The Matter of Trust 💝💫

This is a matter of  TRUST ! We find its reference in almost every conversation... everywhere and everyday, when we hear these:

# Don't trust strangers!

#I can't trust you anymore!

# Trust your instincts... Trust yourself... First!

# There is no love without trust.

# Lying and betrayal leads to broken trust.

And so on and on and on!

We also get so lost when questions on trust come from within oneself... some like :

# Should we trust again or not?

# What it means to trust a person?

# How to trust ones emotions?

# Are relationships based on trust?

# Don't you trust him/her?

TRUST... It has slowly become the buzzword of this era, losing its significance through endless repetition. And further it is topped up by another set of words like distrust, mistrust, blind-trust, trustworthy, self-trust etc to create a mind-boggling jargon of words and emotions in our otherwise simple life (eat, sleep, work, enjoy) ....God save us! 

                                                                     Let us take up the TWO simplest sentences of "trust" here for reference, and this is what we may broadly understand when someone says that:

A) I trust you! : I choose to show confidence in you and your intent (UNLESS you prove me wrong!)

B) I don't trust you! : I fear that you may not act as per MY hopes and wishes from you (which MAY hurt me!)

Words in the brackets above may be hidden in actual sentences, but too important! But the funny part of both the versions is that whatever the case, whether you trust or you don't, the practical aspect of choosing a path in life is NOT effected by 'trust'. Rather its your own personality, preference and choice in a given situation that leads to life decisions. And also there is no way to test it (trust), other than to actually try it! Think about it. Let us explore a few aspects of trust in various arenas of life.

Trust between parents and kids: In early life, kids trust their parents with everything, all their needs and wants to be fulfilled by their caretakers. As they grow, they know the preferences of the parents. Aware of what the parents expect from them, the kids start making their own way to deal with it, specially where they don't agree to a situation. Parents may sometime feel it as a breach of trust, but its better to reconsider it as part of growing up. If we open ourselves to give space to new ideas of young minds to flourish, they may win you with their logic and good intentions of not making you upset over their difference in opinion. (Related: Insights of a Mother's Soul💝

Trust between friends: "Friendship" in true sense, may not exist in the absence of trust. This one connection is all about feelings. It offers the ultimate freedom of soul to make a choice. You have no obligation to keep hanging if you don't like to... Its way beyond the obligations included in blood relationships, social bondage or a legal relationship of any kind. It might be one reason why people find themselves closest to friends rather than any relatives, often not even spouse. (Related:Friends👑... Of Soul💓)

Trust in professional relationships: When people get engaged with each other for getting a work done skillfully and for mutual benefit, they may be said to be in a professional relationship. When you talk or meet for the first time, you do get a vibe, of how to take up the work together to get desired outcome. Slowly you get to know each others skills, aptitude and attitude. This leads you to "know", what to expect of assigned work.

If a job is done as per mutual agreement, without much hassles or unnecessary delays or compromise with quality or any kind of cheat from both parties, it surely builds up "trust" for future assignments or recommendations. Else, its most suitable to part ways, before losing much time . Its better to know what you want, and if it doesn't happen smoothly, state with clarity, the issues / differences, possible solutions(if any) and do the needful with peace of mind still intact.

Trust in Financial dealings: Financial dealings take place almost everywhere, be it in a professional relationship in the form of payments or expenditures or loans OR in personal relationships like between members of a family (parents, kids, spouse, siblings etc) or between friends. Honesty and integrity are still the age old best advices for such involvement. I believe that people who are financially comfortable on their own, best save their personal relationships from being effected due to this worldly, yet unavoidable kind of necessary dealing. And on a lighter note, trust, here in this context, should only be on your own self that:

(a) If you are lending or spending, you may still deal with it if you don't get your money back, for any reason, whatsoever!

(b) If you are borrowing or accepting financial favors of any kind, you honestly intend to return it at the earliest possible opportunity / well within time, and as agreed.

Trust between Spouses: I would personally choose option (A) I trust you!... as explained above, and advice same, to think about your mate and say it aloud to yourself, everyday!

a) Its best if you both are friends at heart, comfortable sharing anything and everything with each other. Simply the facts and your intentions if humane enough, doesn't require any hiding. Still at times, one needs to save face due to own mistakes or situations, or more so because of the fear of being judged... Fear of losing a bond, which otherwise is important or dear to you. If a couple has grown up in marriage relationship with this element of 'being friends' still intact, it might be the strongest bond of life. TRUST may become as easy as breathing.

