tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21993680603455227332024-03-14T16:19:09.094+05:30Almost ThereDiary and ramblings of an imaginative mind. Drop in for stories, poems and ideas and a cup of tea.
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-58154254938313819532021-05-25T15:14:00.005+05:302021-05-25T18:30:57.539+05:30Tu Naa Jaane Aas Pass Hai Khuda: Faith in the Times of Corona<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWq4gMeHf7c/YKyuYw3TgcI/AAAAAAABGY0/4o8QRLsO-q8p_Xx3GIAFdU06ZgmiZ4wwwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Coronavirus-illustration.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWq4gMeHf7c/YKyuYw3TgcI/AAAAAAABGY0/4o8QRLsO-q8p_Xx3GIAFdU06ZgmiZ4wwwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h336/Coronavirus-illustration.jpg" width="640"></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Corona Virus</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Just as I thought we had surmounted the Covid curve and wrote a blog post on how to beat the lockdown blues, we got it. The entire family. Scattered over three apartments in the same area, we were fighting our own battles with the monster eating our vitals from the inside. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Father had to be hospitalized twice - once for Covid and later for post-Covid care. He battled like a hero. He still battling various symptoms and side effects that are eating him up even now. It's been a month and a half since he tested positive. I have always looked up to him. He has shown time and again the qualities I would like to imbibe, a strong will to survive, seeking help when needed and an impatience to start over forgetting the problem and looking for solutions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Despite all my effeorts, being alone in my home, mother in hers, father in hospital and sister's family huddled in hers all fighting didn't make it easy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Everyday began and ended with news of death and loss. It was as if no one would be spared. I thought for a few days that my time was up too. Darkness in my head and the smell of burning wood in my nose kept haunting me. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1248" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjOG1oSl6mQ/YKzCbAiC4_I/AAAAAAABGY8/Eob0Igql5J8_Q8gcpiTHMweY0eG8GiynQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h462/Mask_Mural.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Corona Mural</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I lost and lost and lost - a brother-in-law who sang beautifully, an uncle who was a quiet and benign presence and my WhatsApp friend for political satire and memes and finally, my brother and best friend, uncle's son - all within 15 days. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was overwhelmed each time a friend said they needed oxygen for their brother or hospital bed for their mother or an uncle or aunt - most of these people never made it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There weren't enough beds in the Capital's hospitals, oxygen was being smuggled and sold at skyrocketing prices at obscure places and medicines and injections were unavailable even online. Private hospitals with next to no facilities were charging anything for a bed in an isolation ward where the patient often died all alone. They died in the big, fancy hospitals as well when oxygen supply would suddenly stop and ventilators would stop working. They too died all alone. No one knew if they would ever see their loved ones once they were taken to these isolated wards. Often they emerged wrapped in plastic body bags and their last rites were being done haphazatly without proper rights or rituals because of Covid protocals and because the lines outside the crematoriums and graveyards snaked like a railway track. People were now scrambling for contacts in police, administrative and even political circles to find a space for their loved ones for their last rites.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f0RWpNIpi8/YKzFPspyCKI/AAAAAAABGZE/GfyrmPzTAY4Anbl5vBIQOqIGPJErFduqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Covid%2Blines.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f0RWpNIpi8/YKzFPspyCKI/AAAAAAABGZE/GfyrmPzTAY4Anbl5vBIQOqIGPJErFduqgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Covid%2Blines.jpg" width="640"></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lines for cremation</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They died struggling and finally, accepting that death was the only truth while all of us scrambled around trying to find at least oxygen, or unavailable injections being sold at five to 10 times the original price in the black market. We didn't know anyone in the political circles or in the judiciary or bureaucracy who could help us jump the lines and get us a bed in a hospital with ICU facility.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When all else failed, we would scroll through the social media sites seeking help from strangers. The help would come but, often too late.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was sad, I was helpless, I was ill and very, very angry at everything. All strong emotions on an empty stomach with infections in liver and kidney and a strong bug wrecking my guts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was much easier to give up taking the steroids that were allowing to keep my oxygen above the 80s where it had fallen for a couple of days. The other options would be hospitalization or, getting medical care like, IV drip for the severe dehydration and oxygen at home. It was near impossible to get it the virus had peaked and people were dying outside and inside hospitals either waiting for a ventilator bed or, because the hospitals were running out of oxygen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was as if there was no end to the relentlessness of the situation. Friends and family, neighbors were trying their best from outside. I was getting tired of being prone on my stomach and thinking morbid thoughts as blood dripped from my nose and my ribs hurt, I knew that this is one enemy that's going to have me for good. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote to a couple of people I consider as my older sister and brother from other mothers to say how much their support and love had meant for me over the years. I didn't dare write such messages to the family and older people though. Most of them were either battling the disease or would be really scared by such morbidity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My friends from school and college kept calling and messaging me. Neighbors scurried around getting medicines, steamers and nebulizers as no pharmasy was picking up the phone or, if they did, they simply said, the medicine I wanted was not available. Some even refused to deliver since I don't use any money transfer App and they couldn't accept money from a Covid patient. I don't blame them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, the people I had messaged my goodbye to also started messaging and calling me to boost me up and push me to take medicines. They tried their best to get a hospital bed or oxygen but, didn't succeed. But, seeing them try so hard for me along with my college friends scattered all over the country and the worls, I started feeling an urge to live. To meet each one of them and thank them. To hug them and laugh with them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My next door neighbor, an elderly person kept calling me three or four times a day wanting to know how I was doing or if my stomach was good enough to take some food. On days I said, 'yes I think I can manage a little food', he'd make a meal and not caring I had Covid, would slide a disposable pack of nourishing meal at my door. But, he'd never leave it outside on the staircase. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On days when I wouldn't pick up, he'd knock on the door and keep waiting till I opened and said I was okay. Such kindness is rare and overwhelming coming from so many people - some cousins I had not spoken to in years because of our busy schedules were calling up regularly and boosting my morale and checking on me. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CS1hwY6y2_k/YKzGeWxjGGI/AAAAAAABGZk/CisDq3xcW985H6cPJULyj-bvrMc5iE41QCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/holding%2Bhands.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CS1hwY6y2_k/YKzGeWxjGGI/AAAAAAABGZk/CisDq3xcW985H6cPJULyj-bvrMc5iE41QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/holding%2Bhands.jpg" width="640"></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Faith</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br><span>A strange thing strated happening around this time. While mourning the loss of near and dear ones as well as thanking the universe for filling up my life with so much kindness, I started talking to God pretending She was there in the room with me. She became my mother and caregiver. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I ate, slept and took medicines knowing She was around. I was overwhelmed when I felt her presence all through the nights when I couldn't sleep because each time I closed my eyes, my breath would choke and wake me up. I was begining to be drowsy all the time. I had the same problem sleeping even through the day. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDBZ21Ty_pU/YKzF_Us9jkI/AAAAAAABGZU/12hhlHcIHYoaxRJy4RMSFihx5R_vXJOGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s564/Kali%2Band%2Bgirl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="564" height="630" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDBZ21Ty_pU/YKzF_Us9jkI/AAAAAAABGZU/12hhlHcIHYoaxRJy4RMSFihx5R_vXJOGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h630/Kali%2Band%2Bgirl.jpg" width="640"></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Divine Mother </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><span style="font-size: large;">She would guide me through the scary thoughts into a more happier place or memory. When I worried about my father all alone in a hospital full of other patients or, about my mother who was very ill though not with Covid, She told me that they were getting better and if anything happened to me they would lose all the ground they had gained. I believed Her.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On some days She'd not answer my prayers all day but, come over at night and tell me She was very busy because there are so many people who need Her. It was true.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It all sounds crazy now but, it was Her presence in my life that saved me. In an empty apartment full of dark corners, the faith that She was there and holding my hands was enough for me to start healing. It maybe my faith or belief but, I need to tell this story to everyone - we will sink without faith because the virus enters the brain and takes the patient to a very dark place. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The only thing that pulls you out is your will to live. I got mine from a warm presence that egged me on to make an effort, to surpass all negative thoughts and start eating, take my meds on time and wash </span><span>and</span><span> change </span><span>my bedlinens every couple of days, to clip my nails, comb my hair, take baths on time - small things that we take for granted.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I realized that the virus had taken away the functions that that I was born with, hunger and breathing. It was wrecking havoc in every organ including my brains. It was making me take a cocktail of drugs and still bypassing most. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With the realization came a will to fight. Her presence filled me with courage and I started boiling vegetables and rice and started eating again. It took me a month for me to climb out of the vicious hole I had slipped into but, I crawled out inch by inch, buoyed by all the prayers I had been getting from all those people on my phone who I could not see but, who wanted me to win. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ML_pNbbKE/YKzGOWJvwrI/AAAAAAABGZY/FkVkbCj_0QMiR9_wbUaTYjJuJdXMsewzACNcBGAsYHQ/s1050/Gratitude.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ML_pNbbKE/YKzGOWJvwrI/AAAAAAABGZY/FkVkbCj_0QMiR9_wbUaTYjJuJdXMsewzACNcBGAsYHQ/w458-h640/Gratitude.jpg" width="458"></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">It's been a couple of weeks since then and I have been hit by another bout of stomach troubles - post Covid problems according to the doctor. I have been fighting it for several days now. Sometimes I get tired and despair but, then I remember my struggle for a month with the monster and go about taking care of my basic routine. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know that this too shall go eventually but, till then, I am going to give it a fight. Bleak times sometimes last a long while but, it can't last forever. Nurture yourself to fulfill your destiny on earth. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is my most personal post till date. I have opened my heart and spilled my rotting guts here but, I wanted to do this because, it's an experience I wanted to share with everyone. Don't despair and don't give up on yourself. When in doubt, pray for yourself and you will find the way out of this viral mess called, Covid19.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Take care, stay healthy and say gratitude everyday. _/\_</span></p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://youtu.be/jAUSF4_ygJg">Aas Paas Hai Khuda </a><br></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-62903148055540677972021-04-07T21:03:00.014+05:302021-04-08T08:31:54.697+05:30Finding Joy in the Times of Corona <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Happiness has become a premium product in '<i>Corona Kaal</i>' or in 'The Age of Corona'. Simple things like, hugging and talking to someone face-to-face has become taboo for an year now. I won't lie that it has been easy for me either though I am a self-confessed loner. I have tried everything to keep myself gainfully occupied even when work became scarce and family members needed to be taken care of and the best way was to take them in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Gainful employment took various meanings for me - cook, clean, shop, chop and drop (dead at the end of the day.) Also, I went back to art and writing by hand, keeping journals, diaries and doodle pads. I tried to go back to my childhood looking for things that made me happy and dug out board games and old Doordarshan shows on YouTube.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The only time I took the camera out of the house was last month when it seemed that the virus was on the wane but, it has made a comeback this month and how!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zSlTnniMKU/YG3Nt7TlU_I/AAAAAAABDe0/8ITHLmWib8MsxdYxstata9-ofgR7pWCTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zSlTnniMKU/YG3Nt7TlU_I/AAAAAAABDe0/8ITHLmWib8MsxdYxstata9-ofgR7pWCTwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_3285.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">One whole year later, I can honestly say that non-deliberate slow living is a killer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Don't take me otherwise, I am a great believer in slow living and must confess that it has been great for me when I had been practicing it deliberately. Not when it was enforced upon me last year by a pesky virus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The top 10 things that kept me going during <i>Corona Kaal</i> were simple things that mostly included - but of course, human interaction.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">1. Spending time with my family in my home (that would never have happened under normal circumstances.) At one point I had both my parents and then, I had my mother, sister and niece staying with me. It was hectic and physically taxing but, such happy times. I am really thankful for the six months my house was open for my family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2. Spending winter afternoons at the building terrace chatting with neighbors, playing board games, watching flashy migratory birds in the nearby clump of trees, singing, drying launtry in the afternoon Sun and enjoying bonfires in the evening. It was a piece directly out of my childhood memories. Full of warmth and smell of burning logs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AP4DycmK4Kw/YG3MCqJ1KYI/AAAAAAABDec/7SDkubYu0iYN8Y_AMG3dOekk9gOostUhQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3261.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AP4DycmK4Kw/YG3MCqJ1KYI/AAAAAAABDec/7SDkubYu0iYN8Y_AMG3dOekk9gOostUhQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3. Sharing food with neighbours and exchanging recipes. Don't even get me started on this one. The last year was the year of extensive and experimental cooking till most people started getting dreaded words like, cholestrol, uric acid and what not in their yearly blood reports! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">4. Going out once in 10 days to buy groceries and chatting up with the vendors. Talking to the shopkeepers and roadside vendors and listening to their stories and issues are highlights of my week. The market days are full of local news and political discussions. I really look forward to them over the ease of getting everything delivered at my doorstep.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">5. Finding out shops that sell art and craft supplies and spending whatever leftover money from the groceries on paint and paper, brush and pens. It was so therapeutic. Creative outlet is my go to psychiatrist these days. Or, at least an instant pick-me-up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">6. Meeting known faces on the road and passing them by because of the mask has been crazy but, upon realizing who it is, it's the best feeling to be able to spend a few minutes talking and exchanging news however mundane. Just saying 'Namaste' or 'hi' to someone I am used to talking all the time before, never fails to make me emotional in a happy kind of way these days. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">7. Gardening. Can't explain what the sight of a thriving plant that I had foraged or a new leaf coming out of an old plant makes me feel. I must confess that I have cried at the sight of a new leaf - go figure!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UabinBJGLjE/YG3NQQuaP-I/AAAAAAABDeo/77bW8IKf7iolxzKvaMnSXe7QOP_vrtASgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UabinBJGLjE/YG3NQQuaP-I/AAAAAAABDeo/77bW8IKf7iolxzKvaMnSXe7QOP_vrtASgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_3052.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">8. Writing by hand. It made me so happy that I had stopped blogging altogether till today. Enough said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">9. WhatsApp maybe a curse and have broken up old friends with new political differences but, the video calls were highlights of many a days when there was nothing to look forward to but, long winter evenings that were really hard. Family and friends from different cities and other parts of the world were there to reassure that I was not alone. Many of my uncles and aunts and also my mother learnt how to use the video calling facility and it made them feel so happy to see each other and talk like they were in the same room. Warmed the cockles of my heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">10. No thanks to mainstream media with its made up news but, YouTube's the hero all the way. Truth found a new space here though it is under government scrutiny these days. But, with videos on myriad topics from food to lifestyle, DIY, art, culture and 'real' news. I think YouTube's slayed it for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I won't say that was all but, these were defintly the things that kept me sane and grounded. I also re-started Yoga since my annual blood report fared no better than that of the rest of the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Mainly I learnt that my happiness is totally dependent upon me. I alone am responsible for keeping it sane and healthy. I am not ashamed to say that I did touch rock bottom several times and lost some loved ones and spent sleepless nights praying for recovery of others. But, through it all what kept me going was faith that, 'this too shall pass'.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite the shelved life plans, scare of even a single sneeze or running nose or inability to make rotis that are soft and fluffy everyday or, not being able to plan for the future, the things that keeps me going are, kindness of random people, smiles of complete strangers and a strong belief that this is not the end and life will be back on tracks - soon.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do share your experinces as well. Because, together we will get over this too. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take care and stay safe.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><i>Picture Credits: Shoma Chakraborty</i></span></p>Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-90630495548669483652019-10-03T00:41:00.000+05:302019-10-03T00:58:36.538+05:30Standing Still<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">There's a life </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Without rush.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to be in it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To stand still</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And look at the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">World passing by.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to stare at the clock.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Count the minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lie down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Watch the clouds.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Taste water </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On my tongue.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Close my eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Count my breath.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Feel the breeze</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On my arms.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The goosebumps.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The heightened sense,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That makes me alive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to be,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In that life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Uncluttered,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfettered,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Uncensored.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to be</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In that life </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Without rush.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~ Shoma <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5ZuSAgRObA/XZT12Y_GovI/AAAAAAAAtFA/JwBmS3dT3FQWmooQXG_l14AbES62H54FQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_20191001_143012_502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5ZuSAgRObA/XZT12Y_GovI/AAAAAAAAtFA/JwBmS3dT3FQWmooQXG_l14AbES62H54FQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_20191001_143012_502.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork: Shoma Chakraborty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-25403009056559093892019-09-08T21:24:00.000+05:302019-09-08T21:31:08.896+05:30The Lost Song of the Soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
The soul, knotted, frozen,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
A leviathan waiting for winter to end.<br />
Wakes up with a start.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />Lost and disoriented.<br />It opens its eyes.<br />I shudder.<br />It cries.<br />The noise shatters my eardrums,<br />Chokes my breath.<br />I stop breathing,<br />Fearing the intrusion.<br />It thrashes, threatening to break free.<br />I shudder and clutch my heart.<br />My hands get drenched in blood.<br />Warm and gushing.<br />But, wetness of its tears weights it down.<br />Turns it cold.<br />Its transparency drowned in salt and water,<br />Senses nothing.<br />Just the numbness of a cryogenic winter.<br />I push it further down,<br />My fists covers its face.<br />Making it unfamiliar.<br />My limbs climb on its back.<br />Choking it into submission.<br />Tired, it slumps into a dark hole.<br />Cold, hungry, sad.<br />Its fight muted into submission.<br />I take a small breath.<br />Unclench my fists, crack my knuckles.<br />Hearing familiar sounds.<br />I lie to myself.<br />Life moves on.<br />One baby step at a time.<br />But, my heart still bleeds.<br />It knows,<br />That its only a matter of time.<br />~ Shoma</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DsRNgYcbuA/XXUlgdlFUkI/AAAAAAAArwE/bXU075g2pIczFaWBJNOiMsf22YPp1OfLwCEwYBhgL/s1600/mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="565" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DsRNgYcbuA/XXUlgdlFUkI/AAAAAAAArwE/bXU075g2pIczFaWBJNOiMsf22YPp1OfLwCEwYBhgL/s640/mind.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-30937924447475017062019-09-05T11:55:00.000+05:302019-09-05T11:55:08.858+05:30AI – Rule Changer of the Future's Here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img alt="Related image" height="356" src="https://blog.sebrae-sc.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/shutterstock_1015090978.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The future is going to be right out of the fantasy sci-fi
that you grew up reading. Why? Because with the integration of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) at workplace the basic manual jobs will most likely become
redundant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Not just that, even traditional trades are going to be taken
over if they rely too much on data and analytics. In time perhaps creative ones
that need twisted thinking could also go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Age of Computers</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Imagine your child reporting to a robot CEO 20 or 30 years
down the line. Sounds like Doomsday Prophecy? It’s actually as real as the bitter
cup of coffee that wakes you up every morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Remember the scare when computers invaded offices in the 90s
and mountains of files started gathering dust in the corners? Those who were
unable to pick up ‘computer’ were shown the door or had to go through the
indignation of learning ‘how to type’ at computer training schools. Only it was
much more than typing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The youngsters who came straight out of college took over
and the old school, straight-backed wooden chairs were thrown out for
recycling. Most people thought job markets will take a plunge but, it turned
out differently. With the help of computers and human intelligence innovations
were churned out every day. New jobs happened because new businesses came up.
