Saturday, February 27, 2010
Monday, February 08, 2010
The greatest addiction of all times!
It’s called a ‘lifestyle’! Yes the biggest and most dangerous addiction possible is your lifestyle. Now this may not be the case for everyone out there, God knows I have seen loads of people who make this addiction work for them. But for most people it is very dangerous.
What does a lifestyle mean? How would you define it? Is it the food you eat or the physical regime you follow or the people you hang out with or the stuff that you do? It’s all of that and more.
A lifestyle is physical, it’s emotional, it’s mental, it’s spiritual and it’s economical. It is what defines you! You are your lifestyle!
Most people will tell you that they would like to make some changes to their current lives. So why can’t they do it? Because; as human beings we are prone to habits. We make the smallest thing a habit and then an addiction till it’s so much a part of us that breaking out of it is sometimes not even visible; leave alone possible.
When I think of all the people I know or interact with, I realize that there are precious few who are happy and content, the rest of them are sadly missing something in their lives.
Life is too short to waste on misery and discontent. If things are not the way you like, try and change them, if they can’t change, either accept them with grace or move on! How can we waste our time doing otherwise?
Life is too short to waste on misery and discontent. If things are not the way you like, try and change them, if they can’t change, either accept them with grace or move on! How can we waste our time doing otherwise?
It’s about redefining who you are, what you want from life and where you want to go with it. Knowing what you don’t want is as important. How else would you avoid the sublime and the ridiculous?
I think everyone can benefit from a lifestyle change; some more than others. Accepting this fact is the beginning. Just sit back and think about the larger picture. Dream, fantasize, and put yourself in an imaginary world. A world where there are no holds barred. It’s a good place to go every now and then.
Usually when you do this, you will find that you see yourself in a very different set of circumstances as compared to your real life. You will look different, speak different and do different.
Snap back to reality and maybe this little fantasy trip has given you some insight into where you want to take your lifestyle. Is it really impossible to get there? I don’t think so. All it takes is small changes and a few goals at a time.
Does this mean you have to change who you are? Absolutely not! In fact it means go find your true self. The ultimate form of detox.
Try it, it’s working for me, maybe it will work for you!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Memories, music and magic!
Shraddha Hattangady Mehta and Ekta Hattangady; 2 sisters who I love, made magic come alive last night. Here’s how:
They lost their mother a few years ago when they were still too young to have to face such a harsh reality. What was worse is that their mom had a disease that took her slowly and painfully in front of their innocent eyes; forever changing them. But they are such strong and beautiful girls that they made it through with grace that would make their mother proud.
Ekta; the younger of the two found her calling from this experience and has started “The Caregiver’s Foundation” (http://careforcarers.wordpress.com/). She aims to create a support system to help caregivers of the ill. Having recently being in a similar position myself (and that is a blog for another day); I am completely in awe of her concept.
Of course someone who is ill requires help and support and understanding. But so do those who look after them. They need a place to vent, they need a place to cry and laugh. They need understanding and patience too. More than anything else, they need a lot of love.
Shraddha; who is one of the best singers I have ever heard; all but stopped singing after losing her mother. I am so glad that once her daughter was born, Shraddha rediscovered the joy of music. The world was a poorer place without her voice.
As a memorial and tribute to her mother; Shraddha organized a classical vocal recital by her Guru; Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande. It was an evening of pure enchantment.
To our pleasure the evening started with a performance by Shraddha herself. I have never heard her sing anywhere but in the privacy of our houses and I was delighted. Oh she is so good!
Following this was a mesmerizing performance by Smt. Deshpande. Her voice is outstanding. Her melody captivates and her own pleasure takes you in to a world of magic. I am not really a fan of vocal classical music, but after last night I am a changed person. How blessed we are to get the chance to experience such a beautiful evening.
The music brought back to life the people we have lost. It brought back memories of happy times shared and blessings left behind.
This event was a wonderful way to start the journey that will be “The Caregiver’s Foundation” and an even better way to honour Zarana Aunty’s life and memory.
Thank you Shraddha and Ekta for sharing your memories, your magic and your music with us!
They lost their mother a few years ago when they were still too young to have to face such a harsh reality. What was worse is that their mom had a disease that took her slowly and painfully in front of their innocent eyes; forever changing them. But they are such strong and beautiful girls that they made it through with grace that would make their mother proud.
