An investment in wellbeing and passion pays the best interest

Societal Issues, sports and hobby, Values and Principles, ,

Hello, everyone!

I’m currently on an income-free sabbatical, which is also known as “funemployed by choice”. As a freelancer, I only earn money when I work (i.e. coach, teach, or train). I don’t have paid holidays and perks; just my computer and a strong appreciation for good tea. As usual for summer, my bank account has hit rock bottom somewhere Down Under, but my wellbeing has taken up mountaineering figuratively and literally speaking. Regarding the latter, below is the photo I took while hiking at the Todtnau suspension bridge and waterfalls in the Black Forest highlands on 27/07/25.

I’ve been embracing the luxurious lifestyle of online chess tournaments (where I consistently lose to 12-year-olds) and reading a lot – from film subtitles in Spanish and food labels in French to books on politics in English. My long walks have doubled as existential therapy, and the quality of time spent with my family (who are certainly thrilled with my company but unsure with my cooking) has improved.

Writing has been on pause, but fear not because I’m dipping into the archives! So, today, please enjoy this short gem from my already-written manuscript, which is expected to be on the global stage next month.

“I did not just eat my way through Europe. I collected breathtaking landmarks and castles like Pokémon cards (My second son used to collect these).

Belgium’s Grand Place was so ornate it made me feel underdressed, like a tourist crashing Versailles.

Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes are so breathtaking; I genuinely considered ditching modern life to become a writer in residence at the cascading waterfalls. These lakes change colour throughout the day and seasons, from bright turquoise to deep blue or green.

Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle practically screamed ‘This is where a Disney villain files their taxes‘.

Italy offered me the Colosseum, where I raised an imaginary sword to a costumed gladiator hanging around, offering photos for a fee.

Liechtenstein was a surprise! I blinked and nearly missed it, but I did see Vaduz Castle, where I pretended to be waving at its royal family, as if I were auditioning for a reality show.

Slovenia’s Lake Bled made me think that Mother Nature got a Canva Pro subscription and went wild. Perhaps, it was designed by someone with a Pinterest addiction because it is so picturesque.

In Spain, I stood in awe at the Sagrada Familia, which looks like a cathedral being slowly devoured by melting caramel.

If you ask me what place fascinated me most, I will whisper ‘Poland for the blueberries; because in the end, no matter how many castles I see, or how many languages I pantomime my way through, nothing beats wandering a market in Poland, clutching a kilo of blueberries and feeling like I just raided nature’s pantry'”.

How about you; where have you been lately? Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic.  It could be as simple as wandering to the couch, the balcony, or that sacred spot three steps from the fridge where you go to ‘think’. Sometimes the best getaways are within walking distance and don’t require a suitcase or sunscreen.

Stay safe and cheerful; may your battery recharge faster than your phone!

Summer in Europe – Taking a break from work and self care

culture, Societal Issues, sports and hobby, Values and Principles

Hello. I’m currently enjoying my annual holiday and taking this time to read more than write. So instead of something new, I’m sharing an article I wrote six weeks ago; it’s part of a book chapter I’m hoping to publish this year.

“My favourite season is summer (June – September), as I burst with life even though streets in Luxembourg and France are almost empty. Some shops are closed in August, and most inhabitants are on holiday elsewhere.  I adore the thick air with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grasses in parks. Those who have returned from their annual holiday or cannot afford one, are enjoying the outdoors, such as walking and riding bicycles.  

I’m often away in July, sometimes spending precious moments with relatives and friends in Australia and England. Since I do not resume work until September, I have plenty of time to enjoy European life in t-shirts, shorts, and tongs.

Last year, one blazing summer day, my French friend decided to take her dog walking with us along the Moselle River. Coco, a golden retriever with more energy than the sun itself, was beyond excited. While we were admiring the wild berries, Coco immediately ran straight into the water, but instead of swimming, he started chasing after a swan. Annie, thinking this would be harmless fun, continued picking up wild berries with me until we heard a loud splash. She turned to see Coco, completely soaked, doing a full-on sprint toward her. With his tail wagging like a propeller, Coco kicked up water everywhere, sending my blueberries flying into the air.

