Festivals - something about them changes you. The warmth of the atmosphere envelopes you taking you for a flight that has you struck with awe and the irrepressable desire to make the day/s unique. To celebrate this one life that has been granted to us to live !!

Diwali is here!! These 5 days have me wanting a clean house, lights all around, delicious food, the company of wonderful peoplw n grandeur in everything I grace my senses with.

Last week we celebrated Halloween with the decorating of our house with the series light (in lieu of the festival season leading upto New Yrs) n distributing candy to the cute costume clad superheroes, toys, princesses, witches n angels.

Dhanteras found me enjoying a wonderful afternoon with friends n then spending the day at friends'. The gold buying ritual got exchanged for golden moments that I'll cherish.

Choti Diwali was spent recuperating as I do every two three days by lounging around home and in the evening had a nice dinner with Hubby getting him to try dishes that I had Very recently ( read : the day before ) discovered.


Diwali morning was spent sharing greetings with family. While this was happening I scampered around the house re arranging things so as to avoid the clutter and make it easier for hubby to do some much needed cleaning that I'm incapable of these days.  Evening found hubby taking photos and me lighting candles all around after a delicious meal.

New Year night, as I sat in my home that some how magically I've gotten to smell like my mom's home, waiting for the guests to bring in the new year I wish my family was here to enjoy the yummy chat n games I've put together.

End of the day has me reeling in pain and swelling with joy at the end of a successful Diwali Bash !! People enjoyed the Chat options I'd put together and I loved all the laughter and food that every one else had brought.

Today is Bhaidooj and as always I miss my brother and long for the day I can celebrate atleast one Rakhi or Bhaidooj with him without having miles of ocean between us.

Maybe as with all other celebrations, this one too will have to be celebrated in an Inventive and unorthodox manner. Maybe I'll get him to come on webcam and see his lovely smile !! :-)

A truly memorable Diwali !! Can't wait for next year when I'll have my own Family to rejoice with. God Willing !!

I often wonder why change is so scary ?! As the time of the 2nd biggest change of my life approaches, fear grips my heart. Almost as much if not more, the excitement of holding my own flesh n blood in my arms.

We tend to get so mellow in our comfort zones n routines that any threat to the same is seen as a potential disaster waiting to happen.

I for one dread the loss of the balance that my hubby n I have developed over the years. Even though Im well aware that the balance had taken on the shape of monotony, I wonder how erratic the new sounds n routines will be.

I know this fear is baseless n a lil selfish too. I know I WANT this change with my whole being, yet each day that brings me closer to the new person in me feels a lil sad for the person I'll be leaving behind..

This is what someone said to me recently - " on our deathbeds will we really know what we were born to do...nice one...hope none of us regret ...it knowing the truth then ... "

I wonder. Why is it that people have a " don't think about it, don't talk about it " attitude towards REGRET. Regrets are a part of life.  I have so many of them, where I wish I hadn't done this or said that. Regrets are what teach you what NOT to do later in life. What's important is to know that no matter what happened , you tried your best. You took the most honest path along the way of life and if you didn't, knowing that then it's important to realize that and try to make amends as best as you can.

Yeah, don't obsess over them but yeah, personally I think one should always take time out and atleast try to figure our where one had gone wrong when life takes a turn for the worst or unexpected!!! Don't push all your mistakes under the rug, blaming them on timing, others or whatever else diversions you can think of. Take responsibility for your actions and what You, yourself could have done differently.

And if by my deathbed, I do have regrets I haven't been able to realize or amend ... well, hopefully I live a life such that the Almighty will understand that I would have if I had more time ...

With all the ups and downs that I've been experiencing healthwise lately, I've had a revelation of sorts. Yes, another one ! Life is full of them :-)

Some days have been thinking that I'm the ugliest person on earth. I look in the mirror and all I see is the tired, sad looking person who just puked her guts out and wishes could just sleep these remaining months off.

Inspite of my hubby's constant reminders of me being good enough and that I just need to get out and do some shopping, I don't bother with what I'm wearing or how I'm looking for I couldn't possibly work on this disaster with any success

And then few and far between are those days when I look in the mirror and feel like, " Hey, that face ain't all that bad ! ' I can see hope there. I feel like dressing up and then I do. I blow dry my hair into shape, wear something pretty, put on my kajal, some perfume and some lipstick, if not vaseline. I put on some trinklets and my fancy shoes and can feel myself transforming into someone who " feels " beautiful and find myself smiling at my own work of art in the mirror.
I can't describe the relief and joy I felt when I bought the maternity pants and started going out shopping for ' myself ' after months of wallowing in a bad mood. The right shoes, the right clothes, the right perfume all help in making me a better me, not only from the outside but from the inside as well.


