Women's Day 2025 - Looking Ahead (Read in 43 secs)

 Women's Day 2025 - Looking Ahead

This Women’s Day, I want to shift the focus!

While honouring the incredible women who've shaped our past, it’s time to consider empowering the women of tomorrow - our daughters.

Yet, shattering glass ceilings without strong collaborations may remain just another dream. It requires collective effort from families, communities, workplaces and institutions. To garner that collaboration, we must rise before we raise.

The invisible blocks that linger, the subtle biases and the systemic barriers are the spokes in their wheel.  The boundaries we allowed to be crossed, the words we didn’t speak, and the injustices we never stood up to must be replaced.   Yes, every one of them. 

It’s time we create opportunities for our girls to dream big.

Empowering our girls starts with challenging stereotypes and breaking outdated norms. And it starts with us.  So, you chase your dreams, advocate for yourself, and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, proving nothing is ever out of reach.

This Women's Day, I pledge to contribute towards a world of equal opportunities for our daughters so their voices shape a brighter, more equitable future.

Empower a girl today, and you empower generations to come.

Desk Detox: The Power of a Clean Desk (1 min read)

Some workspaces resemble an explosion!

Notes everywhere, coffee mugs on double shifts as paperweights, half-eaten food, wrappers, torn envelopes, stationery and the list could go on -"sweet mayhem" is the motto. 

You may think I am being judgemental. Far from it - actually, confusion scares me.  I'm an "everything in its place" kind of person which my family feel is borderline OCD. 

Some people navigate chaos effortlessly – and there is proof that it generates creativity. But, research also mentions its downside - cluttered spaces and untidiness amongst other things, may cause anxiety, depression and even unproductivity.

This made me think about our workspaces and office desks and how they sometimes seem to be working against us.

Making small adjustments is simple even if one is not naturally tidy. They can be head turners, catalysts of productivity and so worth the effort. 

Sharing some of the methods that I developed over three decades :

1.       The Quick Desk Clear-Out

Move everything off your desk except what you need right now (or at least from your immediate space). It's that simple. Less clutter means fewer distractions, and it’s surprising how your concentration improves.

2.    All in Place

Try keeping back things in their designated place, as soon as you have finished using them.  You will never waste time searching or get frustrated during emergencies.

3.    Ditch the sticky notes

As far as reminders and to-do lists go, that’s probably not the best route to take. Not only could they fall off and end up in the trash can, but pinning them all over look tacky and disorderly.  Use them sparingly.

4.    Clean up before you go

True, we have our faithful Office helps but one great habit is to clear your workspace before you go.  Let them clean after you without you losing sleep of what got swept away.

5.      Create a schedule to re-evaluate

Schedule time in your day to remove any meaningless reminders, memos or receipts. When you’re free from clutter, you’re free to create something new.

Our workspaces are vital to our performance - and a cluttered space may trickle down to our tasks.  Organising is an effective tool in sharpening focus and increasing productivity.

S0, take a break and tidy your desk; it will free your mind, keep you calm and also improve performance!

Stalled? not anymore... ( 1 min read)

 

Stalled?

                  ...not anymore

I used to have a graveyard of half-finished side projects—great ideas that never made it past the halfway mark!

During the pandemic, I decided to complete those unfinished projects. While many saw the end of the tunnel, new ones were added - and I found myself back to square one.

Starting something is exciting. But halfway into the project, lethargy and exhaustion push the real magic aside.

There are no techniques, shortcuts or art of finishing. I figured it was never about perfection. It is about building the habit of following through to fruition. 

Through my many finished and unfinished projects, here is what I discovered.

Tie it to a clear benefit

What’s the payoff for finishing this project? Whether it’s personal growth, financial gain, or crossing it off your list. Clarity on the “why” will keep you motivated.

Set phased deadlines

Break your project into smaller milestones with specific deadlines. Tackling one piece at a time makes big goals feel less overwhelming and keeps the momentum going.

