~ Reflections ~

Often, we take so much for granted... That we have a roof over our head... sufficient money to survive through these trying times... the faculties, mental and physical to execute what we want.... And most importantly (and often the most taken for granted), loving family, friends and well wishers who truly care... who are willing to step up when you are forced to step down... who are willing to lookout for you well being at all times, in your highs and their lows as well !!

There are a million thoughts running in my head right now...  But the mind appears to be calm.. radio silence...  Does that mean too much chaos results in peace???  Then why is there so much fuss around trying to focus our thoughts?  But in all the randomness, there is a pattern!!! 

I never thought creating something will create a new being in me.  This part of me seems to be a new find, even to myself. I guess its the circle of life... being created and then re-created, till the end of life.

Growing up has various signs.. from the way our body changes to how our language evolves...  But the more our language evolves, the lesser we seem to use words effectively. Like Pluto (in Dil Dhadakne Do ) comments on this strange paradox, humans have all the tools to communicate all their thoughts  (clearly and effectively) , they choose to (more often than not) mince words and resort to subtle signs.  Sigh ! How much easier life would've been if we'd use the faculties nature has blessed us with !

This year has been exceptional in more ways than one... That the pandemic hit all of us is just the cause which snowballed into many effects (some drastic) for a lot of us.  To say that I am thankful would be an understatement... thankful that I got rest when I needed it (due to the lockdown), thankful that I've been blessed with my bundle of joy despite all odds, thankful for a lot of things... but most importantly thankful that my near and dear are all fine, emotionally, physically and financially. So here's my takeaway from this year... 1. There is often good in all the negativity that surrounds us . While this might sound like management jargon, it's true. On a personal front, lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to work from home and rest when I could, which really helped. But even in a more general sense, the air became cleaner.. City dwellers could suddenly hear chirping birds and spot stars in a clear (read smokeless) sky.  2. Reinventing oneself takes time an

One of the most impactful modes of communication for companies is advertisements. In most companies, lots of thought foes into what they wish to convey to their audience. While ads from the likes of Tata Group (read Tata Tea, Titan and Tanishq) have always been a cut above the rest, there are few other brands/companies which have consistently managed to break through the noise to deliver meaningful messages. Take for instance Ghadi Detergent, a brand from RSPL Ltd (a Kanpur based company) which has used the punchline #SaareMaelDhoDaalo to deliver beautiful messages, be it about forgetting old grudges , our prejudices about certain professions , the different hues of a mothers or respecting the people who enable us to accomplish our daily work i.e. domestic helps. Brooke Bond (an HUL brand), has also managed to deliver socially relevant messages through the brilliant campaigns like  #TasteofTogetherness  which has managed to shatter many myths, including the recent ad pertaining to

I know this subject has been beaten to death everywhere including books... Seize the day, like there is no tomorrow. However, despite these repeated reminders we keep getting from everyone, the point is often lost.. till it hits home.... leaving behind heavy baggage... We often postpone things, thinking we'll find a more opportunities in the future to do the necessary, say the needful... but alas !!

Some of us are wrong all the time, and all of us are wrong sometimes. But that doesn't stop us from stressing over trying to get it all right - to be perfect. Ironically, what we don't realize is that there is no perfect. One can't have it all. Love the advice given by Renuka Shahane  in one of the episodes (S02, E03) of the web-series called What the Folks  by Dice Media . Afterall, no one can have it all !!! Just let the ball drop once in a while.

Have you ever sought validation for your actions and decisions... As a child, the job is done by our parents and siblings, and they seem to be more than happy expressing their opinion. But what happens when one grows up.... Do we still seek validation as adults ? And more importantly, is it a reflection of our self confidence ? Recently, I was told that I still seek validation from some people. While I was initially taken aback by the feedback, I subconsciously knew it was an accurate observation.  Amusing as it sounds, there seem to be a bunch of us who appear confident and self assured, but who often seek validation from their people. Validation when making key decisions reinforces once belief.  But what sets apart the confident from self - doubting person is whether the absence of this hold one back from making the decision/acting in a situation ! 

What happens when we fail once..  Do we just give up or try again...  Do we start building walls and fences around us...   And if we are one of the courageous ones top finally tries again, is it ok to make the criterias more stringent, or would you just stick to your belief and trudge ahead...  Don't think there is any right or wrong in this...  No one should judge...  It should finally be each to their own...