Another meme

Alright, here comes another meme. There is no reason why I am so fond of blog meme. May be it gives me an insight of my own hidden thoughts. But a meme is nothing without interaction. So I want you guys to do this meme too. I will wait for your answers.  

I found this very interesting meme. I decided to do it as it is different from the ones I did till now.

Here it goes:

1. Who has done something today to show they care for you?
My mother. She knows I fast on Thursdays, so she made Gaajar Halwa for me. I was at work when she called and asked me to come over. She was so considerate that I would be too tired to cook after office. Mothers are always special.

2. Do you have a lot to learn?
I have to learn patience and acceptance. I also have to learn to let things go.

3. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not working what would they be?
To learn guitar, not to put on weight, cooking as good as Mom & Mom-in-law.

4. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?
Without any doubt, how they make me feel. But I must admit, I am a 'memory keeper'. I remember word for word, what they say and also what they do. I don't forget, ever, when it comes to people.

5. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship?
Love, faith, honesty, similar values, great sense of humour and good compatibilty :)

6. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?
I want to have my own children, I want to write a lot and I want to travel to Seychelles.

7. What 3 things would you want to die to avoid doing?
Losing my loved ones, health or mind.

8. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause?
Yes. I strongly feel about increasing cases of female foeticide, gender inequality and child labour. I have very strong views on these things.

9. What does each decade make you think of:
Nineties make me think of school/college life and the present one makes me think of how technology has advanced and introspect what a long way we have come.

10. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to any why?
Present decade because of the advanced technology.

11. What is your favorite oldie/ classic rock song?
Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh from DDLJ, Only Time from Sweet November, There You'll Be from Pearl Harbour. There are many more, but are not coming to my mind right now.

12. Which country do you live in and who is the leader of the country? If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be?
I live in India. Dr. Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister of India. If I have to say one sentence to him, I will just say 'Jai Hind'.

13. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night?
I hardly watch TV. Why would I watch it in the middle of the night? I would rather sleep. If I am not able to sleep, I would prefer reading a book rather than watching TV.

14. What Disney villain are you the most like and why?
I really can not recall any Disney villains :(

15. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout?
Yes, in school, I have been a girl scout and I was always awarded for that.

16. If you were travelling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?
If I have the luxury of time, I will definitely take a boat. I am a complete water person.

17. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night?
Because blue is God's favorite colour. He wants to see His world His blue tinted glasses. He takes his glasses off, pulls down the curtains and goes off to sleep in the night :)

18. What does your name mean?
Grace, Divinity. I love my name :)

19. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space?
You know by now, I am a water person. So, deeps of the ocean.

20. Word association.
What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air: Non polluted
Meat: Not me!
Different: Yes me!
Pink: Sometimes, my favorite.
Deserve: Happiness
White: Pure
Elvis: Hairstyle
Magic: Magician
Heart: Attack
Clash: Of principles
Pulp: Mango

21. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be?
My grandfather.

22. What if you could meet anyone who is alive?
MS Dhoni :)

23. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?
There are many. DDLJ, Kill Bill and Pearl Harbor are few I can think of instantly.

24. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do?
Such a dreadful thought. I will bring my phone, loads of books and my ipod.

25. Have you ever saved someone's life or had you life saved?
Yes. I was very young that time. I had gone with my grandparents to some place, don't remember the name now. I had gone to swim there and was not a good swimmer then. I almost drowned, was short of breath. A noble soul saved me!

© Written by Garima Mahajan

I am posting a video that is going with my present mood. I will try to continue this trend in the coming posts too :)

Sometimes, when I think of you

These days Rishi is a bit occupied with work and we both hardly get to meet each other. Though I do love my space and free time, sometimes, I miss him and wish he comes back home early.

This picture is taken on Diwali by Rishi. He loved the frame- the laminated wall, the nameplate and the decorative tealight stand. I like this picture too. I was thinking of (and missing) him, hence this post. I remember Rishi and me running from post to pillar for this nameplate. We were sure of the font, look and motifs to be used in the nameplate. So it took a long time to get the desired result (it was so worth it!). In fact, there is a secret to this nameplate. Since, the fellow did not have an A and we needed two A's to complete my name, we used inverted 'V'. Also he did not have S. So, for Rishi's name, we used a stylized 5, which looked like S! Also, if you look carefully, 1 and I in our names are same too :)

I guess since we were so sure of what we wanted, we just had to get it right!

No matter, how busy or taxing work is, my home my refuge. It has always been and it always will. Does it happen with you too?

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Things Change, U See!

Change is indeed the basic nature of life. I have earlier written a post on change. This year taught me the phenomenon of change, its implications and acceptance. I wrote this poem sometime back. I was thinking of change. So thought of sharing this one.

The words like dart                           
Giving physical pain to heart
Sickness to body.
The silence like spilled wine
Carelessly tipped on table
Spreads and grows each moment.
Seeking courage everyday
To face the change
To resist the feeling.
Tightly knit sewn lips
Want to end it all, for all
End sometimes, easier than silence.
Looking desperately for closure
But memories resisting
Memories or hope?
Memories and hope- both meaningless.


