It ain't real!

Someone once said, "Life's a movie." I really wish I could summon that someone and give him a piece of my mind right now!

Reality check people. Life is a movie only when "Real life" is misspelled as "Reel life"! Stop grinning! Seriously! How many of you have actually heard instrumentals in the background when you found your special someone? How many times have the temple bells gone berserk when you encountered an injustice? How many times have you seen one man beating up 20 people and standing on his feet post the "mega-fight"?

I was involved in a freak accident last week. Freak - coz I did look like one, during and after the incident! Accident - well, I am trying to make it look cool! Anyways, continuing with my story. As I attempted to board the severely delayed late night cab, I felt a shooting pain in my calves. My calves did look like I had worked on them my whole life, all tight and shapely! I surely would've admired their muscular structure hadn't it been for the sharp pain threatening to go up my spine! I took a seemingly wise decision of getting of the cab and stretching my beauties. But hang on! Nothing is my life can be non-animated can it? 

I have an obedient body. Oh yeah! It's usually very obedient, very giving. I can't count the number of times it has held back regurgitation to avoid public display of displeasure or given me enough strength of conquer dizziness until I could find a nice place to rest my posterior! It has almost always given me enough time to have a silent conversation with it, to control it by force or plead! But alas, this wasn't one of those times!

I am barely on my feet when my beautiful legs decide they are way too delicate to handle my popularity-gaining-plump body! Before I knew it, my elite posterior was pasted on the ground. My eye were fixed to the ground too. But out of sheet shock and embarrassment of providing a tax-free entertainment to people around. Yes people, I had fallen hard. My butt did bite the dust! It must have been hear wrenching-ly hilarious. Usually, at such situations I laugh my ass off at people. I am sure their spirits were doing the same at me! In the end, I had to take my sorry figure and put in back on the back seat of the cab.

This brings me back to the topic. Had it been a movie, a handsome beast  would have rescued me in his muscular chunk of arms. If it was a really corny movie, we would have been in the same position, looking into each other's eyes until the song ends! And if it was a cornier movie I would have surely got my calf muscle attended to (if u know what I mean! ) But the point is, none of this happened! The only thing holding my fall was the concrete and need I tell you that it was far away from any cushioning! If you don't trust me ask my borrowed laptop that sits on my lap as my body is stretched on my bed!

So what in a movie could have culminated into an eternal love story, in real life turned into a week's bed rest! So there you go, life ain't a movie! Stop hearing music in your head, in all probabilities a branch just fell on you or you walked right into a wall!

P.S: You wanna make fun of my spine, first grow one before confronting moi!

Present

The most under-rated truth in the universe - the present. Puzzled? Well, let's have an opinion poll. How many of you are currently thinking of the big meeting lined up for tomorrow or planning for the weekend or dreaming of shopping for the marriage you would be attending next month? Ok, I can see 50%  of you raising your hands! Now, the rest of you. Are you thinking of things in the past you regret or wish to change or are you reminiscing the special moments you spent with your close ones to give you enough positiveness to carry on with your daily chores? Some of you are not raising your hands, so I urge the others to raise both their hands to compensate for this!!! So need I say more as to why "the present" is the most under-rated truth?

Few weeks back, work was chasing me like a possessed dog to bite me in my elite posterior. Being the nervous cat that I turn into at certain occasions, I plonked my pretty little butt on a high wall, hoping the dog doesn't get a taste of my flesh! The wall was my safety zone. I knew I was unreachable. But the only thought that ran through my head was, "what if that dog somehow managed to leap over the wall and take me down with it!". Could it cover that distance? Hell no! Could it get a taste of me? No-freaken-way! But did I waste my time on wall fretting about the "what-if's"? Hell yeah!!

My wall was my time off from work, a weekend, divine 48 hours of my life, which I'll never get back even if I were to kill the dog! Possessed dog was my work and surprisingly come Monday, it no longer seemed possessed! It was a domesticated pet which I had personified as plain evil! So owing to my misconceptions and pre-conceived notions I had ruined precious moments of my life. So you see what I am getting to? I wasted my today, coz of something I did yesterday and thinking about tomorrow's something that never happened!

How many of us have a hunch back coz of the burden of yesterday nicely resting on our backs? I can safely say that I have a spinal disorder owing to this! Yes, I have my share of shit. So does everybody! But the first thing you need to do with shit, is clean it off you! And not carry it as a heap on your shoulders! (Kinda gross, I know. Apologies!!!)

Coming to the essence of this post. The one thing that your future depends on is how you tackle your pasts in the present. That doesn't mean that you time travel to you future (i,e day dream in the present) or go back in time to change things. Deal with your issues in the present. No point tracing it back or procrastinating it till they reach a point of no return. Don't let your future become the "present" you spent thinking of your "past" or planning a "future" that never arrived.

The present offers you a present of this moment. Accept it graciously, live it completely.

Success network

Change is the only constant. Well said or should I say extremely apt. Seasons change, situations change, people change. Everyone and everything in life is susceptible to changes.

 Keeping this mind, I would go ahead and say, the definition of things also change in time. After all its a very subjective thing and it depends on who was defining what and when. Lemme give you an example. What is success? To different people it means different things. To the same person, it might mean different things at different points in time. While you were growing up, you defined success as a getting a job that payed you well to sponsor all your leisure activities. Your independence was the measure of your success.

One day, you were all grown up. You got the job you desired. Money danced in your hands. Things that at one point in time were luxury became a part of daily life - expensive restaurants, fancy coffee shops, shop-till-you-drop days, movies and everything that you desired when you had limited resources. But in the "grown up" eyes, were you successful then? No way!

At this point, you decided that you need to be the best at your craft or atleast be perceived as the best in your craft. Most of you didn't know what you were doing and why you were doing it. But you still persisted, coz you wanted more resources for even bigger dreams! You wanted shiny toys and a concrete jungle to call your own. Years passed. You eventually got them, even though most of you were burdened under unimaginable debts. But as long as this was obsolete to the world, you had no reason to bother. You could now flash what seemed rightfully yours! Now the thought of redefining success hits you again.

This time you being successful is a measure of your goodness/ compatibility with your spouse. Enter children and the definition of success is up-ed by a notch! So I hope none of you missed the constantly changing trend.  There are things that you wish for. More often than not, when you get them, you don't have the same value for them as you had while you were wishing for them.

But would you call this success? As I said earlier, this is merely subjective. But if you think this chain reaction of need for material things is success, you probably need to delve deep into the topic; if not now, then probably in due course of time.

Success has been associated with phrases like "survival of the fittest". This gets me thinking. Couple of weeks back, I was at one of the holy places in south India - a lake, where people "supposedly" got rid of their sins (not to mention dirtying the water beyond explanation!). This lake was flooded with fish. The devotees would throw bread crumbs at the fish, which would jump on each other to get the largest bite of food. Now, isn't this what all of us eventually end up doing? Jump over each other to get the easy things that are being handed over than explore the opportunities for finding our own food? So what makes us different from those fish? As I see it, barring the physical form, we exhibit the exact same tendencies. So how are we superior?

