A Year to Remember - 2023!

Over the past few years, I never felt like writing down my year. In fact, I did jot down my thoughts as drafts but never felt right posting them on my blog. The main reason was that they were often filled with deep and dark emotions. Most were written with tearful eyes. Regardless, those drafts will always be dear to me. Someday, if I feel like going anonymous on the internet with a new blog, I might publish them. :)

Coming back to 2023, my year was full of emotions. The first few months were crazy sad, and I truly lived in a dark era. I think those were more of a continuation of the past few years. Anyway, in March 2023, I decided to go to New Zealand for my second Masters. I secured a seat in a sought-after course at the University of Auckland, and I was on cloud 9. I was weaving dreams of going to Auckland, living a free and beautiful life in a gorgeous country with mountains and sea. I started interacting with my course coordinator, had my university email id and student login created. Just before submitting my fees, I had to cancel the plan. Once again, it was to save something I could never have saved anyway, and when I look back, I feel fortunate certain things ended for good.

After saying goodbye to my NZ dream, I forgot about going out of the country and started focusing on my health, which had been going downhill for the past 2 years. I went back to the gym, restarted my yoga practice after a good break, and I was happy. I was just self-involved; I had my breakdowns but overall, I was positive. I did things I wanted to, bought myself a beautiful watch, and soon I got to know that my brother was moving to the US. He secured admission in the course he was looking for, and all of a sudden, everything changed. He actually secured admission in 2 universities, one in Asia and the other one in the States, but he chose to go to the US. I was busy helping him plan and pack for his journey while being clueless about mine.

Soon enough, I got the news that I could go to Canada. My application was through, and the option came out of nowhere. I completely ruled out this possibility, a long story but it was a miracle, and I had an option I always wanted but never thought I would get.

My brother was leaving on June 15th, and till that day, I had no clue on what I was going to do. I focused on his journey, and after dropping him off at the airport, I was sitting and thinking what I should do. I started looking for tickets to Canada with no fixed plan in mind. While looking for tickets, I recalled a lady I met in Bali; she was from Toronto, and we are still friends. She was on her solo birthday trip to Bali and gifted herself a luxury experience for her 50th birthday. She flew business class and stayed in a 5-star property (that's where I was staying while volunteering). She explained that journey as the best journey in her 50 years of life, and that business class, the way she explained, I could never forget.

While looking for my Canada ticket, I thought I should gift myself this business class experience now; why wait to live until I am 50! And I booked myself a comfortable business class on a good international flight. I was definitely scared. Canada was far, very far from India. Not that I was scared of traveling alone, but I think in the last few years, I completely forgot who I was, what I was like, and what I was capable of.

I gave myself 10 days to pack and prepare. And in no time, I was in Canada.

Those were my first 6 months in India; I landed here at the end of June, and from that day, things changed. Ghosts from the past followed me till here, and I had dark, sleepless nights, panic attacks, and a really hard time for the initial few months. I used to sit here and wait for my family to get up and talk to them. I never felt this low in my life ever, and I was on my own, all alone for the first time.

I am thankful for how everything unfolded for me here. Soon enough, when I started being myself again, everything just changed. I ended up receiving more than I could think of; I ended up finding a decent apartment in the location I wanted, secured a fine job (I came here with my India job, and worked nights sticking to the India time zone, it was crazy).

I wanted to list down things I tried for the first time in my life in 2023; many things changed for me here, and I have penned down some of them below:

1. Business Class Travel - I think that was the highlight of my year and after traveling business class, I find it hard to look back to economy. My journey was so good; I didn't care about the destination. My luggage was lost, but I was still happy. I was miles away from home in Calgary without luggage, with jet lag, and still smiling. I waited for my luggage for 2 days and started buying the essentials which I claimed back from the airlines. Luckily, I got my luggage back in 8 days.

