Lessons from Pixar's Inside Out

I recently watched Pixar's Inside Out and I am inclined to say, it's a must watch for children as well as adults. The story is about a young girl named "Riley" and her journey after shifting to San Francisco with the 5 emotions in control of her- Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. The movie beautifully depicts the importance of each emotion and the working of our brain.

Lessons from the movie:

#Identify Your Islands: Islands here refers to the area of interest or the things around which your life revolves. It is important to identify what you live for like Riley in the movie had Hockey, Friends, Family, Fun and Honesty. These islands make up your personality.

#Fear is not so bad after all: We always undermine the importance of fear in your life but many a times fear is the reason we are safe. We all consider joy and sadness to be important, but the fact is fear also is important until you let it takeover the dashboard of your brain.

Also, fear helps you wake up. In order to catch the train of thoughts, Joy and Sadness had to bring Riley's worst fear, an oversized clown, in order to wake her up. The lesson here is that to wake up the best in you, you must wake up the worst in you.

#Anger Management: Anger does no good. In the movie when anger takes over the dashboard, it literally stops working. Similarly, when we are angry our brain stops working and we cannot be logical and rational in our response.

But if we channelize our anger in a proper direction, it can bring a positive effect in our lives. In the movie, when Joy & Sadness are not able to enter the headquarters due to the glass, anger bursts out in flames and ultimately helps form a hole in the glass for Joy and Sadness to get in. 

#Joy & Sadness are equally important: We all want joy to be in charge of our brain, but sometimes sadness is equally important to feel other emotions. Sometimes the sadness in our happy memories keeps us from doing something wrong, sadness helps us release our anger and sadness helps us understand other's feelings. In the movie Joy is amazed to see how sadness was able to calm down Bing-Bong, Riley's imaginary friend, Joy understood that along with her, sadness was also an important part of Riley. The more you are comfortable with your sadness, the more easily you will be able to cope up with it.

#The Role of Memory: Memories are important and the very base of our development. The set of core memories defines who we are and what we become. The movie effectively shows the working of memories, the importance of core memories and our perception about them.

#Imagination is important to growing up: Bing-Bong, Riley's imaginary friend who is the incharge of Riley's imagination and creativity. Imagination helps us form a perception about things.

#Express: We often try to suppress our emotions and try to fight it out within us, but sometimes it is important to let out our feelings and emotions. It is important to let out anger for someone to calm us down, it is important to express sadness to receive comfort and happiness again. 

#Family will always be there: No matter what you go through, the only part of your life which will stay besides you unmoved will be your family. Your family is the only place where you can carelessly let out your emotions without being judged and find comfort, warmth, care and love in return.

#Adapting changes: Change is the only thing that is constant in our life and not necessarily all changes are easy to adopt. Sometimes during the changes, some of our emotions might get lost and all we are left with is anger, fear and disgust. At such times, it is important to express and let others help you.

#All emotions are in charge: We cannot survive on any one emotions. All emotions are equally important and have their unique importance. Joy makes us happy, Sadness helps us explore other emotions, Fear keeps us safe, Anger has two-sided effects and Disgust forms your choices. None of the emotion needs to be guarded. We need to have all emotions to have an enriched life experience. 

If you haven't watched the movie yet, watch it right away. There cannot be a simpler way to understand the importance of emotions and functioning of the brain.

"I don’t give a damn.”

We all want to be liked and to be accepted but in the process we begin to depend on other's opinions and views which push us to discomfort and self-doubt. We try to pursue a life based on people's wishes and expectation and somewhere we lose who we are.

But there are many reasons to not care about what people have to say

#It's Your Life

Well, this is an obvious reason. Most of the times people tend to misuse their freedom of speech and expression. It is your life and you are not required to rely on anyone's opinion or approval to do anything in your life because your life is your business, not theirs.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”—Steve Jobs

#Thoughts are unstable

The only thing constant in this world is change. People and their thoughts keep on changing, so what was sunny today might be dark tomorrow. So, you should not let people's thought matter too much. Listen to everybody, but in the end do as you wish to.

#What is right for them might be wrong for you

Right and wrong is a matter of perception and differs from person to person. So what they say is their point of view and it might not work for you. We all are unique with unique perspective and so only you know what is right for you.

