Lets challenge the challenge!

Taking up a new challenge is like tasting a new cocktail.. either you would love it and know a new drink..or you wont like it, yet, become a drink wiser :)... take a risk today, before someone else does... who knows you might become an ace bartender one day...

Someone once told me that out of a 100, there are only 5% leaders and 95% workers. What distinguishes them is not the experience or the dedication, but the ability to take risk. In a situation, where both the 'kinds' of people are faced with a challenge to take up, or make a decision, the most likely event would be that the worker would either ignore it as not being a part of his routine, or not be game enough to give it a thought,as it would drag him out of his comfort zone. On the contrary, a leader will jump at such an opportunity as he loves doing things which are out of the square, not regular.. that no one has done, or has done differently and there exists an opportunity to give it a new dimension... and that courage to try the 'unknown' will make him one point more successful, richer and wiser than the worker.

In the span of time, as the leader keeps accumulating these points, he rises so high up in the ladder, that the distance and designation between him and the worker becomes evident and enviable. But what the worker and the onlookers forget, it that this has been created not because the leader kept stepping up the ladder dubiously, but because the worker did not take up any opportunity to fill in this distance and take a step forward.

In life, you stand on this threshold a lot of times, and personally, I consider myself lucky to be in such a situation, where I have to take a decision, involving risk, because that implies that the gain will be more as well, its no different from a game at your favourite casino. Each of us gets this chance to take the plunge.Either we take it, not 'unknowingly' but after careful consideration or crib about it and the upcoming 'change' life is about to bring. I am not implying that the decision will be 'easy' in any way, it would bring along insecurity, loss, impatience,discomfort. and stepping into the 'unknown'.. but what you have to look at it is the long term benefit, the success it will bring. It will get you an accolade of being man enough to try something different in life and the worst that can happen is that you find yourself in the same spot where you started from.But, that will never be the case, because like I said, you will surely be more wiser, stronger, knowledgeable and one point up on the success ladder.

To sum it up, just like a new cocktail, where you don't know how it will taste, yet you know the ingredients individually ,In life, you don't know what will happen tomorrow, yet you know that ingredients like hard work, patience, skill, knowledge and common sense will earn you the brownie points you want... all you need to have is an appetite for 'success'.

Do Wishes Come True?

Do wishes come true? Lets stop for a moment and think about this...

Well, they do! is what I would say and maybe you would too.. Sometimes, God surprises you and gives you everything you want at the blink of any eyelid and people would say.. OMG how lucky are you! Sometimes, God grants you what you want.. but maybe not the way you wanted it.. and sometimes.. he takes his time.. and people still say.. OMG! How lucky are you! oblivious of the million times you must have closed your eyes and prayed to him, of the several evenings.. you must have sat by your windowsill. looking at God's creation outside.. wondering how lucky the people on the other side of the glass are.. and asking yourself the same question I asked you before.. Do wishes come true? .. This seems to be a vicious circle of questions.. but the beauty of it lies in the fact is that you have the answer within them!

As I write.. I wonder too.. When was the last time I wished for something and promised GOD. that this will be the last time I wish for anything.. well, at least this thought brings a smile to your face...if you come to think of it.. If you don't wish.. then the excitement and thrill of life would fade away.. from wishing for a thing as petty as your pimple going away the next morning to meeting the Mr. Right at the prom the next evening.. these wishes are like clues in a Treasure Hunt Game.. You keep wishing, you keep finding clues to fulfil them and the future keeps unfolding.. making your life no less than a magical experience.. and guiding you to that Biggest Treasure..

Talking about biggest treasure.. Have you ever wondered what that treasure is? What is that one thing that you would wish for.. and then stop wishing as you would get it? What is that one thing you want before you end this maze of life? You would surely have more than one answer.. because even if today.. a dying man wishes for his life.. Tomorrow when his wish will be granted he will wish for a better life.. and if someone wishes for death.. tomorrow he will wish for salvation..