Jobs that were difficult to explain to traditionalists came and people quickly
adapted to the new demands and grabbed them with both hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Birth of eLearning</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With the new age jobs came the need for training. The
elearning market took off like a kite that refused to come down as companies
shifted every task on computer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Soon, words like simulations, decision tree and enterprise
learning became jargons that we threw at each other at the speed of light. At
first reluctant of taking elearning as a serious training tool, most
organizations soon changed stance when faced with the daunting task of retraining
their existing staff that held so much collective knowledge plus brand loyalty.
But, putting everyone into a training room to upgrade would brought production on
its knees for days. Elearning turned out to be the only way to close the skill
gap and not lose production time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, Subject Matter Experts who had all the knowledge in
their heads were searched within the company, found and aligned with learning
development organizations to help create a single platform of learning for both
the new and the existing staff. Everyone was happy and productivity shot
through the roof.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rise and Rise
of AI</span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But, for the last few years as we were getting cozy with
Siri in our phones and starting to rely more and more on her for
decision-making, AI crept into our computerized, file-free offices. It was
faster than people had anticipated but, not altogether a surprise because
everyone was already using various apps on their smart and savvy phones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the age of start-ups, many smart and young men and women
realizing the potential of the new unicorn, started experimenting with AI and
getting results. They found godfathers in technological giants who had ridden
the computer wave successfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Microsoft announced publicly that it will be nurturing AI
startups and Apple was a pioneer always thanks to its progressive thinking and
future-predictive founder, Steve Jobs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img alt="Image result for future jobs" height="408" src="https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/960x0/https%3A%2F%2Fspecials-images.forbesimg.com%2Fimageserve%2F431565361%2F960x0.jpg%3Ffit%3Dscale" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Keeping Jobs in the Times of AI</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As learning development experts we need to up our game.
There is no time to sit and wait. Why? Because there is no clear indication how
organizations would integrate AI into their systems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Like no one had predicted that a traditional job like law
would go to an App. It was recently reported that JP Morgan had invested in an
AI-based software that can read and correct legal documents thus saving them
400,000 lawyer hours! Imagine what happened to the army of lawyers on
retainership with the company. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">They mostly became redundant because a much
cheaper system that has analyzed and stored knowledge of all old contracts that
JP Morgan had made for clients over several years. Lawyers would now be needed
to come down once the draft is complete to give it a once over. All small tasks
like tweaking language and changing names on the contracts that used to be
billed by these individuals would not be required to be done by them anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img alt="Image result for future jobs" height="426" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/tjn-blog-images/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/20002641/jobs-of-the-future-810x540.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What Next?</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, if the corporate lawyers have no job what will they do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Good question. How about learn a new skill that doesn’t so
much need data analysis as creative or mental skill for example, a surgeon or a
medical professional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sounds bizarre? That’s because it is. But, breathe easy
because that was just a guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There is no knowing what would hit us in the future and we
as learning professionals have to keep that in mind. Innovation and forward
thinking are the only two skills that will set us apart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Reinvent and Reengage
</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There is a popular adage, to beat the enemy, infiltrate the enemy’s
camp. It’s time to do just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Learning professionals should start unlearning and re-engage
with the new technology. If you want to experiment then, this is the time.
Learn all you can about AI. Get familiar. Read, ask questions and understand how
it works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The knowledge you gather now, will help you become
tomorrow’s leader. Because when AI invades office space and all the
organizations will again be thinking of how to retrain their loyal staff, you
would be able to guide them smoothly through the transition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clue:</b> This
transition will not be much different from the initial days of elearning and
mobile learning when the machine that was supposed to eat up jobs became the
host for retraining. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, don’t wait. Get cracking!</span></div>
</div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-83616083169247079772019-08-15T13:06:00.000+05:302019-08-15T13:17:01.475+05:30Time to Write Herstory<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyOECkczuZs/XVUGlzAY8qI/AAAAAAAAqUY/3FyUZTglnf0wtltf8MMQWjzU0V6PM7reQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bharat%2BMata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyOECkczuZs/XVUGlzAY8qI/AAAAAAAAqUY/3FyUZTglnf0wtltf8MMQWjzU0V6PM7reQCLcBGAs/s640/Bharat%2BMata.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love me not for I cannot be what you want me to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot let you do it anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will not be the woman you want me to be,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Docile, subservient, voiceless, sacrificial.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is time for me to unfurl the flag and shout out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am bleeding because of your cruelty.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am suffering because of your indifference.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am dying because of the gag you put on me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have to do this, reclaim my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For myself and for those who are at the tip of your gun.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hanging from the broken ceilings they weep blood.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Their lifeless feet swinging in the fog shout for justice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will fight for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to see them live, </span><span style="font-size: large;">to thrive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They are all mine - women, farmers, tribal - my tribe.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to do whatever is taboo because you say so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will stand in the front of the line,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Face the bullets of those like you who fear me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will bathe in my own blood and </span><span style="font-size: large;">fall lifeless on the asphalt,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With cracking sound of broken bones.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will be dead but, unvanquished.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will win because, </span><span style="font-size: large;">you will finally see, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the blood on your hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will fall from the pedestal, lay crushed on ground. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will not let you live without a conscience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">History will judge you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Generations will spit on your face.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's time you knew what's coming.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Innocents will take what's their own.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They will take the bricks from the home you paid for.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The fire from the kitchen you ate from.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The love that you took for granted.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will start the fire that will burn your fear.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The fear that makes you so vulnerable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The fear that makes you forget that you are not alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fear that makes you put me up on a pedestal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to be in control.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to decide destiny.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Away from your shaking hands holding a gun.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will write my story on my own.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not afraid of those you doubt my ability.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will rewrite history.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It will no longer be yours.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It will be Herstory or mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">~ Shoma</span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-26905728009661229242019-08-12T09:13:00.002+05:302019-08-12T09:36:56.368+05:30In which I Pardon the Universe and Seek Forgiveness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for letter to universe" height="480" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v6Sw9adKMUQ/hqdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letter to the Universe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Universe,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am really appalled at your insensitivity. I fail to understand why you have to pick up only the negative strands and stupid things said in utter innocence in the heat of the moment and manifest them. It is mighty daft of you if you ask me and has played havoc with my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You seem to be like the matron in this super-strict boarding school that listens through the keyhole and hears only the absolute worst and then, takes action. It's totally unfair.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Often I say a whole lot of things just for effect - never meaning it to actually happen but, you seem to latch on to just those. Out of these also you seem to pick up only the absolute worst of the lot and go about making it a reality. Come on!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What about the zillion times I wanted great things for myself directly? Wait. You were not listening. You were busy listening through other poor victims' closed doors. Why would you listen to something that's not dramatic like, problems, miseries and heartbreaks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Like when I asked for fame and riches you were totally deaf to my entreaties but, the moment I said - for effect, "I need tragedy in my life to hone my craft," you were right there jumping in to fulfill my most gigantically stupid utterance till date. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you make me feel like we'd be better off without you making the wishes of the most vicious of villains through history come true while overlooking the collective conscience of a million victims. How do they get to you when the hordes of innocents like me go through life partially - read selectively or whimsically - unheard?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Listen, I believe sincerely that you are super-busy and therefore multi-task. But, you must understand that Shakespeare must not win. You know, the Brit guy they call the Bard of Avon. He said in his play written during Elizabeth's era (1500s!), about a delusional father who suffers for his own ego, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"As flies to wanton boys, are we to the Gods,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They kill us for their sport."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I sincerely hope that you are not trying to make that quote by old man Shakespeare come true. I am sure it was not a wish he wanted inflicted upon mankind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Listen, I know you are overworked with this surge in population and taking care of innocent babies in the war zone that's the world today. But, I'd really appreciate it if you read this and not just listen through the keyhole when I am crying out that, humans need to be exterminated from the face of the Earth because they are killing the planet. Believe me, it's just a rant. What I really mean is that they should mend their ways and try save the environment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I need you to read this post because I am going to do something really nice for you here - I am going to forgive you for all the sins you have committed against me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Universe, I understand your limitations in understanding anything indirect and covert. I also understand that you must be flooded with serious prayers everyday and the numbers are only rising. I also get it that with rising wars, terrorism, crime and wanton fly killing activities that humans are indulging in with more and more frequency as their numbers increase exponentially, you are becoming stressed and hard pressed to pay attention to peaceniks like me who really don't matter because, "hey! I am not trying to poison the water tank and wipe out a whole town any day in like, ever."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I want to do something nice for you today. I want you to remember this when you do the Shakespeare thing on me next. I want you to feel good about all that you do and have done for me keeping my "wishes" in mind. I want to thank you for them. I want to thank you for family and friends and neighbors who care and love. I want to thank you for all the blessings that you have conferred on me like, good health, sharp mind, compassionate heart. I want to thank you for unconditional love that I get and for the roof over my head and food on my plate. I thank you for the education I received and continue to receive till date.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With this, I want to absolve you of all your past misdeeds and say, "I forgive you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There. I have said it. I pardon you for all the hurt that has come to me because of your poor listening skills. I understand that it was also due to my poor communication skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The fault in my stars is actually a two-way street and I am also not without a blemish. I promise to change my ways and void out all stupid and irrational utterances as soon as they leave my mouth. I will try and be more of a Zen-ist than a Satirist. More direct than dramatic. I hope you will also stop listening selectively once I do that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I promise to think before I speak and treat myself with more respect and behave with more caution when it comes to you. I also promise to work hard on my communication skills to be able to improve my relationship with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Here, I want to let go of my anger towards you - whatever little there is of it and give us a fresh start. I know that you do not do emotions so, I am sure you are neither angry nor upset with my ranting which should be good for our future partnership. I plan on putting all the mistakes we made together behind us when I publish this blog piece.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also most humbly would like to apologize for my own limited understanding of you and my frequent bursts of anger / frustrations at you for getting it all wrong. In so many ways the fault also lies at my own doorsteps. It's my own communication skills that make it so difficult for us to understand each other. I promise to work on that in the future for a more profitable partnership going forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Universe, I am sorry and with this I want to turn over a new leaf in our partnership and start afresh. Please accept my humble apology and my absolve-sion of you for all the past miseries you have unknowingly inflicted upon me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From this day forward, let us live as best friends who communicate well and react to each other favorably.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for everything good in my life and lots of love to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yours truely,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shoma</span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-14710117372869307332019-06-23T15:59:00.000+05:302019-06-23T15:59:48.185+05:30Practice Self Love to Slay Moodswings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the last few years I have had to stand face-to-face with sadness and depression a few times more than I would want to. While it turned out not too alarming but, it can. I have lost a few friends to it already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think the trick lies in understanding your feelings and being in touch with yourself. The minute you start feeling the downward gravitational pull, just hit the panic button.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meditation has helped over the years with hightened awareness but, it also makes me vulnerable at times because it has pulled a whole lot of walls down from around me in a world that wears armor at all times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Depression </span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Depression is the gnawing in your soul that makes the skin under your hands and feet crawl even when you sleep. That kind of sums it up for me. Depression is nobody's friend. I can vouch for that because I have lost more than a few happy friends to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Art </span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I feel sad, I turn to creativity even if it has to be by force. For me art and words are the two tools that bring stability in chaos. It may not be true for all. But, throwing yourself into serious work or even cleaning the house just makes it worse for me.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Food</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love to cook when I am alone but, when I feel sad, I just think of eating. Pushing myself to cook works because eating the end result is always an uplifting experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-diy-managing-life-changes-list.html" target="_blank"><i>The DIY Managing Life Changes List</i></a></span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Reading</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">May or may not work always. I try choosing reading material that promises happy ending or a solved mystery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Films</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Movies also fall in the same genre as books. They sometimes work too well and push me into a creative mode but, at others, they push me into darkness and mistrust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sleeping</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">It works like a dream but, in the long run, it is a downer. Avoid sleeping. Instead binge watch a sitcom or all the seasons of <i>Sex and the City</i> (if you can lay your hands on it).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Exercising</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">In my case, aimless walking works but, exercising behind closed doors makes me lazy afterwards. I love to think I am moody but, I know now that it is not true. I tire easily in structured environment and it is highly probable that the lethargy I feel is more mental than physical. So, choose your exercise regime with care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2017/12/stay-healthy-to-stay-happy-this-winter.html" target="_blank"><i>Stay Healthy to Stay Happy this Winter</i></a></span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Planning</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">That works amazingly well for me. I plan </span><span style="font-size: large;">itineraries and make up speeches I am going to give when I am famous. It immediately changes my mindset, lifts my mood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Social Media</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Is lethal unless it is a space / platform like Pinterest that allows creation of boards full of things you would like to do one day. I would put it under planning. Under any circumstances stay away from WhatsApp and Twitter - they are toxic mostly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Family</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">It works like magic. Sleeping next to your mother at night, no matter how old you are are a sure way to feel happy but, it could backfire as well. Remember parents love to make things "right" for you and seeing you unhappy can pull them down as well.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2017/10/be-anti-stress-ninja-beat-stress.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><i>Beat Stress without Breaking Sweat</i></a></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hobbies</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's another lifesaver but, I have to push myself to get things going. Journal writing helps immensely because it allows venting as well as planning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The idea behind writing this digital post is selfish. These posts act as reminders every time I feel the force of gravity on my mood. I have gone back to writing physical journals. I use pens, colors and imagination on diaries that I can read later and feel proud of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes! Self love is absolutely important and we must keep patting our backs at all times. It's the surefire secret to a lifelong high.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2018/06/anatomy-of-depression.html" target="_blank"><i>Anatomy of Depression</i></a></span><br />
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<i>(Images: Pexel.com)</i></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-48959184279673831602019-03-19T13:43:00.002+05:302023-01-06T19:00:53.387+05:30Memories of Ma's Guru of Knitting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">My mother is the most graceful and ladylike person I know. There is not an iota of tomboy in my ma. She is always poised and has the right expression for most occasions except when she is scolding me for being the exact opposite of her.</span><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JN37PkLWQ6E/XJCkE-_ChtI/AAAAAAAAip4/iHPJeZ-zCL4jM7MFOJVgQMseEvo3eyF_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JN37PkLWQ6E/XJCkE-_ChtI/AAAAAAAAip4/iHPJeZ-zCL4jM7MFOJVgQMseEvo3eyF_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4806.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of my mother<br>