Recently, at the Robin Sharma leadership session, I bumped into this gentleman who was running from pillar to post in order to establish a strong network of people, to expand his business. Even though I thought it was extremely hilarious in the beginning, he had the last laugh! While the rest of us were pulled back from approaching Mr Sharma due to various reasons, from hesitation to laziness, this gentleman managed to get an autograph/photograph/ personal time with Mr Sharma and the CEO of the group! He might have made an ass of himself in front of the crowd, but he did get what he wanted. Now what was more important? What he wanted or how he looked in front people? So there you go. You can be successful even though people think otherwise!

This would be my definition of success. The minute you stop wondering and giving importance to the trash talk going on around you and devote yourself to your goal, you have achieved success. You may not be successful in the first attempt, but as a person you have not failed. It's ok to fail others but never fail yourself. No one can be a better you than you!


P.S : Dreams of today are reality of tomorrow provided you have faith. 

Mind, Body and more

It was a bright Saturday morning! Yes! you read it right! Saturday MORNING! I managed to achieve a once in a blue moon feat of waking up at 5:30 am on a weekend! Now lemme take you into a flash back mode. 24 hours before this eventful morning, I sat pondering about the twists and turns in my life. (I do that a lot!!!) At every single turn I had two constant companions. They pulled me through every situation with as much grace as I could muster. They were by my side when I was riding the high waves. They were by my side when I found myself claustrophobic under the same waves! Two constant companions that are always present, not just with me, but with every single one of you - Mind and Body.

All of us have complaints about our body; either we are short or we are excessively stretched!; either we occupy two seats in a bus or we can fit on a fuel tank of a bike; either we have evergreen forest growing on our bodies or we see fading glory on our scalps! Phew.. Enough of the list. Just hope you get the essence of it. The point is, no one is perfect. No one matches the definition of the word "perfect" in the rule book coz no one has ever and I mean EVER read this rule book! It's a thick volume and most importantly, we are humans! We do not have time for self improvement? Correct?

I have read tonnes of articles on maintaining a good bod and attaining peace of mind. Somehow the pictures accompanying the article were a lot more intriguing! I have always maintained that I stopped aging at 24! (oh yeah! It's a true story!) But for the past few days, the mirror in my room, the mirrors everywhere, seem to be telling a story I can't quite comprehend! That's when the realization stuck me, 24 hours before I write this post.

As I am applying brakes on my downhill journey with as much fanaticism as I can muster, the truth remains - peaceful mind resides in a healthy body. In today's world, where serenity has gone obscure, all of us at some point crave for calmness and stability in our lives. Working 16 hours a day has it's own gains and losses. (You  gain weight and lose hair!!!!)

No, I am not typing incoherently coz I don't fit into my clothes or my mirror frame. I am typing coz this realization may actually make me look the way I feel, like a rockstar! Alright alright, jokes apart. All of us are selfish at some point in life. All of us put ourselves first. It's most definitely a good thing. But what amazes me is how we neglect vital things that we own, that already belong to us to continue our obsession with far fetched things of little use! I mean, come on,  what's the use of an expensive evening gown when there's no body to sport it? What's the point in having a huge place to live physically when your mind is shunted!

For all my fellow software professionals, let "sick leaves" just remain as the fake stories concocted to achieve that almost impossible vacation you have been wanting to take! Your body is your temple, your mind - your God. Please worship it with passion, before either of the two decide to accelerate your journey down hill!


P.S : Make time for exercise, else you'll have to make time for illness!

Year so far..

Life is all about building castles and covering the journey to live in them. I decided to build a castle for myself. Nothing new about it. I have always build castles as every given opportunity. But I failed to do, is go on the journey leading to the castle of my dreams. Every stone I stumbled on got me thinking - is this the right path for me? Why is it such a rough road? Gawwd, why can't it be tarred! Sometimes, I gave up after the first stumble. The other times I pushed myself only to face more right-on-my-nose falls. But the common pattern here is I gave up every single time. Sometimes I put a brave face and said, "I have to let go of things". Sometimes I displayed a blunt loser attitude, said "I can't do this. I love my nose!". Sometimes I took a rather philosophical turn and said, "Probably this is not meant for me". 

Beginning of this year, I looked back at all of this and said, "What the hell man! Things cant be as bad as they seem. Lemme tread into the unknown rocky paths. But this time, with a level head and a hopeful heart. And I still love my nose!" I decided to dedicate this year into doing things that I don't particularly like. Things that give me goose bumps. Things that have been made supposedly "unattainable" due to the wall of fear I built around myself. I also decided to explore new avenues in life - places, books, people, basically anything new and refreshing. I wanted to live every single experience in my live, reinvigorating me and re-defining living.

Talking about new experiences, I have always wanted a mic in my hands to amplify the melodious noise waves being released by my vocal chords. As far as I can remember, this has been one of the top 10 things in my to-do list. So lemme get this straight. We are talking about a girl, who would not voluntarily take the spot light to as much as address people, unless bull-dozed to do so. So singing in front of the same audience would mean a milestone right? Well, come Jan 2012 and a glass of bullfrog (don't ask me what that is! I just remember it as a blue drink that got me "happy"!) I was in the spot light - voluntarily, mind you. With the music in the back ground and lyrics on the fore ground, I let my spirit free in terms of noise waves. What's surprising is, one look at the video (oh ya, you don't expect my special ones to let go of a golden opportunity to record this musical extravaganza, do you?) and I was no longer afraid of letting my voice resonate, where people can hear it! I won't say I am Lady Gaga but hey! People did go gaga over this lady! (however short it lasted! The free drink confirms the fact!) 

Last month brought with it woes that every Bangalorean dreads - long distance travel within the city. (I hear a lot of affirmative sighs! I am totally with you on this!) For those who are not aware of the plight of us tortured souls, lemme put it this way. Will you enjoy a 5 hours bus journey, to and fro, from your home to office? If your answer is yes, please email me your job description and pay slip! If not, I would appreciate your empathy. Anyways, I believe that your worse times lay a strong foundation for your good times. So as the situations get worse, believe that your good times are gonna be better!

Month end saw me checking one of my wishes off my bucketlist. I met the man I can safely and earnestly call my guru - Robin Sharma. Although not in person, I saw him up close and personal, convincing me that if your beliefs are strong they can move the mountains for you! Sometimes when you are down in dumps, you witness situations that alter your life for good and leave you fulfilled. This was my case!

As I look back at the past 2 adventurous months, I feel a process of liberation being kick started. I believe, more than ever now, that ask and you shall receive. Ideally this should have been a post written on 31st Dec 2012. But why wait that long to conduct a good deed? This is my attempt to record every highlight and express gratitude. I appreciate all your company in my journey. Do come back for more! Till then live good - feet firmly grounded but thoughts beyond the sky.

Lead without a title!

Certain incidents can change the course of your day in a matter of milliseconds. You are always thinking of ways to spice up your life, bring in incidents that can reinvigorate you. Sometimes they just happen to hover over your head and sit on your nose to get your attention!

One lazy afternoon, while I was attempting to pump up my lazy ass to get the work done, a mail arrives in my inbox. Knowing the source of the mail and appreciating his earnest attempts to bring a smile of my face at every given opportunity, I decided to read the mail before hitting the rut. What I felt after reading the mail cannot be described in words. It's one of those moments where you don't know what has to be done first - punch your fist in the air, scream out with joy, yelp like all the screws in your head have been loosened up, sob like a little girl or thank God for paying heed to your wishes! For all those who know me, I need not ramble about my reverence of Robin Sharma. So here's for all those who don't know this very integral part of my life - Robin Sharma has been my virtual tutor ever since I read "The saint the surfer and the CEO". This book has been my bible and this man has been a one-of-a-kind teacher. If you haven't guessed it yet, the mail informed me about a Robin Sharma leadership session in Bangalore!!!