As you walk through the game of life.. and keep solving every hurdle.. you collect these treasures.. small ones, big ones, not so significant ones and then walk with them.. with a bright smile.. The truth is.. that when you reach the end of this maze..it will be time to quit the game..you will see this big chest.. the Big Treasure.. and when you will open it.. you will be surprised to find all these small wishes and memories you collected over your journey sitting in there.. your childhood toys, christmas stockings,loving parents, friends, grade ten certificates, prom night pictures, first job letter, marriage pictures, kids, success appreciation letters, holiday souvenirs, grand kids pictures and bank account statements..:) that would be your big treasure.. because at that moment, when you sit down to browse through all of them.. you would answer my question and say! OMG.. thats what Iv always wished for...Wishes surely come true!!!

tRAnSItIOn

Change is the only constant in your life... It is as constant as the snow on the higest mountain peak, negativity in the mind of a pessimist, food in the hand of a binge and faith in the soul of a believer..

Yet.. Transition is something we rarely welcome.. it is one aspect we avoid, refrain from talking about and run away from indulging in.. because transistion brings with itself flexibility, a new outlook, discomfort and a lot of self relalisation.. and none of us would want to abandon our comfort blanket and go all out in the cold..

I have been experiencing transition lately.. in both my personal and professional life.. and the discomfort has brought me here.. because I have been looking for a platform to express it for a while.. but havnt really got the time for it.. So here I am.. In a phase of transition just scribbing a few things down...

Professionally.. Well I Do love My joB..and thats one of the reasons I always have a big smile on my face no matter How hard the day has been and how messy the next one is expected to be.. Panic and Frustration have given me company throughout but never in the propotion of me disliking my work.. So I continue to be hardworking employee.. for whom work takes priority.. over everything else.. and Today, as I come close to completing one whole year in the organisation, I do realise the importance of putting in every iota of the effort, because it has definately made me learn things.. but as things begin to change in an organisation.. with the rule of perpetual succession applies here.. people come and go.. pursuing personal goals and objectives.. Yet.. you remain limited to your own struggle.. although everyone says this.. including one of my collegues who has decided to move on that its the work that matters and not the people.. but for me it will always be the people who affect me as they fall in the ambit of my immediate external environment and control my work routine, perception , how my day begins, how it ends and everything in between.. You surely tel people that you are still as passionate about your work .. but then.. deep down .. you feel the passion dying down.. which bothers me a lot.. because I want to mantain what I have to do.. effectively and efficiently at all times.. Thats supposed to be my golden rule.. which I am deviating from now..

Sigh..

Talking about the personal transition.. yes.. there is some.. although its just the beginning.. and there is a long way to go as I tranform from just a girl lost in her own world.. to being a wife, a daughter in law.. and a family person.. The thought of it sounds bewildering at times, taken the commitment and responisbility it takes,. but then just like every other phase in my life and the justice I have done to it.. it is but imperitive for me to devote myself to this transition as well. A lot of times, have I thought.. of the need to make sacrifices, to cook, take care of family, be responsible.. yes.. the question did pop up .. why? I dont know all this.. But then.. now.. as I draw closer to reality, I ask myself! would I want to just let this phase go and not do what is asked for me just because I have never done it before? and I get a promot reply! No ways.. it is important for my to excel in this test as well, because it not just reflects on the person I am but also what my upbringing has been.. Bringing in values to the family, keeping in well knit with all the love and care and bring a smile on everyones face with the love and warmth would be a few exmples I have promised myself I will live By..

Yes, transition is difficult.. It is tough to leave behind 24 years of your life for something you have never experienced.. but taking risks and gambling is always fun as it brings spice to your life.. and you will never regret not doing something!!! So I close my eyes.. take a deep breath and tell myelf.. Go Shrink Go!! its going to be a journey of a lifetime!

