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Showing posts with the label 2020 homebound

Embracing Neurodiversity

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  In a world that celebrates diversity in all its forms, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiverse individuals bring to society. From autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and beyond, neurodiversity encompasses a spectrum of neurological variations that shape the way individuals experience and interact with the world. Rather than viewing neurodiversity through a lens of deficit or disorder, it's time to embrace the multitude of talents and capabilities that neurodiverse individuals possess. By recognizing and accommodating their unique needs, we can unlock a wealth of benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. One of the most striking aspects of neurodiversity is the diversity of thought and creativity it brings to the table. Neurodiverse individuals often possess a keen eye for detail, innovative problem-solving skills, and a fresh perspective that can lead to breakthroughs in va

Education Makes Us Humane: Sharing Perspectives during A Mentoring Journey

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 I recently had the privilege of mentoring a second-year undergraduate student through a volunteer assignment from my organization. Our discussion revolved around the significance of career choices, with the student expressing a strong inclination towards government jobs for the dignity and societal identity they offer. I took the opportunity to share a valuable insight – it's not merely about the job title or sector, but the value one brings to their work. I emphasized that expertise attracts attention, regardless of the domain. As our conversation unfolded, the student raised the common question of the importance of obtaining certificates. I debunked the notion that it's just a piece of paper by highlighting that it serves as proof of credibility. However, I added that the true value lies in the knowledge gained during education, turning it into a lifelong achievement. A certificate not only provides a starting point for a career but also signifies a commitment to continuous

Unveiling Success: The Paradox of Too Much Hard Work

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  In the pursuit of success, the mantra "hard work pays off". While this has echoed through the corridors of ambition for generations. As we approach the year-end, I take this opportunity to reflect on the role of relentless effort in achieving some of my goals. In my life, hard work is undoubtedly a crucial ingredient for success. Hard work is the backbone of achievement and molds aspirations into reality. I never fail to see my dreams come to life by consistently promising myself to take action.  I have been chasing some major goals in the past few days, which has kept me away from writing my blog. But I look forward to dedicating my soul to achieving my goals. The fruits of success are sweet.  2023, has also kept me motivated, as all year round I've been doing what I do best. That is interacting with people, getting to know them, train people, coach people. Thankyou for this 2023! In the coming year, I wish that everyone embrace a new challenge, a new goal. I would als

Navigating Expectations in a Perfection-Driven World

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  In a world where perfection is often perceived as the ultimate goal, the pressure to meet expectations can be overwhelming. While it's natural not to fear individuals, the quest for validation and the need to prove oneself can become so daunting. At most times its not about fear of the other person, but its about understanding the dynamics of expectations and discovering the beauty in imperfection. Living up to the expectations of those around us can feel like a never-ending quest for perfection. Whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors, the pressure to meet a certain standard can be stifling. It's essential to recognize that perfection is an unrealistic ideal that often leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Rather than succumbing to the weight of external expectations, it's crucial to embrace imperfection as a fundamental part of being human. Understanding that mistakes and flaws are inevitable allows for personal growth and resilience. By acknowledgi

You've Changed.." Ever Heard This?

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 Whats with this "You've Changed..."? Heard this a couple of times myself. Usually thw context in which it is said is sheer dissatisfaction. Why? Why should one get upset because of the changes in my life or myself?  Everybody changes overtime it is the experience of a person that changes the individual. Overtime what we go through and how we are made aware or  what we make of tricky situations shapes the way we become. More than the situations which are easy going, we learn from the tricky situations where we have got stuck, and how we have been able to find our way out. When every stage of life comes with its own challenges and teaches us to find a way out of the difficulties of that stage, we come out wiser and we come out stronger. So when people say you have changed. You are no more the same, you have different priorities. That just means you are living your life well and learning at every stage, you are being more mature with age. You are meant to evolve as a being

Lets Lift Each Other

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  What do we do to lift each other up? Have you been helping others in need, supporting people around you, collaborating with a colleague for sharing a learning? Everything in life and everybody in life, by nature, we co-exist. In reference to co existence i came across this article on coexistence with nature. In a village Chandapani, in the outskirts of Guwahati, a farmer named Bodo grows paddy, which is a seasonal crop. There are many elephants in that area who come often to destroy the crop. So much of crop gets destroyed before the harvest and it is a big loss for the farmer.   In the given circumstances, the way a human living in a city would think, i put some mind to it. The way we are cutting trees and making concrete jungles everywhere, the farmer must also be doing something to keep off the menance. While this is generally true that either humans would drive the elephants away or probably get killed by their wild side, in this case of Bodo, things were different. The article

Goals are mere Dreams without Action

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There is no point in setting goals and not working towards them in any way. I get asked many times, what do you do to begin doing a certain tasks like learning, managing your studies, or even get the motivation for cleaning your drawer, or finish a certificate course. Yes we all begin doing these things or at least plan to in our minds. But what is the mindset when it comes to actually doing it.  According to me it is just doing that one step at a time. It's breaking the chain of thinking that i will do it, to actually doing that task. So what to just start doing is: Making sure you are consistent and taking step at a time towards the goal. Making sure that a movement is made , even if slow or small. Remember not to try to achieve everything at one go. It's ok to be small, that is break down the task and then conquer in bits. Check your direction whether it's the right direction in which you are moving.. And never doubt in yourself if you are doing the right thing or you ar

