‘The DIY culture’: doing-it-yourself for experiencing it yourself!

 

 

     With a father who seemed to be the brand ambassador of DIY culture right from the early years of 80s, and a husband who works to carry the legacy ahead, ‘do-it-yourself’ appears to be the unstated theme of my life. Surrounded by engineers in the form of grandparents, family members, relatives and friends –  do-it-yourself (DIY) culture has chosen to influence every domain of my existence. While the creative shade of my working cannot apprehend every aspect of this DIY culture, a post to its name can prove as my little contribution towards celebration of its presence.

   ‘A trend that believes in the power of self-dependence; a style that highlights the benefit of performing every task by self; a culture that prompts one to experiment, engage, experience and evolve – do-it-yourself (DIY) is the new trendy name for doing and experiencing various kinds of task with the power of own hands.’

      Though DIY culture had a presence in our community since several decades in the past, novelty of today’s world and energy of newer generations have coated it with a fresh touch. From assembling of house hold items to planning about office furniture, from preparation of exotic restaurant-style meals in one’s kitchen to developing a wonderful garden in the front yard, from designing clothes with respect to latest fashion to decorating walls of the house, DIY has cast its spell in every area of life. Depending on interests, hobbies, skills and needs, this DIY culture can be personalized for each individual. The joy of doing tasks by self, coupled with satisfaction of the end product appear totally interesting.

     Not limited to a group of particular age, profession, nationality or gender, do-it-yourself is practiced by people across the globe. Offering an opportunity to enjoy the process of creation, DIY brings each one closer to skills and talents. From planning to shortlisting, from adding inputs to enjoying the outputs, DIY involves several aspects that turn into the desired result. As experiences are the best teachers of any trade, do-it-yourself pushes one towards experiments. Learning from our mistakes, DIY can help us progress after numerous attempts.

      Though every DIY project may not reach the finish line or may encounter failure on its way, the course of its task and route of its journey offer elements of happiness and satisfaction. While easy availability of resources provide convenience and benefits, it can never replace the joy of creating things by self. Wishes that originate from the shine and gloss of a purchased greeting card can never match with the honest love of a simple card made at home, cakes and cookies from shops around can never offer same amount of happiness as the ones baked at home. While it is impossible to make, prepare, create and perform every single aspect by self, occasional encounters and frequent dates with DIY can certainly work wonders!

       Easy access to the internet, convenient connectivity with contacts all over the globe and tremendous progress in domains of communication have been extremely instrumental in promotion and development of the DIY culture. From ‘how-to’ books and journals that teach a particular activity to websites that reflect all the necessary guidance, from virtual training videos on the internet to chat sessions with family, friends or colleagues for a particular assignment, DIY culture has pushed its way into our lives, leaving no scope for excuses!

   So, what are the striking features of the DIY culture?

  Do they offer any unique benefits that can transform a non-DIY fan into a DIY lover?

1.       Power to progress: Do-it-yourself confers power in our hands, giving room for experiences, adventures, errors and improvements.

2.       Scope for satisfaction: DIY offers taste of satisfaction by transforming efforts into a desired end-product.

3.       Lessons to learn: DIY prompts us to learn new aspects and develop novel skills, adding value to our knowledge base.

4.       Joy ride to the finish line: Entertaining till the last bit, do-it-yourself appears as a fun-filled experience, with occasional moments of failure, doubts, excitement and success.

5.       Interesting fillers: DIY tasks at home come across as valuable ways to spend time, yielding productive outcome.

  Through numerous activities, interesting means and endless ways, DIY culture is certainly here to stay. Engage yourself in little DIY, after all doing-it-yourself is nothing but experiencing, evolving, entertaining and enjoying yourself!

P.S: Dear Dad and husband, I wish this post on DIY can count as my DIY project for several years from today.

Special attention husband: Hopefully, this 700 word article will replace my contribution from any probable DIY tasks such as cleaning car, assembling furniture and growing lemon grass for your tea! 

At times, COMEDY is all we need; because sense of humor makes perfect sense!

    

      Comedy, jokes, sarcasm, laughter, fun, humor, joy - while each of these have the power to tickle our funny bone and involve us into a good laugh, humor is certainly one of the most essential elements in the course of our lives. An expression that mirrors our joy; an emotion that prompts us to enjoy- comedy and humor welcome us into the world of fun. Lighthearted jokes born with an aim to celebrate silliness and acts of humor designed with the purpose of radiating laughter go a long way, ensuring happiness, joy, fun and frolic. Sense of humor can keep us young and alive always. Ability to laugh at our own mistakes, eagerness to experience joy from good intended humor and openness to laugh together with our loved ones offer the real taste of comedy.

