Thanking is an important gesture... Dil Se!

How many times have you thanked someone?
How often have you expressed gratitude to your friends, family members, peers...  or any stranger? I'm sure, we do it almost daily.., but the real question is,
"Did you thank because you 'really meant it' or because of some sort of compulsion?"
We are, by nature, more responsive to abuse and react to it more often than being patient and saying good words to people around us.
Honestly, sometimes I also find myself falling into that category very often. But when I realized the power of appreciating, I felt that I was building more negativity around me unnecessarily. Why do we say false words to someone? or, why do we find faults in the system? The system has been like that since its inception, it is your perception which matters. You find fault because your mind isn't adjusted to a new environment because mind is too habituated to the usual set up. Instead of talking bad about it, find ways to improve if you think something needs to be changed or just be positive.
Make a habit to see positive qualities in people & learn to grasp it.
Believe me or not, each one of us have some good trait/quality to offer. Knowledge has to be continuous for growth and development.

In a world that moves at lightning speed, gratitude is the pause that reminds us of what truly matters. A simple “Thank You” isn’t just good manners—it’s a superpower. It can mend relationships, brighten someone’s day, and even transform your own outlook on life.
A study suggests that the number of times you stay genuinely happy and make others happy, the more you ward-off the diseases and tiredness from your body.
You will make yourself more flexible and will grow mature if you keep an open mind always.
For an exercise, make a list of good and bad words which you say in your daily life.
Once you are finished doing it, retrospect, if you have more bad words than good words (most of us will have bad ones) and motivate yourself more if you have more good words in your list. Good habits never die, instead they stay with you as your asset and inspire others in many ways.
Similarly, in your daily routine there are a lot of people who would have helped you make your day good. Have you ever thanked your maid or car cleaner or laundry man for their services or the cleaner who brooms your vicinity?
Remember the 'Jaadu-ki-Jhappi' movie scene...
It may sound funny, but think about it.They also need some sort of appreciation for their work, regardless of how minute the work may sound to you. It actually boosts their inner self to work in a better way because they know that someone will definitely give them a pat on their back. You can always take some time off from your work and at least acknowledge them because they are the ones who makes your surroundings clean.
What I mean by "Dil Se" is the appreciation and love you can give from the deepest core of your heart. Think of that time when the Indian cricket team is playing against Pakistan in a final match and we win by a small margin... how much excited and elated we are.. that's the real happiness I'm searching for.
Not only them, but a lot more people contribute to your good life and with a simple 'Thank You' gesture or note, you can see that everyone is happy around you and ultimately you are happy within.

Wish you a Happy Day!

The Magic of Pomodoro Technique

 The Pomodoro Technique: How to Break Through Work Blocks and Stay Focused

Are you tired of feeling stuck and unproductive at work? Do you struggle to stay focused and motivated? If so, you're not alone. Many of us face challenges with productivity and time management, but there is a simple yet powerful technique that can help: the Pomodoro Technique.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. The technique is named after a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (Pomodoro in Italian) that Cirillo used to help him stay focused. The technique is based on the idea of working in focused, 25-minute increments, called "Pomodoros," separated by 5-minute breaks.

How Does the Pomodoro Technique Work?

Here's a step-by-step guide to using the Pomodoro Technique:

Choose a task: Select a task you want to work on. Make sure it's a specific, tangible task that can be completed in a short period.
Set the timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes (or another length of time that works for you). This is your Pomodoro.
Work without interruptions: Focus exclusively on your task during the Pomodoro. Avoid interruptions, emails, phone calls, and social media.
Take a break: When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Stand up, stretch, move around, or do something relaxing.
Repeat the cycle: After your break, start a new Pomodoro. Repeat the cycle for a total of 4-6 Pomodoros per session.
Take a longer break: After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique has numerous benefits that can help you stay focused and productive. It helps to improve your focus, make time for your creative hobbies, get rid of mental blocks, better time management and it is the best way to reduce mental fatigue

Tips for Implementing the Pomodoro Technique

To get the most out of the Pomodoro Technique, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Start small: Begin with shorter Pomodoros (e.g., 10-15 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as you build focus and endurance.
Be flexible: Adjust the length of your Pomodoros and breaks to suit your needs and work style.
Use a timer: A timer can help you stay on track and maintain the discipline required for the Pomodoro Technique.
Minimize distractions: Eliminate or minimize distractions during your Pomodoros, such as turning off notifications or finding a quiet workspace.
Take breaks seriously: Make sure to take breaks and recharge between Pomodoros.