2. Calgary Stampede - Stampede is like Diwali here. The biggest festival they celebrate. It's a 10-day long event and crazily massive. When I landed here everyone said you came at the wrong time, it's gonna be super crowded and messy in the city and they were not wrong. I ended up loving the entire Stampede vibe and volunteered in the event. Loved every bit of it! Even though my schedule was hectic, I had an Indian job from 9 pm to 7 am and did volunteer work during the daytime. Pheww! Insane!

3. Improv - I always wanted to learn acting, while searching for a school I came across an improv lab and their upcoming course on “Intro to Improv ''. I am an introvert, and doing things like these really scare me, and that was a good enough reason to give it a shot. It was painful for me initially but became easier with every class. Plus point was I managed to secure myself a good scholarship. Thanks to my sales skills.

4. New Cuisines - I ended up trying a lot of new cuisines here. For the first time I tried Thai, Vietnamese, Venezuelan, Mediterranean, Peruvian cuisines here! I really liked Thai & Vietnamese. I am already in love with Mexican & Italian. My list definitely expanded here.

5. New Drinks - Eggnog, I tried for the first time here. I don't know if they used to introduce new coffee seasonal flavors in India, but here I have developed this habit of buying a coffee and walking with it. Because of which I ended up trying many small/big coffee shops here and explored all their seasonal flavors starting with Pumpkin spice latte to Sugar cookie oat latte, which by the way is my favorite now! <3

6. First Snowfall - I have been on many snow treks in India, but here for the first time I saw snow pouring down and I loved it. It was much more beautiful than I expected. I never thought I would experience this alone for the first time, but I did and it was mesmerizing.

7. Banff - Another place I never thought I would experience alone but I did and loved it. I didn't go alone as such but it was not how I visualized it for myself. Anyhow, the experience was beautiful beyond words.

8. Winter hike - In India, I always used to wonder why we climb for 6-7 days, sleep in tents to reach a place so gorgeous, I used to wish for shorter hikes with beautiful views and to come back and sleep in my cozy bed. That wish is fulfilled. Here, you need to walk hardly 10-15 kms (to & fro) to reach a strikingly beautiful place and come back, and another 2-4 hours for reaching the site and coming back to the city. Couldn't have asked for more. Experienced 3 hikes here in the last year! :)

9. Music - This is my favorite; after coming here I wanted to explore better music and clicked on “Iconic 80s hits” playlist on Prime music and there was no looking back. I am in love! This music is just mind-blowing, and I wish I was alive in that era, I wish this was my college days' music! It's just so beautiful, all these songs.. my God! I already am an old soul and I found my old soul music. Of course I am a big fan of Md Rafi & Kishore Kumar, but this playlist is something else. Next will be 70s music once I will get enough of 80s!

Well, this was my year in nutshell. I also tried Kooza for the first time here; it's like a musical circus show which costed me a bomb! :P

I am really grateful for everything; though these days I do feel a lot homesick. I hope I will get better!

Dear God, I love you and am thankful for everything you have done for me; please take good care of my people. Love you! Muah :))

Devil's year!

2020 was indeed a Devil's year. My year!

I know, I know it's not over as yet, but, it was a strangely comforting year for me, I know the case with most of the world is different.

I am so much in love with the whole situation of work from home, chilling and working at peace. I know the work hours are crazy but that's alright. I love keeping my devil mind busy with work or else it starts driving me mad.

The only thing I am badly missing this year is my workout, and have gained a lot of weight which I know will take time to go off, but I am somehow at peace. Other times I am on fire. :P

The whole year was kind of okay.... but, as I have a history with Decembers, my demons are hyper-active once again and I am finding it really hard to cope up with my own self. I think I would blame it on winters. I feel everything with a deeper intensity when the weather is cold. I am meant to be living in hot climates to avoid emotions. :P

Actually, it's not even proper winters as yet in Delhi, but this morning I could hear some loud clouds and they are giving me hopes for colder days ahead, that says messier mind!

