Is Happiness Elusive ...or we just fail to find it!

hap-ee-nis: bliss, contentedness, delight, joy, pleasure, satisfaction...

The state of joy, getting hold of a new comic book, delight seeing a new pencil, ecstasy munching a candy, satisfaction playing with a friend, contentedness getting a new dress for festival and the sheer pleasure of mom’s home cooked food.  I am at times left distraught wondering, where did I lose those little but precious moments of genuine inner peace.

Lost maybe, in the growing up process; some pleasant and unpleasant circumstances; the daily grind, losing our loved ones, health issues, relationships taking a beating, so on and so forth.

Is it so difficult to smile and laugh? At times, if you notice closely, we even forget to breathe properly; such is the hurry, rush and preoccupation in our lives. The many roles that we don and the balancing acts we put up add to and take its toll on our fragile minds and souls.

I understand that all of us are not born with sunny dispositions. As we grow, we learn that happiness is a state of being, which is commonly construed and attributed to our experiences with our environment – people, places, things...

I personally at times feel that being nice, good and positive can be tiring and that one loud outburst displaying negative emotions, like yelling, cursing, use of abusive words can give some temporary power and excitement to the mundane, but most of the time causes exhaustion to the self, more than to the target audience.

I believe, once in a while such outbursts are healthy, but if the frequency continues then surely things are not conducive to the self and to others in your life.

Every bit of emotions we experience, like joy, excitement, stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, pain, are integral moments. We as humans are capable of learning and un-learning from them, by means of introspection and intent. It’s not easy for sure but nonetheless, trying helps!

Total bliss, the ascetic way is far fetched! Down the lane, I have learnt to love my pain and it helps me enhance my thinking, creativity, empathy and determination to face challenges. But I also love my moments of peace and cheer.

So in pursuit of some happiness, I am working on a few aspects (tried, tested and shared by many, for sure) and hope to achieve, that something, to soothe my soul and mind.  It’s hard, very hard!

• Stop anticipating negative moments and reactions – It’s damaging to you and you alone.
• Stop worrying, because most of it does not happen – Even if something happens, damn it, you are capable of catching it by its neck and throwing it away.
• Stop getting caught in needless drama that happens around – People like to pull you into it to entertain them.
• Stop heeding too much to other’s unrealistic and demanding expectations of you – Learn to say NO; there is no end to what others want of you.
• Stop caring too much about what others think of you – Remember, you are a champ.
• Stop neglecting health issues – Health is indeed the first and foremost wealth.
• Stop reliving the anger caused by situations and people – Grudge will weaken your soul. If still it refuses to leave your mind, then use it towards some positive, constructive and productive means for you. (Read somewhere: Holding a grudge is letting someone live rent free in your head)
• Stop being scared or sceptical about taking up new assignments – There is always a way when there is will.
• Stop taking crap from people- Make peace with yourself.

• Give whatever assistance you can to people less fortunate than you – Experience the joy of unconditional giving.
• Give support to social causes – It’s always blessed to give than to receive.
• Give a thought to pursuing a hobby – It’s fun and soothing.
• Give praise, appreciation and acknowledgement to that deserving friend, neighbour, relative, colleague, acquaintance, your own kids, spouse, siblings and parents, for a good deed or work – Feel the power of giving.
• Give that friendly big smile, nod, and a wave to all the people you come in touch with daily; the road side vendor, maid, watchman, driver, milk man, paper boy, office peon – See the magic of acknowledging a fellow human being.
• Give some time connecting and networking with friends and develop contacts – It can be enriching.
• Give a thought to your blessings and make gratitude an attitude – Explore the power of prayers.

I am in the “Give” mode which helps me maintain my mental equilibrium, but need to work seriously on the “Stop” aspects to enhance the quality of peaceful living. It’s a long list; just needs that nudge of  conscious effort, exercise and implementation.

 SMILE J

The Radiant Sun...Silk...Shine to Recharge my Life!

Source:The Hindu

The road...more travelled, the journey unforgettable, the cacophony unavoidable, the air non-breathable and the destination inevitable – my work place! This sums up my everyday saga in life.

The morning rush hours, the craters ridden dusty roads of my city, the mad traffic jams are a every day nightmare.  To top it all is my old sentimental scooter which bears the brunt everyday and helplessly passes on the same to my bones and nerves. 

The rattled and tattled me, en route to work every day and back home on the faithful oldie is indeed, an ordeal.  The ride is no less adventurous, than the Dune Bashing, Roller Coaster Rides or Mud Car Racing.

