Monday, February 15, 2016

Day 46- Every Day Inspirations - Does Socialism works?

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked well since no one would be poor and no one would be rich, thus providing a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on the Socialist plan".... All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade, so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.....After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they likewise studied little
.
The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one was motivated to study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward (and risk) is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will work really hard to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that.

These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

-   Author Unknown ( Source:  Internet)

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Day 45- Every Day Inspirations - Love letter that was never sent!

Hello Dear,

Year after year, I awaited your call.   Closing my eyes and lying on the couch, thinking about you endlessly every night,  tears welled in my eyes, as I try to catch up my sleep.   Where did you go?  Why did you leave me and go?   Why me?.    The questions ripped me apart time and again.   Recollections went all sides and wild, thinking what did I do to lose you so.   I am sure you are somewhere, deep in my heart I do believe that you are still thinking about me too.  Yet, the pain of being away from you is too much to bear.
That last meeting at the town's railway station, as I stood on the foot-board of the slow moving train,  watching you wave me a silent good bye.   I saw the tears in your eyes.   I did not know how to decode your silent thoughts.   Your silence is deafening me even today.   Why did you fail to express what you had in your heart?  Where did the courage of a young man disappear to confess your love?   We both knew what it meant to be in love.  Then why did we fear this world?

Wish you pulled me from the train and whispered your love in my ears.   Wish at least you ran behind and caught the train to reach me and hug me with your love.  Yet, you did nothing then.  You are doing nothing now. Not knowing where you are makes me long for you even more.   Wish an angel comes to tell me how you are!   I will run to you like a little pup following its master.   

'Love'.   Just love.  It is a beautiful word,  makes the world beautiful place to live.   Love makes you feel warm and cared.  I imagined life's finest things with you in life.  Holding hands and walking in the rain,  sitting together on a hammock and silently enjoying the slow swing in the breeze of a beach,   packing our bags and infinite love as we take on the simpler trek,  sitting idle and doing nothing but staring at each other.   It is hard to believe that all this is only a dream.    

Wish a miracle star reaches you with whispers of my love, on this valentine day...and brings you back to my life.   My doors of heart and home are ever open for your love.   Where is life without you?

With Love, I remain

************************************************
"Write a love letter campaign by Chennai Bloggers Club"

#http://chennaibloggers.in/

Friday, February 12, 2016

Day 43 - Every Day Inspirations - A Day to remember


26 Jan 2016,  the day Thiru vi ka speakers forum inaugurated their 16th branch in Independence Day Park in Valluvar Kottam.   Raghu and I had the privilege to have met many wonderful leaders and speakers at this meeting and also were taken by surprise for the honor we received.  Blessed

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Day 40 Every Day Inspirations - Chocolate Day!


Chocolate!
Melts in my mouth
Energizes my thoughts
Rejuvenates my happiness
Sweetness that make me fall in love
softness that makes me dwell
crunchy nuts 
cracking crusts
coffee flavours
melting moments
thoughtful gifts
lovely chocolate trees
happy chocolate bouquets
of love
of friendship
of a lasting relationship
my love for this
will never end!
 

 

Friday, February 5, 2016

Day 36 - Every Day Inspirations - Dare to Stand Alone


I dare to stand alone
Not because I am left alone
It is because I can face the world
with strong mind and face bold
As I grow calm and strong within
I race up on my life alone
For no one can match my run
The thoughts zooming in train
There is always peace
as I stand simply alone
For that is when I realize
what I am worth of 
I care not to know what other think
For I know what I am in life
There can be no tomorrow
Not a regret of a gone yesterday
I relish my day, the present day
In happiness as sun shines its rays
I love life the way I live
for in me, I find the peace
happiness is my own expression
that I cherish as I stand alone
Sometimes, it is just right
to stay strong and stand alone
that's when you will find 
yourself, in a new 'Me'
 

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Day 35 - Every Day Inspirations - Tribute on World Cancer Day - Tips to Cancer Care Givers

The world is threatened by the deadly disease in its various forms.  The C word sends shivers down the spine and fears in the heart thinking about the pain, trauma, treatment and survival fears.  Today, Cancer has become more common and its various types effect lot many of us due to the life style habits,  genetic disorders and for no reasons as well.   

