Practicing Stillness In Life

The practice of stillness can create ripples of new energy in  your life. A calm mind is the architecture of  success in life.

Turning off your mind and doing nothing is the state of 'being still.' Practicing the discipline of stillness (when life gets too crazy for me) has given me new inner strengths to deal with my 'problems.'

"While writing this post, I was reminded of this annoying (for others during those times!) habit of mine- I would complete all the work that I was supposed to do,  and then would go still, completely still for few minutes before moving on to the next task. I couldn't understand (then), the reason why I used to sit in complete stillness like this? But now when I talk to my past self; I realize that it was my way of dealing with all kinds of stress and complications."

"Being still would calm down my worries, and frustration!
I'm glad this habit has made me more patient and a realized woman."
I still practice stillness in my present life, but in a different way. There has been a huge shift in the way I look at life now. The more we attend to the unhappy  or busy parts of our life, the more restless we become. And it's very difficult to calm your racing thoughts. So much happen with us every single day; but trying to focus only on the good stuffs takes a lot of practice (I'm slowly getting better at it :))

Why We Need Stillness?

I feel slowing down or even stopping for a moment, and listening to our inner voice reveals the true needs that we have been neglecting from so many years. Personally, I feel we all need some 'still' time in a day- every day for the following reasons:

1. Stillness creates the space for new ideas or solutions to appear.

When we shut the door to avoid same old thoughts, ideas, and or worries to enter our mind, we kind of clear the clutter in our head. We connect to ourselves and to the present moment. When we book some quiet time with our own self, we can find moments to reflect on our own self.

2. It helps you to find your calm.

When you feel that everything around you is very chaotic and disturbing, find your 'stillness.' To keep calm and recreate that sparkle of joy in your life, just slow down. Be still. And feel really really better.

3. Attaches you to your spiritual health needs.

Taking charge of your health and well being is an important part of living a long healthy life. Spiritual needs connect us to our belief system and strengthens our faith and hope for tomorrow. When we create stillness through the spiritual medium (like; meditation, chanting mantras, or by praying), we not only create peace and joy in our life; but we also develop a sense of gratitude and purity.

4. Stillness cultivate gratitude.

A still mind and a restful body can take better decisions of life. When we pause even for a moment, and reflect upon everything that we possess at present; we can calm our habit of complaining. And we will release the fear of uncertainty, scarcity, and anxiety! With practice of stillness, we clear all the blocks that helps growing our "ego tower."

The more thankful we are towards our lives, the more satisfied we become!

And the more we practice stillness; even in between our busy schedules, the better balanced person we become. We can attract more positive energy while being calm, still, and silent. We can develop better imagination and understanding power, when we search our true self in stillness.

I would love to hear from you all - What helps you get still and quiet?
And if you liked this post, please do share.

Easy Tips To Create Your Sweet Life

A "sweet life" isn't the absence of difficulties, failures, struggles, insecurities, or wanting more." But, a life turns out to be sweet when we are truly alive, we laugh often, we make mistakes, we learn, we start, over and over again, we learn to accept changes and delays, we try to be patient when our plans fail and when our focus changes; life becomes sweet when we practice mindfulness in the daily chaos of our lives, when  we start to focus on what's important, when we create something amazing with the available knowledge and resources, and last but not the least- when we find happiness in the midst of our daily struggles.

I just finished reading this amazing inspiring book by Author Dulce Candy Ruiz. A true life story; where there is struggle, fear, uncertainties,  dream, hope, courage, hard work, positive attitude, and lots and lots of inspiring takeaways. "We must be passionate about what we do, what we want to do, and then do it at any cost." I feel lucky, when I get to (grab and devour such amazing books) learn from such amazing influential authors, who share insightful stories of success and failure in order to help us find the confidence to step up and and reach our goals.

 I want to say that, "I loveeee this book, and couldn't put it down until I finished reading just in three days." After I read her book, I admire her even more. I found this book very inspiring, and this post is inspired by the book

So here's what I learned about all the essential 'ingredients' we would need for creating our very own sweet life. I have already started using some of these ingredients, and the rest I will apply soon in my daily life.

1. Never let your dream die.

Your dreams were given to you for a reason, so believe in them! Your dream defines your uniqueness, your talent, your purpose in this life; so never ever throw away any of them from yourself.

