Category Archives: Values and Principles

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.

Don’t wait for tomorrow what you can do today

personal and social development, politics and governments, Societal Issues, Values and Principles

Have you heard or used Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today”? This is a useful food for thought particularly because we live in a fast-paced, high-tech world. I’ve recently said to an acquaintance, “If I were you, I’d do it now, as later can become never” — easier said than done.

Early this year, I went to our local city hall to query about voting for the French elections. They gave me the necessary form, which I intended to fill in within a few days. Unfortunately, it soon ended up at the bottom of my to-do list.

As a French citizen by marriage, all I had to do was submit the completed form and attach a document of residence in the municipality where I wanted to vote.

In the European Parliament election held on 6-9 June 2024, the far right defeated President Macron’s party, causing the latter to call a snap legislative election on June 30 and July 7. I had not yet submitted my voter’s registration form, so I was late to be allowed to vote.

While working for Australia’s Queensland Government, I participated in the writing of green and white papers; hence, I know that politics are not distant from our daily lives. Politics are everyday issues, from national budgets, taxes, the number and composition of migrant intake to changes in school syllabuses.

Politics are the things we need and want, the things we believe and like or otherwise, the things we know and don’t know, the things we fear or worry about, and the things we face or can happen to us. This write-up, however, is not about politics but the importance of pro-activeness and promptness.

If I had submitted the completed form and the required documents immediately, I would have been able to vote. It was a critical election with the left-wing alliance winning the most seats in the French Parliament, followed by Macron’s centrist Ensemble Alliance party, averting the National Rally (far-right) from a majority government. A country’s government contributes to making or breaking peace and democracy in our world.

With the Olympic Games still underway in Paris, I can’t help mentioning my admiration for all Olympians. Many of them begin training in their mid-teens; some even in childhood. They don’t wait for tomorrow…

How can we carry out tasks that we have been avoiding? Perhaps less thinking and more doing? Why not start with the least difficult part? What about being philosophical – i.e. It has to be done, so I might as well do it now?

Resurrecting dreams and old projects

personal and social development, Societal Issues, sports and hobby, Values and Principles

Have you lost a dream along the way? Did you shelve it because of unforeseen challenges? Do you have projects that have become dormant due to time constraints or shifted priorities? Did you know that revisiting a dream or resurrecting an old project can be a profoundly rewarding experience, as it provides fresh insights, renews passion, and gives a sense of accomplishment?

When reviving an old project or exploit, we’re reconnecting with past ideas and aspirations, invigorating motivation. While the idea of resurrecting an old project is exhilarating, it has its challenges. One of the main hurdles is its potential for outdated or irrelevant content. What was once innovative or necessary might no longer be applicable now. Also, revisiting a dormant project may bring back memories of past failures or frustrations; overcoming these requires resilience and optimism. Though ignoring previous setbacks is a hard thing to do, it’s worth a try.

I have recently revisited a project that came out of a family challenge a decade ago. A relative said I was too pragmatic and not creative enough to write non-fiction books. Well, in 2014, I wrote “Future Perfect”, a novel about a woman without a known past who battles against secrecy, insecurity, and the unexplained kindness of others.  A few weeks ago, I revived it after reading the Conversation’s 3 June 2024 article by Kate Falconer entitled, “You can now be frozen after death in Australia.  If you get revived in the future, will you still legally be the same person?” It has been 10 years since Future Perfect was published, but the story has never been relevant today. Except for its cover, nothing has been changed.

Perfection doesn’t exist; if it does, there’s never enough time to achieve it the first time, but there’s always time to go back to improve it (There’s always room for improvement).

The first step to reviving a dream is to do activities related to it, e.g. changing a career, learning a new skill, or saving money for a trip. Revamping an old project is a journey of rediscovery, growth, and reconnection. With perseverance and an open mind, one can turn a “dream-only thing” and an old or unfinished project into a testimony of imaginativeness, resourcefulness, tenacity, and self-satisfaction.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” —C.S. Lewis (British writer, literary scholar, and Anglican lay theologian, 1989 – 1963).

Olympic Torch parade outside our residence. I could hardly open the door of our building because of the crowd.

What are awards for?

personal and social development, society, Values and Principles

Companies, organisations, and educational institutions give awards to associations and individuals in various fields, e.g. arts and entertainment, business, sports and hobbies, science and technology, and community service. On 27 April 2024, I received an award from my undergrad alma mater. I’m always for the underdog and sceptical of who gets noticed and who doesn’t; thus, I had to soul search throughout the ceremony. I looked for things which probably weren’t there, such as subjectivity and bias; were deserving candidates overlooked and less deserving ones chosen? The criteria and decision-making process read that evening didn’t avert my thoughts from the observation that most recipients were doctoral degree holders.

I regretted not nominating our dance troupe teacher for the Arts and Culture Award, which didn’t have financial value but would have given her the recognition she merits. I still remember her words over four decades ago – “back straight, hands in a lateral position, smile, and move gracefully”. She inspired me to choreograph and dance at the Queensland University’s International House functions years later.

Returning home to France from the Visayas State University, there was an email from an acquaintance whom I had helped many times with his work and personal projects. I immediately thought, “Oh no, not him again; he didn’t even buy one of my books, either as a token of his appreciation for my help or to improve his English”. Then, I remembered the award, which is meant not only to inspire others to strive for excellence but to remind us that success should be based on service to others without expecting something in return. Yes, we – humans, are vulnerable to quid pro quo (something in return for what we have done, i.e. a favour for a favour) that should not be! This award is an additional guide to my behaviour.   

Awards provide commendation and encouragement for individuals and groups. It’s primordial for the selection process to be transparent, fair, and devoid of self-nomination. Though the latter indicates self-determination and high self-esteem, it can taint credibility and promote self-gratification.

We shouldn’t wait for award ceremonies to give recognition to colleagues, employees, students, volunteers, etc. For instance, saying thank you for a job well done is a form of recognition that encourages motivation and efficiency.

“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” – John F. Kennedy (35th president of the United States).