Have you ever noticed how easy it is for your mind to get carried away by other people’s opinions, the news, or endless scrolling? The truth is simple: your mind is programmable. If you don’t reprogram your mind, someone else is doing it for you—your colleagues, your neighbor, social media, or even the restless energy of the city you live in. The question is: who do you want writing the script of your life?
Why You Must Reprogram Your Mind
Most of us never stop to think about what we are thinking. We go through the day absorbing stories, judgments, and fears that don’t even belong to us. But what if you pressed pause? What if you asked yourself: Is this what I truly believe? Will this thought help me move forward?
The practice of learning to reprogram your mind is about taking back ownership of your inner world. In my blog Discipline as the Ultimate Act of Self-Love, I explain how even small daily choices create lasting change. The same principle applies here—discipline in thought means you don’t let just anything enter your mental space. You choose your thoughts with intention.
Seeds of Growth: Reprogram Your Mind Daily
Think of your mind like a garden. If you don’t tend to it, weeds will grow. But if you plant the right seeds—gratitude, resilience, creativity—you’ll see transformation. When you reprogram your mind, you begin attracting the kind of energy that welcomes luck, opportunities, and meaningful connections into your life.
And here’s the best part: it doesn’t take giant leaps. In Self-Growth Tips: How Consistent Daily Effort Transforms Your Life, I share how steady daily action beats short bursts of intensity. The same applies to mental reprogramming—consistency matters more than perfection. Even one conscious thought can shift your momentum for the day.
Believe, Reprogram, Achieve
Once you clear away limiting beliefs, what do you fill the space with? Dreams. Bold, beautiful dreams. In my blog Believe in Your Dreams, I talk about how our dreams aren’t random—they are guiding lights showing us what’s possible. By choosing thoughts that align with those dreams, you make them more real each day.
To reprogram your mind is to give yourself permission to grow, to evolve, and to live a life that truly feels like your own.
Riya sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the bills and reminders scattered across the floor. She had made one wrong choice after another — quitting a stable job for a risky venture, trusting the wrong people, and ignoring her instincts. Now, everything seemed to be falling apart. Her savings were dwindling, her relationships were strained, and she felt like life itself was in shambles.
Her first thought was, “I’ve ruined everything. Maybe it’s too late to fix anything.”
But after a long, heavy sigh, she realized something: the past — no matter how disastrous — was already done. No amount of regret could change it. What mattered was what she chose to do now. Would she let these wrong decisions define her, or would she pick up the pieces and begin again with clarity and focus?
That’s the real heart of how to move on — not by obsessing over the mistakes or their consequences, but by shaping the present with discipline, courage, and belief in yourself.
Why “How to Move On” Means Choosing the Present
The past has no power unless we give it power. Wrong choices, wrong outcomes, or broken dreams — none of these truly define who you are.
What defines you is:
- What you think.
- How you feel.
- What you say.
- What you do, right now.
This is the essence of how to move on: stop being trapped by yesterday and start living in today.
When we heal our soul, we realize that moving on is not about erasing pain but transforming it into strength. Healing teaches us that the scars of the past can become the soil for tomorrow’s growth.
How to Move On with Discipline and Focus
Moving on isn’t about forgetting the past. It’s about building the future, step by step. Here’s how:
- Accept Without Overthinking
Accept what happened, but don’t replay it endlessly. Acceptance closes the chapter and frees your energy for new beginnings.
2. Choose What You Want Now
Clarity is power. What do you want to do next? A goal, a dream, or a change in direction? Remember: when you believe in your dreams, they give you the fuel to keep going.
3. Build Self-Discipline
Discipline is freedom. When you keep showing up every day — no matter how you feel — you begin to regain control. This is the essence of self-discipline: doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
4. Don’t Follow Your Mood, Follow Your Plan
Feelings change like the wind. But plans give direction. As I’ve shared before, don’t follow your mood, follow your plan. This one shift will keep you moving forward even when motivation dips.
5. Redefine Yourself by Action
You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are the choices you make today. Your daily thoughts, emotions, words, and actions are what truly define you.
The Power of Redefinition
Your past does not define you. Wrong decisions do not define you. Wrong outcomes do not define you.
