What is ‘ideal’ about ‘ideal’?

       Perfect, excellent, flawless, error-proof – while these terms point to the state of being ‘ideal’, achieving this position or reaching up to the mark demands great efforts and a determined attitude. Be it any field or any situation, an ideal outcome is the most desired aspect for every individual. An abstract idea that cannot be defined, an imaginative desire that cannot be specified, it is extremely difficult to frame the guidelines of the word ‘ideal’. With unique priorities that govern our lives and diverse opinions that decorate our personalities, it is certainly impossible to throw light on a universal aspect of an ‘ideal’ life.

  

    While looking at the diverse lifestyles of individuals around us, we often ponder about their experiences, feelings, thoughts and ambitions. Realization of the thought that the grass on the other side is always green fueled this post as an attempt to understand the reality of the ‘ideal’ term. As every aspect in life is laced with its own highlights and lowlights, it is difficult to confer it with the tag of ‘ideal’. 

    

     Be it a career choice or a city to settle down, be it an asset of high value or a long-term significant decision, every factor of our life forces us to think about its advantages and disadvantages. While declaring something as ‘ideal’ and enforcing it on ourselves or loves ones around us can never yield any positive outcome, weighing our options against the theme of possibilities turns out to be the most correct way in the long run.

     As uncertainties and changing circumstances choose to cast their spell at unexpected moments, deciding an ideal game plan for several years into the future may not be the most ‘ideal’ task in the present. With great diversities in our mindset, beliefs, desires and dreams, showering ‘ideal’ flavors on every aspect is certainly impossible. As no two individuals are alike, labeling one’s condition as ‘ideal’ while comparing it against that of the other is truly an incorrect way of declaring a winner. 

      While any race or competition demands judgement against equal parameters, this game called ‘ideal’ does not match any of those conditions. An ideal situation for one may turn out to be the most undesirable thought for the other or an unacceptable aspect for one may wear the hat of ‘ideal’ opportunity for the other. A plot dominated with different characters and following a novel storyline, equating our stories with those around us can never give any constructive feedback.

      Though motivation for magnified happiness and amplified satisfaction powers our efforts towards consistent hard work, it is necessary to realize that the controls of our joy and content lie within our own scope. Impossible hunt of an ‘ideal’ experience or impossible quest for an ‘ideal’ condition can prompt us to move away from our goal. While marching towards the unrealistic end point of ‘ideal’, we may sacrifice the enjoyment, fun, adventures and experiences of the moment. Resembling a mirage that disappears as we move closer to it, an ‘ideal’ factor does just the same!

      Though at the end, we all realize that what is ‘ideal’ about ‘ideal’ is an impossible question by all means, dreaming about an ‘ideal’ life in an ‘ideal’ location, with ‘ideal’ people and ‘ideal’ resources is nothing less than a wonderful task. While imagining the presence of ‘ideal’ aspects all around and hoping for their consistent magic, this word does seem to hold some significance in one way or the other.

 What are the most common ideal parameters we all can think about?

Let us look at them, not with aim to declare them as ‘ideal’, but to explore the fun behind our typical thought-process!

1.       ‘Ideal’ family – Cool parents, cooler grandparents, extremely peaceful siblings, spouse who always praises and kids who always listen!

(Come back to reality, do not forget it is ‘ideal’ not ‘real’!!)

2.       ‘Ideal’ stream of education – Easy curriculum, much easier exams, insignificant assignments, lenient teachers and no grades.

(Hope my teachers are not reading this!)

3.       ‘Ideal’ job – invisible deadlines, loads of salary, frequent vacations and boss who is ‘out-of-office’ forever.

(Kind attention to all the HR teams, kindly note the above requirements to sustain your employees!)

4.       ‘Ideal’ house – marginal

EMI of loan, no down-payment, large area with lawn, back yard, front yard and numerous rooms to hide into! 

(Even half of this is too good to be true)

5.       ‘Ideal’ vacations – minimum travel, maximum adventures, world-wide trips to greet every town, village, city and country on the globe for longer duration.  

(Dear Husband, these are some of the achievable assignments for you)

6.       ‘Ideal’ food – light on calories, delicious (oily, spicy, tasty, sugary) yet healthy, low on cost but high on satisfaction.

(Probably the most desired and common ‘ideal’ aspect for all)

 While these thoughts were framed with the sole purpose of taking us towards humor and lighter sides of life, how ‘ideal’ is ‘ideal’ is an abstract fodder for the mind.