The Real Treasure

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  The real treasure of your life. What is it?  Most of us feel at the first instance that its our job, house, car, jewellery, savings, investments.  But then if we reflect these are the things which give us hedonic happiness. That is when they are there or we get more of it, then we are happ. In absence of these, our happiness reduces or vanishes.  In reality these material items are just instrumental in providing a good life, health, peace of mind, and loving relationships.  Going even further, once we have all of this we still strive to achieve meaning and purpose, flourish in life, make life beautiful for others and make use of our existence. This is eudiamonic happiness. That is it comes from within and we can have it inspite of the kinds of turns external events take. Treasure has different connotations for different individuals, depending on their lifestyle, their experiences, their stafe of living, their stage of evolution and maturity. For some it may be all of the above and al

Change: To Resist or Adapt?

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  Once upon the time there was a huge oak tree which stood proudly on the banks of a river in the forest. At the foot of the oak there grew many reeds . They often spoke to each other about how different life is for them. The oak said he could view far and have a 360 degree view of the surroundings.  He seemed very proud of his height and slender self. The reeds listened silenty and also at times advised the oak to look at the ground to know what is happening right where they are growing. The oak refused to look down and bow down. He said flexibility is not my nature.  Just then, the winds turned vicious, the soil started to loosen, crazy winds took over. The oak tree, sticking to its nature, did not flex and uprooted. While the reeds bowed, flexed and stuck to the soil, they survived the storm.  Times demand us to be flexible, bow down when we know we can't stand tall, and take alternate routes when required. If we don't budge stating it's our nature, then the loss is none

Treat others the way you want to be treated

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  It all starts with being kind to others and not being judgemental. Be an enabler for others. Always remember, you never know when its your turn. Larry was working for some pocket money while he was completing his college in pharmacy specialisation. For Larry, the money was also helping him support himself as he did not intend to burden his retired parents anymore financially. Larry's job of a sales man in a apparel shop was quite hectic and his store manager would always be extremely rude to him for no reason. The store manager aka his boss would change targets of sales in the mid of the month so that Larry would never be able to reach his sale target and never get the bonus amount with his salary. Larry graduated from college and years passed and he was well settled. He had a few pharmacy stores in the city and had quite a few employees to manage the chain of stores. One day he was in one of the store's back office, while he heard some chatter at the counter outside. He went

Lets Celebrate The Family Support A Mother Gets

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 As a child I used to watch Flintstone Comic on Cartoon Network. The life of the mothers seemed pretty sorted and they used to handle their tiny children so calmly. The character Welma (wife of Flintstone) used to present herself so sophisticated and was also assertive in the way she managed her household. I always felt it would be that easy as I was living in the dreamy world at that time. But as we grow up, life happens, and so it did to me too. I now know what all it takes to manage a child and a household with work additionally. How my support system works so well and family is very essential to maintain that equilibrium. However I am so proud of my abilities to manage so many things in the best possible way I can. One thing on mother's day I vouch for is mother's are just the face of the family, thier contribution in any form is valuable and intense. But let's count the family as a unit who is working to support the mothers to operate at their optimal performance. At l

Zindagi Aur Kuch Bhi Nahi, Teri Meri Kahani Hai

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 We are here for a short while and we must not crib. Lets take the most of of each moment, lets make more friends and spread more love. We must each day aim for exchange of positive vibes with whomever we come in contact. We must be enterprising enough to get ideas that can change the life of any individual we meet with exchange of thoughts, ideas, and sentiments. As a coach I have the capability and the privilege to listen to tons of people who flock in my calendar seeking my time to talk their woes and exchange perspectives towards life. Can I make a difference in their life just by being there? Yes ofcourse! Empathy, compassion, listening and showing the mirror is my job and I love what I do:) Today, in the office we celebrated International Coaching Week 2023. Although we did not splurge much on it and kept our enjoyment simple, it's the little joys that brought our team together in many ways. My boss took the baton in her hands to see to it that each individual gets a customis

Consistency Paves the Path, It's a Century

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 Just like we decorate our surroundings with things, to decorate our mind we have thoughts that beautify it. I choose to write to release my thoughts and channelise them in a constructive manner. It truly is liberating for me to be able to express myself. This is one way I choose to express myself. It could be different for you. Have you thought of how you do it? When you want to release thoughts what action do you do? What activity do you prefer to undertake to release your thoughts? Afterall thoughts are energy and they get released in some form of feeling, resulting in behaviour. Some people may prefer art, craft, dance, pottery, talking to another person. I like to write for the same reason. In whatever form, energy needs a release. A cloud filled with rain water, cannot hold back, it has to release the rain. If you release, you feel lighter and brighter. Just like that dark cloud, once the rain is released it feels lighter.  Our honourable Prime Minister has a series of radio tal

Love is the Essential Element

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Once upon a time lived an old man who begged for a living in a busy town. He lived by a roadside full of individuals who rushed for their own chores.  Passersby would often walk from far because of the stench from this man, they would even make faces and comment. The old man had lost his family and turned his life into this mess, he was never like this when he lived his life before that.  One day he decided to go to settle in another place, he thought may be a small town where I can settle under a shade of a tree. He meandered his way around to look for a suitable location and found one in a small town. Soon after he began to realise that in that town too there were many young individuals who gave a dislike look on his face and the elderly showed him pitty. The old man felt he lost hopes of finding a place where he felt accepted. There was a wise man in that town who met the old man one day and aksed him about who he was and where he had come from. After gathering his thoughts he off

Let Go!