But silence spreading like wine
Pain spreading like cancer
Head numb with grief
Heart succumbing to silence.


One day, it will die
It will pierce me
That it did not cause you a stir.


What to do with the change when there is 
No remembrance
Or care.  

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Photo Courtesy: http://kentehstudio.blogspot.com/2009/07/little-girl.html

Everything changes

Sometimes, a picture makes you ponder and teaches you a thing or two, if observed carefully.

Can you see the silver lining in the clouds? I just saw this picture online and it made me think how much like life this was. I read this quote somewhere which stuck me as completely true- 'There comes a point in life when you realise who matters, who never did, who won't anymore, and who always will. So don't worry about people from the past, there is a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

No matter who you are, no matter how you live your life and no matter what you do, every once in a while, things will go wrong. It could be a mishappening in terms of relationship, job, health. Even when you have worked very hard at something and given it everything you got, it will slip away from your life. People will completely misunderstand what you said and cut you off from your life. The relationship that you thought is for keeps will go down. Sometimes all these things will happen together.

There are going to be several 'what could have been' moments in life. But these moments and situations will teach you who your real friends are and you will feel good that you have some of them. You will be more than glad to learn that some people deserved to go away from your life so that better and more honest people can come in your life.

We all have our share of clouds. But remember, sunshine is there- right behind it :)) You just have to see it.

Things DO change and so do PEOPLE. Sometimes they change suddenly and sometimes it happens slowly. But no matter how bright or cloudy the situation is right now, it will change.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Interesting Meme- Try it!

I am a bit low on energy today for no specific reason. May be work, may be lack of sleep..really don't know.

I found this interesting meme on curious as a cat. I am giving my honest answers and waiting for yours:

1. Which one person would you choose to understand you better?
A very good friend, who sadly never understood me. Our priorities in life are totally different today, but there was a point when we loved being with each other. Life has taken us to different directions now.

2. What do you think is the best age to be? Why?
I have enjoyed all phases of my life. But to choose one, I would say, the present one. Being married- responsibility and fun- awesome combination!


3. Of all the people you know, who would be easiest to seduce? Why?
Rishi because he loves me and sometimes I don't even have to try :)


4. What is the best advice you didn't heed?
There was a major misunderstanding with a friend and everyone told me to take charge of situation and start respecting my decisions. I paid the price for that.

5. Show and Tell. What comes to mind when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. 

Another morning shift. Gawwwwwwd..Kill me!!

It's strange but the meme recharged me! It made me think and smile too. Try it and let me know your answers.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

A picture that does not need words (Wordless Post 2)

Sometimes a thousand words can not express what a picture can. 

Sometimes, you want to branch out and reach to all your loved ones. 

Sometimes, your loved ones grow apart and you can not branch out.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

My Book World

As a kid, I was not too much into reading. I guess, school books ate all my time and energy, though my mother always encouraged me to reading non textbooks. I remember my first stint with reading began with Reader's Digest which I still continue to read once in a while. And the fiction series started with The Famous Five, which later went to The Secret Seven. The detective vein in me landed to Nancy Drew and advanced to Agatha Christie.

I remember one of my friends gifted me The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon. This was my first spell with a typical romantic fiction. Then ofcourse, there was a Mills and Boons stage too! Somewhere in between, I lost touch with my books.

But somehow in the mundane activities, struggling aspirations, complicated relations, I found my love for reading back. I have realised that for me reading is therapeutic. Reading is not just gaining of knowledge, but gaining sanity too. I have seen people walking away when they feel like, without adding any value to life- unlike books. I wish I can snuggle my books and thank them for the peace and patience they have brought back in my life (I am speaking truly out of experience here).

I am reading The Time Traveller's Wife and I too had a love story right now. Both are completely different from each other- in terms of narration, language and presentation. But as of now, enjoying both. The other two- A life of the BUDDHA and The Astrological Diary of God are next on my menu.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

The Invisible Gap

And sometimes you discover

The gaps you were filling 

Do not fit anymore

Not in the same way

They used to be

Something has changed, for sure

Something has gone, for sure

Lost somewhere, destroyed

Broken, damaged forever

But you are still trying, unaware

Your heart is numb

With pain, but you keep trying

Behind that wide smile

Secretly still searching

That unfilled piece of the gap

Not knowing it has cut too deep now

Not knowing it has been too late now.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

A Song and A Memory

Anyone, and I mean anyone, who has ever been in love would know what magic a song can bring to your life. Music is indeed magical. It brings joy, it brings love. Such is the magic of music, that for its listeners feel the emotion as if it was their own. 

Sometimes, some songs bring memories too. Even the deeply buried memories that you thought have faded over the years. But music gently draws them out and before you realise you travel back to time and stand right there at that instant when it all happened and the same song swept you off your feet. It is like re-living that moment, after years.

I had the same feeling when I was searching for a particular video on youtube and found this song on the suggested list. Many years back, someone dedicated this song to me.   