     A sincere fan of all things funny – comedy series, movies, stories and acts can keep me glued for long. While immense interest for this comedy genre did clash with my husband during our battles for the remote, successful transformation of his love towards comedy has surprised me to no end. With such an unexpected victory of comedy and humor on the screen of our television, this topic deserved a post to its name! Adding shades of fun in the daily course of routine life, comedy programs are undoubtedly essential as carriers of joy. Inspiring us to forget about struggles, challenges, troubles and worries, comedy is the perfect medicine for a happy heart.

      Comedy takes birth in several forms – from comedy television serials with fun-filled characters to comedy movies that appear totally hilarious; from stand-up comedy acts and videos on social media to funny stories and jokes in text, humor ensures perfect execution and flawless performance. True to its role of spreading smile and cheer in each one’s life, comedy and humor strive for a fun-filled experience and happy ending. While real purpose of humor is to amplify laughter, comedy that forces us to forget our surrounding is the best player in its game. Filling our lives with lighthearted magic, such kind of humor can take us away from the troubles of present.

      As a much needed refreshment for the mind, comedy and humor can do wonders. Attracting happy thoughts, enthusiastic vigor, fresh perspective and energetic aura, comedy is all we need for its perfect doses of joy. Though humor and comedy bring lot of magic in life, jokes designed with an intention to hurt someone or acts created with an aim to mock one’s weakness, lifestyle, disability or individuality can never succeed. Using someone as a target for humor spreads hatred, sorrow, anger and disappointment.

      While comedy appears to be simple, relaxing, easy moving and time killing, it is certainly one of the toughest genres that demands great dedication and hard work. Be it a writer who pens down the script for a comedy show or director who ensures perfect guidance to its flow, be it an actor who portrays the role on screen or the editor who adds the final touches, every participant has to contribute towards the success of its outcome. Acting on a serious note, while mouthing dialogues filled with jokes, humor and senseless references can certainly prove to be a difficult task! Comedy serial and show makers have to think out of the box as sustaining the interest of viewers is not an easy job. Unless the writers bring innovative jokes and actors portray novel acts, enjoying undivided and committed attention of viewers can be totally uncertain. While emotional, sensitive, thriller or adventurous drama can touch our hearts in matter of seconds, comedy and humor take numerous minutes to tickle our funny bone.

          How do each of the players of comedy bring smile to our faces and laughter to our hearts?

          Let us look at the progressing trend of comedy and humor over the passing years…

1.       Jokes

Probably the most common way of celebrating humor - jokes printed in newspapers, books and magazines provided the much needed dosage of fun in earlier times. Besides, sharing jokes with friends in class, lunch break, birthday parties and overnight trips gave way to the flow of this humor.

Though jokes have retained their charm even today, there is change in their residence from paper to digital device. While we enjoy them through our cell phones and computers, humor has chosen a new way to enter into our lives.

2.       Comedy television serials

       Simple story, diverse characters, perfect actors, hilarious encounters- as key ingredients of any  comedy serial, each of these contribute to the funny quotient of the program.  

       Drawing laughter from a funny script,comedy serials have been popular among the audience for  several years now.Though changing times demand a change in their locations,circumstances,  situations and references,comedy serials have retained the joy of uniting all the family members  over unlimited doses of laughter.

3.       Comedy movies

 With no significant impact or influential theme, comedy movies are meant for nothing but,  entertainment.Occasional moments of jokes laced with senseless moments of fun dominate the  backdrop of such movies.

 While theaters were the only means to enjoy these movies during earlier times, advent of internet and DVDs have made our job much easier!

4.       Videos on the internet

 Taking comedy and enjoyment to modern levels, funny videos on the internet are the latest means to  enjoy humor.While browsing, watching, sharing and commenting on these videos, internet and  social media have added novel shades to our laughter.

 Read, hear, watch and enjoy, as this comedy and humor are designed for the supply of your entertainment! 

The unsung hero of a song - lyrical magic that says it all!

       Rhythm, beats, tune, melody – while these are some of the aspects of a song that influence our attention, its lyrics or words are often forgotten about. Though some songs ride on the wave of popularity by the virtue of their lyrics alone, they generally come across as the last ingredient in the recipe of a hit number. 

      

      With new found love for words and immense interest towards music, I was tempted to throw light on these literary wonders! An excellent play of words combined with melody of notes create the masterpiece called ‘song’. While lyrics add meaning and purpose to a song, their poetic effect and flawless recitation make it totally interesting.

     Framed with a view of conveying the idea behind a song, lyrics certainly form the backbone of any musical piece. Pumping life into the music, when singers bring charm to the lyrics, we are able to appreciate its true meaning. While some lyrics appear too difficult to contemplate, the heaviness in their literature adds an excellent touch of surprise. From lyrics with strong poetic feel to lyrics with traditional, regional and cultural shades; from modern age lyrics with new interesting words to those without any meaning at all – lyrics appear to enjoy wide variation.