The requirements of cancer patients are taken care by the medical treatment and the families and caretakers who stand by them during the days of turmoil.   However, in this journey, the care-givers are also equally effected, being emotionally, physically and financially drained.


Few tips for Cancer Care Givers
 
1.  Take the much needed 'me' time.   

It is ok to take sometime with your rest and hobbies and keep yourself occupied with other things than the responsibility as care giver.  It will help you handle things much better.

2.  Learn about the disease.   

Internet made information handy to every one of us.   Try to ask as many questions as you want to the doctor.  Based on the reports, try to understand the disease by learning more about it.  It gives you strong advantage on handling the symptoms and its reactions while handling your loved one suffering from Cancer

3.  Show empathy and not sympathy

Do not be sympathetically inclined with the patient.  It is good to show concern and care.   But do not blame the destiny of the patient or yourself and try to gain sympathy from everyone around for the patient or yourself.   The world will not be able to help other than yourself.  

4.  Handle emotions with care.

The cancer patient will already be dealing with their own pain and anxieties.   So avoid talking about the disease to the patient often.  Try to spend time with them as much as possible,  taking them for short walks,  watching a light movie,  going to a restaurant where the food will not effect the patient.   Handle their emotions of self-burst,  cries, sadness and anguish with soft and spiritual approach

5.  Do not discuss finances

Finance would be the most crucial thing while dealing with patient's treatment.  Sometimes insurance will not be enough and self-financing will be the only option.  So the ways of debts taken or managing finances should not be discussed with the patient unless otherwise they are the only people to control that part.   This may make them feel totally vulnerable and helpless.

6.  Keep the environment conducive

Educate other family members and close friends on the do's and don'ts at home.   Take turns to take the patient for the chemo sessions, radiation treatment and regular check-ups.  Engage everyone with small responsibilities so that thing get manageable at home.   Seek external help as needed.   Do not hesitate to discuss 

7.  Take ample rest and sleep

With the anxiety that comes with cancer patients condition, it is highly disturbing to the care-giver.  It will result in restlessness and may effect your sleep.   Try to talk to a oncology counselor or a family doctor on how they can help you stay calm and focus on the care.   Keep a regular pattern of sleep and food habits so that you will not be drained of the physical energy required for a care-giver

8.  Do not blame anyone

Do not blame destiny, God or anyone for your destiny and situations.  You never know what others are going through.  Probably you have the courage and will to manage these situations better than others.    Acceptance is the first step towards a proper care-giving

9.  Join Support Groups.

Identify similar care-givers in your locality or through the doctor treating your loved one.   Talk to them openly and try to discuss on your issues and concerns.  They will be able to guide and extend mutual support as they will be experiencing similar situations.   Support groups also help you to swap care-taking at times, which will make you feel having the required consolation.

10.   Prayers and Meditation

When it is beyond you, look upon God.  You will hear answers.   Prayers will keep you hopeful and faith will restore health of the loved one quickly.   Keep the routine of giving medicines on time.   At the same time, spend some time in calm meditation that will give you energy of the mind to stay calm, stay hopeful and healthy.  


 

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Day 33- Every Day Inspirations - God's message

A child was born,   parents rejoiced!
They ran to the nearest school for booking admission
As the child started to walk
Parents were curious to get him to school
Before words became sentences
Playing blocks became writing books for the toddler
Instead of bed time stories
Repeating of age old Rhymes became the norm
As the child moved to the high school
Running around for college admissions began
As College farewell happened with grace
the hunt for the jobs began
As the salary from work started to come
the quest for a bride for marriage began
As the son got married
the hunt for his own house began
As the house became a permanent home
plans for family expansion began
The child looked back
He found the parents long gone
The child is no longer a child
But his life seems to have altogether gone
The same cycle of existence
Few trips that he could make
Little savings that could take
on his medical bills due to the style of life
Where did his life just disdain?

It is time to Stop this madness!
Take one thing at a time
Take time to do one thing fine
Rejoice life
with all its blessings
Make time for parents
for sooner they will be gone
Make friends for a lifetime
For they will stand by in all times
Do good to the breathren
The goodness will always pay back
Pack your blessings
and Say your prayers
Stay in Peace
Enjoy Life!
Before it silently disappears!

