Today’s reflection is about progress. As a teacher, I’m lucky to witness progress often—more often than not—and it’s such a thrill. Watching someone improve, overcome challenges, and achieve something new is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. And I know that feeling firsthand too—that spark of joy when I realize I’ve made progress myself.
Yesterday, while practicing yoga, I had one of those moments. Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve hit a plateau, seeing very little improvement over the past few months. But yesterday was different. I noticed a tiny step forward (the crow in today’s reflection picture is a reminder of what the achievement was), and it made me so happy. It reminded me just how much progress matters—not only for the results but also for the energy and motivation it gives me to keep going.
Progress doesn’t always come quickly. Sometimes it feels like being in the middle of a desert, wondering if anything is really changing. And sometimes, progress simply means holding steady—staying where I am and not falling behind. I believe that if I put my heart into something and stay consistent, progress will come. It’s true in teaching, in personal growth, and in life. And when it does, it’s such a good feeling.

Today felt a little different. I found myself strolling through the town market just after 6 a.m., at an hour when the streets were nearly empty. The quiet was refreshing, and what made it even better was that I didn’t have to be there—it was entirely my choice. Starting my weekend this way, with no pressing agenda, felt surprisingly good.
At first, it didn’t seem like much—a simple morning walk. But there was something oddly freeing about it, almost absurd in its simplicity. Wandering the town at such an early hour, without any urgent reason, reminded me that I’m in control of how I spend my time. That small act of choosing something untypical for the moment felt empowering.
I think I want to do this more often—step outside the usual rhythm, go against the current. And while I love following seasonal routines, breaking away now and then reminds me that I can create my own flow. And that, in itself, feels pretty liberating.

Today's recollection is a little different. It’s not about bragging—I truly believe in giving quietly, where your left hand doesn’t know what your right hand is doing. But today, I want to make an exception, and here’s why: I just returned from a shelter, and the experience left me deeply moved and full of gratitude.
It all started with gathering gifts for the shelter, something that came together much faster than I expected. I’m so thankful for the people who responded so generously, opening not just their hearts but their wallets as well. It reminded me of the beauty in collective effort—how it’s not just one person but many, working together to make something good happen. Packing those parcels into my car was no small task; they were heavy! And when I arrived, they even needed a cart to unload everything. But what truly filled my heart was knowing we did this together. I was just the one delivering the final step in a chain of kindness and generosity.
I didn’t name anyone in the process because I didn’t want to leave anyone out or make it about individuals. So the gifts are simply registered under “me and friends,” and that says it all. This whole experience has melted my heart because it shows how much good is possible when we open our eyes and reach out. A year ago, I wouldn’t have imagined being the one to initiate something like this, but it just shows that anyone can. So my message today is simple: be present in your community, look for ways to help, and don’t be afraid to start something. There are so many people willing to join you. To everyone who supported me in this, thank you—you’ve reminded me just how good people can be.

Today, I’ve been thinking about urges—those inner pushes, ideas, and thoughts that seem to whisper, “Do something, do it now.” I often feel these little nudges, but I rarely act on them. My reasonable self usually steps in, analysing everything—whether it’s a good idea, how much it will cost, what I’ll have to do, how others might react. And before I know it, the moment has passed, and the opportunity is gone.
But then there are those times when I act quickly, when I follow that inner movement, those whispers of my soul. I don’t overthink—I just do. And those moments, though rare, often lead to something meaningful. I wish I could do it more often because opportunities arise every day, but they can slip away just as quickly. And honestly, I feel like I’m way too old to keep losing opportunities.
So today, my reflection is this: seize the day. Seize the opportunity. Seize the chance to do good. Listen to yourself more, trust those inner urges, and act on them. Sometimes, the first instinct is the right one.

Some days, it feels like the only thing that could help is a warm-hearted soup and a cosy spot to snag a book. But today isn’t one of those days for me. Today, I feel full of energy, buzzing with life—completely different from those quieter, slower days.
And that’s what I’ve been reflecting on today: the importance of embracing and accepting differences—not just between people, but in myself, from one day to the next. Some days are made for lying around, enjoying a good book, and sipping something warm. Those days are great. But then there are days like today, even in the middle of December, when I feel ready to move, do, and create.
It’s okay to have highs and bursts of energy. It’s okay to have slower, more reflective days. Every day brings something different, and there’s good in all of it. Today, I’m embracing how I feel, and tomorrow might bring something else. Either way, I’ll take it as it comes.

