Reflections: 1H2026

I want to use this post to reflect on the first half of 2026.

It was, by and large, a continuation of what had taken shape by the end of 2025. As a whole, there is no strong sense of disruption or change in direction. Life has continued in a steady rhythm - shaped by people, routines, and moments that often appear ordinary on the surface. Truth be told, the intentions set at the beginning of the year were not new beginnings, but a clearer expression of how life was already unfolding. It also sits within a broader transition that started in Dec 2023, where my work and way of living have gradually shifted away from a traditional corporate structure into a more flexible and independent rhythm. Over time, this has felt less like a defined decision and more like a slow reorientation - towards a way of working and contributing that feels more aligned with helping people in a steady and meaningful way. And on this note, let me use the key focus I set out at the start of 2026 to frame this post:

Remain Grounded in Gratitude

Gratitude is most visible through daily reflections and writing. It is also expressed through actions, particularly in how I support people who matter to me and how I commemorate major festivals such as CNY and the Dragon Boat Festival. CNY reunion dinners remained important anchor points - sitting together with friends and family across generations, with conversations moving between updates, familiar topics/ complains/ bitching, and stories that resurface year after year. During Duanwu Jie, making nonya chang was not just a way to remember my mother or honour family traditions, but also a way of sharing something meaningful with people who matter to me. Beyond these, there have been frequent meals with aunts, cousins, extended relatives, and friends. These moments are often simple and unplanned, but carry a similar sense of continuity. Gratitude, in that sense, feels less like a practice and more like a way of noticing and appreciating the people and experiences that quietly shape everyday life. 

Live with Purpose and Compassion

Purpose continues to show up in everyday interactions with people. Much of this happens through conversations with friends, colleagues, and people within my wider circle, where the focus is less on outcomes and more on being present with what they are experiencing. Compassion often takes the form of small and ordinary acts such as helping a crow that had fallen onto the middle of the road, or supporting friends going through difficult periods or health challenges. One moment that stays with me was giving my friend, T, a haircut during his illness. What seemed like a simple gesture became one of his happiest moments in the weeks before he passed away. These experiences serve as reminders that purpose is not always found in grand plans or achievements. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up, paying attention, and walking alongside someone for a while. 

Embrace Vulnerability and Courage

Vulnerability this year has been less about expression and more about staying with what is not immediately resolved. The challenges that began in the second half of last year gradually eased towards the end of June. Despite the difficult moments, I chose to embrace the experience and look for what it could teach me - new perspectives, deeper self-awareness, and, perhaps unexpectedly, new friendships. Within family interactions, friendships, and personal reflection, there are moments where clarity does not come quickly, and I am learning to remain in that space without rushing to close it. This includes recognising that not every relationship evolves in the same direction. There are long-standing friendships that have been important parts of my life, yet differences in values, priorities, and perspectives can gradually create distance. Accepting this has not been easy, but holding on out of sentimentality may create more harm in the long run. Courage, in this context, sometimes means allowing certain relationships to loosen naturally while holding gratitude for what they once meant. Letting go does not diminish their significance; it acknowledges that people grow and change in different ways and at different paces. At the same time, there is a gentle sense that life feels a little more open in how it is experienced. Nothing marked or symbolic, but a subtle easing in how space and time are held, allowing days to unfold with slightly more flexibility.

Nurture Relationships That Matter

Relationships continue to form a steady rhythm across different parts of life - family gatherings, meals with relatives, catch-ups with friends, and ongoing interactions with people who move in and out of my life. What stands out is not intensity, but regular return - the quiet consistency of checking in and showing up over time. Alongside long-standing friendships and family ties, this year has also brought new connections. Some of these friendships have grown naturally through shared experiences and conversations, bringing fresh perspectives and unexpected support. Together, both old and new relationships create a sense of continuity and connection that enriches daily life. 

Deepen Spiritual Practice

My Buddhist practice continues through meditation, classes, and reflection, and remains an important grounding thread in how I experience life. This year’s Vesak Day offered a particularly meaningful opportunity to reflect on impermanence and non-attachment. These teachings, while familiar through practice, felt more immediate in the context of recent experiences, including the passing of my aunt earlier this year and the loss of T. Rather than changing the direction of life, these moments gently reinforced the importance of holding people and experiences with appreciation, without needing to hold on too tightly. Over time, this practice feels less like something separate from life, and more like a way of seeing that continues to shape how I relate to change, relationships, and presence.

Care for My Health and Well-being

Health and well-being have remained less about pursuing specific goals and more about maintaining a sustainable rhythm of life. There have been periods of intense work, balanced by quieter days of rest, walks, family meals, and time simply to recharge. I have also become more aware of listening to my body and recognising when to slow down. Whether it was recovering after demanding training days, making space for solitude, or enjoying simple moments in nature, these have become reminders that well-being is not something to achieve, but something to nurture. I am grateful that this balance has allowed me to remain present for the people around me while continuing to find joy in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Looking across the last 6 months, what stands out is continuity rather than change - a steady living out of intentions already set in motion. As I move into the second half of 2026, the focus remains on living with greater presence and openness, allowing life to unfold with a little more ease, space, and gratitude.

Grateful 23 Jun: Sense of Achievement

It was an intense two days focused on content review and delivery. It was a new subject for me, and one that I had spent weeks researching and preparing for. Today, I had a very challenging class where the experience levels and learning energies of the learners varied widely. But I ended the day on a high note, or at least that's what I thought. 

I am feeling exhausted and a little under the weather at the moment, and I half suspect it is the result of stress and lack of sleep. So, let me simply give thanks for a diverse profile of learners who challenged me and stretched my abilities as a facilitator; for my familiarity with the content, which allowed me to respond spontaneously to many questions from different perspectives; and for the successful completion of today's delivery, which kept very well to the planned schedule. 

I am glad the time and preparation paid off today. The learners have dispersed for their self-paced assignments before re-convening for the second day of the module next week. Let's hope things go smoothly until then.

End - Start

It’s a new day/ start for me… 

Grateful 21 Jun: Productive Day

This morning, I went to the airport for my walk, while also spending some time people-watching and simply enjoying the air-conditioning. It was a refreshing change of environment and a welcome escape from the blazing sun. 

As for my training preparation, despite having gone through the content many times, I am still not fully convinced that I can deliver it confidently and convincingly. In other words, I have yet to fully internalise the material. I spent much of today revisiting the lesson structure and eventually decided to reframe the flow. Doing so allowed me to reorganise some of the slides, making the content easier to understand, especially for non-practitioners. I think I am more or less there now and should be able to complete the deck tomorrow. 

On this note, I am grateful for AI, which helped me review the content and create infographics that explain the framework and concepts more clearly. I am also thankful that I made the decision to reframe the entire lesson. It allowed me to see the material from a fresh perspective and put together a revised deck using the existing content, which I am not permitted to change, while significantly improving the flow. 

I am quietly confident that I will be able to complete the full deck tomorrow. I decided to indulge in some durian for dinner- a real treat. It was a simple day, and I am grateful for the way it unfolded.

Grateful 18 - 20 Jun: Tired but Grateful

I am feeling very tired today and did not sleep well last night. I believe it was due to an overactive mind after a day of training preparations. So, I will keep today’s journal brief. 

Firstly, I am grateful for the slower and more relaxed pace of the last 3 days, which allowed me to complete my daily walks, prepare for my training sessions, and spend time with friends. Secondly, I am grateful for the favourable weather, which made it easy to complete my walks comfortably. Lastly, I am grateful for the mindful presence that enabled me to stay focused and complete my preparations. I also managed to help my sis edit a video. It was really gratifying to be able to learn how to do it online!

I end today feeling drained but happy, and celebrated with 2 glasses of merlot and roast meat! I sincerely hope for a restful night’s sleep without insomnia. Even on a day marked by fatigue, I am thankful for the moments of steadiness, connection, and progress that carried me through.