Photo: Shoma Chakraborty</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mother is also a very complex person to understand. A child of the partition she had spent all her life telling us stories about their ancestral home in what is now Bangladesh. Though I could never imagine the sheer magnitude of that house but, the house in north Calcutta that she grew up in is a huge thing covering two lanes with openings on both sides. All her girlhood and early youth was spent in that cavernous building with latticed varandahs and stained glass windows and green Venetian blinds surrounded by family and relatives. She had scores of uncles, granduncles, aunts and grandaunts not to mention a zillion cousins. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From a joint family of eight siblings where everyone was good at somethings and would help the others with their skills from school syllabus to culinary and fine art and knitting/ sewing she was married and had to start her own household in Delhi all by herself.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly in her late 20s my shy mother realized that she was knocked out for a six. Married and moved to a city where no one spoke her native language, she started from scratch to reinvent the proverbial wheel. From learning to cook with the vegetables and fresh produce available in north India to learning how to explain even the smallest of things in sign language to hoards of people everyday who were mostly uneducated like the vendors, cleaners and shop keepers she decided to learn everything from the language to sewing and taking care of one overweight and over-indulged over-energetic toddler (moi).</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the time she hung up her spurs, she was teaching Hindi along with Social Sciences in school. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her stories of how she picked up the skills are not always cute. Some reek of helplessness and others were sheer grit. Some like reading and writing Hindi happened because she had to help us with homework. Cooking is something she was always great at and her cooking was always healthy even before it became a fad. As an old school friend recently told me, "your tiffin was always great tasting with no oil running even when it was okra and your rotis were thin and even." She should know because she is a food Nazi these days.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, it explains why all of us have stayed the same size through the decades.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, a few days back we recalled </span><span style="font-size: large;">this really cute story about her learning how to knit - a skill she puts to great use every year though her skills are absolutely rudimentary - no purls and chains in her stuff but, lots of practical cover and tonnes of love.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the story of her learning knitting.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a young woman with a leaky toddler in the 1970s she needed a lot of sweaters because even at age -1 I was always hungry and ever eager to either throw up or pee and since there were no modern diapers, it meant her changing my clothes several times in a day.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, my poor parents were buying mini sweaters by the buckets to keep me warm and clean because my ma couldn't knit. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The house we lived in was divided into four flats and there were two more Bengali families with five teenage kids who were always taking turns to pet me like I was a little furry animal. Not to say that I did not lap it all up. Till the age of five we stayed in that house and I was the cynosure of all eyes - the happiest toddler ever.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, among the five was this young boy who was very sweet, slightly crazy, artistic young man with a golden heart and a wicked sense of humor. He was in sixth standard and was very attached to my mother because she allowed him to eat from her kitchen all day. He too - like me - was always hungry.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He also had a soft corner for me and my mother and so would keep an eye on me when my ma was busy with chores or had to take a bath or use the toilet. He would bring his books and sit next to me doing his homework while ma finished her personal chores and tasks. I remember spending a lot of time with him even as a toddler. My ma also helped him with his studies because he was not too good on his own and there was no one else to help him because all the other elders in the house were working. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the legend has it that one day he asked my ma in confidence why she was buying so many sweaters because all the other women knit for their children. It was the done thing and he himself had never worn anything off the rack. He was really outspoken for his age and no one minded it because their was no use asking him to mind his own business.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hence, my mom broke her silence on the taboo subject and let him into her little secret. She told him in strict confidence that she didn't know how to knit. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That sad confession must have really touched his heart. Imagine a mother who cannot knit for her child! It was a huge scandal. He had fodder for a big gossip but, his kiddy heart was not inclined to abuse the trust of the elder who was actually helping him with his studies and who trusted him explicitly to let him look after her infant and fed him scrumptious stuff everyday.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead he decided to change the situation. He could because he had the power to do so.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the next day - weekend, he asked her to meet him at the rooftop in the afternoon and leave me with my father.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My ma agreed without asking why thinking maybe he wanted to learn new English words like always.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day they met on the terrace. Everyone else was enjoying a siesta after a mutton lunch - those were the days without TV and Internet!</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the two co-conspirators got to work. He had stolen a ball of wool from home and had brought it up with a couple of sticks from the bathroom broom. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He had learnt how to do basic knitting watching the women in the house and since he was a little guy who was always crafting something they never even bothered to tease him. Most were scared </span><span style="font-size: large;">of </span><span style="font-size: large;">pulling his leg because his sense of humor would tear them to pieces. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With that one stolen ball of wool and two coconut leaf sticks from the broom he initiated my ma to the art of knitting and taught her whatever she knows today. Hence becoming her knitting guru.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My ma who learnt quickly never looked back, though she didn't try increasing her repertoire by adding designs and styles.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just last week, when my mother was knitting a small yellow sweater for my toddler niece who wants - "verrrrry loooseee sweateee!" My father suddenly looked up and chuckled, "each time you pick up the knitting needles, you should take a few seconds and thank and bless your guru."</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They both laughed and I felt warm without a sweater.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Memories are the most beautiful things and this one melts my heart. </span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-86502043282032729222019-02-07T15:48:00.000+05:302019-02-07T15:49:25.183+05:30A Piece of Sky and a Roof Over the Head<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEUxKrrZJ6U/XFwFIwPAXBI/AAAAAAAAg2Q/XyHxeGeyEfgGSq6vlhj4yWYhz5d886JHQCLcBGAs/s1600/house%2Bkeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEUxKrrZJ6U/XFwFIwPAXBI/AAAAAAAAg2Q/XyHxeGeyEfgGSq6vlhj4yWYhz5d886JHQCLcBGAs/s640/house%2Bkeys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is a truth universally known that you have not arrived if you do not have the key to your own home in your hands - at least here in India.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do not agree that an arrival of any kind is heralded by the ownership of a house but, I do concur that it feels damn safe to have a place to call your own when you retire and want to hang your boots up and not worry about eviction or bankruptcy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unlike many countries in the West, where the rents are so high that it is better to buy, we in India have it the other way round. The rents are not as crazy as the EMIs that you end up paying for a gazallion years - not unlike farmer's local loans in old Hindi films. Like in those farmers in the ultra-Left black and white films, the homeowner lives in the fear of eviction if - God forbid - a few EMIs are missed because of a loss of job or limbs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, posh private banks that fall over themselves to graciously offer exorbitant amounts on a platter to mega-rich industrialists with almost zilch (if you consider the amount borrowed) collateral are not even interested in considering you although you have no intention of skipping the country using the same money that they gave you in all gullibility and glibness almost throwing it at you so that you can run and apply for a foreign citizenship thus, never paying even the amount borrowed forget the interest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, as it has happened with a lot of my friends, they bought a house in a city thinking of settling down happily ever after but, soon found themselves living far away in another city because, job and paying rent as well as EMI for the aforementioned house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The crux of the matter is that with no joint-family to fall back on and no fixed incomes due to 'safe' government jobs, buying a house on single income is almost as scary as volunteering to be a wanna-be knife thrower's assistant for a middle class person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Renting is a nightmare for single women who are often denied rentals because of their singlehood (for lack of a better expression). If she is a divorcee or a single mother then the stakes could be worse or none. Airhostesses and hotel staff or even call center employees who keep odd hours have it difficult too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bringing in friends and even siblings to stay over is often looked upon with a frown and even prohibited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since our country has the second largest population in the world and considering that every 7th person in the world is an Indian I assume that all that is because the vigilantes don't want more kids to be born (tongue firmly in cheek) - at any cost because to be honest, even single men face the same firing squad when they go looking for a place to stay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow, the truth is that I never stirred up courage to buy a house and as a result I pay rent every month for a shelter from where I can be evicted at a month's notice at any time and where I have to increase the rent after every 11 months - just like that - whoever came up with that clause had no idea what a disservice they were doing to the rental market. Today, spaces on rent command prices that have nothing to do with the situation that the property is in either in terms of maintenance or area it is situated in. As a renter you have no choice but to cough up whatever the "going rate" is and it gets worse for women because, they need some modicum of security where they live - hence more money.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEEb5erMLos/XFwFaArpPJI/AAAAAAAAg2Y/RmSWmCpzkjwb6jGfcQ5kXq-jk8QRdJ2lACLcBGAs/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEEb5erMLos/XFwFaArpPJI/AAAAAAAAg2Y/RmSWmCpzkjwb6jGfcQ5kXq-jk8QRdJ2lACLcBGAs/s640/home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, I started wondering if this phenomenon was native to India or are there people across the world who were struggling with this problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started looking up sustainable living ideas and budget homes on the Internet when I came across this whole world of Tiny Homes. It is a great concept and a tiny home does not always have to be trailer trucks. I have seen small houses that are built in as much square acreage as a two bedroom apartment but, built efficiently to allow it to have tonnes of natural light and fresh air. Some of them allow the owners the freedom of hooking their homes to a truck and move if their job moves or they want to go and try living in some other town!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I found amazing was that it was a movement that is prevalent across the West and up to New Zealand but, bypasses Asia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In India where shanty towns take up millions of acres of land and illegal constructions with no ventilation provide housing to millions of people with voting rights we need to look at the reason why it just does not suit those with vested interest to allow something like that to be taken up by the middle income group. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When my sister had gone on a holiday to Europe some years back she came back pretty depressed because she realized that our so-called expensive flats were actually tiny compared to Western homes. It took me many days of taking her through our Colonial history and systematic plunder to pacify her but, her point remains that if we are paying through our noses for accommodations that are small and not even properly ventilated then why do we have to pay mega-bucks and enslave our entire working lives to own one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And frankly after having seen the size of single bedroom apartments in Bombay, I think they are no better than glorified tiny homes and the same can be said of the Janta flats in Delhi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here, please don't start blaming the population. I have personally seen gigantic apartments in Gurgaon that are weekend homes for couples who live in Delhi. These houses are fully furnished and functional though seldom used. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, the majority of the population that lives in super tiny rooms in Delhi and Bombay and in all other cities across the country has ration cards, Adhar Cards, Election Cards and live in illegal colonies that get 'free' electricity and water and please don't ask me how? We all know how.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Going by the fact that houses have been getting smaller and smaller by the year, I think, I don't mind retiring in a tiny house far away from the city lights and growing organic vegetables in the corrugated tin-enclosed backyard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now consider people with farmhouses - which are no more legal than the slums - who are holding large tracts of land in what is now within the cities. They should be allowed to be cut off into small pieces and sold legally and only using white money. Same for the umpteen plots sitting for prices to rise in industrial areas - we all know how many of the 'offices' or 'factories' have fully running homes in the upper stories where families live lavishly defying every norm in the books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's about time Leo Tolstoy's story, "How much land does a man need?" After all, with all its propaganda of 'dumb' declarations of 'equal opportunity' socialism is not as 'demonically' against economic progress as capitalists would like us to believe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why when the Republic of India that has millions of 'nationalists' staking claim to it cannot retrace its steps back and seek another <i>bhoodaan</i> movement? Why not fix land ceilings and usher in land reforms that are not mired in red tape? I say, why not make it an agenda and a reform to help everyone buy a home of their own and not just the "poorest of the poor" because, I am not saying free housing here but, affordable housing or low cost housing. Even sustainable living in communities. Why not seize assets of the unscrupulous builders who have run away or declared bankruptcy after collecting money for building flats and let those whose money they have usurped get a roof over their heads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The answer to affordable homes is a transparent system that wants everyone to live safe from the huffing and puffing big bad wolf but, wait... Here I would like you to look up who are these builders, dig deep and check who holds the property business and I assure you that you will know why the people with "below the poverty line" cards and the super-rich industrialists will always be the beneficiaries of 'schemes' and 'deals' and why the tax-paying middle class will always have to enslave itself to put a roof over its bowed head.</span></div>
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-71365968318549785582019-01-12T13:44:00.000+05:302019-01-12T13:44:18.308+05:30The Hipster and her Cuppa <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">All through my teens and the twenties, I followed all the (Indian) hipster or arty traits - wore handloom, went for plays, had hot political discussions, read thick life-changing books, studied literature, watched avant garde cinema even carried a <i>jhola</i> but, there are two things that I never did - I never wore a fedora and never drank tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have not worn a fedora till date but, tried on other kinds of hats and caps and though I worked as a journalist for the first part of my career, I didn't have tea till I left journalism, left the city of my birth and my family behind and replanted my self into another place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have always believed that I came of age in my very late 20s and early to mid 30s. I was a late bloomer or plain dumb about life till it hit me with a ton of bricks on my face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, coming back to tea that has become my best friend somehow in the last decade or so. I never drank tea because </span><span style="font-size: large;">I was brought up on milk. I loved milk. I could have milk any time of the day and feel lucky. My friends hated me for that because, I would go to their homes, turn down their mom's offer for a cup of tea and ask for a glass of milk instead - even in college! This not just embarrassed my poor friends but, also got them huge lectures on how they should also drink tea like me - facepalm and sorry everyone I did this to. I was too selfish and too much in love with milk to be any better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is almost surreal to think that in my avataar as a cub in the newsroom I was in-charge of 'making tea' for a whole year for the entire team because, I was the youngest. I knew exactly how much sugar or milk each person in the room wanted and if someone wanted none. We used to get a pot of tea with separate sugar and milk with cups and dishes every 3 hours on a silver platter - literally. It was a luxury that stopped at that. The serving had to be done by the people themselves. So, according to some crazy old tradition, the serving had to be done by whoever was the youngest in the room till someone younger than them joined the team. I was stuck with serving for more than a year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2012/08/gossip-from-tea-house-in-delhi.html" target="_blank">Gossip from a Tea House in Delhi</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow, while making tea for everyone even in the coldest of winter evenings in Delhi, I didn't feel like taking a sip myself. It was simply a matter of taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my new avataar in a corporate company in a new city by the sea full of tinsel dreams, I was happy to skip winter altogether. For the first couple of years I didn't care for tea even when I settled into Bomaby. However, I tried out some raw and Darjeeling tea with friends at coffee shops because, coffee is another drink I don't indulge in - I still don't. By now there was no one I knew who didn't drink tea or coffee. Life had changed by 360 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think it was in 2005 that I started having black or raw tea in the mornings as an experiment. I tried it with sugar, strong, with honey and then, light and without any condiments. I could not have warm milk by then because, I had developed lactose allergy - Sigh! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2014/01/love-and-cup-of-tea.html" target="_blank">Love and a Cup of Tea</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With time I started experimenting and found out the various blends, about the aroma and even different flavors and herbs that go well with tea. It has been a great journey is all I can say. In the last several years we (tea and I) have come a long way. I drink it with salt, honey, sugar, nothing and still love it though milky tea is still a big no. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I cannot imagine mornings and evenings without tea or reading a book or watching Netflix or bad TV at my parents' without a cuppa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea has this endearing quality like water. It makes you feel full and hydrated, it takes away pimples - the villains from teenage years, it gives you warmth in the coldest of days and keeps you from being thirsty on a hot day. You can drink it hot or cold and as a fancyass drink at a high-end cafe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2013/04/storm-outside-icy-tea-cup.html" target="_blank">Storm outside an Icy Teacup</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since we started our journey together, tea and I have traveled back to Delhi, taken highs with lows and gone through life as best friends. I have written poems and clicked enough pictures of my teacups from across India to stand testimony to our love. I have felt it give me support and warmth in the coldest of situations and let me breathe when the dementors came to suck my happiness. It has been my Patronus and light in the darkest of days - sorry for the Potter references but, somehow there's no other way to explain this better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2015/07/love-aka-mad-hatters-tea-party.html" target="_blank">Love aka Mad Hatter's Tea Party</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea may not be someone's whiskey but, it does better. It gives you courage and strength by letting you regroup your thoughts. It doesn't addle your brain and it does not judge you for being poor. You can still buy your cup of happiness from the local stall for 5 bucks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea may not have made me rethink my life but, it has given me courage to face it without fear on winter mornings when the world is freezing but, you have to drive 35 km one way in the fog to reach work and come back in worse light. One cup before leaving and thinking of another waiting for you when you get to your destination is enough to keep you going. It is like <i>Birbal ki Khichri </i>really. It lets you survive the worst. (If you don't know what I am talking about, please click on the link to read.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2013/01/of-freezing-delhi-and-birbal-ki-khichri.html" target="_blank">Birbal ki Khichri</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think Indians should make tea their national drink because it reminds me of <i>Birbal ki Khichri</i> when I see the crowd around a tea stall in winters - people with little hope and kids with almost no warm clothes hold on to their small plastic cups tightly to let heat seep into their hands and let their imagination take over.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Imagination is such a big champion of the will to continue when reality looks like death on testosterone. Tea lets you dream that you are warm, among friends and at home - the aroma, the warmth and the smile that it brings to your lips on a cold winter evening or when you are completely soaked by Monsoon rains and have bone aching fever. In your imagination tea changes the bleak and the drab to something possible to surmount because there is still love all around you. Tea is magic in a cup. I am glad that I found it when I did because, as a child I never lacked magic in my life but, as an adult I was desperately in need of some that did not make my mind hallucinate chemically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And no, I wouldn't want to mix tea with politics because look at where it has taken America. They now want a Wall like the Chinese. I believe tea is more of an icebreaker than a wall maker and the country that started its journey with a tea party and the country that introduced tea to the world both threw up politicians that believe in walls for safety. Come on guys where's your heart? Sometimes I worry that with a <i>chaiwallah</i> as a PM, India too maybe heading for a wall - or maybe not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, whatever it may be, with wall or without, here's saying cheers to <i>chai</i>!</span></div>
