The Power of Change

I have never experienced this feeling of transcendence of having won over my own self. I was the one who never had the nerve to opt for a change (change is always an evident option available to anyone who is focusing on results). That was because of a fear of facing the unknown, to come out of my self imposed cocoon of diffidence. Then came a moment when an unnerving instance in my cerebrum triggered off an instant reaction that called for a change, a change to subvert monotony and tread the path of a challenge. It was then that I called it “quits” to my current state of mind to alleviate myself to a higher plane, working towards CHANGE! This step in the direction of change brought out the best in me. I never ever imagined that I am blessed with so many acceptable traits. Of course, I am blessed to have the unconditional support of my close family. Thanks to one and all who are instrumental in my success. Now I truly believe in the adage “If you focus on results, you will not change and if you focus on change, you will get results”. I am now a stronger person, with a clear sense of direction. The most important trait that I see myself equipped with now is that I am now a confident person, craving to take on many more challenges in life, both professional and personal too. Change which is inevitable has brought with it a fragrance of positive thinking in me and opened many doors for success. I embraced change with a smile, with a hope to give that change the best in me to raise me to another level of CHANGE!

PROBLEM - AND ITS EXPANSION

P- Problems
R - R (are)
O - Omnipresent
B - But they
L - Let us
E - Experience
M - Mirages

A problem from far looks surmounting and huge, but when we face it boldly, it just vanishes like a MIRAGE!

FITNESS AND ME

How do I motivate myself for weight loss:

My day is incomplete without my 20 minute walking regime! I hit to the park nearby in my layout to have a 20 minute typical "me time"!!! I look at it as the only time I have when I live for myself, and do something that will give ME immense happiness and contentment.

Obesity is plaguing the society at large posing myriad health problems. Sedentary life styles coupled with erratic eating habits are the factors contributing to this menace. In addition to these, stress tops the list of factors, in this era of economic downturn. Binging on fried and fast foods and small eats and not sticking to a time regime for food are also some of the contributors to this global epidemic. Epidemic is an apt phrase since this complication comes with it a volley of related health ailments, namely: lethargy, diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis and last but not the least coronary complications. Hence apart from the superifical benefits of glowing skin, internal benefits of losing weight are So efforts need to be focused on eating healthy and remaining fit. These are my driving forces to keep myself fit and lose weight.

1. A healthy body is the abode of a healthy mind…

A healthy person is not only fit physically, but also experiences sanity, even in the most trying situations. Hence any move towards wholistic fitness would be a motivator for me to strive to keep fit.

2. Obliterate related ailments...

Physical fitness is progress towards a fit body without any health complaints. By being fit, one can rule out all the related issues which come as a single package with obesity.

3. Beat Stress and To have a positive mental attitude...

The mind rules the body, so goes a saying. When the mind is the control center to all the organs, hormones are released by the brain depending on our state of mind. Many feel good hormones are released when the body's metabolic rate is at its peak. These hormones which are released on enercising and during any physical exersion, aid in beating stress. Hence an increased level of such hormones is a boon to our body and hence an advocate to exercise!

4. Feel good, stay fit, all day long...

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is a well known saying. On the same lines, exercise everyday is a path to perenial fitness and to feel good. Feeling good and petite in addition to attaining a glowing complexion, will drive me to exercise everyday and thus lose weight.

5. Fitting into well-fit clothes...

Obese women in an attempt to wrap their unwanted fat are always seen draping themselves in loose outfits, which makes them look clumpsy at times. Hence my motivation to lose weight would be to flaunt well-fit attires!

6. Reduce pressure on bones...

Bones are the worst hit when it comes to bearing heavy body weight. Losing weight would reduce the strain on bones, thus delaying the advent of arthritis, even during the natural process of wear and tear. Hence in an attempt to keep my bones intact, strong and less-strained, I would exercise regularly.

These are some of the driving forces which help me keep myself fit and lose my weight.