       Though beats of a song may act as magnets, attracting our ears towards it; lyrics are the reasons that ensure our sustained interest. Depending on their meaning, rhyme, flow and arrangement, lyrics of songs can make room in our hearts. Lyrics of most of our favorite songs enter into our minds effortlessly, bringing out the singers hidden deep within! As one of the factors that influences our love for a particular song, lyrics assume great responsibility in deciding the fate of this musical creation. Though fast beats of rhythm or voice of our favorite singer may pull us towards a song, meaning of the lyrics and strength in its words provide the final verdict.

       Lyrics give birth to the magic called ‘dedication’. Conveying our thoughts, emotions, feelings and experiences in a rhythmic manner, lyrics can say it all. Be it devotional song for the ‘Creator’ or folk song for celebrating our culture, be it romantic number for the special one or fun-filled lyrics for a celebration - every occasion, relation, event, moment have dedicated lyrics to their name. Giving words to our feelings, lyrics certainly come to the rescue whenever vocabulary refuses to address our loved ones.

      Forgetting the lyrics while flowing in the rhythm of a song or adding own set of words to continue its charm form some of the entertaining moments along the course of our job stint as a singer!

     While falling in love with words of a music album recently, I was prompted to classify lyrics into various categories:

§  Literary wonders – Inspired by richness of literature and power of vocabulary, these lyrics celebrate the magic of poetry. Laden with deep meaning and laced with wonderful words, power of such songs lie within the scope of their lyrics.

Be it any language or any time frame, these literary wonders celebrate the happiness of words. Though melody of these songs may sound simple or variations in the music notes may not be significant, their poetic effect manages to steal the show.

§  Humorous thunders – Light hearted meaning and comical connection are the highlights of this category as its real purpose is to radiate laughter and smiles. With no concrete foundation, these lyrics are enjoyed for their sense of humor.

Though they appear light and easy in their flow, lyricists have to ensure a tough balance between humor and mockery.

§  Stereotypical blunders - Focusing on repetitive words and age-old themes, such lyrics spoil the fun of a song. Set against the backdrop of most portrayed feelings, relations, situations and places, these lyrics appear stereotypical in every way.

§  Olden golden gems – Depicting magic of good, old times, these lyrics stay evergreen forever. Carving a permanent position in our minds, they refuse to be wiped away.

Besides the meaning of their words, these lyrics can also bring back old memories and wonderful moments.

§   New- age flavors- With use of modern vocabulary, many of the lyrics appear too difficult to understand. Making use of latest trends, short forms, slang and fast-paced recitation, such new-age flavors demand repetitive hearing and patient understanding.

§  Fusion fun - Mixing words from different languages or using certain significant words from another language, fusion lyrics sound interesting and vibrant.Giving an opportunity to learn a new language, these lyrics are certainly educational, too!

 Think about your favorite songs and match them with the categories above. If they fail to fit into any of these, I would love to create new ones based on your valuable suggestions!

P.S:  If you wish to sing them first,before categorizing, kindly do so at your risk; this blog is not responsible for any complaints from irritated ears of family, friends, neighbors or colleagues! 

Whether you like it or not - weather can forecast your day!

         Amidst reports about snow storm on the east coast of the country, rains on the west, chilling winter back home and diverse experiences all around the globe, I sensed the birth of my next blog topic! Influencing every single aspect of our daily life, weather can decide whether we work or relax, sit or run, travel or stay grounded and enjoy or complain. A significant factor contributing to the course of our routine, weather has lot of unnoticed power indeed. Casting its spell on our activities, appetite, mood and wishes, weather certainly plays a significant role.

     Though weather is often referred in partnership with its twin 'climate', it differs due to its temporary effects that last for a short while. While climate speaks about the usual, expected behavior, pertaining to a particular region for a long time; weather enjoys the privilege of uncertainty. Known for its momentary conduct, temporary impact, fast changing influences and uncertain twists and turns, weather has the power to dictate noticeable effects . 

    From bright and sunny days that pump energy into our system to dark, cloudy and rainy mornings filled with laziness; from chilling winter tempting us to sleep a little more to scorching heat of summer increasing our thirst, changing course of weather changes a lot more than we ever think about.

       

       Weather and seasons influence the occurrence of several events and festivals. Holding age-old significance in our traditions and customs, celebration of such festivals revolve around the changing course of weather. Besides, weather has been instrumental in designing academic calendars since numerous years now. Depending on the local weather conditions of a particular region or country, schools, colleges and institutions determine the schedule of semesters and vacations. With an impact on overall productivity of human resources and machines, besides influencing the agricultural produce along with flora and fauna, weather can certainly contribute a large share in the developmental story of a region.