I once heard Jordan Peterson say something that really stuck with me: "It’s a good thing, not a selfish thing, to choose people who are good for you." He talked about how important it is to spend time with people who truly want the best for you—those who feel happy when your life gets better because it makes their life better too. That idea has stayed with me, and it’s something I think about a lot.
I love being around people who are genuinely happy for me—people I don’t have to compete with, who don’t push their expectations on me or try to bring me down. It feels so much better to be with people who simply accept me and want to see me do well. Being in those kinds of relationships really makes life lighter and definitely more enjoyable.
Reflecting on this has become an important part of my daily life. It’s a reminder to stay focused on surrounding myself with the right people. It’s something I want to keep working on every day, knowing that these connections can shape so much of how I feel and who I become.

T​oday, I started gathering things for the dog shelter. I went through what I already had and started thinking about what else I could add. As I was sorting everything out, I realized I might need some help to really make a difference. At first, I wasn’t sure about asking for help—it’s not something I do often plus I was a bit scared that it would sound pushy—anyhow I decided to give it a try.
I reached out to a mix of people—family, friends, colleagues, former students, and others on my phone list in general. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but I was so happy when people responded. Some offered to help, and others just had a chat with me about it and life in general. I was thrilled to reconnect with a few people I hadn’t spoken to in a while, which was really nice.
By the end of the day, I was glad I’d asked. It reminded me that I don’t always have to do everything on my own. And that asking for help isn’t just about getting things done—it’s also about connecting with people. Today, that really made a difference.

PS. If I haven't reached out to you but you'd be interested in getting involved just a tiny bit. Read on and please feel free to reach out to me if you need more info. Endless thanks.

I just got back from a weekend retreat centred on breathing and yoga. As I was driving home, I found myself reflecting on how important it is to do something just for myself. Taking the time to prioritize my well-being, pamper myself, and simply be kind to myself—it felt incredibly satisfying.
This weekend, I let myself focus entirely on me. I worked through personal goals, nourished my body with good food, and allowed myself to rest without guilt.
I realized that being good to myself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. I need to nurture my mind, body, and spirit because it’s simply essential for my well-being. This weekend was a powerful reminder of that.
It’s good to be kind to myself. It’s good to show myself care and compassion. And I’m so glad I took this time, just for me.

There are so many things I’d like to do. Things I want to do for myself and for others. Conversations I’d love to have, activities I’d like to engage in, experiences I’d like to try. But sometimes, even when I have the time, I find I don’t have the emotional capacity. Other times, I don’t even have the time.
Today, I’ve been reflecting on how important it is to let things go. Not to dwell on missed opportunities. Because, in life, not everything is meant to happen. Sometimes it’s not the right time, the right person, or the right opportunity.
And that’s okay.
What I want to give myself is the freedom to make space—for what matters, for what feels right, and for what goes with where I am now. Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s quite liberating. It creates room for peace, for presence, and for possibilities I might not yet see.
This is what I’m learning today: to give myself permission to let go.

Today is St. Nicholas Day, and it’s got me thinking. St. Nicholas is known for his generosity and giving spirit, and this feels like a good opportunity to reflect on how I show gratitude to others. 
I’ve been thinking about what I can do today, especially today, because this day feels like a reminder for every other day. What could a small token of gratitude look like? Maybe a handwritten note—those are so rare these days—or a single flower. I have to admit, I’m not usually a fan of giving single flowers; I prefer bouquets. But even a single flower, given with care, can carry a lot of meaning. Maybe I could bake something sweet to share, make a small donation—perhaps to a dog shelter, since they’re in a tough season right now and would appreciate anything from a small donation to some dog food or snacks—treat someone to coffee, or give them a ticket to something fun. I guess that sharing an inspiring thought, a photo or picture could brighten someone’s day too.
The sky is the limit when I think of the possibilities. Today has reminded me to think creatively about these small tokens of gratitude—not just for today, but for every day. How can we make showing appreciation a natural part of our lives? That’s the question I’m asking myself today.