What defines you is how you rise, how you focus, and how you keep moving forward. When you heal, discipline yourself, follow your plan, and believe in your dreams — you unlock the true secret of how to move on.
It is not about erasing what happened. It is about choosing what happens next.
Reflection: What small step of discipline or self-belief can you take today that will help you move forward with clarity and strength?
Riya sat on the floor, staring at the pile of unfinished tasks and failed plans. She had so many ideas, so many ambitions… yet nothing seemed to stick. Every time she tried to go “all in,” she burned out or gave up. Life felt chaotic, and she wondered if she was just not capable.
But then she remembered something simple: even the smallest effort, done consistently, can create extraordinary results. She decided to approach her goal setting differently—smartly, steadily, and without the pressure of perfection. That’s the heart of true goal setting: turning intention into action, step by step.
Why Goal Setting is More Than Making a List
Many people treat goal setting like a magic trick: write it down and wait for it to happen. But real goal setting is about clarity, structure, and consistent effort. It’s not about one big leap; it’s about building momentum and practicing self-discipline, which, as I’ve shared before, is the ultimate act of self-love.
I particularly love the MTO format of taking consistent steps and building momentum
- Minimum: Your baseline. The bare minimum you commit to doing daily. Even on tough days, completing this is a win.
- Target: A realistic but challenging outcome. Something that stretches you without overwhelming you.
- Outrageous: Your dream goal, the “wow” result. Go for it occasionally, celebrate it, and use it to fuel motivation.
This MTO approach beats the all-or-nothing syndrome. You no longer fail if you don’t hit perfection; you still win by doing the bare minimum consistently.
How to Use Discipline and Consistency in Goal Setting
- Start Small, Build Momentum
Consistency beats intensity. A bucket of water on a rock won’t make a dent, but steady drops eventually carve a hole. Same with goal setting: small, repeated efforts create lasting results.
2. Focus on the Bare Minimum on Bad Days
Some days will be rough. Instead of giving up, focus on completing the minimum. That keeps your momentum alive and reinforces self-discipline—a true form of self-love.
3. Occasionally Reach for the Outrageous
Going for your dream outcome occasionally keeps things exciting. Reward yourself when you hit those moments—it reinforces progress and keeps motivation high.
4. Redefine Success Through Action
You are not your missed targets or past mistakes. You are the steps you take today. Each completed task, each small win, redefines your path forward. Consistent daily effort compounds over time, transforming your life in ways you may not immediately see.
The Real Secret to Achieving the Impossible
The power of goal setting lies in discipline + clarity + consistency. By committing to daily effort, honoring your minimums, and stretching toward targets and dreams, what once seemed impossible becomes achievable.
Every small step counts. Every drop of effort creates impact. And over time, those drops carve a life you once thought unattainable.
Reflection: What is one bare-minimum step you can take today toward your goal setting journey? Take it, and watch momentum grow.
5. Redefine Yourself by Action
You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are the choices you make today. Your daily thoughts, emotions, words, and actions are what truly define you.
The Power of Redefinition
Your past does not define you. Wrong decisions do not define you. Wrong outcomes do not define you.
What defines you is how you rise, how you focus, and how you keep moving forward. When you heal, discipline yourself, follow your plan, and believe in your dreams — you unlock the true secret of how to move on.
It is not about erasing what happened. It is about choosing what happens next.
Reflection: What small step of discipline or self-belief can you take today that will help you move forward with clarity and strength?
We all have two sides inside us — the good, inspiring side and the not-so-good side that holds us back. Sometimes, life’s struggles make us forget the good in us. But did you know that even life’s problems can help you become your best self?
This idea is inspired by the Kaizen principle — the Japanese way of making tiny improvements every day. If you keep trying, one step at a time, you can slowly become your best self.
Become Your Best Self — Focus on Your Higher Self
So how do you really become your best self? It starts with choosing where you put your focus. Maybe sometimes you get angry, say hurtful things, or feel lazy — that’s normal. But what matters is what you do next.
Instead of feeling guilty forever, notice your actions gently. Accept, “Yes, I could have done better.” Then, ask yourself, “How can I do better next time?” This is how Kaizen works — tiny, honest steps forward.
When you feel like hurting someone with words, try to focus on your loving kindness instead. This is how you slowly change — not by ignoring your mistakes, but by promising yourself that next time, you will choose better.
