Let me give you an advice

   

  Surprised by this unusual title?

  Wondering if you ever asked me for an advice, before I blog over it?

   But, isn’t that the real aim behind giving advice?

     Though we may never really ask for an advice, this unwanted piece of internal mind chooses to flaunt its presence all around. In a world where everything comes to us at a cost, advice is something that is freely available. Advice is our share of knowledge that we deliver for the benefit of others. This piece of knowledge can be truly categorized as valuable, if one seeks it from us. Offering advice when asked for it is the true meaning of giving one. Providing 2 cents of our limited knowledge over a topic that is not really ours is the root cause of trouble. Though I am not against giving advice or sharing opinion with others, the underlying reason of this blog is to look at the good and not so good world of advice.

   Many a times, advice is the only way to connect with others socially. With an aim to blend into a group or initiate a topic for conversation, we may end up advising those around us. Advice can turn into an undesirable experience, if we insist on holding a strong opinion. As long as we offer an advice pertaining to our domain or based on our own set of adventures, they can prove beneficial to the receiving ears. While advice fueled with an aim to dominate, impress or rule can lead to nothing but irritating expressions and ignored outlook. Advice born out of total inexperience are the worst elements of disturbance as they can interfere with someone’s head, yet lead to no beneficial output.

    We often come across so-called ‘learned’ people in the society that seem to have a solution for everything. Be it conflicts between two nations on the other end of the globe or be it trouble involving a celebrity, be it global environmental issues or concerns about moral values, these learned resources seem to hold an opinion, along with a strong desire to offer their advice towards anyone lending their ears. Advising someone about their individual choices or personal beliefs, based on conventional society norms are some of the mistakes of the modern world that need rectification.

    Advice can turn into unwanted words, when the real aim is to prove one’s superiority. As we move along the uncertain route of our life, we definitely need pieces of advice for the further course. During times like this - seeking advice, listening to someone’s opinions and collecting their experiences can prove to be beneficial. Though we may collect several advice on the way, we must be able to analyze it well for our own situation. As each one of us has a different canvas to work on, we cannot follow every word of the advice. Just as delivering valuable advice when asked for is a huge responsibility in itself, receiving the advice and processing it towards our good is also equally important. Being upset about an unwanted advice can only lead us towards more trouble, wasting our valuable time over nothing.

     While this was the serious outlook towards advice, I was tempted to draw some humor from the same. Let us dive into the hidden thoughts of an interested and uninterested pair of ears, while listening to stereotypical advice about typical significant matters in life.

1.       Advice on stream of education:

Advice: “Science is the only option for you, after all you have scored excellent in your qualifying exam. Commerce was the second best option if you scored less marks, and arts is not appropriate for your score.”

Interested ears: This seems perfect. Totally makes sense. With such good marks, I should choose Science, I will not be able to justify my selection of Arts to others. And commerce was good if I scored little less.

Uninterested ears: This advice is yet another stereotypical piece of our society. Good entertaining outlook, but it is necessary to dig into my interests and aptitude, before the final decision.

2.       Advice on career

Advice: “Freelancing is not good at all. Business is risky and not for you, as you do not have father’s business to continue. 9 to 5 job is best for you.”

Interested ears: Yes correct.  Sticking to the traditional 9 to 5 is a perfect advice for me. No risk, worries and tensions.

Uninterested ears: I cannot make decisions based on these set rules. Though the advice reflects stability and confirmed income, it does not match with my passion.

3.       Advice on marriage

Advice: “You must marry at the right age. It is important to fulfill this major responsibility on time, other things can wait, but marriage cannot.”

Interested ears: This advice has opened my eyes about connection between marriage and age. It should be taken into consideration immediately.

Uninterested ears: My plans of travel, career and hobbies may not fit into this acceptable time frame. Instead, marriage can wait.

4.       Advice on starting a family

Advice: “You must start a family now after a year of marriage. Kids grow up fast, you will not even realize. It is important to stay young, while they grow.

Interested ears: This makes sense. Children and family expansion should go as per calculation of married years.

Uninterested ears: Kids cannot grow on their own, unless we are prepared to bring a new life and take this huge responsibility.

5.       Advice on parenthood

Advice: “You must not allow kids to take their own decision. They are too small for this responsibility. You must do all the talking for them.”

Interested ears: This will work best for our children. It is important to decide for them.

  Uninterested ears: This sounds as an age-old custom of the historic times. 

  In today’s world, it is important to listen to kids and understand their stand too.

These are just some pieces of imagination, designed to draw happiness from the entertaining world of advice. Do send in your feedback over this aspect that relates to all. Whether you love advice or hate them, your comment is definitely valuable for the blogger in me!

The choice is yours!

   

     Right from the moment you open your eyes in the morning to the time you go back to bed, you make several choices along the way. From simple aspects such as choosing tea, coffee or milk to pump your day to serious factors such as choosing your career, education or life partner, life is all about the choices you make. Freedom to chalk your choices and ability to transform them into successful outcome point to the happiness of living life on your own terms. 

   

     As every single choice you make will lead to significant impact in the future, it is essential to invest your energy, thoughts, time and understanding. Though we are able to choose for ourselves, it does not mean guaranteed output of victory, happiness, satisfaction and pleasure. As we exercise the right to make decisions, we come across diverse experiences along the way.

