Everybody Has Their Own Version of 'Growth': This is Mine

We are all part of that "run." Run for growth. Run for success.
You can define growth as successfully climbing the corporate ladder, or starting your own successful business, or being the best in your life. But for me, growth has a new definition- it is a constant expansion, learning, and falling over and over to get up and grow. For all of us, we don't have the same definition of happiness; and therefore we are different in defining success as well!

I do not contribute to the world by working in a 9 to 5 conventional job. I do not bring home paycheck, because I do not have a career outside my home. But I see myself growing. Growing and comparatively evolving too- in a much better way than I was 8 years ago. I call it, my growth reflection. And I want to break it down to see how life has happened to me in all these years. If  at all I have felt the joy of "growing" from deep inside- this is how and why.

Career


After I 'had' to let go my career as a working woman; I decided to give all-my-focus to the family. Therefore I chose some unconventional path to fix the gap in my career. I found my long lost passion for writing and photography. I picked up pen and paper and a camera to win this 'career run'. I am still running and have a long way to the finish line, but I'm not stopping. I am just going slowly. But I know, I'll be there soon!

Why:

Everyone is free to make their career choices. But whatever we choose, it must help us to grow and improve and alongside excite us to do what we have been doing. It can feel scary to make certain decisions knowing that our future is uncertain; but we must be able to find our clear way in the process. Important is to see life in a more relaxed way, and not worry about all the anxieties of modern life.

Personal Development

This is to find out how our ideal self look like? What developments have we made in our core areas of self-being like: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and/or financial. Excluding financial growth from my list, I have taken a big leap in all other areas with respect to development and growth. I'm learning new skills to pivot my career, and that's why I'm staying connected to my purpose too. I no longer underestimate (the power of) my journey, and everything that I've learned from it. I have been harnessing all my newly learned skills that I have developed over years- to find the joy and to declare my dream and success.

I have been working on developing my habits to enjoy the small victories, by taking two steps back before moving forward in life.

Why:

Because it's never too late to learn new skills and develop your life- to become better, to develop your talents, to honor your dreams and aspirations.

Health and Happiness

Do you think we need to grow better in health and happiness too? Yes, we must.
Changing habits for better health is what reflects in our growth. Health is a very important factor that contributes to our happiness and success.

I have become better taking care of my health. I, now listen to all the signs closely. If something inside me doesn't seem right, I immediately go for a check-up. I learned that being healthy should feel like this: feeling more energetic all-the-time, and feeling enthusiastic to do more and be more. Doesn't matter if you're growing old each day, just don't forget to grow happy and healthy each passing day!

My happiness project started with anchoring my life into the present, and including more positive people in my life- who helped me bringing out the best in me, who believe in me, and who respected my dream, and who have been supporting me in my journey.

Why:

We can never experience happiness in life if we fix ourselves to thinking; what we could be or should be! We can only experience true joy and fulfillment by being who we are, because it's only available right now.

Our purpose isn't just to grow into the ideal, but also growing to love our imperfect selves- with flaws and faults, with failures and fixations, with highs and lows, with pain and scars, with tears and turmoils.

We must continue growing amid all fears and insecurities. Nothing must stop us from evolving into better human beings with good intentions and with the mindset that, "we are enough. We have enough. And we know enough.

Hope you'all are enjoying the warm weather. I'm way too excited and feel blessed to be reading 3 of my favorite books- that was long awaiting in my wish list. Stay with me to know more and to read their reviews.

What Does A True Friendship Look Like?

I'm going to be very honest here.
This is not my very favorite topic that I chose to write about today. I have had always trouble fostering a true friendship. And I still fear making new friends. Not because I'm weak or I lack something; but I fear my trust getting shattered again.

                                                                            Image Source                                                                                                                
But by some stroke of luck and blessings, I have few wonderful friends in my life, whom I can reach out anytime. Life is "fun" and interesting when you have a bunch of "good" friends: to laugh with you, to motivate you, to believe in you, and to help you become better each day.

This practical real world doesn't understand deep connections. We are busy picking people who share same mind as us, and there's just no time for the real heart talk. But I believe in "true" connection, doesn't matter if I made that contact in the real world or in the virtual world! I want it to be true. To be authentic.

I remember when I was in my teenage years- when I ached more for company, the more isolated I felt; because I had to always depend upon people's approval to include me in their life, to make me feel I matter too! Growing up I realized a "strong" friendship requires a lot of investment: of time, attention, trust, hand-on-heart sincerity, and patience to make it grow deeper over time. It's never too late to learn to be an amazing friend.

