While walking inside the proverbial park….3

     

      Though proverbs were an essential part of our school journey, I never realized their value till the blogger in me decided to explore this domain closely. As feedback started pouring in, while I moved along the proverbial park, I was amazed by the power of these valuable thoughts. Though we read, recited, wrote, understood and produced them in exams as part of the school curriculum, their real significance was appreciated only after practical application. As matured individuals, when life takes us through different routes every passing day, the meaning of these proverbs turn into reality. It is only after one encounters diverse situations and faces novel adventures, the words of such proverbs come to life. Moving ahead along the course of this thoughtful journey, the next destination awaits our arrival.

                                                                                                                    

Halt 3: Time and Tide waits for no man         

     While this blog may appear as a chapter from time management course, universal significance of the proverb that applies to every age group, gender, religion, caste, nationality and occupation radiates its true value. As dedicated, sincere, disciplined and honest players of life, time and tide continue their game forever. With companions of seconds, minutes and hours, time can keep us glued in its power.

     An extremely essential parameter that influences our work, activities, engagements and tasks; time acts a leader, taking us towards success. Disrespect towards this master does not distract or bother it; as a fixed agenda governs its functioning, it does not believe in halting for those around. Forcing us to match its steps and keep up with the pace; time instills discipline, sincerity and regularity in our conduct. Continuous nature of its activity pushes us towards a fixed approach. As hands of a clock function in a coordinated manner, time prompts us to follow suit.

    A central theme that casts its spell over every area in life, time dictates its rules to each one of us. Be it household chore or professional assignment, leisurely trip or recreational activity, time has an upper hand always. As our plans and goals revolve around the deadlines governed by time, it certainly waits for no concession. Caught within the hold of busy schedule, hectic routine, tedious commitments and strenuous work, we often complain with the hope of grabbing more hours in the day. While this demand, wish, dream or thought can never materialize in our non-fictional world, following the strict schedule of time is the only option available for each one of us.

      Though each of our activities are planned around the theme of time, holidays and vacations offer the option of ignoring the clock. As passing hours do not demand any work or assignment, such breaks provide some degree of flexibility! Teaching the value of time since childhood grants the key of sustained happiness for the entire course of life. As a strict follower of time, schools inculcate the value of sticking to it, right from day one. With this, as time takes the control of every aspect in life, we are left with no other option. Strengthening our bond with time by being punctual and regular are the best means to stay close to it. By being friends with time, we can march towards success, happiness and satisfaction.

    One of the most essential factors for achieving our goals in life, punctuality certainly plays a major role. With an undisputed superiority in every sphere, time invites satisfaction and peace. Though our hard work, sincerity, dedication, devotion and consistent efforts take us towards the end point, success cannot be colored without the shades of punctuality. Our respect and care towards time convert into ingredients for long-lasting peace and happiness.

With this in mind, what is the take-away message for all of us?

·         Time is an essential factor that influences every single aspect in life.

·         Disciplined approach towards this strict member of time can take us towards success.

·         No matter how many prayers we offer, time will never choose to halt for our convenience.

·         Incorporating punctuality as a regular feature in our life is the key to happiness and joy.

·         By respecting the aspect of time for ourselves and those around us, we invite positive and healthy changes in our life.

·         Efficient planning and perfect coordination are extremely essential to make best use of our time.

·         Though we may accumulate lot of wealth and gather numerous assets, time and tide shall continue to march ahead; valuing it along every situation or circumstance is the only key to happiness.

     Thus value, treasure, protect and utilize time well, as flowing waves that rise and fall, time flows through our life –in its own rhythm, at its own pace! 

While walking inside the proverbial park...2

     Halt 2: Look before you leap

      A cautionary proverb with an embedded warning, our next halt in the proverbial park aims to motivate us towards every aspect in life. Framed with a view to sharpen our thinking minds and analyze the prevailing situations, ‘Look before you leap’ warns us about dangers of haste, impatience, misunderstandings and incorrect calculations. Though life grants us several opportunities to improve, develop, rectify and progress; understanding the consequences and preparing for the unexpected are equally essential factors towards success. While errors of the past can be transformed into guidelines for the future, staying cautious during every major move can prevent us from permanent damages.

     Standing strong over the foundation of carefulness, patience, understanding and maturity, the proverb prepares us towards every big task in life. Thoughtful analysis and careful evaluation before the execution of big decisions can ensure favorable output as per our desires. Though failures, mistakes, uncertainties and unavoidable aspects can cast their unwanted spell at any point during the process, our careful look can avoid certain troubles. Excited leap or jump without any considerations can cost us numerous difficulties at later stage, adding to the sorrow of failure, irritation, frustration, despair and defeat.