Still, NO two people can be exactly alike, nor can they think  and act as per others expectations always. Usually, over the years of togetherness, spouses get used to each other to such an extent, so as to accept each other with their several shortcomings, in view of the good times and common interests that they share. Its a rare case where a repetitive pattern is also given a chance to be accepted, as it is. But for sure, its best to avoid repeating same mistakes and qualify to earn distrust. Rather, why wouldn't you try to give in to joy and peace of a blissful loving healthy marriage relationship based on sharing, caring, acceptance and mutual respect to last forever?

b) Sometimes its okay not to know those "hidden secrets" of your spouse (or near and dear ones), knowing which may hurt you, little or too much to handle. But till the time you are clueless, you are happy and content with whatever life has to offer. A practical and real-time relationship advice, if you care about yourself is, "Don't search for trouble,  you may most often find what you look for. Better, take things as they come, when they come!"

c) Several times, its best to keep emotions at bay... And think and act most practically, in order to save your state of joy and comfort,  in view of a marriage bond. Many short term disturbances best settle on their own with time, rather than being given any importance. As I often say to my friends, "Either the things settle, or our emotions settle with time."

d) In case of confronting any relationship for issues unacceptable to you, have the clarity in mind, whether you want the relationship saved or ruined further. And you surely would know how to deal with it, without regrets. (Related: Love of Souls💓: This February😇 )

Abovesaid situations, when specifically thought about will also surely cover "the matter of trust" in most of our personal relationships like that of siblings, relatives, beaus, neighbours, staffs etc too. Ultimately, "Trust" is not bigger than "Life". If no logic is convincing enough to live life joyfully, atleast  "trust" adds optimism and positivity to the course of life! Give it a try, you may be blessed to keep it intact forever! One life, TRUST it to be a beautiful one !!!

(Related: Dream On, Dear Soul...🔮 )

For My Sailor ⚓⛵💌

Re-living my memories: 💖Originally penned by me 11 years ago (2008), for sharing my feelings for the one and the only one I have ever loved in this life... May this nostalgia and bliss stay with my soul forever n ever❤

Love is laughter and also tears,

With you my smiles, without you my fears.

Now that I have spent past so many years,

Waiting for you when you are far, not here.

Missing you becomes part of life,

Still feeling you every moment is a delight.

After the long lonely months, it's just your sight,

To hold my heart for the coming months so bright.

It's about craving for you all day and night,

But there's only my teddy bear to hold on tight.

The room looks empty like it has no walls,

No roof, no floor, no color, no falls.

Your voice echoes while I am here alone,

You teasing and smiling and making me moan.

Fighting over remote and cigarette smoke,

Which side of bed and whose turn to hold,

Then pulling of sheets to balance the score,

Though winning and losing matters no more.

Missing your arms around my being,

Trying to sleep and see you in dreams.

Saying aloud I love you my life,

Wiping my tears coz I have to survive.

Living without you is not so easy,

Do you also miss me, even though you are busy?

Love is tender, so am I,

So, when you go sailing, I do cry.

They say, when you are gone for a long long time,

How I live, How I love, How I hope to see sunshine?

I smile with a diamond sparkle in my eyes,

And seize to express how we pay the price.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder,

For a sailor's wife, fondness makes her stronger and stronger.

With family and society, friends and foes,

Responsibilities to me that you bestow,

Brings the best, with your faith in me - I know.

Those long mails when you terribly miss me,

And those short ones to tell me you are fine,

The emotions it carries are so intense,

Just the way, you know are mine.

I know you are there and I am here for you,

When we are inseparable, what's there to argue?

Especial Sundays that bring your phone call,

Waiting for that ringing tone makes my heart thrall.

The trust and care, and all that we share,

Is it possible for anybody to compare?

Our Love in itself is so sweet and complete,

That Loving a sailor is in no way a defeat.

One Love ! 💓

Renovate yourself

Once upon a time, there lived "I"... Who didn't look like me, didn't sound like me, didn't even feel like me, and didn't even behave like me... The way I do today! 😕 Sometimes I am unable to recognise myself, the way I percieved me and the way I find people think of me! 😐 Is that how we change over the years? Does it happen with many of us or may be most of us?

Amongst all the big and small things that life is supposed to be, one thing agreeable by each one of us is that life is everchanging! Even the one who has monotony as constant companion, can't escape the change of time ticking in the clock and date on calender, also the greying hairs and the change of scenario due to movement of other people in vicinity. And just opposed to it, there are people (like me😜) who are either criticized or appreciated, for changing things alot... I mean,  a hell lot, you know, and quite often! So, be it a change in the arrangement of bed and sofa, colour of walls and curtains, texture of furniture and floor, complete wardrobe change in new season, bringing in new time table, new activities and hobbies, trial recipes (including disasters😆), and the list is as neverending just like the course of life. One word that fits to all the changes I initiate is "Renovating"...and I am sure most of us would find it to be a rather warm word to encompass all our "change urges" to a modest level.

