Today is the festival of Diwali or Deepavali, which is celebrated across the country and everywhere where the Indian diaspora lives. Here’s wishing everyone reading my blog a very happy Diwali. I wish you a Diwali filled with love, laughter, and sweet moments.May your home be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and love.

Today’s quote comes to us from the American media mogul, television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey. In this quote, Oprah tells us that each of us has a unique passion, talent, or calling that inspires us and gives our life purpose. Discovering and nurturing this inner “light” is the key to making a positive impact on the world. The quote encourages us to search for what truly excites and motivates us. It suggests that finding and nurturing this inner “light” is not only essential for personal fulfilment but is also the foundation for making a meaningful contribution to the world. The quote implies that by following one’s passion and making a positive impact, we can inspire and influence others, contributing to a better and brighter world. Today’s quote is a motivational reminder that each of us possesses the potential to create a positive change in the world by pursuing what genuinely inspires and drives us. It emphasises the importance of personal passion and purpose in making a difference and leaving a lasting impact on society.

And BB came back from his confinement week just in time to celebrate the festival of lights with us. We were thrilled to see him, because even video calls daily are not the same as having him in the house. Later in the evening today, we will go and visit his grandmother and grandaunt, who also can’t wait to see him again. He will go back to camp tomorrow and because of the public holiday tomorrow, we get an extra day with him. But now the wait will only be for a week each time, so I guess it won’t be so bad!

That’s all from my side today! And now off I go to celebrate Diwali with my family! From my family to yours, here’s wishing you a very Happy Diwali or Deepavali and may the festival bring you and your loved ones only joy, happiness and prosperity!

It’s been a week now since BB enlisted and all of us are slowly getting used to just talking on the phone every night and only seeing him over the weekend. This weekend he is still in confinement and will only come back next weekend, just in time to celebrate Diwali with all of us.

American actor, director and activist Christopher Reeve, best known for his iconic portrayal of the superhero Superman in the 1978 film “Superman” and its sequels, is the author of today’s quote. In this quote, Reeve conveys the idea that the journey toward realising our dreams often follows a progression from initial doubt and scepticism to ultimate achievement. At the outset, our dreams may appear unattainable or “impossible.” As we continue to work toward our dreams with determination and effort, they may start to seem more attainable but still “improbable.” With unwavering determination and willpower, we can ultimately make our dreams “inevitable.” This means that with persistence and belief in our abilities, we can overcome obstacles and reach our goals. This quote encourages individuals not to be discouraged by the initial sense of impossibility or improbability that often accompanies ambitious dreams. Instead, it emphasizes the power of will and determination to transform what once appeared unattainable into a reality. It’s a message of perseverance and belief in one’s ability to make the seemingly impossible achievable.

In October, I reached the town of Ongole in Andhra Pradesh and am making my way through India’s east coast, the Coromandel Coast, on my way to Kolkata, where I will turn north. I’ve not been walking as much as I used to because of a hectic work schedule and the fact that R is away in India. But I will buck up and hopefully make up the difference in the last two months of the year.

In October, I only managed to read 5 books and I am sure this will continue in November. By the end of November, a big work project should end and I hope that in December I will have time to read more.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay positive everyone!

Lao Tzu, also known as Laozi or Lao Tze was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, traditionally considered the author of the Tao Te Ching, a fundamental text in Taoism, a belief system centred around the concept of Tao, or the Way or Path.

In today’s quote, Lao Tzu suggests that intensity and excess in one’s endeavours can lead to a shorter duration of success or vitality. The quote acknowledges that when someone pursues a goal or passion with exceptional fervour, skill, or enthusiasm, it can result in a bright and highly productive period. However, the quote also warns that such intensity and brilliance may not be sustainable over the long term. It implies that pushing too hard or expending all one’s energy quickly can lead to rapid burnout or exhaustion. Tzu’s message encourages a balanced approach. Instead of striving for an intense, short-lived burst of brilliance, it suggests that a more measured and sustainable effort can lead to greater overall success and longevity in one’s endeavours. The quote serves as a reminder that moderation and balance in one’s actions and pursuits can lead to more lasting and meaningful achievements, as opposed to unsustainable bursts of brilliance that may lead to early burnout or failure.