Every Small Choice Helps You Become Your Best Self
No one becomes perfect overnight. It’s okay if you slip up. Each time you catch yourself, pause and ask: “Is this what my higher self would do? Or am I acting out of anger, fear, or greed?”
Even this small moment of awareness helps you become your best self. Imagine how much better you will feel after many tiny moments like this!
Your Journey Starts Now
Remember, you started good. As a child, your heart was pure and full of love. Life’s challenges may have covered that up, but those problems can also help you shine brighter — just like a diamond formed under pressure.
So take one step today. Take a deep breath. Focus on your higher side. Be gentle with your mistakes, but firm with your promise to improve.
Step by step, choice by choice — you will become your best self.
Keep going. Keep growing. The best version of you is waiting — and you’re already on your way.
Have you ever wondered how some people stay strong even when life is really hard? It’s not because they wake up super motivated every single day. It’s because they choose to live a purpose driven life.
One true purpose is greater than all the motivations put together. Motivation fades — but purpose stays.
A Purpose Driven Life Gives You Strength
Think about this: every day, we all look for motivation — a good quote, a video, someone cheering us on. But motivation comes and goes like the weather.
A purpose driven life, on the other hand, is like having a steady sun inside you. Even when the sky is cloudy, that sun keeps shining. Purpose pulls you forward when motivation disappears.
When you have a purpose driven life, you don’t give up when things get tough. You stand back up because you know why you are here.
Why Purpose Beats Motivation Every Time
Motivation says, “Do this because it feels good today.”
Purpose says, “Do this because it’s right — even if it’s hard.”
Motivation comes from outside — books, videos, people. But a purpose driven life comes from inside you — from your values, your truth, your soul.
One clear purpose will always be stronger than a hundred motivations.
How to Live a Purpose Driven Life
A purpose driven life does not mean you’ll never feel lazy, sad, or tired. You will — we all do. But purpose reminds you why you get back up.
To find your purpose, ask yourself:
- What do I truly care about?
- What would I still do if no one thanked me?
- What makes me feel alive inside?
When you find your purpose, hold it close. Every time you feel weak, come back to it. Let it lift you when motivation can’t.
Your Purpose Is Greater Than You Know
Remember this: motivation is like a spark — purpose is like a flame.
Keep your flame burning. Protect it. Grow it. Let it light your path. Because when you live a purpose driven life, no setback can hold you down for long.
One purpose is greater than all motivations put together.
May you find yours — and may it carry you through every season of life.
Have you ever wondered why certain things happened in your life? The pain, the mistakes, the heartbreaks — sometimes they feel so unfair. But here’s the truth: when you find your life purpose, you realise that everything that happened with you actually happened for you.
Find Your Life Purpose — The Pieces Will Make Sense
Many people think life is random. Good things make us happy, bad things make us sad — and in between, we try to make sense of it all. But the day you find your life purpose, the story changes.
Suddenly, you see how the worst days shaped your best parts. You see how the heartbreaks cracked your heart open, so it could grow bigger. You see how the failures taught you lessons no book could teach.
When you find your life purpose, you look back and understand: life wasn’t punishing you — it was preparing you.
Every Struggle Builds You
You might ask, “But why did I have to go through so much pain?” The answer is simple but powerful: because pain shapes you in ways comfort never can.
The day you find your life purpose, you’ll see how that lost job pushed you to your real calling. You’ll see how that broken friendship taught you what true loyalty feels like. You’ll see how all the closed doors led you to the right one.
Everything was making you ready to become the person who can live your purpose fully.
Finding Your Life Purpose Takes Time
Don’t worry if you don’t know your purpose yet. Some people discover it early, some find it later — and that’s okay. The point is to keep listening. Keep asking yourself, “What makes me feel alive? What feels true to me?”
Your purpose might be hidden in the tiny things you love — helping people, creating, caring, teaching, healing. Trust that you’ll find it, step by step. One day, it will all click, and you’ll see how perfectly life prepared you.
Everything Happened For You
So if you feel stuck in the middle of your story, be gentle with yourself. Life isn’t done shaping you yet.
Trust that the day you find your life purpose, you’ll look back and smile. You’ll see that nothing was wasted. The pain, the lessons, the small wins — they all worked together to build you into the person you were meant to be.