Embrace the messy middle

Every project has that frustrating middle phase where motivation dips. That’s normal! Pivot if needed, but stick with it. A flat tyre can be repaired, so don’t end the journey.  Progress, even if imperfect, is better than giving up.

Ready for some Weekend Wonder?

Choose one stalled project. Define the next three steps and schedule them in your calendar—no matter how small.

Finishing isn’t just about the result—it’s about revealing your resilience to push through.

And the satisfaction of crossing that finishing line?

Always worth the effort.

REVERSE RESOLUTION FOR 2025!! (1 min read)

As we enter a new year, many of us instinctively jot down ambitious resolutions and endless to-do lists. While these lists offer direction, they can often become overwhelming and unsustainable.

Over the years, I have listed things like waking up at 5 a.m., having more prayer time, losing weight, publishing my book, and saving all the stray dogs in the world!

But let’s face it—most of us return to our grinds by mid-year and then wonder if making a list ever works.

How about leaving behind our To-Do List that looks more like a superhero training manual than realistic goals to focus on a Not-To-Do List?

A Not-To-Do List isn’t about being lazy or abandoning goals—it’s about being strategic and identifying little habits that quietly steal our time, energy, and sanity. It's a strategy of intentional elimination rather than mindless addition.

Perhaps, asking myself a simple question can help - What activities consumed my time but added little value?

Maybe it's excessive social media scrolling? Is it saying yes to every request, or overcommitting to projects out of guilt or fear of missing out?

Now, how about this list?

I will not say yes to every call, every invite, every social engagement nor commit out of obligation.

I will not sacrifice rest for productivity

I will not check my phone first thing in the morning or read emails in bed at midnight.

What's the difference? Just the addition of Not? Self-care with sass? A new stunt?

The beauty of this list is that it frees up space—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It removes unnecessary clutter creating room for what truly matters.

Meaningful work, deeper relationships, and personal growth.  It helps us set boundaries, teaches us to protect our priorities and say no without guilt.

This isn’t about doing less for the sake of laziness; by declaring what I won’t do, I am permitting myself to focus on what truly matters. Spending time with family, pursuing a passion, or simply sitting on my veranda staring at the sky. 

And, the best part?

A Not-To-Do List is way easier to stick to than a To-Do List. After all, not doing something requires little effort.

Didn’t scroll through social media until my thumb was cramped. Congratulations, I just nailed my Not-To-Do List!

So, as we step into the New Year, let go of unrealistic expectations and try this reverse resolution.

 A Not-To-Do List - who knows, 31.12.25 may surprise us at how much more intentional and fulfilling our year turned out to be.

Sometimes joy and fulfilment aren’t in doing more—it’s doing less but on purpose.

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY BEAUTIFUL WORLD!!

Micro Novelties - 1 min read

Growth comes from transformation, and transformation is a result of habits.  

Simple actions combined with existing routines can become powerful change agents. I call these acts micro novelties of change.

Consider this: reading about 10 pages daily, equals a 300-page book in a month. Walking 15 minutes every morning means walking 90 hours in one year. The cumulative effect of these small actions is phenomenal.

Micro habits require very little to begin but consistency is key. There’s no need for extra time or a complete shift of lifestyle. A gradual steady move towards the goal is important.

So, what kinds of micro-habits can we incorporate into our lives?

I started by introducing what I like to call "micro-novelties"1into my schedule. Small, easy changes that brought fresh perspectives and a spark of excitement to my days.

The Method Behind Novelty

Our brains desire novelty. Trying new things releases dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. It boosts creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and engages us more with life.

And the best part, these micro-novelties can be as simple as: 

•         Reading something we don’t usually read.
•         Trying a new recipe.
•         Striking up a conversation on an offbeat topic.

Ideate your Micro-Novelties

Think about what excites you and heightens your curiosity. A new hobby, visiting a new place or unearthing a hidden skill. Choose activities that align with your interests and values. It makes the experience meaningful and enjoyable. 

Even tiny changes can create a huge momentum. The power of small actions is in their accessibility and ease of execution.

Here are some of my incremental actions that I embraced and they are working!  

