Eid Mubarak! - Sunday Surprise [30th March 2025]
Yay to more coffees during the day!
Eid Mubarak!
As you’re reading this, Ramadan is ending for 2025, which means day time coffee/food/water is back on the menu. Like every year, it’s probably the mid-morning coffee that I miss the most (and water).
Are you celebrating today? How has the last 2 weeks been? I missed the newsletter last week since it was my birthday and was taken away on a surprise trip by my wife, but more on that below…
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Last week, we went to a Dale Chihuly exhibit tucked into the lush paths of the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. We'd seen Chihuly's mesmerizing glass art years ago in Seattle—but this time, the experience was split in two: first, by daylight. Then, by moonlight.
During the day, his sculptures were vibrant and alive, almost plantlike in their organic twists and blooms. But the real surprise? She had planned a second visit after sunset.
And wow.
The same pieces—especially a blue spiky dandelion-like structure—morphed completely. In daylight, it was playful. At night, under focused lighting, it became a glowing alien star. Otherworldly. Ethereal. Almost surreal.
What changed? Not the art.
Just the light.
And that got me thinking…
🎯Actionable insight
The Power of Context Shifts
Much like those sculptures, we change under different conditions.
One big takeaway this week:
“Context isn't just a background—it’s the invisible sculptor shaping how we see, feel, and respond.”
Ever snap at someone only to later realize it wasn’t about them at all? Maybe you were tired, or hungry, or carrying a dozen unseen pressures. The other person, though, now carries their interpretation of that moment—and the ripple spreads.
Here’s a practical way to work with that:
🔁 The Context Reframe Mini-Check:
Pause before reacting. Ask: What’s really influencing me right now?
Shift the setting if possible. Step outside. Drink water. Light a candle.
Revisit the moment later—especially if it felt off. Context changes with time, too.
Extend grace—to yourself and others. Maybe they were just in the wrong “light.”
This week, try journaling a moment each day where you noticed context playing a role—positively or otherwise. Let me know if you see any patterns.
Interesting articles/videos
🎥DOAC: They Lied About the Economy
A rare debate-style episode of Diary of a CEO, where economist Gary Stevenson and entrepreneur Daniel Priestley clash over what’s really happening in the global economy.🌱The Big Misconception About Clean Energy
A powerful rethink on green energy—more clean power, not less energy use, might be the real solution.💼 How to Make More Money as an Employee
A refreshing shift in perspective—see hiring and promotions from your boss’s point of view.
Cool finds
Tiny Tools for a Low-Info, High-Presence Life
In line with the previous attempt at a low information diet and staying present, here are two small but mighty tools that help you reset your context—just enough to make a big difference.
🕐 OneSec*
What it does: Adds a short pause before you can open apps like Instagram or Twitter. Referral link gets you 1 free month
Why it matters: It disrupts the autopilot doomscroll and asks, “Do you really want to do this?”
Presence boost: A micro-moment to breathe, refocus, and possibly skip the distraction entirely
🌅 Momentum (Chrome Extension)*
What it does: Replaces your new tab page with a peaceful photo, an inspiring quote, and a simple question: “What’s your focus today?”
Why it matters: It turns a mindless action (opening a tab) into a mindful one
Presence boost: Gently anchors your attention and intention in the now
Together, they help you stay in your moment.
A quick poll…
Or just hit “reply” and let me know!
Ramadan fundraiser ends soon!
Just a quick update on the fundraiser- we’re up to nearly $600 before I double it and add the earnings from Youtube and any other creative endeavours!
There’s still 2 days left, so if you’d like to contribute, please click the link below. And thank you for considering it.
Weekly Update
Well, I suppose it’s about a fortnight this time! Here’s some of the highlights
Birthday came and went - but it turned into a week long celebration with different friends taking me out for dinner
Surprise trip by the wife - it made the end of the week very memorable
Walked the Chihuly exhibit— TWICE!
Actually saw Adelaide as quite a bustling city for a change - Fringe Festival was on
Celebrated the end of Ramadan with Eid prayers and a hearty meal with friends and family
Took my own advice and started to cut back on work hours. Realised that for the first time in my adult life, I’ll be working less than 40hrs per week regularly going forwards!
Photos and some more updates on the blog…
Quote of the week
This week, it’s from a French-Cuban-American writer…
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