What chance did I have to say a no to such a guy? Ofcourse, I fell for him and sometime later, married him.

I just heard this song again and am still smiling. Even after the song is over, it is still playing in my head :))

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Tuesdays with Morrie

I don't like to advertise on my blog. But there are certain things that leave you with a certain satisfaction when you experience them.

Tuesdays with Morrie is one such book. A masterpiece that it is, it is the only book I have read so far that has left me satisfied and tingling, at the same time.

I read this book when I was not in a good frame of mind. The best part of Tuesdays with Morrie was Morrie, ofcourse. The old professor, dying of ALS, is able to appreciate smaller and more genuine things of life, made me feel, if an old man who knows his death is approaching can live a wholesome life, why can't I? Tuesdays with Morrie made me feel good about myself and my life.

Morrie proved that dying was not synonymous with being 'useless'. Morrie was suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). The disease was aptly described by the author as 'ALS is like a candle. It melts your nerves and leaves your body a pile of wax.' 'Do I wither up, or do I make the best of my time left?'

Quoting Morrie and his philosophy on life:

- Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.
- Death ends a life, not a relationship.
- Love is the only rational act.
- Love wins, love always wins.
- Don't cling to things because everything is impermanent.
- Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness. I can tell you, as I'm sitting here dying, when you most need it, neither money nor power will give you the feeling you're looking for, no matter how much of them you have.
- So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. 


Tuesdays with Morrie made me laugh and cry at the same time. It brought all subtle sensations to me. So much so, that it has become my Bible now. I have read and re-read this book and recommend it to everyone.

(I have not been able to write much since past few days. Sincere apologies! It was primarily because of a cut on my left hand index finger. It still hurts when I type. But I guess, the urge to write can not be contained any further!)

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Lessons 2011 taught me

As the year goes by, I look back and think this was indeed a difficult year for me- in terms of personal and professional output. But I sincerely believe  that you learn the best in the most difficult times. Each year of my life has made me one year wiser, but for 2011, it has made me 27 times wiser (27, being my age!). Only thing left is to practice the wisdom now ;)

Certain things I have learnt and accepted have stood me in great stead when things went awfully wrong. Some lessons that I swear, and now live by too:

1. No matter how much one is told to do or not to do something, everyone learns a lesson only when they themselves live the lesson. We learn the lesson only when we go through it ourselves. Parents, friends, spouses have their own views but only when one experiences it for oneself does one truly understand. There is absolutely no point making someone understand. They won't understand till they have been there.
2. Mistakes do happen and so do tears. Learn the lesson for once and cry for once. Take your time to recover. But do remember till the time you are looking at the closed door, you would not notice the other open doors of your life. Moving on is tough, but is essential. 
3. There is nobody who will understand you perfectly except yourself. Not your parents, spouses, best friend. Yes, they may understand you and your problems to a large extent. Understand that it is good enough when they say that they understand your problems and are there for you.
4. Don't expect. In fact, accept. This is the most over-rated statement. We all have heard this, but is truly difficult to follow. People have different way of dealing with things and those may be entirely different from yours. Accept it and do no expect them to do what you want them to do. Despite the differences, if they stick on to you, they are your true treasures. Never ever let them go. If the differences created distances, let them go. They probably were not meant to brighten up your life!
5. Life is truly unpredictable. So make the most of it while you are alive. Do not wait for the best moment. This is the best moment. Express what you feel. Cherish each day and live wholeheartedly.  

Live with no regrets and no matter how hurt you are, love like you have never been in pain!

Happy holidays and a fab 2012 ahead :)))))

© Written by Garima Mahajan

No sense, I know, but it is true

I am a sucker for mushy things
Tell me you love me and I will fall for it.
I am an easy person, I melt readily
Despite that I smell insincerity easily.
No sense, I know, but it is true.


If I love you, I would write a letter to you
I will hug you all day and say lots of love you.
I am expressive that way
Despite that when you need, I give you your space.
No sense, I know, but it is true.


When you don't respond, I feel really hurt
But to let you know that I love you.
I will reach out to you, consequences be damned
Despite then if you are cold, I go to my shell.
No sense, I know, but it is true.


If I have to die today, I will have no regrets
But since I truly care, I am brutally honest too.
My honesty might sting and singe
Despite then, I will try to save our relationship for I am over sensitive.
No sense, I know, but it is true.


I know I have made hundreds of mistakes
I am more than willing to accept them too, but I don't know if I am willing to change. 
I will not argue this time, I will keep quiet
Despite then, I will love you to death.
No sense, I know, but it is true.




This poem is not a poem in true sense. But it is a true reflection of my present thoughts. 
When you love someone, you love them in their best and also in their worst. And you never leave them, never!

© Written by Garima Mahajan

MY TIME WITH MYSELF

In the initial years of our marriage, it was hard to live a life where one spouse leave early morning and by the time, she comes back, the other one has left. 24*7 media jobs have no certainity of getting leave on festivals like Diwali, Holi (how about birthdays, anniversaries!?!!). With time, both Rishi and I have realised and accepted this reality. We have started valuing each other more and now it is not about the quantity of time, but the quality of time that we spend. Sounds cliche, I know. But no matter how easy it sounds, it is not very easy to live like this!

