“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates

These monthly reports are not some exercise in futility. They are not written to showcase grand achievements. They are honest recordings of the things I do, the failures I face, and the little successes I gain. They are an examination of my life.

Fortunately, some people are inspired by reading my monthly reports, and so I am inclined to continue writing them for those friends who root for me at all times. I think reading them again after some years will provide some interesting perspectives.

May was terribly humid. I was hardly able to concentrate. My line of work is mental, and thinking is done best when the temperature is optimal. If you notice, great literature often springs from cold places. I mean, hot places too, but I am sure the authors’ souls were cold—just my theory, though.

Anyway, the culprit is often the mobile phone. Whenever I do not use it first thing in the morning, I am productive. Otherwise, I am sucked into the vortex of distractions. If I had my way, I would not own a phone. I would stay on a mountain, away from the noise, but for practical reasons, this cannot be done.

Okay, enough of my rambling. Now it is time for the report.

Fitness

Compared to last month, I have been more consistent with my running and have spent more time outdoors. I have once again reached the 4.5-kilometer mark daily. My next goal is to consistently reach 5 kilometers and then begin improving my pace.

I should start strength training soon, but running is also a great opportunity for me to listen to sermons and positive books. It almost gives me enough energy for the entire day.

Reading

I read three short books this month, two of which were picture books for children. One was Books Make Good Friends by Jane Mount. I also read Me All Alone at the End of the World by M. T. Anderson. It was a thoughtful and philosophical read. 

This month’s Well-Read Indian Book Club pick was The Midnight Library. I enjoyed this book very much. I did not know what it was about when I started reading it, but it contained many meaningful life lessons. This was a five-star read for me. Join the club now. https://chat.whatsapp.com/C0QW8C04dIA8H6yg5FeCzp

I am continuing to reread the Harry Potter series for the gazillionth time. This month, it was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is a very long book, but I enjoyed it thoroughly because I listened to it alongside the full-cast audiobook adaptation, which was brilliant. In fact, the experience felt surreal. I cannot wait to read the mammoth Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix next month.

For my morning reading, I listened to The ONE Thing by Gary Keller. It was very practical, and I am trying to incorporate some of its ideas into my daily life.

Of course, I also read a massive book. It took me two months to complete: Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin by Timothy Snyder. The book examines the millions of people who died under the regimes of Hitler and Stalin. It was shocking to learn that around 14 million civilians were killed through famine, executions, and mass murder. The atrocities did not stop with Germany and the Soviet Union; they affected much of Eastern Europe, especially Poland. If you are interested in history, it is an excellent and thoroughly researched book. Reading history helps us better understand the present.

The final book I read was Q in the Garden of Grammar by Amal Fabian. I received this book for review and will be hosting a program with the author next month. I wish someone had taught me grammar through a story like this when I was younger. Children will definitely enjoy this approach to grammar, and I think teachers will appreciate it as well.

So far, I have read 32 out of 75 books, which means I am on track to reach my goal this year.

Spiritual

On the spiritual front, I have continued to spend time meditating on Scripture daily. I have also managed to write a daily Bible study for youth consistently throughout the month.

You are welcome to join the group if you would like to read short daily Bible study notes, or even if you are simply curious https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoiL2ZpIJYYC61Cq4PBHOF

Writing Update

I wrote four poems this month and a piece of microfiction for the club prompt. I am also nearing the completion of Branding and AI Mastery.

The co-author project is still in progress. Hopefully, I will soon begin the second draft of my children’s novel. I have almost forgotten what I wrote in the first draft, but that is probably a good thing. I can now approach the manuscript with fresh eyes and rewrite it more effectively.

Work Update

I completed a 10-day internship program for students at RVS College and conducted a creative writing workshop for teachers at CS Academy, Coimbatore. I also continued to handle corporate English training for MNC employees on a daily basis.

If you are interested in any of our services, feel free to send me a message. We provide workshops and training programs for schools, colleges, organizations, and individuals.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for patiently reading this report. Stay safe, keep growing, and let us step into June with hope and purpose.

As always, I would love to hear about your month as well. One of the joys of writing these reports is hearing how others are progressing in their own journeys.

Citius, Fortius, Audacius – “Faster, Stronger, Bolder”