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-14470079293046844462019-01-11T13:58:00.000+05:302019-01-12T13:45:33.726+05:30Seven Ways to Sleep Well<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">I must have been a vampire in my last lifetime. Yes. I must have been. There is one clear reason why I have often think of that and no it's got nothing to do with my desire to plunge my teeth into your luscious neck and sneak some blood out. No. It is all because I love nighttime and my brain is automatically set at thinking up great thoughts when the rest of the world is busy dreaming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that it's just my grandiose-inspired belief system that wants to think of me as an ageless vampire because, hey, if I was a vampire I would not have to, (a) die and (b) worry about my soul all the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, the crux of the problem is that between the hours of 11 pm and 2 am my brain is at its fertile best and that is when I get a whole lot of thinking done. It's not just me. I several others who have this tendency. We think best post-dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, all glamour aside, it is a bad habit. Period.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will not go around glorifying this trait at all because I have realized over the years that the rest of the population does not work like that. School, college and offices work only through the day and most of your family doesn't get your fetish for sitting up like a night owl and burning electricity - a case in example, my father all the years I stayed with my folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have therefore over the years tried several ways to get past this problem. Here are some,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Early Dinner</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will start from the bottom and therefore dinner first. Having an early dinner has a whole lot of benefits that have been discussed threadbare across the Internet. I started the practice around a decade back and have realized that it not only keeps me light and attentive but, also makes me fall asleep on time. I think because, by the time 11 pm rolls in, I have been up after dinner for almost 3 or more hours and therefore the mind is probably ready to rest according to its pattern of staying active for 3-4 hours after dinner. There's no scientific proof of it but, it works for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ever since Facebook and WhatsApp took over my humble phone, it has been ringing all through the day and night because, I have these loads of friends living all over the world. So, they start posting or chatting whenever they wake up - their time. It used to keep me up all night answering them. I have now broken the pattern successfully. Put the phone on mute and face-down when your head hits the pillow for uninterrupted sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing that keeps everyone awake through nights is the future. Believe me when I say that I don't worry so much for the present as I do for the future. It's a strange obsession for most living things. What will I have for breakfast tomorrow? What to wear to work in the morning? Should I call the client? Do I take the doctor's appointment tomorrow for my folks? Will it rain? Will I get an A in the exams? The list goes on. While, you cannot do away with worries I have decided to focus on what happened today and to count my blessings. It is hard at times especially after bad days but, becomes easier with practice. Think of all the good things in your life, the people who care for you, the roof over your head, the food in your stomach, books in your personal library, the beautiful prints or paintings on your walls, the chocolate in your fridge, your kids, childhood, generous neighbors... whatever makes you #instahappy. Even if you don't have much to look forward to, you will start feeling lighter and drift off after a while into a dreamless sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Set an Alarm and Get Up</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The trick is not just in setting the alarm but, in waking up when it rings. I need 8 hours of sleep. Any more including any during the day keeps me up till later at night. So, I count eight hours from the time I go to bad and set the alarm. I wake up within 15 mins before or after the alarm rings. I try avoiding sleeping during the day. That does the trick at night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Walk through the Day</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Walk if you don't have the time to exercise otherwise. Walk as much as you can and do physical activities like walking up and down the stairs, doing yoga (even if it is for 20-30 mins in a day). It not only keeps you fit but, also makes you tired enough to fall asleep on time. </span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Read in Bed</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It started when I was in school and used to study late around exams. It ran havoc with my sleep cycle and I could not sleep on time even after the exams got over. That is when one of our teachers suggested "reading the course book you hate the most to fall asleep". She of course meant it as a joke but, I tried that night with Physics and the next with History textbooks. The firsts day, I just took a few minutes to sleep and the second day, I stayed up late into the night. I tried Chemistry the next day and it worked like magic. These days, I am not dependent too much on boredom to put me to sleep but, I do read till I doze off with the phone on my face. Yup! I have succumbed to Kindle. But, reading works. If you are a non-reader, try reading political news on your phone - snoring guaranteed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Wash yourself with Warm Water or take a Shower</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was something I picked up from my father. I always wash my </span><span style="font-size: large;">face </span><span style="font-size: large;">and </span><span style="font-size: large;">feet with warm water before hitting bed. If there is enough time, then I prefer taking a bath before hitting bed. You can only do it if you have your dinner early. If not possible, then washing with warm water works well too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These were some of my tried and tested ideas for falling asleep. What are yours? Do share with me and I will give it a try.</span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-10132818537930678212018-06-12T15:10:00.000+05:302018-06-12T15:13:24.275+05:30Anatomy of Depression<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Depression, as it becomes more and more acceptable in the modern world, we talk about it more openly and with 'No Reservations'. As I sit typing and watching an episode of CNN's, 'Parts Unknown' featuring Anthony Bourdain and his girlfriend, Asia Argento and her family, filmed in Rome where she lives, I wonder what went wrong? Didn't the man who was on a mission to visit every corner of the world so friendless that he couldn't even make a call in a ditch attempt to save himself?<br />
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Bourdain, who must have pulled a whole lot of people out of their stupor - if not depression - and pushed them out of their safe and luxurious couches to go and explore the world, is dead. He hung himself with the belt of a hotel bathrobe in the city of love, Paris - so much irony! He was alone in a hotel room with every luxury at his disposal including the weapon of his own destruction and phones that could have saved him.<br />
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We may never know what went wrong ever. The man who started walking the earth at age 42, eating through unknown palates and filming humans and their food across the world, unmasking civilizations - known and unknown - is no more. It's disorienting as well as scary. The man who could meld into any milieu couldn't live with himself.<br />
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Read my article here to know more about the incident and the person,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://newsmobile.in/articles/2018/06/09/traveler-chef-anthony-bourdain-commits-suicide-obama-trump-mourn-untimely-death/" target="_blank">Traveler, chef Anthony Bourdain commits suicide, Obama, Trump mourn untimely death</a><br />
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All the usual theories fall flat on the face of such incidents. Perhaps it is time to start discussing mental health threadbare instead of making jokes and memes about it. It is time to switch on the compassion button, a time to cultivate patience that allows us to listen to others and to speak about our own shortcomings - real or imagery - without fear of being judged.<br />
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Perhaps in the long run, it may or may not save your life because the ultimate truth is death but, while we are here on earth, it will let us live in peace knowing that there is someone to talk to, feel safe and loved. When betrayal is more common than friendship, we need to collectively challenge our social makeup and push for a change. Perhaps this is the time. Perhaps we have missed the deadline long back but, it is always good to start somewhere. Better late than never.<br />
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Growing up, I was exposed to a whole bunch of negatives that I am sure most kids face. I faced, school bullies who wanted to push and keep me in a corner, biased teachers who only found mistakes and never appreciated any of my efforts, sexual predators, back-stabbing friends and elders and peers who would always try and put me down.<br />
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College was oxygen and I still am thankful for landing among great academics who were also compassionate humans, never worried about sharing knowledge of books as well as life. If not for that, I would have never become as resolute as I a today. It also helped greatly that I had a very loving set of parents who were always supportive, involved and loving.<br />
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Life is tough and no one teaches you how to deal with it. And I don't blame anyone for that because the permutations and combinations of the people we encounter in our lives are unique and no one knows what we are going to encounter.<br />
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But, as I grew up and met the worse periods of my life, I learnt to control my mind and keep it off darkness through hit and trial as do most people.<br />
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Though not many would like to talk about depression and any other 'weaknesses' and though I have never taken help from a psychiatric, I want to talk about it. I have practiced listening and supporting friends and family for a long time and have now started taking my own problems outside of the home as my parents grow older and more fragile. Some of the things that I have learnt while taking control of my life are very basic.<br />
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Actually, all it takes is recognizing your weakness, accepting it as a problem and talking about it. For example, I have always been a slacker in the mornings - I have also always glorified it, calling myself a wise owl - but, now as a consultant working from home I realized it was a bad thing. I spoke about it with a friend-cum-client who starts her day really early, her simple answer was, "you are not getting enough sleep."<br />
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I thought about it and realized that she had hit the nail hard on the head. I accepted the fact that I stay up late just enjoying the silence of the night - have always done so - but, now I needed an early start so that I could wrap up my day fast.<br />
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Once I accepted it, I have started staying away from the laptop in the night, switching off the phone Internet and sound and going off to sleep often with my parents because, sleeping with the people I love the most makes me feel comfortable. Thus, I am trying to change my sleep cycle for the first time in life. I sleep early and wake up fresh. You can do this with whoever you feel closest to because, it is really difficult to change a childhood habit like sleep cycle and needs strong resolution to achieve.<br />
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Life is like the celestial dance of Kali, the Hindu goddess. When we are frenzied by our own zeal, we forget to really understand our actions till the time, Shiva, our conscience wakes us up from our stupor. The harm is already done but, there is still time. There is always time.<br />
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Most of our life is actually a reflection of how we have built it. Here are some of the good practices that have helped keep me out of reach of darkness. Hope it helps whoever is fighting darkness or anyone who is fighting it around them:<br />
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Speak</h4>
Each time we meet with failures - real or fictitious - we need to sit back, take a deep breath and speak about the pain with someone. Talking makes it easier to handle. Don't hit the bottle, meet a friend or call up and ask them to come over. Most will agree to listen. Some might even share some good advice but, that may fall flat at that moment but, their kindness will never go unnoticed by your ravaged heart.<br />
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Also, the more you speak about your distress, the easier it will be to handle them. Try and avoid the ones who are fighting problems of their own or those who have a tendency to rat on you or make fun of you. You always know who they are. You don't need any more betrayals at this point.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Cry</h4>
"Tears are not weakness". Thankfully one of my wise professors had told me this when I was a freshman. In between a lecture on the ancient Greek society and their culture, he had said that it is good to cry. Crying is good for letting go. I can't thank him enough for that advice.<br />
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Crying is a great way to let it out. But, don't make it a habit. If you are crying too much, seek help please. It is a sign - not of weakness but, of depression. Tears are also a sign that indicate depression. If everything makes you cry, then seek help from a metal health expert immediately.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Laugh</h4>
I was always a happy child. Even as a youngster I would always smile and laugh which was actively supported by my parents - especially my father. As I joined the adult world, some people labelled me an "airhead" but, somehow that never stopped me from laughing. I am glad that I can laugh and smile. It helps me overcome pressure. Over the years as pressure built up in relationships, work or when my bank balance got depleted, thanks to other people dipping into it to sustain their expensive habits, I almost inevitably would laugh it off after a while.<br />
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Sometimes it took me longer to laugh a situation off but, that one natural instinct has been a life savior. Please laugh if you don't often. Don't listen to people who tell you that you are an airhead or silly old woman/ man to do so. Just ignore such people. You NEED endorphins.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Listen</h4>
As you start practicing compassion, you will automatically start listening to people. The more you practice listening, the more patient you will become and you will find the answers to your problems in other peoples'. It is a wrong assumption that you pick up negativity when you listen to negative stories. Instead, when you listen to someone else's problems, you start realizing that you are not just the only one in the crowd.<br />
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It paints for you, a bigger picture. Like a wise friend once said, "when you stare at the tree constantly, you miss the forest." It takes a while to achieve that patience to just listen and offer nothing but, your ears. But, once you have practiced it, you are one of the rare breed that will always receive love and blessings. Sympathy will lead to empathy and it will enrich your life in more ways than you can imagine. The Dalai Lama had once said, "The only religion I practice is compassion."<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Meditate</h4>
It is easier said than done. Not everyone buys into meditation as we are not ready to put our problems on hold for even a few minutes. Meditation is not a complex state of being nor is it an unattainable goal / state of being. If you understand that your smartphone needs daily rebooting to free-up space in its RAM thanks to the multiple apps running simultaneously in it you will catch on to why your mind and body needs meditation. Meditation helps you slow down your breath for a few minutes and regroup your body and reclaim your mind.<br />
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It does take a little time to reach the "no thoughts zone" but, it comes with practice and no, you don't really need to sit in Yogic <i>mudra </i>to do it. You can do it sitting comfortably in a silent space anywhere or while listening to soothing music in your drawing room or in a joggers' park. Regular practice will help your mind close down and restart once you open your eyes. It is refreshing like nothing else.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Give up Anger</h4>
What we seek, we receive. If we are on a panic mode all the time, we will always be scared and angry. Our worries get transferred on whoever comes in contact with us. Soon, people start avoiding us because of our forever-irritated mood or because we are always on a short fuse. Anger turns you mean and negative. Whatever you say or do under the influence of anger is something you will regret when you wake up. Anger becomes a constant because of your frustrations and fears from outward situations. As the Buddha wisely said, "holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die."<br />
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Anger is not easy to handle because, most of the times we justify our anger. The day you realize that you have anger-management issues, acknowledge it and start looking for reasons why and ways you can heal yourself. Give it a shot and see the change in the quality of your life. If you are constantly pressurized, always angry, the chances are that you will hit the darkness button soon.<br />
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There are other small ways you can also add to your daily routine to avoid depression. I had written about them earlier. You can read it here,<br />
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<a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2017/12/stay-healthy-to-stay-happy-this-winter.html" target="_blank">Stay Healthy to Stay Happy this Winter</a><br />
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And here,<br />
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<a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-diy-managing-life-changes-list.html" target="_blank">The DIY Managing Life Changes List</a><br />
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And,<br />
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<a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.com/2017/10/be-anti-stress-ninja-beat-stress.html" target="_blank">Beat Stress without Breaking Sweat</a><br />
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Have a very happy and adventurous life so you can go without regret when you leave this world. Be a little selfish and put, "Me First" because, compassion can only work if you are first of all compassionate towards yourself.</div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-45223027908671719442018-04-18T11:11:00.000+05:302018-04-18T11:39:18.765+05:30Books that Make Me Want to Pack My Bags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Not all who wander are lost," said JRR Tolkein and who better to say it than someone who had created an entire new world and filled it with magical creatures who inspire you to greatness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since this post is about books that have made me want to go on voyages even if I do them in my dreams, I will get on to it with only a short preamble.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For those who don't know me, I have always lived surrounded by books. It's not a big deal since books have given me so much in return. Apart from stories and knowledge, books have opened my eyes to so many hobbies, cultures and understanding of human mind that I could possibly never have learnt otherwise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I adapt my mindset to write more, I keep returning to the books that I have read over the years. It is not such a bad thing to do actually because tried and tested is always a good idea - even when reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a list of some of the books that have always fascinated me and called me back from the shelves in my home. But, most of all, they have pushed me to travel, pushed me to explore - even if it was my own city that I walked around in:</span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">City of Djinns by William Dalrymple</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps no one has loved Delhi so much before it became an Instagram phenomenon than William Dalrymple. A Scottish by birth Dalrymple has been living in India for several years now, hosts one of the most famous book gigs in the world, Jaipur Lit Fest and if you read the book then, there's no way that his love for the much-maligned an highly-polluted city will not rub-off on you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The story of Delhi is very close to my heart and it's just not because I am a Delhi'ite myself. The story of the seven or as some insist, nine cities of Delhi are so full of blood, glory and intrigue that it feels like the life of a real living person like an epic hero.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dalrymple, an outsider opened a door through this book that has stayed closed thanks to our history being rewritten by the British who had carefully wiped out every glorious narrative to prove the "white man's burden" myth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">City of Djinns is a series of chapters that open up a year of the then-young author's stay in the city that at once delighted and nauseated him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It made me long for Delhi for seven years when I was in Bombay and made me want to go walking around gathering stories, myths and mythologies that make Delhi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Must read if you want to know Delhi beyond the Qutab Minar and Red Fort. </span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chasing the Monsoon by Alexander Frater</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it takes a great idea to write a great book which makes the reader want to follow your footsteps to pull equally crazy stunts. Frater does it with flair. He starts the book by sharing that he was born on a rainy day on a remote Pacific island. The first line of the book reads, "The first sound I ever heard of was falling rain."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And though I know many who are born on an overflowing rainy day including my own sister, there is only one man that I know of who made chasing the famed Indian Monsoon a successful book project. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Monsoon does not come in a single strand. It comes from two directions and apart from India, it touches upon a few other neighboring countries. Frater jumps into the fray or should I say, rain, with a gutso, gets drenched in the local cultures on the way, makes friends on the go and does the madcap job of giving the Monsoon a run for its money.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's pure adventure and unadulterated daring that the author pulls off the torrential rains, open gutters and a thrilling chase. One of the best travelogues I have read and it definitely goaded me into bringing out the umbrella and stepping out to explore every puddle when rains came splashing down in Bombay the year I read it the first time.</span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kim by Rudyard Kipling</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes I know that I quoted Kipling a few paragraphs back, without naming him, as a White supremacist, but, hey! I am ready to forgive and forget the Nobel Laureate because of this one book that turned me into a road tripper. I can never forget the extraordinary story of a little boy across the Grand Trunk Road that was first published in 1900.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's pure romance when you are a teenager trapped at home during the scorching summer vacations in Delhi. It's so vivid and well written that it feels like you are a part of the team in search of the mystic river/ spy trail - whichever is your poison.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's one of the best road trip books that I have ever read and no one does adventure the way Kim and his friends do. If road trip / spiritual journey / spy game is your cup of tea, please pack your bags, get the car ready and don't forget to carry a copy of Kim. Go, conquer the Himalayas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think, I will go back to it again after I finish this post. :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few for the road.</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was not in a very happy phase of my life when I first picked up this amazing, almost magical book about a woman's journey through three countries that change her life. But, reading it made my heart whole and hoping again - not exaggerating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gilbert's story is true and she has given all the proofs needed to support this through her online presence over the years. Yet, the story almost reads like a self help book that could easily be fiction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It takes you on a journey through Italy (eat), India (pray) and Bali (love). The author explores each of the culture with particular focus on the aspect she wants to explore in each country. She eats her way through Italy that makes her happy, goes for spiritual upliftment to an <i>ashram</i> in India that leaves her confused and finally finds love in exotic Bali.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't think of anyone who after reading Elizabeth's narrative did not want to walk the same route that she had taken. That you will want to go back to it again and again is guaranteed.</span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brick Lane by Monica Ali</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I read this book for the first time, it kind of bridged a gap somewhere in my head or heart - I am not sure. I had grown up listening to stories of our village that now lies across the border in Bangladesh and reading of the British who had ruled the country for 200 years and who a they parted split up the country and injured it's heart forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Monica Ali's Brick Lane brought me face-to-face with both, the Bangladeshi diaspora - people I have never met in real life - and a post-colonial London that was sitting on a tinderbox which has burst today in so many blasts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a story that traced my roots to a different world which was at once so familiar and yet not at all because, I am neither Bangladeshi, nor Muslim or British but, while reading this book, it made me believe that there was a link, a very strong link that makes me who I am today. A link that I need to figure out someday. And it made me believe that perhaps that trail leads somewhere in London where I think it will all fall in place. Not in Dhaka from where my family migrated, not Delhi where I was born and live in but, far away in wet and slippery London where everything seems to be hidden in full view. It needs reading and reading to understand the writer's portrayal of the various characters - the Bangladeshi diaspora that has made London its home. It's uncomfortable to read. The book was shortlisted for Man Booker but, panned by Bangladeshis who felt that it painted them as caricatures - as stupid villagers and religious bigots. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, for me, it went beyond the characters. It made me want to explore it find out more.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Amitav Ghosh is by far one of the best craftsmen of the written narrative. The reason why I have chosen this book is because it again resonates with the stories I grew up with. As a child I had heard and known many families that had moved back from Burma because the regime changed overnight. Many of them were very well-established Bengalis. It was like the partition nightmare all over again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't understand much except the fact that their ordeal was somewhat like my family's. Exodus and migration is never a happy topic to write on but, Ghosh manages it all very masterfully by crafting history and magnificence of Mandalay and the fall of the ruling dynasty into the narrative. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It traces an epic journey through several countries and thousands of miles. It's got all the ingredients to keep you occupied, royal coup, history, exotic locations, great storytelling and perfect prose which is a hallmark of any of Ghosh's novels. It made a strong picture in my head and that is one place I want to go to one day soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, these are some of my favorites. I assure you that my shelves have many more because, travel stories were told in caravan <i>sarais</i> and village <i>addas </i>much before printing was invented forget, Instagram. Because most humans probably come preset with the wanderlust gene. Travel is in our blood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading, happy chasing your world of dreams. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEeyfglGaFM/UFbnZuaa3kI/AAAAAAAAAxY/jPvsJkuDM3AsR2zt_UlP6ydONsbzsgZEACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BTaj%2BMahal%2BBreakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="960" height="489" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEeyfglGaFM/UFbnZuaa3kI/AAAAAAAAAxY/jPvsJkuDM3AsR2zt_UlP6ydONsbzsgZEACPcBGAYYCw/s640/The%2BTaj%2BMahal%2BBreakfast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from the Internet</td></tr>
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-48884002594648013292018-02-28T14:36:00.000+05:302018-02-28T18:10:17.793+05:30From Saving my Ma from Zombies to Losing my Family to Zombiehood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mf9frcNlYA8/WpZwhTRz4iI/AAAAAAAAP7k/1Lyo5CL5O08gf8lC1Qut8lNoIRTzJ3idgCLcBGAs/s1600/hypnosis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="942" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mf9frcNlYA8/WpZwhTRz4iI/AAAAAAAAP7k/1Lyo5CL5O08gf8lC1Qut8lNoIRTzJ3idgCLcBGAs/s640/hypnosis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I woke up at 5 am today and with a distinct memory of saving my ma and me from being eaten up by a bunch of zombies pretending to be human. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I swear we were invited to a posh restaurant with dark interiors and grey walls by a very suave ex-student of my mom's who looked a bit like a Bollywood A-lister last evening. I did hate all my mom's students at one time because she loved them and spent a whole lot of time with them but, didn't remember this guy. Though my ma seemed to remember him well enough to accept his invite. To me, he looked smarmy right from the start. What clinched the deal for me however was the fact that he was willing to drive us both in his luxurious dark-tinted SUV and anyone who knows me knows how I hate to drive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, off we went, nicely dressed and happy. I was dreaming of the lovely food that I would get to click for my Instagram account while, ma was busy chatting up with the 40-something 'boy'!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We reached this posh and unlisted looking restaurant whose entrance looked like that of an old fort with grey exposed rocks and accompanying arches. It looked pretty cool with vintage furniture and liveried staff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so busy dreaming of kebabs and biryani by now that I couldn't wait to get inside and start. I however saw that the place had valet parking before we all went in to meet this middle-aged smarmy guy's family - this was a lucky thing to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The inside was a bit of a let down because once you entered, the walls didn't change. They were still grey exposed stones as outside. The furniture was very flimsy and the people looked almost lost in their own world. Most-importantly, there was no aroma of food. But, I chalked it all up to - bad place to eat and walked with my ma to the table where the family of some kids and their mom was waiting for us. I was looking at a very boring evening by now and all dreams of food photography was off because the place hardly had any light.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sat down. The entire trek from the door to the table laid out at the back of the restaurant took a while because of my ma's bad knee, She shuffled and walked leaning on her cane while the smarmy 'student' held her hand smiling like he was eyeing a trophy. My ma was obviously soaking in all the attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sat down finally, I insisted on sitting next to ma - thank God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a while, I realized that there was no food coming in and then a strange feeling hit my spine. I turned around to see a sea of deadened eyes looking at us as if we were a feast served. I looked back at them archly like any Delhi girl used to having people stare at them in public places. But, suddenly as my eyes adjusted to the darkness and I saw a sea of grey faces and some with cracking make-up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew in a jiffy that we were in the wrong place and in wrong company thanks to all the paranormal romances I have been devouring in the last few years. I knew we were the dinner!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My only worry now was to get ma out of the place quickly which is next to impossible because of her arthritis. I turned back to the table to suddenly see that the kids were eyeing my ma with similar hungry eyes as the others at our back. The smarmy guy was still acting suave and so was his wife though her make-up had started cracking. Ma was oblivious to all and talking 19 to a dozen with the devious duo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to do something and I did. With SFX-defying speed, I stood up dragging ma up from the flimsy chair that broke when it fell. Ma yelped and I said, "grab the cane."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She did it with the speed of a parent who is tired of her defiant-since-teenage rebel-wihout-cause offspring and looked up. I said, "run".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She looked at me as if I had finally lost my mind. With regret on her face, she turned to our hosts who were yet to order dinner and finally saw what I had already seen - the drying make-up that had fallen-off the smarmy guy's cheek showing a row of dirty exposed teeth and rotting gums.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was perhaps the teacher in her that got really disgusted by the lack of hygiene despite having taught it to all her students that she got wildly angry and suddenly picked up the stick and whacked him on his head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must say, that her action took everyone in the room by surprise and bought us a lot of time. I knew already that zombies are slow on the uptake thanks to the paranormal series I had been devouring and broke into a run pulling ma by her wrist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My only fear now was the arthritic knee that might stop us from making the escape. I spied a closed doorway on my left and suddenly remembered all the airline safety drills that insisted on telling you about the doors on the left and right that "open in case of emergency." This was a bloody emergency said my brain and I dragged ma to the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And yes, it opened. Because, it WAS an emergency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were out in a sunlit lawn and there were shaded deck chairs full of - yes - more zombies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew that we had walked out into the frying pan from the fire but, still we were out in the open and we could see things clearly. I also suddenly realized that ma could keep pace with me. I looked at her and then her knee and up back at her with awe in my eyes pride in my swelling heart and like some Bond girl she shrugged her shoulder delicately and kept running with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My heart swelled in gratitude to see her walk without any pain. I loved this moment more than anything but, we had zombies to get rid of before we could rejoice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I shoved her into an alcove in a stoney wall which was covered with moss and flowers and put a finger to my lip to tell her to keep quiet. The zombies on the deck chairs were stirring a little and I could hear a bit of a commotion coming from inside the faux-restaurant - or was it a real one for "zombies only"?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I had no time to loose. I ran to the the edge of the parking and spied an old and battered red Maruti 800 and quickly memorized the number off the twisted plate. With that I ran back to ma and took her out of the alcove and walked boldly back to the entry. A swarm of zombies ran past us - apparently looking for us, so we held our breath. No breath means you too are a zombie - thanks to my knowledge of paranormal literature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We quickly made it to the front door and I gave the number of the red car to the liveried staff who didn't at all look like a zombie - how were they managing to stay alive? There was no time to investigate or even ask because, they could tip us off to the swarm of greys still running around in the garden looking for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow, the car came in, I took to the wheels, ma got in quicker than me still clutching her walking stick like a talisman or a weapon of mass destruction and I strapped her to the seat. I drove like a manic without sparing any rubber till I remembered that the zombies could follow our tracks and slowing down. When I checked left, ma was fast asleep like my baby niece often is after a day of adventures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What woke me up was the fact that the zombies knew where my folks lived. I had to move them quickly to my place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was still dark when my eyes popped opened and the phone said it was 5 am. Adrenaline levels were still high in my blood and the zombies had lost us for good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By 9 am I was already up and around for four hours. So, decided to call ma to see if she was doing good. I must confess that I half expected her to be unwell while the other half wanted her to be rid of the pain like she was in the dream. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, she picked up on the nth ring when I was about to hang up and walk down to her place and said, "you are awake?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must say that was a low blow but, I managed to carry on saying, "yes and also done with tea, Yoga and breakfast."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her reply was a very casual, "oh."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought something was wrong and asked her if all was well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She sounded sad and said, no, Nonie - my niece - was unwell and had been sent to her already for the day because she was not going to school. I tut-tutted and said, "can I talk to her?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My ma said, "I don't think she'd be interested."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was aghast. I said, "how can you say that?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She totally side-stepped that and said, "Are you coming now?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I said, "Do you want me to? I can if you need help with the baby."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her answer was a bored, "not really."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This conversation was getting messier by the minute. Had the zombies attacked my parents' home?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I persisted, "what's up with you all?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She sounded really bored with the conversation by now and said, "we are watching Masha and the Bear and Masha has made dresses out of all seven of the bear's towels and now he has nothing to dry himself with when he takes a bath..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My head was reeling. "WHAT?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I heard my niece's voice suddenly shouting, "didu, didu, the bear's in the shower..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My ma said, "I have to go now. The bear's in the shower," and disconnected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surely, the zombies have won and even my little niece is one of them. So, much for my trying to save my family from the attack of the zombies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Realization: As long as there is the television hanging from the drawing room wall. My family will be a part of the zombie tribe however much I try to save their souls. </span></div>
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-53489013991912259922018-02-02T12:27:00.002+05:302018-02-02T12:27:42.884+05:30The DIY Managing Life Changes List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xih9QTopDoE/WnQK17RT-vI/AAAAAAAAM9s/vlrpXGvOvD0uFtZL4rTi7p_NHV0-j12ggCLcBGAs/s1600/dali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="500" height="528" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xih9QTopDoE/WnQK17RT-vI/AAAAAAAAM9s/vlrpXGvOvD0uFtZL4rTi7p_NHV0-j12ggCLcBGAs/s640/dali.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Change is perhaps the only constant in life and therefore, must be embraced with affection. It may not be a great thing always though and needs to be identified and dealt with as soon as you realize it is not doing you good.<br />
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Look at migratory birds that fly thousands of miles to avoid Arctic winters. Fly away from toxic changes as soon as you are able to identify them.<br />
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I believe that just like the birds we are all equipped to avoid toxic changes in our lives that hurt our well being. I am not talking about toxic people. Those you need to get rid of first before you press the reset button. These are the people who may have pushed you into the darkness in the first place. Don't worry about losing them. The world is full of amazing people waiting to meet the best you. <br />
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It's difficult to make life-altering changes like getting rid of anger and depression. I can say this because, I have fought both with all my might. The former more than the latter.<br />
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Anger is like an all-consuming, red-hot and live piece of coal in that you are holding in your hands. The more you flail your hands, the more it burns and hurts you. Because, oxygen - duh!<br />
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Anger makes us lose our wisdom, go crazy for long periods of time when all you see is red. It's toxic. It gives you among other things, health issues. I get blinding headaches whenever I am angry. I hate being angry because, that is not my base nature. I am a happy-go-lucky kinda person (or would like to believe so because, believing is the first step into being) who gets on in life because I don't take things too personally. It's a very womanly trait. In normal life we call it, adjustment - all women are taught to adjust because they are expected to.<br />
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But, despite my mother's constant effort to make me a loving and adjusting kind of person, I was plagued by anger for a long time - for good reason too.<br />
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It took me a project that I worked on with a group of Buddhist practitioners to realize how anger had turned into my base nature because of circumstances. Thankfully with that realization, I could make a strong decision and get rid of it. It was pretty much easy once I had accepted that anger had taken over my personality.<br />
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Similarly, depression. I realized I was unable to do the most basic of things without feeling martyred. I would feel sad and everything, even the smallest of tasks seemed impossible to achieve. I told this to a dear friend during a phone conversation where she asked me why I had stopped meeting people. She was astute enough to point me to the right direction. From there on, it was my job to pull myself out of the hole I was sinking into. Not that others had not pointed it out before but, I had never accepted it until it came from her because, she was battling the demon with medicines and therapy because, it had gone too far already.<br />
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Change is difficult. Mood changes even more so. Strangely enough when you are plagued by moods, you end up doing some pretty impressive stuff too. I know because I do. Then, you start believing, "Wow! This is so cool. I think, I like it this way."<br />
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That is a bad decision to take because, the more you to stick to it the more difficult it gets to rid it off your system.<br />
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The first thing to do however, is acceptance. I think (and I am not a doctor) that acceptance of a problem is the first step towards righting it. Unless you accept that there is a problem, you can never work towards a solution.<br />
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Here's my list of getting over mood changes with the hope that someone out there reading this post is able to change the direction of their life like I was not once but, many times:<br />
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1) Accept the problem<br />
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2) Think of the root cause<br />
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3) Look inside yourself to find the solution<br />
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4) Be the change you want to see - imagine and achieve<br />
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5) Become aware of the catalysts and look them in the eye - don't be afraid of them<br />
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6) Make lifestyle and routine changes<br />
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7) Talk about it with trusted people<br />
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8) Make lists (if needed) and follow your own advice<br />
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9) If it is impossible to change the root cause, then stop worrying about it and start planning your life away from it<br />
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10) Exercise and keep yourself occupied - Read, write, dance, play with kids, watch happy movies, pursue hobbies - whatever it takes<br />