Between all this running around, household chores, crazy office schedules, I do manage to squeeze in little time for myself. I call it- MY TIME WITH MYSELF. I think everyone needs a personal space of their own. A positive, happy time or an introspective refuge time with yourself.


What do I do in My Time With Myself?

I read a lot. Books are my refuge. I have started reading online stuff too, specially blogs. Writing is something that gives solace to me. Writing takes a lot of time. So when the day is over and I ask myself where did they day go, I have my writings as my answer :)

And the best time of the day is when the wind chime rings and Rishi comes back home (he never rings door bell. It's always the windchime for him. He thinks it is his good luck. Secretly, I think the same!). I do love my own time, but nothing can replace the happiness that husband's coming back home hug gives :)

No matter how busy you are with life, some personal time is always needed, where you can escape to and detoxify yourself, when life gets on to you. No interference from spouse, friends, office, kids. No one really.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

I cross my heart

I cross my heart
Will never cross your path
I cross my heart
Will make a brand new start


I put a hand on my heart
To let the bleeding stop
I cross my heart
Putting the broken pieces together is an art


But then, so is living


If this is the only way
Then let it be the hard way
If this is how it is meant to be
(I cross my heart) Won't change destiny's way.


© Written by Garima Mahajan

Thursday Challenge Part 4

So, this is the climax of the Thursday Challenge. It indeed was very daring to share my secrets online, but I guess, I love the fact that you guys are reading my posts. So, I feel like sharing my stuff with you. Thursday Challenge was an attempt to make this blog an effortless readable one.

Does it happen with you that you feel there is some psychotic self to your personality? Have you ever been in a messy situation and felt there was an alter self who would have been in this place instead of you?

Well, I have felt all this and more. Ever since I remember, I wanted to have a sister. A twin sister, in fact! Now since I don't have one, I made up one in my mind when I was a kid. I named her Mahima. You see, Garima and Mahima.

Before you guys get scared and start getting ideas, let me clarify- there is nothing criminal or psychotic here. Mahima is just a figment of my imagination. Sometimes, when I landed up into unmanageable stuff, I asked Mahima if she could help me. It's like when I make a mistake and people ask me if it was me. I say, it was not me, it was Mahima! There were people who actually believed Mahima's existence. So that ways, Mahima did save me many a times ;)

As kids, we all had imaginary friends. I made imaginary sister- Mahima. Now that the cat is finally out of the bag, I guess, my 'excuse' twin sister Mahima's secret is out, she would not be of much help to me. But still she is going to live with me. Always!


© Written by Garima Mahajan

Wordless Post 1

The best feelings are those that have no words to describe them. I guess, it is true for the worst feelings too. 


It happens very rarely that I fall short of words. Today is one of those days. I am in my shell. 


Just a picture post, taken at Triund, highest point of Mc Leodganj. 


© Written by Garima Mahajan

SINFUL!

Who defines sin? We are all conditioned to accept certain things as SIN unquestioningly. Ever thought why?

And if it is sin, why is it fun?

 I found this quiz online on sin and it was fun to do it :)

This is what it said about me.

Pride: 60%


Sloth: 20%


Greed: 10%


Wrath: 10%


Envy: 0%


Gluttony: 0%


Lust: 0%


Chance You'll Go to Hell: 20%


You will become famous - and subsequently killed by a stalker.


If you want to know how sinful you are, here is your link
(P.S- sharing your results is your call!)
© Written by Garima Mahajan

When Friends Walk Away (Addendum)

My last post on friends walking away has got different reactions from different people. That was the idea. To understand that different people react differently to the same situation. My reaction is my reaction. Just like I respect my reaction, I respect others' too. 

But after that post, people have been calling and asking if I am alright or not. Today, one very old friend called to say that even if one friend has behaved in a way you did not expect him to, you still have many other friends around. You still have me around. Almost like a reflex action, I thought 'will he be around when I need him?' Ofcourse I was kidding but behind that 'just kidding' expression, there was one fraction of truth, perhaps thinly spread, but it was there.

I smiled at my own stupid thought and over cautious nature and told myself to take things and people easy and worry less.

With my experience, I learnt little naively and the hard way, that not every friend will offer to help or even care. The true test of friendship comes only in hard times. It is only when things go wrong you know who your true friends are.

The message about staying in touch with those who matters, sounds cliche, but is true to the core. So, don't forget to connect with yours. It is indeed worth the time, effort, money (in case of a long distance one!) and emotions.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Sometimes, friends do walk away

It has happened with all of us. Friends have walked away, fought with us, been unresponsive, sometimes selfish too. Sometimes when you need them the most, they are not there with you. Even when they are there, they choose to remain silent.