But hey, once I reach my work place and toss off my scarf and shake my stiff head and stiffer shoulder, the soft lovely touch of my shining tresses bring the spring back into my steps. I straighten myself and stride confidently into the office space.  I feel like I have just stepped out from a chauffeur driven car, directly from the top salon in town.

My hair is strong like the Knight in Shining Armour, gives me that extra edge to hold my own, in spite of the drudgery I face, every day. The healthy shine and lovely fragrance of Sunsilk Radiant Shine Shampoo  on my hair makes my day productive, and my mood as radiant as my hair, at its super best, all day long.

Sunsilk Radiant Shine Shampoo is a part and parcel of my essentials and I recharge my hair with it, to keep that enviable bounce and shine in my life.  The Sunsilk Radiant Shine; now and always, to look and feel my elegant best and geared to face any challenges in life with élan!

                

 * The Radiant Sun...Silk...Shine to Recharge my Life is a true narrative of my daily ordeal, commuting the roads of Hyderabad, written exclusively  for IndiBlogger Contest "Recharge your hair Recharge your Life .

We Time ... A Lunch Date with My Beloved

I am a sucker for contests! Especially where some scope for creative writing is involved. This is a childhood fancy carried into adulthood. In the process I have won quite a few goodies ranging from Stickers, Chicklet packets, pens, cinema tickets, gift vouchers and very recently "We Time" from TVS Wego.

It just happened on Diwali eve while browsing the Facebook page,  I hit upon the Diwali We Time Moment Contest on the TVS Wego FB Page. It said -Tell us how you would surprise your loved one this Diwali. The most creative and romantic idea wins!

Here is what I wrote in a jiffy that evening when  my creative juices were overflowing...

Close your eyes! I say to my beloved...hold his hands gently and lead him up the stairway. A whiff of cool  breeze and a sweet fragrance lovingly touches my beloved's face and I see a faint smile appear and feel his grip tighten my hand, sensing the warmth and some element of surprise... we step on to the patio and I ask him to open his eyes...Surprise!Surprise! his astonished face looks like a colourful sparkler. Amidst all the lovely lit candles and roses, he sees his bunch of school buddies standing quietly, suppressing their laughter on seeing his amazed expression and go screaming and cheering loudly, which easily overpowers the noise of the crackers booming in the surroundings! This is what I have imagined as my romantic gesture, a memorable evening for my MAN, my BELOVED! #TVSWEGO #DIWALICONTEST #ENTRY

I was somehow sure of emerging a winner (cheeky, right?) but was hoping the prize will be a TVS Wego to ride on for an all time We Time!

Source: www.tvswego.com

Anyway as expected, I emerged one of the six winners announced and the prize was a We Time lunch or dinner at The Marriott, Hyderabad. A tad bit disappointing but nonetheless an exclusive "We Time"  in our busy ho hum lives looked good enough. 

I informed my choice of date and time to TVS Wego and they promptly booked a table for two at The Marriott, Hyderabad for my lunch date with my beloved, my hubby. 

The Marriott, Hyderabad is not new to us, but the exclusive date made it special. The staff at Okra, The Marriott were very gracious. They had a special menu for us. 

We are vegetarians and were leisurely served  a course of Sparkling Wine ( both don't drink), Tomato Soup (Roasted tomato, mars Capone, focaccia crostini), Chef's Salad (Red Apple, assorted lettuce, micro greens with ginger honey dressing), Pasta Spaghetti (Aubergine, feta, confit tomatoes and pine nuts) and last but not the least my favourite part of the meal, The Dessert (Blue Berry Cheese Cake, bowl of fruits, a scoop of Vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup).  

The Chef personally came over to our table to inquire on the food, which I thought was a nice gesture.

Our two hours of leisure We Time together over food was pleasant, thanks to TVS Wego and The Marriott!

The Rising Star of World Badminton - PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu is currently ranked World No. 11 in the Women's Singles Badminton.

@ Lunch by Sindhu's parents celebrating her Macau Title

This lanky, fit, all of 5 feet 11 inches towering tall, 18 year old kid is the rising star of World Badminton from India and more specifically Hyderabad; home also to Super Champ   Saina Nehwal currently ranked World No.6; India's No. 1 & World No. 14 Men's Singles Champ P.Kashyap; Men's Singles India No.2 & World No.21 RMV.Gurusaidutt.

They all train at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy.