In France (where I live), in summer, residents flee to the Riviera, tourists queue for lukewarm espresso, and every “boulangerie” (bakery) ​has mysteriously “fermé pour congés” (closed for holiday) until further notice. Likewise, in Luxembourg (where I work), half the country is on holiday, the other half is stuck in traffic (due to infrastructure work) trying to leave or ​go to work in skeleton offices, and somehow ​I still need a jacket in the morning.”

Where we were a fortnight ago, the sun turned tourists into tomatoes and our Airbnb didn’t know why the oven was out-of-order. We had to decide whether to eat a cold pizza or be generous to the bin; aided by the heatwave that spoilt the cheese and my appetite, the latter won.​ We were in a European country that shares a total land border of 2000 kilometres with Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Morocco, and Portugal. Can you guess where we were?

Holidays improve our mental and physical health, relieve stress and monotony, and strengthen relationships.

Vive l’été en Europe! Vamos a la playa!

I’m wishing you a restful, safe, and fun break from work wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Rolade

AI and the English language

culture, language, society, Values and Principles

I’m often asked by my students which type of English is better, UK or US English. My response is: “Either. Be consistent.  If you’re familiar with both, then think of the recipients, and use the one they prefer”. This advice is taken seriously only for a short while, as the US English dominates the world, remarkably in entertainment and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Louro, C R  (2025), “AI systems are built on English – but not the kind most of the world speaks” (https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/ai-systems-are-built-on-english-but-not-the-kind-most-of-the-worl). She estimates that 90% of the training data for current generative AI systems stem from American English. This is not surprising because the United States has been in the forefront in the development of the Internet, as demonstrated by its tech giants such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI.

It is not only the UK English that is corrected, replaced, or scraped from the web that is based on US media, software, and platforms. For the purpose of this article, I posted to Mistral AI this statement — “The recce was an outcome of an enquiry into organised crime”. This is its suggested version:

Le Chat – Mistral AI is a French company headquartered in Paris. French students learn British English, but this is overtaken by US English once they’re out of school.

I requested ChatGPT for the same thing, and it gave me this suggestion: “The reconnaissance was conducted as a result of an inquiry into organised crime”.

“Recce” is an informal Australian, British, and Canadian word which refers to a military observation or the process of visiting and quickly looking around a place in order to find out information about it; Americans use “recon”. The latter spell organise with a “z” and enquiry with an “i”.

I have friends and family in Singapore – a former British colony and member of the Commonwealth – whose English, known as Singlish, is often dismissed by AI. Its unique syntax and vocabulary are systematically ignored, and their pronunciation is “corrected”.

The use of U.S. English in AI systems undermines linguistic diversity, which is sad because languages are more than just tools for communication. They carry cultural knowledge, identity, and history.

So, next time your software or phone prompts you to “correct” your spelling or replace your words, ask yourself: Is my English being excluded? (That’s why it is still important to learn correctly the rules of grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structuring).

If an AI chatbot fails to understand what you say, ask yourself why your English has been excluded? Don’t take it personally. An accent is part of one’s identity!

Friendship at Work

Career and employment, personal and social development, Societal Issues, Values and Principles,

On April 23, I visited the Luxembourg City Museum* to explore the “Babel Heureuse” exhibition. Luxembourg is a multilingual country, and its government documents are available in four languages. In shops, businesses, and public spaces, you’re likely to find someone who speaks a language you understand. This rich linguistic diversity, which is symbolised by the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, is the exhibition’s theme.

I was accompanied by my former student who now works in asset management. My decision to visit was influenced by conversations with my current students. Over time, some of my former and current students have become friends. This has made me reflect: Is it appropriate to build and maintain workplace friendships?