    In order to choose the best for us, it is important to analyze the situation well, before coming to the final conclusion. As our choices will reflect over our future course of journey - timely consideration today will save us from disappointment tomorrow. While each one of us enjoy the freedom to make choices, we must also inculcate the ability to respect those made by others. The choice to adopt a particular lifestyle or the choice to divert away from the conventional time frame of life is truly a personal aspect that cannot be judged by others. Whether one chooses career over marriage or adventure over daily routine, whether one chooses flexibility in career over fixed typical jobs or untouched travel destinations over the well-known ones, the coast is clear for endless possibilities and numerous opportunities.

     It all depends on how well one can handle the freedom of making good choices. While making decisions, it is important to seek guidance and opinion from the experienced resources around. Though we may disagree with their opinions or may not be able to connect with their views completely, it is essential to look at things from all angles. Many a times, when we are blinded by the excitement to try our hands at something new or commit to a totally novel responsibility, we may ignore the hidden matter in fine print. During moments like these, it is necessary to understand opinions under different light.

     Making correct choices or displaying success as the end product is not a competitive race of any kind. There is no harm in choosing an incorrect option, only to understand the reality and make beneficial changes at a later stage. As long as we do not trouble those around us, our choices can reflect over our story-line alone. Making choices is not a simple game of selecting one option over the other. As we grow along the path of life, we realize the need to display maturity and understand every aspect carefully. Careful analysis of the pros and cons, systematic calculation of all factors (preferably on an excel sheet as promoted by my father always) and thorough research about the options can take one in the right decision.

  Though we may take all these elements under consideration, it is important to realize that our choices cannot guarantee happiness. As we experience the ups and downs, we learn to appreciate every single twist in the tale. It is not possible to treat each aspect of the choice game in the same manner. Some matters demand great attention, while some others are as simple as picking up a random chit from a pile of papers.

       As the sole architect of your life, the choice to design it as per your own dimensions is entirely yours. Though parents, relatives, friends and loved ones can guide you along the way, the final decision lies in your hands alone. It is important to take responsibility and charge of our own journey. Relying over others for our own choices is a convenient way to run away from any troubles in the future. By blaming them for the failure, we may invite unhappiness along the way. This makes it essential to choose for ourselves, while enjoying the end result with an open attitude.

   With this, let me conclude my chain of thoughts by highlighting the perks of choices.  

1.       Choose your lifestyle – after all you have to live it!

2.       Choose your food habits – it goes into your stomach!

3.       Choose your career- you have to practice it for a lifetime to pay your bills!

4.       Choose your hobbies – free time is nothing less than a luxury!

5.       Choose your priorities – only you know what comes first or last!

6.       Choose happiness, joy, pleasure and delight – after all that is why you were born!

So whether you enjoyed this post and agree with my thoughts or disagree with every bit of it – the choice is yours! 

A new found love affair with ‘ARTS’

    

    Stroke of paint brush, rhythm of music, flow of words, beauty of artistic creation and magic of all things creative– little did I know that these words would form a deep bond in my life, as I experience new found affection towards it, today. Though a sincere and loyal student of ‘Science’, as I saw myself moving towards the magic of words, this writing passion transformed my view completely. 

    While being an advocate of technical aspects, as I transitioned towards creativity, the power of this new love has been totally amazing. Artistic approach and creative inclination has drawn me towards the happiness of life, as arts is all about novel ideas and unique tasks. Without any fixed theories or rigid concepts, arts allow one to experience freedom. It does not limit the artist with predetermined specifications. All it needs is passion, interest, satisfaction and joy.

   Arts always seemed as a ‘distant, untouchable, aloof and foreign’ aspect. Like any other technical person, appreciating the power of an artist or understanding the motive behind one’s creation appeared impossible. Though books, paintings, movies, theater, music and fine arts welcomed me with open arms, it seemed as an unreachable territory always. It is only after my association with the written word, when I realized the true meaning of ‘arts’. The joy of creation offered by every single form of arts cannot be compared to any other experience, as it provides a different level of satisfaction altogether. Though writing has been my passion since childhood, converting it into a full-time engagement brought me closer to the joy of literature.

   Before I dive into the colorful details of this new unusual love affair, let me set the background of this blog topic. While visiting a local wine and arts festival in our neighborhood city, I was amazed by the work of the artists. From abstract painting to object photography, from scenic painting to miniature creations, as this festival celebrated the talent of artists from far and wide, the entire experience opened my eyes towards the love for arts. It made me look at the positivity of creation, as art allows one to be the sole in-charge. It is not about the end product, but the happiness of the process that sets it all apart.

    

     More than the appreciation, reviews, feedback and inputs from the audience, arts is about opportunity to create it all. Besides offering freedom to the artists, arts provide the same level of flexibility to its audience, too. It allows the enthusiastic appreciators to enjoy the creation in their own way, drawing happiness and pleasure from a unique aspect that appeals to them. While this festival kept me engaged and involved for a long time, my feelings of love gathered strength in the process.

     Think about any form of arts - be it music, theater, fine arts or literary wonders, every single domain is linked by the common aspects of freedom, passion, desire and willingness. Though talent is a major factor behind the success of an artist, it cannot materialize into the final output, unless backed by the desire to be responsible. It is the passion of creating something with one’s own hands that sets the game into motion. Arts cannot be evaluated as right or wrong. What may appeal to one may not connect with someone else. Freedom of imagination, flexibility of experimentation and vast, limitless options are the highlights of this interesting field that differs from the boundaries of any technical domain.