On Court, Sindhu is determined to go for a win. In her own words, 2013 has been her best so far and there is no stopping from here. 

She lived up to her top billing by winning her maiden Grand Prix Gold title beating Singaporean fifth seed Juan Gu in the women's singles final of the Malaysia Open badminton on May 4th, 2013.

On 8th August 2013, Sindhu defeated the defending champion, second-seeded Wang Yihan of China, to enter the women's quarterfinals at the Badminton world championships. She became the first Indian female to win a singles medal (Bronze) at the World Championships and broke into the world top-10 for a brief period. 

PV Sindhu continued her winning streak and asserted that she is indeed the rising star of Indian badminton by clinching her second Grand Prix Gold Title, the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold 2013  with a superb win over Canada's Michelle Li scoring 21-15, 21-12 in merely 37 minutes, on Dec 1st, 2013.

Sindhu was conferred with the Arjuna Award in September,2013.

She is the Icon player of the Awadhe Warriors Lucknow, one of the IBL teams. 

During my coordination of the IBL Shuttle Express Programme for School Children in Hyderabad, Sindhu launched the Hyderabad Leg at the Indus World School, the IBL School Partner here on July 16th, 2013. 

She immensely enjoyed interacting with kids and readily obliged everyone with autographs and photographs; was at ease with the media during the press conference and enjoyed her lunch at the school's dining hall.

At the recently organised "Herbalife Kids Badminton Championship 2013" , the National Badminton Coach Mr. Pulella Gopichand and his prodigy Ms. PV Sindhu readily agreed to be the Chief Guests for the award ceremony, to the delight of the winners and runners up. Being Children's Day on November 14th, I asked her to say a few words to the kids and her spontaneous shy response was, "I myself am a kid, what do I tell them" ; I was very amused and realized she actually is a kid!

Off Court, she is a normal teenager, just a kid who enjoys her glass of cola and junk food. 

Her parents Mr. PV Ramana and Mrs.Vijaya, former National Volley Ball players should be very proud and happy to see their and daughter's hard work pay off  in the form of her victories.  

More accolades are wished for this young sports person.

My Childhood Confederate & Cherished Memories ... Soft, Gentle and Pure like a Dove!

I jog through my childhood memories at the age of five, remember this little fella, two years younger, looked exactly like Pee Wee (the cute friend of Richie Rich)  and  followed me everywhere. 

I still fail to comprehend my adventurous streak at that age, it baffles me no end whenever I think about the shenanigans initiated by me and very diligently followed by Pee Wee – my younger sibling!

Pee Wee was the central character to all my experiments, most of the memorable ones are at our Mom’s dressing table.  The long mirror, the attached side tables with drawers appeared like a magnificent throne. My little Prince Pee Wee (read guinea pig) seated on the throne, all geared up for the grand game to begin. The contents of the drawer, my mom’s prized possessions, lured me to pick and cajole them with my artistic hands – a box of compact face powder, talcum powder, kaajal, lip stick, cold cream, bottle of liquid red kumkum & nail polish. Oh!  What a treasure, waiting just for me - Their Saviour.

I begin with the compact face powder, followed by all other ingredients that give Pee Wee; the killer looks (really frightening, I should say). Very satisfied with my artistic outcome on Pee Wee, I do the same to my sweet and soft face. Our artistic endeavour is highly visible on the dressing table, mirror and the floor. The colour riot beckons.

Mommy dearest is busy cooking in the kitchen, with intervallic voice call to check on our normal existence . Whenever there is pin drop silence, it is a obvious danger pointer.  She swiftly sprints in search of the little angels (actually read devils) and find us, the dancing duo skating on the rink of talcum powder with a pair of socks adorning those nimble feet. The horror is apparent on mom’s pretty face.  The riot of colours on the faces and surroundings instigate unexplained emotions in Mommy. 

Now, the memories bring tears with all the laughing at those nostalgic and crazy moments.

My love for experimenting stayed intact through my growing years. It graduated from gaudy colours to genuine skin care. I began using only Besan (Chick Pea Flour) on my face to prevent the wear and tear of skin caused by the regular toilet soaps. I vividly remember the launch of Dove, the soap with moisturizing cream way back in 1990’s when I was in college. The premium product was very enticing; the price frightfully expensive. But my mind was set on experimenting Dove and #DoveFaceTest. 

I earned my pocket money imparting tuition to neighbourhood kids and my mom permitted my splurge understanding its true value; and here I am hooked to Dove for life!

