Hitting the Bottom

Mind shouts - God! Get up and Pick up the pieces. Get up now...Why aren’t you? What is stopping you?

Heart shouts - How many times? If that is what you end up doing quite frequently, aren’t you wondering, Why? How many times can you hit the bottom and yet rise again?

It is disheartening to believe if it happens to you very often. You get tired of everything, right from sorting out the things to yet sort them out again. At one stage you simply sit down and wait for it to pass by on its own. You cannot make a fool out of yourself. You tend to believe in yourself, your actions which were not meant to hurt the other person. You do things often to make other feel that you care. But when it comes to hard times it takes seconds to play the blaming game and threaten to end it up.

How do you justify you love and care? By your actions, right? But these little kind actions of everyday doesn’t mean a thing on the battlefield and it all comes to one tiny detail. What about all those little gestures that you got in the habit of doing and the other person in the habit of taking or expecting. Is anyone keeping a balance sheet of all of it.

As somebody quoted well,
"Once I did bad and that I heard ever. Twice I did good and that I heard never....."


We know it is a temporary phase, it will pass by. May be it won’t go messy if we are conscious enough to give it some time and cool our heads before just acting on it in an irrevocable manner.

'Hardcore' Professional Tone vs Coffee Tone

Being in HR industry is what I have always cheered for. I love my work and simply fit into the profile HR is meant for. I have had few success in my kitty when talking of recruiting right talent for my respective companies. You can tell that when you see the same candidate being with the company for few years and grown up his or her profile over the period of time. Undoubtedly, my maximum friends and pals have been because of my profession. It feels wonderful when people out of the blue Thank me for the help I have extended to them, though that is what is my job is.Overall, I have been a people's person.

Karvachauth – All About: Love, Respect, Sacrifice...&...Moonrise

I could not stop myself for writing on this. This is undoubtedly my most favourite festival without any second thoughts. I am in love with the whole concept of the day and the way it is celebrated.

For sure, not many from western countries may agree to the whole idea but to us Indian women it is one divine day. It is a day when we keep fasts for our husband’s good health and long life. The day starts just before sunrise when we take a quick shower and eat what our mother-in-law has given us. In the morning, we drape ourselves beautifully with ornaments. We can have a cup of tea or juice by afternoon after doing our unique prayers. Post Moonrise our partners make us drink water followed up by yummy food treat. The feeling is something that can’t be expressed just felt, felt by those women who are in love with their men and wish them to be alive forever.

Mr & Ms Right....Where to find???

It will not be wrong to say that irrespective of the marriage being a love or arranged one, it stands gamble for each one of us. More than the desire of staying married is the Habit of being married that plays a bigger role in staying or getting out of that comfort zone. There are many things we don’t realise having stayed together under the same roof but they leave the mark in little small things. Even if counts to having someone next to you for the sake of presence. What I meant is even though you are unable to stay together, the concept of getting separated doesn’t come to us very naturally. We are okay to let things just the way they are, bad, worse, not acceptable, until the day one of us get that huge Moron inside us who simply throws everything aside for xyz reasons and move on. The state of being indecisive in marriage is the most dangerous and unfair to both the partners. One of the two, I am sure is somewhat do not wish to be out, as such, for being dependent or still in love. The other is merely a victim. What decides it will not work ahead? How one decides? We are unknown to our future so such decisions are just taken on few assumptions which again, may or may not, work out as we expected them to be.

Vibrant Aura of Festival of Lights

It is already happening and I can see some shouts for the biggest festivals for us Indians here. To my surprise, many others also know it by the name – Festivals of lights just like they know the Festival of colours - Holi. One Diwali Fair has already happened here in Mel and 2 more will be organised by 13 Nov with some fireworks and cultural programs.




I have started missing Delhi already..Though we are having few Diwali celebrations here but the vibes that India has for this season is something that can't be described and felt anywhere else in the world. Just like Christmas is what we celebrate in Aus, US and UK. It is in the air....I love to celebrate each festival irrespective of where it belongs to. So after Diwali it will be all about Christmas.

So.....What's Up On The Weekend?

Are you going away?
Are your surfing....fishing?
So where is the party tonight?
Barbecue time?

Can you imagine how serious this question stands for us? For me, quite a bit. I find myself at peace if there is nothing majorly happening around me which I won't miss to be a part of. I would certainly like to be part of that DJ Hip Hop Night or may be VIP Shopping Night. Else, I really have to list down the Weekend activites.

Another weekend thing I love to do is hosting dinners for friends and family. Absolutely love welcoming people to my place and getting a chance to pamper and entertain them with my decent cooking skills or just a chance of chilling with my girlfriends watching few episodes of Sex and The City (have the whole series of it and that of Bewitched too).