“Some people say you are going the wrong way, when it’s simply a way of your own.”— Angelina Jolie

#You will be an underachiever

If you constantly worry about what people have to say or if you try to stand up to people's expectation, you will never be able to achieve what you want. In life, we come across many situations where compromises and adjustments have to be made and if you constantly worry about people, you are bound to fail.

“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.”— Oscar Wilde

#They say, you pay.

The one who sows shall reap. People will say whatever they want to, but it is upon you whether to act on their advice or to have a say of your own because you are responsible for your actions and their consequences. Best example: Stock market

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”— Dr. Seuss

#The Adverse Effect

We try to please everybody so much in order to be liked and accepted that we become a pleaser or submissive. And as much as you want people to like you, with time, people will grow to dislike this nature of yours. Pretence is never everlasting.

#They don't care

We feel the pressure because we think everyone is watching us and what we do and say matters to them, but not everyone is as interested as we think.  Unless our actions have direct impact on someone's life, nobody bothers to care about what we do. Harsh but true.

   “Never dull your shine for somebody else.” ― Tyra Banks

“You probably wouldn’t worry about what people think of you if you could know how seldom they do.” ― Olin Miller

#Life is too short

Everything said and done, life is too short to be lived on someone else's thoughts and opinions. Do what you please, be who you are because the people about whom you are worrying today might not be there in your life one year from now. 

“You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing.” ― Richard P. Feynman

#You are not nutella

You cannot please everybody, you are not nutella. People have unending expectations and life is too short to keep fulfilling them.

Don't let anybody burden you with their thoughts and expectations, be yourself for there are many like them but only one like you. Don't lose your sleep over opinions of others. Learn to let go and free yourself from the weight of expectations and you will discover a true gem. Yourself.

       “I do not care so much what I am to others as I care what I am to myself.”           ― Michel de Montaigne

A special note for beautiful ladies:

“There is nothing more attractive than confidence, once she sees her own beauty, everyone else will.” ― Habeeb Akande

You don't need selfies or likes to be beautiful. You don't need a guy to tell you how beautiful you are so chin up, Buttercup. 

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

-Coco Chanel

She is a star so bright, no sun can ever dim her.

Always act like you are wearing an invisible crown

We often lose our confidence to external approvals and comparisons, we create problems in our life because of pessimism, we indulge in self-doubt and pretence to gain acceptance, we often give up without a fight, but we forget that we have only one life and that too is very short to regret.

Here is how you can prevent rather than curing:

#Inhale Positivity, Exhale Negativity

Negative people and negativity are like anchors, they will pull you down till you drown. Get rid of negative people and negative thoughts and pour in positivity. Positivity doesn't mean believing that it's sunny while it is raining or deny the existence of a problem, but to believe in yourself and the outcome of adversity. Belief is the first step to being positive.

#Become resilient by choice, not by force

Resilience is the most important trait that will keep you afloat. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and not give in is important to survive and live through current times. Your action and reaction to small things matter because nothing is ever going to be perfect and smooth. It doesn't matter how many times you fall, what matters is how quickly you get back on your feet.

#Say no to self-doubt

Social networking has affected us adversely psychologically. We rely heavily on likes and comments from these mediums and when we don't get expected likes or comment, we begin to feel sad, depressed, negative and pessimistic. Social networking is good, but it is not everything. Don't rely on how many likes you get, in the end it won't even matter. Get rid of these stigma or get rid of social networking platforms completely.

Source: Life hack

#Pamper yourself 

The most important person in your life is you. We become so engrossed in others that we often forget ourselves. Put yourself on priority and treat yourself with some good shopping, dressing up, hanging out and indulging in activities you love. Nothing is better than loving yourself and be happy.

#Let go

It is human tendency to make a simple thing complex and invent a problem where it was non-existent in the first place. We feel hurt and sad because we hang on to things, unpleasant things. Sometimes it is better to let it go. I am not much in favour of forgiveness or second chances because both are overrated, but still letting go makes it easy.

#Accept the mess you are

Nobody is perfect and perfection is very overrated. It is better to be a flawed diamond than a perfect pebble. In our attempt to fit-in, we engage ourselves in pretence and try to become socially acceptable. Once you make peace with yourself, there is nobody who can make you feel bad about you. We are not a missing part of a puzzle, we are an enigma ourselves.