Fostering workplace friendships takes effort and intentionality. That’s why many companies organise team-building activities, social events, or after-work gatherings with drinks and finger food to help create a friendly, collaborative environment. These activities are often effective, but I believe that simply spending a few minutes each day chatting about non-work topics can be even more impactful.

Communication is the foundation of any relationship, and this is especially true at work. Open, honest communication helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens trust. Workplace relationships thrive when they are built on empathy and mutual support, i.e. when we offer help, encouragement, and genuine care.

However, workplace friendships must strike a balance between professionalism and personal connection. When managed thoughtfully, these relationships can enrich both our careers and social lives. How do we navigate this balance? Here are the three main principles:

  1. Set clear boundaries between personal and professional matters; this includes appropriate appearance, language, and behaviour in each context.
  2. Maintain open and honest communication to ensure expectations and emotions are clear.
  3. Be mindful of our actions and words — No excessive socialising or oversharing that might be misinterpreted or raise concerns among colleagues. Avoid prejudicial and discriminatory language.

It’s also essential to refrain from favouritism, which can damage team morale, undermine our credibility, and create a toxic work environment. Fair treatment in assigning tasks, giving feedback, and making decisions is crucial.

The workplace is a “perfectly imperfect” environment; conflicts can arise at any time. When they do, they should be addressed quickly and professionally, without letting personal emotions cloud our judgement.

Ultimately, workplace friendship can be a powerful asset. It supports our growth, boosts morale, and makes work more enjoyable.

*This text is on the Luxembourg City Museum’s wall:

Happy Labour Day celebrations!

My Stories, Your Pages, and Our History

culture, personal and social development, Societal Issues, society, Values and Principles

A couple of weeks ago, on my way to the grocery shop, I spotted a poster about a photography exhibition at our city’s Centre de Lierre. Since it’s just a short walk from my home, I decided to stop by and was glad I did. The exhibition, running from March 7 to April 7, features the work of Michel Muller, showcasing beautiful photographs of people reading books in various settings, situations, and weather conditions. It is a wonderful reminder of how delightful it is to read outdoors, especially now that the weather is turning sunny and summer is just around the corner.

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. – Richard Steele

Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor and philanthropist, attributes his success to his lifelong habit of reading books and newspapers. Apparently, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, reads around 50 books a year. Barack Obama, the former U.S. president, is a passionate reader and often shares his book recommendations. Oprah Winfrey is an avid reader and has created her own book club.

Reading regularly offers tremendous benefits to people from all walks of life. When we were living in Australia, I would take my son to the library for the weekly book reading sessions. His face would light up as he listened to stories, and we always left with a stack of books (the maximum allowed to borrow). I believe this sparked his imagination and fostered a love for reading, which remains with him to this day. More than 20 years later, he still carries a hardcopy of a book wherever he goes and, every year, he gives me a book as a Christmas gift.

Although I don’t buy books often, I make a point of exchanging, lending, and borrowing them regularly. Just last month, my student lent me a book written by her grandfather, which turned out to be a gem.

Her grandfather was a lawyer and reserve officer who commanded the Ligne Maginot (named after French Minister of War André Maginot), a line of concrete fortifications, obstacles, and weapon installations built by France in the 1930s to prevent a Nazi German invasion. He served there from 1939 to 1940; then, defended resistance fighters before the occupiers’ special tribunal, and also advocated for those wrongly accused as collaborators during the liberation by American and Allied forces. This personal story is set against a backdrop of fatality and heroism in places I’ve been to, including where I now live.

Sadly, even with a book like this — detailing sufferings, deaths, and tragedies — it seems those in power never learn from history. Greed, expansionism, modern-day imperialism, militarism, and the rise of totalitarianism persist, even in countries that consider themselves democracies. (Really, democracy? Perhaps anocracy – part democracy and part autocracy/dictatorship.)