With all the last minute scramble for the tickets, 5 hours of sleep, early morning rush to Taj Vivanta - the venue, empty yet full stomach, I reached the venue. I wouldn't be lying if I were to say that I looked like someone had stuck a pencil across my mouth! The anticipation of waiting for Mr Sharma had me smiling ear to ear! Finally, the man in black arrives midst the whistles and thunderous claps! I am not usually very star-struck. But something about the glowing aura around this man which is well complimented by a streak of humor will leave you all smiles!

The session that lasted for 3 hours turned out to be a life changer for people who believe that changes are avenues of growth. It empowered those who chose valuable work over mindless toil. It encourages people to take risks and live life, for you only live once.Acknowledging the strength each one of us possess, Mr Sharma speaks about how consistency is the mother of mastery. His philosophies combine the best of the east and west and bring forth to people principle values, which in one word can be described as "simple". The more you complicate life, the more complicated it is gonna get. Live simple and you will be nimble.

I got back from the session less than an hour back. I am already in front of my computer and I am typing this post with immense passion biding by one of the main points covered in the session - You can always do the run when you feel like. You need to do the run when you don't feel like doing the run. This is gonna shape your character. Push yourself to excellence while your competition sleeps. Accomplish small goals every day. They will mount up to a large number in no time. This is success. Did you ever think success would be this simple? No one told you it would be easy. The things you most resist are carrier of your greatest growth!

This is my attempt to conquer distraction and hone my creativity. Seeing Robin Sharma live, flesh,blood and bones has made me realize that all our wishes are being heard to. Probably processing time for some is greater than the other. But everything is being noted by the cosmic cycle nevertheless! Keep you eyes open for opportunities, for the best of opportunities come in the best of disguises.

P.S: Anyone who wants more information on the session is free to get in touch with moi!

All mine

I have always believed that what's yours cannot be taken from you. It always finds a way to come back to you. At the same time you cannot take into possession what's not yours. It will not remain yours, even if you were to safeguard it with your life. Now now, a very simple principle, ain't it? Then why is it so hard for a certain numb skulls to understand it? Oops, I answered my question! If you are numb, you ain't feeling anything right?

This post might as well be a fruit of frustration! But lemme try to objectify it as much as possible.

Long back a friend had told me something, that continues to haunt me till date - Expectation is a mother of all fuck-ups! You know what? It sure as hell is! Lets rationalize it. Why do we expect? Is it coz we think we deserve things? Or is it coz the person next door has it and we don't? The sources are disparate but the destination is the same.

People say, have realistic expectations. Now can these people please rise up to the occasion and tell me what exactly is a "realistic" expectation? Is it certain "cult" of expectations that are limited to your bounded brains? Something you perceive is achievable to you and hence generalize it coz you think you are the end of the world? So if my logic is correct, anything I think I deserve or can achieve that's beyond your limited and chained thought process is gonna be condemned! Once again, I am not even gonna delve on the realms of who gave you the right to write my life story!

Time and time again, I have been shaken up by my reliable sources asking me to come out of my "ideal" world. Well, if a world were honesty and truthfulness precedes manipulation is called ideal, then so be it! I dance to the music of my song. That's the only dance I know. If you wanna change the music to suit your ear drums, be assured I am gonna step on your toe. You could then go and cry to your mama!

I am not complaining that the world is claustrophobic. I am just saying that world can be such a better place to be where every breath one takes need not weaken one's spine! Looking around, I know its a tough job for me to survive being me. Can I emerge victorious? If I were to change even a single set of thoughts, it would be a small victory. Nopes, I don't wanna preach. Why would I? I am just a restless soul in mid 20's. How much of world have I seen? I have lived a principled life, guarding my values for they are what make me. You all are intelligent enough to recognize that success does not succeed values!

So why am I writing this post? I write this post to address people - believers. In the end, the good shall prevail. Sounds cliched right? Well, most of us haven't lived a full life. Meet me at the end of yours and we can discuss this then! For all you simple honest buggers wanting to live your live your way, there's still hope. Hope, that arises from each of your hearts. Please don't buckle under "peer pressure". You are answerable only to the person you see in the mirror. Dance to your music. Dance like no one is watching. Don't forget to give a "gentle" hook to anyone who tries to re-tune you. All the best warriors! See you on the other side!

Trippinnn..

Just back from an awesome weekend getaway. What's surprising, is I am happy to be back home. In fact, I am even raring to go to my work place (strange eh??). As they say, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!

My weekend trip to Hyderabad initially intended to be a "catching up with old friends (no pun intended!)", proved out to be much more than that! Last minute accommodation arrangement, early morning talks with long lost friends (and their husbands! Time has some grace after all!), "innocent" auto drivers conceding to my "negotiation skills" (Didn't you appreciate that Poosh??) and the super hot "cold wave" has been more than refreshing!

This was supposed to be my trip, as in MY TRIP, where I intended to carry my happening ass to all the places I wished without any human support! I must be God's favorite child, I had company ALL ALONG! (not that I am complaining!) I remember some one calling me anti-social (wait a minute.. that surely must be my alter ego! I rock with people around!). Having such fun people around me 24/7, I must be super cool!

What began on an auspicious note with a super yummy breakfast (once again, thanks auntie!!! Did I tell you, you rock???) ended on a jaw dropping event of announcement of an engagement. (not mine people, not mine) This probably would mean one more trip next week to a land I don't particularly like for a man I completely adore! (Hope I get my spa vouchers Poosh. Read my previous comment, I have EARNED it!)

Confused reading this post? Congrats! This attests your normalcy, although I would still say this ain't a good enough proof to hide your insanity! This post is more of a blabber post. I am just happy! (I just got back remember? Not been to work yet! I guess I have a good 3 hours between me and a (hopefully not) foul mood!!!)

For all those who think work sucks (yes, I am addressing the 99.99% of people reading this) take my word for it when I say, real life is outside work! Take a break (have a kit kat if you don't suffer from "weight issues!") One small trip, an encounter with people friends/strangers alike (believe you me, strangers can prove to be really S-T-R-A-N-G-EERRRSS!) a new place or an old place revisited is enough to keep you going till your next seizures! (remember the very frequent life-is-boring seizures??)

I am so kicked! I even called my yoga instructor and fixed up my "yoga plans" starting tomorrow! (Yes flab, you sure as hell are out of my body. New year seems to be bringing your end. *wicked laugh*)

Gotta scram now. Now, now, what do I do before I end a post? Say something (usually the first thing that hits my head!) and make it sound intelligent. (Yes, if you don't get what I mean you fall in negative IQ region! Now read and say.. ahhaaa epiphany!) I don't see any reason why this post should be any different! So here I go - Celebrate your time, for you know not what awaits for you tomorrow. (trust me you'll have a tomorrow. You most definitely will!! Else, when will you repent over lost time??)