What I guess I realized is, along with that smile, it always helps to have the right accessories to help you imagine a better you in every sense of the word from attitude to materialistic objects !!

I've lived almost three decades now and yet when I talk to my mother who has two more decades on me, we have disagreements over what life means and what's the best way to resolve a situation - hypothetical or real.

Just yesterday, we were conversing and my mother says that all that happens is with the will of God. Our decisions, actions, every minute event that occurs is coz that is what God wants.

Now I honestly do not agree with that. For that pretty much absolves people of taking responsibility for anything that they do or happens in their life. It's like saying, no matter what you've done, you aren't responsible. Besides, where is the fun in living life to the fullest, if it's the life you would be having no matter what decision you take.

My belief is that life is in our hands. God isn't so cruel as to make you miserable on purpose or make you do bad things but yes, He defines certain paths in your life. The one you take leads you to the next one in the matrix and so on. While this may be a lot of work for Him, I believe that's where free will comes into the picture.

To which my dear mother responded, " Then why is it that bad things happen to good people or people with good intentions cannot go through on their desires ? "

I admit that stumped me for a minute but I came back with the logic that, "The intention is what matters. The action may or may not come to fruitation because our lives our not our own. They are connected to a number of individuals whose paths and intentions influence ours.

Thus, supposing you ( my mother ) wants to go to the temple, but father is busy at work and no one can pick you up and give you a ride then that doesn't mean you didn't want to go. That just means that things didn't work out. "

Now lots of people out there might find flaws with my point of view but then it's a work in progress. I just felt I should put it out there to see the reaction it Might generate. :)

Life is changing ... slowly but surely. Where have I been the past four months ?! Hmmm....

The good news is the I'm expecting. :-) And I couldn't be happier about it.

The bad news is the I've been too sick to even think about writing or any other extra curricular activity for that matter. Any exertion physical or mental added to all the pregnancy symptoms and lack of sleep has me reeling. Feeling uncomfortable in my own skin has taken a new meaning and the temperature/mood fluctuations have my hubby cringing in anticipation.

Till the first time I saw the first ultra sound of the baby I just felt I was sick. Once I saw that, everything starts seeming to be worth it.

But damn, it's all as scary as it is exciting !! One second I'm imagining what the baby might be like, how naughty it's going to be and the other minute I'm freaking out at how I'll manage life with a baby in it. On one side, I try to do everything everyone tells me to make sure I do everything right. On the other, I'm whispering to the baby asking if it's all right !!

Sure, it's all a very natural process of life but I envy those who have a smooth and easy pregnancy just having to deal with the tribulations of being with a mom when the baby starts it's first breath in the real world.

Everyone keeps saying to be happy, but how does one find the time to be happy when all they are doing is trying to get through another day as comfortably as possible !! The number of horror stories of pregnancy , delivery and the actual child rearing don't really act as lullabies either. Why is it people Never talk about the joys of being a parent ?!I swear if one more person tells me to think happy thoughts, I might just sock them !!! No offense ..

And the decisions ... urghhh !! Oscillating between doing what's right compared to what you really want sucks big time causing more mental strain.

Above all, the desire to do something is as always inversely proportional to the number of reasons one should not do it to which I attribute my intense craving for SHUSHI !!!

Oh sure, people around me couldn't be kinder but inspite of it all, I seem to be extremely alone and I have a sneaking suspicion this is only the beginning  ...

I just finished seeing the movie, Julie and Julia. For someone who is totally passionate about writing as well as cooking the story was something I could truly connect with.

I remember when I started blogging I too was in the exact same situation as Julie Powell in the movie. Lost! Since I was spending most parts of days by myself, I needed an outlet. I also wanted to start putting my writing out there to get a better idea on how to improve my thoughts and skills. I believed I had something to say that was worth listening to.

Slowly the concept grew and now I have 5 blogs, each that I maintain for different reasons. Poems, Musings, Stories, Books and Our Daily Life. Each one is just as precious to me as the other. And each time I publish a new post, I hope the one reading can connect to it ... at any level. This effort of mine finds it's goal. A means to an end, to reach out and touch another.