If you are not in a position to pursue your dream today, don't worry. Just work hard and learn from all the available resources to get there some day. Learn new things each day, Practice, Try incorporating in your work, Fail, and Repeat.

2. Focus only on what you want in life.

May be whoever we're becoming as we are growing up and getting older, is exactly who we're supposed to be. Our preferences are changing, our values shifting, and we are becoming more aware about our own self with each new day. May be this shift in knowing oneself better comes with age; but whatever it is, I'm proud (of myself) to see how far I have come discovering my strengths and where I'm going to be working with them.

Don't dwell on what isn't working in your life. Focus on what's more important to you at the moment, and create a sweet life with peace and real joy.

3. Don't worry about naysayers.

Create your own opportunities, and ignore them who doesn't believe in you. If someone says you do not have the ability to do what you are doing (or want to do), or doubts your performance- just don't listen to them, and stop seeking any kind of help or appreciation from such people. Keep the faith and trust who you want to be, and what you want to achieve- and go for it.

Very few will truly appreciate your talent, and will do anything to help you- not all. So don't let anybody influence you to hold back on living your best life.

Let your unique gifts rise to the forefront. Let your creativity shine high. And let your dreams sing the victory song.

4. Develop the courage, and confidence to fulfill your greatest potential.

You must be confident and equally courageous to stand alone for your purpose- even when nobody supports you! As you tirelessly work on becoming a better person each day, you will eventually find yourself prepared for the higher version of your purpose in this life. You will get on a journey to find better things/better solutions/ better tasks for your overall well-being.

So, trust that journey and just keep going. You will soon discover the connection to the links- that started the day you discovered your new self.

5. Believe in your work.

When you start believing in your self, you will believe in your work too! When you believe in what you do, you grow and you excel. Have faith in your abilities. Work hard. Believe in yourself. Don't give up; and there's nothing you cannot accomplish.

You have just this life. Don't waste it by feeling you aren't enough, you are any less than others, or you cannot be successful. Just believe YOU CAN- and YOU WILL- one day!

What Does it Mean To Be 'Happy'?

Ah! at this moment, for me 'being happy' would mean, "completing this post and publishing it,and may be nothing else!" As I failed (again) to complete my writing yesterday (and not sure how many such yesterdays'), I was feeling disappointed- for not being able to keep up with my blogging and writing regularly.

I am practicing to go slow with my life, and not rush doing everything- being a super woman. So happiness to me is accepting that, "I cannot do everything, and perfectly! I must let go something or the other each day- just to keep a balance between my inner and outer feelings. Definitely, balancing everything (work, passion, play, and life) bring us happiness, but when we fail to do so (as so often we do!), we feel sad and frustrated, and even guilty at times!

"Happiness is finding joy in everything. And the sense of contentment, and coming to a complete peace with the present life and the present self." 

If you want to read more posts from the blog (all about happiness), visit this link:
http://www.thepositivewindow.com/search?q=Happy

Feeling happy is no doubt an inside job. Each time we realize this, we can become more and more happier. To me happiness means being content. It is living in the moment fully and accepting everything that is happening in my life- without any kind of comparisons. It is definitely not the absence of fear, anger, or, sufferings; but rather more openly accepting (all) not so likable parts of my life.

Ever since I realized the wonderful joy I have found by making peace and contentment (with what I am now, and where I am at present), I believed that I couldn't have asked anything better for myself!

When I reflect upon all the changes I have brought to myself in all these years, I feel so much gratitude. "Life is not a race." Everything that matters is now, or never!  But I'm on a constant hunt for improving myself (as well as my life) every single day; by reading and learning from every possible sources, by analyzing, and finding "things" that can keep me occupied and joyful at the same time!

I don't see my life as a "perfect" one; but I rather see it as a beautiful good life. And I must bring-in more happiness and satisfaction into my days. So, here are the things that I try to do, to keep my inner peace no matter what comes my way.

1. Recognize Your "bests."

Nobody else, but only you know your best talents and strengths. Recognize them enough, and feel good about it. Go for what calls you. instead of looking too far, I like living them each day- one-at-a-time.