     As reasons are the significant participants that can explain a situation clearly, let me share my end of the love story. Let me throw light over the aspects that appeal to me the most.

1.       Power to the creator

Art places the power in the hands of the creator. It allows the artist to design, make, create, blend, write or shape the creation as one desires. By placing the complete responsibility on the artist, it paves way to satisfaction, joy, pleasure and contentment.

2.       Freedom from rules

      Arts cannot be defined by rules, specifications, theorem, logic or guidelines. Besides, it cannot be restricted to a particular language, nationality, culture or location. It is more about novelties and less about stereotypical approach, as arts cannot be created within a set framework. It is this freedom that gives birth to interesting masterpieces every single time. Though freedom may sound exciting and interesting, it should not hurt or play with sentiments of any kind. Functioning within the social boundary, yet creating a novel experience is the strong base of arts.

3.       Closet experience of joy

Arts prompt one to forget about daily hassles, while appreciating the beauty all around. Be it paintings of the nature or soulful rhythms of music, be it influential words of an article or engaging story-line of a stage performance, arts offer joy in its purest form. It forces one to forget about the troubles of life and look at it with a creative outlook.

4.       Novelties and varieties

Arts is all about varieties. No two artists can replicate same creation in the exact same manner, giving rise to novel creations, every single time. It resembles a wide ocean with limitless possibilities, giving rise to unique pieces for the audience.

5.       Full of life

Arts is full of life, joy, zeal, enthusiasm and energy. It can inspire us to experience little wonders of life with an open outlook and unbiased attitude. Arts can pump energy into our system, with enhanced levels of interest.

Though I cannot expect to transfer all my feelings of artistic affection into your hearts as well, I can only wish to share the love with you all. Powered by the new found excitement of this unusual love affair, I hope to continue the journey ahead with each passing day. 

It’s all about the perspective

     

     Before I take you on a trip over my train of thoughts, let me start with the birth of this blog topic. While visiting a local arts festival in the city, I enjoyed the process of interpreting abstract arts and sharing it with my husband. As I toiled to push it into his technical head, I was wondering about the power of perception. Perspective, outlook, point of view or standpoint – each of these terms talk about the common aspect of ‘unique’ or ‘individualistic’ opinions. What may seem appropriate for me, may come across as an unacceptable aspect for you, giving way to differences in our views. Situations and circumstances are heavily influenced by this ‘perspective’ that impacts the dynamics of every single feature.

  Our point of view changes the overall feel of a situation. The ability to hold diverse opinions make us unique individuals of the society. Though divided by our varied vision over a situation, we are united under the roof of mankind. Nature, attitude, behavior and conduct govern this ‘perspective’, as we depict variation in our reaction. While one may look at failure as the final end to the journey, others may consider it as a practical lesson in the curriculum. Faith, belief and trust are some of the other aspects that influence this unique vision called ‘perception.’

  Judging someone on the basis of their ‘perspective’ is inappropriate by all means. Each one of us have the right to look at different things in a different way. As our life choices and decisions will impact our course of journey alone, we must respect this uniqueness in every way. How you look at your career, passion, hobby, life goals, religion, lifestyle, food habits and recreational ideas are your decisions alone, putting your life into a unique perspective.

  As long as you do not harm others with your selfish motives or force your views over someone else, you can enjoy the magic of ‘perception’. If you observe closely, unique perception is the root cause of development and progress. As each one of us contribute our bit to the society, we empower it with new ideas, newer projects, novel innovations and interesting discoveries.

     With an aim to reflect over ‘perspective’, I chose to answer some of the common questions that come to our minds. Feel free to answer them in your way, as we celebrate and appreciate the power of ‘standpoint’.

   If we all hold unique ‘perspective’ over common matters, what gives birth to these differences?

   Point of view speaks about our stand over certain issues. Our experiences and encounters shape the process of creating this perspective. Many a times, unless we experience certain matters personally, we may not be able to hold an opinion over it. This explains the power of ‘experience over the years’. As we gather memories and moments along the way, we create a stock of valuable factors for the future generation to follow. Enforcing our opinions over younger minds is incorrect, but sharing our beliefs with a view to present them with a complete picture is truly essential. By sharing our perspective over significant matters, we can guide them about our unique thoughts.

How does this perspective help us as individuals?

   Perspective builds a unique picture in our heads. As we decide what is essential, beneficial, desirable, useful and convenient for us, we pave way for our own success. We all are divided on the basis of our unique situation such as availability of resources, feasibility of options or possibility of a thought; giving rise to novel ideas. As free individuals in a free world, this unique perspective allows us to follow our dreams and make a name. If we refrain from our unique opinions, we may push ourselves towards disappointment and regret.

Can our perspective be ‘right’ or ‘wrong’?

   As long as our point of view does not harm the sentiments of others or points towards destructive actions, it cannot be labelled as right or wrong. How you choose to look at an aspect is purely your decision, making you an in-charge in every way. Whether this outlook harms or helps, succeeds or fails, brings a smile or forces tears, you have to face the situation yourself. Your decision of following a particular diet or lifestyle has nothing to do with the health of others, as your perspective is the ‘king’ here.

What are the most common examples of unique ‘perspectives’ that can relate to almost each one of us?

1.       About career: If all of us had an ‘unwelcoming’ perspective towards arts, who would entertain us with their mesmerizing voices, colorful pictures, engaging stories or realistic acting?

