Freedom of choice

 

    ‘Freedom’ – a word that garnered great significance during the Independence era. Be it our own home country or other countries fighting for their share of independence, freedom meant everything for people back then. After gaining freedom, when citizens of the country were finally able to breathe free air, lot of changes came into effect thereafter. We all enjoy these fruits of freedom against the villains of history, but are we truly ‘free’ in every way? When we think about freedom, what is the most important form that each one of us deserves? Even though we call ourselves independent, are we really free in every domain of our life?

   The form of freedom that I am hinting at is ‘freedom of choice’. Are we free enough to choose a life for ourselves? Are we able to make our own decisions, without being weighed down by society pressures and judgments? Are we free to stand by our words and obey it till the end? I hope you all must be answering these questions in the assertive tone. Such affirmative answers will really make me happy, as the real essence of this blog stems from the fact that freedom of choice is certainly the greatest gift we can ever enjoy. More than facilities, services, assets or wealth if there is one single thing that can make us truly happy, it is the right to make our own choices.

    We often take this gift for granted. The freedom to choose our education, career, lifestyle, profession, hobbies, life partner and behavior turns into an unappreciated factor as we fail to realize its true worth. Writing a blog about its significance is my way to thank each and every individual and experience that enable me to enjoy this freedom of choice. Be it parents who have always let me take my own decisions or my husband who supports me in my choices; be it school that made me confident to stand for myself or my higher education that prepared me for being independent; freedom of choice has been the strongest highlight of my journey.

   When we talk about freedom of choice, it is the ability to experiment, explore, improve and progress. It is breaking away from the stereo-typical age-old attitude that causes more harm than good. It is about expanding the horizon and being fearless. It is about following what your heart says and working for your passion. Freedom of choice is enjoying every single thing that you do. How else can you explain the accolades earned by people in every walk of life? Instead of crying over destiny or relying over society judgments, when people follow their instincts and work hard for their choices, they are able to reach exceptional levels of success. While we congratulate and applaud such achievers for their progress, we should remember the role of freedom.

     Freedom of choice instills maturity and responsibility. It makes one strong and sound to take care of their own efforts. But just as nothing is free in life, freedom of choice also demands its own price. This price is totally affordable as it talks about sensibility and maturity. We should respect people and policies, while exercising our freedom of choice. It should not harm or hurt others as we go around declaring our ‘right’ over everything. Besides, freedom of choice is not a guaranteed lottery to success. Though we can take our decisions or choose from variety of options, we should also seek advice and help, when needed. Enjoying this freedom in a responsible way is all it takes to have a happy and fulfilled life.  

      What are some of the significant choices that we make in our life?

-          Education stream

-          Career

-          Lifestyle

-          Work profile

-          Food

-          Marriage

-          Fitness

-          Hobbies

-          Travel

-          Recreation

-          Clothing style

-          Assets

-          House decor

Every single content on this list influences our existence closely, making it essential to choose the best and enjoy the rest!

    What are your ideas on freedom of choice? Have you experienced this free will always or have your encountered restrictions based on gender, religion, caste, culture, lifestyle or nationality?

Respect this freedom of choice and make the most of its privilege. If any of our little efforts can be instrumental in creating a truly free world, it will be definitely worth it. Let us hope that the black lines of restrictions are erased from wherever they exist to offer freedom of choice to every single individual on this planet.  

At times, all you need are words…

“Is her inclination towards words predictable, considering her role as a writer?”

“Is she saying so because she deals with words all the time?”

 “Is this title powered by her love for words?”

   I am sure many such questions must be arising in your mind after reading the title of this blog. After working with words for several days now, this inclination is usual and obvious. It is said words have more power than any other aspects in life. Words deliver their message in the most straightforward manner, proving useful and significant at the same time. Words have a direct impact between communicators, conveying its meaning in a flawless manner.

   Words can cast their spell in a universal style and have a unique effect as per circumstances. Every situation has its own appropriate set of words that deliver their worth effectively.

  But, what is the purpose of diving into such a topic? As we all know the necessity of words, what will set this post apart? The primary source of inspiration for this post are the motivational and inspirational quotes that we come across regularly. When we read such powerful stock of words, they instill positivity and hope into our system that can last for a long time. Their primary purpose is to encourage us for difficulties or realities of life. Each of these quotes or messages are situational that can apply to specific circumstances or experiences in the journey of life, yet they mean a lot in the process. And the joy of stumbling upon correct quotes at the most appropriate timing leave a sense of satisfaction that cannot be explained.

   Besides the daily stock of inspiration through messages, words play an important role along heart-to-heart conversations. Be it feelings of love and affection or confession of honest thoughts, words expressing consolation or thoughts about encouragement, words are always essential along the way. Materials and assets cannot replace the purity of words. Words hold a deeper meaning that connect to the point with essence of truth and honesty. During times of despair or defeat, all we need are few encouraging words to get back on track. We may not be able to appreciate their meaning at that very instant, but their impact can definitely cast a lasting spell.