2. Fear, but Stay Prepared.

Prepare the mind to become still, stay in peace because there are so many things that's uncontrollable; but preparing your mind to make peace with whatever happens in your life is one of the best ways to have inner peace.

3. Feel Your "Present" Life More Closely.

Absorb everything that's happening with you, around you at present. Soak up your mind with the "best" things, and try to sit down talking to yourself about everything else that seems taking away your inner peace and state of contentment. See, if analyzing and sorting all the problems can find you a way(s) to deal with them!

4. Just Sit in Absolute Calmness At least  Once In A Day.

Life is a complete chaotic affair. If you want to continue, you must develop your inner strength to deal with it; and nothing is as powerful as learning to 'calm your mind' in crisis. And sitting in absolute calmness with no noise around is a great way to strengthen that power, to react to things that happen to us every second.

5. Visual Reminders- 'How Life Is Beautiful.'

I have so many ups and downs in my life- hardly anybody can imagine; but no matter what, I don't see them as troubles anymore! I see them as challenges to bring out the best in me. They aren't threats anymore, rather opportunities to turn each of these problems into a new victory; and every time I win over them- I discover a new strength within myself. I emerge out as a stronger woman, and a fighter mom- who will do everything to see her kids smiling and leading a peaceful living. So I have put different kinds of reminders all over the house to continue believing that, "life is beautiful, and not so bad after all! There are lot of things I am grateful for and I must love my present life-without looking back at the past, or aiming at a luxurious bling life."

"Each time life has knocked me down, I have gotten back up again." That's my mantra of being happy, and believe me, I'm getting better and better at it with each passing day.

6 Must-Follow Habits Of Stylish People

While there are no strict rules or to-do-list to follow, to look stylish, but there are few habits ( we must adore) that every stylish women adhere to, when they create a stunning outfit every single day. While for many, fashion is either an internal thing, or just an external thing; but I believe what you wear reflects the affair between internal and external you. How well you want to present yourself to the world!" If you're still wondering: 'How can my fashion choices make any difference?" Our clothing choices impact the behavior of others around us, and have true impact on the way we are perceived in the society. Therefore, we must dress up for  the kind of message we want to send out to the world around us. But it is also true that wearing "big labels" every time will not make you highly fashionable!

"Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It's not about brands. It's about something else that comes from within you. " - Ralph Lauren

A clear understanding of yourself inside out is one of the way to become a stylish woman. Seeing and feeling the best version of yourself adds up to your clothing choices too- when we better understand our body, skin, and looks. 

So here's a list of some wonderful habits of stylish women- that keep them on top of  the fashion know-how and styling tricks:

1. They browse and follow style inspiration, but don't copy exactly what they see.

Knowing who you are (in person or in your profession), and what can look good on you is the trick to look fabulous. 

2. They only wear clothes that fit, and flatter.

A key to being stylish also involves wearing best fitting clothes for your body.  So they stock their wardrobe with similarly flattering dresses and shirts/tops, and always look stunning- in all kinds of outfits.

3. Plan their outfit in advance.

Yes! A planned occasion-approved outfit saves their day. They look prepared, and fashionably skilled to present themselves to the world. This trick can save your time, and will help you become more productive. Morning struggles to pull out one perfect outfit for your office, or for your meeting can be avoided, when you plan your outfits (and keep it ready every time) in advance., and you can save your drive, your excitement, and your powers of productivity.

4. 'Steal the show' with a "perfect" accessory.

Even if these "stylish idols" fail to impress the crowd or the camera with their  not-so-flattering, or over-sized, wrinkled jeans, they do the trick of - making their accessory grab all the attention whilst ignoring the flaws. They love donning a perfect accessory to steal the show.

5. Never ditch their personal style for trends/demands.

They never leave rocking their signature personal styles- for the trends and  for any kind of public demands. 

6. They can find something to wear (and at the same time look fabulous!) almost anywhere.

They know how to style themselves according to their own taste, so they are never afraid or shy to enter any kind of store. All because they know that; they can always find something good for creating their style . 

To put together a good look, you don't always need to wear labels, or designers, or too-tight, or too-loose, or too-short, or too-long, or trendy, or just classics, or ill-fitting clothes;  rather a stylish women knows well how to pull her whole look together. She knows how mixing some tight jeans with loose shirts/tops will create a great outfit.  She also knows well to mix and match trendy with classics. And they know; "that you don't have to be necessarily rich to be stylish." 