Dove was an indulgence then, very carefully used and guarded. My Pee Wee was also not allowed to touch it and was permitted once in a while to use it only on his face (budgetary constraints, you see) ; moments when my soft and gentle emotions were afloat.

Dove today is my  necessity and a legacy, that I have passed on to my daughter. Now, my Pee Wee is a Big Man (wise from all the childhood histrionics) and lives in UAE. Being my childhood confederate, he knows my Dove obsession and hence by default, it is a part and parcel of the goodies bag I get from UAE. More like a loving gift from my Mayaka (Parents Home). Seriously, I mean it!

* My Dove Story for IndiBlogger Contest "Dove Guessing game with my friend",  is a true account of my childhood experiences and Dove is indeed my everyday necessity, the narrative shared on Dove is 100% true.

Finding Love...The Platinum Way!

I gaze at the stars every night, standing on the patio of my parent’s house and feel the cool breeze brush my face. The still chill in the air brings a shudder and I sense a pair of eyes watching me. I glance around, but see none. My heart feels hollow and my mind makes a conversation – “What is this emptiness I feel?”

I lead an active life professionally and socially. My parents are the best, having given me, their only child, all their love and unconditional support in all that I wanted to do and have in life. I have some wonderful friends who care for me and are fun to be around. My work gives me solace and is my spiritual journey.

I work to share my love, affection, knowledge and to uplift the lives of young girls who have no home or family to call their own. I lead a privileged life and want the same for my fellow human beings. My parents supported my decision of quitting the high profile corporate world in my pursuit for a more meaningful completely satisfying occupation that I love to breathe in and out daily. I think this is my Karma!

But then, what is this ‘heart’ yearning for? What is this ‘emptiness’, I feel? My thoughts overpower me for a split second as I cross the main road to reach my work place and in a jiffy I feel a strong grip on my arm which pulls me so roughly, that I am consumed by anger, followed immediately by a gripping panic. I am alive, having just missed being run over by the speeding city bus!

And suddenly a sense of warmth creeps into me as I look around to find myself in the strong arms of a handsome man. Is this the ‘Platinum Day of Love’!!! His piercing brown eyes look familiar and I can sense anger and concern in them. I am oblivious of the crowd gathered around me.

With a jolt, I recover from my moment of clustered emotions, straighten myself, pluck his grasping hand off my arm, murmur ‘thanks’ and run across the road to my everyday destination, my work place.

I enter my office in a daze, gulp down a glass of cold water and look for my mobile to call my close buddy and share with her my eventful journey to work. Oh No! My mobile’s missing and I remember to have dropped it on the road during the highly tumultuous moment of my life.

Just as I get up still shaking from the day’s event, to ask an office staff to go and look for it; I see my messiah of the day or should I say my life walk into the office with my mobile in hand. He gives me a big smile and hands over the mobile and I feel his finger slightly brush my hand. And suddenly the ‘emptiness’ in filled with some weird ‘heaviness’.  I say to myself, what the hell is this?

Oh my God! I recognise those eyes. He is that shy boy, my neighbourhood best friend when I was a 6 year old. I remember howling for days, when he moved from the city with his parents as I had lost my best friend and play mate. I asked him was he the same childhood buddy and the way he laughed and hugged me acknowledging the fact is something I cannot forget ever in my lifetime...

Love is in the air, the stars are shining brighter, the heart is full of joy and both of us coincidentally have chosen Platinum Love Bands to bind us in togetherness! Yes, platinum for its purity, rarity and preciousness, just like ‘pure love’.

I am remembered of a quote by Robert Frost - "In three words I can sum up everything, I've learned about of life: it goes on... " Love for eternity...The Platinum Way!

* A rare confession:  This is a pure(ly) imaginative narrative by a hopeless romantic, i.e ME for the IndiBlogger Contest  - Platinum Day of Love

Very Very Special Face2Face - VVS LAXMAN

I highly recommend this motivational talk by VVS Laxman to all youngsters!