So how do you know if you have built a deep-rooted friendship or connection? Look for  these signs that will tell you, that you have all the necessary elements of building an amazing meaningful connection. 

1. You and your friends stick together through your highs and lows.
2. You and your friends equally initiate and reciprocate your value of friendship.
3. You and your friends support, encourage, and motivate each other as an when required.
4. You keep your ego our of the boundary while sharing your experiences or opinions.
5. You forgive each other quite often and reconnect.
6. Your connection is never influenced or affected by either of your success, present status, or the kind of people you both hang out with, or due to any other kind of personal or social "elements".
7. You are closely connected because you like each other's company, and want to be together, you want to stay connected to one another.
8. You often encourage each other to continue doing your dream, and to become what you have always looked forward to.
9. You react calmly and more patiently when you differ on something.
10. More than anything you respect each other by keeping the secrets to yourself.
11. You're genuinely happy for each other's success without letting jealousy come your friendship way.
12. You feel safe and comfortable to bare all your emotions in front of them.
13. You accept each other just the way you are- no matter what different cultures or background you belong to.

Having supportive, honest friends can make a huge difference in our overall happiness. Do you agree? How deep and real are your friendship/connections? How do you evaluate them? Do leave me your thoughts in the comments below.

Reflections on My Journey So Far: Self Worth

The end of the month/or the beginning of a month is the perfect time for doing a little self-reflection. Therefore I have decided to do one post featuring, 'reflections on my journey' every first week of the month. I want to take a moment here and share few insights and wisdom of how accepting and loving myself have transformed my life. How I have painted my life inside and out with authenticity, courage, and with gratitude- from ever since I started valuing myself?

I was excited (and little sad too) to retrace my steps and find a little more about myself, and my journey so far!

It was hard for me to accept that, "people surrounding my life didn't find me worthy, did not see me being blessed with some wonderful skills, and never noticed my talents." We all long for appraisals. Don't we? We share equal desires to we loved, to be noticed, to belong. I look back and realize that in my younger years I suffered from low self-worth. I always looked to others to make me feel worthy and loved, rather than finding myself enough.

Wanting to feel loved and liked is not an uncommon desire. We just need to recognize that we must accept and love ourselves first- rather than looking for it anywhere else!

Slowly but surely, I began to find the best in me. I silenced the voice in my head that told me I wasn't good enough.

For many years I thought I wasn't good enough and nobody supported me or believed in me.Through this journey of self-love I have realized - there's so much goodness in it. The world will accept you and treat you when you show up authentically- with flaws and failures. When you show them how genuinely you have evolved through hate and criticisms, and how deep is the connection you hold with your dreams and desires.

Keep yourself in high regards. You are no less than anybody, and you are never powerless either. If you show the universe- you're worthy of love, the universe will send you people who will love you and respect you as you so desire. When we tell ourselves who we are - is the kind of energy we put out to the world too!


When you truly love yourself, own your emotions, grow through failures and live a purpose-driven, passionate, beautiful life you are anchored towards self-love- you create a deep bond with your soul self. You start valuing your existence, no matter where you are in life! You no more 
feel paralyzed by the fear of not being accepted. 

Self worth is that illuminating reason in our life that helps us to understand- that we are all born with different qualities that fill us up, and make us feel alive and well inside. 

These are the positive affirmations that I have been saying to myself ever since my acceptance (of myself) aligned with my purpose to believe in my path. I hope you find them helpful too to recognize your own worth.

1. I will not let any status, look, degree, relationship, approval and validation, behavior; or anything else dictate my worth. I'm equally worthy of love and respect than anybody else in the world.
2. I will continue to learn and grow.
3. I will make mistakes. I will fail often. And I will use them all to create a path to tread on to achieve my dreams.
4. I will do the things I can.
5. I will do the things I enjoy.
6. I don't and will never compare myself to others.
7. I am growing and changing for the better.
8. I love the person I'm becoming.
9. I have great ideas.
10. I believe in my skills and abilities.
11. I am an inspiration. I make useful contributions to the society.
12. I radiate love, kindness, and authenticity.
13. I'm committed to my journey- no matter what comes my way. I will never quit.
14. Life is fun and rewarding when I'm patient. 
15. I appreciate everything I have. I live in joy.
16. I trust myself. I'm confident of my skills and abilities.
17. I am passionate. I'm enthusiastic and inspire others.
18. I am focused and persistent.
19. I am OK as I am. I accept and love myself.
20. I am always growing and developing.
21. I have the power to change myself- every following day.
22. I surround myself with people who bring out the best in me.
23. I have become an avid reader and a purposeful writer. I love who I have become.
24. I strongly believe: It's never too late to become who you want to be.
25. Each day I notice I am becoming better than I was yesterday.
26. I know I can achieve my dream.