I think I should read more on the correlation between mind and winters, at least for me it's something serious. Or maybe it's just full moon effect! 

Oh! and it's raining cats and dogs already, colder days ahead. 

Every time it's raining here in Delhi, I can't help thinking it must be snowing up on the mountains. I know I am crazy.

Rains are always a good start and it's just 7'o clock in the morning. Well, the beautiful start of my messy day. 

Dear God. please take care of my people. I love you. :)))

In pursuit of Happiness!

The year is in its second half and going through my own blog I realized I was absolutely lost all this while.

A wise man told me sometime back- “If it happens as per your wish its good, but if it happens otherwise it’s for the best!”

Many things happened this year, unexpectedly good and unexpectedly not-so-good but I think those not-so-good happenings pushed me towards happy and good ones which otherwise were out of the question.

I genuinely believe 'you are exactly where you are supposed to be and what meant to be, always find it's way'.

And I am the one who is too restless to accept the same most of the times even though it's imprinted on my subconscious mind. Ah, my yoga lingo. :P

Happenings so far this year were somewhat like this, I'll start with the first one and moving on to another in the sequence they happened-

January-

1. New Year Celebration- I can't recall how I celebrated my new year but I am sure it was peaceful, nothing crazy. I was with my family, I got up happy, not sleepy nor sad. I was content on Jan 1st and visited the temple in evening. Blissful calm day.

2. Karan Bellani- The guy I met here on BlogSpot 9 years back and my oldest blogger buddy. He was the only guy who promised to be my friend till the end and he kept it. His unexpected death was a shock to me and it taught me a lot. I was unable to believe he is no more when I read it on FB and called him to check multiple times, one day his mom called me back looking at my missed calls in his call log to say “beta, Karan is no more”. He died of ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I don't want to recall anything, I love escaping it.

We met thrice in 9 years, so I convinced myself he is still there in Bombay living his life peacefully. But, Facebook! FB memories keep reminding me of him, the time I visited Bombay and he took days off from his schedule to show me around or when he visited Delhi and I took him to my favorite places. :(

I still remember our walk on the roads of Bombay, at night, though we had a bike we preferred exploring roads on foot, we walked for almost 6 hours aimlessly trying roadside foods and exploring markets, we talked and talked and talked, but, I still wonder he never told me about his ALS!

Rest in Peace, Karan. Bombay will never be the same for me without you.

3. Nag Tibba-

My 1st trip of 2018, I wanted it to be calm, snowy, starry and mountainy. So, I decided to go solo on a short trek near Dehradun known as Nag Tibba. It was a whole different story and a very different experience for me. For the first time I was traveling with all Delhiites (except one Bangalore guy). :P

It was a very short 2-day trek and after day 1 of trekking, the group denied to get up at 5am next morning for the final summit. During our dinner time, in a group, they announced: “that's it, we are not going to get up early for trek tomorrow, it’s enough”. For the first time, I saw trek leader massaging legs and rubbing balm on female trekkers' knees. :P

The night was loud as they played loud music opened liquor bottles and started smoking. It was difficult for me to sleep, but, I managed. I was sure if no one else, at least the Bangalore guy is going for the Summit.

I got up in the morning and to my surprise, many more motivated themselves to drag till the Summit.:P

I can never forget this experience. One good thing was I found a new friend from Bangalore with a thousand things to talk about, all nerdy and geeky. :P

And I promised myself not to go anywhere near Delhi for trekking in the future. 

February-

4. Calcutta trip- 

Another trip to East, the good part about my office was these frequent trips but then they used to be so packed and hectic, I started realizing I no more love traveling. I wanted peace and recreational time. I mean, going to Calcutta and not getting even 10 mins for myself was crazy. Travel is always beautiful though but I need to soak into the beauty of the place which was missing. I reached Calcutta at 4pm for the event which was 7pm, all I could do was taking shower, getting ready for the evening, reaching to the venue, coming back to the luxurious hotel and sleep. Flying back to Delhi next morning! Rushing like crazy!