Everything that happened with you, really happened for you. And it always will.
Keep going. Keep growing. You’re closer than you think.
Do you often find your mind running wild—jumping from task to task, past to future, worry to doubt? Learning how to control your mind is one of the most transformative skills you can develop. When your thoughts are scattered, it’s difficult to focus, feel at peace, or move forward with clarity. The key lies in turning inward, becoming the observer, and gently taking the reins of your mental world.
Understanding the Monkey Mind
In ancient spiritual traditions, the term monkey mind refers to a restless, overactive mind that constantly seeks stimulation. It overthinks, overreacts, and often traps you in endless loops of what-ifs and should-haves. According to Master Choa Kok Sui (the founder of Modern Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga):
“The mind is a subtle instrument of the soul.”
This means that the mind is a tool—not the master. But when we don’t know how to control our mind, it takes control of us. The good news? With awareness and consistent practice, you can retrain your mind to be focused, still, and aligned with your higher purpose.
Why You Must Learn How to Control Your Mind
“The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master.”
— Robin Sharma
If left untrained, your mind can:
- Sap your energy with constant noise.
- Trigger emotional overreactions and mental fog.
- Distract you from your purpose and goals.
When you learn how to control your mind, you reclaim your ability to:
- Stay calm amidst chaos.
- Focus on what truly matters.
- Respond to situations consciously, rather than reacting impulsively.
How to Control Your Mind: 5 Powerful Practices
1. Practice Present-Moment Awareness
Mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to calm mental chaos. Whether it’s watching your breath, feeling your steps as you walk, or truly tasting your food, mindfulness helps you anchor your attention.
2. Observe Your Thoughts and Emotions
Step back and notice your thoughts without judgment. This detachment helps you see your mind as a flowing stream, not something you have to dive into every time.
3. Reduce Mental Clutter
Take digital detox breaks. Cut down on notifications. Clear your physical space to help declutter your mental one.
4. Reflect Through Journaling
Writing down your thoughts at the end of the day helps you process emotions and understand recurring patterns.
5. Pause and Respond
Before reacting emotionally, take a deep breath. The ability to pause is a sign that you’re gaining control. For deeper insights on conscious response, read: Self-Awareness and Personal Growth – The Missing Link in Your Reactions
The First Step to Inner Peace and Focus
You don’t have to silence your mind completely—but learning how to control your mind empowers you to guide it gently, like a friend, rather than fight it like a foe. It’s the foundation for self-mastery, emotional balance, and spiritual clarity.
In the blog, “Observe Your Thoughts and Emotions – The Path to Clarity and Calm“, we dive deeper into observing your thoughts and emotions—a key technique that brings calm, clarity, and control.
Six months ago, on a chilly January morning, Aarav sat by his window with a cup of chai and a head full of plans. He scribbled resolutions on a fresh page — new habits, bold goals, dreams that made his heart race. But life, as it does, brought surprises along the way — unexpected wins, a few stumbles, and lessons he hadn’t planned for. Now, as July’s breeze drifts in, Aarav pauses for a moment that most people forget: a mid-year review. It’s his chance to dust off that notebook, look back at the journey so far, and ask: Where am I? What have I learned? And how do I want to shape the rest of this year?
If you’re reading this, consider this your gentle reminder: It’s time for your Mid-Year Review.
Do you feel ready for it? Dive in…
Step 1: Sit Down with Yourself
- Find a quiet, comfortable space.
- Turn off your phone. No pings. No distractions.
- Grab a pen and paper (or get a print of our free downloadable guide) — yes, old-school. Something magical happens when you write.
Step 2: Reflect on Your 2025 Goals
- What were the goals you set at the start of this year?
- Write them down. All of them.
Don’t rush this.
Now, for each goal, ask yourself:
- How much have I achieved? Quantitatively (numbers) and qualitatively (inner growth)?
- Did I celebrate my progress?
- What didn’t go as planned — and why?
Let’s break this down across the 4 major areas of life:
Health Goals
- Did you stick to your fitness routine or wellness practices?
- Are you feeling more energetic, calm, or centered?
- Have you been sleeping well, eating mindfully, and listening to your body?
Celebrate the improvements — even the small ones.
✍ If you fell off track, ask: Was it lack of time, energy, or motivation? What can change?
