Tag: dailyprompt
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The Most Important Thing to Carry: Wisdom in Chaos
Reflects on 30 years of international civil service – the most important thing carried isn’t in any bag, but wisdom from grandfather, multicultural heritage, and daily practice.
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When Boring News Becomes Important
Ever notice how some days the biggest news is about dogs with fake eyebrows and community bake sales? A honest look at slow news days and what they reveal about our addiction to constant information.
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How Tea Breaks Boost Office Relationships
Preparing spice tea taught me that workplace kindness isn’t complicated. You don’t need budget approval or management buy-in. Sometimes you just need to make something good and share it consistently. People will show up if what you’re offering is genuine.
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The One Travel Habit That Brings Me Joy: How Mindful Discovery Transforms Every Journey
I don’t rush when I travel anymore. Used to sprint between tourist spots, checking boxes off itineraries like a completion fanatic. But something shifted after too many trips where I remembered the monuments but forgot the moments. Now I have one rule: find something worth noticing and actually notice it.
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The Power of Authentic Friendships in Professional Life
Discover why authenticity trumps all other friendship qualities through personal stories from island life to international conference rooms.
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What I’m Really Curious About After 30 Years of International Work
Don’t wait until you’re shaking in a conference room to realize that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for doing the work that matters.
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What Are Your Future Travel Plans?
The Question That Won’t Go Away “So, what are your future travel plans?” Everyone asks. During last month’s UN Country Team meeting, three colleagues speculated about my future travel plans. They thought that I might finally embark on that cruise around the Mediterranean. My neighbour thinks I’m planning to “do Europe properly.” Dr Salil, my…
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Two Tickets to Anywhere: Why Choosing Between Asian Dreams Keeps Me Up at Night
Someone asked me last week where I’d go if I won two airline tickets to anywhere. I laughed and said, “Somewhere in Asia,” then spent the next three days obsessing over whether I meant Japan, India, Malaysia, or Thailand. You know that paralyzing moment when you have too many good options? That’s where I am…
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Rethinking Development Strategies: Lessons from Mananjary
Sometimes the most important development lessons aren’t found in best practice guides or evaluation reports. Sometimes they’re found in a wooden canoe on a quiet canal. They involve learning to read the currents instead of fighting against them.
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Savoring Memories: The Art of Asian Plant-Based Cooking
Experience a UN professional’s culinary journey from Seychelles to global kitchens. Discover how authentic heritage and a pivot to plant-based Asian cooking create compelling food memories and digital stories. Explore multicultural recipes and cultural fusion.
L J Padayachy 