Inspired by my recent trip to Japan, where entire walls were adorned with just one artefact, I ruthlessly took down all the things pasted on my cabinet. I then placed the first positive Japanese affirmation torn off a calendar right in the centre of the space. Some Japanese farmers grow only one watermelon on their plot of land, making sure that all the nutrients go towards nourishing it. Similarly, I want all my attention to be focused on savouring the affirmation like a cup of premium coffee.

Another sanctuary I have created for myself is related to eating. I bought a transparent container from Daiso Japan that would be used to house all my reusable cutlery. Kudos to me for compiling these chopsticks and forks and spoons and straws from all over my table. The same goes for my tea and coffee bags. I know honey isn’t exclusive Western but since manuka honey from New Zealand is so famous, I just gonna pair it with my decidedly Asian touch of Tiger Balm heat rub. I relish how this part of sanctuary is a mishmash of yin and yang. It’s a quirky combination.

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Today, on the first day of school, i hardly had time to spend time at my table. When I finally got a break, I spent 5-10 precious minutes clicking the faucet at Cointiply http://cointiply.com/r/VP28z absentmindedly rather than glance intentionally at the positive affirmation. Teaching is like a juggler juggling many daggers in the air - and letting everything slide when he has a rare moment of respite. I somewhat doubt I have the capacity to display one new positive affirmation every week. But I’ll roll with the punches and see how.

Good luck to me in 2024!