Today’s quote is from one of my favourite authors, one whom I read when I was in school, Louisa May Alcott. An American novelist, poet, and reformist, Alcott is best known for her classic novel, Little Women. Alcott worked as a nurse during the Civil War and wrote stories to support her family. Her works, often inspired by her own life, emphasise family values, resilience, and female empowerment. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and abolitionism, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire readers worldwide.

Alcott’s quote serves as a guiding principle for a meaningful and well-balanced life. It highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with positivity, continuous learning, appreciation for life, and self-care. Our thoughts, attitudes, and personal growth are often shaped by our relationships. Positive, kind, and supportive individuals encourage us to become the best versions of ourselves, while toxic influences can hinder our growth. Alcott suggests that choosing uplifting and virtuous companions helps cultivate a life filled with joy, wisdom, and integrity.

Books serve as windows to new perspectives, knowledge, and emotional depth. Reading well-written, insightful, and inspiring works expands the mind, nurtures empathy, and strengthens one’s sense of identity and purpose. For Alcott, who was both an avid reader and a writer, good books were not just entertainment but a means of self-improvement and enlightenment. The quote also encourages one to appreciate life’s beauty and find joy in meaningful, simple pleasures. Whether it is art, nature, kindness, or creativity, loving what is good fosters gratitude and contentment. This aligns with Alcott’s belief in living a rich, fulfilling life not through material wealth but through experiences and values.

The quote also emphasises the importance of both physical and spiritual well-being. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and taking care of oneself through exercise, rest, and nourishment leads to a balanced life. Similarly, cultivating the soul through kindness, compassion, faith, or introspection ensures that personal growth is not just external but deeply rooted in character and values. Overall, Alcott’s quote is a timeless piece of wisdom, reminding us that a truly fulfilling life is built upon meaningful relationships, intellectual and personal growth, appreciation for life’s goodness, and a commitment to self-care.

I took this week easy. I had a bunch of things on my to-do list that kept getting pushed to the next week because of my work and writing commitments, so I thought I should take a week or two off to tick off items from my long list. The good news is that I managed to get quite a few items off the list. The coming week will also be quieter as I try and clear more items so that when April rolls in, I have the bandwidth and motivation to tackle my writing head-on.

GG has been very busy and stressed this week because of project submissions, exams, and tests. She finally finished a bunch of those but has her end-of-semester exams to look forward to in early April. GG is busy with his work in camp, and his life flows on as usual. I have been nagging him for the past few weeks to take more interest in life after national service, but so far, all this has fallen on deaf ears!

That’s all from me this week! Stay positive and let the brightness of spring coat your soul!

This week’s quote is attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher, poet, and founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu. Tao, or Laozi, is best known for his classic work, the Tao Te Ching, a foundational text that explores themes of harmony, balance, humility, and effortless action, or wu wei. Lao Tzu’s quote conveys the power of inner peace and stillness in unlocking a deeper understanding of life and the universe. It suggests that when the mind is free from distractions, worries, and unnecessary thoughts, it gains a sense of clarity and alignment with the natural order of things. 

A still mind is calm, unshaken by external chaos, and free from excessive attachment to desires and fears. In today’s fast-paced world, people are consumed by stress, ambition, and endless distractions. This mental restlessness creates resistance and struggle, making it difficult to see things clearly or make wise decisions. However, when one cultivates inner stillness, through meditation, mindfulness, or simply being present, they become more receptive to wisdom, insight, and the natural flow of life. 

Instead of fighting against circumstances or forcing outcomes, a still mind allows things to unfold naturally. Just as a calm lake reflects the sky without distortion, a peaceful mind perceives reality more clearly, making it easier to respond with wisdom rather than impulsively. Lao Tzu’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Taoism, which emphasises harmony with nature, effortless action, and the balance of opposites. This quote encourages individuals to let go of resistance and align themselves with the natural rhythm of life. In practical terms, this quote teaches us that patience, mindfulness, and acceptance bring greater success and fulfillment than constant striving or worry. Whether in personal relationships, careers, or challenges, those who cultivate inner calm often find that solutions appear effortlessly, and life unfolds with greater ease. Lao Tzu’s message is a reminder that peace and clarity come not from controlling the world, but from mastering one’s mind. When we achieve this, life begins to work in our favor, and we move through the world with wisdom, ease, and grace. 