One good thing was, I was able to finish a book during my in-flight time and skipped my dinner at the event venue to enjoy Bengali sweets at night in my hotel!

5. Grandpa- My grandpa was not keeping well for quite some time and this time it was worsening, every time I used to visit hospital I used to cry after coming back. I still remember that one evening when I went to the ICU with multiple beds and he was on the front bed and I looked at him and couldn’t believe it's him, I looked around to find him but it was him, so weak and pale and unable to move. I went closer and asked him if he could recognize me and he was unable to utter my name.

That was the moment I lost faith in the hospital, I remember he loved being at home no matter how unwell. I came out of ICU and spoke to the doctor and he said grandpa will not survive for many days and he needs to be on dialysis followed by a ventilator, I asked him what are the chances of improvement, on which doctor said survival chances are zero!

I was furious and decided to take him back home.

We arranged a surgical bed, male nurse and a private surgeon and had a big fight with hospital management during his discharge. Anyhow, my grandpa was happy and I could see him improving at home. He used to smile and talk to me though he was unable to eat through his mouth. He used to love home, everything here was picked by him even the designer sofa set and the curtains, I remember taking him to Kirti Nagar to select his favorite designs.

He was doing well but the surgeon said "he can go any moment". I denied to believe. He was improving and I was hopeful until one day he denied to talk to me. He slept for 1 complete day. And the next day He left us. :(

I was unable to believe it and why should I, he is still with me, around me. Reading it all, while I am writing it. 

March-

6. Singapore trip-

My second office trip of the year, and although it was my first ever international trip I was not at all excited, I mean, travel used to be one thing I used to love the most and now it was also failing. After losing interest in my workout routine due to my work schedule, now, I was losing interest in travelling.

This trip was for senior management and I and my one more colleague were going as an exception, and even that exception failed to excite me. :P

I called my boss to say I am not willing to go and if they can cancel my booking, on which she said “you should go and bookings can't be cancelled”. As they say, what’s meant to be find its way.

I landed in Singapore, it was all luxury trip for an Annual Strategy Meet, stay in 5 star hotel, brilliant buffets, dinners at the very best locations like Marina Bay Sands and The Altitude (the highest point in Singapore).

The time I enjoyed the most in Singapore was the day I landed in Singapore and decided to explore it myself by skipping my pre-booked dinner at again some 5 star fine dining property, the best part was my fone was not working.

After everyone left for the dinner, I left my hotel in the evening to roam around on the streets of Singapore. I decided to eat the local food and check out the local flea markets. So much I loved that evening, I bought local chocolates, ate local food and had the best time sitting on the street side looking at the new city, feeling the different air on my face and hair. But of course, I had to pay the price for this freedom, when my boss told me you are not a child, you are here on a work trip and are supposed to be on time and be with the group all the time. She was not very happy about my little adventure. :P

Our routine used to be staying in the conference from 8am till 6pm, listening to the sales agendas and progress of last financial year, getting dressed up by 7pm and going to some luxurious pre-booked venue for dinner with the management.

One evening when I was sitting on the rooftop of “The Altitude”, listening to the live music and cherishing the view of the city lights from the top, I looked up at the sky and the stars. Talking to the stars, they asked me “Are you happy being here, this is so amazing?”

I looked around once again, my boss, her boss and other bosses drinking and laughing and enjoying, it was a beautifully luxurious jail, with fine wine and cheese and the best of dresses people could wear and all those things most of the people dream of and would do anything for. And nothing was wrong with it. But...

But, I could not relate to it, it was not my world. It was not for me. As strange as it may sound, I decided to go back to my hotel. The plan was to stay there by 2-3am but I left around 12.

I loved the overall feel of the city and I loved the luxury, who doesn’t, so I cherished my time in Singapore with the only wish of getting time for myself, it was just unfair to the place. What good is a big bath tub if I can’t take a long rejuvenating bubble bath.