    Along some difficult situations in life, when we look around for hope and support, we realize the true meaning of words delivered by our loved ones. As we seek encouragement and affection, the power of words by our inner circle of influence makes all the difference. Their words have the energy to pull us out from sorrow and bring us back on track. Hence words are all we need, when other sources of inspiration fail to make any significant impact.

   Words have the unique power to heal and hurt. If shower of words are followed by feelings of anger and hatred, they can spoil the entire show in matter of minutes. Just as words can offer joy and encouragement, they can easily break a show by pouncing at the incorrect moment. Hence timing is the most important factor, when it comes to the show of words. Once words are delivered, it is impossible to take them back.

   With this, let us look at the therapeutic effect of words.

1.       Encouragement: When the goal is right in front of us, yet demands the most important final and difficult step. Words of encouragement accomplish the task of giving one last push, enabling fulfillment and success.

2.       Inspiration: When the going seems tough and impossible, one inspirational note can certainly work wonders. It can prompt one to look beyond the difficulties and hunt for a solution to keep moving.

3.       Communication: When new ties and bonds are formed, words enable effective communication and healthy relationships. As exchange of words lead to mutual exchange of thoughts, it eventually turns into a strong bond.

4.       Consolation: During stressful times, words act as powerful supporters that can relieve the stress to a certain extent. Though it is impossible to erase the pain solely by the weight-age of words, they are essential to offer that much needed support.

   As pieces of communication, words are truly magical in every way. Languages vary, words vary but the underlying purpose of delivering their true purpose shall always remain the same.

Spread the magic of words, use them righteously, enjoy their presence and pass on the message. After all words reach where our possessions fail to!

Sunny days

     I am sure you all must be wondering about this unusual topic for a blog. A post on sunny days? A post about the sun that rises every day, shines over us and sets back for a dark evening? What is so exciting about sunny days that deserves a post to its name? To answer all these questions, let me take you on a trip through my experiences. If I was still a resident of my home city Mumbai back in India, such a blog post would never appear in my thoughts. But after relocating to a cold country with uncertain weather conditions every single day, sunny days are really significant and valuable. While scorching heat is a typical feature all year around in my home city, I never realized I shall miss it so much after this change in location.

    With no fixed seasonal pattern, we end up with random mix of days. While some days are nice and sunny with bright smile from the sun, the cloudy and boring ones are the least desired. It is only after this major relocation, when I realized the value of sun. Sunny days undoubtedly have a great impact over our moods, behavior, nature and outlook, bringing positivity and cheer to the routine. They pump energy into our system, prompting us to take charge and make a difference. Bright light from the sun illuminates our spirits, encouraging us to look at the happier side of life. Sunny days appear as blessing, urging us to explore our limits and attempt novel changes.

     This happy thought over sunny days is shared by majority of the population as sun is truly a universal source of energy. Ideal for outings and trips, sunny days enhance the enthusiasm among people across all age groups. While I was programmed for monotonous climatic conditions in my home city, I was amazed at the power of weather that changes almost every single day at this new location. Though rainy season back in the home city did translate into several dark days in a row, their uncertainty was not as prominent as it is here today. 

    Checking daily weather conditions and celebrating sunny weekends are almost part of our routine now. Sunny days and weekends transform into special festival days, when people move out of their homes for the dosage of vitamin D. Shining sun opens up the calendar with scope for outdoor activities and fun-filled tasks.

       It is only after you reside in extremely cold conditions, when you realize the true value of sunny days. While I was ignorant about the role of weather before, my views have been transformed completely. Little did I know that sunny days can bring a drastic change in experiences and thoughts, making it extremely precious in our lives? Though we all love sunny days with its unlimited stock of energy, dull rainy days are equally essential too. After all they are source of water, bringing freshness all around.

    Sometimes sunny conditions are more than just climatic features. They are emotions and feelings that bring out joy from deep within. To appreciate this thought better, you should live under belt of snow for 3-4 months or experience uncertainty of rainfall for almost 2-3 months. Only those who experience sunny days as a welcoming break from uncertain weather can relate to the happiness of seeing a clear blue sky with bright sunshine.

   To conclude this thought, let me summarize the essence of these happy sunny days with a joyous energetic flavor:

1.       Sunny days bring enthusiasm and energetic spirit to continue with the further course of action.

2.       Sunny days represent hope and joy that everything will fall into place, with a motivational essence to keep going.

3.       Shining sun stands for unlimited source of progress and development, as it paves way for new thoughts and newer feelings.

4.       They open up opportunities for outdoor fun, besides boost the body for fitness and vigor.

5.       It can take away dullness and sorrow from mind. They cast their influence over thoughts and feelings.

6.       Sunny days are all it takes to continue with any half done work or incomplete assignments.

7.       They stand for the thought that every day is different and we must seize the opportunity as and when it comes.

So, enjoy the sunny days and make hay while the sun shines. Welcome that much needed sunshine into your lives and make the most of its presence. After all happy sunny days shall fill your lives with hope for a better tomorrow!