If all of us had a ‘mandatory’ perspective about engineering and medicine alone, who would handle our finances or manage our taxes?

2.       About faith: If we all had only one religion, god or belief, how would we celebrate different festivals and enjoy numerous holidays with their perks of delicacies, decorations, colors and happiness.

3.       About entertainment: If we all had a ‘welcoming’ perspective towards comedy or family-based genre alone, how would we introduce ourselves to superheroes or thriller based characters?

Perspective is all about our uniqueness of vision that puts everything into order. How you look at things is all that matters at the end of the day, after all our minds need some work too!

The spirit that runs a team

     As a kid, I had a distinct memory with this word. A word that seemed influential, powerful, significant and important, I was always curious to know what it meant. As I ventured into school activities and became a part of a ‘team’, I was able to understand the real significance of ‘team spirit.’ An attitude of togetherness, a desire to be there for each other, an essence that binds a team – ‘team spirit’ is all about others and little about self. Team spirit empowers the entire group, as they march towards a common goal.

     Though team spirit is often associated with sports and games, it is not limited to the ground or field alone. Team spirit is equally applicable in every walk of our life, as we are designed to live in a society. Unity and integrity form the underlying principles of our success stories, as united efforts take us towards growth and prosperity.

    Be it functioning of a household or work culture in the office, be it stable conduct of a community or growth of a country, team spirit applies to every aspect of our living. Unless we bind together as a close-knit team, we may not be able to reach the finish line. Team spirit prompts us to value the team above our own personal interests. By contributing our own bit with a selfless attitude, we can certainly enjoy the sweet fruits of satisfaction. Team spirit translates into a perfect combination of our individual skills and talents. As individuals, while we may fall short of some elements, team spirit strives to match it all with togetherness.

    A recent experience of trekking over 2120 feet high peak inspired me to ponder about team spirit. While tiredness and non-cooperation of our body tempted us to abort the mission, the spirit of being together inspired us to continue ahead. After 4 hours of consistent efforts, when the impossible mission transformed into an achieved act of victory, team spirit chose to spread its influence all over the air.

   So, how do we define this team spirit? What kind of magic does it perform, while converting impossibilities into possibilities?

   Team spirit is the feeling of hard work, dedication, determination and enjoyment, born out of togetherness. While we may suffer distractions and deviations as individual workers alone, team spirit pushes us to continue the job as a group. By drawing inspiration from fellow team members, admiring their commitment to work, dreaming about the common trophy of success and working together with smiles and laughter, one can accomplish every single task with ease.

 Team spirit prompts us to stay connected and enjoy every adventure along the way. Team spirit does not guarantee success or satisfaction every single time. As a team, we may encounter numerous instances of failure or unavoidable circumstances of defeat, yet team spirit inspires us to keep going.

    Finding solutions to troubles as a united group and offering the best contribution from our end is the essence that keeps this spirit alive. Instead of spending time over regret and disappointment, team spirit can motivate us to find some alternatives. By staying positive and looking forward to victory, team spirit cannot allow us to resign so soon.

   Team spirit knits a web of safety, security, stability and comfort, while it forces us to work hard. The feeling of being surrounded by our own people can allow us to concentrate and focus. It imparts positivity to our attitude and strength to our thoughts. Team spirit refrains us from selfish motives. As success of a team will eventually translate into success of its team members, team spirit prompts us to stay away from jealousy and hatred.

    Team spirit does not mean confirmed instances of harmony. As individual members, we may have differences of opinion or different mindset towards a task. Though our routes may differ, we may head towards the same direction. This highlights the significance of understanding, patience, trust and cooperation. Amidst differences of opinions, plans, ideas and beliefs, it is necessary to work towards a common ground. As each of the members can cooperate for a common outcome, it radiates the happiness of being in a group.

  With this, let us move over some concluding thoughts of this unique spirit. A spirit that must be felt to appreciate it better, team spirit is all about togetherness.

1.       Team spirit brings out the best in us, it prompts us to reach our goals with coordinated efforts.

2.       It inspires us to continue the course of journey. Though failures and difficulties may cast their spell, it unites us with a common mission.

3.       Team members may be divided by their individual ideas over certain aspects, but the essence of team spirit lies in finding a united solution.

4.       Team spirit can refrain us from quitting. Many a times, we may find it impossible to accomplish a task by ourselves. All we need is a slight push of team spirit that can set us on the path.

5.       Team spirit involves polishing our strengths, while working over our weaknesses. This can shower success over the entire team.

6.       As together we can and we will, team spirit is all about standing together as a close-knit unit forever.

Experience the magic of this team spirit that runs the dynamics of a group. An essential ingredient of happiness and joy, team spirit celebrates our existence as ‘social animals on earth.’

     

Limitless, boundless, endless – the never ending process of ‘Imagination’

How often have you heard people say ‘Just imagine’?

How often does your mind prompt you to ‘imagine’?

How does it feel to roam around in the world of ‘imagination’, without any strings attached?

What does ‘imagination’ mean to you?

  Defined as the process of creating images, ideas, plans and desires in the faculty of mind; imagination is a vast world without any limits. As one thinks about novel ideas, new possibilities and newer innovations, imagination is the first act that initiates it all. Imagination is not bounded by any guidelines or clear specifications. It prompts everyone to think beyond the usual, crafting plans for betterment and progress. As imagination has no limits, it is essential to restrict its involvement towards constructive ideas alone. By letting our imagination run far and wide, we allow creativity into our life. Abstract arts in the fields of fine arts, writing and performing sector are examples of some aspects that involve this faculty of imagination.