Books are a uniquely portable magic. —Stephen King

The Bandwagon Effect in Books

culture, personal and social development, society, Values and Principles

Two weeks ago, my writing buddy emailed me her thoughts on a book I had mentioned to her. “The characters are reduced to their nationalities; most of them are just clichés. This isn’t my idea of multiculturalism,” she wrote. A few days later, a freelance journalist acquaintance shared a similar perspective, detailing her concerns, which were not only about the book’s portrayal of diversity. Yet, this novel has received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Positive professional and public reviews can encourage authors to write more, refine their craft, and take bold risks in their storytelling. However, a single negative review can feel like a devastating blow. As an author, I find this unsettling. What should we do when we strongly disapprove of how a book handles its subject matter?

These recent discussions about books led me to think more deeply about the bandwagon effect and its influence on literary reviews.

The bandwagon effect is a psychological phenomenon in which people adopt opinions or trends simply because others do. In literature, this manifests when a book gains popularity due to hype rather than its intrinsic quality. Bestseller lists, social media trends, and endorsements from celebrities or friends can propel a book to success, sometimes overshadowing lesser-known works that may be equally (if not more) deserving of attention.

Book reviewing plays a crucial role in counteracting this trend. Thoughtful and balanced critiques shed light on a book’s strengths and weaknesses, including any stereotypes or biases it may contain. This, in turn, encourages readers to think critically and form their own opinions instead of blindly following the crowd.

Reviewers must approach their task with perceptiveness so that they do not fall prey to the bandwagon effect. Their goal should be to offer diverse and enriching perspectives, allowing high-quality books to shine regardless of their commercial appeal or the stature of their authors and publishers.

As Haruki Murakami, the renowned Japanese author, wisely said: “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”

March 15 & 16, 2025 at Lux Expo, Kirchberg, Luxembourg. See you there!


March 21 is the UN-Declared International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

It’s always greener on the other side

personal and social development, Societal Issues, Values and Principles

I sent the above photo to my friends in Australia and Singapore on 09/01/25 with this message: “It’s snowing in Luxembourg. It took me more than an hour to get home last night (distance – 28 km)”.

My bezzie texted back instantly, “Oh; that’s beautiful! I’d swap the extreme heat and severe summer thunderstorms for the snow at this time”.

A second later, this comment came from Aussie friends living in Singapore: “Our children were affected by the weather on their journeys back to the UK as they had cancellations in Singapore and delays in Frankfurt. On the other hand, we arrived in Melbourne on Saturday to 36 degrees”. Wow, how warm and sunny Down Under; so, I responded, “Wish I were there”.

There you are! “It’s always greener on the other side”, isn’t it?

“It’s greener on the other side” suggests that what we don’t have or haven’t experienced is more desirable than what is within our reach. I’ve lived in these two different climatic conditions and know what suits me better. I love the outdoors and picnicking with family and friends. Layers of clothing, bonnets and gloves make me uncomfortable. Hence, “It’s always greener on the other side” is inapplicable to my situation.

I’m not a great believer of “the other side is greener” because we are often blinded by the allure of the unknown and the belief that something better exists than we’re currently experiencing. The word “greener” is a comparative form, and we – humans – have the tendency to always compare things, places, events, and people. This comparison is frequently due to envy or dissatisfaction with one’s own situation, or it is due to our longing for what we perceive others have or enjoy.

Likewise, while it may feel like the grass is greener elsewhere, in reality, this belief can be an illusion. Any situation and relationship come with challenges that require work, compromise, and emotional investment. The idea that there’s something better waiting on the other side of the fence with no hurdle to jump can lead to dissatisfaction and a constant pursuit of the unattainable.

For example, employees may think that a new job, a different employer or manager, or a different industry will provide more fulfilment. However, no career is without its frustrations; contentment always comes from within and from dealing with those around us rather than constantly looking outward for an easier (so called “better”) option.

The reality behind the “greener” myth is that the only way to find real happiness is to appreciate what we already have and to make the most of the present. Constantly yearning for something else prevents us from seeing the wonderfulness and opportunities in our lives.