   Though we may exhibit great levels of care while dealing with major events in life, it is essential to incorporate this habit during our routine daily course, too. Before radiating our excitement over a new development, achievement, fact or belief, we must consider its impact in the long run. While it may not provide all the answers in a perfect and precise manner, it can serve as our guiding light along the way. By staying aware, alert, awake and careful, we can create a pattern for every task in life. Watchful eyes and active mind can prompt us towards analysis. A long jump on the other end of land demands calculation, judgement, trust and faith.

     An aspect that suits every situation in life, look before you leap is certainly the need of the hour. With changing scenario of the globe, as newer challenges greet us on the way, our inputs of care, control, analysis and patience can offer several benefits. From home to work, childhood to old-age, responsibilities to rights, demands to provisions, necessities to luxuries and seriousness to enjoyment, every domain of experience can flourish under the ambiance of careful actions.

    With this theme and thought, inculcating the habit of ‘Look before you leap’ can definitely help us in many ways.

    Join me, as I make an attempt towards framing a step-wise road map that can fit almost every situation in life. Drawing inspiration from this powerful proverb, let us create our customized version for future use!

Step 1: Gather maximum information about any new aspect. Be it work assignment or holiday plan, collecting every possible bit of information can help in the long run.

Step 2: Understand the impact, influence, after effects and results. Evaluate the situation from every angle, before concluding a final decision.

Step 3: Learn from experiences, references and guidance; interacting with seniors or experienced members of the club can benefit us with their valuable pieces of information.

Step 4: Create a rough plan and improvise it along the course of task. By adding variations, beneficial changes and desired differences, one can achieve successful results.

Step 5: Evaluate, analyze, observe, and introspect; spending adequate time towards the new development can ensure desired happiness and enjoyment.

Step 6: Look around for hints, suggestions, ideas and advice that can fit within the required frame. Though every advice may not match our situation or resemble our circumstance, it can act as a guideline to certain extent.

Step 7: Embrace positive attitude and happiness, though we may prepare and plan to the last bit, failures can enter into our lives, uninvited. By holding a positive attitude and healthy mindset, we can overcome troubles, errors, difficulties and face challenges with hope.

    Though these steps can act as guidelines under the spirit of ‘Look before you leap’, adhering to each and every aspect may not be possible. Changing situations can train us for variations. By making the best use of this thought; while hoping for success, happiness and satisfaction, one can certainly convert this proverb into a reality.

    Look before you leap, as things may be deceptive!

While walking inside the proverbial park….1

      Proverbs, thoughts, quotes, phrases– as necessary elements that teach, yet make use of fewer words, each of these have been attached with our lives since good, old times. Though language may differ, accent may vary and dialect may show different shades, these proverbs and thoughts convey the same message to each one alike. Focusing on an essential thought and prompting us towards its significance till the end of time, these proverbs certainly play an essential role. As ever-green factors that can never fade away, understanding the meaning behind these thoughts can color our lives with beautiful shades. While appreciating their significance and incorporating them in our course of life, we realize their true role.

      While the phase of childhood showers us with these proverbs through parents, schools, teachers and curriculum, contemplation of their real meaning is only possible along the real course of living. What enters into our minds as compulsory words soon take the form of valuable lessons, as we realize their impact in our daily lives. Diverse experiences, varied adventures and wide array of encounters train us for the challenge called life. As we walk along the path and attempt to fit into the frame, these proverbs seem to add their own share. Transferring from books to realities, they radiate their charm all around.

      While pondering about the endless list of these proverbs and thoughts, the blogger in me was tempted to revisit the proverbial world. Filled with proverbs that inspired our lives, motivated us in one way or the other, stayed with us to convey their meaning and ensured valuable touch to our living, this walk will take us towards the days of the past. As we move from one interesting proverb to the other, I hope to activate some past memories and ignite the further course.

   So, whether you have heard these thoughts on numerous occasions or whether you are experiencing their magic in close proximity for the first time, gear up for an exciting journey ahead!

Halt 1: Necessity is the mother of invention

     A proverb that can relate with each one of us at some point in our journey of life, necessity certainly gives way to new ideas and newer plans. A strong foundation of inventions, discoveries, innovations and novelties, necessity has given birth to every possible novel aspect that we enjoy today. Though the word ‘invention’ may sound as a break-through innovation or a life changing creation, it can be equated to any simple experience of daily life.