Wealth Goals
- How’s your saving/investment plan going?
- Did you earn what you expected in H1?
- Are you managing money wisely or letting stress/patterns dictate your choices?
Acknowledge the wins.
✍ If goals are lagging, be honest. What habits need to shift? Are you focusing on the 80/20?
Relationship Goals
- Did you spend quality time with people who matter?
- Have you been present, forgiving, and open in your relationships?
- Did you create time for bonding, appreciation, and emotional connection?
Relationships are not just about others — they start with you.
✍ Where do you feel drained? What needs healing? What needs more time and love?
Spiritual Goals
- Did you stick to your spiritual practices — be it meditation, prayer, reflection, or service?
- Do you feel more connected to yourself or Source?
- Has your inner chatter reduced, and clarity increased?
Acknowledge how far you’ve come — even if it’s just showing up.
✍ If the practice has slipped, gently return. Realignment is just one breath away.
Step 3: What Were the Key Misses & Learnings?
Be radically honest, not harsh.
Failures and gaps are great teachers.
Ask:
- What caused the miss — lack of clarity, time, discipline, fear?
- What did you learn about yourself?
- What patterns are repeating?
Awareness is the first win. Change follows.
Step 4: Reset with Focus and Intention
Some goals may now feel irrelevant. Some may feel even more urgent.
That’s okay.
Here’s how to reset:
- Apply the 80/20 Rule: What 20% of actions will bring 80% of impact?
- Stay disciplined — remember that self-discipline is the highest form of self-love (blog link)
- Don’t give in to moods — stay on course even when motivation dips. (blog link)
Step 5: Buckle Up and Get It Done
Stretch yourself — not to burnout, but to expansion.
You have six more months to:
- Sharpen your vision
- Strengthen your habits
- Show up for yourself like never before
Closing Thoughts
A Mid-Year Review is not a performance audit.
A mid-year review is a moment of self-connection. A quiet conversation with your inner compass.
So breathe. Be kind to yourself. And recommit — not to perfection, but to progress.
Because you are not behind.
You are just one mindful review away from a stronger, brighter, and more aligned second half of 2025.
Want to make this easier?
Download the Mid-Year Reflection Sheet
Revisit your goals every Sunday – 10 minutes is all it takes
Try Twin Hearts Meditation weekly to stay centered and clear
Use this blog as your gentle guide. Share it with someone who needs a reset.
And remember: You’ve still got time. Now let’s make it count.
A long time ago, people believed the earth was flat.
They believed it not because they had seen its edges, but because everyone around them said so. There was no questioning, no curiosity, just blind acceptance. Today, we know better—but sometimes, don’t we still fall into that same trap? We follow trends, opinions, or even beliefs, simply because everyone else does.
In one of his most powerful teachings, Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, the founder of modern Pranic Healing, reminds us through the Golden Lotus Sutras:
“Accept something only when you have validated it for yourself.”
This wisdom forms the foundation of what it truly means to think for yourself.
Think for Yourself: The Gateway to Clarity and Confidence
We live in a time where we can read, write, access knowledge, and discuss ideas openly. That’s a big deal. Thousands of years ago, people often had to follow what they were told—simply because they had no other way to know better. But you and I? We’re lucky. We have the tools to question, to explore, and to reflect.
Master Choa teaches that we should not accept things blindly. We must reflect, validate, and understand what we believe in—not just repeat what others say.
So, the next time someone tells you something—whether it’s a trending opinion, a workplace norm, or even a spiritual idea—pause and ask:
- Does this feel true for me?
- Have I understood it clearly?
- Have I experienced it myself?
This practice helps you think for yourself, rather than following the crowd.
From Confusion to Clarity: Why Thinking for Yourself Matters
When you start questioning and thinking deeply, something beautiful happens. You become more mindful of your choices, your words, and your actions. Your decisions come from inner clarity—not outer pressure.
And slowly, you begin to feel grounded. You’re no longer shaken by every opinion on social media or every changing trend at work. Instead, you stay true to your values, because you’ve thought it through.
Master Choa Kok Sui reminds us that it’s okay to not have immediate answers. You can take 10 or 20 years to reach a conclusion. There’s no rush. In fact, this freedom to reflect deeply is what makes your understanding more powerful—and more yours.
