Today’s quote is from Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American mindfulness teacher, scientist, and author who played a major role in bringing mindfulness meditation into mainstream medicine and psychology. He founded the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and has written influential books such as Wherever You Go, There You Are and Full Catastrophe Living. His work bridges ancient Buddhist practices with modern science, emphasising awareness as a path to healing and clarity.

Kabat-Zinn’s quote turns a common human experience on its head. Boredom is usually something we try to escape. We distract ourselves, scroll our phones, or search for stimulation because boredom feels empty, uncomfortable, or pointless. But Kabat-Zinn invites us to do the opposite: to stay with it and really look at it. When we pay attention to boredom, we begin to notice that it isn’t a single, solid thing. It’s made up of sensations, thoughts, restlessness, impatience, and subtle emotions. There may be tightness in the body, a looping inner voice, or a craving for something “else.” By observing these details, boredom transforms from a dull void into a rich field of experience. What once felt flat suddenly has texture and movement.

This shift reveals a deeper truth about mindfulness. Life becomes interesting not because it changes, but because our attention changes. When we stop demanding that every moment entertain us, we start discovering depth in the ordinary. The breath, sounds in a room, or even the feeling of waiting can become unexpectedly vivid. Boredom, in this sense, is not a problem to solve but an invitation to wake up to the present moment. The quote also challenges our habit of constant stimulation. It suggests that our discomfort with boredom says more about our relationship with our minds than about the moment itself. By learning to be present even when nothing exciting is happening, we cultivate patience, curiosity, and inner freedom.

We’re back in Singapore from a few days in Cameron Highlands. The weather was perfect, mild and chilly at night and when it rained, which was pretty much everyday. The tea plantations were gorgeous, and we purchased so many different kinds of tea from the two major tea plantations that we are good for a good part of 2026. We also spent a day each way in Kuala Lumpur, breaking the 8-9 hour journey into half so that S, who was the only driver, could rest. Hopefully, by the time we do this kind of trip again, either BB or GG or both will have their driver’s license, and they can take over for parts of the journey.

Today’s weekly talk is about happiness. Happiness doesn’t have a specific recipe. There’s no one way to be happy. What brings one person joy may not do the same for someone else. Even the things that once made you happy may have changed over time. Be open to redefining your idea of what a happy life should look like. Instead of chasing someone else’s idea of happiness, honour what feels right for you. Exploring your interests and passions, without worrying about others’ judgment, is key to living authentically. Celebrate the life that is uniquely and beautifully yours.

And on that note, here’s to the penultimate week of 2025. Have you started planning your goals, wishes, and hopes for 2026? I have started the process and will share some with you; some will remain private. Have an incredible end of 2025!

Selamat Datang from the beautiful Cameron Highlands! We’re here as a family to celebrate a milestone anniversary. I remember coming to this beautiful Malaysian hill station many years back, before the children were born, and coming back after so long, I could see how much it has changed over the years. We drove in from Singapore, stopping overnight in Kuala Lumpur before driving to Cameron Highlands, and we will return the same way.

Today’s proverb is from China and is not attributed to anyone, but is a clear and timeless reminder that big goals are achieved through small, consistent steps. We often look at challenges as enormous, immovable obstacles. A new habit, a long-term project, a personal transformation, or a career shift, these can feel like mountains. The size alone can overwhelm us before we even start. But this proverb challenges that mindset. It tells us that nothing is too big to tackle if you’re willing to break it down. Mountains don’t disappear in one grand gesture; they fade through steady effort. Small stones represent manageable tasks, the little actions that seem insignificant in the moment but gradually accumulate into real progress.

It’s also a lesson in patience. Modern life pushes us to expect instant results, but meaningful change rarely works that way. This proverb encourages humility and persistence. Even when it feels like you’re barely making a dent, every stone you move matters. Over time, those small actions build momentum. Before you know it, what once felt impossible starts to feel achievable. There’s also a subtle encouragement here: don’t wait for the perfect moment or a surge of motivation. Just begin. The first stone might be the hardest to lift, but once you do, the next one becomes easier. And finally, this proverb reminds us that perseverance transforms us. As we keep showing up, stone after stone, we grow stronger, more disciplined, and more confident. The mountain changes, yes, but so do we.

GG came back from her school trip, and the next day, we travelled to Malaysia. She was so tired and pretty much slept on the way to KL. I’ll share more about the trip and photos in a later post.

Today’s motivation post is about acceptance. It’s normal to struggle with acceptance. Accepting that something has ended doesn’t mean it didn’t matter to you. You’ve lived it and learned from it. It did add value to your life, but now it’s no longer there. Allow yourself to grieve the future you once dreamed of. By facing the reality of what is, you can finally begin to heal. Acceptance is letting go while also creating space for the possibilities that are waiting for you. The unknown may hold something more beautiful than you ever imagined. Pour your energy into growing something new.

That’s all I have for you this week. Stay positive and keep smiling!

Anatole France was a French poet, novelist, and essayist known for his wit, humanism, and elegant writing style. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921 for a body of work that blended social commentary with philosophical reflection. His quote beautifully captures the balance required to create anything meaningful. Action alone isn’t enough; you need a vision that inspires you. Dreams give direction, colour, and purpose to your efforts. Without them, you might work hard but feel aimless. At the same time, dreams without action stay suspended in the imagination. The world changes only when you’re willing to take real steps toward what you envision.