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11) Help others in need - no biggies needed, help an old lady cross the road, a child learn a poem. Anything that gives you instant warmth<br />
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12) Be thankful and grateful for all that you have<br />
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13) Tell people who are important in your life how much they matter<br />
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14) Plan your future - nothing long term but, you can easily have short term goals which when you achieve will give you immense pleasure<br />
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15) Do the things that used to make you happy as a kid - lie on a sheet of cloth and count stars or watch clouds, play catch with the kids, drink milkshakes or read comics - whatever picked you up when you were little and easily pleased<br />
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16) Laugh a lot, giggle and smile at even the silliest of jokes instead of rolling your eyes<br />
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17) Spend time with your family and be constructive at home - volunteer to buy groceries, cook or clean up the cupboards<br />
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18) Keep a diary - at least in the beginning<br />
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19) Read the diary to see how far you have come<br />
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20) Finally and this is my DIY pick-me-up formula when things go on recession mode - eat things you love and photograph the moments for happy memories to fall back on when things look bleak<br />
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I know that it may not be a great list from a medical point-of-view but, I never took medical advice. I just went for it with the mindset of a conqueror and developed this template for myself.<br />
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Today, when winter is finally turning into Spring - literally, I decided to share my list with others who are finding it difficult to adapt to change.<br />
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Have a rocking February!<br />
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-29146212119214370752018-01-02T19:59:00.000+05:302018-01-02T19:59:22.225+05:30From Being Chased by a Washing Machine to making a New Year Resolution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I seldom dream or as most people have told me, care to remember any of them. But, when I do, I try to decipher it because it is usually a once-in-six-months kind of oddity. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On the last day of the last year (2017), I went off to sleep around 11 pm because I was shit tired. I had worked long days on the 30th and 31st and was in no position to go out or wait for the fireworks to go off. I fell on my bed and literally died till I was woken up by my own voice trying to shout but, sounding like that of a wounded animal in pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think it was the sound that woke me up. I have never shouted in my sleep ever before or been woken up by my own voice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I opened my eyes to a grey room I recalled the dream vividly. I was being chased by a washing machine inside a home and I was running away from it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also recalled thinking someone was pushing it to follow me and that if I shouted for help, I would be rescued by people - most probably my family - who were in the next room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried shouting but, I was unable to. I tried really hard a few times and that is when I made that garbled noise that woke me up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I came to consciousness in my own bedroom in the apartment I live in alone, I was scared for a bit. What did happen? Who was trying to chase me? Why was that person or apparition hiding behind a washing machine of all things to chase me down?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Questions that my mind started forming within minutes of my waking up. By the time my breath returned to normal, I was wondering what message was my mind trying to share with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then suddenly I realized it was the new year and the old one just slipped away while I was sleeping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As is human, I started feeling happy about the new and soon forgot about the crazy 'chase scene' and fell back to sleep dreaming of fresh new stuff. After all, who doesn't love the new?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the next two days, though I did not stop thinking about it and discussed it with my family. My mother found it extremely scary - but, she is my mother. Then, my sister asked me something very interesting, "Are you running away from something?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That was a good start. So, I started thinking if there was any truth in her query. There was no one to ask but, myself and I spent a lot of time thinking if I was indeed trying to run away from anything in particular. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A day later - today - I opened up dream interpretation sites and read about chase dreams. Bingo!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She was right. That exactly was how chases were explained. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been running away from a whole lot of decisions from a long time. I have been procrastinating and even avoiding my own counsel. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't take a lot of insight to interpret a dream when you are nudged in the right direction. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The washing machine was probably my own creative imagination that made me make up all the fancy and <i>Surf Excel</i> excuses that help me put off doing things by another day and then another and yet one more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, my super-simple new year resolution would be to worry not and jump into the fray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's not much to lose is there. A wise man (may God rest his soul) had once told me many years ago, "there are only two ways a situation can go. Negative or positive. There is no in-between." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Somewhere in the rat race called life, I had forgotten this absolute gem of an advice and started worrying too much about failing. It's silly in the long run to be scared of not doing something because of the fear of not passing with flying colors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Life is actually simple because, either we have or we don't have certain things. What we <i>have </i>doesn't come with a guarantee of forever after and what we <i>don't have </i>is always a possibility that we can achieve.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My father, another wise man whose interpretation of life is really very simple always insisted that everything goes away eventually. I have been so burdened with the scare of losing that I had stopped taking the leap of faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWuE9hNGLHE/WkuSlZffyuI/AAAAAAAAIz8/ZuZadR5PWn0qs-H9znRZvafLlkngr18_QCLcBGAs/s1600/12599532_1686902644892520_667230530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWuE9hNGLHE/WkuSlZffyuI/AAAAAAAAIz8/ZuZadR5PWn0qs-H9znRZvafLlkngr18_QCLcBGAs/s640/12599532_1686902644892520_667230530_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year when it came through, tried to jolt me awake and make me aware of my inactivity. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was funny too for the simple reason that probably the universe was irritated by my status quo or maybe it was my inner self. So, something as innocuous as a washing machine was used to chase me out of my stupor by powers that be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once I had uncovered the meaning of the great <i>chase and scream </i>dream sequence that made my life exciting in the pre-dawn hours of the new year, I laughed. I laughed hard at the exasperation of my self that is so tired of me putting things off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It made it very easy for me to form my resolution - "get moving"!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great and awesome new 2018 and, "get your ass moving people!" Because, it is always better to chase your dreams rather than be chased by them. </span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-45462812304079901772017-12-31T09:59:00.000+05:302017-12-31T09:59:29.460+05:30Stay Healthy to Stay Happy this Winter <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">And just like that, winters are upon us! The days are short and nights are long and foggy. </span><span style="font-size: large;">You hear stray cats and dogs crying all night out in the streets and the bed when you get into it is as cold as a bucket of ice water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And though, Christmas makes a big splash followed by New Year celebrations, the fact that December holds a mirror to what's gone by makes things even worse for most people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The easiest thing seems to be basking in the Sun during the day or sitting in front of the heater / hitting the sack in the evening. Which in turn makes you feel guilty because, you have wasted another day that could have been productive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Contrary to urban legend - mostly revered during school and college days - winters are not about hibernation for humans - especially the morning and daytime. Nor are all humans nocturnal beings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If anything, winters should propel you into action. The weather is nice after sweating through the heat and wading through buckets of rains it is a welcome change from the heat and dust that ensures that you stay holed up inside or parked yourself near an air conditioner. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The thing about winter is that it always creeps up on you and like most things that creep up, winter brings with it a whole lot of dissatisfaction when it suddenly jumps on your back.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It took me years to realize that cold and dark weather makes my mood go cold and dark too. It brings with it a feeling of isolation and loneliness. The cozy comforter may not always be the reason why you don't want to get out of bed, depression is a very big reason for wanting to stay put and hide with your favorite pillow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It took me almost a week of trying to get up and about but, failing to make it before mid morning to realize all is not well. As I work mostly from home and don't meet 'real' people most of the time, I was virtually sitting ducks for winter to take a pot shot at me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I started feeling irritated with my own habits, I decided to scourge the Internet to check if there was something actually wrong with the pattern I had fallen into - waking up very late, getting too few daylight hours and falling asleep around early morning at 3 or 4 am.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I found out was kind of scary. I was </span><span style="font-size: large;">a prime target for SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though not as huge a problem in India as it is in places with very less sunlit hours and longer winter, it is not uncommon here either. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since I am NOT a psychiatric I shall not try to explain the disorder per say but, that it brings with it mood swings, feeling of lethargy, depression, anxiety and in serious cases, suicidal tendencies.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next thing that I did was to look for alternatives to break the rhythm. I tried the usual things that one is supposed to do when suffering from depression till I was able to make a dent and break the badly-effected sleep cycle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If any of you think, you are feeling under the weather too, I would suggest that you try some or all of the things I did to get myself back on the healthy track. These are small things that you can add to your daily routine to make the winter blues melt into the blues.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Walk</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't jog because of the pollution in Delhi but, I walk. If morning is too cold then, take a walk mid-morning or early evening. It's all good. Avoid going out with a bunch of people and gossip because, it will not help at all. Also, don't take the car out for short trips to the market - walk. Walking clears your head and makes happy hormones flow. In short, walk is a great exercise. Try to take in the nature around you when walking. You could also listen to soothing music as you walk to take your mind off distractions.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Practice Discipline</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had once read that Earnest Hemingway used to wake up in the first hour to write and no matter how wasted his night was, he would not give up this habit. Though I am no Hemingway, I have tried to discipline my life and though I don't need to go anywhere in the morning, I have tried to set a routine to my life. I now wake up with an alarm clock and work during the first half of the day. It usually frees me up by lunch time. I look forward to the evening for pursuing things that give me happiness like watching a movie or reading a book or going out to meet friends and family. Because I have finished my work first, I don't feel any panic to get back to it till the next morning.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Eat Well</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Food is the most important reason why humans have probably come this far. Never keep the revered stomach empty. If you are hungry, you are bound to feel low. So, eat well and eat in short intervals to help your metabolism high. Keep the stomach filled with good food - no processed stuff out of the box please. Winter is the best time of the year to buy fresh produce. Eat fresh salads, fruits and dairy products. Drink a lot of water and tea to keep yourself hydrated. The heater sucks out a whole lot of precious water from your body. Remember to keep a bottle of water handy to keep chugging. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Avoid Alcohol</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Try and keep away from the bottle especially if you are on your own. Alcohol dehydrates your body and makes you crave for more because there's no one to talk to. In the end it brings you down. So, keep off.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clean Surroundings</span></h4>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YacrpKNNBeQ/WkhituMOq3I/AAAAAAAAIsA/z-DuYq-tdtI7onV81Zc-JTARPaKrkrjGQCLcBGAs/s1600/bed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YacrpKNNBeQ/WkhituMOq3I/AAAAAAAAIsA/z-DuYq-tdtI7onV81Zc-JTARPaKrkrjGQCLcBGAs/s640/bed1.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you live alone like me, then the chances are that you don't feel like cleaning up because, there's no one to see. That is a very bad idea. Keep your home neat and clean. You should always feel happy and welcome in your surroundings. A clean and tastefully done home gives out good vibes and makes you happy. So, clean up fast especially the areas most in use starting with your home office to your bedroom to kitchen and bathroom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Smell Great</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">It goes without saying that you should take regular baths. But, try and keep the area around you smelling nice. You can burn incense, oil or just use a room spray that makes your nose happy. I was recommended camphor by a good friend and have realized that using it on a vaporizer helps not only to perk up the mood but also, fight clogged nose and keep bugs away. It makes me feel energized and happy too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pick up a Hobby</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or two. I can never recommend it enough especially if you are an introvert like me. Hobbies keep you happy and can be anything that interest you. Even feeding the strays in your area. It need not be highbrow or expensive. You can just doodle on a notepad and see what comes off and even that will give you a sense of achievement and a high.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Laugh</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do whatever it takes to exercise your facial muscles. You can join the local laughter club, read funny books, subscribe to websites that send jokes in your inbox or watch a sitcom. Whatever it takes, laugh as much as you can. Personally, I interact with little children to crack me up. Their antics are enough to make you laugh for a whole day. After all, laughter, they say, is the best medicine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cook</span></h4>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gr_bj1aapng/Wkhm4Lr4oMI/AAAAAAAAIso/WQKeBJapBh8OCpaK-_WQN76tTV1u0EIEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Happy%2Bcook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gr_bj1aapng/Wkhm4Lr4oMI/AAAAAAAAIso/WQKeBJapBh8OCpaK-_WQN76tTV1u0EIEQCLcBGAs/s640/Happy%2Bcook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cook as often as you can instead of opening a can or cutting a carton. Cooking is a fine therapy and the sight and smell of home-cooked food is an instant pick-me-up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pamper Yourself </span></h4>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z207l8H95Rs/WkhlRqY1HOI/AAAAAAAAIsU/AMLx9-iAqWE44oCxo1GhaFObXVDoFxqagCLcBGAs/s1600/Go%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bde-stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="698" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z207l8H95Rs/WkhlRqY1HOI/AAAAAAAAIsU/AMLx9-iAqWE44oCxo1GhaFObXVDoFxqagCLcBGAs/s640/Go%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bde-stress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't feel bad to take a day off for relaxation. Go for a spa or use DIY masks at home everyday. The idea is to keep you looking good to create a happy self-image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Join a Group</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you don't have a great number of friends because you have shifted base, then don't despair. Join a local group of people pursuing the same interests as you. It can be a book reading club, a Yoga group, a group of nature lovers or cleanliness volunteers. The more people you meet the better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Volunteer </span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Giving really makes you feel instantly happy. Join a group of volunteers or go on your own to the local old age home or orphanage to help out. Nothing is too small. Even feeding the birds in your balcony can bring in immense satisfaction. Give it a try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meditate </span></h4>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z14ikKB4qzw/WkhlqhRLeuI/AAAAAAAAIsc/IlJgP3rusOUkwmtNLWpijuvrwUC3Vv_ywCLcBGAs/s1600/PrayingHandscreditShuttestockcom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z14ikKB4qzw/WkhlqhRLeuI/AAAAAAAAIsc/IlJgP3rusOUkwmtNLWpijuvrwUC3Vv_ywCLcBGAs/s640/PrayingHandscreditShuttestockcom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the most difficult thing to do for most so, I kept it for the last. But, meditation, especially when done as a group activity can really change your outlook. Try and get into a meditation group if you can but, if that is not possible, go on YouTube and channel your inner self towards positive energies. It is not too difficult once you have conquered discipline and cleaned up your environment. Try it for keeping the head clean to be able to fight the negativity in you. It is really important to know your own self to make a change in your situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The most important trick is to be grateful for whatever you have and feel thankful for the glass half-filled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be safe and most of all, be happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do share your own experiences (if any) in the comments section or, if my hacks helped you fight the freeze any better.</span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-65139828222129397882017-12-15T14:57:00.002+05:302017-12-15T14:57:52.434+05:30Writing is a Creative Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPLtcbwE4Tk/WjOSONTKTMI/AAAAAAAAGvE/X2NVG0gFiosYCvXafnR8aC09RO84uDM0QCLcBGAs/s1600/typewriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="979" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPLtcbwE4Tk/WjOSONTKTMI/AAAAAAAAGvE/X2NVG0gFiosYCvXafnR8aC09RO84uDM0QCLcBGAs/s640/typewriter.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was going through some emails from various organizations and placement companies that are constantly looking for freelance content writers recently. I was going through them with customary nonchalance that has become the norm now when such emails hit my inbox.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of them want the same output at similar pathetic budgets. Let me put down here some of the ‘usual offers' that pour into the overstuffed inbox:</span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Need 18 - 25 articles (in a month) if you are a fresher, in case of experienced writers, the demand can exceed 50 articles in a month. They can be from any sector or industry. Internet can be used for research. All articles should be rewritten and proof-checked.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We will give you a wonderful platform to showcase your talent but, sorry we can't pay as publicity is a priority over content. We want great quality content with original images, if possible.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Need articles for websites. Will be paid 30 paise per word (1 rupee is 100 paise). Length of article should be around 1000 words... etc. etc. etc.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Many learning and training organizations also seek the earth and the moon (read customized and quality training content) at ridiculous budgets and practically zero timeline.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After going through such emails for years now, I have decided not to raise to the bait ie. write back saying, "Sorry. You are being ridiculous." I just ignore or delete them in my attempt to keep my inbox clutter-free.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that consultants are not supposed to be negative about work of any kind because, hey they are ‘possible’ clients! And we depend on them for work. We are supposed to grin and be polite like some rag doll with a permanent smile painted on its face or a housewife forced to make <i>laddoos </i>like Sridevi in her comeback film, <i>English Vinglish</i>, to supplement her income. But, I choose to differ.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have decided to completely ignore such summons. I have in the last few months even listened to many such pitches where the person-concerned tried to sell their wonderful concept to me soliciting my 'help' to put it on paper without discussing 'money' because, it's all between 'friends'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, wait a minute please! "You would not have suggested that I work for free if I was "really" your 'friend'!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't mind a few friends here and there who go ahead and tell me upfront that they are stuck and need help for which they cannot pay. I am perfectly fine with that. I get stuck and often seek help too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, people in general need to understand that writing is a creative art. It takes time, patience and craftsmanship to be delivered. It is in no way a cup of Instant Coffee.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Also Read: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #ff000c; font-family: "Rock Salt"; font-size: 22px; font-style: italic;"><a href="https://shomachakraborty.blogspot.in/2017/05/how-to-write-story.html" target="_blank">How to Write a Story</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I take pride in what I do. I do it well. I am a writer and I treat my talent as something precious.