1/12th of 2019 is out already, so it is worth reflecting on the key things that will stay with me for the rest of it. Here is my top list.

A. Favourite quote – When my heart is a hamster wheel my inner life becomes a blur

This quote from the book The Unhurried Leader by Alan Fading really sums up how (office) life could be for most of us if we do not realise that there is a hamster wheel we could be victims of, and more importantly how more fulfilling it is to get off it by ruthlessly prioritising what’s more important. Sounds very prescriptive in saying it, but it impacts one’s self deeply.

B. New place I discovered – Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand

You do not get to discover such new places all year round. I was lucky enough to travel to New Zealand in January. We visited so many beautiful places, but this one stuck with me for the simple reason that it did not exist as it does now just a couple of hundred years ago. The Frying Pan Lake was formed as a result of a big volcanic eruption in 1886, and continued to become what it is today between that time and 1917. Walking along the volcanic valley you can still see hot springs and smell the ground burning underneath. If anyone needs a reminder that change is constant, Waimangu is the place.

C. Most meaningful moment – 3rd birthday party

I am much older than that, but my older son turns 3 in February. We did an early celebration this year to be able to share the big event with my in-laws who were visiting in January. It was a very informal afternoon out with some Maltese food, friends from 5 different countries and a dog. As the quote says, “happiness is real when shared”, and this was one such moment.

To more lessons in 2019.