Let Me Hold your Hand

Let me hold your hand as we go downhill,
We’ve shared our strength and we share it still.
It hasn’t been easy to make the climb,
But the way was eased by your hand in mine.
Like the lake, our life has had ripples too,
Ill-health, and worries, and payments due,
With happy pauses along the way.
At the foot of the slope, we will stop and rest,
Look back, if you wish; we’ve been truly blessed,
We’ve been spared the grief of being torn apart
By death, or divorce, or a broken heart.
The view ahead is one of the best,
Just a little bit farther, and then we can rest.
We move more slowly, but together still,
Let me hold your hand as
We go
downhill.....................

:) this was the first piece of writing that inspired me.. to pen down something interesting.. and today as i write my old verses.. its only fair that i make a mention of this beautifully written poem.. Quite true to what I feel:)

There is Something New!

Its not too often that I am in a mood like this.. a bit contemplative and somewhat reactive.. very calm, yet terpid with the introspection within.. Its like one of those expensive cocktails on the menu that sounds like a fancy concoction of various spirits and flavours.. but is just a plan mix of some aspirations, happiness, deception and loads of hope for sure.. to have a better 'next moment' thats because we think short time a lot of times!

Well, why I am here is a diffrent reason though.. i SUDDENLY remembered my long lost blog.. who used to be my friend at times.. with whom i used to talk with and spill out secrets to my hearts content! but just like any other selfish individual I forgot about it as my life picked up pace and started to tread a new path! But here I am.. resting for a while.. as I have been walking too fast for the past few months! Stopped to think, to absorb ..to smile... and then maybe take the next step.. :)

So.. well, Iv noticed that iv started using this word too much (so).. thanks to a person who has taught me a lot . its funny how you learn so much from everyone around you without even realising the worth of the lesson! Sometimes you are grateful for it when you get rewarded for the consequence of the implementation , yet sometimes you are disgusted by the unwanted learning! for me it has been positive so far.. and I am HAPPY.. I state that in Capitals because that is the most important thing at the end of the day.. no matter how gruesome, tough, easy, bewildering or smooth your journey has been, what you remember is the feeling you had when you took the last step.. Its not the last step for me though. So ya ( look the 'so' comes again!)

I was elaborating on what I have learnt from this person. One.. you realise your true commitment, like we say.. till you push the limits you never know how far can you go.. similarly.. sometimes.. you do not realise how giving and caring.. how emotional. There is not much I can explain on this,, but then.. all I would want to say is.. have you ever closed your eyes and seen an unending ocean, with a beautiful vibgyor arising from the horizon! If not.. then you are just short of pushing the 'limit' try once again.. :)

One instant can change your life.. sometimes when you dont want to do something as badly as a kid not wanting to sit for his mathematics paper, or going to the dentist the next morning and innocently praying to God for him to fall sick .. yet its that very thing which brings sureal happiness to your life,, and you think and then think again as to how close were you to losing this smile on your face and losing this dream of the vast blue expanse! and then you sit back and smile again.. being happy on the decision you took!
Back to where I was.. What has this 'new' person taught me? besides giving me a little more motivation, some magical moments, loads of memories and a handful of tears! he has given me the ability to 'push the limit' and see myself in a different light.. a new confident and more secure person.. but then i wonder! was I that weak and that i needed sumone to come and show me who I really am! Lets not go there.. lets just settle for the simple reason that just like every diamond needs to be carefully chisled to make it a masterpiece ;P.. i needed this new 'entry' and encouragement!:D to bring out my true self!
When life changes, it wipes out your past, cleans your expectations for the future.. It just takes you, holding you strongly by the hand and helps you walk confidently along the new road he has carved out for you ... it gives you opportunites, guides you patiently and at the same time tests you religiously! so.. we just need to believe in what we have and what we want from our present and future.. We need to realise that at times, the countless names written on wet sand, and the innocent dreams drawn on the beach are not going to stay there always, there is surely a wave which will come along the way and wipe away everything .. but at the same time.. it will also sweep you off your feet and take you to the middle of the ocean.. bring you closer to the dream you saw when you closed your eyes and let you loose yourself in the beauty of the seamless water.. because.. like a strong perfect relationship.. this water.. is flexible and adapts itslef according to the container you put it in.. it makes you calm, peaceful and forever beautiful.. It makes you the person you really are:).. it makes you fall in love with yourself again. and more than anything else it makes you do what you love doing...It makes you smile :)

Of Friendship

So how do two strangers become friends? Is it the frequency of their interactions.. or the common links which are woven? Is it the possibity of a beautiful tomorrow.. or the content of a happy today.. whatever it is.. its more vital on how we shape it.. because a new friendship is like fresh clay ..what defines its destiny is the way we mould it today..