Anyways people, here's wishing you a great week ahead! Will be back with my stories (hopefully more happening ones!) Till then, keep reading! C'est la vie!!!

Bon Voyage!

Travelling means different things to different people. For some it’s a passion, for some it’s a hobby, for some it’s a way of life and for some special people its life itself. Some travel to explore the world outside, while some travel to understand the world within. Some for developing a feeling “been there done that” while some for opening new avenues in life. 


As much as I talk about travelling, I haven’t done a lot of it myself. But I am hoping to, in the near future, which forms a big part of my new year resolutions! From whatever little travelling I’ve done, I know my actual reason behind wanting to travel. And it’s a lot more than just being photographed in front of a famous monument! I’ve always been intrigued by people and their culture. The best part being that it is almost an inexhaustible resource. Even if you have met a million people, learnt about a trillion cultures there is always more waiting to be discovered! This knowledge gives me a reason to go on my expedition with more vigor!
My first ever memorable trip to the Andaman’s was first in many ways. The first time I got to pick the location, first time I changed the itinerary, first time I met people who left me awestruck, for their passion for travelling was really overwhelming! ‘Backpacking’ is a very cool term. Really! Anyone who tells me “I went backpacking to XYZ place” gets me to applaud their attempt. I know what are the challenges people face when they wanna travel, most of which, prohibit them to do so. Money, society, blah blah forms a formidable barrier. So anyone who crosses this barrier manages to earn my respect!


In Havelock islands, I happened to bump into a passionate traveler from Holland. It took me a while to register what she meant when she said, “I sold my house and every single thing in it before I started globetrotting.”Once it did register I could hear my head reeling. WHAT??? My heart was in my mouth when I learnt that she had bid goodbye to her husband only coz she wanted to travel all around the world. With no security and no one to bank upon, she had set off on a journey, probably to find herself. Being used to my comfort zone, I thought that what she did was completely opposite to everything I ever believed in. You need your comforts, you need your people, you need somewhere to get back to, you need someone to get back too. But there was a part of me who kind of understood her. Most of you reading this would think this an act of sheer stupidity. Think again.


That was the first time it hit me, one can have all the materialistic things and worldly pleasures. But these cannot buy inner peace or help you find your true self. As I continued my conversation with this enigmatic woman, I discovered how uncomplicated her life was. Her entire life was in her backpack. A small “bathroom kit” with an even smaller mirror, few clothes which would soon find their way out to make place for the new ones, a book ,just about enough money and lots of memories. She believed in never having to repent. She danced with the locals under the moon light; she clicked pictures on her i-phone; she found a place on the ship deck without any complaints, when she saw that her seat had already been occupied; she travelled with no expectations; she travelled to live and lived to travel.


I may not remember her face, but I can never forget her spirit. 


May this serve as an inspiration to aspiring travelers. May this give you strength to jump the formidable walls and explore the world outside. May this lead you to the road of self discovery. Bon voyage!

2012

As the sound of firecrackers fill my ears, I have a very happy feeling seeping through ever pore of my body. A feeling, that assures me this year is gonna witness realization of dreams while new ones are being spun. A feeling that compels me to eagerly look ahead and live life queen style. A feeling that would reinforce my belief in miracles. A feeling, that can't be given a name, for it could scar its sanctity.

Every new year brings with it a lot of hope. We believe that bygones will be bygones and look forward to a new life which would heal our wounds, bring us relief.The hope that spurs up in my heart, which brings a smile of my face, which gives me the confidence to face the unknown, is the same hope that inspires a writer to write her next novel, an athlete to run a race of his lifetime, an actor to portray life on screen and a painter to capture colors of this universe on a canvas.  Every 1st of Jan marks the commencement of hoards of resolutions, most of which die a silent death in less than a week! But the same people make the same resolutions every year, without giving up!

It's said that what one does on Jan 1st, marks pretty much all he/she would do throughout the year. So, I decided to start my new year with something, that has, in the past few months become an avenue of expressing myself - writing. I won't say it completes me, but without it I surely am incomplete.There a lot of things I would like to do - Explore the world, Work for WWE/ National Geographic, Meet Edge (if I hear any of you laugh, I swear I am gonna have to take you to task!!!) and finally have a nice BIG ring on my finger!!!  But most importantly, I realize what shaping ones character means. So I decided to be the best person I can today, hoping this would rub on for as long as this year would last and a lot more! As for my wishlist, here's hoping I get to check all of them by end of this year!

2011 passed by at a break neck pace. I can't point my finger at one particular thing that made it rocking or boring! The most important lesson learnt has been about people. I had the good fortune of meeting few really genuine beings. Some in office, some outside and some online! A big thanks to all of you for reinforcing my faith in goodness. You guys have been like zephyr. Looking at your loved ones moving away is never easy.  All my friends in different continents, you guys are the most happening thing in my life!  But distance only brings you closer and closer we most definitely are. Then there were relations I almost lost, but were saved in the nick of time. I sincerely apologize for my follies. Can't promise that I won't repeat them, but will cherish you with all my life and not let go ever again. And that is my word. Finally, the ones who are around me, who have always been the closest to my heart, who give meaning to my life, here's praying this is just one of the many many happy new years we celebrate together!

I personally thank the super power for giving me one more Jan 1st to live and cherish with my loved ones. All my problems diminish when I see celebration of life all around me. Here's hoping the celebrations are here to stay! Happy new year to one and all. Make the best of this day, for you are fortunate to have it.

Merci!!!

Holidays are here - the season of being thankful for whatever we have been blessed.This might as well be the month in which my thoughts and words have found themselves least connected! It's been a while since I wrote something that's "simply Shubha". As my freezing fingers wander on the keyboard, my thoughts are haywire - some thinking of the little angle sleeping on my lap and purring away to glory, some thinking how tasty must I be for  she licks me like a candy the minute she hops on my lap, some wondering how is a kitten displaying dog behavior, some thanking this miracle for running into my arms last night and the rest wondering what do I write about!

 I would always think, just when you think things are bad, they get worse! For most part, it may be true! But while we are focusing on the worse, we overlook the flickering hope that's playing a peek-a-boo. Every cloud has a silver lining. As I feel the gentle weight of this exquisite fur creation adjusting herself on my lap, I know what's the silver lining in my present!

A few days back, I moved few inches closer to my grave. With words like "It's all down hill from now" drumming in my ears, I hated the fact that someone as precious as me is getting old! I guess I might speak for the mass when I say any birthday after 25 starts creating a void. You tend to think about your accomplishments, unfulfilled dreams, increasing waistline, receding hairline (in my case lovely silver lining on my head!), oh wait.. are those laugh lines or wrinkles!!!

As much as I hate admitting it, I am no different. I thought about all of those, more about some than the rest. Sometimes we are so busy wallowing in self pity that we forget about the love that fills our life. As the clock struck 12, I pulled my blanky over my sleepy head.

Oh no.. you are not winning over me. I am gonna sleep my way through distress and who knows, if no one remembers, I will remain 25 for life!

Little did I know, that there were beasts waiting for their turn to haunt me and accelerate the natural aging process. Finding your special ones at your door step at midnight with your birthday cake is probably normal for you guys. But being the boring person I am, being awakened from my beauty sleep would only unleash a series of not-so-pleasant sounding yawns and intimidating looks that could only be well camouflaged in the darkness! With the biting cold not helping my plight, I fumbled with the keys are dragged my body to the gate. This was my special surprise! As cliched as it sounds, in midst of the yawns and teeth chattering, I felt like I had just turned 18! This post is for all you people who made my day either by being by my side or sending your wishes from the far away land.