Explore the various experiences, offerings, situations and adventures, while enjoying their imperfectness and uncertainties; after all the theme of ‘ideal’ runs in our imagination, but feel of ‘real’ materializes in our present. 

While somewhere between ‘developing’ and ‘developed’…..

       

        With roots in a home country that is marching aggressively towards the transition from ‘developing’ to ‘developed’; and branches in the current residence that wears the hat of a ‘developed’ nation; witnessing the conduct of each of these two diverse experiences has been truly educational and interesting at the same time. While the word ‘developing’ represents an on-going process, ‘developed’ status relates to its completion that depicts stability. Though the start of this post speaks about countries, their incorporation is purely symbolic. With an aim to ponder about the growing benefits of a ‘developing’ status and satisfaction of a ‘developed’ achievement, this blog was the end product of such a contemplation.

      Be it any sphere of life, developing mode prompts us to work hard every passing day. As an inspiration to reach the developed mark, this hard work motivates us to sow innumerable efforts. Transition from developing to developed assures us of correct movement in a correct direction. It acts as a torchlight that can provide guidelines for the correct route. ‘Developing’ to ‘developed’ is a process that demands consistent efforts, dedicated commitment and devoted approach. Faith towards completion of task in hand is the only fuel that can power this difficult transition. While developed status can invite laziness, developing mode cannot afford halts, stops or withdrawals.

     The move from ‘developing’ to ‘developed’ can relate to our education, profession, family and assets. In the continuous journey called life, every task demands our attention and presence. When one step of education is crossed, we find ourselves on the next step of career. When career and family appear to be in place, ‘assets’ call for our attention. As we move from the developing to developed phase in each of these acts of life, we realize the significance of persistence, patience, positivity and practice. As soon as one achievement changes the title of domain from developing to developed, the next domain waits for its turn. Continuous cycle of development towards the final destination is the factor that keeps one going.

     While somewhere between developing and developed, we experience several dynamic changes all around. Changes that offer diverse sights, changes that provide novel adventures - they pump energy and enthusiasm into our system. By adopting a different look each time, the path of progress appears interesting. As developing nations strive towards innovative ideas to gain a developed position, they are able to invite exciting changes and witness remarkable improvements. While developed nation celebrates the same pattern for several years from past to the future, developing nations are able to experiment, explore and execute. 

    

    Though the journey from developing to developed station seems interesting, new and exciting, it is necessary to alight at the correct destination. As we cannot spend all our lives along routes and paths, celebrating our successful arrival at the desired location is extremely satisfying.

      An on-going process that is filled with uncertainties, difficulties, challenges yet exciting experiences, this development is truly wonderful. No matter it relates to which particular sector of life, the development trail showers similar experiences throughout. Be it a professional skill that demands development or a hobby that requires involvement, be it a talent that requires improvement or a fun-filled activity that desires engagement, every part of our life is influenced by the stages of under-development to complete development. The journey offers gems of excitement, entertainment and fulfillment. 

     As the next step towards this thought, l was tempted to pen down the advantages of both the ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ mode, while we relate them with our own experiences.

Sugar coated highlights of the ‘developing’ stage:

·         It inspires us to work hard, show consistent efforts and possess the willingness to grow.

·         By channeling our thoughts towards progress, it takes us towards continuous improvement

·         While moving towards development, this mode encourages us to never give up. Though the path may appear difficult, the thought of bagging a ‘developed’ status inspires us to stay determined.

·         By lacing us with a humble attitude, down-to-earth conduct and considerate behavior, this stage prompts us to help each other, seek guidance from one another and benefit from experienced advice.

·         It offers the true taste of our efforts, while showing us the magic of determination, devotion and dedication.

 

Honey- flavored highlights of the ‘developed’ stage:

                           

·      Developed stage fills our heart with pride, satisfaction, content and happiness.

·      It acts as the wining trophy of our hard work and commitment.

·      It can pose as an example for those around us, displaying the significance of consistent work.

·      Developed mode can guide us to begin the next assignment with enhanced levels of vigor and preparation.

·      Successful encounter with the developed stage can boast our confidence and enable new experiments for the next experience.

       These are the sweet flavors of both the developing and developed modes as each one is essential in our version of the story.

      Focus at the start of the developing mode, enjoy the transition and rejoice at the developed achievement – after all life shows its true colors while somewhere between ‘developing’ and ‘developed’!