Bak Chang & I

Duanwu Jie (or 端午节, Dragon Boat Festival) has always been present in my family through the making of bak chang. My mother would prepare them, offer them to the gods, and share them with people who mattered to us. Although she is Peranakan, she would make the Hokkien-style savoury bak chang, shaped by my father’s and grandmother’s Hokkien background. Occasionally, she would also buy the sweet Peranakan-style nonya chang for us. I have always preferred the nonya version. My personal journey in making the chang began in 2003. I think I went through two major phases in my nonya chang making journey: an early experimentation or "fusion" phase, and a later maturation into the nonya style. What began as experimentation shaped by homesickness has, over time, grown into something grounded in memory, belonging, and continuity - and, ultimately, in how I understand my own identity.

I started making it in 2003 when I was based in Tampa. I was living in a western country, navigating life as a minority, and I remember a persistent sense of loneliness and distance from my cultural roots. Food became a way of returning to something familiar. In that space, I began experimenting with bak chang. There was no clear recipe at the start - only instinct and memory. I went to a Vietnamese grocery shop and bought the ingredients and bamboo leaves. What emerged was a version that, at times, resembled Hokkien choot bee png (fried glutinous rice) wrapped in bamboo leaves, rather than bak chang in its fully formed sense. To many of us Asians based in Tampa, however, it carried a familiar resonance of home, and it became an unexpected success among fellow Asian military personnel on base.

In the years that followed, after returning to Singapore, I began to refine the recipe through trial and error. My mother guided me in those early years, especially in emphasising the importance of coriander powder and winter melon. What emerged was a fusion version that I was rather proud of - it felt like a meeting point between my parents’ heritage: Hokkien on one side, Peranakan on the other. Yet beneath that satisfaction was a quieter pull. I had wanted to make nonya chang, but the result kept settling into something in-between. I knew the ingredient mix was not quite right but could not pinpoint exactly what. Still, I was elated that my parents, especially my mother, enjoyed what I made. I sometimes wondered whether her enjoyment was also shaped by her own Peranakan upbringing, something she had carried differently after marrying into my father’s more traditional Hokkien family.

Over time, I kept adjusting the recipe with each passing year. Each year brought small refinements, and gradually the nonya character became more distinct - the first real turning point being the removal of hae bee (dried shrimp) and an increase in coriander powder. What had once been experimentation slowly became something more intentional, as though I was uncovering rather than inventing it. I have continued this annual practice ever since, and this year I went further, making adjustments to both the ingredients and the cooking method. The filling was made more savoury; the rice given more depth with extra garlic, fresh and fried shallots; and salt added to the boiling water to prevent dilution of flavours during cooking. The outcome felt closer than ever to what I had been seeking.

Looking back, what stands out is not the technical evolution of the recipe, but the emotional thread running through it. Making nonya chang has become a quiet way of staying connected - to my heritage, my parents, and their histories. More than that, it has gradually become part of who I am.

Here's my latest recipe >> Nonya Chang 2026

Here's a quick explanation to what the festival is: >> The festival commemorates the patriot and poet Qu Yuan and celebrates the enduring values of loyalty, remembrance, and community. These days, families mark the occasion by enjoying the bak chang or rice dumplings together, watching or participating in dragon boat races, and gathering to preserve cultural traditions across generations. 

Choot Bee Png (Glutinous Rice)

Let me capture the recipe for my choot bee png or 糯米饭(glutinous rice) here. This is the hokkien version and my mum used to cook it during the Seven Fairy Festival (that falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month). During this festival, she will cook this dish, sweet porridge (rice and mung bean porridge) as offerings. In addition, we will see make up powder, perfumes and 7 flowers on the altar table. And after the prayers is over, she will throw the flowers onto the roof... we don’t see it being practiced these days.

Anyway, here's the recipe for the glutinous rice:

Ingredients
2 cups of glutinous rice
80-100g of dried shrimps (more if you like stronger taste)
10-12 shallots (or 3-4 large onions) (use the purple ones or its equivalent in qty of shallots)
200g of pork belly (not too fatty unless you like pork fats)
5-8 dried shiitake mushrooms

1 - 2 chinese sausage (depending on preference)

2 tablespoon of oil (personally i prefer to use sesame oil)
dark soy sauce for colouring

light soy sauce to taste
oyster sauce to taste

dash of pepper to taste

Garnishing

fried shallots

spring onions

salted peanuts

Preparation

wash the rice and soak in water for about 1-2 hour. then drain off the water. the soaking will help the rice cook faster. wash and soak the shiitake mushrooms, cut into slices. wash the dried shrimps and drain off the water. then soak it in water for an hour. you can use the water from soaking the mushroom and the dried shrimps to cook the rice later. it makes excellent stock. cut pork belly into strips. you can boil the pork belly first before you cut it. cooked meat is much easier to cut. also, the resultant stock from boiling the pork belly can be used to cook the rice later. next, dice the shallots/ large onions.

Cooking

heat the oil in the wok. throw in the pork belly and let it fry till the pork strips turn a bit brown, then add in the chinese sausage. let them fry sufficiently to char the sausage a bit and to extract the oil from both the pork belly and sausage. throw in the diced shallots/ onions and fry till it is translucent (it should take about 1min of frying). put in the soaked dried shrimp and continue to fry for about 2min or until the fragrant emerges (this is to allow the ingredients to mix well). pour in shiitake mushrooms and let it simmer for 1 minute. pour in the glutinous rice. add the light and dark soya sauce, and pepper to taste. fry for another 1min or so to allow the rice to be fully soaked in the onion, pork, sausage, mushroom and dried shrimp mix. transfer the half cooked rice to the rice cooker. add water as necessary and let it cook in the rice cooker.

Serving

Serve the glutinous rice with the salted peanuts, fried shallots and spring onion. The dish will also go very well with chinese dried chilli oil, sambal belachan, or cut chilli depending on preferences.

Grateful 17 Jun: Quiet Confidence

Today was a simple yet productive day. I finally sat down properly to review and prepare for my upcoming training sessions. I expect to be quite occupied with training-related matters over the next few weeks, and today was a good start. On this note, let me give thanks for: 

• Clearing the Immediate Issue. I decided to be proactive and followed up with the company again to confirm next week's training and request the relevant details, including the content outline, learners' list, and training report templates. Thankfully, they responded and indicated that they would send me the information by tonight. I am glad I took the initiative to make this push. Hopefully, I will receive the details soon so that I can begin my preparations in earnest. 

• Preparing for New Challenge.  I have agreed to deliver a new module on AI at the end of August, although I am not yet fully confident with the content. Rather than waiting idly for confirmation of next week's training, I started reviewing the materials for the upcoming module. I am grateful to my new training lead for providing the content. Going through it helped me better understand the scope of the programme and gave me a clearer sense of the level of preparation required. Once next week's training is over, I will conduct a more thorough content review, carry out further research, and develop the learning activities. 

• Presence of Mind. Reflecting on my journey since I started training last year, I realise that I now have a much better sense of what is required and how much effort I need to invest in preparing for each programme. This growing experience has given me greater clarity, allowing me to prioritise my time and energy more intentionally. I am beginning to trust my own process. I have learned when to push for information, how deeply to prepare, and where to focus my energy. I am quietly confident that things will pan out well. More importantly, I am grateful for the presence of mind to invest my energy where it is needed, giving myself ample time to prepare and deliver my best. 

Alongside training preparations, I managed to head out for my kopi-o kosong, cooked my lunch, and achieve my daily walk targets. It was indeed a simple, focused and productive day, and I am grateful for how it panned out.

Grateful 16 Jun: Ordinariness

Here’re a few random things that I’m thankful for:

• Toilet bowl. More than a month ago, I discovered that my toilet bowl was leaking. I had initially wanted to replace it since it is an old model, but eventually decided to repair it myself instead. I ordered a replacement cistern ball valve online and got some cement and construction adhesive to plug the leak. After some trial and error, I finally got it repaired! Grateful that it is working again.

• Refund. Bought a t-shirt online and it fitted me very well, so I ordered a second one. However, when it was delivered, it was two sizes bigger than what I ordered. I requested a refund and it was processed very quickly. I received my refund within a couple of minutes. Grateful for how smooth the process was.