    Change in circumstances, situations, experiences or encounters can force us to adjust our daily course of routine life, giving rise to newer adventures. While fitting in the frame of life with new specifications and measurements, we are prompted to innovate and invent.

    A thought that enlightens us about the value of adjustments, necessity is the fuel that adds power to our ideas. By forcing us to think about new actions, thoughts and aspects, our needs form the primary support of every novel task. An extremely essential factor that motivates us to enjoy living, necessity ensures consistent change and continuous improvement. Taking us away from the boredom of stagnancy, necessity keeps us on our toes. By opening doors to novelties, needs drive the desire to form, create and construct. Though we all can invest our efforts and resources towards creations and innovations, basic human instinct relies on the basis of ‘necessity’. Unless we need something, we do not engage in experiments or attempts towards creating it.

    A recent close encounter with this thought gave way to the idea of the post. By learning and utilizing new factors that were ignored quite often, I realized that need is the most powerful fuel to start, sustain and stabilize. Impacting and influencing our life in one way or the other, necessity ensures progress, development, improvement and success. 

    By entering our journey during simple acts and simpler encounters, we come across its daily relevance along the path of life. We will be surprised to realize that every aspect around us takes birth from the womb of need. From household value to commercial importance, from technological utilities to luxurious trends, every domain celebrates the essence of necessity. A universal element for each one alike, necessity is truly the mother of invention.

What are your experiences with this thought? Do you believe in the reality of this proverb or consider it as yet another literary work?

Hope you enjoyed this halt at the proverbial park, while we continue our stroll ahead!  

Patience versus Impatience – whose side are you on?

       

     With majority of my loved ones belonging to the team called ‘Patience’, and very few with me on the side of ‘Impatience’, exploring this topic and wondering about the thought appeared extremely exciting. A father who appears as the undisputed captain of this team for several years now and an elder sister who is following him closely, my immense love for impatience and absolute affection towards haste prevented me from joining their peaceful influence. 

     While entire childhood was spent in convincing them about the benefits of impatience and devising ways to avoid their part of the story, marital union with much larger fan of the ‘Patience’ team has brought life to a full circle! As I exhibit my impatience yet again, and deal with peaceful people all around, this thought deserved adequate attention.

     Though I believe in the strength of peace, calmness, silence and maturity, immense patience towards every aspect in life is certainly impossible. While staying patient showers its own set of fruitful aspects, eagerness to accomplish a task or haste to complete a job can drive one towards the path of impatience. As major decisions in this journey called ‘life’ demand patience, understanding, willingness and preparation, our attitude of impatience can influence the outcome. Though hard work, efforts, dedication and practice are necessary inputs from our end; patience and trust for its completion are extremely essential too. As circumstances or situations may change their color at any moment, patience is the only shade that never chooses to leave.

      Patience imparts maturity to our character, offering enough time to think, contemplate, analyze and decide. While patience resembles a slow track that experiences every bit of the journey, impatience is the express route with tendency to over-speed. Impatience can never yield any desirable outcome as it clashes with the need for analysis. Be it a domestic activity or a workplace role, be it a leisurely adventure or a significant task, every domain of our life can be influenced by this attitude of impatience. By offering more time, aspect of patience ensures careful judgement. Belief in inner self and trust in one’s efforts fuel the successful journey of a patient individual. By investing more resources towards completion of a project, players of the patient team ensure success, satisfaction, happiness and content.

   Though impatience may sound as the villain of this story, my affection towards it certainly demands some justification. While I will never encourage anyone to incorporate this element in their own conduct, I was prompted to look at its brighter side. Impatience demands planning, fast execution, quick responses and quicker actions. Not relying on silence and stability, impatient conduct forces one to be on the toes. While this attitude has forced me to always stay prepared for several hours in advance, haste towards accomplishment and impatience towards completion have certainly acted as my best friends throughout!

    Striking a perfect balance between both these teams may prove beneficial. While some big decisions in life demand all possible investment of patience, certain time-sensitive acts may prompt the involvement of impatience.

    So, while you are still pondering about which side you have chosen finally, let me introduce you to the highlights of each team (this can make your decision process simpler)

Team A: PATIENCE

Highlights:

·         Involve themselves in thinking, contemplating, analyzing before framing a final decision

·         Silent, cheerful, happy and peaceful conduct

·         Belief and trust in self, confidence to achieve success

·         Realize the value of time and wait for it to spread its charm

·         Prevent panic, chaos, last moment confusion and invest in silent thinking

·         Look forward to the final outcome, yet enjoy every moment of the long journey

·         Make priorities according to the significance of every task

Team B: IMPATIENCE

Highlights:

·         Believe in quick actions and fast responses

·         Hope for immediate answers towards every query

·         Respect time and prepare well in advance

·         Stay away from deep thinking and invest in practical execution

·         Always equipped for action, while planning and packing in haste

·         Consider analysis as waste of time, trust in the power of trials and retrials.

