From the dark to the dawn

Yesterday, my son was in tears because of some bullies on the school bus. He exclaimed, "My life is already miserable, and you don't understand me." Feeling offended, I took a deep breath to maintain composure. "How do you feel at school, at home, at karate class? Do you feel loved and happy?" I inquired. He began to calm down. "Things are good. I'm happy at those places. I have great friends there, and at home, I have you, Papa and my little brother," he replied. Softening my tone further, I explained, "So, your focus isn't in the right place. You're giving attention to people who are strangers to you, about whom you know nothing, and who know nothing about you. Your focus should be on the people who bring you happiness . They should be the center of your life, not random strangers. If you make negativity the center of your life, your life will be negative. Conversely, if you make positivity the center, your life will be positive....

During our vacation in Goa last month, my sister-in-law (devrani) said, "As I grow older, I realize that Anshuman (the projected antagonist from the Hindi movie 'Jab We Met') was not actually as wrong as he is portrayed. Geet (the heroine of the movie) was too restless and acted without thinking."  I didn't comment at that time, as I only remembered glimpses of the movie (it was released in 2007 and not on my favorites list) and had forgotten the context. After a wonderful week in Goa, upon returning, I rewatched the movie. Now, I have a few points to share as Geet's decision to run away from her home is a pivotal moment in the story (of course, I shared them with hher first): Geet perceived that she had to run from her home because her family wouldn't allow the marriage. She did not talk to her family about her love life, how did she know? Whether Anshuman knew of this remains a question unanswered in the movie. Even though going against her loving and ca...

My grandparents used to travel only for absolute necessities. At that time, travelling was costly and time consuming endeavor. I can reach to Delhi within few hours from any place in India. But earlier, it would take days to travel from southern parts of the country (India) to travel to Delhi. The technology and improved transportation options has made travelling accessible and easier.  In earlier times, despite less technology and less travel options and more challenges, people loved to travel. To explore new places. To know more about the existence. To know more about themselves. If our ancestors had no curiosity for travel, we would have not known world as we know it today.  When I think of need to travel, all I can feel is the need of experiencing new vibes, new ways of living the life. It is always uncomfortable to leave my home to take a vacation in far away places. But this sense of discomfort translates into whole new experience and increases confidence in me. Goa Some...