We were indulged into renovating our home past two months. And all this while, however hard we tried to keep things in control and as per plan, still it had been a messed up household, hard work, too tiring schedule, and sometimes finding day-to-day things was like a treasure hunt game. You may relate to this situation, still I will mention about the dust storm inside home, decibels of irritating noise, smell of paints and chemicals, absence of workers, overflowing (out)  cash and a lot of headaches. This former sentence was only to pour out my woes and be at peace to some extent. But the only idea that it will be over in a short while, and lead to a brigtened up, comfy,  warm dwelling space for all of us in the family, kept me going. It also leads to mental peace and more organized daily life.

An important aspect of home renovation has been "retrospection" every now and then. Even for the simple choices and decisions we make, like the colour chosen for a wall, or print chosen for a curtain,  or a painting placed somewhere,  makes you doubt and reconfirm phasewise, that, its not bad, its going to be okay, should I take advice, no... its good and new and bright, let's go for it ! Plus you actually get opinions and advices from almost everyone around you, including kids and labourers and neighbours, and without asking for it😆. Another learning was that once you start the process of renovating, new ideas keep popping, and you get indulged into doing a little more than planned. Plus its an opportunity to discard or renew the various clutters and corners, that we usually ignore to touch otherwise. The team of experts of various fields that you meet is another eye opening experience and makes you learn about the various intricacies of many professions and skills. Its absolute learning, a crash course.

Such projects of renovation, when completed successfully, do give you utter satisfaction and joy of creating and achieving. It uses all your skills and talents which otherwise keep getting tarnished as we may not ever need to use it. Renovation needs multitasking in varied areas.  Be it planning, implementing, people management, meeting time deadlines,  financial management,  negotiation skills, documenting, calculating, prioritizing, decision making, taking risks and what not. So, I thought to take this concept to another level and see how can we reonvate our ownselves... Yes, renovate yourself !

Sometimes when we look around us, a sinking feeling comes up... The walls look dull and old, the things look dusty, the work seems mundane, even the people around look tired and irritated over small things. In such circumstance, if your focus goes to all the worldly things that can be renewed, repaired, replaced to brighten up your life, you head towards home renovation. When its over, and one fine day you again have a sinking feeling, amidst the newly set beautiful home, you know something else needs to be worked upon. When all things look normal to consciousness, but the peace of mind is missing. You wonder what's wrong, and get to some of the following things happening with you:

1. You dont want to be angry, but cant just help shouting over small things. Your inside tells you not to act in a certain way, nonethless you still behave improperly. You are angry with the whole world, and the whole world around you is also mad at you. Sadly, you dont even know the reason. 

2. Your near ones start drifting away and keep safe distance from you. They tell you to check your bp and thyroid for any imbalances, and over a heated discussion some may tell you to visit a psychiatrist for counseling or help😩😳😶

3. You may have lots to share and say to your friend or colleague or spouse, but you choose not to... so as to avoid any conflict and discussion. Before you even begin to speak, you already know the answers you will be getting, as you know them too well. 

And lastly, 

4. You type questions on search engines, like,  why I get so angry, why people seem irritated with me, or why people don't like me,  or why I am unable to do things right...  So many things you know about yourself when you just check the search engine history😈 ... 

Because, thats the best friend for sharing whatever you want, in today's world. Its not judgemental, its answers are honest, it is at the tip of your finger and will never pop up again on its own, and it has strange solutions to all our queries. If nothing else seems relevant, it may atleast change your focus to a new game, new question, or a shopping website. So all is good with this new age friend of ours.

On a serious note, when all the abovesaid things happen, I would safely say, its time to splash some cold water on your face and sit back,  close your eyes and think of ways to renovate yourself!!! Renovation when alleged to a living being might not mean to restore to  a previous or better condition, but it surely means to bring some newness and freshness in your life and spirit... It will be a different solution for each individual. But the guideline remains the same, as,  

a. you need to declutter emotions and mundane tasks(similar to giving away useless things to needy and then throwing  out remaining garbage in the bin during home renovation) ,

b.  prioritize things in your present life (plan of action for taking up renovation, like to make the necessary  ventilations) , 

c.  change your routine and focus, pick up a new attitude to suit your mood swings, (like we manage time,  staff, resources during home renovation), 

d. try consciously to overcome the shortcomings that you find true for yourself (like taking professional help for specific work or welcoming suggestions for improvement during home renovation) , and 

e. choose your behaviour to deal with others, specifically, your close ones, alloting dedicated time for them free from hustle-bustle (like we retrospect our own choices and decisions after labourers are gone,  while renovating home).

All this will require effort, loads of it,  and time, more than expected, and patience... that will keep coming and going as you further your aim to renovate yourself. I am sure, we can do this, once when we are willing to, once we try. And why would anyone want to stay angry everyday? Why would we like to keep ourselves stressed and irritated? Why should we lose one precious day of life, cut off from loved ones... It's not worth anything! 