Alvida Alvida (Good-Byes)

Jinke darmiyan Guzri thi kabhi

Kal tak yeh meri Zindagi
Lo unn baahon ko Thandhi chao ko
Humbhi kar chale Alvida

Alvida Alvida

Alvida alvida Abb kehna aur kya
Jab tune keh diya Alvida............

It simply means - Now that you have bid Good Bye, I also say Good Bye..Good Bye to all the times we have spent together...spent in each other’s arms....until yesterday.

Funda of Choosing Outfits....Be Confident and Pleasant

My idea of writing about outfits today is seeing so many blogs on fashion and style. Neither I am a fashionista nor I run after trendy stuff, but it all depends on what catches my eye provided that style suits my persona. I am very comfortable with what I choose and wear because my very funda of choosing clothes is what makes me feel confident and pleasant.

Well, whether I have to dress up for work, party, casual outing or even grocery shopping, for me it starts from choosing shoes first. Why? My mood dictates me to wear heels or flats and accordingly my outfit.
I thought of sharing few looks I had on various occassions. Check them out:

 

Saturday Night Look

Day 4 - Fitness Challenge

This post is just a little update on how I am doing with my Fitness Challenge of 60 days. I am glad (not happy or proud as yet...long way to go) to say that I am going strong. Though the body is victimised with cramps but it feels great to be able to step in there.

My usual workout ways have been in the form of Running, Bikram Yoga (specifically mention Bikram Yoga as I am not in for it otherwise, ), Dancing, Swimming (more of a relaxing activity for me) and Badminton. Trying Gym after ages and I must say, it is my latest love. Always thought of Gym as not my cup of tea but may be I got bored doing the rest repeatedly every year. I will continue to do this for these 2 months accompanied by Badminton which is more of a social play

Scooby Dooby Doo....Moments...!!!.

"Do things happen in our lives for a Reason.... May be....???"
Out of all the incidents that had occurred in my life, the one with which I got convinced the most with the above phrase, was when you entered into my life unexpectedly and stayed just till the time I needed you. I say, again, till I needed you. I didn’t wish for you to meet me at one stage and leave later but circumstances happened in a way that just when God felt, I could take care of myself, you were gone, as if you meant to be there only till then.

I know that you are gone but today, I am here to talk to you “Scooby”..... my very crisis companion. The reason is, to make you stay with me, to feel your presence everyday when I open this blog and start writing just like every that day when I sat on bed and found you lying next to my bed.

2011 started on a terrible note as I was forced to step in a different phase of life (no, I wasn’t prepared for it, but then who does?). All I knew was that I meant to step out and face it second by second. That moment, after re-gaining myself with huge sighs, I decided to step out to sort out few things which needed immediate attention.

Why I Write Here??? To Set myself Free.....

I have been writing in journal and tearing the pages all this while. One day my Big Heart Angel (That's what I call my Mom - An Angel with a BIG HEART). I mean, I have never seen a person like her in my life. My house is generally preferred by all kids for that matter because she makes them feel like they couldn't have asked for more. I define the word 'GENEROUS' with her character. Being the only child, I have never liked that, in simple words, didn't like the concept of sharing. I hold things too close to my chest to be seen by others and if they happen to, my eyes and expressions says it all.

Okay, coming back, all these years, my life had been an open book to my close ones. Lately, I have learnt that it was not such a good thing to do. You may pay a huge cost for it, I did. Nonetheless, the one person, still I can trust for that matter, is my Angel with a BIG HEART. She told me to stop writing so much in details (you know what if someone read it) and since then I did.

Ah! this blog is nothing too personal; and there is nothing new to others. You might have heard that "Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it". Somehow for me, penning them down here (I still prefer to call it pen down rather than typing down) is very refreshing. I have absolutely no idea if it interests anyone or not, it truly works for me and I feel free. Free of my thoughts and prejudices. I feel liberated. I have no intentions of hurting or offending anyone. I am not putting it as right or wrong but just a perspective of looking at the world.

Seven Vows & Sacred Nuptial Chain

When are you getting married - "AGAIN". This question will either make me or break me. Yes, that is the whole definition of it.

Yes, This is the question I have been asked by almost everyone, I know in my life, these days and it will keep on pestering my life until I have that black 'sacred nuptial chain' in my neck again. It is all about sense of security one gets with this bond. Though it has the same significance all over the world but with us Indians, it is a high intense drama that is sole reason of our happiness or misery.