• Glutinous Rice. Took the opportunity to make choot bee png (glutinous rice) as I had some spare glutinous rice left over from making the nonya chang. Had initially wanted to make pulut inti but decided on this instead. It’s savoury and is a better option than pulut inti, which is a dessert. Glad it turned out so very well!  Gave a portion to my sis and to D and they enjoyed it. Grateful to D for the suggestion! 

• Tau Sar Piah. I’ve been enjoying the traditional tau sar piah (mung bean pastry) from a particular pastry shop in Chinatown, and I’m grateful to PY for offering to buy some for me. A few days ago, she sent me a random text asking whether I would like any, as she happened to be at the shop. So, I’ve been enjoying tau sar piah for breakfast almost daily over the last few days. Yumz!

So yeah… these are some random ordinary things that I wanted to capture here. They may seem like simple little things, but to me, they reflect autonomy, self-reliance, convenience, ease, connection, culture, and much more. 

And for that, I’m grateful.

Grateful 14 - 16 Jun: Work Opportunities

My mind had been preoccupied with work-related issues over the last few days, but I chose to prioritise my time on cooking, meeting friends, attending Buddhist classes, and taking care of myself. Despite this, work-related concerns continued to linger at the back of my mind. By today, however, I felt much more settled. So today, let me give thanks for: 

• New Module to Teach. Last week, my new training lead asked if I could conduct a new module at the end of next month. It came out of the blue and took me by surprise. Truth be told, the trainers who have conducted this module so far are very senior, and the topic - which is related to emerging technologies - is one that I am not very confident in. I asked for some time to review the material, but after an initial glance, I sat on it. I did not respond because I was unfamiliar with much of the topic. Today, I decided to take the plunge and told my lead that I would do it. I need to challenge myself, and I have committed to spending the next month learning more about the subject. I told myself that equipping myself with new knowledge, particularly in emerging technologies, would help me remain relevant as a trainer and a professional. I am grateful for the opportunity. 

• Next Weeks' Training.  I have a training session to deliver next Tuesday. This particular module is new to me, and I had prepared to deliver it in February, only to be told 2 days before the training that there were some admin issues behind the scenes, and that I could not proceed and that a peer trainer would have to take over. It seems like the same thing may be happening again this time because, to date, I have yet to receive any details from the company. It is frustrating. Today, I decided that I would proceed with my preparation regardless. All things being equal, I will take this as an opportunity to refresh my knowledge of the content. With this adjustment in my mindset, my mood lifted. I am grateful for this shift in my thought process. 

• New Opportunity. Yesterday, I attended a meeting with an education provider. Following a recommendation from a peer trainer, I had written to them to offer to stand in for her and teach an advanced diploma module in August while she is travelling. I sent the company my credentials and was invited for a chat. During our conversation, I was informed that they had already assigned another trainer for the module. However, they invited me to explore potential opportunities to work together in the future. Admittedly, I was a little disappointed at first. However, learning that they saw potential opportunities for future collaboration came as a pleasant surprise. It was truly a blessing in disguise. I am grateful to my peer trainer for her recommendation and to the academy for considering me for future opportunities. 

Prioritising non-work activities over the last 3 days - attending Buddhist classes, meeting friends, and cooking, daily walks - made the days pass quickly. While these activities did not resolve the work-related issues, I am glad that I was able to manage my thoughts and ease much of the mental tension by today. For that, I am truly thankful.

Grateful 13 Jun: Tiring But Meaningful

I want to keep today's journal short and to the point. 

It was a simple day spent distributing the nonya changs I had made. The journey took me to Simei, Hougang, and Clementi before I finally made my way home. It was certainly a tiring day travelling across the island. Despite feeling tired, I decided to make the effort to complete my daily steps before calling it a day. 

On this note, let me give thanks to those who took the time to meet me, for Singapore's efficient transport system, and for the smooth journeys throughout the day. Above all, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and catch up with my eldest sister, my brother-in-law, St, and D. It was a tiring day, but also a meaningful one. 

I am glad that I completed the distribution early this year, ahead of the actual Duanwu Jie (or 端午节, Dragon Boat Festival) on 19 June. In doing so, I can now focus my attention and energies on my training preparations and other work-related commitments in the coming weeks. 

With this, I close my commemoration of Duanwu Jie 2026.

Grateful 11 & 12 Jun: Nonya Chang

Over the last 3 days, I devoted much of my time to making the nonya chang. After 2 days of cooking and tying them, I began distributing them last evening. This is the first time I have made nonya chang since my break-up in 2024. There are people in my life, especially in recent times, whom I wish to thank, and few things feel more meaningful than preparing nonya chang for them. So today, let me give thanks to: 

• My Sisters.  As I prepared a list of people to whom I wanted to give the chang, my two sisters were right at the top. Nothing surpasses family when it comes to gratitude. I am thankful for their unwavering support, their presence in my life, and the bond we share as a family. 

• C & K. I am deeply grateful to C and K for their support over the past year, especially C. I shall not go into the details of what happened last year, but without her help, my life today would likely have been very different. As C is currently working overseas, I was only able to pass the chang to K, her partner. K was one of the first people to visit me last year, and I appreciated her kindness and companionship during that period. I made a trip to her home yesterday evening and was delighted that she enjoyed the chang. 

• D, S & V. This year, I made a special effort to thank D, S and V. I have written much about them recently, particularly D. Although I had known of D since the mid-1990s, I did not know him personally then. We moved in different circles, and our paths only properly crossed last year. Through a series of unexpected circumstances, we ended up spending a great deal of time together, sometimes meeting almost daily. I am profoundly grateful for his friendship and support during this period of my life. It was through D that I came to know S and V, one of his closest friend and her husband. They have been equally generous with their friendship and encouragement, and I wanted them to know how much I appreciate them. As it turned out, all 3 of them are fans of nonya chang. 

Besides the people mentioned above, I also gave the chang to M, PY and S. Preparing and sharing them was my way of expressing gratitude to the people who matter to me. In return, the joy of knowing they enjoyed them became a gift to me as well. Most importantly, sharing the chang was my way of nurturing the relationships that matter to me.

Nonya Chang 2026

It’s been 2 years since I last made the nonya chang. Decided to make it again this year as there are people I wanted to give thanks to. And I have tried some new things this year - in terms of ingredients and cooking techniques. What came out this year was probably the best for me since I started making it. So, let me use this post to update what I did for my nonya chang this year. 

Meat (Filling)

1kg of meat (wu hua rou [pork collar] or san cheng rou [pork belly] - cut into cubes about 1.5cm)

1 large packet (200g) dried shiitake mushroom (soaked & sliced)

6 large onions (diced)

6-8 garlics (roughly chopped)

300g of sweetened preserved winter melon (diced 1cm)

* I used pork belly this year. Remove and discard the skin but retain the fats; and instead of cutting into strips, I cut them into cubes. To make it easier to cut, I boiled the pork belly till it is half cooked before I cut them. I retained the broth and used it to cook the meat subsequently.

Seasonings for Meat

1/2 - 1 packet of coriander powder

200g of white rock sugar (about 4-5 pieces)

White pepper powder (for taste)

Light soya sauce (for taste)

Dark soya sauce (for taste and to colour) 

Oyster sauce (for taste)

Chicken stock concentrate/ powder (for taste)

Sesame oil

Olive oil

Lard (optional)

* I added oyster sauce this year. It turned out better than expected. Also, I used more rock sugar and winter melon than previous year in an attempt to make the meat sweeter.

Rice

2kg of glutinous rice (soaked for 2-3 hours)

Seasonings for Rice

Sesame oil

Olive oil

15 garlics & 10 shallots (blended together) 

Fried shallots

2-3 tablespoon salt (make it more salty)

* I added shallots as well as fried shallots. It made the rice more fragrant. Also, I used more salt in anticipation of the bleaching when I boil it. 

Others/ Wrapping

1 packet (400g) or about 120 bamboo leaves (washed in hot water and soaked at least 2-3 hours)

Pandan leaves (about 7, cut 5cm long and sliced vertically) & strings. This will make about 50-60 chang.