Just when turning older looked like a bane, I realized that I was granted with special boons to ride through the tough days! Some boons I've had the good fortune of knowing for over half my life, being blessed to witness their journey from childhood to parenthood while the others who have etched their special places in my heart, promising a future of togetherness.

This brings me back to the crux of the matter. Just when you think you have nothing going for you in your life, something turns up, making you realize your worth. Even if fail to recognize it, just remember it's always there, like the air you can't see. In my case my life is determined by the people in it. I don't have a lot of them, but the one's I do are enough to last for a life time. Finding genuine people and keeping them in you life is a tough thing to do. It's not something that people think of as a goal. It's not even remotely their dream. It's not mine either. But I cant emphasize on how important this is, for you to live the blissful life you always dreamt of. Don't rush your way to the top, to find yourself all alone. Enrich your life with people who matter, make them a part of your dreams, watch them colour it for you. As I listen to the purring growing louder, I know I have everything I need to turn my life into a very fulfilling one. The purring in your life is telling you something too. Please listen to it...


P.S : Special note of thanks to sailor for making me 18 again!

DOERS

I was surfing channels on a lazy evening, Bangalore weather just adding to my lethargy. I had reached a state where I had settled down to watching obese people on screen, boosting my “feel good factor” just coz I was lazy to even switch to the next channel! Then came the commercials. After a flurry of well known ads, came something catchy. Switching among some seriously off-beat people, I kept seeing the caption and hearing this phrase – DOERS.

The name gives away the identity of this clan. But I decided to hang on a tad bit longer to see the message they wanted to convey.  I guess it finally provided me the drive to write this post!

Doers are normal people like you and I. One thing that sets them apart from the crowd is the fact that their actions speak louder than words. The words “I wish I could do this” or “I am too busy” or in simple terms “excuses” are obsolete to them. With utmost focus, they act upon their plans. They design contingency plans, not afraid to implement them when required. When faced with failures, they pump their system with hope and start all over again. After all their name itself indicates - Do errs! Boredom is not an option, interest is not an excuse. To achieve one’s goals, one may have to tread paths which are covered with weeds of discomfort or non-interest.  The final call has to taken by the individual as to whether weeds precede the desire or desire paves the path.

Everyone experiences a certain calling from within at different points in their life. Some listen to them, respect them, pursue them, while most ridicule them and asphyxiate them under the cover of “doing the right thing”. 

“I can’t take up photography. Photos aren’t gonna pay the bills.”

“Writers earn less. Feeding my soul is still gonna keep my stomach hungry!”

Sounds familiar? There are many more of such instances. Not wanting to offend the human spirit, I am not giving away the list!

I know it’s a little too early for this, but I am a writer. My calling, was writing. Not knowing how I would fare at it, I kept pushing the urge to a point of no return. But it did return. Just like one of the prank callers who keep calling unless you pick up the receiver and ask him, what is your God Damned problem! I picked up the receiver. The voice at the other end seemed familiar – the kinds that you knew long time back but with time, faded into oblivion.

It was this voice that guided me to this place- the same voice that has been whispering for a few days now, urging me to play with words, pleading me to do justice with them. From what I have learnt, when you are really scared of something, go ahead and do it! End of the day, either you lose your fear or gain an experience! 

I have been so held up the past few days. Sleep seems to be my old neighbor, who hasn’t spoken to me for years!!! Every day I look at my blog and say “I am gonna be a travel writer someday”.  I probably have accidently stumbled upon my passion, still unsure, but that’s what it looks like! Then again, I turn around and say, I am too busy to do this. I am freaking kidding myself!!

Sometimes you get so held up in life that you have no time to think, am I happy doing what I am? Is this the sole purpose of my existence? Does the purpose have a soul? Or probably you already know answers to these but they are not lucrative enough to be considered! No shame admitting it. I do it ALL THE TIME!

Find time for things that bring a smile on your face. Make your living just don’t sell your soul while doing so.  There’s always a bigger purpose waiting for you. Don’t over look it. It might not be able to your bills, but it’ll ensure your never burdened under them! Address your calling in life. It might look trivial; it might even be a subject of laughter to people around but for its worth but it’s worth all your time! Answer the call before disconnecting; you might just have a surprise waiting for you!

P.S: One can live with a hungry stomach, but never with a hungry soul.

HOPE

Make up your mind, strengthen your belief, the closed doors shall open and set you free. Just when you are about to give up, something gives in. Give in to this "something" and you'll be surprised.. Shubha Holla

A few days back, these words swept across my mind like zephyr. Even then I knew the intensity of these random words that had come together to form a potent truth. It is said that when all the doors are shut, the super power above us, opens a window. If you give this passing statement a thought, you would realize the sanctity of it.

Earlier this month, I went through an excruciating incident which involved people advising me as to how I should "never divorce" my current field of work. The incident was not half as painful as its after math. It left me thinking, what next? What's my purpose on this earth? I am mediocre at what I do and I don't know what I excel in! It was almost like a dead end. A lot of tears accompanied by feeling of shame burdened my delicate shoulders. Just when I thought it was all over, something happened.

I can't really decide what my epiphany was. But it had me in the spot light. It was this moment that lead to my previous post. It was this moment that led to turn of events that may as well make my life sound awesome! Its said, when a student is ready, a teacher appears. When you embrace this philosophy, you see things start turning out the way you always wanted them to. You do things with the sole aim of satisfying yourself. They bring you results that astonish you and fill your heart with hope.

There are a certain times when we say, "this is it, I am giving up." But if your quest was truly earnest, a glimpse of hope appears just when you are about to hang your boots. I am not saying that your dream has come true. All I would say is that tiny glimmer of hope is a living proof of why you need to continue with your conquest. This hope can come in any form, a person you least expected or an event you wouldn't have even imagined. This is nothing but life dropping hints that you are on the right path, urging you to walk ahead, pleading you not to give up.

A lot of us are happy just by getting the glimpse of this hope. "At east we managed to get here.", "not many people have come this far". As always we misread what life is telling us and completely miscalculate every decision. Probably our dream was waiting to be lived by us. It had been waiting for a long time, not giving up on us even once, praying for our arrival. Where as we, on the other hand gave up on it, consoling ourselves with the hope.

Many times we are scared of the power of our prayers and hard-work. We see that our success is just a step away from us and we panic. "How could I do this?" "Is it for real?" "It feels like a dream!" Even though we really want a certain things in life, we are scared of what might happen if we get them. "Do I really deserve this?" "Am I worthy of it?", we ask ourselves. My friends, we are what we think we are. The main reason for you to dream is coz you can fulfill it. It is as real as the air you breathe. Don't be scared of living your dreams. Dreams wont come crashing down when you live them but can't say the same if you don't live them to the fullest!

P.S: Your dreams never give up on you; a good enough reason for you to not give up on them.

The Happy Post

I have been smiling for a while now. And guess what? World's best smile comes free! Do I have a reason to smile? Now this is a trick question and the answer is even trickier. I can say that I have absolutely no reason to smile and be happy or I can say I don't really know from where to begin! In both ways, I speak nothing but the truth!

