Something about life

Posts

Expecto Patronum

Something I know the HP fans will understand instantly. For others, there is a simple explanation. In life we all go through tough times. Some unavoidable, some self-created but we have them nonetheless. And as the cliché goes, you can either sing through the rain or get sodden and cranky. Not sure if that is how the saying goes but you get the picture! And in order to sing through the rain you need a happy thought in your head because let’s be honest! Getting drenched can get uncomfortable as soon as your socks and underpants get wet. That happy thought of yours is a Patronus. Some of us are better in retaining that thought than others. Understandably it is difficult to remember and relive a moment that happened long ago. However intense it was, one moment is probably not enough. That is why you need a Patronus every day! Set your mind on an otherwise insignificant but beautiful moment and try to carry that feeling with you for an entire day, at least for some time. You can’t c

Textures of an old soul

In 2008, I was in Sacramento, California. As excited as possible for a boring 22 year old nerd to be, I went exploring the city on my own. I asked my cab driver if the old Sacramento town was worth the time and money spent considering it was far from the uni. The cab driver, as all cab drivers do, started talking and to cut the long story short, on knowing I come from India exclaimed, “You come from Jodhpur you say? Why are YOU visiting old town? It is not even that old by your standard! Don’t you come from a city 1000 years old?” It filled my heart with joy and pride that he knew about my city and knew it so well. And I remember this story every time I visit my hometown. I always wanted to visit all those monuments back and relive my childhood memories. There never was enough time! Or let me say I never ran out of excuses. Since I have always stayed in boarding school and hostels, this place had always been the place you go back to with tired, worn down spirit. It has some heal

A feminist's half life

A friend messaged asking if I appreciate dark humour. I didn’t know what to say. That is the thing about turning middle aged without being prepared for it. I do not know how I feel about the things I previously appreciated. Other day I realised many of the FRIENDS jokes are bit offending. The character portrayal is a little messed up too. And I am someone who can talk FRIENDS. Amongst all this philosophy about age and humour, I messaged back saying I appreciate it if it isn’t too gruesome. In return I received a joke on feminism. From equality to women empowerment to feminism, the movement has always been laughed at and ridiculed. From witch burning to outright opposition and now ‘innocent’ jokes, we have certainly come quite far. And there are people who think we have crossed the line and littered away. You would think that this would come from men. Not entirely true. I am a financially independent woman who was privileged to be born in a family which has common sense. Th

Every good story has a beginning, a middle and an end. Not exactly in that order. - Toastmasters Icebreaker

For more than one reason, I recently joined the Toastmaster club of my office. I visited once as a guest and signed up for membership straight away. On my second visit the Sargent at arms asked if I would like to volunteer for anything for the next meeting. Mostly because she is a nice and funny woman, and saying no is not my strongest virtues, I signed up for a speech. For all those who do not know, the first speech is called ice breaker and it is simply about introducing yourself to the club. Choosing a topic was the toughest part, considering that I wrote it just in time for the meeting. Having not practised it beforehand, I crossed the time limit (by almost two minutes!). I am sharing it because few of my colleagues advised that I should. And also because my husband has pestered me enough for it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you madam toastmaster, fellow members and guests. This being my first speech,

For days like these

There will be days like these, You would not notice the smiling faces; And not care for the cute kid around Trains keep passing by in a blur, Without making a single sound! When chocolates don’t work, When coffee does not heal When sunshine gets gloomy And breezes you can’t feel All your strength just crumbles down to pieces; The slivers digging deep in your vein You don’t know whether to stay or to go, You feel the numbing of the pain But it’s not gone; it still is there, to hurt you Every time your feet touch the ground And every time blood gushes out of the wound, Every time you feel your heart pound. It may heal soon, it may last long, But on days like these, you will have to be strong Because you my precious, is all you have And giving up on you would be so wrong! And for days like these we have tomorrows

Letter to a self-proclaimed leader

Hi Sir, It’s funny how I have to call you sir now, to keep you anonymous. Due to the company’s culture and the influence of western work ethics on me I always addressed you by your first name. When I did, that is. You are a Stanford MBA, working in a MNC at a very high position, as crisp dressed as your likes should be. Everything that makes you ‘successful’, everything that can make you neighbour’s envy, owner’s pride. You are used to people listening to you, youngsters looking up to you and your juniors asking for your advice. You must know what responsibility feels like. Or do you? I vividly remember when I met you for the first time. Being in the same company, I had asked for an introduction to some legal recruiter in Australia. I was moving countries; I was digitally exploring the market. In case you thought I was asking for much, when one sends a request to connect on LinkedIn it asks to confirm if they ask that person. I used to think LinkedIn checks it against