Key to note for cooking:

(1) Make the seasoning stronger than it should taste becos once it is boiled, it will become bland and the taste after that will be just right. 

(2) Boil for about 45min - 1hr and when boiling, add 1-2 tablespoon of salt into the water. It will slow down the bleaching of the chang.

Grateful 10 Jun: Good Morning!

My morning started off really well, thanks to people and great experiences. On this note, let me give thanks for: 

• Goooood morning! I woke up to a message from D: "Goooood morning!", it read. And through the morning, I also received quite a few similar messages from others, both in WhatsApp groups as well as from individuals. Frankly, I am not a fan of such “good morning” messages, and used to be irked by them - especially those posted by people I do not know in group chats, or for that matter by cousins who simply forward such messages daily. But these days, I simply mute the groups and clear the messages. Nonetheless, I must acknowledge that it is still nice and heartwarming to receive such messages from friends. To these friends, I am grateful for their greetings. It is quite endearing. 

• Hello Uncle. I had my kopi-o-kosong at my usual coffee shop in Simei and then headed off for my morning walk. The route took me along covered walkways by the roadside and, before long, I saw the usual cleaner uncle dutifully clearing fallen leaves and the occasional piece of rubbish. I had seen him many times before. This time, I nodded in acknowledgement as I approached him. He cheerfully greeted me, “Hello Uncle!” Haha… an uncle greeting me “uncle”. I was amused by his choice of address and grateful for this simple touchpoint. 

• Sorry ah. I decided to walk the same route this evening because I wanted to see the progress of the MRT extension. As I approached the worksite, I noticed excavation works in progress, with an excavator blocking the walking path. I was about to make a detour when some foreign workers signalled for me to continue walking towards them. As I approached, they stopped the excavation works, smiled at me one by one, and one of them said, “Good morning, sorry ah…” accompanied by a side-to-side head wobble - a very Indian form of greeting and courteous acknowledgement. It was such a heartwarming experience. Much as I have occasionally had grouses about differences in social norms, I must give credit where it is due. They were genuinely kind and courteous. I returned their smiles by clasping my hands in a gesture of respect and acknowledgement, a form of courtesy within Indian culture as well, and smiled as I walked on. 

I must say that today started off really well for me. From receiving a simple “Good morning” message, to the cleaner uncle’s greeting, to the kindness shown by the foreign workers, each interaction added a little warmth to the day. It reminded me that life need not always be measured by material or tangible outcomes. Sometimes, simple moments of human connection - a message, a greeting, or a kind word - can make all the difference.

Grateful 8 & 9 Jun: Calmer

Of late, I had felt troubled over some issues, and this was made worse by the Vesak event on Sunday. I was also frustrated by the lack of confirmation for my training, especially since it is only 2 weeks away. Over the last 2 days, I had largely spent time with friends and simply taken things easy through window shopping and going for my walks. As these 2 days come to an end, I find myself feeling much calmer. So, on this note, let me give thanks for: 

• Confirmation of Training. On Sunday night, I decided to send an email to the training company. It was probably the third time I had followed up with them. It was unusual for them not to confirm the engagement so close to the training dates. On my part, I needed time to prepare. And this uncertainty created quite a bit of discomfort for me. I definitely did not want to invest significant time and energy in preparation if I was not eventually scheduled to deliver the programme. This morning, I finally received their confirmation. Although some admin details are still pending, the confirmation at least allows me to begin reviewing my content. I am thankful because it allows me to focus my energy purposefully on the preparation. It also means that I will have some training income next month. 

• Catching Up. I chose not to spend too much time worrying about the training and instead invested my energy in getting out of the house and spending time with friends. After trying to review the content yesterday morning, I decided to stop as it would have been a waste of time if the training was not confirmed. So, I met D for a late lunch yesterday. It was a nice meet up indeed. And last night, PY asked to meet for breakfast today, and I readily agreed. There is no point getting flustered by the lack of confirmation. The energy is better invested meeting up with friends. It was not the food itself that mattered, but the connection. Moments like these are meaningful as time spent with friends is time well spent. I am grateful to both D and PY for making the time to meet up. 

• A Calmer Mind. My mind had been somewhat unsettled lately. I suspect some relationship-related issues that had been weighing on me found their way into my dream. So, I am grateful that I have felt more composed over the past 2 days. Part of this came from making a deliberate decision to set these thoughts aside and not dwell on them excessively. It is not easy, but I am trying and will continue to try. Perhaps this is my way of practising what I wanted to focus on this year: embracing vulnerability with courage while extending some self-compassion to myself. I am grateful for this awareness. 

These 2 days passed by quickly. I feel much calmer now, thanks to friends, a little window shopping, and the confirmation of the training. The uncertainty has lifted somewhat, and I can move forward with greater clarity about how I can plan the days ahead.

I Didn't Belong

I was supposed to volunteer for a Vesak event today, but it didn't materialise. 

I arrived at the venue earlier than the pre-arranged time and a pre-event prayer was in progress. The chant felt soothing, and I respectfully stepped aside to a corner and simply listened. The coordinator wasn't there yet and I decided to take a walk around the venue instead. Many booths had been set up, and many people were busy preparing for the crowd to arrive. 

As I looked around, I felt out of place. I felt I didn't belong. Perhaps it was the Chinese-speaking environment, or perhaps it was because everyone present seemed to belong to an organisation. I waited for about an hour for the co-ordinator but he was no where to be found. I decided to leave and head to Simei for my morning kopi-o-kosong. Over my kopi-o-kosong, I pondered why I felt this way: Had it something to do with my dream last night? Or perhaps I simply did not get enough sleep? Or was it an outcome of some other lingering issues? 

I came home to rest after my kopi-o-kosong. Let's not overthink the reasons behind it.

Super Sad

Last night, I had 2 very disturbing dreams, although I can only recall one of them. 

I was standing outside the grille of a place (perhaps a prison cell? or a home?), and Sapphie, my dog, was inside. For some reason, I didn’t want to show myself because I didn’t want the occupants to know I was there. So I called out to her softly. She didn’t respond, so I moved closer, whistled, and called her name again. This time, she heard me. Her ears twitched, and she turned her head to look in my direction and she started whining. But she didn’t come to the grille because I was hidden from view. 

In that half-asleep state, it hit me suddenly that she had been dead for more than a decade. The blurred line between the dream and reality was very confusing. And, at that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. I told myself that I needed to remember this dream. 

Then I drifted back to sleep.

Grateful 6 Jun: A Well Spent Day

I felt a little feverish and had a runny nose last night, so I decided to turn in early after taking some antihistamines and Panadol. I woke up feeling sufficiently refreshed, and the day unfolded at a comfortable pace: heading out for a nice morning walk, working on my trainer profile, fulfilling my craving for cai tau kway (fried carrot cake), and a pleasant evening walk. On this note, let me give thanks for: 

• Help with Trainer Profile. A fellow trainer recently asked whether I would be interested in delivering a module for an Advanced Diploma programme at an academy. I am grateful for the opportunity, and today I finally got down to developing my trainer profile for the application. Beyond the task itself, it felt affirming to be considered for this role as I continue to grow in my work as a trainer and coach. I will let the profile sit for a couple more days before reviewing it again and submitting it, and I am grateful to my friends and, of course, Gen AI, for helping me refine it. 

• Indulgences & Company. Lately, I have been craving cai tau kway, and I persuaded D to join me for it this afternoon. It was exactly what I had been looking forward to - black, nicely charred, and thoroughly satisfying. While we were at it, we also shared a plate of rojak. It was a simple but very enjoyable treat. To top it off, since we had been talking about durians recently, we ended the afternoon with a box of Mao Shan Wang. Lol... I am grateful for these little indulgences and for D’s company. 

• An Intentional Day. I started the day with clear intentions: to work on my trainer profile, fulfil my craving and complete my step count. I am glad I managed to do all of these and more. In anticipation of my indulgence, I kept lunch light with 3 hard-boiled eggs. While I did not strictly track calories, I was mindful enough to enjoy the day without going too far off my usual balance, while still meeting my exercise needs. For this awareness and self-discipline, I am grateful. 