I am blessed with the best parents, pillars of strength as friends, a job that satisfies my out-of-job life, a car that understands my need for speed at certain times, a body that warns me when I don't take care of it, soul awakening books that have been my best teachers and most importantly that special someone who's held my hand and never let it go, come storm, come shine. Yes, this is just tip of the iceberg. I have more than sufficient reasons to smile and celebrate my life. But coming to think of it, I had all of these reasons, all along! Was I blind all the while? I was happy then too but there were ugly pockets of agony raising their curious heads every now and then. I know I must have invited them somehow. But I am unable to point a time and place when I passed this invitation!

This brings me to the first part of my answer. I have no reason for my happiness. I don't believe in reasoning things out. Not coz I would fret over not finding reasons but just coz I believe there are far more important things to concentrate my energies on. Everything in this world can be reasoned out. But its not always worth our efforts. We often find reasons to be happy while the truth remains we need none! Happiness is the basic state of mind.

My companion to office and back home is a backpack. People call it the travel bag coz it is always all flared up like nostrils of a raging bull! Not to forget it can give a body builder some workout for his biceps. Alas, it finds its way and rests on my back giving it a workout which it didn't sign up for! Now you might ask me what would I possibly be carrying in that office bag of mine that makes me hunch like an old witch preparing magic potions! You have to believe me on this - I DON'T KNOW!

The only things I am sure of finding in my bag every time I dive in it are water bottle, a book, lunch box(es) wallet and a comb. (mentioned in the order of importance!) Knowing my weight lifting abilities the above mentioned items are not enough to burden me. (I am tough, you know!) Yet every time I put the backpack on, I go - Damn, am I taking a baby elephant on a ride???

Now that you think I might have told you something that you probably have no interest in, lemme give you an analogy. My backpack with basic amenities is like a natural state of mind. It's just about the right weight and ensures I am not bogged down. I have what I need, I have what I can handle without slipping on the path ahead. I am happy. Then I start adding things into my backpack.

 Do I need them? I don't know.
Will I use them? I may never.
Can I handle the extra weight? I can't.


In spite of a negative response to all of the above, will I still retain them in my bag? Oh yeah!

You see what I've done? For reasons inexplicable, I have burdened myself. I know it's gonna bring me no good. But yet I am not agreeing to part away with things that may cause me agony. This thought crossed my head when I was frantically rummaging through the mess in my bag to find my wallet! My basic, important thing lost in the mess that occupies my bag.

In similar way, I have side-tracked the important things in life, running behind illusions which I thought would bring me happiness. Probably they might. I don't really know. But what I do know is a bird in hand is worth two in the bush! Dreaming is good, but sacrificing the core stuff for hoping to achieve those dreams is not worth!

How may times have we weighed down your minds and hearts with things that we aren't even sure of? How many times have we over looked the happiness and health smiling at us, to reach a delusional ecstasy? You don't need reasons for anything - happiness or sadness. If you really wanna live your dreams, you need to be happy in your present, live every moment of it, experience each joy the present has to offer and work towards your calling, with a happy heart. Don't look for reasons to be happy, give happiness enough reason to find you and never let go of you.

P.S : Practicing what I just preached, task for this weekend would be clearing my backpack!

Mind freak!

Anything about you, that you do not control, controls you - Robin Sharma

Profound as it sounds, living your life by it you can be really empowered. (Tried and tested!) Now picture this - a psychopath driving on Bangalore roads, thinking he's possessed by Michael Schumacher spirit, cuts through the traffic as if it were an apple pie and as luck might have it, you find yourself right in front of this esteemed being, driving comfortably, listening to soothing music. Here comes the blaring music of the honk. You ignore it till you can take no more. If you are an ego maniac yourself, you'll get into a death race with this racing spirit. If not, you'll pull the car to one side and keep glaring as he passes by wishing he were under your Tyre! However there are a few sane ones who'll just let it pass, like a bad thought which deserves no place in your head or your life.

I know for a fact that I fall in the first category. Most of the "less egotistic" people fall in the second. What's common in both these categories? The commonalities lie in the after math. It's a given that the first category has 10% reduced life span! So obviously I am not gonna speak about it! But what I actually would wanna talk about is the feeling that you experience due to an absolute stranger and an absolutely worthless behavior, which sticks to you like a leech and ensures its impact is carried along. The 10 seconds incident is given an importance that ensures it would last for the next 10 hours! Either in form of stories you would tell your people - "there are idiots driving on the roads these days", "who ever gave them their license", "more like license to kill!" or in form of hidden anger that raises its ugly head on innocent beings around you.

What would you do then? I agree venting your frustration on the first person you can victimize is the easiest thing to do. You would feel a lot better about making your self feel better without so much as sparing a thought on the victim. This chain may not stop here. It's almost like a game of passing the parcel. You vent your anger on someone, that someone (if he's as mentally stable as you are) will have to pass it to someone else. So as you can see you have set off a chain reaction!

Its said that no one can bring about a feeling in us that is a stranger to us. If you think someone is an ego-maniac, then a good reason can be coz you have lived this feeling to the fullest! If you recognize someones temper, you surely would have exercised the same at some point in time!


We, as human beings are blessed to experience all the feelings there are to experience. We laugh, we cry, we get angry, we crib. To control them, we have been gifted a very valuable thing that we keep locked for most part of our waking hours - our brain! It has the power to make a fair judgement on what we express and how we express. But since we don't believe in living upto our potential, we keep our minds closed to any form of enlightenment!

A higher level of life is always misunderstood for meekness. Most of us might think the third category of people mentioned earlier, need to grow a spine. While the truth is, the rest of us need to grow a brain! Giving everything equal importance in your life is gonna reduce the level of importance that needs to be given to a certain things in you life that play a vital role in maintaining your vitality. Compromising on this is like selling your core values. Some things in life are more important than the rest. Recognize them and give them the respect they deserve. Where as some things are better if you turned a blinds eye to them coz thats where they rightly belong. Things tend to go bad when the clear demarcation between these two is blurred due our "intelligence".  As the world talks about erasing the borders that divide mankind, you need to darken this border between the important and non-existent. Don't waste your energy on the latter for, then the former would turn into the later in no time! 

La peur

Have you experienced this phenomenon of not liking things that you already have? If yes then Congrats! you are normal! Keeping the normalcy aside, this is the time somebody educated you that you don't always get what you like. If you whine about your current possessions they will sprout wings and fly away from you in no time and leave you with a lot more to cry for!

The feeling of not liking what we currently do or have, can be attributed to fear - the fear of not being able to do what is required to get where we want to, drives us into accepting that we dont like what we do. In this way we can always attribute this as a reason for screwing up things. "I don't care" "This doesn't matter to me". As always easier to run, even though you are a terrible athlete!

Fear is a driving factor. While some take it in their stride and change their course of life for good, the others (read most of them) get bogged down by the very magnitude of it. What are we scared off?

• We fear what we don't know - Fear of the unknown
• We fear what we can't explain - Fear of the inexplicable
• We fear what we can't see - Fear of the dark
• We fear what we can't do - Fear of gutlessness
• We fear the consequences - Fear of the outcome
• We fear we won't be accepted - Fear of rejection
• We fear being alone - Fear of loneliness

And these are just a few that I had pull out from top of my head. I am sure this list can increase at a deadly pace if you give it more thought! 