On our last day, I went for a small walk around and bought a few more things before leaving the city. Also, I promised the city to be back soon with all my time. :-)

7. Realisation- 

After coming back from Singapore, I was subconsciously realising this was not what I wanted for myself. I cannot lose these simple joys in life for money. Along with it, there were many more things happening which were killing me within and I was unable to bear it. I needed a break.

April-

8. Contemplation- 

Contemplation happens. And it happens on it’s own, when it’s supposed to be. I realised many things, I was happy but I was in pain. A strange pain I cannot define here. The same pain I was in, 9 years back. And once again history repeated itself. This time I had no friend so close to share with. I needed time for myself..

9. Resignation- 

I needed a break and I took it. I left my job and decided to hibernate. And for the first time, I was not worried about what will happen in my future. This was what I needed exactly at that point of time. A break from my own self. And the future, I was not even thinking about it.

10. Nepal and Everest Base Camp- 

April 17^th was my last working day and on April 20^th, I was in Nepal.

The trip was more about Nepal for me and less about Everest Base Camp, and yes, Rupin Pass still tops the list of my favourite treks.

I went for EBC with my brother, and we started our trek on 22^nd April.. EBC was amazing in terms of views and the experience but it was overly commercialised and very crowded. It was nothing like a trek. It was more about crossing a valley to reach to another guest house sort of crowded place. I will any day prefer Himachal over Nepal for a trek in particular.

Also, I had another “Acute Mountain Sickness” and this time it was much severe than the last time, I felt I am surely going to die this time. :P

More than EBC it was Nepal that we enjoyed, amazing nightlife of Thamel, beautiful temples, streets of Pokhara and a round of Golf at Himalayan Golf course.

Nepal was overall a brilliant experience; we experienced Lukla flight and Chopper ride which was once in a lifetime experience.

I might visit Nepal again for EBC via Gokyo lakes route, but, that’s a farfetched idea. I need to work on my fitness first. :P

Well, I guess it’s enough for now. I am not willing to talk about my next 3 month long hibernation in the mountains.

Dear God, you know what I’ll say. Thank you for everything. I love you. Take care of my people. Muaah. :*

Serendipitous Siliguri!

The moment I landed in Bagdogra, the first thought that crossed my mind was

"Someday, I'll come here for my trek"

Siliguri for work was never on my mind to begin with!

Gosh, so much I love new places.. I find myself smiling every time I travel, most of the time, throughout, without any reason and it comes naturally! 

And I try to control it every time I find a curve on my lips, crazy happy kid! :)

My journey began with very weird incidences an evening before my travel, long long story which I would not like to discuss. :P

I landed in Siliguri on Thursday afternoon, in a super hot weather, coming from Delhi, I was wearing a sweater and a jacket and since, a friend told me it's cold in Siliguri, I was carrying a leather jacket too. 

Definition of cold for someone living in Delhi and in love with snow is a bit different. I landed here and was all in sweat instantly, like I was in Chennai.. Ah, my Chennai Love! :P

Soon after check-in, I left for work, my work here was to be a part of an event organized by my company, and just to tell you it was a 'food festival' and people in East are crazy about food. And I was traveling alone from our North office.

This place felt so much like Calcutta but without yellow taxis and Rosogullas, the day ends here by 5pm, you can see dark night sky and bright moon by 5pm.

It was a feeling like what  you feel between Delhi and Chandigarh, Chandigarh is organized though. :P

I met people from my Calcutta team here, luckily, the guy I met on day 1 was a half Delhiite, he lived in Gurgaon for almost 12 years, so we had quite a lot to talk about. From Rice Liquor in Gurgaon to Korean Coffee to the most happening places and the life, THE LIFE IN GURGAON! Crazy! 