My focus, and energy levels have improved. My anxiety has reduced and my sleep scores are better. I am living purposefully and getting more done at the same time available. 

1.  Stretch – Hydrate – Meditate

I begin each morning with 5 minutes of stretching followed by "methi water"2 and prayer. 

2.  10-minute walk - any time

I take that walk either while we feed our community dogs or at an opportune time. 

3.  Gratitude

I note things I am grateful for and fill a Gratitude Box at my workstation. 

4.  Trade what’s futile

Replace outdated practices with something purposeful. I have exchanged mindless scrolling with informative content. 

5.   No method in madness

I take a good 15 minutes each day to tidy up my personal spaces. I toggle between my office desk, wardrobe and my gadgets. 

6.  Get moving – Exercise

I began by stretching.  I have graduated to 6.5 kms of stationary biking and freehand exercises daily. 

"What small actions could I take daily to achieve a larger goal?”  Try reflecting on this question to help you choose your potential micro-habits!

Consistency is what transforms average into excellence! 

---

[1] I came across a company on LinkedIn and the internet by this name. Decided to adopt the term.

[2] Fenugreek seed water – it works for my sluggish metabolism. Please check with your Physician about what works for you.

Acknowledgements: 

Concept - While writing this blog, I was greatly influenced by the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren

Images – Google Library

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY 2024 !! (1 min read)

Empowered women understand that it's not about attitude. It is about setting standards that reflect their worth. They capture your attention and inspire you through their subtlety and authenticity.

An authentic woman outshines all else; needing no veneer to appease those around them. Instead, they embrace and exhibit their true selves.

Here are my favourites about authentic women:

1.     They are respectful regardless of who they interact with. Never the loudest in the room or the one dressed in the most expensive attire, but they radiate elegance.

2.     They are great listeners, present in the conversation and attentive. They think before responding and never interrupt anyone mid-sentence. They speak to engage and understand and not to gather information.

3.     They are gracious, seeking kindness and gratitude towards leaving a lasting impression.

4.     They embrace vulnerability and do not see it as a sign of weakness. They accept their flaws and are open about their struggles. They never hide behind a mask of perfection; thus making them human, relatable, and unforgettable.

5.     They stand firm in their principles. And understand that their words and actions are a reflection of themselves. Integrity is the most attractive quality anyone can own.

6.     They are learners who seek to expand their knowledge and worldview. What sets them apart is how they use this awareness. They don’t accumulate but apply them in their circle of influence.

 If there is one thing I wish to do, it is to embrace authenticity. Because at the end of the day; it’s not about how much resources I have access to or how appealing I may look; it’s about the person I am - that will enable change and add towards a better tomorrow.

Slow down - 1 minute read

 

I am no social butterfly. But my zest for life and living is often disproportionate to my physical capacity. I can be rather impatient and very restless when am off the move! So my sudden sentence of immobilization, when I injured my ankle exasperated me. 

Much of my redemption came in this canine-shaped disguise right under my nose. Or rather curled up at my foot! I counted every single day and hour, as he kept to his routine with clockwork precision.

No matter when you sleep, 530 am is the wake-up alarm. He cannot count but knows exactly how many Marie biscuits he will get with our morning tea. Including the last piece from mine! Sleeping after morning tea till lunchtime is never compromised. With an occasional gleam of excitement if a poor fly swooped down anywhere close to him. Or if there's someone new at the door.

He is always armed with boundless energy and an arsenal of wet-nose nudges. Spike brought laughter and lit up my otherwise gloomy days. 

A gentle lick on the hand and his comforting body weight next to mine were assuring. The deep sigh as he stared at me with a wrinkled forehead, as though the worries of the Universe had landed over him. It all added towards a pleasant recovery.

The world felt brighter and hopeful, with his unwavering affection. Though I remained confined longer than I liked; I was grateful to learn how to slow down. 

Disappointments often lead to unexpected blessings. 

And I am so waiting for mine!

“Slow down, breathe, and take in the peace that surrounds you.”