Source: Quotesgram

#Be courageous

Many things in life need courage, but the most courageous decision you will ever make is to be yourself and living your life at your will. Courage to spot, accept and correct negative traits is a blessing like no other. Don't hesitate to speak your thoughts, don't be flashy to fit in, don't suppress your emotions, gather courage and do what makes you happy. 

Baahubali: The Entrepreneur

No doubt Baahubali was one of the most epic movie made in Indian cinema, but it had more to it than just entertainment. As a matter of fact, there is always something more than entertainment in movies, but we choose to overlook. 

Here are the entrepreneurial lessons that Baahubali taught us:

# Entrepreneur never gives up

Baahubali tries to reach the peak of the mountain again and again and everytime he falls off a greater height, but he keeps on trying till he succeeds.

Job is like climbing the mountain, but entrepreneurship is like climbing the mountain with rocks falling from above. Giving up is not an entrepreneurial trait. Sometimes along with efforts, you need the right kind of motivation as well. 

# Entrepreneur is passionate

Baahubali shows a couple of instances of his passion like when he is trying to climb the mountain or when he accepts the task of rescuing Devsena to win over Avanthika after he is moved by the warriors passion of rescuing Devsena.


The major difference between an Entrepreneur and an employee is passion. It is the passion of the entrepreneur that drives his employee to work as hard as him. Passion is the catalyst in the process of achieving success.

# Entrepreneurship is about performance

Baahubali and Bhallaldeva both were competing in the race to the throne and the reason why Baahubali was chosen over Bhallaldeva was because of his performance and qualities.

Bill gates, Steve Jobs, Mark zuckerberg all are dropouts. The thing is that qualification can take you to the stairs, but your performance will help you climb them. Qualification doesn't guarantee success, performance does.

# Entrepreneurs innovate

During the war, Baahubali was depreived of sophisticated arms, ammunition and force, but he innovated new attacks with whatever resources he had.

Entrepreneurship is not about what wonders you can do with unlimited resources, but what you can do with lack of resources.

# Entrepreneurs are leaders, not boss

During the war, where Bhallaldeva kills his own people, Baahubali saves them. Also, while erecting the statue, Baahubali came forward to help his people even though he was on a different mission.

Entrepreneur always puts people before profit. An entrepreneur creates a family and work hand in hand with them to bring out the best in them. Richard Branson and Google are the best examples I can think of.

# There is always a way for an Entrepreneur

To save his mother from the pain of pouring water again and again on Shivling, Baahubali lifts the Shivling and places it under the waterfall for an incessant supply of water.

Entrepreneurs always try to find new, simple and easier ways to do things. They don't do different things, they do things differently. An entrepreneur won't turn away because of a blockade, he will change his way. 

# Loyalty pays

When Kattappa defeats Aslam Khan, the arms dealer, he politely turns down the invitation of lunch with him as it was against his stature. In return, Aslam Khan promises to help Kattappa whenever he needs him.

Staying loyal and honest to your work, to your people and to your intentions, will reap great benefits for you in the future.

Jai Mahishmati. :-) 

Perks of solitude

Say "alone" and "lonely" before someone and you will get the look. Yes, that look. Around us, it is considered to be a social stigma. Loneliness is a completely different thing from being alone. In this hustling life, it is very very important that you spend at least some time with yourself. The perks being:

A clear picture: Generally our lives involve a lot of running and everything around us passes with great speed. Some time alone with yourself help you grasp the surroundings, slows your life bit down and allow you to get a clear picture of life. 

Sorted mind: Our mind is like a storage box, it can handle a limited number of files and folders in it. So, it needs to be organized from time to time to get rid of irrelevant and unnecessary files. This way you can keep your mind and life organized.

Retrospection: In your time with yourself, you can think about the past time which you cannot or won't do otherwise and analyze yourself. You will get a better idea of right and wrong and also it will help you direct your future.

KYB: Know yourself Buddy. The farther you get from the world, the closer you get to yourself. In your "Me" time, you can discover your new sides, new capabilities, and a broader perspective. You can also come face to face with your weaknesses and decide how to go about it. You can accept it or ignore it. 

Delete junk: Too many thoughts, too much fuss, lots of negativity? Yeah, we all have to deal with this kind of shit. In your alone time, you can clear your mind and get rid of the "Caches" and "temporary files" and shed some load of your mind.