Ekta Hattangady announcing 'The Caregivers' Foundation
Ekta; the younger of the two found her calling from this experience and has started “The Caregiver’s Foundation” (http://careforcarers.wordpress.com/). She aims to create a support system to help caregivers of the ill. Having recently being in a similar position myself (and that is a blog for another day); I am completely in awe of her concept.
Of course someone who is ill requires help and support and understanding. But so do those who look after them. They need a place to vent, they need a place to cry and laugh. They need understanding and patience too. More than anything else, they need a lot of love.
Shraddha Hattangady Mehta singing a tribute to her mother
Shraddha; who is one of the best singers I have ever heard; all but stopped singing after losing her mother. I am so glad that once her daughter was born, Shraddha rediscovered the joy of music. The world was a poorer place without her voice.
As a memorial and tribute to her mother; Shraddha organized a classical vocal recital by her Guru; Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande. It was an evening of pure enchantment.
To our pleasure the evening started with a performance by Shraddha herself. I have never heard her sing anywhere but in the privacy of our houses and I was delighted. Oh she is so good!
Following this was a mesmerizing performance by Smt. Deshpande. Her voice is outstanding. Her melody captivates and her own pleasure takes you in to a world of magic. I am not really a fan of vocal classical music, but after last night I am a changed person. How blessed we are to get the chance to experience such a beautiful evening.
The music brought back to life the people we have lost. It brought back memories of happy times shared and blessings left behind.
This event was a wonderful way to start the journey that will be “The Caregiver’s Foundation” and an even better way to honour Zarana Aunty’s life and memory.
Thank you Shraddha and Ekta for sharing your memories, your magic and your music with us!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Perfect Sock
This may have been a “vague-half-asleep-midnight” thought, but I haven’t been able to forget it. Is there anything like the perfect sock?
Everything else that we wear from our clothes to our privates, from shoes to jewellery, we always try it on, see it fits well and can compare that there is a difference between the fit of one versus the other. But what of socks?
Think about all the socks you have. Can you pull out a single pair and say that this is the perfect one; and there is no other sock that fits just as right?
I have no foot fetish, but even I know that my toes are of a different size and that I have a heel. It seems that many sock makers don’t seem to agree. They seem to think that all my toes are the same length and that a heel is just an inconvenience. Now that may be so for Achilles but I happen to like my heel and I like my sock to hold it well.
Then there is the fabric. I mean come on, cotton please. I live in a place where many people ask you to remove your shoes at the door. But no one seems to realise that there are those who prefer wearing polyester (ugh) and the experience of sweaty polyester clad bare feet is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. It’s gotten to the extent that the more sensible people now ask people to please leave their shoes on before coming in.
Next is the elasticity of the sock. How can you make a good sock with elastic, I ask you? Lycra is the way to go. It stretches just right so that you don’t have to work up a sweat getting into your socks and then actually comes back to being fitted so it doesn’t sag in and around your shoes. And when you wash them, they actually carry on being the same shape. Nice!
Isn’t it strange, to know these things about socks and to still pick them up as and when they are needed and from the first convenient location. And yet when we want anything else, we will hunt all the stores in town to find the perfect fit, feel and look. If we don’t find what we are looking for, we don’t settle for what we get. We wait and keep looking.
I think for the sheer experiment of it (and the fun it will be), I am going to go sock hunting and shall ask to try on each pair, until I find the perfect one. Will I find my perfect sock?
Everything else that we wear from our clothes to our privates, from shoes to jewellery, we always try it on, see it fits well and can compare that there is a difference between the fit of one versus the other. But what of socks?
Think about all the socks you have. Can you pull out a single pair and say that this is the perfect one; and there is no other sock that fits just as right?
I have no foot fetish, but even I know that my toes are of a different size and that I have a heel. It seems that many sock makers don’t seem to agree. They seem to think that all my toes are the same length and that a heel is just an inconvenience. Now that may be so for Achilles but I happen to like my heel and I like my sock to hold it well.
Then there is the fabric. I mean come on, cotton please. I live in a place where many people ask you to remove your shoes at the door. But no one seems to realise that there are those who prefer wearing polyester (ugh) and the experience of sweaty polyester clad bare feet is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. It’s gotten to the extent that the more sensible people now ask people to please leave their shoes on before coming in.
Next is the elasticity of the sock. How can you make a good sock with elastic, I ask you? Lycra is the way to go. It stretches just right so that you don’t have to work up a sweat getting into your socks and then actually comes back to being fitted so it doesn’t sag in and around your shoes. And when you wash them, they actually carry on being the same shape. Nice!