A wise man had once told me, "all fears that cripple us, have a history which most of us have long forgotten.The minuscule incident which has been erased from our memory now, once looked larger than life, leaving behind only the feeling it had initially bought about!"

Fear of the dark was born when we were kids and were told that "ghosts" lurk in the dark! Fear of rejection raised its ugly head when we were ousted from a "cool" gang. Fear of loneliness gripped us when we assumed the whole world is against us! Phew.. these were just a few fine examples.. if you think about it, all your fears can be traced back to something small that happened long ago. Some of us may not even remember the incident but what we do remember is the feeling.

Now look back at the list of fears. How can you fear something that you don't even know off? For every possibility of its existence, there's a possibility of it being "non-existent". Every thing in the world is aptly placed where it should be. For reasons that are highly subjective, we can't find reasons to why things are, the way they usually are. Which by the way, is pretty ok. There's nothing wrong in seeking answers. But be prepared that the answers may not be framed the way you would expect them to be. You may not understand them which by no means is a reason to fear them!

People fear the dark. But darkness can also symbolize infinite possibilities which choose to appear when you decide to light your own way. Darkness may as well represent a million hidden opportunities! Doesn't look that scary now, does it? There is a saying, "Whether you think you can or you can't, you are right." From where I see it, you can do whatever you wanna do. There is nothing and I mean absolutely NOTHING that you wanna do and you can't.

A lot of us lose the battle even before we start. Why? coz we've already programmed our minds for a loss. If you get into a battle doubting you'll be anywhere but on the winning side, why fight the battle in the first place? Results are important. What's more important, is believing they would be in your favor.

Finally, we crave for acceptance. Being accepted is a very warm feeling. But rejecting yourself whilst seeking acceptance from the world is a sin! One who doesn't accept himself can be assured that he'll receive rejection from the world. Being alone is not bad, sometimes it is very much required. Don't paint a sorry picture of yourself coz that ain't no modern art and it will most definitely not be appreciated!

Revisit all your fears and see exactly how many of them are worth hanging on to. If the count is not zero, continue to revisit them until it finally reaches nil! ( Unless you fear roaches and crocodiles, all you fears are unjustified!) Fear has a great appetite. It feeds on your vitality until there's nothing left! And if you really wanna be fed on you have better options!

Anything done with all your heart brings you success, whether its a heartfelt status on FB fetching a million "likes" or a task you are hell bent on getting done as a part of your personal achievement! And fear has no place here. 

Life can be tough at times. It gives everyone a fair share of fears. Its only when you rise above it and say the most liberating statement ever - "I fear nothing!", you find avenues of success. Finally remember one thing, "If you fear life and think it is not fair, you are a racist!"

P.S: Merci my Sailor. With your thoughts and my words, we'll sail forever..

Crab it!

"If I am going down, I am taking you with me."

"How can he reach the stars when this ground is almost about to suck me in?"

"I wish he fails" and many more to the similar effect.

Atleast at some point in time all of us have used similar dialogues and with intensity that can scare the shit out of mankind! Success is very sweet as long as it belongs to us. If it were holding somebody else's hand we would be looking for a razor sharp sword, all set to chop the hand off! Most of us grew up envying the first ranker in the class and making him the butt of all the jokes, while secretly wishing we could have his scores! Enter college, all of us aspired to be the soccer champion/ cricketing god or the beauty queen. When that didn't happen the reigning champs were made the center of negativity! Well.. I won't lie to you, some of them deserved it!! (Yes.. I am more beautiful than you can ever be and as for you,back off suckers!!) Phew.. that feels great! Anyways, back to the topic!

More than half our lives are spent in finding faults in others and zeroing down on reasons as to why they don't deserve to be where they are right now. That very precious time can be used to get yourself to where you think you deserve to be! But no holy way! We are always interested in having a fork in others cake. And why not? She is where I deserve to be. Do you know if you really deserve it? No. But you'll surely know that she doesn't! And I thought that our reasoning ability gives humans the elevation!! Silly me!


This brings me to the name of this post. When you keep a bunch of crabs in the box with no lid, you can be sure that none will come out. Coz when one tries to, its own kind pulls it down and this chain continues. The very phenomenon occurring in our day to day lives to such a great extent that it can be related more to humans than to crabs!

A beautiful line I came across - "Every one thinks they are different. Doesn't that make us same?" Yes. It's very true. We all comprise of the same energy particles and have same aura. Due to the choices we make, some energize these particles further, making their aura visible and magical ; some remain stagnant ; some find an all time low and create repulsive forces. They look at the magic and say, "this can't be for real", "this can't be for long", "he'll surely come crashing down", "it's all about luck and right time!".

This is for real, this can stay as long as you wish without biting the dust, you find you own luck and yes this is the right time! Make your life meaningful, don't fret over others success (unless you want it to migrate to a far away land!). You don't have to feel happy about other's happiness just feel happy knowing your turn is just round the corner.

Used and thrown

I slogged my ass off last weekend, driving from one electronic store to other, haggling at every given opportunity and working harder to create more opportunities! Believe you me, when I tell you this - if you want to see a perfect example of human nature you ought to divert your attention to salesmen. Seriously, I mean it, with all due to respect to them, for all they are doing or at least attempting to do is be true to their job!

Have you ever noticed that broad smile on the faces of these salesmen when you make a grand entry into their stores? Even better, have you noticed the width of their smile reducing exponentially as the time you spend there increases? Here's the best, have you noticed how they personify a soldier at war front when faced with challenges of any sort regarding the quality/pricing of their commodities?

"This is the best price ma'am. You can check the entire market but you wont find any offer this reasonable"
Just when you go like.. uummmm.. hmmm... BANG! comes the most historic of all dialogues.. infact the mother of them all..
"If you find a similar product cheaper than this in any store I'll give you thrice the difference amount!"

Lemme tell you one thing with full conviction, THEY DON'T!

Anyways this post is not to be bitchy about their breed, coz after all they're human beings displaying perfect human behavior! Even though we were not born this way, over time we have transformed into people who live only for themselves. I always say that one has to live for oneself. Agreed. But not by stepping on others or by using the philosophy "Use and throw".

I have a very simple example to exhibit this behavior. Few years flashback.


Oh God!! Please ensure I pass in this exam! I promise.. like PROMISE you I'll try harder next time and pass on my own. Just this one time.. pleeeeeassseee!!

Once the results are out, so is God or even a slightest feeling of thanking God!!! (Till the next exam i.e!!!)

 Strikes a chord??? If it did not then picture me with my index finger pointing at your nose and saying STOP LYING!!!

So I guess I've established how the human behavior changes with every passing moment and not for the good if I might add! In my short life time I have met only a handful people who genuinely care. While few notice and appreciate this, the others just turn a blinds eye to them, continuing with their cynical way of life. A smile is no longer considered as an introduction or induction of a new relation. It is a gateway to a relation based on tangible things. I am not saying give and take relation is wrong. Nothing in the world is right or wrong, just the perspective. But wouldn't it be better if there is a give and take of intangible things like honesty and sincerity.