It happened with me too sometime back. I was hurt and needed to talk. But there was sudden indifference on my friends' part. I wondered why do people do that? I could not get my answers. Whatever it was, it was difficult for me to accept such situation. May be because I would personally never do that and I judge people by the same standards that I have set for myself. This is where I went wrong.

People do not behave the way you want them to. There are times when even the closest friends behave in a different way than you expected them to. We live in a free country and people are free to behave their ways. It certainly feels bad but the good thing is that you know who your good friends are. The bad thing is that you feel like a fool to have gone wrong in understanding people.

Do yourself a favour. Remind yourself that it is not your fault when friends walk away.

I found this wonderful piece online, so thought of sharing.

Reason, Season, or Lifetime--By: Brian A. "Drew" Chalker

What are you??? Are you a Reason a Season or a Lifetime?Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will know the reason it was sent to you! People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.When someone is in your life for a REASON. . . It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.Then people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

THANK YOU for being a part of my life.

Work like you don't need the money

Love like you've never been hurt,

and dance like no one is watching.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

A Longing

My tears, I hate them

But they are luckier than me

Unable to contain themselves

They swell and fall down

At least they know where to go, unlike me 

For I am utterly lost without you.

But unlike me, my tears can't speak. 

If they could, they would say

I want a glimpse of you

It would keep me going the whole day.

I want the sound of your laughter

It would give me the strength to go a long way. 

I want the warmth of your hand in mine

It would make me feel nothing else mattered anyway. 

Why can't somethings ever be?

Why is finality so binding, like death?

© Written by Garima Mahajan

The Phrases & Blog Quiz

I read this on someone's facebbok status a while back- Three most powerful words are 'Could Have Been'.

We all have been through some adversity in life. There are many things that could have been done, could have been said, that could have given much more than what is missed today from life.

It is here that I really think 'Could Have Been' is indeed a very powerful phrase, indeed very strong words.

This post is for all the special people in my life. Cherished moments with them make life worthwhile. So here is a list of some more powerful phrases that I am putting today to different people who mean the most to me. If you find it interesting, do it for yourself.

Here it goes-

• You have changed my life
• I need you
• I really love you
• I am here for you
• You are most special. What will I do without you?

I am honest in giving my answers. 

• Rishi
• Mom and Dad
• Mom-in-law and Dad-in-law
• Few very very close friends
• Shuchi & Gaurav (most awesome sis-in-law and brother)

I have expressed and committed myself in writing. Words are important as they are remembered long after the person is gone. Ofcourse, translating them into action is equally important!

PS- Try this exercise. You might be surprised by your own answers. 

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Thursday Challenge Part 3

Gosh!!!! This Thursday Challenge is quite a thing. Quite a hard thing, I guess. No matter how many other commitments I have or how busy I am, I still have to sit down and disclose a surprising fact about me before Thursday is over. But guess what, I am enjoying every bit of this :)

So, here it is. This time, it is not a secret skill that I don't know or a secret happiness that I get. It is a secret wish that I carry in my heart!

As kids, remember when there was a power cut in house, we slept in open, sometimes in terrace, sometimes in verandas. I never liked those times. It used to be hot, humid and yes, there were evil mosquitoes that suck my blood. I had no romanticism with moon, stars or sky, specially when I had to get up early next morning. There were stories associated with shooting stars, that I never believed. You see I was very rational and practical as a child!

My secret wish is to sleep under the stars, again. The thought is so beautiful, so unbeatable. I want to see the stars again in the dark night.

I still have to get up early and have to do a million things in morning. Even then I want to see the beautiful moon-lit sky with millions of stars and sleeping under them is a vivid dream that I soon want to fulfil! May be because in Delhi, thanks to the multi-storey apartment culture, we can not see the clear sky, and hence not even the stars. But someday, I do want to see the stars and sleep under them.

God has been more or less kind to me. Few things that I am greedy of will be asked on seeing the shooting star (such greed!).

 


© Written by Garima Mahajan

Road to Recovery

Road to recovery is long and slow
But unlike you, it is not shallow
I am moving, retreating to my shell
Your words are still fresh, but still sound hollow.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Online Happiness :))

Which are the online things that give you happiness? (No, we are not talking about some other things online. People under 18 also have access to this blog ;))

 I am listing my favourite, not necessarily in order of preference:

1. MAIL BOX: Every single mail is directly proportionate to my excitement. Of course, junk mails excluded. The proportion increases if  the mail is an appreciation of my work. It increases manifold if it is from a friend (friends do bring lot of joy in my life!).
2. FACEBOOK NOTIFICATIONS: Let's face it. I am online most of the times and I love to see friends' updates, specially their pictures, more so when they comment on mine :P  
3. THE 'PING' SOUND ON CHAT FROM VERY FEW GOOD FRIENDS: The awesome feeling of chatting with friends is unmatched. The long chatty sessions with my friends is like a drain of negativity. Also, I must confess, I love the cute smileys available on chat. No wonder, almost all my messages have some emoticons :) 
4. STATS AND COMMENTS ON MY BLOG: I have to admit this- ever since I have started writing this blog, I do keep a tab on the blog visits and comments. Every comment is valued, read and replied to. I do appreciate the effort when you guys take time and effort to comment and it indeed is touching. Each increase in view stats and comment gives me a high. Thank you all for reading and liking my writings. 
5. AMAZING BLOGS THAT I GET TO READ: Reading online blogs take me to another world. There is nothing specific that I read. It all depends on my mood, though I love to read on optimism and positivity. Few blogs that I regularly read are http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com/ and http://paulocoelhoblog.com/
6. GOOGLE.COM: This is my universal answer to everything. All of my research comes from google. So much so, that Rishi calls google.com as 'Google Devta'!
7. ONLINE SHOPPING: Need I say more ;)?  