So, for once, let the words pour out or let the silence fill in, choose to hold your tears or let them flow like a river, pick a new hobby or take out your old crafts to complete, go for a new hair-do or a brightened-up jazzy look, or stay unnoticed - low profile if you like it, do what makes you feel new and what renovates your spirit. It is one life.  A beautiful one. A happy one preferably.  So,  Renovate yourself !!!

Sincerely yours,
Soul Tinker💫

Exam Time: The Suffering Soul😉

"I never lose. I either win, or I learn. "

--Nelson Mandela

Remember our school's exam time? Yes, mugging up,  remembering hard, chanting notes like a rhyme, putting logic and creating short-cuts to memorize, jumping from this page to that one, then to another book altogether... Guides, notes from teacher; marking with pencil, blue pen, no a black one, or better with a green one for finding it later... Strolling here and there, swinging all over to memorize this "overhead transmission" kind of topic; And OMG, the important list given by sir...plus How can you forget revising what mam said........STOP!

This story is dizzily flashing on my mind. It is of the time when we grew up from being kids, to own the responsibility of passing in exams, and spared our parents to an extent. But before that, till the time we were in primary school, it was surely our parents who took the tension of our exams. Whether we have learnt our chapters or not, how much did we score in class tests and projects, is our work complete and checked by teachers of said subjects or not, how well are we studying and performing in class?

"To understand your parents' love, you must raise children of your own." 

--  Chinese Proverb

Today, its the time for the "annual exams" in most of the schools here. I happen to be just another mom, who has taken the responsibility of teaching both my kids, all by myself. It's relevant to mention here, that my elder one is appearing for the finals of second standard. And the emotions are therefore, real... So very real and challenging! Yes, the primary school kids are quite small in age and they hardly know the importance of exams. How you need to pass those and try for a decent score atleast, is nowhere in their mind. My boy innocently says that since we have studied for class tests, our chapters are covered and done. He says with high OVER confidence, "I know it ALL, you may spare me from studies and revision mom. I will write it all tomorrow. Don't worry!" He somehow makes me wonder if its the subjects I am teaching him, or the lessons of life I am learning from him? Doing the needful with - Simplicity, Joy, Confidence! (Related: Songs of your Soul💖🎶🎵 )

I know that I have tried to make you cover your subjects well, you have revised it already and a revisit to the pages, a day before exam is all that you need... Somehow my anxiousness wasn't going away initially. Later, when I see you absolutely free from worries,  it makes me ponder, and warms my heart... It then leads me to think,  its okay, actually its so lovely to be a pure soul like you... Will you be able to retain your approach even when you grow up?  Or, in a few years, you too will be experiencing the abovesaid bucket of exam emotions?  I will be watching you and stand by you. Probably its part of growing up that we own responsibility. But HOW we do it, makes a difference in life! 

"Much of good work is lost by the lack of a little more." - Edward H. Harriman

What about the exams of life? Every now and then, we face new situations and challenges. Whether its in office or at home, in finances or in relationships, in personal life or in our society - its a set of excersises bestowed on us like a question paper. We put our hours, days,  weeks, months and years solving it.  Towards the end, we revise, make limited corrections as per availability of space, time and resources.  Finally, our skills to lead life is evaluated (by ourselves/or by others). The approach in life that led to further our lives in the direction of betterment,  leads us to feel happy and content (successful).  Steps that destroy our mental peace,  reduces joy, and enhances tension, makes us feel like a failure (unsuccessful). Initially, we are helped by our parents, teachers, guardian and they back up for any of our trials and attempts. It's similar to the classes we attend in school. Later, we own up the responsibility. Instead of the more practiced adult ways of worrying, learning for a fixed outcome, losing our peace of mind for trivial marks, wouldn't it be better, if we took the abovesaid approach of the tiny tots - Doing the needful with - Simplicity, Joy, Confidence! Well,  that's just a perspective, mine.😄 (Related: Dream On, Dear Soul... 🔮 )

It might be a harsh reality of life that most often, WE do not find life to be fair. The sooner we realize it, the better it is. Be it the toppers, the mediocres or the failures - all find a space and place to live within the norms of human society. Their marks, talents,  skills, intelligence, beauty, sincerity, carefulness or carelessness, honesty or dishonesty, hardworking or smart working or mere lazy ones,  the rich ones or the poor ones,  the prize winners or the audience class,  all this ceases to be the reasons of being successful or unsuccessful. Most of the crowd finds a way for livelihood,  they have relationships,  and get along the normal course of life- personally and professionally. A few may have a hard time with finances,  the other few may be struggling with relationships. Some may be high on wealth and luxuries, while some will boast of beauty,  health and fitness. Some will be happily drenched in sweet relationships,  while everything else is haywire. Ultimately,  what defines us as individuals living a good or bad life? Are we successful or a failure in the exam of life? Are we leading a WORTHY life? A purposeful one? The last bit- simplest one- Are we happy?