              As weather chooses to touch our mood, emotions, thoughts and feelings, it can change the way we feel. While predicting the course of our daily activities, weather bags a significant role for itself. Though bad weather conditions can spoil our plans for an outdoor trip, it can also provide perfect excuse to skip that much needed jog or walk! By working on our taste buds, stomach and mind, weather gives way to suitable recipes that can function in coordination. From hot, spicy food to reduce the chills to frozen delights to cool the heat, weather seems to enforce its menu card on us!

        Separated by huge distance of several miles, weather changes its shades along different towns,cities, countries, regions and continents. With contrast conditions all over the globe, weather surely has lots to do. Exploring local weather of a particular location, while experiencing global diversity around the world can create wonderful memories for the wandering tourist in us. 

      Providing insights into the lifestyle, occupation, cuisine and clothing of local population, we realize the strong influence of weather over every aspect of living. Though school subject of ‘Geography’ strove hard to teach us about different weather conditions, we can appreciate its meaning only after a live encounter.

     Pondering a little further, I was tempted to associate various weather conditions with their matching factors that matter.

1.       Rains –  freshness, new beginning, novelties, hopes for fulfillment of dreams

2.       Bright, shining sun – motivation to start a new adventure, energy and enthusiasm to get-going,belief to convert the impossible into possible.

3.       Chilling cold – laziness, desire to stay still and calm, scope for introspection and deep thinking.

4.       Snow – forced halt in routine course, wonderful opportunity to enjoy the nature

      While weather offers such interesting experiences, it can even create havoc with its undesirable and destructive variations. Disturbance to our mother nature is the first step that invites uncertainties and sows such seeds of trouble. Taking care of surrounding and environment can be our end of contribution towards a balanced outcome.

  

     So, whether you enjoy the weather or wait for it to change, whether you celebrate its diverse shades or pray for a monotonous course, the weather shall continue its game forever. While daily weather forecasts are our only means to devise plans, the weather seems to predict our future well in advance. Planning its next moves with care and caution, the weather certainly knows it all!

Finally, how is the weather at your end today?

What is new about the New Year?

 

      While this post may appear as a late entry with respect to its topic, it is hard to believe that January has pushed us ahead by 20 days, already! While rejoicing under the happiness of a new start and manipulating resolutions in light of practicality, we realize that there is nothing new about the New Year now. Beginning on a high-energy level, proceeding at an average pace and finally moving along like the one before, every passing year repeats its course of story. Unable to process this change instantly, while our mind confuses old digits of the year with the new ones, these mistakes mark the true start of a new journey.

     An opportunity to commence a new phase, a chance to experience novel adventures – New Year opens the door to interesting ideas. Though we continue our routine course of work within the same environment, surrounded by the same set of people, start of a New Year illuminates our mind with new rays of light. While dealing with the daily share of troubles, insecurities, failures and problems, arrival of New Year introduces positive changes into our schedule. Though we march ahead with the support of old resources and continue fulfillment of similar past responsibilities, one single change in the digit appears to create wonders!

     By changing our old perspectives towards several aspects, New Year inspires us towards new experiments and newer adventures. With this, as the trend of resolution takes birth during the start of every year, the real purpose of its occurrence is to motivate and encourage. Forcing us to contemplate about our failures, errors, mistakes and shortcomings, a new start hopes to create a newer self.

     New Year resolutions are well known for changing their shades and colors, even before one can register this transition. Following a particular pattern along fixed time frames, the rise and fall of resolutions appear totally interesting. Assuming bright, energetic colors during last few days of the old year, shining with maximum glow during first ten days of the New Year and losing its shade by the end of first month, resolutions undergo great changes indeed! As they fade away to a discolored appearance, novel excuses and interesting reasons replace them instantly.

       Holding diverse opinions about these resolutions, each one choose to work differently. While some believe in its power and follow it religiously right till the end (though not sure about the strength of such a group!), many enjoy the fun that follows. Making strong statements and firm decisions only to be replaced with constructive reasoning is surely not an easy task! Besides, some choose to make this resolution as part of a forced activity, while few others express strong opposition. Though each one of us may follow different schools of thought, the real purpose aims towards arrival of positive changes and departure of negative ones.

   Returning back to the question of this title, what is new about a New Year? While I scribble down my top 10 answers to this query, hunt for your own set as well!

1.       New ideas, new suggestions, new advice and new experiences – New Year is about trying out something different.

2.       Initial months are marked with the excitement of a new habit or new change in the routine lifestyle, though how long it stays true depends on our convenience, determination, dedication and interest.

3.       The determination to give up old bad habits or incorrect routes of any task shine brighter in the New Year.

  

4.       Positive approach to convert failures into success take birth during the start of a new chapter.

5.       New Year instill hopes, wishes, dreams and goals in our system as we look forward to the new beginning.

  

6.       As moments of the previous year convert into memories during the new one, several additions are registered into our memory files.