Of course, who knows about life in Gurgaon better than me. :P

On day 1, I tried the famous Singada which is known as Samosa, and Puchka, our very own Golgappa in Delhi.

On coming back to our hotel, we tried local food for dinner, another different thing here was, everything you eat is made of refined flour, no wheat flour.. forget instant breads, even rotis, parathas, pooris were made of refined flour. Not trying to act pricey, ate whatever I got quietly. In Delhi, I avoid brown breads too, here I was eating white chapatis! And was loving it, thoroughly! :P

Next day, more people joined us from Calcutta and the group was now a big one. Too many people, too much to listen to.

One more thing I have noticed in Calcutta people is, they are too possessive about their city.

I was having breakfast with someone from the city, must be in his 50s, during a general discussion, I was telling him how similar I find Siliguri and Calcutta, on which he argued as if I said something very disrespectful. I mean, It's my experience and observation, indeed no two cities are same but they tend to resemble. He defended Calcutta by saying there is no other place like Calcutta in India. Ah! Right!  

I like Calcutta, It's slow, calm and relaxed like no other metropolitan. Best of both worlds, life in metro with a peace of small town, absolutely chilled out!

But then I love Bombay, so amazingly fast and happening and safe and what not! 

It was writing about Siliguri and I am roaming in India. :P

I seriously feel my Siliguri trip was Serendipity, I never expected it, nor looking for it but I am really happy it happened. :-) :-)

I enjoyed every bit of it with work, though, it was very hectic but I really cherished it all this while.

December is here and my history of Decembers is crazy, already started with a super exciting and mad one. :P

By the way, I finished few more books and already halfway through my next one, which makes it 8 in November and since my December is here let's see how many more I'll be able to finish! :P

For me December is Devil's month, all my demons are highly active, creating mess in my head and life.  

Dear God, I love you. Please take care of my people and please please help me sailing through December! :* :*

P.S.- Belated Happy Birthday Pearl :)

Palomino!

Palomino is a name of a book written by Danielle Steele.

Some stories just touch our heart and we can’t get over them.

Palomino is one such story. It happened to me during my graduation days.

One day, I was casually talking to my friend about books and she suggested me to read Palomino. I borrowed it from her and read it, loved every bit of it.

I read few more books after that but nothing touched me like this one, I sensed every emotion deeply within. I cried, smiled and lost myself in the scenes I visualised while reading it. I lived every word of it with all my heart.

For last 3 years, I was emotionally dead... I missed being the girl I used to be, stupid, dumb and emotional fool. I was searching for the old me again. In quest of finding myself, I was doing things I used to do earlier, I visited my college campus, met old friends, tried cooking again, listened to old songs and blah blah...

When nothing worked, I decided to read Palomino again.

It’s not easy living a life with no feelings when you know it's not you, plus in last 3 years I met people who were way too practical in their lives... which further reassured me that I am a fool who even miss being emotional. :P

I searched for Palomino online and luckily got it on Amazon.

Yayy, I finally had own copy of my long lost love.

I started reading it every night.... I again visualised every word but this time the picture was different than the last time... Yes, I remembered the story I lived years back and every scene exactly how I visualised at that point of time.

This time the rooms were different, the house, the ranch, mansion, the flowers decorated were different, the scenes were picturised more realistically in my imagination and the story looked much more real than last time, this time the emotions were deeper and different... Yes, I cried again, I smiled again and I felt it again but with more intensity. I was happy and my frequencies were different now. (Yea, I talk Radio language :P)

To briefly describe Palomino (since the topic is Palomino, I think I should :P), Palomino is a breed of a horse. It’s a love story with ups and downs, it’s not just about roses and romance, it’s about the thorns and the dark side as well. It’s about losing everything and getting over it, moving on to something which was forever... losing hopes and finding it back... Oh! It’s just amazing.

Palomino is strong story of a tough woman. I loved it again and connected with it at a different wavelength, stronger than before.

I think I should try to sleep now.