ON- screen to OFF- screen – when the reel plot comes to life!

    

      Though born with an aim to entertain and created with an agenda to meet us on-screen, many a times, plot of a series or backdrop of a movie seem to relate with us in several ways than we can think about. As we follow the course of our favorite serial or enjoy the unfolding of its magic, we realize several adventures and numerous experiences resemble our own life story in an interesting way. While observing the similarities and rejoicing their occurrence in our course of journey, we experience a bond of connection that ties us with it.

    Be it characters of a family that mimic our own set of people or challenges of a protagonist that seem to relate with us, be it a funny situation or circumstance that matches exactly with our experience or network of relations that fit into our frame perfectly, the liveliness of a plot and transition from on-screen to off-screen appears totally interesting.

    While this may force you to ponder about similar encounters in your own life flow, recent experience of watching famous television series ‘Everybody loves Raymond’ sowed these seeds in my thought process. An old comedy serial focusing on the daily adventures of sports columnist Raymond and his wife, funny moments of their interactions, fights, patch ups and confusions seem to relate with our course of story too! While exclaiming at the similarities and laughing over the differences, every moment of the series appears to come to life.

    As movies and series attempt to stay connected with their viewers, reality in the plot and simplicity in the characters can relate with daily course of life, instantly. With numerous varieties in genres and different types of stories, there are several opportunities of mimicking our real lives. Entertainment drawn from the resemblance of our situation with that of an on-screen character adds an unusual and unique touch to the course of fun.

    From similarities in profession to resemblance in cities, from perfect match in behavior to closeness in the responses, aspects that relate to us and the characters in reel setup contribute to the success and entertainment quotient of the program. Though depiction on screen is meant for the sole purpose of entertainment, occasional links with our own plot can magnify our laughter and amplify the happiness.

      Whether we choose to relate ourselves with the strength of the central character or simplicity of the side characters, whether we laugh over the similarities in our own troubles or declare more superiority and sense in our real life, comparing our experiences and enjoying their closeness add great doses of entertainment. Giving us the joy of watching some of our own moments on screen, this conversion of real to reel appears wonderful.  As we observe the action-reaction of the characters in front of the camera, similarities with our own acts bring excitement and joy.

     Be it any language or region, serials and movies of all kinds seem to have some elements that can relate with their own unique audience. While some serials gain worldwide popularity instantly and some remain confined to the screens of few viewers locally, several aspects resemble our life journey or those around us in one way or the other.

     As no explanation is complete without the inclusion of examples, let us look at the most common instances when the plot certainly comes to life!

1.       Family based plots

Strict yet loving conduct of grandparents, care and attention of mother, easy-going generous nature of father, pranks of brothers and helpful acts of sisters – while these are some of the usual depiction made in family based plots, enjoying their similarities with our own family calls for numerous moments of fun.

(Think about an ideal family you have seen onscreen – I am sure you must have been tempted to change your own characters on several occasions, to make them just like theirs!)

2.       Fun with friends

Integral part of any life story, portrayal of friendship on screen reminds us of our own unique bunch of joy. While depicting the love, care, concern, fights, arguments, fun and adventures with friends; the plot comes to life, urging us to celebrate the similarities shared with our real friends and laugh over the unusual differences.

(Think about different kinds of friends on-screen, you will be able to match them with your own crew too!)

3.       Situational similarities

Be it significant stages of childhood, marriage, parenthood or old age or situations depicting funny, helpless troubles with neighbors, bosses, in-laws or authorities, when situations on screen match with our drama off-screen, the entertainment is amplified on an exponential scale.

(Laughing at the helplessness of the protagonist seems funnier, when you seem to have been in the same shoes, once upon a time!)

4.       Dreamland wishes

Though the above three categories can relate with us along numerous instances, dreamland wishes are the exceptions to these experiences. Whether we are inspired by the magical powers of the super-heroes or admire the fashion style of the lead characters, whether we hope to own a house as depicted on-screen or dream for their fancy cars and luxuries, dreamland wishes prompt us into hopes and desires.

(We all are guilty of framing a wish-list that draws some inspiration from the screen)

Such is the magic of on-screen depiction that may cast some real-life influence in an interesting way.

 Enjoy the similarities and explore the entertainment responsibly, after all not everything that happens ON- screen will appeal you OFF- screen! 

‘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!