So, are YOU happy? The answer to this last bit is like that of "choose the best option" : YES or NO. It's not at all a descriptive one. It's free from the if and but scenario. And to all the people who have thought a little, frowned a little,  then smiled big,  and said YES...😄I am sure are the winners in life. With multiple things happening in life, a constant effort to "keep the BALANCE" looks like the only sane way to be happy. To focus on the larger picture along with the small joys, to keep things simple! To love what you do and do what you love; to do the needful and put your creativity to it... To create the sheer joy of balancing... evaluating, prioritizing and choosing the most suitable option for yourself, that looks best in the given circumstances.  To be convinced  of being true to your own self,  that you consciously chose happiness. Good job! 

If you said 'NO'😕 and you feel that you are 'not happy' in life... The only thing I want to remind you is that "the exam is not over yet". You may use the above cheat-sheets...😉And scribble a bit, make a few corrections, and attempt the upcoming excercises with a "winner's approach". Not all things need to be perfect. Nor all days are the same. Prepare well,  focus on things important to you, evaluate,  prioritize,  choose consciously,  play your cards with confidence...  Drench yourself with the joy of writing the story of your life,  your way! Hope you hit the right balance this time... (Related: Renovate Yourself 🎀🎨🎭 )

"The expert at anything was once a beginner." - Helen Hayes

Wish you all the very best for exams...  👍

Friends👑... Of Soul💓

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." - Douglas Pagels

Some of you were with me in the kindergarten and we played games together. We had so much fun and laughter. Now,  I don't even remember your name,  but a glimpse of you as a little cute being and your lovely chuckle are still captured somewhere within me and flashes often. And those in junior school, we were seat-partners often sharing and quarelling about our pencils, erasers and sharpeners. We compared handwritings and raced to complete classwork.  We had our jealousy fights as we found the other one being too close to some kid, who was not your seat partner. 😊😄 And how we shared our tiffins with all, but a bigger share was only for you... That "double toffee" for my best buddy on my "happy birthday"🎂... Hiding it from other kids!!! 🎉Those lovely notebook-torn paper cards that we gave to each other on birthdays and festivals and how could we miss on the happy holiday cards before any school vacations... We were so small,  and so pure! We were not aware of being rich or poor,  beautiful or ugly,  cast and creed,  intelligent or fool, simple or cunning. All we knew about each other was that we are friends, and its fun being together. Isn't it the best part of tender age friendships, truly friends with the soul✨! If we go down the memory lane, you surely will see a few naughty faces who bring a smile on your face.😊✨

Next, let's revisit the high school lane... Even while reading this, can't you see the lighted face of friends in school uniform,  with whom we really mingled well. We communicated with our hearts and all mischiefs were well planned and executed. And the super fun days of life are amongst those days. Most of us will have our bff's (best friends forever)  category of friends from those days. The confidante! It was the phase of the girls gang and the boys gang... And also the section-gang,  subject-gang, names are given, love-birds are isolated, studious ones are grouped,  notorious ones are infamous, comedians and dons are framed, its an another world...such a happening one! By now, we are quite aware of the worldly differences, but we still can't associate them with feelings.  The soul is free from any need of confining its horizons to unworthy earthly things. The friends we make here, are closely associated straight from the hearts... And have a great probability to stay there forever. We do remember them by names too,  well,  most of them.

Then we grow-up... A little confined beings! In college, hostels and even workplaces, though we have a huge group to have fun with, but a very few close associates... And a fewer friends at heart. It's time when we start choosing our friends, opening up only to few. The soul may not know 'why' but the soul surely knows 'who'... That's pretty amazing to find after the choices are made. Those are people we get close to for apparent reasons like similar aspirations,  being class-mates,  room-mates, interest in same games, helping hands,  tv-time friends,  many such category friends who are good to talk to as we share specific things common. This is what we think. But the soul,  even then is exploring an altogether other realm of associations, learning its lessons, preserving its experiences. The lucky ones,  like me, have the besties for the lifetime, from this phase too.

Although these are the most probable places we may have our friends from, other than these,  we do have those neighbourhood buddies - priviledged to be there with you right from the time you wake up,  to the time your family has to intervene to go to respective homes to sleep!  And I learnt about chance friends, made while travelling or meeting in a camp or a party or a wedding... Friendship is such a beautiful thing to happen just anywhere,  anytime and without any restrictions to any number,  caste, colour, creed, country, lifestyle, age, profession, finances or just any worldly differences... Isn't it so very amazing to be friends? But we hardly ever spare time to think of it as especial... Now you do! 😊

Amongst the abovesaid, there are rare cases of deep friendships. Those are often referred to as Soul Mates (similar energetic frequency, Karmic Twins) and Soul Mirrors (true energy counterpart, Twin Soul) ! You do get the vibes of such soul friends, in this life or/and beyond. This is, I think, a topic to be explored separately in a dedicated blog (someday). Whether you believe in such stuff or not, these are the essentials of a soul's journey.🔮 The arena is vast, not limited to one life✨.