    Imagination inspires us to engage our mind in a totally different way. Beyond the usual realities that appear within the scope of our visualization, imagination prompts us to do something different. As we think about the course of future, this imagination forces us to frame our dreams, picturize their reality and make necessary changes in the action. Imagination is the only means to go beyond our limits and listen to the voice of mind. Imagination poses as the root of every innovation. Every successful utility, service, amenity or invention that has reached us till date was born out of someone’s imagination. Unless one imagines, one cannot expect materialization in the future. Active imagination today is the first step towards prosperous output tomorrow.

   Imagination is an essential ingredient that works in every domain of our life. From domestic plans pertaining to the household to work-related projects, from exciting ideas about luxury and relaxation to dreams about the future, imagination manages to cast its spell all around. Thinking about novel ideas and making frequent trips to the world of imagination are healthy ways to exercise our mind. We often tend to limit our potential based on the approval of the society. If our ideas and plans fall beyond the usual specifications defined by others, we lose faith in its outcome. At times like these, imagination performs its job as it forces us to invest some moments in our thoughts.

  Imagination does not relate to significant or serious matters alone. It can also be employed for some doses of fun and humor. Imagining funny situations and circumstances can give way to pure entertainment. Children with active imagination radiate energy, enthusiasm and zeal for success, happiness, prosperity and peace. While they engage their minds into never-seen or heard before possibilities, they pave way for an exciting future. Imagination opens the door to possibilities, opportunities, achievements and development.

With this thought in mind, I was tempted to run away with my imagination. Let me take you to some of these hilarious pieces of mind.

1.       Just imagine, if men gave birth!

Wouldn’t it be fun to see men with their baby bumps? Holding their patience for nine months, while worrying about their body in the process.

(Dear Hubby, I hope God listens to this novelty for a change)

2.       Just imagine, if there was no concept of ‘food.’

What kind of world would it be, without any food at all? The core of our existence, life without food would be totally different by all means.

(Whatever be the output, materialization of this imagination could definitely erase troubles of weight gain, exercising, dieting and cooking!)

3.       Just imagine, if there was no concept of ‘money’…

 Another life changing imagination, would this mean no work, no job, no worries and no responsibilities? Enjoy this imagination till it lasts, after all life without money would be nothing less than a dream land.

(Think about freedom from bank balance for a while, feels good, right?

4.       Just imagine if increasing age had no effects on our body?

No wrinkles, no grey hair, no tiredness and an ever-green body! Life could definitely not get better than this.

(Apologies to anti-ageing creams, hair dyes and anti-wrinkles creams, this was not imagined to put you out of business!)

5.       Just imagine if the entire world constituted of just one large country….

This would put an end to passports, visas, nationalities, wars, competitions and foreign affairs. Though it sounds tempting, think about the governing body to handle such a huge nation.

(What about our patriotic and competitive spirit, how will we cheer our contenders in Olympics, World cup or Beauty pageants?)

Each of these imaginative ideas seem totally unrealistic, but that is exactly what they were meant for. Thinking beyond the usual and creating unusual images in the mind is the first step towards something big. Allow your mind to wander and sharpen your imagination, after all routine is boring but novelty is not!

The permanent address for a lifetime

  

      This is not a blog post announcing the acquisition of a new home or property, though it will be exciting to have something in that direction! The primary aim of such an unusual title is to take you all to the wonderful memory land called ‘childhood home’. A permanent address that manages to carve permanent memories for a lifetime, childhood home is the best asset one can ever possess. Though we all have to eventually fly away from this comfortable nest sooner or later, it occupies an irreplaceable memory forever. 

   

    While we work hard and prepare ourselves for the future, this childhood home turns into a ‘Launchpad’ to help us achieve our dreams. As we frame goals to make a big name in the competitive world, the irony of preparing for a dream home from the base of our childhood home is the unavoidable, yet true fact of life. While moving away from this childhood nest is the need of the hour, it leaves back wonderful memories that last forever.

   Each one of us have different reasons to move away from this wonderland. Be it job or marriage, transfer or higher education, as we step a foot into the outer world, nothing can offer the same amount of happiness, joy, comfort and love. Though we may build our dream house with state-of-the-art facilities at an amazing location, it cannot replace the warmth of a humble childhood home. While our own house today reflects the essence of sweat, hard work, dedication and satisfaction, it cannot be compared to the love and care of our parents or innocence and peace of our childhood. This home reflects our smiles, laughter, childhood pranks, naughtiness, dreams and plans. While running around the house with mischief in our minds, the walls and floor seem to form a team with us. Playing with friends, fighting with siblings, hiding away from parents, planning for unusual tricks and enjoying the carelessness of life formed some of the most important tasks in this particular location.

     As childhood was filled with ignorance and innocence, this humble home seemed to be the entire world back then. Without knowing about the realities of life, all we knew was this childhood home will always open its doors for us. From stress of school to happiness of an achievement, from fun-filled plans with family and friends to preparation of exams and tests, this home formed a strong support always. While staying within its ambiance, as we all tend to plan about growing up in the future, little do we realize that the simplicity of its walls and kindness of its roof are much better than the responsibility of an independent dwelling.

