For some of us on this side of the world, half a day of the last day of January of this new year is upon us. How has this month been?

I believe it is good for us to take stock of what we have achieved, on our way to achieving it / them; or have not yet achieve them. Some of these may be New Year’s resolutions, some may be medium to long term goals which we begun some time back.

Sometimes, we need to take a step out of what we are doing and reassess or re-evaluate the situation.

I don’t know if it is age catching (caught up? overtook?) on me, for me to question and keep questioning
1. Why did he do it this way?
2. Why did she do it? What does she gain in doing this?
3. What is going through the mind of that person sitting quietly in the corner of the room?
4. How did the architect first conceive the idea of building the 118 storey high building?

I think what intrigues me the most is how best we see ourselves and are willing to adapt to change to improve our life and the lives of others. Something I learnt several years ago, maybe over 5 years ago; was a U.S. Navy Marine Admiral giving a speech to a large group of marine cadets. He said, “Each morning when you wake up, and get out of bed; the first thing you should do is to make your bed, tidy it. That will give you a sense of accomplishment…you have started the day on a positive, having accomplished something.” We (Laura, Jeannie and I) still practice that rule. No matter how important or busy that day is going to be, making our bed and tidying up is the first thing we do.

Simon Sinek sums it up to 5 important rules that will change our future. Some of these I have watched from other videos, heard or read of them. I like them all. A couple that stands out most to me is about Nelson Mandela’s father who was a tribal chief. Another was about the styrofoam cup. Nevertheless, all great lessons.

We may be motivated by this video to change our lives. A few months, weeks or maybe days later, we forget and fall back into our old ways. Nothing says we can’t make an attempt at change or many attempts at change in our lives. We just pick ourselves up and start over again. Are we too old for this? Are we too rich or important for this? That is entirely up to you decide.

While we keep getting bombarded over all types of media that the world is heading for a recession or is already in one, let us focus on our lives, families and surroundings. If it has to be, it is up to me. There is no try. Just do. I wish everyone a fabulous 2023. Reach out and grab that bagel. Have fun.