"In a world where everyone wears a mask, it's a priviledge to see a soul."

Oh my dear one,  you are one amazing person I know (in wholeness) and regard you with trust and affection.  You are my friend. Your presence in my life has surely made it more beautiful. I love you for just being YOU to ME!!! ❤

Dedicated to all my friends💟

(who tinkled my soul...)

Dream On, Dear Soul...🔮

"A dream is a wish your heart makes.💫" Walt Disney

ONE: Ask a toddler, what is your dream... I wanna chocolate when I blink my eyes... And an icecream everyday! (Short term view, simple wish)

TWO: Ask a little older kid,  thy may tell you their dream to get the favourite race car toy or an avenger superhero or a princess doll or a beautiful dress! (Medium term view,  requires some patience and effort)

THREE: Ask a teenager,  thy may dream to become a pilot or an astronaut or a doctor or an officer or something! (Long term view,  requires plan, effort,  dedication)

FOUR: The Young Adults. Chasing the life milestones. Getting OUR educational degrees, jobs, finding life partners,  marriage,  children, buying house, cars, building income... Rush-hush! (Say living the present, making achiebable plans,  putting continuous effort and engagement, till accomplished)

What next?  We grow-up and begins- The reverse journey!!!

FIVE: (Similar to and in continuation to FOUR) The Adults. Coming at ease with the chase, and fixing a few missing pieces. Doing the left-outs of milestones fixed earlier. Begining to round up.

SIX: (Similar to THREE) To the above trend that follows, by middle age we may have dreams of Life ahead... But now the priorities change! To settle kids, get them educated, married, support them in stabilising their career,  finances,  family and day-to-day life...

SEVEN: (Similar to TWO) A little OLD, around retirement, many elderly may head towards fulfilling actual (concerned with own-self) life dreams post completing the worldly responsibilities... Taking up hobbies,  travelling,  meditation, gardening, enjoying life!

EIGHT: (Similar to ONE) Quite OLD...😈 Keeping simple, do-able dreams,  finding happiness in smallest of things, even doing your own stuff without others help seems achievement...

And then there is another set of people we find... The ones who will say I don't have time to dream,  nor I have any dream... 😯😐😦 Oops! But I really can't  believe this, and if at all its true, its sad.😟 It's just intentionally picking up a "Limited Edition" of your own life,  robbing yourself away of all miraculous possibilities and the unexplored beauty of life that lies ahead. How can a heart stop wishing?  It may be a simple wish,  like that of a kid,  but it just can't be so empty... No desires?  Even the saints are guided by a desire, to lead the way of life they do!!! Only when a seed is sown,  we may hope to see a plant, provided all other necessary conditions prevail.

A wish is that seed, sown in the heart♥ ... An innocent one, not knowing if it can ever come true or not!  Till the time it is not fulfilled,  it stays as a desire in your heart. This desire is especial,  to be called a dream because of two reasons:

a) it involves fatal risk, never to even shape up because its still just a wish and no ground work has been done; and more importantly....

b) it has full potential that if ever fulfilled, it will bring immense happiness and satisfaction, compared to none.

As soon as we realise that this desire is no longer just a small wish,  but our dream,  the dream of life... Its time to stirr up, and begin the chase. The chase begins with defining a specific goal (time bound, measurable), followed by a blueprint- a strategy to aim for the stars step by step...  Soaring higher, nearing your dream every moment. As we grow up,  our view changes from immediate or short term to long term / futuristic plans, then back to the simplicity of life, but it can never stop us from dreaming. And why should we ever stop? It's never too late,  and we are never too old to dream... and nevertheless, it takes you one step closer to the purpose of life 🌀(vague to most of us, but exists!) by keeping you moving.

"Reach high, 

for stars🌟 lie hidden in your soul.  

Dream deep🌠,

for every dream precedes the goal."

-Pamela Vaull Starr

So, Dream On, Dear Soul...🔮 For simple reasons, like, it keeps you meaningfully engaged. It brings up your creativity... And because if you don't have a dream,  how will you ever experience the joy of making a dream come true💥!!! Tinkle Tinkle✨...  Stay Blessed 🌟⭐💫

Love of Souls💓: This February😇

The month of February doesn't feel like 'truly February' unless we talk about 'love'. Its that beautiful month when love is in the air 💕 for the whole world. 

