Reflections from half a century on Planet Earth.

#1. You can never own too many books.

#2. Or black T-shirts.

#3. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is the best comedy show…ever! 

#4. If you want to move to another country, do it. 

#5. And if that doesn’t work out, it’s ok to go back home too.

#6. A home is more than a place you live in. It’s your safe space. And if it ever stops feeling safe, find a new one. 

#7. On grey days, chocolate helps. So does watermelon.  Take your pick.

#8. Spicy food makes my world go round. 

#9. Life is short. Choose yourself – especially if you’ve spent years putting others first.

#10. Cheesecake and red wine together? Love this pair. 

#11. The only thing that is constant is change. Keep going. You’ll get through the hard times.

#12. Happiness doesn’t need to be big or bold. It can come in small ways – clouds in the sky, a good song on the radio, a kid smiling at you just like that. 

#13. Travel when you can. Life, or sometimes even pandemics, may stop you from travelling later.

#14. Sticky date pudding is one of the most gorgeous desserts on earth.

#15. Sometimes, dreams really do come true… the ones in your sleep and the ones in your heart.

#16. Life will have its challenges. You may pass or fail. The key is to try your best and take the next step.

#17. Australia is and will always be one of my favourite countries in the world.

#18. If I had only one dish to eat on a deserted island, it would be nasi lemak. 

#19. It’s never too late to learn how to cook. Learning from YouTube videos totally counts. 

#20. Whenever possible, get outside and walk. It’s low-key therapy that’s good for you. 

#21. Therapy sessions help too – in a different, deeper way. 

#22. If a spiritual path ever opens up for you, you’re meant to take it. It’s not always easy, but worth the try. 

#23. And it’s not a race. It’s a journey, with many bumps (and a few miracles) along the way.

#24. My favourite protein? Tofu.

#25. Solo travel is scary at first… but you’ll never forget it. Or regret it. Read about my solo trip to Spain here.

#26. If no one wants to go with you, go anyway. It will be fun. Or at least memorable. 

#27. Good friends are everything. Especially the ones who show up when you least expect it.

#28. You can learn from anyone and everyone. Even your 7- and 10- year old nieces. Here’s what I learnt from them.

#29. It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. 💯

#30. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You might just get more than you ask for.

#31. There are toxic people in every community, race and nationality. But there are good people everywhere too. 

#32. People who could do the most good for others rarely end up in power. 

#33. I would be nowhere without the existence of music.

#34. 90s music? Still the best!

#35. Watching your favourite cartoon is good for your soul.  

#36. Although it’s hard, I can actually write poems. Here’s my favourite so far.

#37. Reader’s block is real. It happens. But you can find your way back. Find out how here.

#38. Hot fudge sundaes + fries. Love it! 

#39. Dresses with pockets? Always a win. 

#40. It’s funny how food you hated as a kid – like bitter gourd or eggplant, become things you enjoy later.

#41. But some vegetables… still a no. Ladies fingers aka okra, NEVER!

#42. Money doesn’t buy happiness. But it does buy experiences – and that is priceless! Just like my Tasmanian holiday in 2018.

#43. After many years, you’ll still remember the little things – places, meals, music, good people. 

#44. Home is wherever your heart feels at peace. A room, a person, a favourite library… anywhere. 

#45. It’s okay to be a little rebellious – especially if you’re a rebel with a cause.  

#46. Books are almost always better than movies but I’m open to being proven wrong.

#47. John Mayer is the #1 musician in the world (for me). Yes, he had me at Wonderland.

#48. Trust your intuition. You know more than you think you do.

#49. Sometimes you need to unlearn things you’ve learnt growing up. It might take time, but it will be worth it.  

#50. In these 50 years, I’ve felt unexpected joy and laughed freely. I’ve stumbled, failed and succeeded despite life’s challenges. I’ve loved with all my heart and shed tears – but most of all, I’ve learned, and I’ll continue to learn on this journey of life

“I don’t believe in aging.  I believe in forever altering one’s aspect to the sun.”  ~ Virginia Woolf