Like it is said.. in most of the melodramatic Hindi movies. sometimes it takes ages to get to know a person.. and sometimes. it takes a couple of converstations to make them your best friend. It is important to cherish and nurture this friendship.. so that it grows into a stronger bond.. which is linked.. without an open end..

It is not important that two people interpret a thing in the same way, or like the same cuisine.. or enjoy the same genre of music.. or watch the same movies.. whats important is that.. you cook with a lot of affection, .. dance to the most boring song together and enjoy a bucket of popcorns watchingthe lousiest of flicks.. its the way you want it to be.. thats how it will turn out..

Its not a problem if we have built castles in the air..because now its time to put a strong foundation under it.. a lot of hope, apprehension, anxiety and dreams come with every begining, but if you support this with a strong cemented ground.. the tallest of skyskapers will stand with a promise of a hundred years.

Life moves on.. you encounter a different situation every day.. but what matters and keeps you going is the hand that holds you through your journey.. the step that steps on your footprints and walks you through verdant and barren lands... someone who brings a smile to your face even when you are in the most crucial situation or who just listens to what you have to say even if it makes no sense.. maybe its about giving in unconditional love and commitment to a friendship which makes it beautiful.. because we are not perfect people.. what matters is just what it takes to make a perfect realtionship..:)

Do you have the power to Imagine?

How wild can your imagination get? I am sure this statement would have a different interpretation for every individual.. and that’s just what I want to elaborate.. our imagination can soar to a totally different tangent just by a thought or a mere mention of an unquestioned question.Thus, its potential remains unexplored most of the times.. and that is where we thwart our creativity.. who says only a few people have the power to give ideas or create magic.. I believe each of us has a thought process and perspective which if directed towards the correct destination.. will surely weave magic.. so lets all give it a shot!
This evening was quite interesting, with a series of events lined up for me.. it all started with an anti mosquitoes fumigation drive.. now.. that’s indeed a reason to be out of office before time.. A company named.. ‘All Out’ conducted this ritual in order to kill all possible traces of mosquitoes from our office.. Now that’s where imagination comes in! All Out… were they really referring to mosquitoes when they named the product? Maybe not!
Well, the so called eventful evening progressed to stage two.. My friends brother, who is a popular pop artist had his paintings lined up for an exhibition .. So I thought I might as well go and have a look and take a sneak peak into people’s psyche… This demonstrates my level of interference and concern for people J.. Well.. the exhibition was ‘creative’.. if I had to sum it up in a word.. but that is when I realized the potential of creativity and how differently each of us think… Each painting had a story to tell.. and as I looked at them intently and tried to interpret the varied depictions in the delicately blended strokes my eyes rested upon the label.. ‘ A work of art.. by mausimi Chatterjee.. Rs 1,00,000’ and that was something which struck me.. does every idea.. every artist and every piece of art come with a price tag? Who defined the worth of imagination? And who gave people the right to transfer ownership of an invention? Was it the sheer will to get some fame ? or the necessity of an artist.. or just a way of making a living.. maybe one of these.. but then.. none of these colour pallets.. or the canvas knew .. how expensive they had become with a dash of imagination thrown on them.. it was indeed mesmerizing to see.. hues of orange, black and green mix together like they originated from the same womb of an innocent mother.. it rather gave me a sense of recognition.. of belonging to a race which had the ability to create such delight.. I think..we all deserve a chance.. to let our imagination go wild.. so that we can also discover the artist within us.. and maybe that would make us a more complete individual.. who has the power to make another individual think.. or maybe just smile at the beauty of our creation.