  Childhood home is the foundation that prepares us for the world in the future. Though it pours all the love, care, comfort and support, it constantly reminds us about the need to work hard. Childhood home is a storehouse of memories, every single square feet area of this house has some exciting aspects to talk about. From silly drawings made on the walls to unwanted projects carried out in the kitchen, from fights and arguments with siblings for more space in the bedroom to hiding behind either of the parents in their room, each and every corner has wonderful memories in its ambiance.

     Childhood homes may be small or simple, large or luxurious, crowded or spacious, loud or silent; no matter what surrounding it offers or what amenities it presents, all that matters is its lovely ambiance and comforting atmosphere. One aspect that can relate with each one of us as kids are the demands made to our parents to convert the boring home into a model house, straight out of an interior design magazine! It is only after we start to design our own home as adults today, when we realize that every single, simple arrangement in the childhood home was truly perfect and amazing in its own way. Though our wallets may be filled with all the necessary resources for those expensive amenities or exciting features in our own homes today, we cannot purchase the same amount of love, care, warmth and innocence.

    We may have moved from one childhood home to another or stayed within the same house all through the phase, these aspects are applicable to all of them. Childhood homes depict the hard work of our parents as they place our needs and comfort above everything else.

  For me, childhood home fulfilled several roles, acting as a multi-specialty location.

It represented:       

                                                                            

1.       Headquarters for the future

2.       Dreamland for hopes, wishes and desires

3.       Picnic spot for fun, laughter, smiles and enjoyment

4.       Secret location for mischief and troubles

5.       Cave for comfort and silence

6.       Restaurant serving delicious meals cooked by mom

7.       Conference room for serious discussions and strategies

8.       Playground of fun, freedom, immaturity and pranks

9.       School of discipline, progress and improvement

10.   Workshop of experiments, projects, assignments and attempts. 

    Such is the influence of a childhood home that holds us for a short while, but lives in our memories forever. Though I have attempted to express my love and attachment, I strongly believe that words tend to fall short in talking about this amazing paradise. Think about your own childhood home and imagine its walls, floor, roof and rooms, after all its memories remain fresh always.  

P.S: Special thanks to my father’s maternal uncle for this topic suggestion- an enthusiastic reader, honest critic, prompt feedback supplier and energetic support, my dear grandfather tempted me to revisit all these wonderful memories of a lovely home! 

The black and white story of a sweet and sour mind

When you are extremely happy over a news, what is the first voice that greets your ears?

When you are disappointed over a loss or failure, who comes across as the first comforter?

If you are about to attempt or experience something for the first time, where does the cautionary voice originate from?

If you are angry or raging over a thought, who initiates a speech laden with hatred?

   Though the answers may differ for each one of you, my reply over these questions was ‘MIND.’ As the closest companion one can ever get, mind controls every little thing that crosses our life. Be it happiness over an achievement or sorrow over a failure, be it anger over an unavoidable incident or word of caution for a difficult adventure, mind ensures to send its first message always. Though our parents, family, friends and loved ones share a close bond filled with love, care and support, mind will never leave its loyal job of being there for everything. While certain unavoidable circumstances may keep us away from people who care, mind can never repeat the same.

   So if this hero called mind seems to behave as a good friend, what is the reason to term it ‘sour’? Does this ‘companion forever’ come with its hidden baggage of faults?

    Mind often tempts us to enter into its long train of thoughts. Forcing us to leave the tasks in hand, it drags us into its trip of guilt, distraction, assumptions, doubts and worries. With its uncertain approach and desire to run away, mind can prompt one to follow suit. Most of the unwanted worries and unnecessary tensions are born from the core of this mind that seems to enjoy it. This makes it essential to control our mind in the right way.

    A factory of negative thoughts, distracted ideas and useless desires, mind should be trained to perform the opposite. Mind has an unbelievable ability to change its colors instantly. Depending on our mood and situation, this member depicts its course. From happiness, sorrow, excitement, embarrassment, boredom and enthusiasm, as its jumps from one feeling to another, the entire thought process changes along the way.

     Though we understand this uncertain and unreliable nature of mind, we often fail to act on time. While we allow it to cast a powerful influence, we may prove unsuccessful in molding it in the right way. As mind is our own asset, we must train it for positivity and peace. By staying away from unwanted troubles, we can engage it into constructive ideas.

  It is funny how this invisible master can hold us under its command. Though our mind may not know every little factor in life, it appears to have a powerful opinion over everything! Be it food or fashion, pleasure or danger, good or bad, happy or sad, this mind makes sure to voice its first thought. While it may often fail in its judgment and force us to spend our valuable time, there is no alternative way to avoid it. Though we may not look forward to its voice, it will make itself heard. Unless we spend some time over its idea, we may find ourselves trapped.

   But does this mind really bother us in an unwanted way always? What are its sweet flavors that seem desirable?

    As the first cautionary voice, mind ensures helpful support always. Though our loved ones may convince us about a difficult project or motivate us to take a powerful challenge, nothing is possible without the positive nod of our mind. Unless mind fills our life with happy enthusiasm, we cannot reach our goals. As it works closely with our life, it performs its role as a fuel. By taking us to the end of our destination, mind does not allow us to quit. Strong mind and powerful thoughts are all we need to be successful, happy, peaceful and satisfied. If our mind decides to support us through a mission, it will be there till the end. Along with support of willpower and confidence, mind works hard to succeed in the plan. Many aspects in life demand the participation of mind alone. No matter how many positive words may reach our ears or hopeful thoughts may be delivered by our closed ones, unless this mind decides to enter into the activity, we cannot expect a happy ending.