7.       A strong will to make the year memorable and interesting as compared to the previous one marks the course of a New Year.

8.       Increased digit of age may be one of the undesirable gifts of the New Year!

9.       Excitement of accepting new challenges as New Year forces us to climb one step on the ladder of life.

10.    Lastly, new calendars, new holidays, new weekends and new vacation plans are the happy new factors of a New Year!

      So, while newness of a New Year fades within few days of the first month; its experiences, encounters, adventures and activities continue to be new all through the year. As each day is a novel challenge in the reality show called ‘LIFE’, answers to what is new shall change along the passing time!

P.S: What is your resolution for the New Year? Hope you stay focused from its first month to the last! 

     

In happiness and sorrow, in excitement and boredom - the last station called ‘TEARS’

       

     Moving along the journey of feelings and emotions, as we reach at the last leg of this express, a perfect blend of diverse experiences will greet us at the arrival. A form that fits into every occasion, an expression that suits every situation, an act that displays every message, a source that conveys every emotion – the last station of our journey shall bring us closer to the wonder called ‘tears.’

      Though associated with sorrow and defeat, tears have a lot more in store than we generally think about. While pondering about the significance of this destination and justifying its inclusion in the express, I realized that tears perform an array of versatile roles. From sadness of a loss to joy of achievement, from excitement of unexpected happiness to lonely moments filled with boredom, from disappointment of defeat to enthusiasm of meeting loved ones; tears seem to perform perfect jobs in every domain. An experience that takes us closer to the thoughts of our mind, tears are able to convey those feelings, whenever and whenever words fall short.

     Depicting the true picture of our emotions, tears prompt us towards thinking and understanding. While tears of sorrow are undesirable and tears of defeat involve us into unnecessary engagements, wiping them forever can take us one step closer to peace. Though reason of its occurrence or moment of its arrival is not under our control, erasing wetness of tears soaked in essence of failures can radiate enthusiasm and freshness. By motivating about a new start or pushing us towards the next launch, elimination of tears turn out to be the first stepping stone.

      While tears born out of sorrow need quick removal, presence of loved ones accelerates this process. Benefiting from the strength of their support and trust, one can replace such tears with smiles. Tears due to re-connection with our own people far and wide or tears of separation during departure express several emotions in a single act. By taking us towards true feelings, these tears are able to portray our love, affection, care and concern.

     With diverse shades to the nature and behavior of humans, tears mean different things for different people. While some believe in its strength as a form of expression, some resort to it as an unproved solution for every trouble. Though tears may not offer any benefits, they comes across as means of clearance. 

     

     By enabling free-flowing movement of inner emotions, it prevents accumulation of stress and disappointment. Though stereotypical attitude dominates the theme of our society, it is necessary to respect emotions of every individual. As a means to display thoughts and feelings, each one can resort to the warmth of tears.

       Unexpected happy surprises and most desired moments of victory commence the happy stream of tears! Radiating joy of achievement, these tears represent the true colors of success. When tears of pride make home within a parent’s heart, the joy of success increases by several folds.

      Let us look at the diverse meanings of these tears under different situations.

1.       Happiness – During moments of joy, these tears stand for excitement, energy, enthusiasm,  satisfaction.

2.       Sorrow – expression of pain, disappointment, hurt, guilt.

3.       Surprise- representation of unexpected events, undesired or desired moments of shock.

4.       Affection – feelings of love, care, trust and support for loved ones

5.       Separation- moments of loneliness, boredom, sadness of being far away.

6.       Retrospection – revisit to past memories, remembrance of happy and sad moments.

7.       Achievement – end product of hard work, trophy of perseverance, dedication, devotion, determination.

     Such is the magic of tears. Making place for themselves under every situation, tears find a way to influence our thoughts. As an unavoidable occurrence, yet essential emotion, when tears enter and exit our lives, we realize the true meaning of being alive.

     With this as we end the journey on train of feelings, I hope you all had a wonderful experience. As tears form an essential component of farewell, there could not be any more apt topic to conclude this course. Drafted with an aim to provide a platform to my thoughts, these posts have taken me closer towards the joy of writing.

     While I continue to blog about variety of experiences and randomness of life, wish you all ‘HAPPY READING’!  

Live, love, like - Seventh station: LAUGHTER

      

     With loads of energy for a new beginning and lots of hope for a new start, as we welcome a new year in our lives, there is so much to look forward to. Learning from mistakes of the past year and wishing for a brighter future, life ensures continuous supply of memories and moments. Though we cannot expect a complete smooth and nonstop drive on expressway of life, we can definitely seek happiness and pleasure in every single halt.

