCESS magazine, Darren Hardy who reminds us to believe in the power of our dreams and the potential of our future. This quote encourages individuals to have faith and confidence in their dreams and the possibilities that lie ahead. It emphasises the importance of belief as a driving force for success and suggests that when one genuinely believes in the power of their dreams, they are more likely to take the necessary actions, persevere through challenges, and work towards turning those dreams into reality. This quote also speaks to the potential that exists within each individual. It reminds us that we all have untapped capabilities and possibilities within us, waiting to be realised. By acknowledging and embracing this potential, we can set ambitious goals and work towards fulfilling our aspirations.

We’re almost at the halfway point of this year and I have made progress on some of my goals, while in other goals, I am nowhere even close to the halfway point. What about you? Have you made significant progress on any of the 2023 goals?

There has also been no change in BB and GG’s worlds. They are, as usual, busy with work and the wait to enlist.

That’s all from me this week. Take care and stay safe!

This week’s quote comes to us from American entrepreneur, Marie Forleo. According to her, true happiness need not come from having the best circumstances or ideal conditions in life. Instead, it is all about the power of perception and attitude. Happiness can be found by choosing to focus on the positive aspects of one’s current situation, regardless of its perceived limitations or challenges. It encourages individuals to shift their mindset and outlook, seeking out the silver linings and opportunities for growth even in less-than-ideal circumstances. By adopting this mindset, individuals can cultivate gratitude, resilience, and a sense of contentment. Rather than constantly longing for a different situation or comparing themselves to others, they can find fulfilment and happiness by embracing the present moment and making the most of what they have.

GG is busy with her internship and because this is the first time, she is doing something different, she is finding it hard on some days, while other days, it is easily manageable. BB is enjoying himself at home while waiting to enlist. I don’t know how long I will keep saying this, but I hope that we get the notification sooner rather than later, just so all this uncertainty ends and we know what happens next.

Singapore’s weather has been very erratic these days. Temperatures are hot, and what is worse is the high humidity that comes with it. Most mornings we have humidity between 80% to 90% at sunrise which becomes around 70% at sunset. I am yearning for some rain, but then with rain, come higher humidity levels! What can one do?

That’s all for this week, stay safe people!

After 2.5 years, I have finally made it to my hometown, Mumbai. At the end of May, I was at Mulund, the northernmost suburb on the central railway. After this is Thane, which is a separate district altogether, but because of how Mumbai sprawls, Thane is usually considered a suburb of Mumbai, but administratively, it is separate. And on Friday, I finally made it home! I now have the slightly over 1000 km trek to Bengaluru and then the 7000 km trek back to Singapore before I can end this calculation.

This month, I read seven books, a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and this brings the total number of books I read this year to 38. I am very comfortable with my reading goals for the year and will most likely surpass them.

Today’s quote is from the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato who founded the Academy, a philosophical school where he taught the philosophical doctrines that would later become known as Platonism. According to Plato, self-mastery and self-control is the ultimate triumph for an individual. By conquering one’s own shortcomings and cultivating self-discipline, one can attain a state of inner harmony, balance, and virtuous living. This victory over oneself implies gaining control over one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions, aligning them with reason and moral principles. In Plato’s philosophy, this self-mastery was seen as an essential aspect of personal growth, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of wisdom. It involves understanding one’s own nature, recognising one’s flaws, and actively working towards self-improvement. Ultimately, this victory over oneself leads to a more fulfilling and virtuous life.

GG is busy with her internship and as much as she likes doing it, she is only now realising how mentally demanding accountancy can be. This is good because she goes into university with open eyes and can navigate what she wants in a career in this field. Some of BB’s friends have gotten their conscription notices and we are waiting now to see when he has to enlist. This will be a new phase in his life and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds for him.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend!

Today’s quote is attributed to the Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist, George Bernard Shaw. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays with a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory and became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Shaw’s quote is that we don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. What he means is that growing old is not only determined by the passage of time or our natural ageing, but instead, it is our attitudes and behaviours that experience the process of ageing. Playing or engaging in activities that bring joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder to our lives is vital in preserving our youthful energy and outlook.

Finally, after nearly 2.5 years I am within spitting distance of Mumbai! I am less than 100 km from my home in Mumbai and I can’t wait to finally reach my home, before I make the 1000 km trek to where my parents currently live.

GG has secured an internship, so she will be busy until school starts in August. BB on the other hand is still waiting for his National Service notification so that he can start his conscription.

That’s all from me this week. Take care, stay safe and be positive!