Some celebrating love, while others are confused about love; some are dreamy about love, while some are arguing about love - if it should be celebrated or not; some contesting which parts of the world should recognize it as the month of love and which should not; some ready to propose love, while many are ready to accept or reject love; some craving for love, while others are reading about love in newspapers... Whatever the reason,  love is on the mind, for sure... And being no exception to the world, I am hereby 'writing about love' 💞!!!

Not even vaguely attempting to try to define or explain or tell you all what love is (I am aware of my limited wits😉),  I will jump to the practical aspect... That is, in what follows, make a specific choice of Yes or No.

One: Wouldn't you like it better if somebody dear sent flowers (occasionally) to show his/her love OR not?

Two: Would your heart be happy if, sometimes in life,  a dear one speaks out or writes about his/her love feelings for you, OR not?

Three: Would you consider your day blessed with joy and remembered with fondness afterwards,  if a dear one plans something special to make you happy, OR not?

If the answer to any or all of the above questions is NO...  dear reader,  I am sorry to have bothered you, please don't read this further, and save your time!😐 May you see the light of joy soon in life ...😕 (and then you may get back to read my blog till end...😊)

If the answer is YES,  which I am sure, will be for most of us, we must take our time to celebrate life and love it. It may be on anyday, and on any available opportunity.  Why not the Valentine's day💗?  Or the hug day?  Or whatever day... Even Birthdays are a good occasion,  or Anniversaries, or Festivals,  or a personal or professional achievement?  Or simply celebrating the day because we met an old friend after a long time? Or celebrating a day because all family members are together in home by some odd chance? Or you cooked an eatable dish on a rare occasion😆? Or your kid took her first step?  Or his first milk tooth fall? 

The reason to rejoice and celebrate can be found, and one must do so... To fill our life with the most beautiful memories. When even the closest of family and friends have to leave us one day, for worldly reasons or destiny or death... Then what else remains with us, except memories? Memories stay with the Soul... Forever!

So, let me reiterate with much more conviction... If we do 'small things' with 'great love', we can make a big difference... And the outcome is more joy of soul, happiness for everybody,  and bliss till eternity!  Wishing you all a very happy and loving February... Hope you shower your love on your dear ones...  And get much more in return...❤💗💖

Hoping to know about your fabulous February in the comments box, do share... See you soon,  till then,  take care of your Soul ! Tinkle Tinkle...💃❤😊

Songs of your Soul💗

It's a usual new day, when I am done sending my two kids (a seven years old son and a four years old daughter) to school, freshened up and straightaway headed to the 'Pooja Ghar' for the routine prayer.

Well, its a simple sentence, which if detailed, contains a whole lot of story in every 'phrase'. Like, "sending the two kids to school" sounds to me as "SENDING THE KIDS TO SCHOOL" and that any mother can relate to, isn't it? 😜 And how may I leave this opportunity to pour my woes and not tell you about getting up early each day, preparing the tiffins, breakfast for kids, water bottles, shoes polished, school dress, time-tables,  pencils sharpened, and id cards in place and many such very small things, which if not done, may be a reason for a diary notice from school.😐😯😈

Then comes the part of cuddling the kids and asking them to wake up, then coaxing, then reminder one and reminder two and countless and then threatenings come into picture. 😑😉😄 So they wake up, and then the final part is helping them with the smallest things from putting the toothpaste on the brush to tieing the shoe laces, one by one, they both kiss me goodbye as they leave for school. 😱😘😍The daily rush-hush part is over for the day... Sigh of relief... Peace prevails!!!

So, I drink a glass full of water and take a deep breath, and the real good morning begins now. I grab the newspaper, get a hot cup of tea and later freshen up and head to my 'Pooja Ghar'. So, begins the real story now. (oops, after I probably already used half of my blog space...😳)Don't laugh ... Not yet...😉

As I clear the previous day flowers, cleaning up my Pooja Ghar, I also start chanting my prayers learnt since childhood, the ones already remembered even by the tongue....Then suddenly, after a while my ears hear something... I realize myself singing the tune of some bollywood song !!! OMG !!! How could I? Mind speaks to heart and I find myself wondering, does it happen with others too? Does it happen to you too? The Mind is at peace, and subconsciously, singing its own tunes... N after I consciously stop utterring those songs and get back to Mantras... Again, its turned into some other song in a while... A bigger OMG! And then its like effortless next gesture of  seeking forgiveness from the heart, directly to my lords! Oh God, I will try not to do this again and I will focus on the rituals to be done and meditate for a while closing my eyes...😣

After a few times it happened on various days,  every now and then, I found myself thinking about it. I captured a moment how my kids do their prayers in such a natural way, before they leave home for school. They tell God all the good and bad intentions they have for a fun-filled day, and ask for any help if needed for saving from mom's and mam's scoldings! Also they tell God to take care of all while the kids attend school... N finally wave good-bye to Gods.. N sending off the flying-kisses...😘 yeah, to Gods!!!