The Pomodoro Technique is a simple yet powerful tool for boosting productivity and staying focused. By working in focused intervals, eliminating distractions, and taking regular breaks, you can overcome work blocks and achieve your goals. Give the Pomodoro Technique a try and see how it can transform your work habits and improve your overall well-being.

Don't Hate Yourself for Loving "Too Much"

Personally, I have been that type of a girl my entire life.. Caring too much, Giving too much, Laughing too much, Loving with all my heart. But sometimes, I do feel that either I am being taken for granted or they just don't care because they start contemplating you as an "always available shoulder." When they needed me, I was always behind them; but when I looked back I could hardly see anyone behind me... This used to result in loneliness... I started blaming myself, felt guilty all the time for something I never did..., taking the full responsibility of overly loving my loved ones.

People like me are always hopeful and positive because they like to extract scent even from thorns. Most of the times, we believe that some people are definitely worth walking miles for...
All these inhibitions and reactions resulted in a 360 degree change in my personality... I started hiding from people, I became under-confident, I acted as if I really don't care anymore.... I became cold....

I wasn't myself anymore....

Truly speaking, initially, I gained a strange happiness by not caring and by running away.., it was easier and it didn't hurt me much. I became the I-don't-give-a-damn kind of a girl; it was going pretty amazing actually.

But you see, when you juxtapose your own self, you can't remain comfortable and contented in it for longer... because that's not you. You are someone who does care what's going in and around you.

My biggest mistake..., I changed for the worst.

But thankfully, I wasn't completely lost. Yes, I was steadily crawling towards the den of isolation and darkness, but thankfully, something just pulled me out of it at the right time.
We must learn from experiences and never underestimate our inner self because we are the best creations of our God..., our parents. Don't shy away from being that kind-loving person who is adored by everyone. Never listen to the world, they don't know you..., they'll customise you. We are living in those days where there's a cut throat competition even in the tiniest duration of time; that doesn't mean we start pleasing each and every person.

Lesson Learnt: Love selflessly, Be Yourself, Don't keep regrets and respect your decision whatever it might be. Never say sorry for your deeds, try to retrospect if you were wrong and learn from your mistakes.. The cycle must be complete, each day... every moment...
It's okay to cry, to yell, to shout... Never ever hide your emotions. It largely affects your body and mind and soul.

All in all, don't hate yourself for loving "too much".

It shows who you are and no one can dare to be like you.., cuz you're special. And, it's them who are so little to not understand your greatness.

Believe in love and embrace your strengths..!
Keep Smiling :) 

Pearls of My Wisdom

Pearls of Wisdom 

Success is more than making money
1. money isn't bad
2. money isn't all there is being successful

Successful people accept life as it is with all difficulties and challanges, they maintain positive attitude
success is in the doing and not in getting

Life is hard..and not always fair
reality is a great teacher
Life is hard, once we accept it, we begin to grow
complaining doesn't make problems go away

Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional
those things that hurt, instruct
we're not alone, courage to change the things

Life is also fun...and incredibly funny
Humans need to have fun
Looking back, it all seems pretty funny
man needs a little madness
only way to survive hardship is to get plenty of laughs along the way
mind is overly stressed when it's subject to seriousness for
cheerful heart is good medicine, but crushed spirit dries up the bones

We live by choice, not by chance
its our ability to choose
freedom to decide and power to choose
we don't 'have to', we choose to

Attitude is a choice, the most imp. 1 you'll ever make
a good attitude gets good result, and vice versa
think with an open mind
think for yourself
think constructively

Habit are the key to all success
the power of habit
habits are key to all success
sow an act..reap a habit; sow a habit..reap a character; sow a character..reap a destiny