Flowers.... Colorful and Vibrant

The beauty of flowers is a pleasure to our eyes
For which mortals dont need to pay a price
Lucky we are who can see these delicate ones
To watch once does not satiate the wants of humans which are in tons

They are the stars descended on earth
Spreading the message of God's worth
Which bloom at dawn
And wither away by the time people yawn

Flowers flowers everywhere
Show them that you care
By stopping a while
When treading a mile

Feel their beauty
Since it is the duty
Of man to admire God
By sparing a moment and a nod

Embrace them with love
By not letting them fall under the plough
And trampled under your feet
Since their glory withers falling prey to the next day's heat

A flower is like a baby who smiles
Feel it and sprinkle its beauty through miles

Flowers of different colors and different scents
On whom the bees are always bowing and bent
While the feelers of the bee are probed in the flower for honey
Man makes the bee a source of money

The buzz of the bees is an expression of thanksgiving and gratitude
For the selfless flower which is not concerned of the magnitude
Of thanks expressed by the bee
Which the flower cannot hear and see

Flowers are an enigma
Leaves man in a dilema
About who filled in colour and scent
In the bud and went

What we can give back to our society... Thought provoking......

Man is a social being, who functions independently and interdependently at the same time. He manages his career, home and family, coordinating with his family members, adopting an independent and interdependent strategy. Interdependence is not only evident within his family and peers but also with the society in which he lives and benefits a lot from the same.

The society which is a conglomeration of people from all walks of life, is a place where man can find similar people. The similarities are not about outward looks or innate or acquired skills, but about the underlying tendency of man to depend on society and reap benefits. Benefits are both tangible and intangible. First let me make a mention of all the intangible benefits the society bestows on us, since these benefits are a reflection of the humane nature of man, living in harmony with society.

The feeling of personal security with which man lives. Thanks to our armed forces who toil day and night. Their strength lies in their dedication and commitment to their motherland. Kudos!!!!
The freedom man enjoys with regard to giving shape to his dreams and fantasies.
The freedom of speech to voice his opinion (sometimes looked up as a 'bane')
The feeling of being wanted and cared for. This is demonstrated by heart-felt feelings demonstrated with an immediate reflex by a stranger on the road, who runs to the rescue of a man in distress or pain. What a great feeling this is.....!!!!!
A smile from a complete stranger. This smile goes a long way in accentuating humane relationships from people whom you see frequently and who are there to serve you, but you do not know them personally. The smile demonstrates the fact that the person is happy to see you and wishes for your well-being. Truely a wonderful feeling.


The feeling of togetherness demonstrated by people during a natural calamity or a catastrophe speaks volumes of the fact that there is no looking back and wallowing in pity but to bounce back and fight the cause.

The most important tangible benefit from society..........

The accessibility to a myriad of technological advantages which we can make use of since we are blessed to be a part of this 21st century, which could not have neen dreamt of by people of yesteryears.


What can we give back..........Spare a thought......

The Armed Forces - The Security of our country, the pride of our nation...........


Thanksgiving is the only way to appraise the men who have made a noble choice to serve our motherland. Thank them for it was their choice to serve their motherland, fighting all odds of rough weather, being away from their families and being deprived of luxuries!!! Their choice enables us to sleep in peace while they keep vigil round- the-clock at the borders, protecting our country from external threats and infiltrations.

Martyrs should be held in high esteem. As the saying goes "Prayers go up and blessings come down", our prayers will reach these noble men and we will be blessed to lead a harmonious and peaceful life. Pray for their soul and for all the bereaved family members who take pride even in the loss of their dear ones, flaunting their courage and dedication. How wonderful it is to lay down one's life with a noble endeavour of protecting the rights and people of one's motherland!!!!!