Life isn't a competition (I always believe that). We need not have to be at the same "level" as others. So learn to trust your path and keep going. There's no rule-book or deadline to achieve everything we want in life. Some go fast, really really fast and some go slow while enjoying their journey- stumbling, falling, getting up again, or by stopping in between to breathe and feel alive; leaning into the moment and showing trust in their journey- and that is me! I have complete faith in my journey.

Do you trust your journey too? Please do leave me your thoughts about this post in the comment below. 

3 Things I am Most Grateful for Every Single Day

How often did you feel like, "only if you could pursue something bigger and extraordinary, you'll be the happiest person on earth?"

Simply feeling enough; or blessed is a wonderful gift we can all give to ourselves.

We may not have everything, or the same things other people have, but we (each one of us) have countless number of other things to appreciate and enjoy. I was not at all surprised to witness something lately, "How "some" people have it all- yet they are unhappy to see others' growing and getting success?" Why do we find it so hard to accept that there's enough room for everyone in this world? We can grow, and let others succeed too! Why there is so much of competition, a mad race - to be and have it all?

Life is a gift.

We're all really fortunate in our own way. All we must do is, "recognize and value our "gifts"."

'Being grateful' is an observation, a deep realization, that we have many things to focus on in our life than announcing our complains. We must embrace life's abundance, and enjoy it's simple pleasures available to us- at no cost.

There will always be something missing from our life; but only if we can see what all we possess? Our actions will never align with our thoughts, if we let our thoughts wander with our past guilt and regrets, or with future uncertainties and fears. Anytime I am propelled by those stubborn thoughts, I try to bring myself back to where I'm standing right now. Remember, that things aren't as bad as they seem. It's critical to get going when we go with a wrong perspective.

We're all the same. The raging fires that take our attention away from looking at things in a better way- is all so natural. Each of us feel angry, jealous, insecure, inadequate, and not-belonged, not-loved, sometimes or to say many times. And there's nothing to feel ashamed about it. We all dwell in those emotions; but stewing in them can make us feel resentful.

Accept that is right here, right now.

We can find reasons to be happy and grateful every day- just look for those "happy" dandelions. Catch them and blow your worries away - by making a wish to them.

How do I feel grateful every day?  Rather than focusing on what I don't have, I focus on what I do. I say thank you for being alive, for having a family, for being loved by my kids, for having a roof under my head, for getting opportunities, for the love and support people have been showing me on my journey, and for being my best-self.

Here's few simple things I try to do to feel a little more blissful on a regular basis:

1. Breathing in gratitude.

More often than not, I try to focus on my breathing. And when I breathe in fresh warm feelings of satisfaction, I feel some magic of peace spreading across my chest, I feel the space created automatically within me- to accommodate more joy and positive emotions. I feel a sense of abundance, love, and I, being "important" in the universe too! There has never been the way I felt this time.

2. Thinking beyond myself.

Every time your mind tries to connect with the agony of (not having) everything you wish to have in future, involve your mind to think of other people who are less fortunate than you. And you will start feeling a deeper appreciation of what you do have. Replace complains with gratitude. Any time you find yourself getting caught in the thoughts that tell you, "you're lacking"- replace it with thoughts of what you are thankful for like: "Being able to eat, drink, read, write, sleep peacefully at night, being safe in your house, able to meet your necessities, capable of paying for your kid's education, and so many more in the gratitude list. Don't you think so?

3. We are all walking our own path- that's chosen for us.

We are all different in the way we use our skills, talents, money, interests, and priorities. After reading in many books and articles on gratitude, I have realized that, "Grateful people realize that life isn't a competition." And this is what make them become"happy" people. I have and always will avoid being in the race to be more than anybody. Yes, I do love honing and working on my natural talents and skills, without looking at what my friends, family, and or any other person I know have been doing. And then later feel "bitter" that they are ahead of me in their career or in their life. I go completely ignorant about what others' have been up to!

There's no such thing as "being late", or "being behind" in life. Life happens to us when we start doing. Doesn't really matter if you got here much later than others.

Do as you please with a complete focus on your inner peace and improvement. We are all fortunate in our own way- for many different reasons. So embrace and cultivate that uniqueness.