Overall, I thought the day was well spent. It has been a while since I enjoyed such rich food, and I end the day feeling happy and content.

Grateful 5 Jun: A Nice Day Out

Went for a hike at Lower Peirce this morning with D. 

Was a spontaneous decision. It was a short walk but I was totally exhausted when it ended. It didn’t help that I didn’t have a good night sleep. I was grateful for the many little things that made today enjoyable: the seamless transport, the prata breakfast that perked me up before the walk, the shady boardwalk, and the refreshing drink afterwards. Back home, a cold shower felt wonderful, but above all, I was grateful for D’s company.

It was a nice day!

Grateful 3 & 4 Jun: Anchor

I have often gravitate towards significant events, meaningful encounters, or important lessons in my gratitude journals and have not paid enough attention to the simple things that quietly support my day-to-day life. So, in this post, let me give thanks for: 

• Sunshine. It's been bright and sunny these past 2 days. Rather than complaining about the heat, let me give thanks for the sunshine that brightens my day and allows me to go about my daily routines, whether it is heading to the coffee shop for my kopi-o kosong, doing my exercises around the estate, or simply enjoying a walk outdoors. It is such a simple thing, yet it brings a sense of ease and freedom that I often take for granted.

• Friends. These past 2 days, many people have checked in on me, and this evening, I met my ex-colleague turned friend D for dinner. So let me give thanks for them. These seemingly small gestures keep me connected and remind me that, even though I enjoy solitude, I am not alone. They reassure me that there are people who think of me, care about me, and remain part of my life. 

• Home. My home provides me with a comfortable space to rest, escape from the heat, work, and simply be myself. It is more than just a place to live. Reflecting on the past 3 decades, it has been the backdrop to countless moments shared with my parents, past partners, and my dog. It is also a place where my siblings and their families, relatives, friends, and colleagues have gathered. In many ways, it quietly holds the story of my life. 

So yes, these are things that feature so naturally in my daily life that I rarely stop to notice them. Yet they form the foundation upon which so much else rests. And I am deeply grateful to these people and things that is such an integral part of my life.

Grateful 1 & 2 Jun: Restoration

Time flies, and it is already June. Much has happened over the past couple of weeks - completing a series of training programmes, T's passing, and no longer needing to make daily visits to the hospice to see him. Suddenly, I find myself with a lot of time to fill. Over these 2 days, I decided to simply be spontaneous, and perhaps things have begun to settle into a new normal. Either way, these past 2 days were spent catching up with life. For that, I am grateful.

• Make Space, Let Go. D gifted me a potted plant last week, and I simply placed it on my balcony. I shifted a few existing pots around to make space for it and thought nothing more of it. But yesterday, after my morning kopi o kosong, I decided to work on my balcony garden properly. As a result, I spent a large part of the day gardening - discarding my ginger, turmeric and yam plants, removing two large ficus plants that had grown too big and unruly, cleaning the balcony, and rearranging everything. It was certainly not easy, given the size of the ficus plants. The process was tiring but therapeutic. I emerged from it feeling not only more at peace but also pleased that my balcony looked so much neater and more presentable. As I looked at the refreshed space, I was reminded that making room for new things often requires letting go of what has outgrown its purpose. For that, I am grateful. 

• Question Assumptions. I woke up this morning and took my blood pressure and heart rate readings. I noticed that both had remained stable despite halving my medication dosage since my review last month. Naturally, I became curious: am I ready to come off the medication entirely? After all, I have been taking it for the past 8 years. So, I did some research on the medication. The AI asked me a series of questions, and the conversation helped me realise something important: leaving corporate life, changing my lifestyle, exercising regularly, and learning to take things as they come have all contributed to my current state of good health. It also prompted me to reconsider whether some assumptions I have held for years may no longer be true and whether it is time to discuss this with my doctor. I was reminded that it is important to periodically review old assumptions against present realities rather than continue accepting them unquestioningly. For that, I am truly thankful. 

• Be Spontaneous, Be Present. It was nice to return to my meditation routine. The thing about missing meditation for several days is that my concentration weakens, and I found it difficult to stay focused for more than 15min. Today, I had the pleasure of meditating at the summit of Bukit Timah Hill. It was entirely spontaneous. I was tired from the climb and perspiring heavily. As I sat on a bench and removed my singlet, I felt the gentle breeze cool my body. My awareness of the forest deepened as I listened to the cicadas chirping. At that moment, I found myself slipping naturally into meditation. It was a deeply calming experience. 

I decided to simply be spontaneous about things, and I didn't realise how much I needed these experiences. They not only gave me the space to rest and reconnect with myself, but also reminded me of a couple of important lessons: to let go of what no longer serves me so that new things can find their place, and to periodically re-examine old assumptions in the light of present realities, and the need to appreciate the present moment. For both the experiences and the lessons they brought, I am deeply thankful.

Bukit Timah Hill

Decided to climb the hill today. It’s Singapore islands’ highest point at 163.35m above sea level. Not too difficult a climb although the initial parts were really steep. But it was good that it was nice and breezy underneath the forest canopy. Managed to do a 15min meditation at the summit. Was especially nice given the peace and chirping of the cicadas.

:-)

Dropping off stuff

I was packing my cabinet last week when I came across my ex’s graduation photo compilations. I knew it meant lots to him and decided to drop it off a fitness club where he teaches some class. He texted me and thanked me and asked how I am doing. I didn’t reply. I just deleted his text.

I don’t see the point nor the need to reply him.

Grateful 31 May: Vesak Day

Today is Vesak Day, a day that holds special significance for me. Buddhism is more than a religion to me. Its philosophy has shaped my thinking and behaviour over the years, and I am thankful for that. Let me take a moment to reflect on this and give thanks for it.

• As a Philosophy. I read widely about many religions during my younger years - their history, evolution, philosophies and how they are practised. I am drawn to logic and reason, and I find myself relating deeply to the wisdom of Buddhism. It is not prescriptive, and it advocates personal effort and the pursuit of wisdom. I am grateful for this body of knowledge and for how it has encouraged me to seek truth as I search for meaning in my life. 

• As a Practice. I took refuge and received the precepts more than a decade ago, and I have been observing vegetarianism during the Vesak period for many years. Being vegetarian is part of observing the precept of not taking lives. The others are abstaining from lying, intoxicating substances, sexual misconduct and stealing. I learned from my teacher that the precepts are meant to guide us in our daily actions. But being human, we may occasionally fail to observe them. When that happens, we should forgive ourselves, reflect on it and learn from it. I am grateful for this compassionate and enlightened approach. Beyond that, I try my best to live according to Buddhist principles and teachings. 

• As a Religion. I was brought up in a form of Buddhism that was very Southeast Asian - Buddhism infused heavily with Taoist practices and rituals. I remember clearly how my mum would bring me to temples to pray for health, wealth and protection - something that is not very "Buddhistic". At that age, I simply followed along without fully understanding what Buddhism meant beyond the rituals. Over time, my understanding of Buddhism deepened and I came to embrace it not just culturally or ritually, but as a religion - reflected in how I live, practise and observe it in my daily life. To me, rituals and observances are forms of discipline that help anchor me amidst the busyness and distractions of life. 

As I commemorate Vesak Day, I am reminded of how Buddhism has provided me with a solid foundation on which I conduct myself in my day-to-day life and has taught me to take responsibility for my thoughts, actions and choices, while continually striving to cultivate a better version of myself. And for this, I am grateful.

I wish everyone a Blessed Vesak Day.

