Post-Deepavali Reflections: Embracing Light and Gratitude Every Day

In this newsletter:

1. Article - Post-Deepavali Reflections: Embracing Light and Gratitude every Day
2. Reflection: Finding Light in Your Life
3. November Gratitude Challenge
4. Inspirational Quotes and Affirmations
5. Engage: Share Your Light and Gratitude

Post-Deepavali Reflections: Embracing Light and Gratitude every Day

As I returned to India yesterday after spending Deepavali this year with family in Malaysia, it dawned on me how this Deepavali, like most Deepavali's, was filled with layers of joy and gratitude.

Not only did we celebrate my son’s 17th birthday and my aunt’s 86th which happened to coincide with Deepavali, but we also gathered to mark my 9-month-old niece’s very first Deepavali, in our mom’s home in Malaysia. With her living in London and us in Bangalore, this chance to connect as a family was truly special—a reminder of the bonds that distance may stretch but never break. It was a beautiful convergence of family, love, and the next generation, and I feel deeply grateful.

The celebrations ran over several days, overflowed with laughter, warmth, and the spirit of togetherness as cousins, family, and the young ones gathered. Moments like these encourage us to pause, embrace joy, and reflect on the simple blessings that light up our lives. The festival season is a perfect time to renew our commitments and align with our purpose, helping us move forward with gratitude and intention.

Embracing Light Over Darkness: A Deepavali of Gratitude

Each flicker of the lights we lit represented the light of gratitude—a reminder to recognize the good things, big and small, that brighten our lives. Deepavali is an opportunity to see light over darkness, to focus on what’s going well, and to cultivate resilience and appreciation for all that we have. This gratitude is an anchor, grounding us in the blessings that surround us.

Deepavali as a Catalyst for Reflection and Growth

Beyond the festivities, Deepavali invites us to step back, reflect, and renew. Taking time out during this season allowed me to revisit my intentions, refreshing my path towards growth and purpose. It’s a reminder that we’re all on a journey of evolution, that every experience offers a chance to grow, learn, and become our best selves.

Why Not Make November a Month of Gratitude?

We entered November just after Deepavali, and in the US, November is also the National Gratitude Month. But why not make it a global observance? November gives us the perfect opportunity to keep celebrating the light in our lives and embracing gratitude in the run-up to Thanksgiving on November 28. Let’s carry this spirit forward, seeing each day as a chance to appreciate the good around us.

A Journey of Growth and Fulfillment with The Evolving Way

This journey of gratitude and light ties in beautifully with the evolving way—a philosophy that life isn’t about reaching a fixed destination but about the ongoing journey of growth, fulfillment, and mental fitness. It’s about embracing each experience with curiosity and resilience, seeing challenges as opportunities, and evolving toward our best selves with gratitude.

How Are You Embracing the Light and Gratitude?

So as we continue forward, I invite you to ask yourself: How are you celebrating the light in your life and embracing gratitude for all that is good? Deepavali may serve as a beautiful reminder, but every day can hold light and gratitude if we choose to see it. Let’s make this November a month of appreciation, celebrating the blessings we often overlook.

Wishing you continued light, joy, and growth on your journey.

1. Reflection: Finding Light in Your Life

As we settle into November, let’s take a moment to reflect on the “lights” that have illuminated our journey this year. What moments, people, or experiences have brought you joy, comfort, or inspiration? Take a few minutes to write down your thoughts. To deepen the reflection, consider these questions:

• Who has been a guiding light for you?
• What experiences have helped you grow or see things differently?
• Where can you bring more light and gratitude into your daily routine? Embracing these insights is a powerful step in recognizing the brightness that surrounds you, even in unexpected places.

2. November Gratitude Challenge

Gratitude is a wonderful stress buster. Yesterday was International Stress Awareness Day. The stress epidemic is silently and invisibly killing us.

November is the perfect month to celebrate gratitude, so let’s embark on a daily gratitude practice! We are just 7 days into November. For the rest of the month, each day, take a few moments to jot down three things you’re grateful for—big or small. It could be a warm conversation, an inspiring read, a beautiful sunset, or simply the chance to enjoy your morning coffee in peace.

To make this more actionable, here are a few additional ways to infuse gratitude into your day:

• Start the morning with a gratitude affirmation: Set a positive tone by acknowledging something you’re thankful for as soon as you wake up.
• End your day with a gratitude journal: Reflect on something that went well today. (Download The Evolving Way - Daily Gratitude Journal template)
• Express appreciation to others: Send a quick note, message, or even a smile to those around you. The ripple effect can be powerful!

6. Inspirational Quotes and Affirmations

Here are a few quotes and affirmations to keep you inspired throughout November:

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.” – Mother Teresa

Affirmations for this month:

7. Engage: Share Your Light and Gratitude

We’d love to hear from you! How are you celebrating the light in your life and embracing gratitude this month? Share your reflections, stories, or small moments of joy in the comments or by replying to this email. You might just inspire someone else on their journey, too!

In our next edition, we’ll feature some of the most inspiring responses to keep the conversation going. Let’s create a community of light and gratitude, supporting each other as we evolve together.

About the Newsletter

The Evolving Way: A Life in Play is a journey into growth, fulfillment, and mental fitness. This newsletter embraces the philosophy that life isn’t about reaching a fixed destination, but about engaging fully in the process of evolving. "A Life in Play" means adopting a mindset that sees every experience as an opportunity for exploration, learning, and growth.

Inspired by Carl Rogers’ belief that life is fluid and ever-changing, we focus on empowering you to navigate challenges with curiosity and resilience. Whether you’re an executive, a leader, or simply someone seeking a more fulfilled life, this is your space to explore mental fitness, embrace uncertainty, and cultivate inner strength. Let’s step into life with the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and evolve toward our best selves.

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About Me

I am Bhavani Jois, a passionate leader and coach who has successfully pivoted after a 25 year career in governance, risk, and internal audit.?My journey from auditor to coach has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of coaching.

During the pandemic, I reignited my passion for coaching, leading me to fully embrace my calling and establish The Evolving Way and The Evolving Auditor.

I’m dedicated to helping individuals and teams unlock their potential, achieve lasting growth and find fulfilment in their professional and personal lives.

Join me on this journey of transformation and empowerment!

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