"The Light of Wilder Things" by Ishan Shanavas sees the light of day
E184: Never doubt your ability to influence. And "When your plans don't work out."
Just landed back home after a 30+ hour commute from India via 3 flights and 4 countries.
1. “The Light of Wilder Things”
publishes his book this week. And I got a copy fresh off the presses! I’ve started reading it while still in my jungle print pjs. 
From the depths of the oceans in the Maldives to the heights of the snow-clad Himalayas, he includes stories of his encounters with birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals of the four- and two-legged variety.
It is filled with his beautiful photography (which amaze me), wonderfully detailed sketches (I discovered this about him), and amazing recounting of a “teenager’s search for Nature and Wildlife” (words is how I first connected with Ishan). I find it hard to believe that he is still in his final year of university — he has already lived such a life filled with adventure, discovery and sets challenges for himself.
I love that the words ‘Western Ghats’ and ‘konkani’ make it into the book, so I only interrupt my reading to get this edition of my newsletter published.
I love that Ishan is going to inspire so many other younger adventurous people to explore and protect the environment - to be bold, not old and famous, before they do it (or rather, become famous BY doing it!)
I love that we will all save more species by paying more attention. After all, with 8+ billion people on the Earth that is 16+ billion eyeballs available to focus on creatures big and small, and to focus on areas where we CAN have an impact.
Make sure you are following Ishan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stories/ishan.shanavas/ to follow his launch or on his Substack
. The book will have worldwide availability next week.It seems I’m going to have to update the profile I did on Ishan E89 in 2023 and add in a whole section on “Published Author”. Congratulations, Ishan! So darn proud of you!
And shout out to Ishan’s parents for creating an environment that supported him in being able to discover, to explore and to take risk [I mean, it takes a special kinda person who parents scared, and yet with courage1, to allow your kid to go tiger hunting with a camera!] #FutureReadyLeaders
2. Mosquitoes
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
— Dalai Lama
Did you know that mosquitoes have out-lived the dinosaurs? If you are stuck in the news cycle, questioning if you have no influence, think like a mosquito - become persistent and irritating, and buzz again.
3. Tiny Painted Turtles
This post showcases tiny “painted turtles” - smaller than a blade of grass, and the palm of your hand. It is at the other end of the size scale for those of you who remember my giant turtle tortoise post E177.
Another inspiring wild-life photographer and conservationist, and member of Tribe Tilt, Kathy sends out a wonderful animal-inspired post each Wednesday, filled with her own photography! Consider subscribing to her Substack, especially if you need something sweet on hump day to get you through the rest of your work week.
https://kathykarn.com/blog/turtles
May 2025 update: Kathy Karn has joined Substack, and you can now subscribe to her work at
!!!!Bonus: When your plans don’t work like you wanted them to
This little post has been sent to me from five different sources over the past 24 hours. And it is valuable. Credit goes to the original author, who ever that is. I’m sharing it here for the messaging:
You think YOUR plans didn’t work out?
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore thought they were going to space for 8 days.
They ended up being stuck for 286 days.
They were LITERALLY stranded in space.
Imagine this:
👉🏾 You pack for a short trip, but instead, you’re gone for almost a year.
👉🏾 No fresh air. No real food. No way out—just waiting in the void of space.
👉🏾 No clear answer to when (or even if) you’ll make it back home.
And here we are, losing patience when:
- A 10-minute traffic jam ruins our day.
- A deal gets delayed by a few months.
- A rejection email makes us want to quit.
Perspective.
These astronauts had no control over their situation.
They couldn’t just book a return flight. They had to adapt, stay calm, and trust the process for 286 days of uncertainty.
And they made it.
If THAT isn’t the ultimate lesson in patience, endurance, and problem-solving—I don’t know what is.
Hats off to these legends for not just surviving, but making history.
Next time life throws unexpected delays at us… let’s remember:
At least we’re not stranded in space.
Life will throw curveballs. Your plans will go sideways. Things will take WAY longer than expected.
But if these astronauts can survive nine months in space instead of eight days, you and I can handle a few detours in life.
That's all for now folks! I'm off to bed to catch up on my sleep.
I had some incredible and engaging conversations with the Asian members of Tribe Tilt. Thanks for taking the time. I may make this a regular feature, because I had so much fun!
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Over to you:
What did you find this week, worthy of sharing?
Hello Tribe Tilt!
Tilt the Future - answering when serendipity knocks is read across Canada, the UK, India, 35 US states and 45 other countries.
Wow!
In Tribe Tilt, we believe we can make a difference to the people and places that are precious to us, bringing fun, hope and agency into our lives. We believe the best ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time. Thank you for joining our tribe filled with inspiring and inspired individuals. You have self-selected into this powerful, wonderful group. Please add your voice and join our conversations.
Stay healthy. From there all else becomes possible.
Until next week …
Karena
© on all photos and video in this edition Karena de Souza. Please ask for permission before downloading.
To Parent Scared ... or with Courage
My heart was pounding as I handed my youngest child the stack of N95 masks, tea and Tylenol. I watched my son carefully assembling the familiar packing cubes for the 8-week internship he was starting in San Francisco. The luggage had last been used 90 days ago. It had carried home the remnants of our interrupted lives as each member of the family return…
Thank you so so much for writing this! It truly means a lot.
The book is coming out to the world next week, and I am super thrilled. Seeing this post makes it all too real, and I love it :)
I love how encouraging and supportive you are for young authors...heck, for all authors! You are truly a light that shines on others and brightens the world.