I say, yes I will once I am all prepared for it. But I know, that time will never come. We don't really get prepared for these kind of events ever. Few phases, like birth, death and marriage, in our life are destined and can't be manipulated. I will never go out and say, hey mom get me married; for the reason of being so much in love with my independence and freedom. Marriage, at this stage, does give me goosebumps more than an assurance. Seeing my friends juggling with their own self and marriage responsibilities, I keep my thoughts of tying the knot at bay. Though, believe me, when I was one of them, I was good.

Everyone wishes to get married to be happily ever after or together shall I say. Where does that wish go? My mind is a wanderer and it did the same. Moments of flat faces and I took few steps back. Ran away from every situation I could. Just wanted a smooth phase. Did not accept and faced stormy moments and then ended creating a storm for myself. Anyways, how much we value it initially? We don't for whatsoever reason. I will now, I guess.
Having understood few things I am surely clear on this- The mere idea of me getting married is for companionship.

Kick Your Butt....!!!

On a quick note, I had thought that putting up with a challenge would help me in building up the motivation level but I was sooooo wrong. It didn’t happen. Can you imagine the push I had given to myself for hitting the gym yesterday? With a tiring day at work and Monday fast which meant just one portion intake of fruits with a cup of tea; my motivation level doomed like in a deep ocean. I had to dig it and get on to the surface with an effort. I had to overcome my very fear of clinging to my couch. Yes, that was what I wanted to do yesterday. Just sit with a cup of tea and look at those ‘loving their job’ actors.

My God! I struggled with it big time but you know what, when I stepped up on the treadmill after 2 hours of contemplation, I was yelling inside my head –
I Can Do It! I Have Done It!
Can I share the reason for making it to the gym? – ‘Promise that I made to myself’. Honestly, I had all my doubts if I could make it but I simply did put all the thoughts in a closet and jumped out of the house. That’s what made me happy in the end. And I cannot tell you how excited I was to join this DanceworX class for the first time. It was blasting. I didn’t have to fight anymore with myself. I was all over the floor.


So at times, you simply have to kick your butt and have fun!


The day ended with a light dinner of poha (flat rice) and curd.

Sigh of relief!

Little Mantra of Fitness for Me – You Look Good!

Does it say it all?

• Love to have that Feel good factor EVERYDAY. Why not when we can?
• Love wearing those slim outfits (size 10) and look gorgeous in those coloured denims.
• Need to stay recharged to be sane and happy.
• Love the compliments coming my way.
• Stay away from Doctor. I confess, I have a BIG phobia of the place ‘Hospital’.
• It brings the best in me.
• I am smiling all the way!
• Stay away from negative vibes and this is a MUST. When I get those unwanted vibes, I find myself in hell.
   

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Your Life ; Your Pain & Your Gain

1. You are your own motivator. Fuel yourself every morning.
2. You and just you can make yourself happy or miserable.
3. Do not, Do not and Do not let other person or thing be a reason for your happiness. It is the worst thing you do to yourself.
4. List down things or people that make you happy (in an independent way).
5. List down your strengths and hug them.
6. List down your weaknesses and fight them.
7.You are solely responsible for your deeds and sooner you accept it, better it is for your mind and soul.

8. List down people or things that give you negative vibes and stay thousand miles away from them.
9. Learn to forgive (I haven’t learned it so far) and it can only be done by meditation practice.
10. Pray & Meditate. This is a sure practice that will only do good without any ifs and buts.
11. Make YOGA & Exercise a part of your disciplined life. It is DIVINE as well as a MAGIC.
12. Relationships – Deal with utmost care and I need to go a long way.
13. Never Say Die! I stick by it.
14. Consistency, in everything is required to taste long term gain.
15. Let hobbies be not just on paper – I live by them.
16. Define Passion for yourself.
17. Stay in touch with your family.
18. Give space.
19. Rejoice festivals with full enthusiasm even when you are alone.
20. Say Thank You for the life you still have and for all those terrible troubles (others are bearing) you don’t have.

Hope and change are hard-fought things. -Michelle Obama

The Challenge is here – 8th October to 8th December!


Day 1: JUST DO IT!


What I need to achieve?

• To reduce weight – 4kgs
• To tone up body – Arms and Legs with a Flat Belly
• Increase Concentration & Focus
• Remain active with a calm mind
• Feel Good Factor
• Develop the ability to make decisions
• Stick to the promise I made to myself

What I need to do?

• Work Out – 60mins/day for min 4 days (Joined gym that starts as of today)
• Have a dedicated time of reading for 30 mins/day
• Meditation time – 5 min/day (to start up with)
• Have a complete healthy diet for 60 days with one day in a week as exception (To treat myself for the hard work put in)
• Eat right food in right quantity
• Write every detail of the day to chase Do’s and Don’ts

2nd November is Foxtell Lap and I am participating for a good cause. This challenge will help me with my stamina for that event as well.