The same goes for my cooking. I am a total foodie and Love to cook. The cleaning up after not so much. I cook delicacies that always bring a content smile to my hubby's face. I would rather work in the kitchen for 4 hours cooking up something exotic, than spend half an hour cooking a basic meal of pulses, veggies and breads. That is my boon and my curse. Sometimes I use a recipe from a trusted source, other times it's a concoction of 5 recipes from the internet and other times it's a product of my imaginative palate. I love the sizzle in the pan, the changing colors of a dish, the aromas that fill the house with hunger and the flavours that satisfy the cravings of my inner soul.
End of the day, both my blogs and the cooking give me something to do and get artistic with. They fill me with a sense of joy every time I click on ' Publish Post ' or serve up a dish. I feel a sense of inexplicable accomplishment. It may not mean much to another but it fills me with pure happiness.

The movie is a true inspiration to those of us who started a blog for unknown reasons, with whatever theme we chose. Just like Julie felt in the movie. She wanted to give herself a direction while working on her penmanship. And she did do that. 524 recipes in 365 days. She found a voice, became popular by some weird quirk of fate and went on to writing books and inspiring movies. Julia Child, her inspiration never quite approved of the blog but then it wasn't about ever supposed to be about cooking. Julie Powell agrees that she never claimed to be a good cook. The blog was supposed to be about living.

I believe that is what any blogger is working towards. To give direction to a part of their life, be it their writing, art, recipes, thoughts or feelings even. For me blogging is all that and more. It's a way of life, an inspiration, something to do and a hope.

V day was coming up and I was super excited. Not just coz the world would be celebrating love, but becoz I'd be telling all the people I cared for, how much they mean to me.

For a person who just needs an excuse to have fun and celebrate life in all it's glory, this was the perfect excuse. Cmon!! I'd already made a photo book of our recent vacation with quotes and surprised hubby dearest with it.

So naturally, I expected something/anything to come from the one person I love the most. Dinner, a card, flowers, a rose, or maybe just an e greeting ??!! That's not much, is it??

Yet, this year someone had stubbornly decided to sidestep this much hyped, media favorite holiday and staunchly avoided doing ANYTHING other than wishing me a "Happy Valentine's Day !" in the morning.

So, to say the least I was severely dissappointed and I let it be known by bickering all day long and deciding to enjoy the evening with a movie, a bag of chips and a glass of gingerale.

And then the next day, my friend sent me pics of her valentine's day celebrations and I was washed over by guilt. Her pics were of a candle light dinner at home with a home made scrumptous meal and a beautifully decorated table.

"You IDIOT!!", my conscious said to me," If you wanted a special celebration, you could have done the something like that too right?? You were so busy expecting something that you forgot that you could do some celebration all by yourself too. You forgot that just two days earlier, the same guy took you out for lunch and a movie and then roamed around at 12 in the night to get dinner. You forgot that the same guy jumps at the chance to pamper you and take care of you whenever you need it the most. So what more to you need ?? "

And so began hours and days of cooking yummy delicacies for my hubby dearest to make up for my callous behaviour.

The day after, hubby got shocked looks from his collegues when he resplied that he didn't do anything for valentines day when asked. My sad face and their surprised expressions made him feel that his wife did deserve a little something special! Consequently he went all the way out after work and bought a variety of chocolates from Godiva.

We apologized to each other and went on the enjoy another wonderful meal, followed it with satisfying our sweet tooths till their tummy hurt...

Lesson to be learnt :  When every day is a day filled with love, even if you miss a celebration eventually you end up end up living it up every day after ... :))

I'm upset these days, unnecessarily I might add. Picking up a single object to put it in it's place seems like a chore for it seems so difficult to remember where it belonged. The physical clutter in my life seems to be taking up space in my mind as well. I need to organize, de clutter and ruthlessly. Make space for thoughts, words, myself and my life.

Today was a productive day. I  put away notebooks and pencils and diaries in all corners. Then I went around systematically throwing away any and all papers I found. Relocating boxes on shelves, as if I was compartmentalizing my thoughts. If only it was that easy. Yet, it was astonishingly theraputic.

I wonder if a trip out of town, to do nothing but write would do the same for me, for that's what I feel I need these days. A couple of days on the beach, removing the stench of the all that's suffocating me.

For now, I'm on my sofa - warm and toasty tickering away on my lappie and this feels just as good!!

Back from my trip. Finally all done settling in and pretty much back to schedule.

My India trip. Wow !! Can't really believe I did all that I actually did. Any vacation, though can't really call this trip a vacation, becomes a dream the moment you leave your vacation spot. Makes me wonder if it was worth it all. A hectic schedule, exhausted bodies, make it seem like all you go to do is book a spot in the pictures. Well, now I'm being harsh right ?! It's loads of fun too, doing something different from your usual life.