Is there anything else I am missing on online happiness? How else do you seek online happiness? And of course, how virtual is online happiness? I will save that thought for another post. BTW, Thursday is round the corner and so is THURSDAY CHALLENGE ;)

© Written by Garima Mahajan

A Pile & A Box

So many times you try a lot to forget mishappenings of life and move on, but it just does not happen. You try your best to resolve a problem, but things (in some cases, people) just refuse to change. It is the same vicious cycle over and over again.

In such times, all you need to do is to imagine a box, a big box. You have to imagine your feelings like a pile of papers. Now put your feelings (pile of paper) in that box and put it aside. Sounds strange, but try it. It does work.

Now that the box is away, immediately put your mind in something positive or creative. Fix the things that you wanted to since a long time. Give time to yourself. If your mind start wondering about the box, tell yourself- the box is still safe. Do not get affected by the contents of the box.

After say a month, open that box. You will notice that half the content of the box (symbolically your problems) have vanished.

Sometimes, it really is the only way. I have tried it myself. Yes, it did work for me (for most of the times!)

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Addendum: I read this poem today, thought of sharing it. It goes with my current mood

Heart we will forget him, 
You and I, tonight!
You must forget the warmth he gave, 
I will forget the light. 


When you have done pray tell me, 
Then I, my thoughts will dim. 
Haste! 'lest while you're lagging
I may remember him!
- Emily Dickinson

Friends Forever

There is something about winters. They get me into philosophical mood.

I read somewhere there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies. I somehow think friends ARE permanent. I can agree on the enemy bit, but friends are permanent.

But then I have seen with time even good friends drift apart for various reasons. There are times when your friend get along with their lives and after a while you got along yours. There are times, when your spouses don't like your friends and you leave your friends (Sounds strange, I know. But believe me, I have seen best friendships going sour because of that). Then there are times, you change and outgrew that friendship.

As we grow old, we become very choosy about whom to let in our lives. This is so unlike teenage times, when we didn't think much before befriending with someone. But with age, we see time running out, we get picky about our preferences. Perhaps, as we learn from our lives, we get confident of where we want to go and whom we want to spend time with.


I am just thinking of my friends who have stayed on with me, despite EVERYTHING. I am thankful to them.

Secretly, I still feel and wish some things never change. Some people are indeed permanent in our lives. Some friendships do last forever. At least in our wishes. At least in our hearts!

© Written by Garima Mahajan

When I miss you the most

When words don't speak
When silence screams
When glances don't meet
Is when I miss you the most.

When I see but don't say
When paths meet but change ways
When I can't muster the courage to say
Is when I miss you the most.

When I see you
When I seek you
When I say that I ignore you
Is when I miss you the most.


© Written by Garima Mahajan


Again a dark poem. I was just sitting when these words came to my mind..There is something that most of my poetry is dark. Next time, I will make an effort to write happy poem. Till then, Happy Reading!!!

Questions & Answers

I came across a very interesting blog today: http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com

These are fun questions and you gotta answer them (damn interesting!). I am answering one of the post here.

If you find it interesting, answer them either here or in your blog. I would love to read your answers:

1) What's your most outstanding virtue?
My Honesty.


2) How many different species of birds could you recognize on sight?
Three, or may be four (may be more...naah I guess four)


3) What's the funniest thing you've ever heard a child say?
My friend married a South Indian girl few years back. Their daughter, now three years old, asked her mother once- "Mumma, how come you have a southern accident?"



4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Oil spilled over while cooking! It happens quite often with me, so obviously this was the first thought :P

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Fighting in a relationship

One of my office friends (not naming her)  told me once she gets bouts of anger very often and easily, though her anger vanishes pretty soon. She asked me will it affect her relationships.

I told her she indeed is very lucky that she is able to express her anger. The best part about her anger is that it evaporates quickly (without much damage)!! Think of those, who are not able to express their anger and keep piling their negative emotions, only to vent it out together, damaging and destroying their relationship with such heavy baggage of negativity.

It is important in a relationship to show anger. It is equally important to fight if you ever feel there is a need for that.

I feel that if a relationship is important, fights are bound to happen. One can not have a relationship with absolutely no fights. We express anger because somewhere we know that the other person will not reject us for anything we are saying because he disagrees with us.