      With power of intuition, our mind often prompts us to think about what is good for us. As the closest companion in our life, it knows about the factors that can make us happy and cheerful. At times, some alone and quiet moments with this inner mind are all we need to be back on track. As mind has a powerful hold of its own, it is very essential to tame it for our benefit. By working on positivity and stability, we can create a healthy aura. While we all pay attention towards the physical fitness of our body, we often fail to invest any efforts towards the mental faculty. Both healthy mind and healthy body are equally essential for the strength called ‘life.’

  To conclude the black and white story, let me highlight the sweetness and sourness of this unsung hero.

Sweetness:

• ·         Supportive
• ·         Motivational
• ·         Stays right through the end
• ·         Prompts us to stick to our goals
• ·         Warns us about undesirable occurrences with its strong intuition
• ·         Gives confidence and offers smile
• 
  

            Sourness:

•        Can force one to worry and take tensions
• ·         Tends to sow seeds of doubt and queries, even for a simple aspect
• ·         Prompts one to waste time behind unnecessary matters
• ·         Invites confusion, assumptions and anxiety quite often.
• ·         May present unnecessary opinions and engage in its own unwanted tales.
• ·         May often turn judgmental

What is your black and white story of mind? What are your experiences, while dealing with this imaginary boss?

Difficult to live with, difficult to stay away from – this mind seems to have an interesting love-hate relationship with each one of us!

Celebrating the 100th milestone with a literary surprise!

    

   

     While gearing up for my usual schedule of blog, an interesting fact greeted me on the way. As I sat to frame my next post, I realized that there was something special about this one. Though just another figure along the journey, writing my 100^th post of the blog deserved special mention. Happiness, excitement, satisfaction, joy and pleasure danced together on an interesting number as all seemed to be equally surprised with this milestone. Though it may be inappropriate to celebrate this happening as a special event in the calendar of mankind, it definitely needs to be mentioned to keep the ball rolling. As a form of encouragement and motivation, this 100^th post will inspire me to continue the journey ahead.

   What started off as an activity, while locked inside the house due to immense snowfall, soon turned into a passion, hobby, enjoyment and profession! Little did I know that this love for words will transform into a source of work in the future. As the scientific worm in me has taken a new route towards literary arts, this blog has certainly played an important role. Posing as the initial preparatory base, the blog has pushed me towards newer and newer adventures. While exploring, experimenting, attempting and enjoying, as I moved closer towards the literary charm, I was immediately gripped within its hold.

    From movie reviews to articles on motivation, from entertainment articles about television series to informative ones about environment, as I marched ahead along the route, the experience has been truly interesting in every way. As my readers and critics play an important role in the process, this 100^th post deserves their special mention. Be it grandparents, parents, sister and relatives with their quick reviews or friends with their honest opinions, be it publishers and editors with their encouraging observations or poor husband with his forced praises, every single member has made a significant contribution in this journey. While learning the tricks of the trade, as I toiled to improvise along the way, there were many interesting facets to learn about.

     Though the blog has reached its 100^th number, it still has a long way to go. With your feedback and encouragement, as I hope to look forward to the journey ahead, I am excited for new adventures and newer experiences. Though expression of gratitude and satisfaction are the two most important goals of this blog, there is something more to it. The words ‘literary surprise’ in the title are not meant for adding glitter alone, they are sitting there with a purpose.

    After working on a secret project for almost a year now, my little baby is all ready for its first step. Though this baby does not mean a real one with cute looks and sweet smile, if refers to my eBook on fiction.As I waited for a perfect moment to release it, I realized what occasion could be better than this exciting celebration of a century. While working on it with all my dedication and devotion, I hoped to create something good in the process. As my first ever attempt of framing a story, this novella or short version of novel has total 11 chapters including the prologue and epilogue.

    A fiction story with simple elements of friendship, love, family and life, this novella titled ‘…and they kept her word’ can be read free of cost over the internet. Published as a ‘self-published’ piece of work, this online version of the book is a new experience over the traditional way of turning pages. Though we all enjoy hard copy of books with smell of fresh pages and feel of a book cover, I hope to materialize this dream sometime in the future. As my first experiment, while this free version of eBook will do the job of reaching out to readers, I am equally excited to sell my next creation to you all!

  Written under my pen name ‘Lavanya’, you can access the entire book on your laptop, computer, tablet or smart phone. Click on the link https://www.booksie.com/471240-....and-they-kept-her-word and start reading the book (You do not need any login details or registration to read the book). Select the option of chapter from the drop-box and you can read all the chapters one by one.

  If in case of any troubles with the link, follow these steps:

1.       Go to https://www.booksie.com/

2.       Type ‘Lavanya’ in the search icon on top of the page.

3.       Select the book that appears.

  Hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I did, while framing every single word of it. Send me your honest opinions, shower me with your truthful comments and be my strict critics. After all, no piece of art can be brought to life unless read, observed, touched or experienced by the audience. As this literary surprise shall add glitter to my blog, I look forward to the next course of posts. Stay tuned for more gift of words as life is all about giving and some more giving :)

Letter to the past, email to the present, 4-D message to the future…

      While performing the usual ritual of browsing through the internet, I came across an interesting image, recently. As a direct form of communication with one’s past, present and future, the message had some words addressed to each of them. Though it consisted of few sentences, the idea was to speak to these three heroes, while focusing on their key points. With an aim to draw humor, sarcasm and enjoy the flow of this journey called ‘life’, I was inspired to ponder about it in my own blog. With celebration of my birthday still fresh and ripe, the moment was ideal to enter into a philosophical mode. A perfect way to exhibit the matured shade of turning a year older, this blog topic seemed absolutely flawless.