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  Read this beautiful story about two zebras who were crossing a river while wandering the forest. They were bets of friends and were enjoying the tranquility of the moment. They both broke from the main herd of zebras and choose to seek enlightenment. While they were wadding through, a lion jumped from the bushes and asked for help to cross the river. He said that he was frightened of the water and wanted to be carried across. One of the zebras readily agreed, while the other seemed disturbed on that offer by his friend. After crossing the river and exchanging good byes, they walked their way in the forest. One of the zebras who ho carried the lion asked the other what happened, what causes you to be so worried? The other zebra asked why did u allow the lion to climb your back, he could have eated us. We would have been dead. Are you insane? The other zebra calmly replied  “Brother, this happened many many miles back, it was I who carried the lion on my back and it was I who placed hi

Staying Calm Between the Storm

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  Life is so fast. Everything passes by so quickly. Minutes turn into hours, as hours into days, days into weeks and months, and months into years. How time passes so quick and it is as you read my thoughts right now. It does not stop for anyone and since we are all in this passage of time, in the journey, we do want to make the best of this journey. Ultimately this turns into which we call as a doing too many things and making the best of time. Too many things is what our days also demand. We are in a rat race every morning. Human beings have brought it on them and the generations to come are learning and role modelling that, in particular, more and more from their parents.  Too many things clogs the mind. Being busy makes it harder to take a step back, and think of what we have achieved, gathered, and how we have grown over time. Self reflection is an important aspect of our life, as much as it is to learn, grow and move on. As stated in the famous book 'The monk who sold his Fer

It's Just About Moving Forward..

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  It's not about how far you've gone, it just that you have moved forward. As winter approaches and the weather turns cold, snow and pine trees make their place with joy. Yes joy, there is so much of it around if you look for it. If you don't believe my words, just reflect on your life. It's just something new to look forward to at the end of the year. Many things slow down with the changing weather. We begin to focus on our family and close ones, who have brought so much to us throughout the year.  Think about the person who is most important to you in life, how has the person impacted you in this year? Think about those who raised this person with the values you admire him or her to have.  Think about that teacher you had in school or college, who made you disciplined and smart enough to face the world. Think about the mentor at your workplace, who helps you face your work challenges day in and out. Think about the coach who has been a sounding board for you and absor

Lend your Ear to Touch the Soul

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 It is often felt that children are difficult to handle, we require a lot of patience with them. But I guess it's not just children, it is even adults at times. Adults also find it difficult to understand your point at times and rebel. What can you do with them? They are also vulnerable at so many times. Are they different than children to deal with at such times? At times being available for them is all what they need you to be. Just be there for them and things will change when they work on it themselves. Let me tell you what I am trying to say using a beautiful story. One day there was a sage who lived in the thick forest. A 20 year old boy who lived in the nearby habitat, came across the sage. He was mesmerized by the aura the sage carried and instantly decided to have the sage as his master. The boy often would come to the forest and meet his master, exchange ideas and discuss on life and would go back to his home.  One such day he came to the forest in search of his mater. He

Let's Begin the Search for The One Who Knows It All.

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Managers expectations when it comes to vacancies..uff.. Am I supposed to know it all? To what extent should I have expertise in all whatever is written in this list? This job description seems to be very comprehensive, I am not really sure how many things I can cater to, this list seems to be endless.  These and many more such thoughts crossed the mind of Ramesh as he can scanned the job description for a potential job he was applying for. Like Ramesh, I think, we all go through this. We are really not sure of how many things in the job description which is mentioned by a potential employer can be full filled by us.  It is not about doubting yourself or your qualities, or skills, it is about the number of items which the list has and how many things you hold expertise in, how many things you know well, and how many things you think you have touched up on briefly in your career, which maybe applicable to this job too.  How many of us like Ramesh and think about this..let's us be hon

What's with this Work-Life Balance..

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  What's with this Work-Life Balance.. The expansion of business brought its own challenges. Seema asked her manager, this is all too much to do. There is lots on our plate. But somehow, it felt as if, she was not being understood. Seema kept thinking how should she convince that she is doing all of the tasks which overwhelm her. Maybe her manager even knew the reality, and maybe the manager was also overworked. But it was all about the commitments the manager had made to the senior management. Because of the expectations of the senior management, he could not then go back on his words. It so became that Seema had to adhere. And she was feeling very pressurised with what she was going through at home also. She seemed to break down in her work and personal life balance. Managers today need to behave as coaches too, who need to deep dive in the employee's life to understand the various facets which hold importance for him or her. Like here Seema was not having the bandwidth of wh