Planning is important too, because it turns dreams into something tangible, a roadmap instead of a wish. Yet even with plans, you need belief. Belief fuels persistence. It sustains you when things get complicated or slow. It reminds you why you started and carries you through the moments when doubt creeps in. France’s quote is ultimately about harmony. Great achievements come from the combination of dreaming boldly, acting with intention, planning wisely, and believing deeply. When all four move together, you create momentum that’s both practical and inspired.

Earlier this week, GG went on a school trip to Indonesia and will be back next week. This is one of her graduation requirements, so it is a compulsory trip. BB is busy applying for early admission to school. Hopefully, he gets in where he wants to go.

Today’s weekly motivation is about finding internal peace. No matter what it looks like on the outside, remember, it is always possible to find peace within yourself. It’s not something you have to create; it’s what you are. Peace is your true nature. From this place of being, you can experience the fullness of life without the limitations of your ego. When you connect more deeply with yourself, moments of calm come naturally. Slow down to be more present in your life. Savour the beautiful moments as they come. What’s meant to be will fall into place in due time.

The holidays are coming, and I hope everyone has plans for them. We are also going on a short trip. I’ll share details soon. I plan to use today’s motivational message to find my internal peace. What about you?

That’s all from me this week. Have a safe and happy week, and talk soon!

Known for writing and speaking on spirituality, personal growth, and principles rooted in Eastern philosophies, this quote by Sham Hinduja explains karma in a simple, grounded way. Karma isn’t about cosmic punishment or reward; it’s about understanding that every action has a consequence. What you put into the world eventually circles back to you, not necessarily in a dramatic or mystical sense, but in a very practical one.

When you act with kindness, integrity, or generosity, you shape an environment that tends to return those qualities to you over time. Likewise, negative actions, whether rooted in anger, fear, or selfishness, set off reactions that create difficulty down the road. Karma encourages self-awareness. It reminds you that your choices carry weight and that your thoughts, words, and behaviour quietly build the future you’ll one day walk into.

It’s also a call to responsibility. Instead of blaming luck or fate, the law of karma shifts the focus inward: what am I contributing? What patterns am I creating? How might my actions today ripple into tomorrow? This perspective gives you more control over your life, because it shows that every moment is an opportunity to sow something better.

This week was a very hectic week for me, so it flew past! The children were busy with their lives, so altogether, though we didn’t do much, it felt like the week started and ended almost immediately! As the children get older and busier with their lives, I feel that I know less about their lives than when they were younger. Earlier this week, Facebook reminded me about their kindergarten graduation with photos, and they looked so young and so full of enthusiasm for their new lives in primary school. Sigh! How time flies!!

Today’s motivation is about fresh starts. It’s never too late to make a fresh start. Each day brings new opportunities. Take a moment to stop, breathe, and set an intention to start fresh every day. Don’t let yesterday’s disappointments ruin today. Create space for more joy. Today, you have a chance to try again and to look at things in a different way. When you live fully in the present, you feel more empowered to embrace opportunities to do something you never expected. Focus on the good things you can do in the present moment.

That’s all I have for you this week. Stay positive, keep smiling, and remember that it’s never too late to make a fresh start!

Today’s quote, attributed to an unknown person, offers a profound redefinition of peace. It reminds us that real peace isn’t about escaping life’s difficulties. It’s not found in perfect circumstances or a quiet environment; it’s something you build from the inside out.

Life will always throw noise, stress, and unexpected challenges our way. If peace depended on everything being calm around us, we’d spend our whole lives waiting for the right moment. Instead, true peace comes from learning to stay steady even when things are messy. It’s the ability to pause before reacting, to breathe through discomfort, and to choose clarity over chaos.

When you cultivate this inner stillness, you’re no longer controlled by your surroundings. You become the calm centre in the middle of the storm, aware of what’s happening, but not overwhelmed by it. This kind of peace takes practice, through mindfulness, reflection, or simple moments of grounding. In the end, peace isn’t the absence of trouble. It’s the presence of strength, understanding, and emotional balance, no matter what’s going on around you.

This week, GG ended her exams and started her short holiday before she starts her internship. And she is so busy meeting her friends and going out as well as planning meetings for her CCA, where she holds an executive position. BB, on the other hand, is enjoying his time at home, looking for an internship or job opportunities before the university application begins.

Today’s weekly motivational lesson is about waiting for the fruition of desires. This particular homily hit very close to the heart as this is something that is happening with me. What it says is that waiting for your desires to come to fruition can be unbearably painful. Remember, what’s meant for you will never pass you by. Focus on the gifts you already have. Every one of these things has come to you from a realm of infinite possibilities. In this realm, new possibilities are always taking shape. This is where the magic happens. Even in the darkest times, you have the power to light up your life and invite possibility. Embrace a broader perspective. You have to trust the power of new possibilities, even if you are not aware of them right now.

And that’s all I have for you today. Stay kind, stay positive and keep smiling!