    Offering us an opportunity to stop and think, New Year does a great job of refilling our journey. With this, as we come closer to the last few stations of our ride, a visit to the land of ‘LAUGHTER’ shall be a perfect start to our next course of 365 days.

    This visit shall prompt us with guidelines for a new beginning. Soaking each one in a pool of joy, laughter is essential for a light heart and lighter mind. An act that celebrates our existence, laughter echoes our emotions in wonderful ways. 

   

    Sight of happy faces and sound of pure laughter are the perfect evidences of a delightful life. Laughter connects people together – bringing joy in their conversations and enthusiasm in those interactions. A script with no words and song with no lyrics, laughter is just a perfect mode of expression.

     While exercising our facial muscles, laughter forces us to look at the lighter side of things. After all, every single aspect in life does not demand serious review or every little factor is not meant for critical analysis. Laughter is a means for celebrating those special moments and creating fun-filled memories. It bridges the gap between people, offering an opportunity to forget differences and demonstrate togetherness. Ability to spread laughter is nothing less than a talent, as it inspires others to drop their sorrows and find happiness around. As a contagious phenomenon that spreads quickly, joy of laughter is certainly too difficult to contain!

    Only laughter at the right moment for the right occasion can radiate joy and happiness. If born out of mockery or insult to others, it can yield nothing except broken hearts and damaged trust. Laughter motivates us to enjoy the course of routine, with hope for excitement and wish for betterment.

     Some moments of laughter stay memorable forever. Depicting special relations and involving wonderful people, joy delivered by these instances can never be put down into words. As a memory to be safeguarded always, remembrance of its sound and sight brighten up our present immediately.

     I have made a small attempt to frame such moments into words, but will love to read your own version in the comments!

©       Laughter of a new born baby– decorated with innocence and originating from a little, pure heart, we wait for this laughter with bated breath, only to be surprised with its soft sound. While experiencing joy from this act, we wonder what initiated the happy response from the little bundle.

©       Laughter of a toddler – filled with joy of being surrounded with own people and enjoying attention from those around, this laughter celebrates experiences of the child. As words are yet to enter into the script, laughter is their perfect way for a happy consent.

©       Laughter over a family joke-  A story that makes no sense to an outsider, but offers hilarious memories to the insider,  jokes born within the scope of a family create the loudest sound. Bringing members together, this laughter is a signature of togetherness and family harmony.

©       Laughter at a reunion- Revisiting beautiful memories of the past, reunion with friends from childhood, school, college end up into endless moments of laughter. As each one comes up with funny incidences from the past, more laughter and few words are all that one can expect from these sessions.

©       Laughter as a therapy- Creating moments of happiness in someone’s life, laughter is a perfect way to elevate mood and erase sorrow. Little attempts to bring laughter can lighten one’s life for hopes of a better tomorrow.

 Such is the beauty of laughter. Away from routine occurrences, their special entries are more exciting. Load yourself with lots of laughter and benefit from this tax-free activity! 

Knowing failure to appreciate success - Sixth station: DEFEAT

    A land no one wishes to step into, a place filled with unpleasant encounters, a destination with no satisfaction, a location with no happiness – as this halt of ‘Defeat’ forces us to experience its offerings, it does so with an aim to highlight the reality of life.  While we bid good bye to the year of 2015 and look forward towards welcoming the next one, this stop shall motivate us towards new experiences and adventures.

     Unless we come across failure, we may never realize the value of our efforts, unless we taste the bitterness of defeat, we may never appreciate the sweetness of our hard work. As a motivator that pushes us towards the finish line, failures and defeat ensure our continued progress along the path.

     Though we all hope for a smooth transaction and work with a consistent agenda, defeat raises its ugly head quite often. Before we are able to react or close our doors to failure, we find ourselves dealing with its pain. While its entry in life cannot be placed under our control, we can certainly work hard for the reversal. With concentrated efforts and amplified practice, when we make attempts to overcome the defeat, the subsequent form of success appears wonderful by all means.

     Effects of failure ensure long-lasting lessons for life. While defeat may spread its influence on one area of our life, it alerts us for other courses too. As a reminder of our previous mistakes and guidebook for the future tasks, we realize that defeat does more good than harm. It prepares us with no room for errors, ensuring a flawless journey.

     Besides, providing a preparatory chapter, defeat prompts us to have our feet on the ground. As pride and greed enter into our lives as uninvited guest, failure ensures to remind us of changing times and transforming situations. While circumstances influence many life decisions, defeat and failure renew our energy for the next task in line. From childhood as we ascend the steps of life, we are greeted by defeat all along. From education to profession, from relationships to assets, every domain may introduce the dark shade of failure.

  Failure does not imply ‘a failed grade’ or a ‘rejection act’ alone, it can also involve lack of efforts or compromise in commitment. In light of these shortcomings, failure mirrors our faults and erases its re-occurrence. First defeat sets a road-map for the next task, as we learn with every new step. We develop skills of improvement, since defeat does the job of upgrading us with every passing opportunity.