     Past depicts the way our life has been shaped so far. Though we are always encouraged to forget the past and march ahead in the present, past is the storehouse of our wonderful memories. By filling our lives with good, bad, happy, sad moments that turn into memories for a lifetime, past certainly has endless stories in its collection. Thinking about mistakes and errors from the past is one of the biggest troubles that can hamper with our present. This makes it essential to revisit our past only for its rich experience and value-added guidance, yet refrain from deep involvement and engagement. As regret, guilt, embarrassment, disappointment are just novel ways to disturb our tasks in hand, it is necessary to stay away from each of these elements.

  Present is the time in hand. The only phase to create, build, materialize, progress, develop and succeed, present is all about working hard and enjoying life. Present prompts us to stay awake all through its duration and extract maximum benefits from its dynamic course. By keeping our mind and body in the present, we can work towards building our future. Spending the ‘present’ in thoughts and ideas alone can never yield any success. Rather investment into efforts and hard work can offer fruits of success in the future. Working hard in the present is the only way to expect a colorful future that shall convert into a happening past sooner or later.

   Promising success, happiness, joy and pleasure, future is an excellent phase in disguise. By sitting behind closed doors, future often appears as a ‘mirage’, giving hope of water in a barren desert! Future is all about dreams, hopes, wishes and desires as we all look forward to something different from the monotonous present. Be it plans about a new job or dreams of a fun vacation, every act pertaining to the future seems extremely colorful, till it actually turns into the ‘present.’ Dreaming about a happy future is truly one of the best exercises in the present, as it can provide much needed inspiration and motivation to continue ahead.

  With this, now is the time to communicate with the past, present and future. As I write down messages for these three friends, I believe your own version will also resemble mine in many ways. Enjoy this communication and frame your own letters too, after all these are some of the interesting ways to celebrate our birth on earth!

LETTER TO THE PAST

Dear Past,

   Thank you for being with me all through my life. Though you are far away from me today, I still remember every moment spent with you. You made me laugh, cry, smile, love, care, enjoy and glow. You gave me several opportunities to make the best in life and that is why I am here today, standing at a better position with better understanding of my interesting life. Though you made me smile, you were not kind always. I still wonder the reason behind your unusual plans and weird actions that made me suffer, sad, cry and broken. May be, you had your own unavoidable reasons for it that do not matter today. I am happy for the share of failures, as it has made me strong now. As if a valuable lesson was hidden behind each of the failed attempts, I feel confident, learned and happy in the present.

   Thank you once again for painting wonderful memories in my canvas. I am rich and satisfied with the stock of memories that you have gifted me and I promise to treasure them for a lifetime. As it is impossible to erase all my mistakes that you have hidden far away, I shall be thoughtful to avoid them in the future. Wish me luck for my present and future, take care of yourself. Do visit my thoughts with your happy people but keep the bad members away.

Yours truly,

The matured person in me

EMAIL TO THE PRESENT

Dear Present,

  You are my best friend and true companion. As you take me through different experiences, adventures, tasks and duties, I feel extremely active and alive. You have loads of plans and ambitions in mind that I hope to accomplish on the way. You always give me opportunities, while forcing me to step out of my comfort zone. I am amazed by your energy level, as you refuse to halt or waste your time. Though you have filled my life with so many tasks, I enjoy your company.

       To be honest, I am scared of your expectations and often tend to push your plans into the future. While I know, this is incorrect by all means, I promise to work hard and make the most of all the resources. You have brought purpose and happiness in my life, as every single day in the present demands my attention, involvement, work and efforts. Though I am thankful to you for all the joy, I feel sad for the failures and mishaps you bring in the way. While I concentrate on my work, you manage to bring some interesting changes in the situations and circumstances, pushing me into disappointment.  I understand it is your way of increasing my patience, and I hope to make the most of it.

 Thank you once again for all your assistance in coloring the pages of my life. Bless me for the future and stay with me always.

Yours truly,

Practical version of me.

4-D MESSAGE TO THE FUTURE

(If you are wondering what a 4-D message is, even I do not know; as it is meant for the future, novel innovations and newer ideas need to be in the game!)

Dear Future,

  You are safe in my dreams. As images filled with happiness, hope, joy and excitement, you seem to be interesting in every way. I cannot wait to meet you and look forward to enjoy your presence. As I am not aware about your way of functioning, I can only request you to bring happiness and joy in surplus amounts. Do not bring any stock of sorrow from the past or the present. They may influence you with their talks, but you continue to be firm with your happy colors.

   I promise to be your best buddy after you meet me. I have made several plans to spend my time with you. Hope you will stay with me for all these ideas and support me along the way. I shall ensure that we be together with happiness and peace. I need to make a sincere request, stay true to your image. Do not increase my excitement with a happy trailer, only to be accompanied with a disappointing picture.

   Waiting for you with lots of excitement.

Yours sincerely,

The dreamer in me.