Independence & Happiness: Generally we rely on others for decision making, emotional needs, and social needs. We depend too much on others for our happiness. Spending some time with yourself will make you realize that you don't always need people for being happy. When our happiness depends on others we cannot sustain the happiness because of fear of loss, but till eternity, you are not going to lose yourself. So, learning to be happy with yourself is the best way to achieve sustainable happiness.

Disconnect: Where has your best friend checked in, how many likes you got on Instagram or which movie your favorite actor has signed is the least of your concern. In this information age, we have more information to process than we can handle and so for maintaining our sanity, we need to get rid of the unnecessary and irrelevant information. It doesn't mean you become asocial or anti-social, it just means you shouldn't forget yourself while knowing about others.

I am alone and I know it: We come alone and we go alone. We spend a lot of energy in trying not to be alone because being alone is a bad thing. But being alone is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you. That way you can embrace your uniqeness and your character without anyone's approval. We don't need anyone's approval, we are amazing the way we are but we are too scared to accept the fact that we can be alone.

Some day try going for a drive alone. Put your phone aside and listen to songs, sip some tea and just shut your mind. You will return addicted to the peace you find. 

The Fear of Happiness

Source: psych2go

Phobia, in layman terms, means fear. Cherophobia is the fear of happiness. We human beings are very vulnerable and fragile and thus there are certain life events that leave a scar on our mind and never truly heal. Cherophobia is a result of such events.

Source: leannesawchuk

There are many people who are afraid to be happy because they think something bad will happen. This is normal. This is a result of some past traumatic experience that has never truly healed. It is not always so that all happy days ends on a bad note, but repeated experiences forces us to believe that whenever we are too happy, something bad will happen. For example if you are happy and you start to dance, suddenly your shoe breaks. You have happily planned a trip with your friends, suddenly someone ditches and the plan fails. You are excited about going for a movie with your girlfriend, and you end up fighting. There are many such things that lead us to believe such things.

This is merely a case of selective perception. We pick the negatives out of negative things. Simply, we see what we want to see and don't try to apply any logic to things or events. Sometimes you begin withdrawing yourself from things or people who make you happy and hold yourself in a shell. This is the symptom of depression and yet again let me remind, depression is not a bad thing, not talking about it with someone is. Sometimes you lead yourself to believe that you are not meant to be with people because people often walk away from you. Sometimes a similar notion is formed about relationships as well.

Source: The fourth revolution

Here, you will try to make yourself believe that you have either all of these or nothing of these. Ask yourself if you are afraid of being happy? Do you think something bad will happen if you are too happy?

This isn't a big problem but it can have adverse psychological effects if not taken care of. All you need to do is change your perception and have faith. Don't just see the thorns in the rose, enjoy its smell and tenderness as well. Nothing is meant to go wrong unless you attract it. Indulge yourself more in happy and pleasant activities and people as well. Don't cordon yourself from happy corners. I'd rather die than to live in fear and that too fear of happiness. Nothing will go wrong. Maybe last time the stars weren't properly aligned in your favour, but don't worry, even the stars twinkle before they fall.

Be happy, happiness will follow. Believe, and the doors to the secret chambers shall open. Embrace the light, and bid adieu to darkness for ever after. Be fearless, and the shadows will lose the black.

Decisions- Double edged sword

Decisions are a part and parcel of life and at each stage you will be forced to make a decision. It's the decision we make, that shape our life and future. One bad choice can result in a downfall and one tough choice can change your life you would have never imagined.
 Whatever be the case one thing is sure, you are bound to make decisions.
When we are given choices, we generally end up making a bad one and when there are situations where there is a dispute between heart and mind, consider following things:

1) Regret: Whatever decision you are going to make, think about what you are going to regret more after 5 years? Taking the decision now or not taking the decision.

2) Listen to your heart: Often you will be surrounded by advices and suggestions, but keeping those aside, ask yourself what you really want for yourself?

3) Ask why?: Ask yourself why are you making the decision? Is it out of fear, anger, or some other emotion or is it sensible? 

4) Consider the outcome: Decisions have a cause and causes have ends, so when you make a decision, make sure you consider the end as well. Keep your head steady and sight clear. If you want to save for some pair of clothes, buying an iphone doesn't make sense.

5) The circle of agendas: One decision impacts many lives, so whenever you make a decision, consider its impact on every relation concerned with it. Don't let anyone influence you for their agenda and don't compromise your feelings, needs and desires to please anyone.