Good people build their lives on a foundation of respect
respect for life
respect is as old as life itself
without good manners human society becomes intolerable and impossible
what's comes out of our mouths does indeed reveals what's stored in our hearts
Honour the rules
Appreciating differences

Honesty is still the best policy
integrity= complete
honesty is a struggle, it's hard work
dishonesty ruins rlatns, can't be hidden, prevents us from fulfillment
being honest: peace of mind, character, rlatnshp, wholeness, mental and phy. health, being authentic

Kind words costs little but accomplish much
ability to affirm others
we increase whatever we praise

Real motivation comes from within
Desire, belief, mental picture (clear vision)
motivation is an inner drive

Goals are dreams with deadlines
success is progressive accomplishment of worthy goals
understand the differece between a goal and a wish
write down ur goals and make them special
categorize and balance your goals
review and revise your goals regularly

there's no substitute for hard work
hard work- realise potential, feels good, builds character, earns respect, best result, habit, healthy
work and fun aren't opposite (take breaks from work)

You have to give up something to get something
self-discipline = being in charge of urslf
discipline means choices (u say yes to a goal, u say no to many more)
success = sum of small efforts
right choice- good habits- accomplishment- fulfillment

Successful ppl don't find time- they make time
time = life. irreversible and irreplaceable
waste time = waste life
we have all the time we need
the key = balance
plan ur day, make appointmnts, do little-bit-at-a-time, know ur most productive time

No one else can raise ur self-esteem
self-esteem is that deep-down inside the skin feeling u have of ur own self-worth
we can only feel good about ourselves is direct result of what we do ot think
be kind, honorable, productive, positive

the body needs nutrition- so do the mind and spirit
life is a balancing act
care for the body
caring for the mind, mental diet and exercise
caring for the spirit
God who was powerful enough to create the universe, yet is personal enough to want an intimate rlatn vd us
become complete (and integrated)
rlatn with God was necessary for overcoming marrow self interest and become complete human beings

it's ok to fail- every1 else has
failing is a fact of life and is a natural outcome of trying
failure teaches: humility, correct course of action, we can't always have wat we want, strength of our character, perseverance, we can survive defeat

Life is simpler when we know what's essential
be a spirit lifter
choose good attitude, respect, be honest and fair, learn lifelong, laugh

Be a good person
do all the good u can, by all the means u can
being gud is the most essential ingredient of emotional and spiritual health

LI_E: One alphabet, many meanings

We See What we Want to See!!

Because all perceptions are our choice.. we make one ourselves. It's a simple funda which has a deep meaning.

For example, just look at the half written heading.. I mean just a small word where one simple alphabet is missing. What's the beauty in this is that if we add the letter, the meaning completely changes.

Try this as an exercise.

Complete the word and find out how many meaningful words can you make out of it!

Don't worry, no one will judge you in doing this. But surely once you end up thinking and start googling... you'll be astonished to find many others too. How come I missed that? Of course you are intelligent and smart. But you still missed that one.. isn't it?

I only want to make a psychological sense into this little trivia. What my point is that we tend to pick certain instances and see what we want to see. We tend to lock our mind in one dimension... of course unknowingly. We find words like Life, Like, Line and Live. But many of us will forget some other meaningful words like Lime, Lite, Lice, Lire.

Almost 95% will try to fill words.. and won't even read my question properly. They can also make a meaningful word... Lie! Because I never mentioned how many letter words it should be.

Putting all of this into an observation, we can easily say that we only see what we want to. Reading between the lines or seeing out of the box is not so common in us humans.

It is only when we cease to lock our mind from our caves and start opening up to see beyond the chains can we actually become wise and shine under inner peace. Stop imposing restrictions and traditional ways because life is all about growing up not old.

My Mother-in-law....

