Four years ago, in a world turned upside down, Monday Musings was born. It started as a spontaneous scribble – a heartfelt response to someone feeling out of touch and isolated, wanting a connection amid the chaos of COVID. It quickly became more than a newsletter; it became a touchpoint, a shared pause in the week to reflect, laugh, and make sense of an uncertain world.
Over the years, this column has been many things: catharsis for the writer, a moment of levity for readers, and a little pocket of shared humanity. We mused over elephants in the Chobe, the eccentricity of World Naked Gardening Day, and the whimsical art of hobby-horsing. Each week brought a dash of curiosity, humour, and a connection that transcended inboxes.
But life changes. The world feels busier, in some ways heavier, and though we still carry echoes of that time, the energy has shifted. Monday Musings, once a lifeline, feels like a chapter that has run its course.
Just as all things must evolve to stay relevant, so too must Monday Musings. What began as a comforting voice during uncertain times now seeks to adapt to the needs of a world that is constantly moving forward. While its original purpose has been fulfilled, its spirit – the desire to connect, inspire, and provoke thought – remains very much alive. This is not the end of our musings; rather a transformation, one that aligns with where we are today and where we aspire to go.
In the spirit of this farewell, we reflect on the art of goodbyes, beautifully captured in this musing by Jared Miller (Thank you Melissa for sharing this little gem when I needed it most). It is particularly poignant to me having just had to say goodbye to some of our team in our restructuring.
Goodbyes, whether personal or professional, are never easy, but they create space for growth and renewal. They honour what has been while paving the way for what’s next, reinforcing the trust and values that guide us.
This evolution of Monday Musings mirrors the journey Big Ambitions is on. As we embrace a more focused strategy, our musings will shift to reflect our redefined purpose. Future columns will provoke meaningful conversations and align with our goal of delivering impactful, outcome-driven solutions in the travel and tourism sector. They will challenge us to connect the tasks at hand with the bigger picture of driving positive impact for people, places, and the planet.
This transformation doesn’t mean leaving behind the heart and humour that defined Monday Musings; rather, it means weaving those qualities into a new narrative. Our Musings will explore not just what’s happening but why it matters, guiding readers through the complexities of a rapidly changing world while staying true to our purpose of driving positive impact for people, places, and the planet. It’s not just the end of a chapter – it’s the beginning of a new story.
And so, as we bid adieu to Monday Musings, we do so with full hearts. This end is not a loss but a transition, a space created for new energy, ideas, and adventures to take root. Let this be a gentle reminder, as the year winds down, to embrace endings with the same excitement as beginnings. Because in every goodbye, there’s an invitation to begin anew.
To all who’ve read, laughed, and reflected with us over the years – thank you. Your engagement has been a gift. And as we step into this next chapter, remember: How we say goodbye shapes how we think about saying hello again.
Here’s to 2024 and all the new beginnings it holds. May it be filled with curiosity, connection, and the courage to embrace the unknown.
Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Expresso yourself! The year we all mispronounced everything
From “Espresso” (it’s not “expresso,” people) to “Flygskam” (yes, that’s Swedish for flight shame), 2024’s linguistic slip-ups prove we can mispronounce just about anything. Thanks, Babbel, for saving us from ourselves.

61 Gifts so odd, even Father Christmas is thinking ‘hard pass’
How about a Grinch costume for your dog or tequila in Santa pants? This bizarre gift guide proves no idea is too strange for the holiday season.

Hong Kong banks on ‘Panda Power’
With 2,500 panda sculptures and six real-life bears, Hong Kong’s panda craze is turning cute into cash as the city embraces its “panda economy” to attract tourists.

Smells like happy hour? Miller launches dive bar ‘barfume’
Sporting notes of cedarwood, leather, and sea salt, Miller High Life’s sold-out “Bar-Fume” captures the essence of your favourite dive bar—minus the sticky floors.