It is valid for any relationship- spouses, siblings, sons, daughters, girl/boyfriends/ good friends, will have its share of times when there are going to be disagreements. If the relationship is healthy enough, it will survive. In fact it will emerge stronger after the fight and disagreement is sorted out.

What is scary is when people don't fight. That is disastrous in a relationship. The indifference to react to disagreements can kill the relationship. It means your relationship has deteriorated so much that now you just don't care. That, for sure, is the sound of death-knell of the relationship.

I am lucky that I have friends to whom I can say anything without the fear of them getting judgmental. I am thankful to them.

Fights are good as they help you resolve conflicting issues. Fights are important in a healthy relationship.

But fights to a relationship is like wind to fire. A little quickens it but too much extinguishes it!



© Written by Garima Mahajan

A world of their own

A stone in her heart
And discomfort in her eyes
She made a promise
Never ever to see him again

Amused at her own self
Cocooned in her own world
But missing him deeply
She tries a lot, to cover up the pain

Such is a situation
They both have created
He didn't, but she tried
She tried with her heart, though in vain

Burning silently, craving badly
Yet doing nothing
Trapped in confused destinies
Both deprived, longing for a world of their own.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Thursday Challenge Part 2

Here comes another Thursday and here comes Thursday Challenge Part 2. I was so excited about it and was up till late last night (despite the fact that I had to reach office early, and by early I mean 5 AM!) thinking which secret should I share this time. Although there is a lot that I can write about, but to pick one was the hard task.

Phew, here it is.

All my family members and friends know I don't know how to drape a saree and how much I dread wearing one on certain occasions. Not that it has got anything to do with marriage, (considering these days, even unmarried girls know how to drape one) my mother keeps telling me I should know how to drape it myself. Whenever there is an occasion where there is no escapism to saree- wearing, my mind start wondering whose help I need this time- mother, mother-in-law, cousins, friends or beauty parlour!

But that is NOT the secret. The secret is, no matter how much I detest wearing a saree or learning how to drape it, I still love to see myself in a saree. And I know, I am blushing while I write this ;)

One of the biggest reasons, I like to see myself in a saree is because I have got the best compliments when I wear one. It is a typical case of 'Oh, It is such a pain draping a saree, but hey thanks for saying that I am looking good'. The best one came from Rishi. He told me once, you look good in whatever you wear but love the way you carry yourself in a saree, despite being uncomfortable in it.

Posting a recent picture of me in saree (wink!)

Preview

Just a thought- I got my resolution for 2012. I will learn how to drape a saree :):)

© Written by Garima Mahajan

How...Till how long

How many days, how many nights will pass by
Till we continue living incomplete lives
How many times will glances shy
Till we laugh together and smile

How many times will my hopes end
Till  how long life will pretend
How many times will you pass me by
Until I find U again.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Appendum- Usually, my poetry is dark and sad, as compared to the other stuff I write. Mostly I write what I feel. It is sometimes, when some expressions just come to my mind and I put them together. 
PS- Tomorrow is going to be Thursday Challenge Part 2. I am already excited about sharing my second secret ;)   

Prickers

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that there are some people who get happiness, may be satisfaction by putting others down. It gives them a certain sadistic pleasure and a strange sense of superiority complex. This is because they suffer from a syndrome- 'inadequate syndrome'. By any means, this complex term does not make their actions justifiable or condanable.

I call these people 'Prickers'.

Very smartly and cleverly they disguise their actions and makes you wonder what they said or did was in good humour. If you ever talk about it to them, they will brush it off, saying it was not meant to hurt you and that you are over- reacting.

I have had people who uninvitedly talk about personal topics and then will for sure say something which is touchy. These 'prickers' more often than not discourage when you do something new, calling it 'ohh that...' It happens with all of us and it does make you feel, well- pricked!

The truth is that it leaves me feel a little unhappy, little less than I was. Even if the remarks are well- meant, still they are not needed, for what they made me feel. Thank you, but seriously not needed. I would seriously not have these well meant remarks. I mind my own business and hope for the sanity of this world, these prickers also mind theirs'. Till then I am coating myself with an anti- deflatory self!

© Written by Garima Mahajan

ADVICE- WHO NEEDS IT ANYWAY?

Is it possible to be happy all the time? Is it possible that you never feel hurt, angry, frustated, annoyed, upset, resentful, specially when things don't go the way you plan? How do you manage to smile and be 'positive'? How do you not crib and accept things and move on?

People do ask me these questions, specially when they read my posts on positivity and hope.

To all of them, and also to those who are going through such dilemma: I too feel dark emotions. Ofcourse, I have my share of sadness..sadness that you can't decipher. I had friends who for their own selfish reasons left me when I needed them the most, people have been nasty and mean to me and I have been heart broken too! And I am neither the smiling Mc Donalds' clown nor the Laughing Buddha, that I always keep smiling!

It is indeed natural and okay to feel down when life acts funny with you. It is indeed alright to take time to recover from the blow.

But there are some people who call my posts insincere. That is disturbing. I never pretend to be what I am not and my Honesty is something I am very proud of.