        While it is impossible to wear patience or impatience as the only outfit for every occasion, it is essential to adopt a flexible approach and an understanding attitude. Adopting essence of patience can benefit in the long run as every task in the future may appear as peaceful and satisfying.

  So whether you choose to advocate patience or promote impatience; enjoy their influence, after all life is about trials, errors, experiments and retrials, over and over again!

Loving yourself

      

      Right from the moment we take birth in our mother’s womb, a strong bond of connection begins. What starts off as the first experience of love, enters into various molds as we move along the journey called life. From parents’ love to siblings’ attachment, from equation with relatives to network of friends, the magnitude of love increases by multiple folds along the path. While new relations develop with passing time, newer titles get added into our plot, showering more doses of unconditional love. A never ending supply that continuous right till the end, several new relations of spouse, children and grandchildren bring their own unique stock of love.

    While we are taught to respect, nurture, retain and enrich love in the form of these relations, essential chapters about loving ourselves are often deleted from the curriculum. As the blogger in me hunts for inspiration, creativity, motivation and purpose, I realized the relevance of this aspect in every area of life. 

     In the crucial, challenging, adventurous and difficult course of our story, we tend to ignore the essential task of loving our own selves. While fulfilling responsibilities, performing duties, maintaining relationships and valuing our loved ones, we exhaust all our time, energy, resources and interest. With this, as we enter into the continuous cycle of life, we are not able to include the phase of loving ourselves.

    Though loving ourselves seems to be the easiest action on earth, it is the most commonly ignored, forgotten, misinterpreted and assumed activity by each one of us. While we invest numerous efforts and lace them with dedication, devotion, trust and care for our loved ones, we fail to replicate it for our side of the story. Loving ourselves is not a complicated project that demands preparation, skills, plans and analysis, all it needs is strong will towards execution.

     Misinterpreted as a selfish involvement, loving ourselves is often correlated with incorrect behavior. Spending quality time with self, engaging in enjoyable activities, nurturing hidden talent and introspecting our route towards destination are beneficial factors that deserve our attention. Though taking care of inner mind and strengthening it with desired elements demand contribution from our end, balancing it with our worldly affairs is the key to success. Excess weight-age to one relation alone or excessive involvement into ourselves always can perform more harm than good.

    So, whether I have convinced you to love yourself in a novel way or whether I have voiced your belief through the blogger’s way, let us look at some of the means to love ourselves. After all, ideas give rise to possibilities and suggestions give way to improvements.

1.       Engage in ‘me’ time

Dedicated session for our hobbies, creative tasks, leisure, relaxation, physical fitness or enjoyment, spending ‘me’ time every day is extremely essential. While it may last for couple of few minutes or few hours, designing activities for ourselves offer lot of advantages.

Do not compromise that 10 minutes meditation or prayer session for some commitment outside, after all ‘me’ time is the ‘most essential’ time.

2.       Introspect and inspect

Thoughts and ideas play an important role in our development. Thinking about our future while drawing lessons from past can work wonders, this makes it essential to engage in introspection as a means to understand ourselves.

Talk to your mind as your best friend for life.

3.       Work for your own happiness

Happiness is a choice to be made by ourselves. Involving into tasks of interest and passion can color the canvas of our future. Drawing happiness from our own efforts offer the pure taste of joy, depending on others for content and love can lead to disappointment.

Indulge into your favorite food or enjoy your most loved movie.

4.       Break conventions, think out of the box!

While loving ourselves, engaging in novel fun-filled activities that are not followed by others or not recommended by the so-called society is absolutely perfect. Practicing our passion for dance, music, arts or any form can nurture love for ourselves.

March towards progress from a bathroom singer to a stage performer or dance like no one is watching, after all thinking out of the box is the first step towards loving yourself.

5.       Appreciate and pamper yourself

Though self-pompous nature is absolutely incorrect by all means, appreciating ourselves for hard work and success can motivate us towards further course of action. Occasional pampering with our favorite activities can energize us for the journey ahead.

 Pat your back or clap for yourself, as you are your best possible critic ever.

        Hope these few suggestions can ignite your thoughts about loving yourself.  Love yourself and spread the love, after all you are the dearest member of your own club!

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!