 
 


 

Monday, February 1, 2016

Day 32- Every Day Inspirations - Tips to be a Good Leader

5 Thumb-rules to make a Good Leader...rather a great leader.

1. Be Receptive

The attitude of attention giving creates empathy and gives the team a sense of belonging and they feel the importance of their presence.  Listening to their opinions, ideas may actually help completing complex projects and finishing great products

2.  Be Humble.

A leader will always accept his or her weakness and will thrive his best to put forward his intelligence and experience to overcome the problems.   Facing criticism constructively and being tolerant to all situations is the most humblest character of a leader.

3.  Be comprehensible.

The basic relationship between a leader and followers or the team members depend on the things spoken and acts done.  As long as the talk and act are in the same direction, it will give the leader all due respect.

4.  Be an active agent

When there is a change happening, learn to be the crusader instead of resisting change.   Coordination and delegation of tasks makes the leader prioritize things.   Participation in the execution of the tasks provides required moral support to the team

5.  Recognize good work

Never criticize a bad worker in public.   Keep all those advices and overshadowing behind the curtains.  However, do not fail to recognize good work in front of everybody.  Genuine appreciation motivates people and interests them to make wonders.  Recogniztion of positive points will motivate other team members as well.   It will create a healthy competition.


Happy to have met Ms Ginni Rometty in Chennai today.   A classic example of wonderful leader, President, Chairman and Managing Director of IBM.  Her speech was inspiring and her way of thinking is marvelous.   Meeting such wonderful leaders, especially woman leaders is not only motivating but also strong provocation to think out of the box, towards growth, towards change and towards better technology ultimately towards a better world.




Saturday, January 30, 2016

Day 30- Every Day Inspirations - She ends the Indulgence! - Short Fiction

I wrote in my diary sarcastically calling it  'the gift that keeps on giving'.    It had been several months now that he is binding me from all sides.   Be it profession, personal life, dreams, hobbies, emotional and physical well-being, he seems to be appearing everywhere around..    I know that the skeleton would fall out of the cupboard any time sooner than later.   Finding a soul-mate!   I smiled to myself.

 I cursed Shankar  for having come in my life very late.  But with a spouse who is around me all the time, I still managed to get time with Shankar.   Going on long drives, sharing a silent candle-lit dinner,  sitting on the beach and watching children play football,  little dare-to-do kisses and hugs in the privacy of the car,  walking around holding hands on the highway and further more, driving down few hundred miles to the privacy of a new town for the unimaginable ecstasy of romance that had a special cupid touch.  I felt all my essential emotional needs being met when Shankar is around.   

What started as a meeting 'over a cup of coffee' ,  soon became frequent.     Without knowing,  friendship bloomed into a physical relationship.   'Paru!  Paru!'  - Shankar called me back to the present world.    

'What are you thinking so deeply dear?'   - He asked with all concern.

I replied rather sternly -  'Will you introduce me to the client as your wife?'     Shankar took back for a moment from holding my hand.   I could see a sense of discomfort in the way he reacted.   

'Why should I introduce you as my wife?'   He asked.   I said, 'because I am your WIFE! "  stressing the word Wife!

'You are my wife.  You are my everything dear' -  He confessed holding my hands.  

'Then tell to this world the same thing Shankar'   -  My voice shivered in pain and I could sense the fury, anger and desperation to myself.     I know he cannot.  I also know that he will not leave his wife or child for me.  Sametime, I am also aware that he will not leave me.   I know he loves me.  But I am confused.  I am lost.

'Trust me Paru!  Please'.  We are living happily as we can.  You know that I will do anything for you.  I am happy with you and you are also happy with me.'  I can hear Shankar trying to convince me.

But my mind is racing against the facts...the reality which is far from the indulgence of my extra marital affair.  I know that my husband will be hurt and feel terrible and respond with challenges that I cannot handle if he comes to know of this relationship.   Yet, I am asking him the questions to which I myself do not have answers. 

The health of my relationships within my family, friends and the community is largely happy and respected one.  So does his broad circle of life he has outside my relationship in his life.  

'Go tell your wife, that you are cheating her.  Tell her that you want to leave her and marry me! '   I shouted at him in the car when he tried to hold my hand and pacify me.  