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am sure that there a whole lot of people willing to work for a lot less or even for free but, the quality of their work shows that they don't know the first thing about writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I had done a piece on story writing earlier. I have also done workshops on creative content writing for teams of 'writers' on the same. I realized however, that though everyone loves a story and often has several to tell, most are unable to follow the basics even after they have gone through the program. It is not easy to write a coherent story or even article with proper flow if you are not willing to learn the basics. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The problem with most ‘aspiring’ writers being, “I know because I studied in school…” Sorry! You learnt only the basics of grammar and how to answer questions in school. That was definitely not content writing. It at best gives you basic communication skills through the written word. It would be great to accept the truth and learn how to write first before picking up jobs that helps you pay pocket money or maybe not even that going by the price of written words quoted by some of the advertisers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have also been told by many that people who often advertise such ridiculous sums often end up not paying at all. Well! I don’t blame them. You agreed on the ridiculous price in the first place, then delivered content lifted from the Internet and maybe they decided you have credibility or quality issues and refused to pay for shoddy work. It is perfectly understandable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most people don't understand that the Internet is at the best, two dimensional and at worst, a space where wrong information is teeming and crawling for attention.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Writing from the Net and for it is not writing because, it lacks the depth, feeling and understanding of the topic and that shows. The end result is shoddy and can easily be traced by the original writer because it is hastily slapped together with just about no care to even change the grammatical mistakes in the original story.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are lucky, you will not be caught but, if you are then, be ready to pay the price of such a transgression. It can be heavy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Writing is a fine art and like most arts, it is not only something inbuilt (you are simply born with the talent) but, also something that comes with practice. You need to be critical of your own words and expressions, need to read extensively and with a keen eye for detail.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone who says that they are professional writer but, don’t like reading or just read ‘airport / railway station literature’ needs to rethink their chosen profession.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you don’t read, do not understand the nuances of dialogue writing, the power of words correctly used to convey a feeling and not to showcase your familiarity with the ‘lexicon’ or if you cannot write without being ‘inspired’ by other articles or stories need to take a rain-check. Maybe, it is really NOT your calling. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You may earn a living out of it but, it may not be enough because, you are not passionate about it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdRNhzanzEw/WjOTuHd9GXI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/MugGZqu-HXIerJfus8DmLUNfw4PAaveAwCLcBGAs/s1600/girlatwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdRNhzanzEw/WjOTuHd9GXI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/MugGZqu-HXIerJfus8DmLUNfw4PAaveAwCLcBGAs/s640/girlatwork.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you still think you want to write. My suggestions would be start with the basics:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Read. Read as much as you can in the language you want to write in.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Then, learn to write short, well-crafted original sentences. Keep them simple.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Write short paragraphs to capture real experiences you have had using short, succinct sentences and dialogues.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bring out the sentences and paragraphs after a week and check for possible improvements.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Rewrite, craft, make others read them and seek active criticism.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Rewrite again. Keep writing and rewriting till you feel it is good enough to be shown to someone from the fraternity or to be entered in a contest.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, don’t stop reading. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Writing demands lifelong improvement just like any other skill especially if you want to pursue a career in it. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Styles change with the season, new words enter the vocabulary. Delivery of dialogues undergo changes as new words make entries. The society changes sometimes slowly and sometimes rapidly and a writer needs to capture all such changes in their craft.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember there are no shortcuts to this. If you want to be a professional writer you should be ready to be a lifelong student. Only then, will you be able to command the price for your skill.</span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-50849134083719494522017-11-25T01:54:00.006+05:302017-11-25T01:59:38.373+05:30My Thanksgiving Speech Sans the Turkey Roast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0B5WMACOJpA/Whh06HmP6_I/AAAAAAAAF8w/d7w_I4-Mt7wsArHVB2hm70EuUFYSv1-3gCLcBGAs/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="500" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0B5WMACOJpA/Whh06HmP6_I/AAAAAAAAF8w/d7w_I4-Mt7wsArHVB2hm70EuUFYSv1-3gCLcBGAs/s640/gratitude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Thanksgiving once again and amidst amazing pictures of dinning tables and happy families across the seven seas I thought I'd get going with my thank you list - a tradition I started last year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me tell you right here that this not a festival I celebrate personally nor do we get around the table at home and carve a turkey nor has it caught on in India - yet. But, I simply love the spirit of Thanksgiving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being grateful brings great joy. It gives immense satisfaction. It makes one feel positive and happy and I like being happy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, here goes my list for the year gone by. And... my vote of thanks goes to</span><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Family and Friends</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As is the tradition - from what I have seen in innumerable Hollywood movies - I want to start with thanking my family and friends. Thank you, all of you and even if we did not get to speak at all this year, know that I cherish you all and am immensely thankful for your presence in my life. As is wont to happen in life, towards the sagging end of glorious spring - which I am going to be holding on to for a few more decades - I have realized that life is about relationships and nothing is more precious than human interactions. I will always be grateful for having you all around in all corners of the planet and know that there would have been no story of my life without each one of you in it. Thank you! Thank you and Thank you all! </span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Internet</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year because I have been working as a consultant without any fixed brick and mortar office. I would like to thank the Internet from the bottom of my heart for being there and making this miracle happen. I couldn't have done it without you! Lots of love and immense gratitude.</span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">YouTube</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a consultant and setting up a practice of my own also meant that I spent long hours at home working and calling strangers on phone and rushing out once in a while to meet people and working the official odd hours. Which means, I had scant time to actually go out and get entertained. This is where YouTube came to my rescue. From movies to comedy to gossip and news, I just had it all whenever I could find time. Considering I have not had a cable connection for more than a decade now, thanks to the new tube I can enjoy the magic of motion pictures once more! Thanks especially to the ever-sassy, </span><span style="font-size: large;">IISuperwomanII</span><span style="font-size: large;">, Pemberly Digital and Hallmark Channel's family-oriented love dramas. I know it sounds totally sappy but, hey! It's Thanksgiving. I refuse to lie. Thanks for the clean-cut and guilt-free entertainment any time I am free. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Twitter</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh! Thank you for making the adrenaline</span><span style="font-size: large;"> rush without going to the treadmill! It's a war zone out there and I really don't know what I'd have done without the excitement. It's addictive to invite trolls and then cry foul when the insults start! Ahhh! For cheap thrills! I love, love, love this site for bringing out the pseudo-intellectual snob in me. It's a great workout for the idle mind - I swear! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who needs to go to a spa to relax when you can see the world in one click and be sucked into a fairy tale universe? I love the Instagram like nothing I have or perhaps will - err... maybe that was a perfect example of over-commitment but, hey! I live in the present, so... It makes my faith grow in leaps and bound for the planet Earth. The most beautiful planet with the most photogenic houses run over by the cutest and most well-mannered kids in perfect clothes with perfect kitchens overflowing with lovely food, the beautiful ladies and pearls of wisdom. The list of all things beautiful here is overwhelming. All's well with the world and God's in Heaven! Amen! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PS:</b> It's addictive. I think I may need rehab after a while for being this delusional first thing in the morning. Gee! But, Thanks for the awesome dopamine high every morning. Who needs dope? #instadope #instahope</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My teenage life's greatest wish was having scrapbooks full of beautiful pictures that were actually my wishlist and what do you know? I have boards that take me to La La Land whenever I want to bail out. I used to love Pinterest the most till Instagram happened but, it still remains one of my favorite guilty pleasures. My secret scrapbook of my ultra secret wet dreams of fashion, travel bucket list, art, vintage cinema... all in one place on the worldwide web. Thank you so much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though I only </span><span style="font-size: large;">use</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">the App but, nothing beats the pleasure of snuggling up in the bed and reading on the phone's white light - ruining my eyes beyond repair - and falling asleep with the phone lying flat on my nose making me sneeze and snore! But, that's just a very small price to pay. I just love all the free paranormal and young adult fiction that makes me feel less than half my real age and actually ready to take on the world till I wake up with an achy breakey back in the morning. Sigh! But, hey I love it and I will always be thankful of the fact that I can continue reading easy fiction without choking my home with more books. What more can one ask for? #Instaentertainment #Instahappiness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Writing</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can never be tired of thanking the universe for giving me the ability to write. It is the best thing in my life - it pays my bills, puts food on the table and lets me express myself like I can never do in person in a room full of people. Thank you dear ancestor whoever shared your gene with me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Random Acts of Kindness</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years I have realized the hard way that no man or as in this case, woman, is an island. To all the random people who have ever appeared in my life out of nowhere just to give me a smile for no reason, the strangers who have taken my side out of the blue in a room full of people pushing me to a corner, people who have shared a seat in a crowded Metro or saved me from slipping on wet floor - happens all the time, shared water on a hot summer day or just randomly put a hand on my head to say, "God bless!" for no reason. I am thankful to you all for having appeared out of the blue to cheer me up whenever life tried to break my back - happens all the time. You all make me feel happy to be a part of the human race and though it may sound too uncool and sentimental but, I wish on this Thanksgiving to be able to be like you kind people who taught me the greatest lesson in life, "it's always possible to be kind!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you everyone who I have already met and those I am yet to meet. I so look forward to getting inspired by you kind folks for the rest of my life. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you universe for putting me where I am and taking me through this amazing journey called the story of my life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you!</span></div>
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-14668920510572302152017-11-01T21:50:00.001+05:302017-11-01T21:50:45.205+05:30In Defence of Khichri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khichri for comfort after a rough day. Anyday!</td></tr>
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I must say that from the time that the <i>khichri </i>debate has started since yesterday I have been shocked. It seems that the present government wants to make <i>khichri </i>the national food of the country and that was enough to stir up a whole hornet's nest. The moment a Bombay daily declared this, a hue rose in the social media, people decided that it was a bad idea and many even said that it was eaten only when someone falls ill hence, it doesn't deserve the status of National Food.</div>
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I was upset for a lot of reasons and decided to not get into the Twitter war at all. Apart from retweeting a comment by Omar Abdullah where he asked if we'd now have to stand up and eat <i>khichri</i>, I was not too moved by the whole debate - especially the against part. </div>
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Though I feel that I must confess why?</div>
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And here's the reason.</div>
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I love <i>khichri</i>!</div>
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For me it is the perfect comfort food. I love it. Period.</div>
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My dad is particularly scared of the days when I volunteer to cook dinner. His biggest fear being that I will end up making <i>khichri </i>and he'll be expected to eat it without grumbling. But, my dad's a sport. He grumbles but, eats it up.</div>
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My ma and my sister on the other hand, refuse completely. They's rather eat bread and milk and go to bed than have <i>khichri</i>. I find their whole attitude pretty bourgeoisie. Very preconceived like the rest of those who are opposing the move to 'make <i>khichri </i>the national food' campaign.</div>
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I have never understood this lack of PR that <i>khichri </i>seems to have. Although I do agree that most people don't get the <i>khichri </i>right. They either make it too bland or thick or make it like a mash of lentils and rice which, I agree is inedible. You can sample this in any hospital and you will know what I am talking about.</div>
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Some people make <i>khichri </i>with black lentils or <i>sabut urad </i>and it goes for a toss because, black lentils take much longer to cook than rice and the result is really messy.</div>
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I have over the years tried making <i>khichri</i> or kedigree as the British call it in many <i>avataars</i>. On the onset, I must tell you that I will NEVER recommend it being made with black urad unless you soak the lentils separately for much longer than the rice or, start with cooking the urad first and then add the rice - which takes away from the authenticity of the dish!</div>
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I have made <i>khichri </i>with chicken and also love the one where I dry fry the moong dal before making <i>khichri </i>which is a very authentic Bengali version of it and is famously known as <i>Bhuni Khichuri</i>. But, I usually love my own version of it. </div>
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So, my <i>khichri </i>is either made with moong or masoor dal. Here's the easy-peasy recipe for my favorite comfort food for dinner at the end of a rough day.</div>
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Take equal amount of rice and dal and wash it thoroughly.</div>
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Soak them together for say half and hour.</div>
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Meanwhile, peal a potato and dice it into four parts.</div>
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Take half a carrot and cut it into chunky pieces.</div>
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Take a few florets of cauliflower and cut them into medium sized pieces.</div>
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Wash a few leaves of <i>palak </i>or spinach.</div>
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Take a pinch of <i>haldi</i>, <i>jeera </i>or cumin powder and salt to taste. </div>
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Take a pinch of cinnamon or <i>dalchini</i> powder.</div>
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One bay leaf or <i>tejpatta</i>.</div>
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A pinch of cumin seeds or <i>sabut jeera</i>.</div>
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Some green chilies chopped or cut from the middle - depending on your palate.</div>
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Take a clean pressure cooker, add a bit of ghee and wait for it to warm. Add a pinch of cumin seeds and bay leaf and wait till they crackle.</div>
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Add the potato and some salt to the ghee and saute it.</div>
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Add the carrots to the potato and saute some more.</div>
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Add the cauliflower to the mix.</div>
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Saute all the veggies till they are semi cooked.</div>
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Add the <i>haldi </i>and the <i>jeera </i>power and turn around to cover all veggies. </div>
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Add the green chillies and stir till the mix starts smelling delicious.</div>
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Drain the rice and lentil and add to the veggies and stir a bit till everything is nicely mixed up.</div>
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Add the spinach and stir a little more.</div>
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Add water stir a little.</div>
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Add the cinnamon powder in the end.</div>
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Put the lid on the mixture.</div>
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Wait for one or two whistles and turn the gas off.</div>
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When you open up after a while, I dare you not to drool!</div>
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Well! That's it - I am going off to make <i>khichri </i>now. I don't care if it is declared national food or named brand ambassador of Indian cuisine. For me it's always been a winner with a capital W!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also Read:</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #ff000c; font-family: "Rock Salt"; font-size: 22px; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://shomachakraborty.blogspot.in/2013/01/of-freezing-delhi-and-birbal-ki-khichri.html" target="_blank">Of a Freezing Delhi and Birbal ki Khichri Retold</a></span></div>
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<i>(Image courtesy, Internet)</i> </div>