Today is my Monday fast so I am not worry about nibbling as I can’t, except for having some fruits during the day and one time simple meal at night. So far, I have had just an English breakfast tea and a hot chocolate. Keeping this Monday fast has no relevance to any superstitions but to make myself more patient. I have been on the right path that ways as I don’t feel rushed during the day. I take it as it comes. It come and goes smoothly.

Weekend: The gone weekend was just a relaxing gateway for me. Just sitting on my treasured possession (my TV couch) and watching television thinking of the challenge I have to take and live by it.

P.S: I am happy to have a company here for this challenge...Anyone...Anyone out there....Guess it will just make it better....

Not too Wild nor too Conventional

Now that’s a confusing place. To say it again I am talking of a confused image and not balanced one. My inspiration of writing today has been recent bollywood flick ‘Heroine’& 'Cocktail'.

Mahi Arora portrays a character which is neither way too modern not too conventional. She has a modern outlook but still believe in marriage and commitment. She is very independent but still looking to have her boyfriend’s shoulder to lean on. She is scared from deep inside but finds out a way to show guts in front of others. When finds career, she looks out for love; when she finds love, she looks out for career. She is insecure about her love, thoughts, life, fame. The film may be fiction based but it has the elements of a today’s women. A similar contrast was shown in another bollywood flick 'Cocktail'. Veronica, a character with modern outlook, who has learned to be her own at last falls into the trap of being conventional in the hope of being a good and acceptable partner like her friend 'Meera' who is a perfect housewife material.
Most of our generation women are not those conventional mothers types where we restrict ourselves to our whimes but nor are we too bold to go out and live just on our own. Where do we fall?

Realisation

Finally, I have decided to have a lifestyle change. Right from the way I take my health, diet, fitness, moods, temper and WISDOM.
My tough times have made me realise, the positive impact of reading and writing in one's life. Just out of reading habit, I came across a blogger (surprisingly - with a similar name and line of thoughts) who has done the job of pumping me up for the change I have been thinking for quite some time. Just couldnot figure out - How and When?
Lately I have indulged myself in all unhealthy activities unlike ever before and the results are absolutely unpleasant, like no flat belly anymore :-(. Good thing is that I start getting these Big Instructions in my head to wake up and I do.

Aren't there ample reasons for us to be fit and healthy? Shopping top my list though it is an costly affair when think of having to pay bill all by yourself and the investment that needs to be made like balanced diet, healthy food, expensive way of going to Yoga and gym. It is not a scene of a day or two. It is an ongoing process with some days of can-take-easy attitude. For all of us, who wish to always be top notch way, staying fit is a MUST and not an option. After all, those mannequins invite to us are unavoidable and so tempting...Recall Confessions of a Shopaholic to know what I am talking about?

What Works For Me & What Not?



 

I shall take this take this opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit about my possessions and interests. I believe when you read someone's blog it is good to have a brief encounter about his or her persona to be able to understand where he or she is coming from.  At some point I labelled myself as a 'Catwoman' because my mother insisted on calling me as Chalaak Billi (clever cat). I promise I never gave them a thought before. May be now, I have this urge to learn, what works for me and what not. 

Will It Be A New Beginning?

I started this blog in 2007; worked on it for a month and then left it. Since then I have been coming back to it 10 times a year thinking of re-working on it but all went in vain. I read, read lots of stuff, be it books, articles, blogs; it is exciting to know what people feel and what their thought processes are. There are times when you just find your thoughts right there expressed by someone else in much better words. I find myself learning but grabbing all of it is just next to impossible but that does not stop me to continue with my reading. Seeing blogs of others I always felt motivated to restart my own but never motivated enough to actually start writing. I was into writing journal as well but that too was forgotten. May be because we need that dedicated time to sit in peace and venture in a different world for some time and here I was restless all this while to be able to think with a pen and paper.
More than typing I like writing by hand but these days my fingers hurt. I get motivated seeing those fancy stationary on the shelf at Officeworks and most often end up buying it. I have so much on my workdesk. Ah! When my IT staff comes to my workstation, they wonder with a face what I do with all of it.

Coming back to writing - Rewriting this blog will not just be writing but will mean a new beginning. A beginning which is hopeful to be longer than before. Irrespective of the fact, how many people will make a visit and how many will actually find some sense in it, it is divine to come here and put down the thoughts for the day.  I may not be specific about any topic, it can be about anything under the sun, any thought that creeps in mind and wished to be down on the paper for that day. So much is going in each one of our lives that we barely notice the little things which are enough to make us smile. 

This blog may fulfill that purpose. A Purpose of Gratitude.