     If we look at success stories of famous personalities, we will always find a significant role of failures and defeat. Amidst hurdles and difficulties, what sets them on the path of success is a strong desire to excel. Making use of defeat as a tool kit, they never stopped for long. Impossible to avoid, one cannot expect flawless and fool-proof solution for every single endeavor.

     Defeat shall always accompany us, to bring us closer to our efforts. Just as changing seasons help us appreciate the beauty of nature or rising and setting sun bring hope and joy in our live, failure and success are essential to balance the course of our life and savor the taste of both. As two sides of the same coin, defeat and achievement celebrate our hard work, dedication and determination.

      Besides famous personalities, many people around us demonstrate an excellent ability to react to defeat. Without giving up, as they continue the hard work, it motivates us for our own struggle. While each one of us have a unique plot in life and encounter various types of troubles, our response to such situations make all the difference. Whether we use defeat as a training manual and learn from our mistakes or whether we regard it as a final verdict and soak in sorrow forever determines the journey ahead.

     An inspirational story close to heart includes the plot of my cousin. Defeated in one type of pageant contest despite sincere efforts and stock of hard work, she chose to accept this unexpected failure as a chapter for the next one. Rectifying her previous mistakes and improving every task, she ensured success during a successive opportunity. By not allowing radiance of sorrow, disinterest and anger due to the previous failure, she decided to pick her lessons and move ahead.

      Many moments in life tempt us to hide ourselves in sorrow of failure and accept it as the way of life forever. Unless we decide to use it for our own benefit, we may never walk towards the destination. Irritated by lack of clarity and desirable results, if we choose to terminate our efforts, we may realize our achievement was waiting, just after the corner.  

   So, before you decide to abort the mission, realize the fact that you may be just a mile away from the location of success. One last attempt, one last trial or one last effort may be the final step before success showers us with happiness, joy and delight forever!

P.S: Let us bid a happy farewell to 2015 and welcome 2016 with a smile!

Gratitude to all you readers for your constructive comments, supportive words, interesting observations and honest feedback. This year of blogging could not possible without any of these aspects! 

       Till my words greet you in the next year, have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  

Happy seasoning over the dish of life - Fifth Station: KINDNESS

 

      While the last station gave us unexpected expressions and interesting experiences, this next halt is meant to be happy, cheerful and filled with love. Kindness in conduct and softness in words go a long way to offer sustained peace of mind. As a form of flavor, incorporation of kindness in our mannerism provide long-lasting happiness. While kindness does polish our speech, its scope is not restricted to words alone. Kind acts for a noble cause and timely help for those in need combine into the overall joy of life.

       A behavior that displays our stand, staying calm and kind in every type of situation is the magic of humility. Kindness is a quality that differentiates us with an excellent value system. Though success may pull us towards pride, enjoyment of achievements demand presence of kindness. Rude words and harsh conduct offer momentary satisfaction to our feelings, only to be followed by regret, tears, disappointment and sorrow.

    Kindness cannot be incorporated by a crash course or purchased by a fat wallet. It needs a strong desire to stay humble to every life form. Irrespective of age, gender, caste, culture, religion, region or profession, when we learn to regard each one equal and incorporate kind words in our system, we shake hands with happiness. Drawing inspiration from people around helps this task, as kindness reflected from others inspires us to follow suit.

    As a symbol of humility, I admire my father for his kindness. With feet firm on the ground and manner that exhibits polite conduct, I often looked around in a hope to find his magical pills. While it is impossible to absorb and match his level, all I can do is work towards it. Patience and faith are companions of kindness as combination of all three work wonders to create happiness. Many experiences in our life point to the power of kindness.

     At times, even though a task appears impossible, kindness helps to clear out the path to a certain extent. Driving people away, rude behavior can only contribute towards confirmed position of failure. Kindness leaves a mark on our personality, giving identity to our name. With this aspect in mind, it becomes essential to adopt kind acts in our resume!

    So does kindness mean accepting and agreeing to views of everyone without any opposition?

     While this is impossible to achieve, kindness involves expression of our differences in a matured manner. It prompts us to deal with disagreements in a way that conveys our message, while burning away the hatred. In an attempt to prove our point, while we resort to anger and fights, the real meaning is long lost before we reach a conclusion. Kindness is this form of language that speaks the truth, yet chooses a polite way.

      It provides solution for many troubles, as kindness inspires mind to find its own path. Encouraging fruitful relations and strengthening ties with our loved ones, it does surround us with love and happiness. Interesting side effects that come along with kindness include patient ears and eager words. As people respect and admire our conduct, they look forward to an association.