Where had I gone and what did I do? Well, mainly it was for my bro in law's wedding. So the first month went in shopping ( had to travel an extra 4 hours to Ahmedabad each time ) and then go to receive the remaining family members ( again in Ahmedabad) . Then again went out of town for the actual wedding and came back home for the reception, after which we went on a tour of hubby's relatives to 2 cities and 1 village ( Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Ropanchapra) in 6 days both of which were a good 1 day travel both ways. After which we went to visit my aunt in Goa and then went back home for 4 days. After that we went to my cousin's wedding in Jodhpur, travelled 18 hours back to home town and left back to the states the next day.

Oh! Internim, I attended 4 receptions, a New year eve's function, was down with stomach infection ( the whole time) and fell 3 times.

Sounds crazy right? I personally feel like I've achieved something, like running a marathon.

The best part of the trip was we didn't miss out on anything that we had planned, nothing got stolen, no one got seriously sick/hurt and things went off smoothly. And that my friends' is a lot to be thankful for.

We had a wonderful time, made a ton of fond memories, celebrated new years' with our family, took almost 2000+ pics and danced our hearts out. Not to mention enjoyed some of each city's delicacies ( yeah ! even on my upset tummy :p )

Well, that's all for now. Just wrote pretty much whatever came to my mind about my trip. Maybe a more personal point of view later ...

Have been tagged and awarded by Shruti. Have to list 7 things about myself that no one knows. I might just mention a few facts that my blogger friends may find interesting.

* I had taken an intentional break from blogging and am now will slowly and surely pick up the pace as time goes by.

* I spent the last two months that is Nov and Dec in India and two months before that playing farmville and cafeville on Facebook.

* I visited 9 cities during my vacation and attended two weddings. ( more about that in the coming blogs. )

* I would rather be happy than wealthy.

* My ideal vacation would be to laze around on a beach.

* I love roaming around cities but Hate travelling.

* I find it hard to trust anyone, anytime, anywhere yet find myself believing that has to some good in all, well Most.

Tagging - Mukesh, Baljinder, Nikita, Archana, Nupur, Baljinder, Arun

About my break - Sometimes, I find taking time away from some thing that's as addictive as blogging, it gives you time to re boot your system and wipe the slate clean. If nothing else, the experiences mean while give you a lot of write about ... :D

Hmmm. Yup! I've been gone a long time but now I'm back ... I think ! Sorry for being away from Bloggerville for so long. I was just out of sorts in ways. Was I missed ? :D

Well, it's my birthday today. Yup folks ! It was 3 decades ago ( almost ;) ) that I stumbled into this world crying and screaming. :) Yeah yeah, not much has changed you'll say :p Have made a few friends ( I believe ) around here so would love to share the gist of my celebrations with you. Joy shared is after all joy doubled ! And God knows I have halved many a sorrows out here so why not !!

Thursday I was shocked to receive an IPOD TOUCH by Fed Ex, thanks to my generous husband. If that were not enough, on Friday a friend drove all the way from Jersey to Virginia to celebrate with us over the weekend. Another couple joined us and we had an over night party which spilled onto Saturday with a trip to VA Beach with sea food, walks along the beach side and cycling. Sunday was reserved for Brunch and kayaking ( which I tried for the first time and LOVED ) which culminated with loving calls wishing me at 12 sharp from the family. The D day that is today saw me decked up, doing somet light shopping/lunch with a friend and her cutie boy which was followed by some alone time at home with more calls wishing me and a long chat with Mommy dearest. Evening was spent having a cozy, lazy 2 hour dinner with hubby which included lots of laughs and experimenting ...



I owe Most of my happiness to my hubby sweetest but what I'm feeling right now is an exhilaration at being loved - by all those whose lives have touched mine. I am truly Blessed !!

I'd like to thank all those Here too who touch my life in more ways than one with their words and even those who follow me silently for their support is truly inspiring !!

A special shout out to those with whom I've truly connected in the Real sense - Dreamy, Tasneem, Shruti, Archana, Stillness, Hemanth, Nups, Kunjal, Ankit, Baljinder, Yojita, Aparna, Ani, Keshi, Sagar, Arun, Kokonad, , Satan's Darling, Asha, Appy, Priyanka, Anks, Christopher ... and the Blogerrati Community on Orkut !!! If I've missed out any names, I sincerely apologize in advance but you see Old age has it's side effects ;) :))

7 days no post and I feel like it's been an eternity. I'm so sorry haven't been around but honestly, just not been up for it ...