6) The Burden: Tough decisions bring lots of criticism with them and a certain amount of guilt as well. So, whenever you make a decision make sure you can free yourself from all the burden and not feel guilty about it. After all, you are doing it for your own good!

Fighting the taboo of Depression

According to merriam-webster dictionary, the definition of depression is,"A psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies".

It is words like 'disorder' that makes depression a taboo in India and the reason why the people suffering from depression end up in wrong places doing wrong things. Depression doesn't just mean the feeling of "End of the world", depression has many other faces. And whether you are aware or not, you too might have been suffering from depression. I researched about depression and realized, I was a victim too and the sole reason for writing this article is to overcome the taboo related to depression.

What are the general signs of depression?

• Guilt & other things: When things go wrong, you tend to give up on everything, be it people, things etc. There is so much hopelessness in you, that you feel nothing is going to work for you. You burden yourself with guilt and self-doubt.
• Change in behavior: You become irritated, angry, restless and sometimes start to live secluded from everybody. Your tolerance becomes zero and you behave like a freak.
• Changes in routine: You start to lose sleep, you think a lot, you start losing interest in activities and spend most of the time thinking about crap (Negative things).
• Psychological impact: Depression is a like a cloud shrouding a mountain. It makes you lose your head, impacts your mental functions like concentration, decision making, memorizing things etc.
• Physical impact: There are visible changes in your body weight in a short time. Also, you get exhausted quickly and run out of energy accompanied with body aches.

Things people do & say in depression:

• Talking about hurting or killing oneself.
• Cut-off ties with friends and loved ones.
• Frustration with hopelessness.
• Living like on a suicide mission.
• Mood swings.
• Extreme cynicism about oneself.

Common reasons for depression:

• Family issues
• Financial issues
• Social issues
• Health issues
• Career issues
• Marital/Relationship issues
• Issues pertaining to work
• Criticism & peer pressure
• Mental or Physical abuse
• Traumatic experiences

There is nothing wrong with depression, but making it look wrong is wrong. It is not in anybody's control. Depression is not a disorder, it is just a phase and a state of mind which can be overcome with some love, care, warmth, and support. Also, depression is not always extreme, there are different levels and types of depression. If you think you are facing any of the symptoms above, if you find any signs of depression in you, don't hesitate to talk about it. There are many NGO's and organizations as well working to help people with depression. There is a government helpline as well for people suffering from depression and anxiety.

We are like a pressure cooker, we have to let the air out regularly else we will explode. I suffered from almost everything listed above. I cut myself from everyone for around 3 months and there was a complete change in me in every sense- physically, mentally, socially. I didn't feel like talking to people, I lost many friends, I didn't go to college and academics sucked. At that time I didn't know I was depressed but thankfully I talked and something helped me rejuvenate.  I don't have any pathological condition. That was a phase in my life which is now over forever because I talked. Change your lifestyle a bit, know yourself and talk to people, life is complex but it can be handled. There will be a void, there will be hopelessness, you will think your world has ended, but a war is fought till the last men. 

Our lives and lifestyle currently are so unhealthy that we all are prone to depression. Our eating habits, our daily routine, our ambitions, our struggles, our peer pressure, criticisms we face, our needs, our wants, everything plays an important role and we are so fragile that we can succumb to any of these things. We don't talk about these things because we are afraid that people will think of us as mentally ill, also we do not seek help from professionals. Not everyone is lucky to have a support in their life, so put aside the taboo and seek help. 

Here's the link to Deepika Padukone's interview with NDTV where she breaks the stigma around depression: http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/full-transcript-lets-talk-depression-deepika-padukones-story-748527

You can find all the facts and figures as well in her interview. If she can talk, why can't we? There is more to lose by remaining silent, rather than talking it out.

PS: Every information provided above are based on my research from various other articles. 

Shades of Grey

Topic credit: Hima modi

Life is beautiful because it is colourful but when it comes to judgement we are stuck on black and white. But is the world full of black and white? Or is it grey? 

Every set of eyes on this planet has it's own way of seeing and perceiving a thing, a situation or a person and for them that is their white and any other persons opinions and  perception, which are in disagreement with them is black. 