It also enhances building of a strong network and consistent support of near ones.

So, what are the take away messages from this land of humility?

1.       Kindness in speech and action are the keys to happiness.

2.       It takes us closer to people and help formation of strong bonds with everyone around.

3.       It adds flavor to our personality that opens path of success.

4.       Kindness attracts positive energy, patience and faith, reducing failure to an insignificant factor.

5.       Fights and disagreements build negativity, kindness in conduct erase misunderstandings.

6.       It can never eliminate differences in opinions, but can certainly set the stage for a healthy discussion.

7.       Kindness is not a crop that can be reaped with an instant magical seed, it demands consistent efforts and hard work to stay kind, humble and happy.

    This halt has been inspiring to fill our hearts with humility. Hope we carry it as a souvenir, while moving along on our journey ahead.

  Though our next station is not what we may look forward to, halt at this losing reality is part of life and a destination on our way.  

    

 

       

..because not everything in life is meant to be known - Fourth Station: SURPRISE

       Unexpected events, uncertain happenings, unpredicted shocks, unknown occurrences – combine these experiences together and the outcome comes across as ‘SURPRISE’. Happy, sad, desired, undesired, wanted, unwanted and an endless list of contrast feelings tag along, when such surprises enter into our lives. While we explored HOPE and continued to our next destination, this land of SURPRISE may have lot of surprises in store!

        Happy surprises in the form of an unexpected gift or an unknown plan work wonders in our routine schedule. Be it any age or any stage of life, the word surprise does lighten up our spirits and brighten our smiles. Surprises are not meant to be set across a backdrop of materialistic pleasures or monetary gains alone. Beyond the resources spent in the process, underlying feelings and thoughts perform the main job.

      A manner of displaying affection, love, gratitude and appreciation; surprises add elements of happiness in every relationship. Renewing the enthusiasm and energy, exchange of surprises amplify the excitement and strength of any bond. With advent of digital era, fast paced lifestyle, excellent connectivity and virtual excellence, surprises have been delivering joy at new levels altogether. As a novel method for conveyance of feelings, surprises have almost taken the role of essential necessities.

     While receiving end of surprises offer great joy and fun, planning and executing them flawlessly at the other end is nothing else than an art. From careful strategies to fool-proof deliveries, surprises demand utmost presence of mind. While it may be imperative to depend on lies for a successful surprise, the outcome of happy faces and contented hearts make them worth it.  

      As a tutor for essential out-of-book affairs, my elder sister had ensured proper development of this art in me, right since childhood.  A happy partner in surprise plans for parents and friends, following her instructions carefully offered great sense of satisfaction, after all error-free execution demanded a sincere conduct!

      An advocate of delivering surprises and expecting them in return, existence of a separate group with a different view point surprises me to a great extent. With two important members of my life subscribing to its membership, I often wonder about their contrast opinion on surprises. Fearing about its unexpected outcome and dreading its failure, while my father and husband choose to stay away from it, I have been working really hard to convince them about its magic.

       A sweet shock that delivers joy, surprises are certainly necessary for some excitement in life. As uncertainties are our companions, element of surprise enhances their value. Calculations, measurements, analysis and reasoning may not be necessary always. Enjoying the unknown and waiting for the unexpected can offer an unusual taste of happiness. 

     Surprises born with an aim of delivering joy are the most wonderful ones, sudden unexpected shocks that may not go well with the audience are nothing but means of disappointment. Respecting sentiments and taking care of feelings are the two most essential rules for a successful attempt of surprise.

What are the most common form of surprises we all see around? Let us look at them and relish the true essence of this land!

• Surprise parties for friends on their birthdays

       Though the outcome is joyful and the birthday girl/boy glows with happiness – the process of    planning, coordination and execution between many people together is nothing less than a challenge!

•  Surprise gifts delivered at the doorstep of those far away

   Hoping for its proper delivery and wishing that the receiver realizes the surprise behind it are         certainly tough tasks as things happen far away from our eyes!

•  Surprise visits to family at home while settled at a different location

Skeptical about this one since never tried before, this surprise needs support of prayers to reach at an unlocked door!

•  Surprise announcement of important events

Delivering joy about significant happenings in life, this surprise may not really demand any preparation.

• Surprise for closed ones with a task never done before

Depending on the outcome and amount of homework done for its execution, a surprise cooked meal or a surprise holiday itinerary plan may either turn out to be successful or a total failure!

     With surprises for every occasion, every reason, every event or every function, the joy of their occurrence is massive indeed.

   Taking us away from the daily course of life, sudden little surprises appear exciting and wonderful. Engage yourself in little moments of surprise, after all not everything in life is meant to be known.

P.S: Hope this 700 words long article can influence the views of my father and husband to a little extent!

As we celebrate our first wedding anniversary, this information may come handy J