Week 34, 2026: Still waters

It was one of those weeks where not a whole lot happened, but there were a few things that made it feel a little different from the usual.

We had a farewell for a colleague this week, and for that we went to a local place called The Glass Onion. It had some great views overlooking a golf course, and it was slightly drizzling while we were there. The weather and the setting made for a very chill evening. She also gave us all enamel pins as a little parting gift, which was a really sweet touch!

(I have to say, I think my pin suits me pretty well, seeing that the first thing I do as soon as I enter the office is get myself a nice, hot cup of cappuccino.) 😅

On Thursday, I attended my third coaching session (recommended by my colleague mentioned above; very thankful to her.) It was supposed to be a 30-minute session, but ended up going on for over an hour. I had a few major breakthroughs while working with my coach and discovered a lot of things about myself through the process. Quite deep. All in all, it was pretty enjoyable. I also made a lot of notes after the session.

Most notably, my coach introduced me to the differences between the “limbic system” and the prefrontal cortex, essentially contrasting the more instinctive, raw, emotional side of our thinking with the part that steps back and reasons things through. It was an interesting way of looking at some of the things I’ve been struggling with, and gave me quite a lot to think about afterwards. I really want to apply some of the stuff in practice.

The major feeling I was left with was immense regret, particularly regarding how I’ve been lately. I haven’t really been myself in a long time. I know I have a lot of potential, but there’s also been fear holding me back, and as a result, I’ve ended up becoming a version of myself that hasn’t really felt like me. Long story short, I’ve got some work to do on myself. (What have I been doing?! Apparently, being myself would have been the easier option. 😅)

Over the weekend, I finished reading The Phantom of the Opera. It was an entertaining read, and a bit absurd in places. I enjoyed the melodramatic, gothic atmosphere, and the whole thing felt a little bit ridiculous, in the best way possible.

Also, I picked up two (more) books this week: Letters to a Young Poet, by Rainer Maria Rilke (which I have just begun reading), and The Secret History, by Donna Tartt. Both books are quite different from what I’ve been reading lately, so I’m curious to see where they take me. (I know I’ve been on a book buying binge lately. Now all I’ve got to do is make some time to read them.)

Today, I watched Fantastic Four (2025) on streaming in the morning. Later, my sister came over for lunch, and I spent some time with her. Next week, I will be traveling to Goa with my family. My Dad’s birthday is in the first week of September, and I’m looking forward to that.

Overall, this week felt a little different. I can’t quite put the feeling into words.