I still don't have much to say except what's in my heart and right now my heart is fuming mad !!!!

I cannot believe how people can be so self absorbed. It's ludicrous to imagine that in today's world people can think of nothing and no one but themselves. Oh please !! Don't give me the rant about expectations and such coz I've heard it all !! Expecting common courtesy and basic thoughtfulness is NOT too much to expect ...

What am I mad about one may ask ? Well, I'm pissed off at my friend who I supported through all of their achievements for years together and today when I expect some back, all I get is a thoughtless comment about my weight which was not even relevant !

I'm aghast at the nerve of the person I was supposed to be working with on a project. Going behind my back and talking to everyone under the sun and trying to manipulated the situations to meet their personal gains is Just NOT done !!

I'm amused by the comment of a friend who thinks it's silly to figure out what's wrong with a given predicament. I'm expected to sit back and enjoy the gossip !!

I'm appalled that in today's world people think nothing of asking for lavish parties and gifts but when their time comes, they find a cheap way out or a convenient excuse. Whatever happened to being happy for a friend ??

I'm surprised that people think nothing of inviting their friends to a third person's house without talking to the said person before hand.

I wonder why it is that politics is played in Every field of life. Everyone wants what they want and it doesn't matter who else is in the way for they all will be pushed aside. In the end the one who suffers is the one who never cared in the first place ...

Sigh !!! Am I being a idealist here ?? I think not !

Hey All!!! I request anyone and everyone who is sick or feels a sore throat to have themselves tested. And please read up on all information regarding the Flu. It's a sickness that can be cured when caught on time, not a reason for social ostracism. Kindly educate yourself and those around you. Take precautions and prevent the spread !!!

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:

Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
Sore throat
Cough
Stuffy nose
Chills
Headache and body aches
Fatigue

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO KEEP FROM GETTING THE FLU ?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

*Avoid live animal markets, poultry and pig farms in affected countries.
*Always maintain high levels of personal hygiene, especially before and after food preparation and in-out of toilets.
*Regular wash your hands.
*Cook pork thoroughly.
*While in an affected region, seek immediate medical attention if you develop influenza-like symptoms. (High Fever, body pain,coughing and red nose).
*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
*Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands.

Emergency Signs.

In CHILDREN emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash


In ADULTS, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting


If anyone has more pointers, please share in the comments section !!!

Love Stories - Aren't they fun ?! I for one, am a sucker for a bad ass love story. Be it complete, incomplete, meant to be, or all wrong. The best part about them is that they can be found in plenty. Like sand in a desert! In movies, books and people. Every one has one - a story of love, loss, lessons learned or fulfillment. Some shine in the glow of rapt audiences while others' are hidden in the recesses of days gone by.

They come in all shapes and sizes. Sweet and sour or from the old days. Of crushes or those special or not so special people. It's like a web where sometimes, one is connected to another, but some of the links are broken coz they don't suit the final design. We all bumble along the pathways in the dense forests of love, in search of the one flower that grew to all it's glory just for us !

What I find specially endearing is the look on the faces of people as they relate their personal journey or a monumental incident. A smile, a giggle, a bashful look, a far away stare, a sparkle in the eyes, nervous fingers, all signs that the words being spoken come from the heart. It's like a hidden treasure is being re discovered and each antique is polished and put up for display with pride, even the not so pretty ones. For each milestone is cherished, a memory locked away that springs up at the most unexpected of places displaying vividly the difference between the past and the present.

It's hard to forget those sparkling gems. The electricity in the first glance. That mushy feeling. Those moments of apprehension. That first kiss. A few special conversations. Those caring ways. The love and support. The warmth in the voice. That velvet touch. Those actions / quotes that are unique. Tears of remorse, regret or anger. The lessons that come from getting to know each other. The pain of the heart breaking into a million pieces and then the walk down the path that helps them piece them altogether.

Even today when gossiping with the gals or other couples, there are boundless laughs and ' awww, so sweets ' as incidents that brought two people closer are told and re told. The first time they met, how they got close, what they liked about each other, how they proposed, how things worked out, the hindrances they met as they got to know each other better, romantic moments, grand gestures expressing their love - all moments a rousing celebration of the success of their togetherness.

And after all, one of the things we love talking about Only as much as love and life is the person around whom our world revolves. I can just imagine many of you blushing as flashes of your life dance vividly in front of your eyes ... :)

Care to share ??