Under priviledged children..........
Children are always looked upto as the future of a country. In a land where there is no access to basic needs, children are not looked up as a source of cheer and happiness, but as a means of employment. The irony is that although they are born to parents whose ordained duty is to provide them with their basic needs, they are made to toil as child labour, fending for their own livelihood and earning bread for their family too. What a pathetic and heart-rending scene to witness a child who is supposed to enjoy a carefree and cheerful life is leading a life amidst dirt and grime either in a road-side eatery or in a cycle mechanic shop!!!!! We might not have the necessary emities to provide them with a long-term solution to their woes, but can still make some difference, in our own little way.

Next time you witness the same situation, I know for sure you will by all means, think what can be done to uplift them from the shackles of indifference!!!!!! Just spare a thought. May be going to him and asking his name, will cheer him up, since such children are never referred to by their names and since a name of a person is very special in the heart of the person. Getting him a cup of tea in his own eatery will make him feel wanted. Let them not bear the burden of life on their fragile shoulders by being treated a s child labor, but make them bear the weight of their school bag, with books that teach them the ways of life and follow them throughout their lives. These books will them be a means of livelihood not only to them but also to their families, once they are adults.

Just a little effort from your side..........

Refer to the people who help you, with their names.....

I believe in the strength of a name. Our parents choose our names after a lot of research into its meaning. Some alter their names to be called by a name of their choice. Both these only speak of the fact that ones name means a lot to an individual. You come across many people around you who are always at your service., without whom your entire daily routine would go topsy-turvy. Imagine, the first person whom you see in the morning other than your family member could be the milkman, the newspaper agent or even a trash collector. These people help you by ensuring the smooth functioning of your life. You may argue, we are paying them and they are serving us. Of course it is their duty and they too demonstrate a lot of dignity in what they are doing, since their occupation is their bread winner. But spare a thought here. Calling the people with the name of their occupation as a milkwalla or a paperfellow, cant we thank them by referring to them by their respective names. We take extra care to remember the names of acquaintances and the names of their children for our selfish motives, and recall them with ease. Why cant we make some more effort into knowing their names and calling them with their names. Try this and for sure you would have already made friends with these people around which your world revolves!!!!!!!!!!!

LEARN TO GIVE

Learn To Give

There is so much to give
To people around and let them live

Giving need not always be a materialistic gift
A smile or a simple pat on the back will work to lift;
The troubled or unhappy man
And makes him your ardent fan

It does not cost you money
To spread love around you, my dear honey!!!

You too stand to gain
When you obliterate someone's pain
By offering your shoulder
Which will empower him with the strength of a boulder

Your gain is the unfathomable satisfaction in aiding a troubled soul
By wiping away his fears and worries as a whole

Love is the magic wand, making its omnisent presence felt worldwide
Where the entire mankind is on a perennial quest far and wide

Unsatiating is the search for love and peace
When violence and conflict around everywhere causes the blood of humanity to fleece

Spread love, spread cheer
Since it is the only heal to fear
From all the worries of the world
Which in the heart of the troubled are curled.

Open up and unwind the curls
And spill laughter as beautiful as pearls.

Cleanse your thoughts and actions
Since these are the tangible signs to demonstrate passion
For the people whom you love and care
And also for whom you may cause a disgusting stare.

Thoughts I call them tangible
Since actions follow these thoughts and make you gullible.

Good thoughts are good for you and people around
Who will then spare a thought which is profound
To emulate you
Since people like you are but a few.

Keep your calm, keep your cool
And make others enjoy your presence as a swin in a pool

There is so much to give
To people around and let them live

Live your life to the fullest, for you live only once and who knows what is in store for you tomorrow.

Real Life Incident During Travel

HONESTY PAYS
This real-life incident speaks volumes of the fact that the world is still a better place to live, on account of good people. Lest, the world would have become extinct by now. The irony lies in the surge in the crime rate and the various atrocities committed by the human race on itself.

The incident dates back to 15 years from now, in the month of June 1993 when my parents had been to Vizag, the steel city of Andhra Pradesh, to attend the wedding of my paternal uncle’s son. This trip was the last my parents made together, since my dad passed away after a year of the wedding. Hence this trip has fond memories, for an indelible mark left on me, although I never got to travel with them on account of my Post-Graduate exams.