With a very heavy heart, earlier this week, we dropped off BB to start his National Service journey. Parents and family were shown the living quarters the boys will be living in as well as the clothes and equipment they will be provided with. The food we tasted was not bad and BB also rated the food as edible. These days, they are also given personal learning devices and will take part in skill upgrading during the two years. Anyway, I hope that he makes the best use of these two years and comes out a leaner and stronger individual, both inside and outside.

The days after BB left have been quite sad in our home, with everyone missing him. Daily phone calls help to an extent, but it’s not the same. GG is the most affected since this is the first time they have been separated and will continue to be separated for such a long time.

That’s all from my side. Stay safe and remain positive!

Renowned American author, motivational speaker, and sales trainer Zig Ziglar, best known for his charismatic speaking style and his motivational books and seminars, is the source of today’s quote. This quote conveys the idea that achieving greatness or success doesn’t require innate greatness or exceptional abilities from the beginning. Instead, it emphasises the importance of taking the initial step, starting somewhere, and consistently working towards your goals. The quote underscores the significance of beginning the journey towards goals, ambitions, or personal growth. It suggests that everyone has to start somewhere, regardless of their current skills or abilities. The act of starting is the first step, and from there, it’s about consistent effort and improvement over time. It encourages individuals not to be discouraged by their initial limitations or self-doubt. The belief is that greatness can be attained through dedication, learning, and hard work. The quote implies that waiting for perfection or greatness to arrive before starting is counterproductive. Instead, it suggests that progress and greatness are the results of action and persistence. Zig Ziglar’s quote motivates individuals to take that first step toward their aspirations, reminding them that even small beginnings can lead to great achievements over time. It emphasises the transformative power of action and the importance of perseverance on the path to greatness.

In the last month, I have not been walking as much as I used to, partly because of work and also since R has gone back to India, I need to do housework which eats into my walking time. So I have decided not to obsess too much about this and walk only as much as I can until R is back. Hopefully, she will be back soon and I can start walking again.

BB will enlist very soon and as much as he hates it, I am hugging him as much as I can. My hope and prayers for him are that he enjoys his time there and becomes a better version of himself in the next two years.

That’s all from me this week. Stay positive and enjoy life!

In September, I started walking back to Singapore, after reaching my parents’ new place in Bengaluru. The route I am taking in mainland India is the eastern coastal route, and will reach the chicken neck taking a north-easterly route, after which it will be the same route I took from Singapore. From Bengaluru, I will cross Tirupati, and from Vellore, take the east coast, crossing Ongole, Vijayawada, Vizag, Bhubaneshwar, and Cuttack, before heading north and skirting Kolkata before touching Siliguiri and the chicken neck.

Prominent civil rights leader and activist Martin Luther King Jr is the author of today’s quote. He played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement and is most famous for his leadership in the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, calling for an end to racial segregation and discrimination. King’s quote highlights the negative impact of silence and inaction, especially in the face of injustice or wrongdoing. The quote underscores the significance of the relationships we have with our friends and suggests that friends have the potential to be a source of strength and support in challenging times, but their silence can be disheartening and disappointing when it’s needed most.  The quote also implies that, in the long run, people are more likely to remember those who stood up for justice and righteousness, as well as those who remained silent when they had the opportunity to make a positive difference. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote serves as a reminder that true friendship involves not only loyalty and camaraderie but also the courage to speak out and act when it matters most, especially in the face of injustice or oppression. It underscores the idea that silence in the face of wrongdoing can leave a lasting impression and is not easily forgotten.

I’ve been so drained mentally these days that I have not been reading at all. It is all I can do to read a couple of chapters, and this is something I do not like at all. I need to make a serious effort to read, and eventually I will get good at it, even though I am drained. I only read four books this month, but since I have already crossed my annual reading goal, this is all bonus reading.

That’s all from my side this week. Take care and stay positive