The daily grind of dressing, grooming, and looking the best, never ends for any woman. It is also difficult to make your own fashion choices for yourself everyday, because we must dress up appropriately for our work, and for the clients we work with, and for making a good impression about ourselves. 
Any day if you fail to keep up with this "rule", put-on any dress, but confidence! Confidence is the key to looking your best all-the-time and in any clothing. If you can carry yourself very well in a really fancy gown paired with sneakers, that might even turn into a new fashion; and you will not be surprised if you see many more women wearing the same combination for the occasions! 

Styling one own self is a creative task. Find your perfect fitting, the designs that make you stand out, the colors that rule your personality kingdom, and the secret about creating some great outfits using the basics- are the secrets to looking stylish like any other smart women! 

If you know any other habits of any stylish women (you know), then please share with us in the comments below. Also do leave me your thoughts about this post in the comments. You know! I love to hear from you all.

21 Fun Things To Do All By Yourself

You really need guts to be surrounded by people all-the-time! I know what you must be thinking right now; that what an introvert she is? But let me tell you something before you create any kind of impression about me; "I have always loved being in my own company than with others. But I am not a loner, not an introvert either! I just love spending time alone- while never getting bored. I always have zillions of things to do in my list- some boring stuffs (that are exciting to dos' for me), some productive and motivating stuff, and many endless chores. I like keeping myself occupied any time of the day- even now (at 2:30 am in the night when people are fast asleep). It is so much fun to find things to do- that excites you, that encourages you, and that inspires you in your life!

"I have a long way to go before I sleep."

So I'm so restless. I have so many things to achieve, so many promises to fulfill (that I have made to myself). How can I be bored and demotivated??

I have plenty of such stuffs, that I would like to share with you today. If you are anything like me (who just wants to wander in her thoughts and in her dreams), then you will love reading further.

I agree, doing something solo requires you to be brave and independent. But there are many more things that can be done alone without having you go to far away unknown lands, or riding a roller coaster all-by-yourself! I can never even imagine doing all these just by myself or in company.

But it is important to make room for some alone time- in a pleasant way- to recharge, to re-evaluate, to re-visit, to rekindle, to rejuvenate, to refresh, to restart, and to reactivate yourself. There's so much hatred, competition, jealousy, comparison, fears, and insecurities around us, and to deal with each of them, you must prepare your mind to act calmly or to become ignorant about each of these negative things around us. So, spending time just with yourself every once in a while is a must to survive in the present world.

I have just started reading this book. This was always in my must-read list, and finally got a hold of it. I am sure by the time I finish reading it, I will feel more inspired to be alone and independent.  I will be prepared to take on this world and all kinds of people living in it (though I will still have some fears)! I am a very big fan of author Elizabeth Gilbert.

So here is a list of 15 things I would love doing all-by-myself :)

1. Taking a long solo walk all by myself ( but not in the woods, definitely!)

2. Shopping new lipstick/lip gloss colors after a long 2-3 hours of browsing all the brands and the available  products in the store.

3. Browsing and shopping books (even different genres) in a book store for long long hours- all by myself.

4. Treating myself my favorite food or snacks in a food joint or in a restaurant.

5. Talking to a lady (who is a stranger to me, but smiles at me and says hi!) for long hours sharing some stories, whilst listening to some of her stories. Best way to feel inspired, motivated, and to practice feeling comfortable talking to people ( I often do that. I love how two unknown people find a connection to exchange their stories and or experiences).

6. Playing with paint colors, or glitters, or bubbles :)

7. Riding a bike/bicycle.

8. Learning the names of new flowers, or plants in a plant nursery near me.

9. Learning some home improvement ideas from YouTube, or from your handyman- and doing it all by yourself the next time- your house needs small repairs here and there.

10. Organizing and sorting your emails, bookmarks, and your "favorites."

11. Begin writing my life's story-secretly.

12. Do research online for some your favorite websites to explore on any of the subjects that may interest you. This way I also get to add more to my favorite reads.

13. Wear your favorite cologne or perfume all day long to perk up your spirit.

14. Take as many pictures as you can in a day, and create a album of your memories. Doesn't really matter how well the photographs are clicked; just keep clicking everything you do in a day- even when you think you do something that's out of your schedule, or regular routine, or anything unnecessary. Just click!