'What happened to you Paru!  You are never like this.  Why are you becoming a stubborn horse?'   - I can see pain in his eyes and care in his voice.   

'I want to be your pregnant.' -  I told him bluntly without a second thought.   I know what he would respond as well.   But I really did not know what I wanted to hear from him the night I decided to really introspect my indulgence with him

'Don't be a fool Paru.   You know you cannot go ahead with the decision.   You also know that you will not welcome an illegitimate child to this world?  Still do you want to be a pregnant with me?'   -  This time, I could hear his anger and frustration.  

'See, See,  I told you.  What ever it may be, I am still your KEEP.  I am not your wife.  Had it been the honesty of me being your wife, you would have loved to hear me with what I wanted.'.   

I could hear the warning bells ringing inside me not to provoke his anger further.  But my words are not getting under control.  My thoughts are racing against my rational judgement.  The lies of the relationship is hurting my self-esteem and causing a deep sense of insecurity.    I want him to understand that I need a recognition.  Recognition as his wife.  

'Paru,  I will do that when time comes.  Finish all your responsibilities and then we shall decide'-   He promised

'Shame on you Shankar.   What the hell do you think of yourself?.  It will take me a life time to settle my children and complete my responsibilities and you will want to give me what I want today after I complete my life? '   I was furious

I know it is all going wrong.  Horribly wrong.  I have no guarantee in this relationship which I honestly want to be ever lasting.  Instead of trying to save it by defusing the situation, I am actually infuriating it towards a forever damage.   My primary relationship of marriage needs all my attention and probably may never end.  If at all he tries to end his present marriage, that may well take several months and not going to end any sooner.  

'I am not able to take this anymore!  Either you marry me and give me a social recognition or just leave me and go! "  -  I shouted.

Paru!  -   I felt a sharp pain on my face as his hand hit me hard.   'Stop the nonsense.  Do you hear me!  Just stop and go home now!'-  Shankar shouted back on me and came to my side of the car and opened the door. 

I could not get down.  I am still in the state of shock.  I felt totally trapped between the 'wants' and the 'should's' of my life.  I felt torn and didn't know what to do!   Just felt broken.   Tears floods down my cheeks as I hid my face in my palms and cried.   He left me to cry.

'I love you Paru.  Do what ever you feel is right.   Just let me know what I should do.   If marriage is the only thing you want,  I will do everything possible to make it happen.   First, you go home and talk to your husband about this and initiate your divorce.  I will wait for you.'   -  Shankar told me softly.

'Leave me Shankar!'.   I told him firmly.   This time, the words came out of my mind than my heart.  'I am tired of this battle between my life and my love.  I know I will be in pain.  Pain for longer time than I can imagine.   Healing will take time.  But I will heal within!.  

I took my bag from the back seat of his car and walked away.   I felt terribly shaken.   But I know I have evolved.  

Evolution from an indulgence that was not easy.   Time will give me the strength.  My needs may change over time,  as I re-evaluate both of our lives.  Tomorrow our children will be happy for the decisions I made today.    They can continue living in the unbroken families.

Shankar stood there, watching me walk away.   As I turned back to see him for one last time,  I saw him leaning over the steering wheel hiding his face in his hands.  I know I have hurt him.  But I also know he will heal.

At the end of time, we are all alone in our journey into awareness, rethinking and reevaluating the decisions made in our lives and who we are becoming.  In the evolution of consciousness, leaving behind a relationship that doesn't work, forced me to look into who I am.  Perhaps for the first time, I have come to understand my short comings and started to work on myself.   

I have one life to live.  Let me make the most of it.  Without giving it a life long trauma in the name of non-existent extra marital affair. Yes,  I am happy I ended it.   It is the end of my indulgence.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Day 28 - Every Day Inspirations - Bloggers and Book Launch - Chennai does it a style!

Right of Freedom of Expression
                 
 Is my fundamental right as a citizen of India.   Yes, I love this right and I am also aware of the duties that come along with it.  It gives me immense pleasure and pride to write what I think....Out of box, inside my head,  pains of my heart, foolishness of my friend,  ranting over a relative, shopping, slipping on the staircase,eating in the terrace....do what all possible under the sun and sky!    