Ever since I have set foot into this world, I have grown up holding my mother’s hand and she is the one who showed me the world through her eyes. Later, she encouraged me to go on my own and define world through my own experiences.
Inspite of my “terrible teens”, one thing was absolutely clear, no one can ever take the place of my mother and that is why she is MOM!  It will be impossible for me to call any other person as my mother (I mean, that’s huge... right?)
I was wrong
When I turned 27 last year, a new life was waiting for me with all arms open: I was about to get married!
I was excited and happy because the man I was to marry is a gem of a person.., but I was anxious and nervous because of the fear of unknown.. my mother and father-in-law. I used to think what’ll I call them... aunty-uncle, mummyji-papaji or simply just come up with something like.. haanji, ji, namaste, ummm, etc.
I won’t lie, it was cluttered in my head.
Then I decided to just forget everything and go with the flow; let things come to me all by itself. The moment I stepped inside Mumbai (my in law’s place), I felt a different kind of vibe. A vibe which was so new and so fresh. All smiling faces in front of me.. ready to make me feel at home, like I was already the member of this new family. My husband had to leave to USA leaving me alone with my new “parents”.
I was scared; I only knew him.. not his family..!
I decided I will show them my true self and not to be impersonate.
But I hesitated to call them mom and dad.
We in general have a tendency to rely on the first impression for other people and environment which is not the right way. You’ve got to be a little mature than that.
In India, it is the daughter-in-law who has to adjust to the new place and learn the lifestyle of the new family. For me, I gradually discovered, I didn’t have to do anything to adjust, they adjusted for me! It was a surprise because I have always seen my mother struggling so much to find her rightful place in my father’s family. I have seen my mother being constantly questioned by my grandma on random irrelevant things.
My mother-in-law is so open and so welcoming that I didn’t feel alienated. We talk about almost every topic. She is so lively and cheerful; she didn’t even make me understand their cooking methods and lifestyle. Like a water color, I merged into their ways easily.
She gave me time to sink in (which isn’t a common thing at all).
And before I could realise, one day I said .... Maa..! Oh My God.. I gave her the highest honor! She isn’t just my husband’s mother anymore.. she is my mother as well! I am sure she also must have took time to understand me. The best thing was, we both never forced ourselves onto each other.
Now, I can not fathom myself not talking to her on a daily basis. Many a times, I follow my mother-in-law’s advices more than my own mom (my mother-in-law is more open minded and not restricted by traditions). I think of her and my father-in-law every day; and they have all their love to shower upon me!
Yes, I am her daughter.. and not just daughter-in-law!
Some women have dreadful experiences with their in laws, I have seen them too. I think God is kind to me to give me two moms who equally love me and pray for my well-being.
On your 55th birthday, I wish you all the good luck and all the happiness. You means the world to me!
See you soon maa...

An Old Me but A New Me

It is too much to embrace life when you get high of it. All of a sudden when you were just living in your worst days, someone just makes you so alive and showers so much happiness that it becomes unbearable. Feels like you are living in a juxtaposing fantasy world which is beyond your imagination. I too fell under such a place. Marriage and coming to USA with my one and only was itself too much to take that I dont want to come out of it at all.
And guess what..., I am not doing anything wrong; I deserve it.
Honestly, if you want something, all you need is to have trust and patience. People will come along in your life showing an alternate route which might look easier. All my life I have ever wanted was the ultimate love of my life and men did knock on my heart; but none could touch my heart (or maybe I was too naive to ignore it.. who knows..). Born in a middle class family, I have always seen my parents protecting each other and loving each other without even saying those three magical words. And now here I am... miles away from home.. with my partner in a completely new avatar (a wife!!! I still get chills while thinking about that transformation.. but there it is..)
I am living the American life and learning the American ways. Also, my Social Media feeds are getting so interesting with the picturesque locations (can’t avoid mentioning that!!). Yet, I am a Desi at heart, making Chapatis, Daal and Sabzi for my Hubba-Hubba!! I still try to be myself by talking to my folks back in India and reminding me of my roots. Trying to find myself in this first world country, I have come a long way. My whole life and routine has taken a 180 degree turn. Of course, the New Me has spoilt the Old Me; but I am happy to take it in full form. Now I realize that change is a part of life which is unavoidable.
Life is short, so you never know what’s next. Until then just stay happy and make your own path. Things will fall in place when it has to be.