15. Make a scrapbook that may contain either your favorite memories, or your favorite pieces of articles, or favorite styles, or fashion tips and updates. Just cut and paste, and later decorate the pages with stickers, arts, sketches, and with some words.

16. Sew new clothes/dresses by hand, or fix any repairs by hand stitching.

17. Reorganize your room with color codes or patterns.

18. Go browsing and shopping some ( not expensive) home decors, stationary, some inspiring or fun quotes for walls decors, try finding some new spices; and then spend time decorating your home and kitchen.

19. Take a free class, or any paid class (if you can) to learn some new skills you have always wanted to develop, or to learn more about a particular subject you wish to know about!

20. Working or writing your project, story, article from a coffee shop- all by yourself.

21. Creating lists of helpful tips/ or my experience list, or things to adore, or things to avoid, how to deal, etc. or on any subject- that might help others. It can be on any topic you would like to write and share on social media. Just be kind and help someone today!

Hope you like the list, but do not hesitate to share (in the comments below) the fun things you do alone, or would like to do it all by yourself!

 We took a family vacation to see Las Vegas and Disneyland, California, and I'm back feeling refreshed and motivated. I have lots to share in the coming posts. So stay with me.

What My Houseplants Taught Me

My love for having lots of plants in my house started in 2016. I always wanted to create a "positive" inspiring atmosphere in my house- and also there are so many benefits to adding indoor plants to your home!

I clearly remember how my love for plants and gardening started! My late grandfather  was the inspiration behind creating a beautiful green garden, all throughout his life. And as a kid I always loved being around them!

Sometimes, I try to just close my eyes and wander in those beautiful childhood memories.

After him, the next person who made me fall in love with the plants is- my mother. In fact all my "talents" are the gifts I have received from her. I always loved the way she cared (even today) for her tiny garden on our rooftop patio.

Seeing your plants grow is a beautiful feeling. Try it today?!

 

It's no secret (anymore) to know about the benefits of indoor plants- they aren't just the decor elements, but contribute a lot to our mental and physical health and happiness. It is going to be an year living with all of my indoor plants; and I would like to share the life lessons they have taught me:

"Bloom Where You Are Planted"

The choice to grow where we are moved in life- by choice, or involuntarily can be really tough. But these plants are such inspirations to me- when I observed them closely, I could see how difficult it was for them to grow happily  at my place; but slowly and steadily they adapted to change, and started to bloom. Sometimes we must (like the) change to grow.

Pay Attention To Your Body & Health Needs

Like our body, plants go through many changes. But any kind of  sudden changes (in our body/ in a plant) hints to  an alarming condition-that may require more care and some small tweaks to our daily routine. Very similar with my indoor plants; "Every time I saw some unusual behavior in their growth or look; I knew something wasn't right, and I paid close attention to- what I was not doing right!" In similar way, we must pay attention to our body needs and take care of our health requirements too.

Plants Take Time to Grow- We Need Ample Amount of Time To Grow Too!

Success or a fully-grown healthy plant needs time! We all do. Don't we?

By enjoying the small progress and by celebrating our tiny efforts we can realize- we are growing! Growing to reach our dreams, growing to create a life/a body/ a plant we are ought to be; or growing to be the person we want to be. "Success is the result of growing patiently and little-by-little every single day."

Let Go Everything That is Spreading Negative Energy in Your Life 

I learned from my houseplants that," anything that does not support and value you- it is better to release them from your life. Anything that does not add to your happiness and creates lots of negative energy around you, or in your life; it is okay to let them go away. Our surroundings matter, how we react to those around us, or how we are made to feel every single day definitely matters! So to keep ourselves positive and motivated all-the-time, we must focus on the (or create the) environment that is happy and healthy for us too!

"Start Small But Move To Big"

Some plants started growing in a small pot, but slowly they began to expand and spread; as they needed a bigger space to grow and to sustain their needs. When we outgrow our talents or qualities, we might need some new bigger challenges to showcase our abilities, and in order to do that; sometimes we must move to "bigger" challenges and must change organizations or places too! Growth happens when we constantly move whilst finding new opportunities for own selves.