We, as bloggers of Chennai and much more pride of being part of the 'The Chennai Bloggers Club'  rejoice in what we do.   Our own musings on our blogs, collective writing and editing, sharing thoughts and events, fun and concerns,  food and meets.   

Today, CBC is a big family of close to 300 bloggers from all walks of life.   We are a strong group of writers in the group that closely interact in a closed group in Facebook.   We tweet our thoughts.  We share our dreams and causes.   The bonding is not built over night.   But a steady and persistent flow of events brought us together.  

We are now a matured lot of writers, welcoming new one's into the old,  helping each other, motivating and inspiring like always.   Few of us have gone a step ahead as published authors adding feathers in the already shining cap of CBC.  

The recently held 2 events -  Bloggers meet sponsored by Stylori and the one we met at House #22 cafe for the book launch of fellow writer Shikha are classic examples of what brings us together.  The passion for writing.  The inner peace that comes with blogging.  Yes, we are not just writers.  We are thinkers.  

As a happy family of Chennai Bloggers Club, it is of immense pride and awareness when our authors like Kavipriya Moorthy or Shashi publish their books.   We have a strong social responsibility as writers.   It gives us a sense of satisfaction as well as courage to voice out of opinions and sensible thoughts.   

We love our fashion bloggers who bring in a class to what we can achieve.   Our food bloggers make it visually appealing to our taste buds....Our travel bloggers take us on the world virtual tours.   Motivational bloggers keep our every day dawn a pleasant one.  What else can you ask from a group of comrades with one strong bonding of blogging!    Love you CBC.  


Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Day 27 - Every Day Inspirations - Thiru Vi Ka Speakers Forum Chennai - Building leaders

On 26th January 2016,  Tuesday,  both  my husband and I were invited to be part of the inauguration of the 16th Branch of Thiru-Vi-Ka Speakers Forum in Chennai,  at Independence Day Park behind Valluvar Kottam.   Exnora and Walkers Association joined hands in support.

It was such a pleasant morning where lot of people of all age groups gathered.   There were guests of honour felicitating the function.  Few children queued up to speak about freedom fighters and India's Republic Day.   

Children and Elders took up turns to talk freely, happily and out of heart on the things that were closer to them.   After the flag hoisting on the eve of 67th Republic Day,  the guests gathered to celebrate the beginning of the speakers forum at this specific park.   This is a moment of celebration as this forum is a platform for all people, sharing and give and take knowledge.  There is no money motive or heirarchy of leadership in this forum.   This is the forum of the people, by the people and for the people.

The mantra of the speakers forum founded by Dr .R. Damodharan 13 years ago in Chennai is very simple.   Meet everyweek in the nearest park, encourage speakers and give them an opportunity to showcase talents, share knowledge, build a community of inspiring youngsters and prune them to be leaders.   

1.  The speakers can talk on any subject except criticizing Religion and  Politics
2.  Anyone can participate and speakers are free to talk on anything, except provoking speech on religions, political or radical topics
3.  Motive is to provide brief, clear and precise speech within 5 minutes given to each speaker
4.  All languages and all age groups are encourged
5.  They meet  at the local park (branch of Thiru-vi-ka Forum)  every week at the specific time and share knowledge.
6.  It has people from all walks of life - including lawyers, doctors, engineers, press people, teachers, auditors, accountants, students, IAS aspirants, government employees, home makers and all others.
7.  Every one is a member.  It continues as a forum of people
8.  Voluntary contributions help for the motivational gifts and organizing chairs, mikes etc needed for the forum.  There is no monetary motive in this whole exercise
9.  Free meetings attended by an average of 30 people in each park every week to conquer the fear of public speaking.
10.  Continued for years with the motive of making good speakers and thinkers to transform as leaders.  Energize them to meet the challenges of life

What this forum builds

1.  Excellent speakers - making introverts come out as extroverts
2.  Making Leaders with objectives of public speaking
3.  Building a network of like minded people 
4.  Creating a community with strong moral values 
5.  Importance of time, talk and words is enriched
6.  Develop communication skills and self-confidence

 

May God bless the endeavors of the self-less service and contribution of all forum members continue.  May this tribe increase as the forum slowly spreads to all the parks in Chennai.  

Long Live the inspiration for a better society.