Being grateful gives you a purpose, a meaning; because it allows you to capture the full essence of every moment. It allows you to find contentment even in the moment of crisis.

I read these beautiful lines on the web somewhere, "I believe it is possible to feel Life itself sending back on the return breathe its gratitude."

How do you express your gratitude? I do it sometimes by vocalizing it to another person or by penning those thoughts down on my blog and social media platforms. Most often I say it to my kids aloud. But I would like to know what do you feel about your gratitude list? How often you infuse the  'feeling of gratefulness' into your daily life? Please leave me your comments and thoughts below. I would love to read your thoughts.

Simple Ways To Add More Calm To Your Day

"At any given moment, you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end. " ~ Christine Mason Miller.

This amazing quote works as a motivator to remind me that, "I can control my life, and therefore must decide what I should accept and what I must let go- each day." With so many choices and opportunities, it is so likely to feel restless. We are always in a race to achieve and obtain more than others. And we spend all of our time and energy focusing on what we don't have rather than appreciating what we have. We are so occupied focusing on things we don't have- that we our self make our life miserable and  ignore everything that's happening right now! And we forget the true definition of happiness in our life- "that is; inner peace, acceptance, and mindfulness." In short, " happiness is not chasing success or working towards building a perfect life; rather happiness comes with accepting the truth of abundance of where we are at present."

When we are at terms with our mind and thoughts in a way that they align with our belief that- "appreciate life as it happens," we reduce our pain, and we stop agonizing over what we could have been! We feel aware of our present.

Building our inner-peace is a pretty much important task.

And it is not always possible to sit down to meditate or do yoga to stop those ripples of our wandering thoughts and worries. Whenever you feel you're losing your focus and wondering how and where you can be happy, just do this: "bring yourself back to the present, and look around- how life is unfolding itself to you. Look at what you already have, accept the joys and worries that's happening right now. Accept everything and make peace with them. I'm sure you'll be much calmer than you were before this thought hit you.

However if you still find it difficult to focus on being calm at a chaotic situation, just try doing these things:

1. Disconnect yourself from everyone and connect with yourself, your emotions.

 In a stressful situation, we try to escape into a fight or flight mode. We try to escape from a difficult situation or from an unpleasant emotion; but that's momentarily. Fleeing from difficult moments of your life won't get you inner peace. Life is full of uncomfortable moments, and there's no way we can avoid them. Therefore take moments off from everything and notice your breaths. Accept your emotions- good or bad. Feel the aliveness that's trying to show- how beautiful things are around you - even in the midst of chaos and worries.

2. Let it go, and respond calmly or not at all. The choice is yours.

Choose how you want to react to any kind of uncomfortable moments!

3. Remember, you CAN control the way you accept peace and joy in your life.

No matter where you are, how you are- creating joy and peace within yourself is possible. Just shift your worries and fill the space with gratitude and your blessings. An immediate realization of how best your present life is in many other ways can kick out your underlying pain, sorrow, and complaints.

4. Be patient and persistent.

Inner calmness is a state of our mind that we can learn to nurture through consistent practice. Be patient to validate your present self and remember that, "this too shall pass soon."

5. Stop agonizing over the little things.
Just know that, "you're not alone." Everyone is fighting some kind of battle you know nothing about.
Stop complaining, less comparing, and make a difference inside and outside of you.

As I write this, I feel excited for my life ahead- ready to accept everything that will come my way- every highs and lows. I want to clear the fog of self-doubt and hopelessness from my heart and reach for those unattainable quests- my heart desires to achieve. I have so much to learn and share with the world. I'm preparing myself to open my heart to the world.

Wishing you all A Wonderful Weekend.

Do share your thoughts about this post with me!

How to Keep Going When Continuing Your Dream Seems Difficult

The process of pursuing what we want may feel discouraging at times, but we shouldn't stop! We have immense power in doing the "idea" we have visualized. All it takes is a commitment and self-trust, that; "no matter how unattainable it may seem to you, you will work towards it."

You stop growing when you stop trying. But just trying is not the key to your success; also believe and trust your instinct. "The more you do, the more opportunities open to you." We will be constantly knocked down by the fear of failure and rejections; but get up and reach for another attempt.

I was feeling down few days back by realizing that, "I'm not working hard (really hard) enough towards doing my dream, and time is running out of my hands. I have so much to learn, improve, and achieve; but there's hardly much time left! Achieving my dream seems far off at times. My determination and energy level keeps pausing; and ask me to feed them some more doses of confidence, self-trust, and hope -that it will definitely happen!! I understand that, to get on to the path we want, we must consistently take actions. So I like these clues when the universe comes together to send you such reminders that, "you're doing just great, do not give up now! Follow your heart, not your fears your doubts."