The Infinite Power of Hope- That Helps Me To Start Over

Some days, when I thought the plant almost died and I will never get it back (I gave upon my efforts that I cared so much for!), I saw something was still growing way, way inside the pot- and gave me the hope that, " I should not give up my efforts. There's still hope that the plant can survive, and I must continue my efforts to take care of it, to take care of my dreams and my favorite "work." And I would start all over again feeling determined and motivated. "Hope's magic sparkles."

I know I am not being consistent in posting from past couples of months; but believe me, I am trying really hard, but there's so much to do and there is so little time! But I will not give up!

Thank you for still being there and for all your love and support. I always feel blessed to have you all in my life. Thank You So Much!

6 Quick Things You Can Do For Yourself- On a Budget

"Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive."

This beautiful quote sums up everything (also is a reminder),  about all that we need in life- to feel happy, to relax, to slow down, to find inner peace, and to pamper oneself quiet often. Happiness in life is all about- feeling happy everyday- which is not easy in the present world. When we are constantly threatened by competition, success, and building the "perfect lifestyle," staying happy can be a serious issue. Who knew even after having "it all," we can't experience 'true' happiness and inner peace?
Finding true joy in life is no competition. It is more of an awareness, a self-realization that; " we can stay happy if we want to be!" There might be many reasons to make you feel unsatisfactory with your current situation; but there's also much more reasons you can find- to build the blocks of your "happiness tower."

 

As Anthony J. D' Angelo has aptly said~ ~ "The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention."

It can be easy to drown yourself in day-to-day worries. And only few continue to smile and swim away gently from those fearful monsters called- 'problems'; only with the hope that-they will too pass soon! "I am trying to be one among them!" I am practicing to distance myself from all kinds of worries I have at present, and to breathe, to stay calm in all adversities, and to hold on to faith.  "Some of my friends think I have no problems in my life- may be because I share happy smiling pictures with them on social media. I believe it's fine if they are thinking this way. This helps me to understand that- I am trying to 'share the best parts of me with everyone; and I am working hard to take control of my life- my way!

I constantly look for things where I can focus my mind, and my thoughts- to feel relaxed, and to connect with myself. Some days I get over my worries easily, other days I try harder to find a way out to make myself feel good again, to feel alive again.

So here's what I do to listen to my inner-self, to calm my emotions, and to take a detour when mind seems blocked:

1. Time for myself

Finding time to nurture my body and nourish my mind is the best gift I very often give to myself. When I allow myself to have some "me" moments to unwind and de-stress, I  feel more energetic, and kind of more productive to do everything in a better calm way. I give myself moments to relax and slow down, sometimes even to shut-down- all that bothers me- and to be just me- like a little fearless child.

2. Another chance

To revisit my mistakes, my failures, my unhappy moments! I give myself permission to visit them all again and see if I can find a better way to make it happen. I allow myself to do what I love, and to do what is important for me.

3. To escape

I give myself permission to say 'no' to things I cannot do, or cannot be! When it seems hard to control, I escape from them for a while (until I find myself the courage to face them again.) This is when I absorb myself completely in doing creative things like- photographing nature, capturing special moments of my kids in my camera, or in my diary, dancing with my son and daughter, singing all by myself, or painting my nails, organizing my wardrobe, dressing up etc.

4. Peace of mind

I try to stop myself feeling worried; and focus on the day- like; how best I can spend one day of my life. So have faith (yes! just hold on to your faith) that everything will settle and will be okay. To calm my fears and stubborn emotions- I reach out to friends, my family, and most of times I look for the book, that can speak to me.

5. Pamper your body, highlight your beauty, and if possible take a vacation, or a short break from your roles and responsibilities.

6. Find your passion and purpose

These two things drive my life. I will be nowhere without them inside me. We are all earning to live, and to let live; but how many of us truly enjoys what we do? We are all riding on a no-motivation life vehicle; where nobody cares about the words like; "passion, and purpose." But the secret to me 'being happy' is more about what I do every day, how passionate I am all about doing it- anyways!

It's time we start looking at our lives as purposeful, passion-filled journeys.

If we look hard enough, we can find moments of joy in every day. For the days when nothing seems like working; I try creating new to-do lists to feel happy and joyful again.