Stand Like the Sea: Calm, Strong, and True
When you think for yourself, you start aligning your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. You’re no longer just reacting—you’re choosing. And that brings inner confidence.
You become like the sea—calm, steady, yet immensely powerful.
So journal your thoughts. Ask deep questions. Take your time. And when you accept a truth, let it be one you’ve tested, experienced, and understood.
In a world full of noise, choose to be the one who thinks.
Have you ever felt like your brain just won’t stop buzzing? Notifications, noise, endless scrolling—it’s as if we’re constantly under a sensory storm. In an earlier blog, we wrote about how fasting helps us physically and spiritually (read here). But today, let’s explore a different kind of fasting—fasting for mental clarity. This isn’t just about skipping food. It’s about creating space to think, feel, and just be.
Why Mental Clarity Feels So Hard Today
We often get bored or lose focus because we’re overwhelmed by constant sensory input. Every moment is filled with colors, tastes, notifications, music, and distractions. The more we consume, the more we crave. The moment we stop, our mind screams for the next hit of stimulation.
But if we truly want to go within, our minds need stillness. And to get there, we need to fast—not just from food, but from the noise and overindulgence of our senses.
Fasting for Mental Clarity Begins with the Senses
Fasting for mental clarity means stepping back from anything that overwhelms your system. Begin small. Try making your meals less exciting—not as a punishment, but as a way to reset your senses.
Eat something plain. Skip the screens while you eat. Let your meal be what it’s supposed to be—fuel for the body, not entertainment for the mind.
When your meal is no longer a thrill, your mind begins to settle. You start finding joy not in what’s outside—but in the stillness inside.
Digital Detox: Give Your Mind Room to Breathe
Another powerful form of fasting is a digital detox. Put your phone down. Log out of social media. Turn off the constant stream of content—even for just an hour or two a day.
The silence may feel awkward at first. That’s okay. It’s in that quiet that your nervous system starts to relax. You’ll begin to hear your own thoughts again—and feel what’s really going on inside you.
Sit in Solitude and Let Your Mind Clear
Try this simple practice: Sit alone in a quiet room, or step outside and sit under a tree or by a window. Don’t do anything. Don’t scroll. Don’t reach for your phone. Just sit.
At first, it might feel uncomfortable. You may notice difficult or painful thoughts surfacing. Let them come. Let them pass. It’s precisely these emotions and thoughts that need to be released. You’re making space for your inner self to heal.
In this practice of solitude, you’ll discover that you don’t always need to “do” something to feel okay. Being with yourself—without judgment or distraction—is deeply freeing.
Benefits You’ll Begin to Notice
As you start these small mental fasts—through simpler meals, digital detoxes, and quiet time—you may notice:
- Emotional clarity – You begin to understand what you’re feeling instead of numbing it.
- Stronger focus – With fewer distractions, your attention sharpens.
- Less anxiety – The mind calms down when it’s not constantly reacting to outside noise.
- More joy in small things – A simple breath, a soft breeze, or a warm cup of tea starts feeling magical.
From Spiritual Roots to Daily Peace
Fasting is found in many spiritual paths—not just for physical cleansing, but for emotional and mental purification. It teaches:
- Self-mastery – You learn to rise above cravings and impulses.
- Inner strength – You see how capable and complete you are without needing constant pleasure.
- Connection to your soul – As distractions fall away, your inner light shines brighter.
This is not about denying life’s pleasures. It’s about discovering that real peace lives within.
Begin with Gentle Steps
You don’t need to go off the grid. Just try these:
- Eat one simple meal daily—without phone, music, or distractions.
- Take 30–60 minutes of screen-free time each day.
- Sit alone in a room or outdoors—in silence, even for 10 minutes.
- Notice and breathe through your cravings instead of reacting to them.
- Be kind to yourself—you’re doing this to love your body and mind, not to punish them.
Final Thought: Clarity is Found in the Quiet
Fasting for mental clarity isn’t about doing more. It’s about allowing more space—so your thoughts can settle, your emotions can soften, and your soul can speak.
So, the next time your world feels too loud or too much, pause. Step back. Fast a little—not just from food, but from noise, distraction, and overconsumption.
In that space, you’ll find something priceless: clarity, peace, and the joy of simply being.