Isn’t it strange, to know these things about socks and to still pick them up as and when they are needed and from the first convenient location. And yet when we want anything else, we will hunt all the stores in town to find the perfect fit, feel and look. If we don’t find what we are looking for, we don’t settle for what we get. We wait and keep looking.
I think for the sheer experiment of it (and the fun it will be), I am going to go sock hunting and shall ask to try on each pair, until I find the perfect one. Will I find my perfect sock?
Friday, January 02, 2009
Happy Happy!
That’s what I am and what I wish for everyone around me!
The past year for me was one of the best of my lives. I got married to the one I love. We made a lovely house together, got a dog and made a life for ourselves. A life that we have been dreaming about for as long as 15 years. A life we have fought all the odds for and come out stronger than we ever were. It’s so amazing that I have to pinch myself to remember that I am awake!
Unfortunately this year also saw me through some really heartbreaking disappointments. I have emotionally lost a lot that I held precious. I don’t know if I will ever get it back again. It just goes to prove there is no such thing as absolute relationships. I am trying not to hold it in my heart, but it is difficult at times. All I can do is concentrate on all the good, and just leave no space for this unhappiness in my life.
Doing this is easy. How can it not be? The sheer love and warmth in my home is enough for me to leave the troubles at the door step. Ours is a happy home. And we do our best to make it happier by the day. It’s also wonderful to know how many people are happy for us and how they seem to be enveloping our lives with their love. It’s so real, you can almost touch it.
And now I enter a new phase! 2009 is going to be an interesting year. I wonder if the problems I face will work themselves out. I wonder how I will ride this global recession and still do well at work. I wonder how to make an even better life for me and my husband. I wonder if I will finally be able to make my self a healthier person. I wonder!!!
I wonder if I will be able to write poetry again or will it only be prose. I wonder if Ferrari will win again. I wonder if I will learn to cook Indian and Chinese food. I wonder if I will do business in Curacao. I wonder if JJ will enjoy yoga with me.I wonder if I will have a dream holiday this year. I wonder how may nieces and nephews will be born. I really wonder!!!
Oh it’s such a great feeling to know that there is so much waiting for me! I am happy it’s 2009.
Here’s wishing all of you the same enthusiasm I feel. Have a wonderful year ahead!
Monday, March 19, 2007
A Scarlet Fin(ish)
It is that time of the year once again. The time to watch 22 cars charge around at mind numbing speeds to compete for the Formula 1 world championship.
There are a lot of changes this year – the teams have changed, the drivers have changed, the liveries have changed and most importantly the world’s best driver is not racing. Michael Schumacher retired after the 2006 season and I am sure millions over the world must have felt the same heart break as I did when he announced his decision. Formula 1 will never be the same again.
Then came the official announcement that the Fin - Kimi Raikkonen will be taking Schumacher’s place. I can’t think of anyone who would have made a better choice. And the fact that Kimi is drop dead gorgeous is beside the point; he is a fantastic driver!
Sunday’s race started bright and early (at least for me here in India) and to see the Ferrari standing there at the P1 spot was such a rush. The five red lights illuminated and went off to mark the start of what was to be a fantastic race. Kimi dominated it from beginning to end and when he took the scarlet car across the checkered flag, Ferrari fans across the world were ecstatic – me included.
It was a thrill to hear the Finnish national anthem ring out just before the familiar Italian anthem. The Ice Man smiled and won a million hearts.
I hope this is an indication of what this year has in store for us. Here’s to many more scarlet fin(ishes)!!!
There are a lot of changes this year – the teams have changed, the drivers have changed, the liveries have changed and most importantly the world’s best driver is not racing. Michael Schumacher retired after the 2006 season and I am sure millions over the world must have felt the same heart break as I did when he announced his decision. Formula 1 will never be the same again.
Then came the official announcement that the Fin - Kimi Raikkonen will be taking Schumacher’s place. I can’t think of anyone who would have made a better choice. And the fact that Kimi is drop dead gorgeous is beside the point; he is a fantastic driver!
Sunday’s race started bright and early (at least for me here in India) and to see the Ferrari standing there at the P1 spot was such a rush. The five red lights illuminated and went off to mark the start of what was to be a fantastic race. Kimi dominated it from beginning to end and when he took the scarlet car across the checkered flag, Ferrari fans across the world were ecstatic – me included.
It was a thrill to hear the Finnish national anthem ring out just before the familiar Italian anthem. The Ice Man smiled and won a million hearts.
I hope this is an indication of what this year has in store for us. Here’s to many more scarlet fin(ishes)!!!