Let me share with you the mindset of my dad who detested accepting anything from any body, be it his own people. But he was always a giver. Coming back to the incident, my parents attended the wedding and came back to Hyderabad, with loads of stuff, of which sweets and clothes dominated the weight of the entire parcel from the wedding venue. My dad had no other option but to accept the gifts from my uncle, since it was his disposition not to hurt anyone with his ‘NO’.

My parents hired a taxi from the railway station and came back home, and to their utter surprise, without the gift bag. It was just luggage in the real sense to my dad, since he accepted it just to please his dear brother, and was bearing the burden of unwanted stuff on his shoulder. My dad was very upset, and I remember the conversation between we two had. He said: “ This serves me right, I took the gifts half-heartedly and now as ill-luck would have it, lost it even before I thanked my brother for his kind gesture”. I told him “Take it easy papa. Don’t worry, the person who would have got it will make merry. Anyways, it is your innate nature to help people. Look at it as an indirect means to extend help. The finder will make good with the sweets and new clothes too”.

After this dialogue between us, we got back to our routine schedule. I remember going to college that day and saw my dad home, upon returning. It was most unlikely to see my dad home at that hour of the day. My mom told me that he was preoccupied with the sorrow of the lost luggage and was feeling miserable of having lost it. It was not for the contents, but for the mere fact that he took it unwillingly and that feeling perpetrated to make it actually happen. I tried to share his sorrow and just hinted to him that we go and have a look at the place where my parents boarded the taxi. Although we knew the effort was a wild goose chase, we thought it was not a bad idea to at least try, and then call it quits. I remember it was in the month of June when the first monsoon showers have just arrived and it started pouring. We two got on to his scooter and headed towards the railway station. Dad was carrying Rs. 500/- in his pocket, of which he spent Rs. 100/- on his petrol on our way to the railway station.

We reached the railway station, thoroughly drenched. My dad started looking for a bearded taxi driver, since his beard was the most distinguishing feature in his countenance. Finally, he could locate the taxi driver. As it was still raining, the taxi driver asked both of us to be seated in his taxi. We both got in and sat in the rear seat, wiping our wet heads with a hanky. The driver sat in the driver’s seat and my dad started narrating the episode when the driver picked them up and dropped them to their destination. The driver was all ears when my dad was describing the looks of the bag. He then asked my dad to bend a little and grope for the bag under the seat. I still cherish the expression of content on my dad’s face, which was synonymous of having won a losing battle. My dad could not believe his eyes, grew so ecstatic and thanked the driver profusely for his noble gesture. He placed his hand inside his pocket and pulled out four hundred rupee notes and gave them to the taxi driver, in appreciation to his honesty. I remember that he also made a mention that it is because of good and honest people like him, there is still goodness on this earth. I too thanked him and wished him good luck. The driver looked happy and cheerful upon handing over the bag to us.

We came home with a sense of victory and I remember the first words my dad said upon reaching home. He told mom, “The Rs.400/- I gifted the taxi driver him does not in any way commensurate with the intrinsic and emotional value of the contents. These were the items presented by my dear brother to share his happiness on his son’s wedding and I have got them back, with the grace of God. The taxi driver could have relished the sweets, took them home and sold the new clothes. I admire the honesty in him, when he found the unattended parcel in the railway station in the morning and kept it untouched till late evening. It is because of such just people that there is still life on earth”. He then called up his brother and narrated the entire incident and thanked him for his gifts.

This incident although did not happen as part of a journey, was a journey towards humanity and the progress of honesty as the biggest virtue of mankind. I now believe that it is not the taxi driver’s beard that stands out to recognize him, but his honesty which sets him apart from the rest of the crowd.

MAY GOD BLESS THE HONEST AND THE JUST
SINCE THEY ARE BUT A FEW
BUT ON WHOSE SHOULDERS, THE ENTIRE BURDEN
OF THE EARTH THRUST