The fact is, it is we (it applies to all of us) who project our expectations on to people. Then we feel hurt and disappointed that they did not match it up. We tend to forget that they are surely entitled to their own feelings of joy, happiness, anguish or anything else. They are also entitled to express it in any form as long as it is not harmful to you. It aptly applies to my blog.

I believe that negativity and unsolicited advice is one of the biggest killer of your time and energy. It is just useless and it gets you down too. If you are a giver of such advice, I guess you should introspect as to why giving that advice makes you feel better. If you are a taker of such advice, just brush it off and move on. It is not worth your time (not even thinking about it) .

So do the things that you want to do, no matter what others say or do, no matter however close they are to you. They can never be you. Nor are they ever going to live your life. It is you who knows what makes you happy. Whatever you think is right, is indeed right.

Life is too precious. Do not waste it on unsolicited advice and unwanted people!

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Beautiful Sunday

Life does surprise us in more than one way. Sometimes, it inspire us to look beyond the obvious..to find reason to happenings of life.

I got up early than usual today. I had a bad sleep last night and for some reason, was feeling disturbed. Rishi was sleeping. I didn't want to wake him up with my thoughts. It was such a pleasant sight to see him sleeping peacefully :)

Fresh air was what I needed so I went to our back side balcony. And I noticed my jasmine plant. Just two days back, I saw this plant withering because of cold weather. I am very fond of this plant because of its beautiful white flowers, but since it was almost dead, I thought of planting some other plant at its place.

 Winters in Delhi is lovely but is harsh to the plants.

But today I saw the same almost withered plant blossoming with new, fresh green leaves. I am posting its pictures.

 
Another one :)

Nature gives you all your answers. It gives you its dose of positivity, a reason to see life when you feel lifeless.

I was in my thoughts when I saw Rishi looking at me smilingly and giving me what I needed that time- a little hug and the morning tea (and my favourite Aliva biscuits!)

Sitting on my jhoola, with November winter just setting in, a cup of tea in my hand, peace in my head and typing on my laptop as I gaze at my plants, I think this is the perfect start for a beautiful Sunday! I am still smiling and finding it hard to wipe the grin off my face.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Difference between U & ME

We both together
Yet so different.
Both made mistakes
How are yours different from mine?

I let you go
Yet am not free
You, left me
And took a part of me

We both together
Yet so different
Both acted differently
How is my crime bigger than yours?

I hated the situation
Yet care when it matters
You didn't care
Because you hated the situation.

We both together
Yet so different
Both are living
How is your smile different from mine?

Behind my smile
Is a pain that you can't see
Behind your smile
Is your own reason, that I could never see.

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Thursday Challenge Part 1

Life is all about challenges. May be not. But there is some thrill that I get from challenges. So, I have thought of giving myself a challenge. Let's call it- THE THURSDAY CHALLENGE.

In this Thursday Challenge, every Thursday, till next four Thursdays, I will share one secret of mine with you guys. Let's say any secret. It's like, for four weeks, every Thursday, I will share one thing, which is not known to many people (even to the close people!)

Let's start the fun :))))

I have been driving for past seven years now. And I am very proud of my driving skills. In fact, I detest when people say, girls are bad drivers. If you still don't agree with me,click here

But my secret is not this. My secret is, no matter how cool I drive, I dread parallel parking. This is one place where I falter badly :( I have tried zillion times to learn parallel parking. My husband, brother, even driver tried to teach me parallel parking, but I really can't. I can not gauge how much space is left between two cars for my car to just slide in between.

Sometimes, I want to leave early from office, not to reach home early. But because if the parking in the society is packed, I will have to go through the same trauma and embarrassment!

Hope one day, I will learn the correct technique of parallel parking. Till then, life and car will be driven in all gears except the reverse one ;)

PS- Next Thursday, another secret :)

© Written by Garima Mahajan

Positivity Spell

Do you believe in blessings that you knowingly and sometimes unknowingly get? Or, do you believe in curses?

Why I am asking this is because- in my life, I have seen many tough times. I have received severe blows, from life and people, both. But there is something that I still carry with me- my positivity. It gives me the reason to live and I consider myself fortunate to have this gift.

Some might call it luck or destiny, but I believe, and that too firmly, that good wishes of people do play a large part in shaping our lives.

When someone sincerely sends you love and good wishes whole- heartedly, it is the positive energy that you receive. This positive energy gives you good thoughts and strength to face any adverse condition of life.

I have seen, over the years, that by nature I am very sensitive (people close to me will vouch for that!). I do care about people, and a lot of things. I have some many faults too. I am moody, short- tempered and over-demanding from my closest people.

But despite all that, I am grateful for all the love that I receive. I am also very grateful for the countless blessings and good wishes.

So, this post is to send you guys lots of love and positive vibes.

I hope you let go whatever is troubling you and you find peace in whatever you do.

And no matter, how hard this time is, remember you are loved. 

PS- Positivity works!

© Written by Garima Mahajan