From being somebody to nobody...

Indian marriage is once in a lifetime show. They are larger than life...a lot of planning is done for years together to make it large and a big fat event. Parents put in a lot of money to make it a memorable day for their children. Arranged marriages are still common in India, though bride and the groom do get a chance to meet a few times before marriages. Love marriages are not uncommon, but they constitute a smaller percentage. What happens when a bride enters her home? In most of the cases, there is a huge identity crisis. It is a journey from being a somebody to a nobody. A girl, who is the apple of the eyes, in her family is suddenly asked to live among strangers, who look at her with a critical eye. What’s she wearing, what’s she doing, how is she sitting, how is she laughing, why is she laughing, why is she sitting,…the list of why’s, how’s and what’s is long. She is being judged for everything. Her normal routine is also under supervision. All of a sudden she becomes the wife and daughter-in-law, ready to take over the household responsibilities. Not many families are kind enough to the newly-weds. It is difficult for them to adjust to a new being in the house. But, little do they understand that for a bride, everything is new…from the house to the people around. She has little or no information about the new family’s day-to-day activities, culture, philosophy and thinking. It takes times to imbibe and accept the change. If there is a friction between the girl and any other member of the family, the girl is always criticised and she is said to be the one who cannot gel with people. Can one person be wrong all the time? It is the responsibility of the parents to understand and make peace. They should try to bridge the gap rather than drifting family members apart. Most Indian women try their best to gel in the new surroundings and be happy. For some, it works wonderfully while a few have to fight for their space for years together. Then dawn the new beginning – from being nobody to somebody! Yes, life experiences teach us to be stronger and we want us to be recognised to be who we are and not what others want us to be. If others can't accept, it is their choice. Else, be happy with what you are and not what others want you to be. #indianmarraiges #mindfulliving

You are what you are...

You are what you are and not what others think of you. Then, why do we feel lost and hurt when someone believes you are wrong and you have no words to prove yourself. Can one mistake, intentional or unintentional, define your character? How many years will you be admonished for something you are not responsible for? Life is to live...forget about what others think. If you believe in yourself, nothing and no one can take away your self-respect. There is nothing more important than your opinion about yourself. The day you lose your self-respect is the day you lose yourself. Dont let that happen to you.

Why oh why?

How much are we responsible for what others feel or do? Why is a female always told that she can be substituted with maids? Can a wife, a mother, a daughter-in-law substituted with a maid? While, a daughter, a sister or a female friend can't. Why can't men understand that if a female is doing house work, even then she cant be substituted with a maid. Dont know when this patriarchial mindset will change!

Heading towards the 'new normal'

Where's the world heading to?

When I pause to think and analyse the ongoing situation due to Covid-19 pandemic, I realise that life is not going to be the same for the next few months.

And it is not just about the way we live, it is more about our professional lives. So many people have been laid off due to no reason, while few others are going through substantial pay cuts. And the business class people are suffering too. Their business are down because the products or services they deal in are not 'essential.' People are wary of spending money on things other than 'essential' goods. 

Our lives are changing...we need to adapt ourselves to the 'new normal.' Things seem to be gloomy at this time but all we need is a strong will and it's time to rethink our strategies for future. I am not sure if a long-term strategy would be the right way to go. But, I am sure each one of us can take small steps towards a better and a healthier future!

#covid19 #paycuts #life #business #essential

Why can't people be happy?

Why can't people be happy?

All of us might have encountered a few people in lives, who just don't seem to be happy any time. They are continuously fretting over past or things they cannot control. They seem to be a victim of the past. 

In the process, they forget to appreciate the present, which is full of hope and possibilities. 

Let bygones be bygones...Live in the present. Live life, enjoy life.... Spread positivity around and keep humming 'Love you zindagi...'

#life #livelife #happylife #lovelife #enjoylife

Life is too precious to lose!!!

The news of a successful man committing suicide has shocked one and all, not because he was a film star but because he was a young, hard-working, talented young man with a promising future. There was a lot he could do in life. My heart goes out to his family and friends, for whom this setback should have never happened.

Life is precious...for all of us. Our lives are intertwined with each other and one wrong decision can affect so many lives.

What I have learnt from my life experiences is that for each one of us, being happy should be the first priority because if you are happy, then only you can spread happiness and keep others happy. It is the state of mind which transcends to others. A happy person takes everything in his stride.

It is not easy to be happy all the time. It has to be a conscious effort. In these unprecedented times, it has become all the more important to keep a watch on your mental being. Do what makes you happy and keep you sane. Help yourself to be able to help others. 

Think positive...life is a gift.

#life #livelife #enjoylife #happiness #peace #hope #spreadhappiness

7 Key takeaways from lockdown:

7 Key takeaways from lockdown:

1.    Thanks for being fit & alive – Survival is most important.

2.    Thanks for having food and shelter – Gratitude is important too.

3.    Saving is important – Those who have saved for rainy, or shall we say pandemic days, are better.

4.    Back to basics – We just need the basics to live.

5.    Self-sufficient – We can manage our houses on our own.

6.    Health is important than wealth – Give time to yourself.

7.    Nothing like home – Home seems to be the safest place on this earth. 

#lifeinlockdown #whatlockdownteachesus #survival