Grateful 29 & 30 May: Non-Attachment

Tomorrow is Vesak Day, a day that commemorates the Buddha's birth, attainment of enlightenment, and passing into Parinibbana. It is an important day for Buddhists, regardless of tradition, and many will observe it through celebrations, prayers, rituals, vegetarianism, and personal reflection. I will reflect more deeply on it tomorrow, but for these past 2 days, I would like to give thanks for the following:

• 3-Step-1-Bow. I have observed the 3-Step-1-Bow ceremony every year since 1990. It was originally a vow I undertook to give thanks for attaining good results during my undergraduate studies. Since then, the ceremony has only been interrupted a few times - during SARS, during COVID, and once when a heavy thunderstorm forced us to stop midway and move into the main hall for a talk by the temple abbot. The ceremony usually begins on the eve of Vesak Day, as it does today. This year, however, I will not be able to participate for reasons I shall not mention here. Yet this limitation has deepened my awareness of my practice, and I am grateful for that. Buddhism teaches non-attachment, and I reminded myself not to become overly attached to attending the ceremony itself. Instead, I will spend tomorrow visiting temples and volunteer at Buddhist events in the coming week. Perhaps this is a meaningful way to devote my energy this year.

• Meditation. I started meditating regularly in Jul or Aug last year. What began as a way to calm myself down, and also to make use of available time, gradually became a daily practice. In the early months, I would feel a slight sense of guilt whenever I missed a session, telling myself that I was not disciplined enough or that I had neglected my practice. Over time, I realised that mindfulness is not confined to formal meditation. My attachment to the idea that I had to sit and meditate in order to "qualify" as practising had caused unnecessary self-judgement. These days, when I have commitments such as training sessions or events, I simply make an effort to be mindful while travelling on the MRT, going for my walks, or carrying out daily routines. Having said that, I still make it a priority to sit and meditate whenever possible. I am grateful to the many people who have guided and supported me along the way, including my Buddhist class facilitator and my Buddhist counsellor. Through this practice, I have become calmer, more aware of my surroundings, and more present in each moment.

• Vegetarianism. As part of my Vesak observance, I usually follow a vegetarian diet for 15 days leading up to Vesak Day. When I first started doing this years ago, I found it extremely challenging. Over time, however, it has become much easier. This year, the 2 weeks passed so naturally that I hardly noticed them. I think this is partly because vegetarian food is now more widely available. More importantly, however, I have become less attached to the idea of having vegetarian food and have learned to accept circumstances as they are. If there are no vegetarian options nearby, I simply eat bread and move on. In this sense, vegetarianism is as much a state of mind as it is a dietary practice. If I make an issue out of it, it becomes one. If I am not attached to it, it ceases to trouble me. I am grateful for this realisation.

These past 2 days have been restful and reflective. Tomorrow is Vesak Day, and I will commemorate it by visiting temples and spending time in reflection. I look forward to the day with gratitude and a renewed commitment to my practice.

Grateful 27 & 28: Alive

After some intense recent weeks, I want to give thanks for these past two mornings - for waking up after a relatively good sleep, feeling rested, and simply being able to soak in the freshness of the day. The cool breeze, the dew resting on the leaves of my yam plants, the many species of birds chirping away… these quiet moments have felt especially meaningful.

I realised that for quite a while, I have been so focused on the events and people that shaped my days that I forgot to give thanks for these simple daily touchpoints that remind me that I am alive and well.

A short post, but no less important.

Grateful 25 & 26 May: R&R

These 2 days after the training were much more relaxing, and they allowed me to rest and recuperate. I had a little more time to myself - catching up on routines, going for walks, and visiting Kusu Island. So, let me give thanks for: 

• D. D reached out to me early yesterday morning to ask if I would like to head to Kusu. We had spoken about it before, and I knew this trip meant a lot to him. The outing was good and gave me a welcome break from my usual routine. Above all, I had a really nice day out with D. It was thoughtful of him to buy me lunch and invite me over to his place afterwards. I am grateful for the time spent together and for his company. 

• Rest & Relax. I felt totally drained today. Perhaps it was the after-effects of the training, or maybe the visit to Kusu, where we walked quite a bit and climbed a small hillock. Whatever the reason, I felt physically exhausted. I was therefore especially thankful for the extra time I had to rest today. I managed to take a nap in the afternoon, do my laundry, and simply catch up on my own routines. 

• Walks. Despite my exhaustion, I still made it a point to go for my walks over these 2 days. I told myself that I needed to continue clocking my steps and remain disciplined. And that was exactly what I did, albeit at a slower pace. But to break the monotony, I decided to walk around Bedok Central, including the shopping mall and neighbourhood shops. It was lovely to take things easy, enjoy some snacks at the hawker centre, window shop, and clock my steps at the same time. 

Apart from the visit to Kusu, these 2 days were probably spent on simple routines - walks, laundry, watching tv, and taking naps. It was a huge contrast to the exceptionally hectic preceding few days of training. I am grateful for this slower pace, as it gave me the space to simply rest, relax, and recuperate.

Kusu Island

Made a trip to Kusu today with D to fulfill T’s last wishes. He had expressed his wish to visit the island but couldn’t do so due to his deteriorating health. 

The island had changed so tremendously much since I last visited some 5 decades ago! Then, it was a temple sited on some rocks and linked to a small hillock by a strip of sandbank that get submerged during high tide. But now, it’s a proper island with its own piers and lagoons, public amenities and all!

And similarly, the neighbouring small islands have mostly been reclaimed, enlarged and connected to each other via landlinks to became a united land mass, complete with cycling tracks, parks and all. Eye opening indeed. And it’s nice to be able to marvel at Singapore’s skyline from the southern islands. 

It was a good day out.

Grateful 23 & 24 May: An Achievement!

It's an achievement for me to have completed 4 consecutive days of training, and it was extremely exhausting. Yet amidst these 4 days, I still managed to make time for my daily walks, attend T’s wake, and tonight, I even had a double dinner and rewarded myself with a beer to celebrate this achievement. So let me give thanks for the following: 

• Smooth Training. These past 2 days, my class was a little less energetic compared to the previous run. Sensing the extremely low energy yesterday evening, I decided to make adjustments to the training plan and brought forward some of today’s activities instead. I thought it went well, and everyone ended the day happier. Towards this end, I am grateful for the familiarity I have with the content. It can only get better, although I am not sure when I will be conducting this module again. 

• Good Training Results. I received the training results for the last run last evening. It was truly uplifting for me - I obtained a 4.90 out of 5.0 score, my highest-ever score for trainer effectiveness thus far. It came as a pleasant surprise, especially considering that it was one of the biggest class I have ever managed. I am thankful for the validation the learners gave me. It was also a wonderful feeling to receive emails from some of them after class, thanking me for my facilitation and sharing that they had learned much and enjoyed the sessions. 

• Content Review. One of my peer trainers has been tasked with reviewing the module that I had just conducted, and she called me earlier today. She wanted to consult me on areas that could be improved. I am thankful for her openness in reaching out to me and humbled by the trust she has placed in me. 

These past few days have been exhausting - waking up at 5:30am and conducting training sessions till almost 6pm daily. Nonetheless, I felt a strong sense of achievement, as this was the first time I had conducted 2 consecutive runs back-to-back over 4 days. I am grateful for my familiarity with the content, the participation of the learners, and the trust given to me by my peer trainer. These were certainly the icing on the cake for me.

Grateful 21 & 22 May: Keep Going!

I am tired after two long days of training, but I am grateful for the following: 

• Energetic Class. It was one of the biggest classes I have ever had, but I was grateful that the learners were highly active and engaged. They asked deep questions and were genuinely eager to learn. Their energy kept me going. 

• Honey. I have not been feeling too well over the last couple of days. My throat was a little sore, and I was worried I might lose my voice. I was glad I had a bottle of honey in my fridge. It really helped soothe my throat.  

• Comfort. I am deeply grateful for the comfortable home that I have. I slept at 8:30pm and slept very well. I woke up at 5am feeling well-rested, and that kept me going for the rest of the day. 

The last two days have been exhausting. I hardly slept the night T passed on, and I was completely drained when I conducted the training yesterday. Yet the training ended on a high, and I remain grateful for - the energetic learners, the comfort of home, and above all, having honey at hand.

RIP

T just passed…

I cannot explain - my phone was on silent for all calls, but my phone notification was activated when the message of his passing came through; I was asleep but woke up and decided to check my phone, the message came in right when I picked up my phone…

RIP my friend…

Impending Departure

T’s condition continues to deteriorate. 