Dear God, you know I love you. Please take care of my people. Please help my Grandpa recover soon and please please be there with him. I promise I’ll be a good girl. Muuuaah :-)

Heart vs Brain- On midnight Snacking!

Now a days it's happening more frequently.. On almost everything there is a conflict going on between my stupid heart and stubborn brain... today.. it's on midnight snacking...

11pm

Heart- I am hungry!

Brain- Go, eat paneer.

Heart- I wanna have something unhealthy and delicious.. you know something like butter popcorn or creamy cheesy pasta or crunchy buttery cornflakes :D

Brain- shut up! It's 11pm.. it's not the right time.. have warm water.. and go to sleep.. .

Heart- dude, I could have asked for pina colada or beer or LIT... I am just asking for snacks.. that too light ones.

Brain- huh!

Heart- and I always consider your opinions.

Brain- As if you listen to me!

Heart- Whatever!

Brain- Go. Eat. Brush. Sleep. And don't irritate me. You have to get up early.

Heart- you are a sweetheart ;-)

And this is how I ended up stuffing myself with snacks... :P

Brain is so right sometimes. :P

Good night God... Muaah.

Where there is a WILL!

My mom always say "where there is a will there is a way"...

My upbringing was very different than other kids... I was really naughty as a child and my parents never tried to tame me... I was left on my own to make decisions since I was a small kid... I was never forced to study while other kids were compelled by their families to score well.. My parents always told me the relevance of things and left it on me to decide whether I want it or not... I was always allowed to play outside, climb on trees, watch TV and do whatever I wanted to do...

And trust me the result was amazing... I always used to score well and most of the times used to top in my class plus I was independent from the very beginning... I was always involved in sports, extra curricular and later on in students' union..

I was independent, rebellious and responsible. I made rules for myself and had no limits. For I knew I can do everything I ever I wanted to.

I sincerely believe we should have one person apart from our family whom we can trust blindly... Someone who can advice us from a broader perspective of the world outside.

Once my super boss who is like a Godfather to me shared something from his work experience... He said "I joined this organisation as a customer care executive 12 years back... I worked day and night to build this.... In the course of my journey, I met many people who were better than me in terms of skill-set, communication, contacts, experience and many other things... But, I outgrown them for just one reason.. I had a will to grow which was stronger than anyone else and I never gave up.. So, if you are willing to grow nothing can stop you!" and today he is heading North India for the organisation.

Although there are many things I get inspired from.. This is something I always keep in my mind.. If your will to do something is strong enough and you work hard for it... You'll eventually get it.

Yes, there are outside factors.. and they might not support you but these all are just supporting elements... Faith is the biggest thing.

I'll share an example, in school I was always a language topper and my English & Hindi teachers always admired my command over language plus the ability to put my mind forward... It encouraged me to deliver my best... But, in class 9th's final exam my English paper was checked by some teacher who had certain grudges against me and had her own pets in class. I scored just passing marks after doing my best and I stood 2nd in class.. I lost my rank by 3 marks... And the difference in my marks in English with the topper was of 40..

I cried, felt shattered.. did everything I could.. Being rebellious makes you a fighter without any fear plus I always knew my family never stopped me from doing what was right..

Well, nothing happened. I stopped everything... I focused again on my studies... Worked hard and I topped my school in all languages in board exams. I was called on stage and given a medal for the same. In front of all the students and the teachers. And that was my answer.

So, people might misuse their power to pull you down at times but there is a power above all of us... That power knows us and if we are good at heart... Honest in our efforts.. No one can stop us from growing.. If not one place... May be some other...

I strongly believe.. Will makes things easier & faith makes them possible.. So, be kind... Work hard, decide it and do it...

There is a quote in Hindi too- "Nishchaye kar apni jeet karo"

I really wish to write more on this.. But, I am getting late for work... :D

So, go rise & shine.

Thank you God for everything... Take care of my people.. Love you :-))