I also remembered the ways to medidate or pray, as told and shown and practiced by many family elders. Some methods preached by religious profiles on media or in person at worship places also flashed across my mind. Everyone has a different way... Some are God-Fearing, some are God-Loving, some even don't believe in an entity called God and contest other opinions of some divine power... And all are correct in their own perspective.

So, its surely a personal choice how you want to believe you were created, and this world and flora and fauna and human beings arrived on this Earth. Surely a prayer made with pure intentions or even a thought sown into mind with goodness foreseen, will fill your heart with positivity and when your soul is happy, full of hope, so pure somewhat like kids, your day will be good, your life will be fulfilling !!! You may chant prayers or sing the songs of your heart...  I am sure you will be blessed with the joy of soul! Tinkle Tinkle🔔... Sing the Songs of your Soul🎶...✨Stay Blessed💫!

Insights of a Mother's Soul💝

You may never be sure if you understand life how hard you try, but being a woman you are priviledged enough to feel 'life' grow inside you! Isn't the thought of it overwhelming?

What a wonderful gift of nature, to be still alive, and yet getting a chance to be reborn when you become a mother... Yes, its like a new life. Its not just a baby which is born... It also transforms a woman into a mother...so, a mother is born! It all actually begins much earlier than the day your baby is born in this world. Its when you first become pregnant, and you get aware, and then you are not the same person as before. You have evolved. Be it the most timid homely woman or the most practical professional one, motherhood touches her in a magical way. I believe it transforms her in such a special way that she is able to wonder and awe at her own hidden talents and powers. Also, it brings fears and insecurities that you never knew existed for you. Some things are so divine, that you may only feel... and those can never be able to fully be expressed in words... Being a mother, is one such miraculous experience.

Motherhood takes you to another level of Spirituality... Where you connect to a soul, a tiny being, which is created inside you, nurtured within your body, cared and protected by you to be able to survive in this material world. And later you let your heart walk outside your bodily-being, but still keep mothering your best creation for the rest of your life! The secret hope of seeing her baby doing well and staying happy in life never dies in a mother's heart, whatever her age be. Mother's love is the purest form of love visible to human eyes... That begins with the seed implanted and never ever ends until death.

Blessed are those who get the right mindset at the right time... and enjoy the journey of maternity, child birth and early motherhood... Its awesome! And yes, I do give ample weightage to all the reading moms of toddlers and teenagers, who will be going back and forth in thoughts about the sleepless nights, hangovers, mischiefs, messy homes, multitasking, sibling fights, overload of work, professional hiccups, time management going for a toss, behaviour of people around in those phases and much more into purview... Still, you already know, how you still won't give up on motherhood for any comfort in this material world. This is what 'being a mother'  is all about... You so very much love your loveliest creations... May God bless all the mother and baby souls with pure bliss of love!!!

Today, I take this opportunity to thank my own Mom for simply everything... And to my kids, who made me understand my mom, without even uttering a word, finally!

So, much love to all the mothers, and would-be-moms, and the tiny beings whose presence... and later memories fill up their mom's whole life, even after they grow up! Tinkle Tinkle... See you again

Being Aries: An Infant Soul💞🐑🎉

Tinkle Tinkle... Hi there! 😇

So, it has been quite sometime that I said 'see you SOON' and here I am sooner than being too late to be remembered!

That's the best part of being Aries, the newborn soul... Doing what you want, only when you want! To live in the present moment, be really spontaneous, and at the same time enjoy being naive and cheerful and full of good faith, purely like an infant... Yes, I am an Aries... and I love being born under the first sign of zodiac for many reasons.

Your special someone born under the Aries sign, whose thought makes you read this piece of writing must be having some or (almost) all of these traits given below. Additionally, like everything else in life, if the same positive traits are present or practiced in 'excess', it turns into a negative trait... That is given alongside😄 Now, you may check your composition and it will surely be interesting!!!

1. Frank, in excess may turn to being rude and aggressive.

2. Possessive, in excess may make one insecure.

3. Cheerful, in excess may make one gullible and sometimes thoughtless about consequences.

4. Optimist, in excess may turn you to be selfish and opinionated.

5. Courageous, in excess tends to make one impulsive and accident prone.

6. Adventurous, in excess may indulge you in overly risky situations.

7. Hard Working, in excess may drain all your energy for relatively less significant work done.

8. Ambitious, in excess may make one ruthless and less sympathetic.

Still, an Aries definitely has an aura, a way of being your own self.  The positivity of an Aries Soul lies in the heart-tugging innocence, a natural trust and joyous aura, a touching faith in goodness that... A Miracle will happen and all will be merry n blissful, even amidst toughest of situations...!

Cheers to all Aries!!! ⚡🎉🐑😊