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-53802530623858084052017-10-31T15:49:00.002+05:302017-10-31T15:50:29.658+05:30Beat Stress without Breaking Sweat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As circa 2017 rolls to an end, I am left wondering at the speed at which it flew. The </span>roller-coaster<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ride has left me breathless and panting. As the days flew by all I was doing was running to catch-up on tasks. Stress has been my arch-enemy for years now and we are often found squaring each other up, looking in the eye and getting ready to fight. This year was no different from the last though over the years I have invented many old fashioned ways to beat stress, my arch-nemesis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stress, that dreaded six-letter word never leaves the modern person even for a minute. Whether you are committed to working for one organization or juggling work for a multiple, like I do these days, it keeps dogging your footsteps all the time. The only saving grace this year was the fact that I didn't have to travel as much as I was earlier in my full-time job holder avatar. But, working from home or even from one office for another can be equally tricky because the distractions or the lack of them are often enough to bring on their own set of issues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years I have found several easy and cost-effective ways to stay happy. I would like to believe that I am my own anti-stress ninja. So because I an feeling extremely generous </span>today<span style="font-family: inherit;">, I thought of sharing some here with anyone who'd care to read this post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's my list:</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Meditation:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I absolutely swear by it. If you can just sit is one space and count your breath and feel it going in and coming out for even 15 minutes in a day you will be able to face the day much easily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Chanting:</b> Chant anything that makes you feel good. It could be an ancient and holy <i>mantra </i>or something that you have made up yourself to give you a morale booster. For example, you can chant, "I shall overcome anything that comes my way" over and over right before you start your day and just see how it effects your psyche. You can chant anytime of the day and under any circumstance to overcome your latent fear, fatigue or worries. It always helps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Deep Breathing</b>: No. This is not a new-age fad. Deep breathing is actually helpful. If you are unable to make a choice or you have too much work that is all on priority, deep breathing will help you overcome any kind of panic. Close your eyes, take a deep breath. Hold it for a few seconds. Pass it out through your mouth. Repeat a few times till the palpitation in you heart has settled down and so has your brain. Don't let panic get the better of you. Never decide when your head and heart are in turmoil.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Walking</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: This is the best way to settle your mind though I don't walk so much these days as I used to earlier because of the high rate of pollution but, if you are in a deeply troubled state and need to clear your head, walking till you sweat really helps. In case you have trouble sleeping then, half an hour of brisk walking before you sit down for dinner really helps. It works up your appetite and tires you enough to make you fall into sleep on time. In case you have time to take longer walks, then do so by all means, walking is the best cardio exercise you can indulge yourself in. I walk alone but, you can also do it in a group however, see to it that the group should not be walking too slow. The walk that will help you overcome stress and help you sleep needs to be brisk and long. Hang out with your friends at leisure at some other time if they want a leisurely canter with lots of gossip thrown in.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Listen to other peoples' problems</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: This is a very useful therapy but, indulge only if you can be unbiased and can keep things to yourself. By just listening to other peoples' problems and suggesting solutions as a third party helps you to unplug your immediate worries and lets you think. This helps immensely because, it helps your head and heart to detach from your own sufferings and start thinking of solutions. However, do it ONLY if you can be unbiased and also if you can stay detached to be able to guide and help others without getting sucked into their problems and adding to your own.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Help Out</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: Do it purely as a physical activity that goes on to help others. It need not necessarily be for an NGO or in a slum. You can help someone ill in the neighborhood by cooking for their family or taking care of their infant or a pet. You could help your elderly neighbor by watering their plants or buying grocery for them when you go out to buy your own. This kind of neighborly volunteering helps you build relationships with real people who appreciate your help and it is not something you need to go out of your way to do either. It's like car pool. You pick up a few people to ride with you because there is space in your car and they are going your way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Adopt a Pet</b>: It could be a tree that needs watering or a stray cat or dog or any other animal or bird that needs to be fed. You don't need to bring them home, just ensure that they are fed and happy wherever they are and run them to the neighborhood vet if they are not feeling well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Start a Hobby</b>: This is the best way to beat the blues. Pick up a hobby that doesn't need too much time or expense like, cooking or clicking pictures with your smartphone. You could also take up painting or singing if you have the time and a teacher nearby. Hobbies make you happy. They give you a sense of accomplishment. You could just get a bunch of underprivileged kids on your balcony and teach them the English alphabet if teaching is what you like. The sense of joy is immense.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Travel</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: Go away for a few days if you can. You could go solo or take that one dear friend with you who never badgers you. Taking a simple break is always a great therapy for a stressed mind. If time is a constrain then play tourist in your city. Instead of hitting the mall, go to a museum or for a painting exhibition. Walk around a famous monument, eat local food from authentic joints or do a picnic with your family on a Sunday. A change of scene is always a great detox. It will help you overcome your immediate problems and think clearly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep</b>: This is my personal favorite though it is often only a short-term solution. If I don't know the answer to a problem, I sleep on it. Sleep refreshes the body and relaxes the mind. Usually, it is easier to find the solution to your problems when you wake up with an uncluttered mind. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Smile</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: This is perhaps the most difficult to do than all the others that I have noted above. But, if you can crack a smile and think of a funny incident in the midst of a chaotic day, your stress levels will take a southwards plunge. A smile is like a personal cuddle. It warms you up from inside and immediately relaxes you. Personally, I think of the antics of my young niece whenever I feel stressed. It never fails to make me smile even on a really dark day of work. Whether sitting in a traffic jam or unable to </span>prioritize<span style="font-family: inherit;"> work for the day despite multiple deadlines, a simple happy thought and the smile that it brings can relax you in seconds. So, keep the happy memories handy on a difficult day. Think of all the happy times you have had and smile a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are a few things that I practice to de-clutter and reactivate my brains on stressful days and even when things are going great. The idea is to practice these things so that they become a part of your life and personality. With these simple things as a part of your life, you can breathe happy and stay stress-free all the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(Images courtesy, the Internet)</i></span></div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-13847604073873165462017-10-27T16:03:00.002+05:302017-10-27T16:03:57.757+05:30Say 'No' to Stay Happy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Life is never easy and mostly this is because there are too many choices to make. For every decision you take there are a thousand that 'could have been' or 'would have been' or 'if only'.<br />
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Personally, I have always faced a problem has been saying 'No'. I have always been scared of making someone unhappy by saying no when they want me to say, 'Yes'.<br />
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It had made my life thoroughly complicated and difficult for many years. The idea that I will hurt someone by saying 'No' always ended up by me being miserable for a long time for saying, 'Yes'.<br />
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The heart always knows what is right and the wise always go with their heart. I finally learnt to say 'No' from my young niece. When she was just learning to communicate at around the age two years, she would very clearly let us know if she did not want something. She'd simply say, 'no' and stick to her decision. Whether it was on food, time to be put to sleep, who she would want to be carried around by - for every decision, she'd look at what is on display and give her emphatic decision.<br />
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I learnt from her. By closely following her whims, I realized that she was exercising her right to choice without any outward influence. It did not matter whose heart she was breaking by saying no. What mattered was whether she was comfortable with the final decision - I observed that she always was. Once she decided, she stuck to the decision and stayed happy. She actually is a happy human being who is able to light up a dark day with her laughter.<br />
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Most of us are like her when while growing up. But, adulthood and society takes care of us soon and we become slaves to what is supposedly 'expected behavior.'<br />
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But, each time we say 'yes' to something that we wanted to say 'no' to, we kill a bit of ourselves by putting our happiness on hold.<br />
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Since Dussehra just passed us by, another story struck me and made me believe that what I learnt from the baby in the last couple of years was absolutely correct. It is the story of Ratnakar bandit who later became the great sage, Valmiki.<br />
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Ratnakar confessed to a monk he had captured that he became a dreaded criminal and highway robber to feed his family. The monk very calmly asked him to go back to his family and ask them if they were ready to take his sins on their heads because he was 'killing and looting innocents to feed them'.<br />
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Ratnakar without hesitating for a moment said, "of course they do. They are my mother, father, wife and children. They have always known what I do and how I bring home food. They are partners in my life of crime because they are benefiting from it."<br />
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The monk who was tied-up to a huge tree and had the fierce Ratnakar staring at him in the eye with a scimitar ready to behead him said, "Nothing is involuntary in the universe. Go and ask your family and if they say that they are ready to take your sins on their heads, I will be happy to die by your hands."<br />
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Ratnakar somehow could not say, 'No'. Perhaps this was his biggest character flaw as he was soon to realize.<br />
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He went back to his family in the jungle and asked each one of them separately and then, together but, everyone unanimously refused to take on his sins including his mother and beloved children. They all said, 'it was your duty to take care of us and you did it the way you decided to. We never influenced or asked you to take on a life of crime and murder to feed us. It was your decision to do so and therefore, the sins that you have incurred are also yours.'<br />
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No amount of begging or crying would change their minds. Finally, the truth hit the dreaded bandit that we are alone are responsible for taking our own decisions and therefore to suffer or reap the rewards of the Karma we make from them.<br />
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He thought he was making his family happy but, in taking care of their happiness he refused to take a road that might have been less paying thinking it would make his family happy. Probably they were too but, Ratnakar himself was not. He was miserable and constantly afraid of death that he meted out to others all the time. Probably it was his inability to overcome his fear of death that made him listen to the monk who had nothing to lose.<br />
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In saying 'Yes' to a path of crime, Ratnakar had permanently written-off his choice to be free of the ghosts of his own making. He was successful but, not happy.<br />
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He went back to the monk, let him off and took up a vow to cleanse his sins by praying on an ant hill for many years.<br />
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How that worked out and how he became the revered saint Valmiki, the author of Ramayana is another story and perhaps his reward for accumulating good Karma post renunciation of the material world.<br />
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That day however, was an eye-opener for Ratnakar because, he realized the hard way like most of us that we alone have to suffer our choices. No one will take up the responsibility of our mistakes or bad choices even if we have taken it to make them happy.<br />
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What matters is to listen to your heart and follow what your gut tells you.<br />
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Choose wisely to live happily because we are the protagonists of our stories and each story deserves a happy ending.</div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-73734959008123170252017-07-24T12:31:00.000+05:302017-07-24T12:31:44.752+05:30Please Pack my Bags, I Want to Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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'Travel is a rebellion and packing is a spoilsport.' This happens to be my personal adage. I love to run around the countryside and am equally happy whether on a ramshackle bus or a luxury train. But, what puts me off completely about travel is packing.<br />
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'How irritating', is the first thought I get when I realize I have to pack. The entire euphoria of going away goes spiraling downhill. I feel like cancelling the trip and get panic attacks if I realize that I have to pack clothes for a different season. For example, winter wear during Summer if headed for the hills.<br />
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Mostly, I am pretty efficient and till date have missed a flight just once because of an inefficient cabby. However, I HATE to pack and often leave it till the end. I sometimes worry that I will one day cancel trips only because I loathe to pack - it is indeed becoming a nightmare of sorts for me as I grow older and thus, more rooted in my ideas!<br />
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But, it would be a lie if I say that I loved it when I was younger. Even when in college, I loved travelling so much that my teachers had started calling me Gulliver after the much-traveled chronicler from literature. All this glory when I was always hiding my fear of packing from the world and putting on a brave front.<br />
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For me packing is like going on war. I have loved the American novel, Three Men on a Boat for a long time because not only do the friends love travelling and meeting adventures face-on, they also hated packing. The author dedicates a whole chapter on the art of packing where the protagonists get everything wrong. It makes me feel awfully good and connected. As if I was the one Jerome K Jerome was thinking of when writing the story. Sigh!<br />
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Anyhow, I have now hacked some parts of it and this is how I manage,<br />
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<b>To-do Lists</b><br />
Keep ready a to-do-list for packing. In fact, I have more than one. One for winter, one for summer, one for road trips yet another for flights and journey by train etc. For long trips, short ones and overnighters. Make as many as you think yo may need and keep them safe - please keep them all together in one place. I keep mine in an old biscuit tin on my work table.<br />
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<b>Packing Cheats</b><br />
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<b>Pre-Packed Suitcase</b><br />
Keep your suitcase packed with clothes for the next season. This really helps. As I said, my worst fear is packing for a different season, therefore, I pack my going away luggage with clothes that are from another season. This way, I just have to add toiletries, slippers, shoes and towels and I am done! Hola!!!<br />
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<b>Toiletries</b><br />
I keep buying two of the things that I mostly use. For example, lipsticks and gloss, hand cream, lotion etc. These I keep in a small pouch that I carry with me everyday. When I have to go somewhere, I just add a toothbrush, paste and body wash to the mix and throw it in. Also, carry a clean comb and a nail cutter if going for a longer trip.<br />
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<b>Bedding</b><br />
Holidays should be for rejuvenation and not for adding to the fatigue. I always carry a light cover up - even the air condition in the car, train or flight can be a killer and a small pillow to keep the neck straight even if you doze off. Saves nursing a stiff neck on vacation.<br />
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<b>Food and Water</b><br />
If embarking on a road trip and even not, I'd suggest that you carry plenty of packaged water. Water and cold drinks from the roadside are often tampered with and can cause a whole lot of stomach and other ailments like, typhoid or even jaundice. Also, carry tetrapacks of fruit juices, butter milk and energy drinks. Avoid buying bottled drinks from railway stations and roadside vendors. Carry packs of ready-to-eat murmura, chiwda, chakli and biscuits that you like. All brands may not be available everywhere. Throw in some dry fruits and pop-corn if you have extra space. This will ensure that you never go without food or water. This saved my life once when I realized after boarding a night train to Jammu that Gharib Rath Express does not serve food or water nor bedding.<br />
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<b>Extra Batteries and Chargers</b><br />
Check all your electronic equipment a day or two before departure and charge the batteries - both working and extra. Try to carry less as these are the things that will not only weight you down but, also attract thieves. Don't carry stuff that you may not require while vacationing like, a laptop if you just want to check your emails. You can do that very well on your smartphone. Carry a torch and some extra batteries - just in case.<br />
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<b>Napkins, Wipes and Sanitizer</b><br />
Carry plenty of wipes, sanitizer, soaps and napkins because not everywhere you go may put cleanliness at the top of their charts. Carry them especially if you are on a family vacation with children and the elderly.<br />
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<b>Medicines and First Aid</b><br />
If you are on regular medication, chances are that you will carry the prescription and the medicines without a reminder but, if not, carry basic medicines that work for you in your luggage. Depending on your requirements and the season, carry medication for fever, stomach conditions, aches and pains and so on. Also, carry plenty of band-aids and medicines for cuts and wounds. You never know when you may need some.<br />
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<b>Umbrella and Extra Shoes</b><br />
It is always sensible to carry an umbrella and extra shoes because, there is no knowing when it may rain.<br />
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<b>Tickets, Passport and ID Cards</b><br />
Finally, ALWAYS check and put the tickets and ID cards or passport in one zip pocket of your purse. Check the dates and time a few days before the trip or mark them on a calendar on your desktop.<br />
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<b>Cash and Cards</b><br />
Keep cash with you because plenty of roadside joints on the highway and even at railway stations will not accept cards. Keep the cash distributed in different areas of the purse or better still wear it around your fanny. Saves a lot of trouble though you may not look chic but, your money will be safe.<br />
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Note: Though the hacks are all mine, the images are from <i>Pinterest</i>.<br />
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Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199368060345522733.post-90159498221540988942017-06-01T19:01:00.001+05:302017-06-18T09:01:11.903+05:30Letter to Myself: Thank You Universe for another Happy Birthday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear Life,<br />
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Birthdays are milestones in the story of life but, most tend to get lost in a haze of celebrations (pre-Internet era) and texting "thank you" notes these days.<br />
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Today I stopped midway to say thanks to the universe.<br />
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Why the universe?<br />
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Because, I have now with my slightly cracked-opened mind and heart (it happens as you age) with the "light" coming in through the chinks, I have realized that salvation lies in merging with "The One".<br />
<br />
What is "The One"?<br />
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That can be interpreted in several ways, one God, one soul, the eternal world. Somewhere where there is harmony and peace. It could also be in a corner of this world or on Moon - who knows?<br />
<br />
So basically, after all these eventful decades, I have decided to choose love over war.<br />
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No. That certainly doesn't make me a Hippie. But, it means for sure that I am more at peace with myself than I was in my younger self. I am aware of my strengths, I know I am emotional and how to hide it like I have learnt how to hide belly fat and I have decided that only rats run in races. I am NOT a rat!<br />
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I know that I am unique and capable of a lot of things that others find very difficult to do and many that I cannot. But, that is fine. I know someone else is better equipped to do it and that is their forte. I am not ashamed of not being able to take up that job.<br />
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I like it that I don't know everything. It means I am sane and not a control freak. But, I also know that I can pick up most things pretty fast because I have a curious mind.<br />
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Many people hate me but, that is their problem. I care only for those who have seen me through thick and thin.<br />
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This is the reason why I want to make another list of thank yous and send it out to the universe. So, here's my list:<br />
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Thank you universe for:<br />
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1) Wisdom to understand myself and my drawbacks and not feel bad about it<br />
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2) Wisdom to empathize but not get swept up by the feeling<br />
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3) My human self which comes pre-fitted with the best equipment like, the limbs to run and pick things with, tongue to taste, eyes to see and appreciate, ears to hear and understand meaning of each and every noise and the direction it is coming from and for being the perfect place to perch my glasses on. The nose to smell - danger, food and news! For the brain that takes care of the body, for my stomach, liver, kidneys and every bone in my skeleton. My teeth and nails, hair and skin that is so fragile that I HAVE to wear nice clothes to protect it.<br />
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4) My parents and family, because of whom I stay happy and calm<br />
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5) My friends and like-minded souls who never forget to give me a hand when I am falling<br />
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6) My books and all the writers who have written them with faith, wisdom and filled them with hours of entertainment<br />
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7) Movies that never fail to mesmerize me with their visualization that brings characters live on screen<br />
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8) Random people who never cease to amaze me with their kindness and warmth<br />
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9) Ice cream that keeps me going in Summer when my birthday comes and with it Summer vacations because of which I never got to celebrate in school. It used to feel like tragedy then<br />
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10) Food because it can kill the pain of even the worst break-ups<br />
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11) Art because it can heal any wound - emotional or physical and help you look and feel good (will explain in detail another time)<br />
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12) Teachers for being around always to show the way<br />
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13) Babies for demonstrating unconditional love<br />
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14) My inner being that shows me the way - this one is impossible to explain but, I swear I am not bi-polar. I took several online tests to check<br />
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15) My curious nature that allows me to live everyday counting a hundred small victories rather than one huge failure<br />
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I thank the universe for giving me all that is beautiful on Earth and for making those awfully painful cracks in my mind and heart to let the light in.<br />
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And finally, thank you all for reading this. May your life be happy and may everyone learn to count their blessings.<br />
<br />
Love and light!</div>
Simply Curioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04588123122619156826noreply@blogger.com2