We were told he could pass away any time. Seeing him suffer, I believe we have all reached a point where we simply wish for him to go peacefully. Nonetheless, I can sense that D is still grappling with the impending loss. It was most evident when D mentioned that T wants to visit certain places, and he sighed as he shared this. Earlier, I had a brief chat with D and shared that even as we begin to grief the impending departure, we should also appreciate the good times spent with T, the camaraderie and the times spent supporting each.

Hopefully, this conversation helps him.

Grateful 19 & 20 May: Training Prep

The next few days will be busy for me - delivering training back-to-back over four days. It is the first time I will be experiencing this, and it was also a deliberate decision on my part, as one of my fellow trainers had prior commitments and asked me to help out. On this note, I give thanks for: 

• Training Content. I delivered this module last month, and the recent experience meant that I remained fairly familiar with the content. Looking back, I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to deliver it earlier. The effort I put into re-familiarising myself with the material then is now paying off, and I am deeply grateful for it.  

• Training Admin Prep. I completed all the reports and training admin 2 weeks ago. As such, the past 2 days were mainly spent going through the details again to ensure that nothing had been overlooked. Everything felt much simpler and more manageable, and I found myself feeling relatively relaxed. I am glad I did the groundwork well ahead of time. 

• Routines Remain Unaffected. With peace of mind and the assurance that things are under control, life continued largely as normal. I still met friends for meals, spent time outside, and visited T at the hospice. Despite the intensity of the upcoming training days, I am grateful that life did not become consumed by work or stress.  

The next few days will no doubt be intense. Yet, in perspective, I realised that I did not have to spend every waking moment preparing for the training. Because of familiarity with the content and the advanced preparation already done, life over the last 2 days continued normally with minimal stress. And for that sense of steadiness and balance, I am truly grateful.

Grateful 17 & 18 May: Connections

These days, life has settled into a rather familiar rhythm - visiting T daily, meeting D and sometimes his friends for meals, catching up with colleagues and simply staying connected with people around me. On the surface, things may seem routine. Yet within these routines, I continue to find meaning, warmth and moments that I am quietly grateful for.

• An Unlikely Rallying Point. T has been very unwell over the past two days and his condition has deteriorated quite significantly. He coughed up blood yesterday and was too ill to interact with us when we visited him. However, today he seemed somewhat more alert and energetic. He was able to notice our presence and, at times, utter a few words. Small things, perhaps, but they mattered. What T may never fully realise is that through his illness, he has unknowingly become a rallying point for many of us — for me, D, some of our mutual friends, and even his siblings. It is through these visits that I have also come to know D’s friends, S and V, better. Tonight, after visiting T, the 4 of us went for dinner together. In a strange but meaningful way, T has brought people together. For that, too, I am deeply thankful.

• Surprise Visit by N. I have known N since my days in the aviation industry. In fact, I had recruited him. We remained in contact even after I left the industry. So this morning, I had a pleasant surprise when N texted me at 8am with a simple “Good morning”. I was puzzled at first because he is from India and it should have been the middle of the night there. I later learnt that he was transiting in Singapore on his way to North Asia for a holiday. As his flight was only at night, he had the day to spare and we quickly arranged to meet. His wife was with him and we ended up spending a really lovely afternoon chatting over a meal. It felt spontaneous, easy and comforting - the kind of catch-up that reminds me how connections that began as professional relationships can gradually evolve into friendships, quietly enduring despite time and distance. I am really glad he reached out.

• Vegetarianism. Yesterday marked the start of the 4th lunar month and, as part of my yearly practice, I began observing vegetarianism again. I will continue to do so until Vesak Day. This is a personal practice and a commitment I made to myself as a Buddhist. After so many years, it has become almost second nature to me. Even so, I am always mindful that my dietary restrictions may inconvenience friends when we meet for meals during this period. What touched me over these 2 days was how readily friends adjusted their own meal choices so that we could dine together - just like how D, S and V decided on an impromptu vegetarian dinner today! It reminded me again that meals are never just about food. There is something deeply comforting about sharing a table, adjusting for one another and simply enjoying each other’s company. Honestly, food always tastes better when eaten communally. 

So while these days may appear routine on the surface, they have also been filled with quiet moments that remind me how fortunate I am to have people around me who continue to connect, make space for one another and journey together through both ordinary and difficult days.

Grateful 15 & 16 May: T

It has been two meaningful days for me, and both centred around T, my terminally ill friend. I want to talk about it here, and also share what I am grateful for. 

• T. I have known T since last July. It was through D that I got to know him much better. Without going into too much detail, there was once when T walked past me and handed me a sweet. I appreciated that simple gesture very much, and on another occasion, I went up to thank him. That was how we first got to know each other. I later learnt from D that T had initially mistaken us to be partners. Nonetheless, the 3 of us eventually spent quite a bit of time together. It came as quite a rude shock when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. His cancer was highly aggressive, and within the last 6 months, he had deteriorated to the point where he is now mostly bedridden. He has been given a prognosis of a few weeks to, at most, 2 - 3 months. I am grateful for his friendship. It may have been short, but I can see that he is of good character, and I deeply appreciate the warmth and kindness he has shown me. 

• T’s siblings. Over the past few weeks, I have gotten to know T’s siblings and spoken with them on many occasions. They do not know the circumstances of how D and I came to know T, nor do they know that both of us are gay. On one occasion, it was slightly awkward when T’s sister asked me about my wife and children, but I politely changed the topic. Nonetheless, I am grateful to them for being so hospitable and gracious towards us, and for treating us as T’s close friends. 

• Visit to River Wonders. T had expressed a wish to visit River Wonders to see pandas. He had never seen a real panda before, and Wish Ambulance Singapore organised the visit for him. T invited D and I to join him and his siblings. It was a lovely visit, though also a poignant one, knowing this could possibly be the last time he would leave the hospice alive. The mood throughout the visit felt heavy in an unspoken way. Everyone was cheerful and happy to see the animals and the panda, but at the same time, we could all see how tired he was and how much effort it took for him to keep going. The visit lasted only about 4 - 5 hours, but it was obvious that it had completely drained him by the time the visit ended. I am grateful he invited me. It gave me the opportunity to know his family better and to be part of what may well be his final outing. 

• Supporting T & D. D and I visited him again today, and he had clearly not recovered from the outing. He was exhausted and could barely stay awake most of the time we were there. D and I chatted quietly while he slept, occasionally coughing and needing to clear his sputum. I could also sense D managing his own grief as he watched T slowly fade away. It was a sombre sight. I told myself that I want to be there as much as my schedule allows - not just to keep T company, but also to support D during this period. I am grateful that I can be there for both of them in some small way. 

So this post is really about T. I would not dare to say that I know him very well, but when a friend is in this state of health, it is difficult not to reach out. I am grateful that he opened up and extended his friendship to me. He is straight, but very accepting and comfortable around us. D often tells me that T would say I am a little too serious and should loosen up more. He also liked teasing me together with some of our mutual friends. I am glad that I can be around to bring him some comfort and to support him as he walks through these final weeks of his life.

Grateful 13 & 14 May: Showing Up...

I think I have found a new routine over the last two weeks, and I am glad I did. I have been visiting my friend T regularly whenever my schedule allows, and it has been something very meaningful for me. I would usually visit him with D, and through these visits, I have also gotten to know D better. Apart from visiting T, my days have also been filled with activities such as attending events, meeting friends and simply staying connected with people. The past two days were very much like that. As I consolidate my thoughts tonight, I want to give thanks for the following: 

• Grandma’s Death Anniversary. Yesterday, I made a trip to the columbarium to commemorate my grandma’s 51st death anniversary. I believe I am the only one in my generation who still does this. I was glad that the skies cleared when I visited. It turned out to be a lovely visit. Being a weekday, the columbarium was quiet and almost empty. Rather than making me think about death, the many tombstones and niches reminded me of the countless stories that each departed person carried in life. In a way, cemeteries and columbaria are like huge libraries that preserve the stories of the past. They connect us to our ancestors, our memories and ultimately, our own stories. On a separate note, it was interesting that when I updated my aunt about visiting my grandma’s niche, she remarked that grandma had passed on so long ago that it was probably no longer useful to burn joss paper, since she would not be able to enjoy whatever we offered. It was such a cute yet practical remark. To me, paying respect to our ancestors is as much about remembering them as it is about remembering the living and the values they left behind in us. This year, I did not make any offerings. Instead, I made a small donation to the temple in her name, and somehow, that felt more meaningful. 