When we choose a path that seems uncommon, we allow ourselves to be in a constant threat of validations and approvals; and therefore we must find some motivations to keep us going.

Have you ever looked back on your life and felt wonderful by how much it has changed?

Here are few of the ways I try to keep going pursuing my dream:

1. Stop all kinds of self-doubts that distract you from doing what you are doing.

It is easy to get caught up in those self-doubt traps. Don't pay any attention to them. You have already outperformed by shifting yourself from where you used to be. You are much more better than you were yesterday.

2. Believe In Yourself. Believe in what you are doing. It always seems impossible and meaningless until it is done.

3. Do not believe what others tell you about your performance- judge yourself. Be the editor of your "work".

4. Never shy away from learning or improving.

5. Stop looking at how far your friends have gone in their life. Sometimes best things are experienced when you have the courage and patience to go slowly- different from the crowd. Follow your journey, and listen to your call!

Freshen Up Your Home With Simple and Stylish Decor This Spring

It's March people! I'm already feeling so refreshed and motivated just to know that spring is almost here. I was feeling so amazing that I picked my camera (after a long break), and clicked many blog photos and my kids' pictures yesterday!

With spring coming our way, the very first thought that comes to our mind now is - spring- decorating the house, and or spring cleaning.

Home décor is something I love, love, love doing! I have always believed that your home is a clear reflection of who you are. I'm not a professional in doing the interior/decoration; but I love collecting ideas, tips, and doing certain experiments to make my home look fresh and inspiring.

I absolutely love the idea of redoing the spaces just by adding simple decors'. This not only brings refreshing vibes of comfort and relaxation, but equal level of thoughtfulness too!

"Our home should be our favorite place to be."

Lately, I have picked few of my favorite "accessories" to decorate my 'happy place.' I'm so excited to share with you through this post.

With spring coming our way, there's so much to do( in my list). The only thought that's coming to my mind right now is investing in some good indoor as well as outdoor plants, creating my garden with some seasonal flowers and veggies. I'm also excited to go out and find some bright color décor items, some inspirational posters,  more books to read and decorate, some inspirational stationery, and lot more things; that I will share in my upcoming posts. So stay with me!

Here's a quick cheat sheet of décor items you can plan to buy this spring:

1. Plants

Bringing the green indoor -to your house or to your office can add an extra edge to your room. I love the way they dramatically transform any space into a healthy motivating and welcoming room! Having plants in and around the house also help us to ease on the dull and bitter winter days.

The beginning of spring is the best time invest in some beautiful flower plans, in perennials, and in some indoor decorative plants too. In my next post I will share the kind of indoor plants you can look for!

2. Decorative Pillows

An easy and affordable piece of accessory to bring some statement to your home. Go for some soft patterns, or for some dark colors. Pick the ones that will match your furniture's design/style.

3. Books/Bookshelves

Books make a great decorating item in the house or in the office. If arranged in a creative way, they can also become an artistic statement too. Bring them to your coffee table or shelve them on a bookshelf, they will always make the statement piece in that room. Books also reflect your personality and define your uniqueness. This is also an easy way to add some flavors to your attitude. Be a book person and they will never disappoint you!

4. Coffee Tables

Invest in some great trendy coffee tables- that don't occupy too much of your living area or the space accessible to higher traffic in the house. Try going for some metallic styles, that should be equally pretty looking and multi-functional too!

5. A beautiful painting or photograph or an artwork.

Adding pictures, frames, artworks, or any kind of word arts are a great way to create some inspiration or fun focal point in your 'happy' place.


6. Decorative accents

Look for some spring inspired patterns first, and then go find some unique pieces of accessories to make your rooms look unique and beautiful.

7. Accent chair

Invest in a modern-looking accent chair, or in an entryway storage bench. 

8. And lots of vibrant "colors" that can echo your sentiments and emotions.

Introduce spring to the home by adding some colors to every room. This is also an easy way to lit up your spaces, and to feel refreshed and alive again! Spring doesn't just indicate that winter is going away, or our days will be longer now; but it is also the best time to start something new. So let your home reflect your aspirations too!

Seasons are a great way to spruce up the interior designs. So add new colors, patterns, and experiment by adding new things to your home decoration.

Along with spring fresh interior styles, try rearranging the furniture quiet often. A new layout will make you fall for your cozy space again and again.