Coming back to my remark about the two geographical locations and their weather conditions, I’m grateful to have lived and worked in these two continents. There are imperfections and difficulties in these two countries; as well, someone’s nightmare can be another’s paradise. Personal happiness is highly subjective and depends on individual goals, values, and circumstances. What is “greener” for one person may not be for another and, often, we fail to acknowledge how much effort it takes to achieve these perceived “greener” outcomes.

The phrase “It’s always greener on the other side” should remind us of the danger of comparison and the unrealistic expectations we set for ourselves. While it’s natural to wonder if something else might be better, it’s important to remember that what we have is often more valuable than we realise.

For those who believe in Valentine’s Day, I wish you a fantastic celebration.

Are they/we good neighbours?

personal and social development, Societal Issues, society, Values and Principles, ,

Recently, my former student Ben helped organise an “invitation to dinner” event in his village, Tontelange, which involved hosting neighbours they didn’t know. I was impressed, as I believe that this kind of gathering fosters a supportive, enjoyable, and thriving community.

Neighbourhood interactions help people feel more connected to the places they live, fostering a sense of belonging. We’re more likely to look out for each other when we know the people who live next door, resulting in a safer environment. This is demonstrated by Neighbourhood Watch, a voluntary crime prevention movement that brings neighbours together to share information about local safety issues, assist in emergencies, and address transgressions.

Neighbourhood activities contribute not only to collective well-being but also help reduce loneliness, particularly among retirees, the elderly, and isolated individuals. These gatherings also provide opportunities to discuss and take action on local matters and projects, like cleaning up parks or maintaining vegetable gardens (as my French friend in Yutz does).

As Ben has observed, their gatherings have created a support system where neighbours can offer help, advice, or assistance, especially during difficult times. He said, “Being good neighbours is key when new inhabitants arrive in town. It was the case for us 15 years ago when we received gifts from neighbours. We were even invited to our street party two months before we moved into our newly finished house. It also helps to establish roots, as the majority of Tontel residents come from other parts of Belgium or even from further afield. One of the newest arrivals is a lady from Quebec who moved to Tontelange after 20 years in Luxembourg. She told me last week that she feels like she’s back home 😊.”

Local gatherings can also serve as professional networking opportunities, as they have done for me. I got my first European work experience through the mother of a secondary student at my son’s school. As volunteers, we were stuffing election ballots for the Parents-Teachers Association when she noticed I was speaking only English to my toddler. The rest is history.

For Ben and his friends, these neighbourhood gatherings are not only enjoyable but offer a refreshing break from their usual family and professional routines.

Have you invited newcomers in your neighbourhood for snacks or meals?

Are there enough opportunities in your town or city for people to get involved in neighbourhood or community projects? If we want more participation, we need to create more varied activities and spend time addressing barriers to involvement (e.g., busy schedules, the cost of entertaining, etc.).

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley (American author and teacher)

Marie-Pierre, a former student who has become a writing pal, recently gifted me a book, Le Secret de Noël (The Secret of Christmas), a collection of 50 short stories, including hers (“Secret Santa”). Guess who’s the Secret Santa? A neighbour!

In closing, I wish you and your loved ones peace, good health, and joy throughout 2025. Take care.

The politics of the English language

Societal Issues,

Last month, I was in Ireland for a chill-out week. After visiting museums, gardens, churches, and Trinity College, I took a pre-dawn bus for Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. The memorable trip to the latter, with its rugged beauty and birdlife, was almost matched by the cultural entertainment of the driver that included Irish songs and tales. He was a former history teacher and reminded us that English is actually a colonial language.

Under the British rule, Irish-Gaelic wasn’t taught in school; it was actually prohibited. The first time I heard about the EU Court of Justice’s decision to employ Irish-Gaelic translators and interpreters, I thought it was a waste of money because Irish people speak English. I now understand why and rightly so.