• Meeting K. I met K for tea after visiting the columbarium, and we had a very nice catch-up. It had been quite some time since we last met, as he has been busy adjusting to his new job. It was such a coincidence that he was free yesterday. I was also glad that I managed to convince him to visit T with me today. T was so happy to see K, and I felt grateful to have been able to bring him some joy and companionship, even if only for a while. 

• Chatting with B. I had a long WhatsApp exchange with B last evening. We spoke about many things, including our families and our respective practices when it comes to remembering and respecting the departed. B is from Malaysia, and Malaysians tend to commemorate such occasions in a much louder and more traditional manner. Yet, from what he shared, I sensed that the underlying familial bonds and filial piety are very similar. I shared with him about commemorating my grandma’s anniversary, and he was surprised that I still continue to do so more than 50 years after her passing. It was a lovely conversation, and I felt deeply warmed by the exchange. 

• Growth.  I attended an AI workshop today, and it was surprisingly fun. We learnt how to create apps, images and videos using AI tools. This workshop is the first of many sessions aimed at helping us better understand AI and how it can support our work and daily lives. One thing I appreciated was the effort being made to help ordinary people become more comfortable with AI instead of being left behind by it. We will also receive fundings sponsored by the government to subscribe to some AI tools after the workshop, which I am thankful for. Personally, I make it a point to attend such workshops not simply because they are free of charge, but because they keep me engaged with the larger community. More importantly, they provide me with opportunities to continue learning and staying updated with what is happening in the world around us. I am looking forward to exploring more in the months ahead. 

These were some of the highlights from the past 2 days. As I reflect on them, I realise how much this season of life has become centred around presence - being present for friends, staying connected to memories of loved ones, and continuing to learn and grow. That, probably, is what growing older is increasingly about: not chasing after big moments, but quietly showing up for people, memories and experiences that matter. For all these moments, both quiet and meaningful, I am deeply grateful.

Grooming

I had lunch with D today before visiting T at the hospice. I brought along my hair trimmer and managed to give T a haircut and shave. He had been in the hospital for quite a while and had not been able to visit the barber or properly shave. It was good to see his face brighten up after the haircut and shave! It may seem like a simple act of grooming, but I think it went beyond that. It gave him back a sense of self and dignity.  

Glad I could bring him some cheer!

Grateful 11 & 12 May: Living life

So life has been happening and here’re some things that I thought worth capturing and thankful for:

• Dentist. I chipped a molar and went to the dentist. It turned out to be quite a pleasant experience (not just because I thought the dentist was cute). He gave my teeth a thorough cleaning and explained that part of the crown had broken off. He said he could remove and repair the crown, but there was a risk of chipping the tooth beneath it. Instead, he suggested simply smoothing the chipped area first and seeing how things go. I was glad and grateful for his honesty, as some dentists might have immediately recommended removing the crown for business reasons.

• Friends. I have been visiting T at the hospice whenever I can over the past few days, and during my visit yesterday, I managed to catch up with D, S, and V. While I meet D quite frequently, it is much harder to do so with S and V because of their work schedules. So it was really lovely spending time with them. They are D’s lifelong friends, and I only got to know them late last year. I’m grateful that our paths crossed becos they are genuinely nice people.

• Buddy. I had a long WhatsApp exchange with my buddy, and we were able to share more openly about our feelings. I’m grateful for his presence over the last two years following my breakup. Let’s see how things develop. Whether we remain friends or eventually become partners is perhaps less important than having someone we can talk to, confide in, support, and eventually grow old with.

• Invite. I had arranged to meet J for lunch this Friday but decided to take a rain check because T invited me to join him on a visit to the River Safari. The trip is organised by Ambulance Wish Singapore, a charity that fulfils the final wishes of terminally ill patients. T asked for this visit because he has never seen a real-life panda before. I feel both grateful and honoured by the invitation. I’m now thinking of preparing some durian purée for him. He has often lamented his inability to eat, and I thought he might enjoy it.

• Extended Family. I joined my aunt, uncle and cousins for dinner last evening. It was the first gathering for us since the passing of my eldest aunt two weeks ago. The dinner was warm, relaxed, and surprisingly positive in mood. I’m grateful to my cousin PL for extending the invitation and to ML for buying grapes for me. These may seem like small gestures, but they spoke volumes to me. Being included in their family dinner meant a lot.

• Training Prep. I have two more modules to deliver next week, and with over 30 learners to teach, the amount of training admin and reports to draft is huge! But I’m proud to say that I have completed all the preparation work and drafted the reports. Barring any last-minute changes, such as the addition of new learners, I can now focus fully on reviewing the content. 

• Validation. I received the training evaluation report last night for the programme I conducted over the weekend. The learners rated the training highly, and the findings strongly validated the positive learning experiences they had throughout the programme. 

So yes, there has been much to capture over the past two days. Perhaps it reflects the richness of my life in this season: relatives, friends, companionship, and work. All these matter deeply to me because they align closely with what I want to focus on this year — remaining grounded in gratitude, living with purpose and compassion, nurturing relationships that matter, and caring for my health and well-being.

Grateful 10 May: Perfecto!

I have finally completed the training! I delivered the module over the last 2 days. As with all training sessions, I started very early in the morning and remained busy all the way until early evening. But this time round, everything unfolded so smoothly, and I am deeply thankful for it. More than that, I found myself genuinely enjoying the experience instead of constantly firefighting issues or worrying about what might go wrong. Here are my gratitude reflections: 

• Training. I successfully delivered the module over the last 2 days. The class was the smallest I have ever had, and I initially felt somewhat apprehensive about whether I would be able to create a positive learning experience for the learners. But my apprehensions turned out to be unfounded. In fact, it was precisely because of the small class size that I was able to interact meaningfully with every single learner. There was hardly a moment when anyone seemed disengaged, and I could genuinely feel the collective energy of the class throughout the sessions. The atmosphere felt warm, lively, and positive, and I found myself enjoying the interactions rather than simply focusing on completing the training. I am truly grateful that I was able to give proper attention to every learner and create a learning space that felt engaging for everyone. 

• Assessment. I was also especially thankful that the assessment process went exceptionally smoothly. Every learner completed the assessment ahead of time, which is something I rarely encounter. In addition, I only needed to conduct recovery for two learners, and even then, it was not because they lacked understanding of the content. Rather, they had simply missed out parts of the questions. Looking back, this was probably one of the best assessment outcomes I have ever achieved for this module. I believe the small class size certainly helped, but I also recognise that the additional preparation I put in beforehand made a significant difference. It was reassuring to see that the effort invested behind the scenes translated into a positive outcome for the learners. 

• Smooth Training Admin. I am equally grateful that all the training admin matters - attendance taking, portal access, logistics, and coordination - went without a hitch. Usually, there are bound to be technical issues somewhere along the way: QR codes failing to load, learners being unable to access attendance pages, or last-minute admin complications that require follow-up reports afterwards. But this time, everything simply worked! The absence of disruptions allowed me to focus fully on the learners and the delivery itself, instead of dividing my attention between teaching and troubleshooting. That alone made the entire experience feel lighter and far more enjoyable.  

Looking back, I think what I am most grateful for is not simply that the training went well, but that I was able to experience the entire process with a sense of calmness, confidence, and enjoyment. The smooth delivery, positive learner engagement, lively interactions, excellent assessment outcomes, and seamless admin all came together in a way that made these two days deeply fulfilling for me as a trainer. Tonight, I can finally rest with a genuine smile on my face, grateful for everyone and everything that made this possible.