This week has been a mixed bag, with some productive days and some days when all I wanted to do was laze in bed. But that’s the circle of life where one has ups and downs. BB is busy with his work and has now started seriously thinking about what he wants to do after his national service. GG is very busy with school and her studies. 

That’s all from me this week. Have a wonderful week and stay positive!

Yesterday was International Women’s Day, and my social media feed has been filled with IWD posts. While I am all for celebrating the day, I just wish all this posting on social media is not just for show on this day and is something people commit to the whole year.

Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor best known for his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl’s quote highlights the idea that success is not something that can be directly chased or forced. Instead, it is a byproduct of meaningful work, purpose, and dedication to something greater than personal achievement. Frankl suggests that when people make success their primary goal, they often become too fixated on outcomes, leading to stress, disappointment, and ultimately failure. This happens because success is not a tangible object that can be grabbed; it is a natural result of pursuing something with passion, purpose, and integrity.

Similarly, he compares success to happiness, emphasising that both are not things that can be pursued directly. Happiness, like success, arises when we engage in meaningful activities, form deep connections, and contribute to something larger than ourselves. If one only focuses on success, they risk missing the joy and fulfillment that come from the journey itself.

Frankl’s quote also aligns with his philosophy of logotherapy, which emphasises that humans find true fulfillment not by seeking pleasure or success but by finding purpose and meaning in life. When we shift our focus from personal gain to serving a cause, helping others, or creating something valuable, success will naturally follow as a consequence. Ultimately, his message is a call to action: instead of chasing success, focus on what truly matters, be it learning, growing, creating, or contributing, and success will come as a natural result of living a meaningful life.

This week, I was able to see a doctor for my ankle pain that had been bothering me for the last five months. At the peak of the pain, I was unable to walk more than 10 minutes at a time and was hobbling along. After seeing my GP, who gave me pain medications, the pain subsided to a large extent, but I used to get pain on and off, especially if I walked for a long time. So this week, I could finally see a specialist for this. I was told to get an x-ray done, and the good news is that there is nothing wrong with the bones. I have been told to attend a few physiotherapy sessions and also given medication, both oral and topical, and will have to go back later this year. If the pain does not subside, I will need to get an MRI scan done. Hopefully things will get better by the time I need to go back to see the doctor and I don’t need to do the MRI!

This was my biggest news of the week. It’s just GG and me at home this week as S was away on a trip with his mom and BB was in camp. So, GG and I have been cooking less, only cooking what we need, and I enjoyed not making complete meals. Next week, it is back to normal.

That’s all from me this week. Again, wishing all the women who read this space a happy women’s day. I just hope that it didn’t take a day to remind the world how amazing us women are, but I’ll take what I get for now.

Today’s quote from American author, columnist, and lecturer best known for having one of the highest recorded IQs in the world, Marilyn vos Savant, highlights the idea that failure is not the end. Rather, a setback can be overcome with persistence and resilience. The only way failure becomes final is if one decides to stop trying. In life, everyone faces obstacles, disappointments, and failures. Whether in careers, relationships, or personal goals, moments of defeat are inevitable. However, these defeats are not permanent unless we allow them to be. A temporary failure does not define a person—it is their response to failure that shapes their destiny. Those who continue to push forward despite setbacks often achieve success, while those who surrender to their failures never get the chance to turn things around.

The quote also speaks to the importance of mindset. People who see failure as a lesson and a stepping stone are more likely to succeed in the long run. On the other hand, those who let defeat discourage them and make them quit miss out on growth opportunities. Success is often just beyond the moments when giving up seems like the easiest choice. This quote is a powerful reminder that resilience is a skill that can be developed. When facing challenges, people should remind themselves that setbacks are a normal part of life. Instead of dwelling on failure, they should focus on learning from mistakes, adapting, and continuing the journey. Ultimately, the quote encourages people to cultivate *determination, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude. Failure is not the enemy—giving up is. The only true defeat is the one we accept as final.

This weekend is the weekend of love, with many across the world celebrating Valentine’s Day. For those who didn’t know, it originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr named Valentine, and through later folk traditions, it has also become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. We didn’t do anything this weekend because the children made us a wonderful meal over the weekend, which was our Valentine’s meal!

That’s all from my side this week. Keep smiling, stay positive, and always remember that love is a language spoken by everyone but understood only by the heart!