Mahatma Gandhi had said that “To give millions the knowledge of English is to enslave them.” He believed that the British colonial education subjugated the Indians. However, presently, Indians show pride in their English cultivated during British rule. Similarly, Filipinos, who were colonised by the Spaniards for 333 years and by the Americans for 48 years, have developed affection for Spanish and English. Nowadays, toddlers in the Philippines learn English words before their dialects.

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world; approximately 1.5 billion, including around 370 million “native speakers”.  (The term “native speaker” is generally accepted in linguistics and language teaching to refer to someone who has spoken a language from early childhood. However, it can be seen as politically incorrect or exclusionary because dictionaries define “native” as relating to a person’s country or place of birth or someone who was born in a particular country or place. Instead, more inclusive terms are “fluent speaker”, “proficient user”, or simply specifying the context, like “first language speaker” or “language used at home”).

English is the official language in about 60 countries (i.e. the language or one of the languages that is accepted by a country’s government, is taught in schools, used in the courts of law, etc.), which is around 30% of the world’s total. This includes Australia, Barbados, Canada, Jamaica, India (co-official with Hindi and several other languages), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines (co-official with Tagalog), Singapore (one of the four official languages), South Africa (alongside 10 other languages), The United States, The United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago. If we include those that have English as an official language by de facto (not recognised by law), this increases to 75 countries (39%).

English is often the primary language of international business, with many multinational companies use it as their working language. It is the dominant language in scientific research and academic publications. At least 30% of Internet content is in English and a substantial proportion of films, music, and books is produced in this language, contributing to its influence, spread, and weight.

“English is not owned by anyone. It is a global language, and its future lies in the hands of its speakers.” – Linguist David Crystal.

We – users from many cultures and identities – shape the English language. Still, our grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and choice of words represent us in whatever we do. Poor usage of the English language harms our credibility and makes us appear inattentive.

I wish you a festive end-of-the-year celebration!

Verbosity is inarticulate communication

language, personal and social development, Societal Issues, society

(November 1 is “All Saints’ Day” – a public holiday – in Western Christian countries. Initially, this was a celebration of those who died as martyrs. These days, it is a commemoration for all those who have passed away. I wish it to be a day of your liking.)

Three weeks ago, I bumped into my Irish friend on the bus home. It was such a delight to be sharing information about here and there. I told her I had used “monicker” (variant of moniker) in class, and my students didn’t have a clue what it was. I went to great lengths explaining to them that it’s not synonymous with “alias” (a false name in place of a true name to stay anonymous or mislead people) but a descriptive or familiar name. Napoleon Bonaparte’s soldiers called him “Le Petit Caporal” (The Little Corporal) – his moniker. I shouldn’t have used moniker, as it’s slang; “nickname” would have been easily understood.

Early this year, there was an informative article posted on Linkedin that had long sentences; each with five lines of over 50 words. I commented, “Can someone please write this in Plain English”. To date, no one has responded, which surprised me because the articles had many likes and several hundred readers followed its source (i.e. website).

Verbose writing utilises more words than necessary that can make understanding difficult. Whereas, Plain English is straightforward and clear. It uses simple words and short sentences to convey ideas and avoids slang and jargon.

Verbose writing: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the commencement of the public hearing about business dominance, which is scheduled to take place on November 5, 2024 in the confines of Chamber C at the hour of ten o’clock in the morning.” Plain English: “The public hearing on business dominance will start at 10 a.m. in Chamber C.”

Clarity is the remedy for confusion. — William Zinsser (American writer, 1922 – 2015).

The world’s best speeches are in Plain English:

Martin Luther King Jr.: “I have a dream…”

Winston Churchill: “We shall fight on the beaches…”

John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

Nelson Mandela: “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Barack Obama: “Yes, we can.”

Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Angela Merkel: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Using complex or verbose language and jargon doesn’t make us sound smarter or more sophisticated. We should communicate or converse to understand and be understood, and not to impress.

The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do. – Thomas Jefferson (3rd US President, from 1801 to 1809).