I love a story that makes me think, that i can relate to, that has me wondering about my life and the people in it. This weekend I came across three such stories. I read Firefly Lane and watched the movies Runaway Bride and Love Aaj Kal. These are some of the random thoughts that flew through my head as I watched the movies smiling at how similar these stories were to life as I know it.


I wondered why it is that people don't know what they want even when it's right in front of them ? All they have to do is reach out and touch it.

Why is it that people don't know the source of their happiness when they have it with them and consequently forget to treasure that source ? What we think makes us happy is usually different from what truly touches our hearts.

Why is it that some people flirt without knowing that they are flirting? Why do they have no consideration of those around them and the subsequent feelings that they are in danger of hurting?


What makes people think that romance is in the lavish shows of affection ? Isn't romance even in the smallest gesture and the shared sly smile ? In the Fun things , just hanging out doing things together ?




How is it that people don't really Know themselves? They go along with whatever others' think they should be like and forget to look into what They need to be alive !

What is it that has people searching for their happiness within others' ?

Who says career is more important than family or vice versa ? Should a person not live their life the way they want to, doing whatever makes them happy ?


If a person were to live the life the way they want to, would they still be left with regrets of what they didn't have ?

Why are people always running behind what they don't have forgetting all that they already have ?

Does being a go getter mean you Have to put yourself and your priorities Over everyone elses' ?

What gives people a right to think they can reach into Your life and rearrange things about, only to have you picking up the pieces of the fiasco later?

No matter how close you are to someone or how close They think they are to you - do they Really understand you?

Why is it that people find it so hard to say they are sorry as soon as they realize they made a mistake ? What's important is to realize, amend and act, not wallow in the pool of your own self pity .

End of the day we are all mango people ( aam janta ) running down the roads of life in search for happiness. In the end, all anyone truly wants is the simplest thing - to be loved and cared for by someone who 'gets' You be it a relative, family , friend or the love of your life ! But for that isn't it important to know who you are, yourself ?





Ok ! These were almost rhetorical questions ... Most importantly I wonder why it is that for most people, nothing is ever enough ?!

How Does one decide things?

You get up in the morning, open your cupboard and think " Hmm ! This is what I'll wear today. " A look is chosen.

You go shopping, search for something for days, months even and then see something that seems perfect in your budget and think " That's what I want. " A thing becomes a part of your home, look or personality.

You meet a new person and as you're talking you think " This is nice. " A friendship begins.

You are pouring over books, brooding about your job and while studying a new subject, think " That would be something I could do the Rest of my life. " A career is chosen.

You are deciding what to do in a given predicament and you think " This is the way it'll work ". A plan is formed.

You see someone new or an old friend in a new light or meet someone for marriage and think " Wow ! Such perfection. I could love this person forever. " A possibility arises.

Your relation is not doing too well even though you seem to be trying everything. Everyone tells you to leave and yet you plow on believing your love will take your through and then fine day you think. " That's it ! I deserve better. " A new you emerges.

You are talking about being together for the rest of your lives and at one point you think " This is the person I want to be with for the rest of my life. " A promise is made.

You look at children and all of a sudden you feel something different and think " I wish I had one of my own . " The desire to become a parent arises.

You are driving down a road and think " Man ! I'm lost ... maybe I should drive this way. " . A direction is chosen and usually you Are right ! :)


That's how most of life's decisions go. Along with all the thinking, doubting, discussing, planning ; there is always an intuitive feeling - a voice inside that tells you, This is Right !!

Similarly for most phases of life. You feel ready to take on the next phase with a drive that you never knew you had. You just know that the " Time is Now . "

From the smallest thing to the biggest, your inner voice guides your way. I don't know what it is that makes us almost clairvoyant, but it's there all the same. Sure ! Not all choices turn out perfectly but then in time, one learns there was a reason why that didn't work out the way it did. Or the choices fall wrong simply because we confuse the voice with what we want or think we deserve or practical rationalities or others' advice.

The inverse also holds true. If it does not feel right, chances are it's not going to turn out so good no matter what you do. For years now if something doesn't feel right, I just don't do it and have rarely regretted it !

One could argue that you can take a negative and turn it into a positive. Life is not lived on feelings and gut reactions. This May be true! In fact, if you persevere you might actually turn things around but more often that not, that gut reaction that you ignore is usually right for a reason, for it comes from the place that knows who you truly are inside !

I guess what I'm saying is - Don't despair! Everything falls into place almost magically - when the time is right ; when the feeling is right !!