Source: KKRmindstudio -  Thanks to Dr.KK. Ramachandran, Director GRD Institutions, Coimbatore - TN

US Universities Fair in Hyderabad, India by Linden Tours USA

Linden US University Fair in Hyderabad

Date & Day: Wednesday, 30th October 2013

Fair Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Local Contact:

Manjula Harpanahalli
Tel: +91-8008988351 (10 am - 7 pm only)
Email: hmanjula@yahoo.com

Location:Taj Krishna,Road No. 1, Banjara Hills,Hyderabad 500034,India

Participating Universities:

Name	Contact	Web Address
Academy of Art University	Aaron Cardozo	www.academyart.edu
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	Sunder Raghavan	www.erau.edu/international
Fairfield University	Christopher Johnson	www.fairfield.edu
Fairleigh Dickinson University	Gayathri Attiken	www.fdu.edu
Florida Institute of Technology	Stacey Reeder	www.fit.edu
George Mason University	Elena Agaragimova	www.gmu.edu
Iowa State University of Science and Technology	Ann Gogerty	www.iastate.edu
La Salle University	Robert Arcangel	www.lasalle.edu
Loyola University Chicago	Lindsey Simon	www.luc.edu
Polytechnic Institute of NYU	Abhyuday Pai	www.poly.edu
San Jose State University	Curt Anderson	www.sjsu.edu
State University of New York, New Paltz	Beth Vargas	www.newpaltz.edu
University of Colorado Denver	Genny Parker	www.internationaladmissions.cudenver.edu
University of South Florida, Tampa	Shifali Kumar	www.usf.edu
Xavier University	Daniel Marschner	www.xu.edu

Mom - My Guardian Angel

MOM...been 5 years!!! Love You...

No words can express the love, affection, power, beauty, grit, goodness, contentment and majesty in the way you lived . You continue to be our guardian angel and guide. We know you continue to pray for our well being and safety and also that of all your loved ones. We miss you but again know you are within us! 

Hammock Shopping 2030 – The future of Shopping!!!

Imagine lazing on your hammock, sipping hot coffee, relaxing holiday, reading a romantic novel and ... your mobile rings, ripples your state of serenity. Hello! There you hear the familiar baritone, the voice that made you skip a heartbeat, once again. That’s your childhood sweetheart calling you from nowhere, and a loud cheering fills the ear. The ‘Gang’ is all there, just cannot believe your ears. Your childhood friends have connected with you and are all set to pick you up in the evening for a gala get-together to reminisce the old days and celebrate the reunion! It’s a pleasant surprise for you.

You are just not in a mood to lift your butt and drive around miles looking for that “Special Apparel”; but first of all –What is it that you want to wear and look stunning to your friends? Viola! ‘Yours Only’, the friendly app which can be used on a laptop and a mobile; is your buddy, stylist & shopper; the all-in-one wonder is in your hands and at your command.

You activate the app on your mobile and use your voice command to specify your requirements, size and your budget, for the special evening wear and within seconds you have a set of apparel with suitable accessories presented with the price tag for your review.  The awesome stuff spread out for your selection makes you elated and satisfied.

You take your pick, pay and the online shop promises to deliver your stuff within two hours and you go back to reading your novel and keep relaxing.  

As promised, your shopping bag is dropped at your doorstep and just not the stuff, but a personnel from the service provider accompanies with some variant sizes, to make sure you get your best fit. A very personalized and professional service indeed!

Thud... I just fell from the hammock. Hey, was I dreaming? Yep, but I think online shopping is just about fun and immensely convenient even today. As I imagine about the future of online shopping, I am browsing for a book ‘House of Cards’ by Sudha Murthy and a 16 GB pen drive and my EBay Check, the official Google Chrome extension from EBay  India bit.ly/eBayCheck_Extention gives me the best price on eBay.in. I just compared the prices on other online shopping sites and found it to be the lowest here. I shopped at eBay.in and my book and pen drive was delivered in two days time at my doorstep. For real, no day dreaming here.

I am a shopaholic and I do strongly believe in retail therapy. So Happy Shopping 24X7! J

Blame it on...

It's been a year again, time flies and my resolution to actively blog failed. Alas! this time around I blame it on Social Media Sites and Smart Phone Technology- Facebook, Twitter, Blackberry Messenger, Skype & Whats App. They are like instant fast food, ready in two minutes, very tempting and addictive. Instant communication has become so easy and fast that my fingers are tap dancing all the time.

I am hounded by my Laptop, Tab & Blackberry. They seem to follow me everywhere. Oops or is it me after them? Whatever...

The fun part is keeping in touch with friends and family on a regular basis by acknowledging their presence with 'Like' on their FB Status, sharing snapshots and messages instantly through Blackberry Messenger,Chat up on What's App and Skype with pals from any corner of the world and Twitter -  Oh Lord, I am addicted. it keeps me updated on News around the World and an opportunity to interact and follow celebrities, like minded tweeple who are total strangers. It makes the world a really really small place.