Source: www.formula1.com
Thursday, April 06, 2006
A belated greeting
I should have posted this entry a long time ago, but couldn’t. So here it is!
On the 15th of January this year our group, affectionately called ‘kutumb’ (family in Guajrati), welcomed it’s newest member. Viral and Vaishali’s new born son – Agastya.
Viral was the first of our group to get married and bring his wife into our lives. And they in turn have brought the first member of the kutumb’s second generation to us.
Since Viral is like a brother to me, I consider Vaishali to be a sister–in–law and their son my nephew. And as any proud aunt, I was thrilled when I first saw him on the day he was born. I can’t begin to describe the joy I felt to see that beautiful little face, so pink and so tiny (this is him when he was 5 hours old).
As all the friends stared at him, we couldn’t resist painting a picture of what he would be like when he grew up. What it would be like for us to see him go through the stages of his life that we have been through. We hoped that he would find friends like we all are. People he would spend a life time with.
I bet he is going to be spoiled rotten by the whole kutumb and we are going to enjoy every moment of it.
"Welcome to our world Agastya! We promise to make it as wonderful for you as we can."
On the 15th of January this year our group, affectionately called ‘kutumb’ (family in Guajrati), welcomed it’s newest member. Viral and Vaishali’s new born son – Agastya.
Viral was the first of our group to get married and bring his wife into our lives. And they in turn have brought the first member of the kutumb’s second generation to us.
Since Viral is like a brother to me, I consider Vaishali to be a sister–in–law and their son my nephew. And as any proud aunt, I was thrilled when I first saw him on the day he was born. I can’t begin to describe the joy I felt to see that beautiful little face, so pink and so tiny (this is him when he was 5 hours old).
As all the friends stared at him, we couldn’t resist painting a picture of what he would be like when he grew up. What it would be like for us to see him go through the stages of his life that we have been through. We hoped that he would find friends like we all are. People he would spend a life time with.I bet he is going to be spoiled rotten by the whole kutumb and we are going to enjoy every moment of it.
"Welcome to our world Agastya! We promise to make it as wonderful for you as we can."
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
A long awaited lunch
Some plans are made and never followed through. My cousin sisters and I have been promising to have lunch together for years now and it has never happened.
Recently, at a common cousin’s wedding, we once again made plans. But this time it seemed like it would work. And work it did.
The next day 6 of us got together for lunch. Finally! I rank this as one of the most enjoyable family related gatherings I have ever been to.
L - R: Ami, Amrita (ben), Priya, Sonali, Monisha & Me at Mocha
We managed to catch up on what we are all doing, how we got there. We talked about husbands / fiancés, children, our family, work and heaven knows what else. We gossiped and we laughed. We teased each other and we stood up for each other. Most importantly we bonded.
I found myself mentally distancing myself from the conversation and observing the 6 of us, the differences and the similarities. The bantering and the silences; the ease and comfort we shared. No one was sitting in judgment, no pretences were needed. It was an unburdened acceptance of each other.
I think the key ingredient that day was we didn’t meet as sisters as much as we met as friends. When we parted, we were both!
The gathering ended too soon for my liking and sadly we are all back to our lives. 2 of them are in another city, 1 in another country. It will take a long time before all of us are in the same town again. But I’m sure we will meet if and when that happens. And will probably take up from where we left off this time.
I think they will all agree with me when I say that I am really looking forward to that day!
Recently, at a common cousin’s wedding, we once again made plans. But this time it seemed like it would work. And work it did.
The next day 6 of us got together for lunch. Finally! I rank this as one of the most enjoyable family related gatherings I have ever been to.
L - R: Ami, Amrita (ben), Priya, Sonali, Monisha & Me at Mocha
We managed to catch up on what we are all doing, how we got there. We talked about husbands / fiancés, children, our family, work and heaven knows what else. We gossiped and we laughed. We teased each other and we stood up for each other. Most importantly we bonded.
I found myself mentally distancing myself from the conversation and observing the 6 of us, the differences and the similarities. The bantering and the silences; the ease and comfort we shared. No one was sitting in judgment, no pretences were needed. It was an unburdened acceptance of each other.
I think the key ingredient that day was we didn’t meet as sisters as much as we met as friends. When we parted, we were both!
The gathering ended too soon for my liking and sadly we are all back to our lives. 2 of them are in another city, 1 in another country. It will take a long time before all of us are in the same town again. But I’m sure we will meet if and when that happens. And will probably take up from where we left off this time.
I think they will all agree with me when I say that I am really looking forward to that day!
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