You all know by now how corporate culture repulses me. Not coz of the kinda work but coz of how people treat each other. If smiling extra is gonna earn you something, you smile like you are growing younger by every passing minute! If getting your head in your boss's ass is gonna get you a promotion, you hold your breath and retain the position till the end of this world! It's more like an epidemic. It starts with a few rotten fruits and before you know the whole basket it stinking! If you are one of those rotten fruits, I am not saying you are right or wrong. Ya, I might ask you to maintain a 100 feet distance to avoid my physical assault on you! As more and more people get into the IN thing, the so called "ideal" world blurs.

Change is inevitable does not convert to change is for bad! Life may not be ideal but if you are cynical there will be nothing alive! Just mechanical actions and reaction. If you wanna extract the most out of someone, don't forget that you are the "someone", sometime in the game. Remember the good and don't ever doubt your capacity of giving it back. Smile like the world depends on it. Recognize goodness before it escapes out of the window. If you ever tend to stumble upon a good fruit, please don't force it into the basket. Let it spread its pleasantness outside without being eaten or rotten!

P.S : Use and throw to be used and thrown!!!

Dark Night

During one of our soft skill training's we were asked to do an activity involving two people. They were made to stand one behind the other maintaining an arms distance between them. The person in front was to stand cross armed, close their eyes and fall back on their partners without taking any support, in any form, from her/his body. This includes no bending of knees, no letting go of our cross armed positions. Just falling backwards with our eyes closed. The exercise might sound simple as hell. But when it was my turn, just one look at the fragile girl who was taking her position to hold me as I fall, was enough to give me goosebumps. I thought, falling is embarrassing and when there is an audience embarrassment increases tenfold!! I failed in the first few attempts. Wanting to get done with the fiasco I decided to close my eye and take the plunge, backwards!!! As frail as the girl looked she could balance me! Moral of the story - you are never as fat as you think you are!!! <winks!>

The experience was done and dusted. Its only till recently did I realize the actual motive of it when I encountered a similar exercise in a book by Dr Joseph Murphy. Eyes are windows to the world. But it's been established time and again that what you see, cannot be believed. A perfect example of this would be Lady Justice. She has always been shown with a blindfold. This signifies an objective approach to things. In a mystical representation I can say there's always something more to things that what we see. So seeing is not believing. Coz more often than not, we see what we want to. We see fear coz we are scared of losing, we see failure coz we can't define success, we see pain, for we fear happiness would be short lived, we refuse love for the fear of losing it.

When you close you eyes, you shut yourself from the outside world. A perfect example would be the typical ghost scare all of us experienced as children. What did you do when you thought there was a ghost lurking in the corner of your room or under your bed? Most of us pulled up the sheets, covered our face, shut our eyes real tight so that no ghost could open them, even if he were to use all his might and prayed ourselves to sleep!!! Only to find ourselves unharmed the next day!

Now, coming back to the motive of the exercise. If we had kept our eyes open during the "fall" there would be a lotta doubts knocking our little brains. "What if I fall?", "I am gotta get laughed at royally!!!", "Why the hell am I doing this???" and blah blah. Even half a thought of such kind is enough for a person to say "I am not going ahead with this! This is lame!". This exercise is not about seeing how good are you at falling or how the other person excels in holding you just before you crack your skull. This is about building trust. Shutting your eyes to all your apprehensions, pushing your fears aside and embracing a world where, quite frankly you don't have a lot of say! Most importantly, trusting the fact that you are gonna be safe in that unknown kingdom.

In the so called "Kaliyug" trust is almost extinct. I guess that is one of the root causes of the downfall staring the society in its face! Since I have never been a "society person" I am not gonna expound on that topic anymore. But on a personal level, I truly believe that trust can do more than a lot of virtues put together. When you truly believe that there is a guiding force by your side and you acknowledge it, you cannot be harmed.

This concept has been beautifully explained under the name "Dark Night" in the book I am currently reading. A very apt name as generally dark is associated with evil. Hence, the not so appeasing side of humans is the "dark side". After every night comes a day, they say, hinting that night symbolizes all that's wrong with the world. But if you are able to understand the essence of dark night, you will be able to push through dark nights in your life with a faith that they will fade away leaving you stronger and teaching you skills required to lead a better life. Face the dark with the light of faith.

P.S : Recommendations - Brida by Paulo Coelho 

Matrimonial bollocks

Marriages are made in heaven. BOLLOCKS!! As far as I am concerned marriages are made on this God damned earth by jobless old people who's only aim in life is to get everyone in the world married!
"Oh!! Your daughter is almost on the verge of finishing her college. Have you thought of getting her married?" No bitch. But I guess you can do with a second one to savor your appetite!

"Your daughter is done with her college. She's landed a job! Start looking for a suitable match." Match? You think anyone can match me? Guess you donated your brain when you opened a marriage bureau!

"She's getting old. Get her married." I mean like, FUCK OFF! I can nail any one I want 20 years from now. You think about the sorry excuse called your life!!

Make no mistake about this one. I am not narrating my story. This is the common and most standard observation! Indian society runs on the strong foundation of "Your business is my business." But sadly for people who live their life by this principle, there are a lot of GenX free spirits who would like to spit on your faces but still let you have an opinion. Not coz they think you are right. But coz they believe that opinions are like ass holes, every ones gotta have one! (This line is truly an epic.. bless the soul who came up with it!!)

"Progressive society" is an illusion. "Women empowerment" is a joke. I don't wanna sound offensive but this is the truth. How can you call a society progressive if women are judged by their most personal choices? No eyebrows are raised when a man decides to settle down late. He was concentrating on his career. Such a wise move, they say. Maintain the same situation, change the gender and check out for the offensive reactions. It's a bad move. How can she put her career before her family? they say. So I guess I need not explain as to why the so called "woman empowerment" goes down the drain.

I guess once you are over 50 and you see a young spirit, happy, smiling, full of life you get diabolic and think, "So much happiness? What has she done to deserve it? I never lived like that. Why should she? Lets curb her freedom!" I could almost swear these are the actual thoughts running behind all the "aunties" roaming your streets and patting your cheeks in every function they run into you! At this point I can't decide what should scare me more - a cockroach looking at me with its antennas raised or this evil thoughts running in ultra narrow minds!

It is a given, that anybody who doesn't live by the society rules is an outcast. An unmarried woman above 30 is looked at with suspicious eyes.

"Wonder why she is still single.", "Oh dear God! Her poor parents! What has she put them through?","How will she have kids if she doesn't get married!" And the all time favorite line of society - "There must be something wrong with her."

You know what, you repulsive dweebs she's single coz she loves it that way. She rather put her parents through few more years of wait than ruin her life, in turn causing them irreparable damage. And guess they changed the syllabus when we were studying. Coz from what I read in my books, marriage has nothing to do with "starting a family". (yeah.. an uppercut punch ass holes.. IN YOUR FACE!) Finally, yes there is something wrong with her. Something, that given your intellect, is far from your comprehension. She wants to live, she wants to breathe, she wants to fight her own battles. She needs no one to protect her, she wants to own whatever she does. She knows her power and wants to use it. She doesn't mean to offend anyone but she would fight any cause that dares to capture her soul for she knows losing her life is easier than losing her free spirit.

P.S : There is no crime more hideous than caging a free spirit.