Every person has their own set of right and wrong because every person has a different understanding. For eg. If a bf misses a date with the gf because his mother was unwell, one kind of gf with empathise with him and the other kind will accuse him of making an excuse. For somebody cheating in exams is okay, for some it is not. For some tax evasion is okay, for some it isn't. For some a working woman is pride, for some it isn't. We like somebody because we can accept their flaws and we might not like somebody because we cannot accept their flaws. 

There are many such examples where there are clashes of opinions and perceptions, but that is not the bad part. The bad part is that we try to impose our opinions and perceptions on others. We want everyone to see the world from our eyes, but hello good morning, we are all free to make our own choices. If somebody has different opinions from us doesn't necessarily mean they are wrong, they are just different. And respecting the "difference" is a key thing to any relationship. Discussions about varied perceptions is good, but entering argument to prove a point isn't. You cannot change everybody's opinions and perceptions about something because it's futile. But if something is wrong and should be changed, then there should be no stone left unturned. 

A change begins with one voice and a change comes when many voices becomes one.

For most of the people, the world is black and white, but everything else lies in between which we call "grey". Grey is the difference and grey has to be respected. You cannot take a war to everyone who is of different opinion and perception than yours, but you surely can find a common ground which is grey. 

So, is the world better as black and white? Or is it better as grey?

7 Getaways from Ahmedabad in Gujarat

Who doesn't need a break from daily routines and tiresome cities? Everybody does. So especially for Amdavadi's, here are some getaways. Pack your bags and drive off.

1) Champaner-Pavagadh

www.wellnessgospel.com

Champaner-Pavagadh archeological park is declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It's located at a distance of around 150 km from Ahmedabad, 50 km from Vadodara. It's a paradise for history lovers and architects with palaces, arches, tombs and temples. You can stay at the Champaner heritage resort and enjoy your weekend and enjoy the points of interest.

2) Gir 

Gujarat tourism

Gir forest national park is the sole shelter to Asiatic Lions, but Gir has more to it beyond the king of the animal kingdom. Gir national park is 382 km away from Ahmedabad and is a good destination for a road trip. Beyond Lions, enthusiasts can find many species of flora and fauna here like hyenas, antelopes etc.

3) Dholavira

Source: Gujarat Tourism

Dholavira is one the most prominent archeological site and one the biggest site to contain the ruins of Indus valley civilization. This site has a lot of stories to tell and you have lots of history to grasp. Dholavira is at a distance of 368 km from Ahmedabad. An off-beat destination that is worth your time.

4) Diu

Source: Gujarat tourism

Diu is Gujarat's own mini Goa. Earlier a Portuguese colony, Diu is now a budding holiday destination with it's forts, churches, caves and beaches which still have the traces of Portuguese architecture. Diu is located 362 km away from Ahmedabad and if you are in a mood for leisure and romance, Diu awaits you.

5) Kutch

Source: Tour my India

Kutch is one of the most beautiful natural wonders with it's white salt desert and historical grandiosity. After the Gujarat tourism promotions, Kutch has emerged as a top choice among Indian and foreign nationals. Rannotsav festival, which is organized from December to February attracts tourists from all over the world. Also, wild ass sanctuary and flamingo sanctuary are a major attraction beyond Kutch's culture, tradition, surreal beauty, art & crafts. Bhuj is a home to a couple of beautiful palaces and Mandvi beach is a must visit. Do not forget to visit Dhordo village en route. Kutch is 400 km away from Ahmedabad and the later part of the journey is a great road trip.

6) Nadiad-Anand

Source: Boulevard9

Nadiad and Anand are small centers between Ahmedabad and Vadodara. Nadiad is 47 km from Ahmedabad and Anand is 74 km from Ahmedabad. Between Anand and Nadiad, there are many resorts located like second innings home, Boulevard9, Madhuban etc. So, if you are looking for a relaxing escape, pick a resort between Anand & Nadiad.


7) Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath

Source: Travel India

Gujarat's coastal region is one of the lesser explored places and trust me, it's not worth missing. From Dwarka to Diu, there are many tourism spots on Gujarat's coast. Dwarka is a major pilgrimage destination and is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna. Porbandar is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and is a major trading destination today. Somnath is the first among twelve jyotirling shrines of Lord Shiva. This trip is a mix of adventure and pilgrimage. Also, the beaches are beautiful here. Dwarka is 441 km from Ahmedabad, a long journey but you wouldn't regret it.

So, when are you leaving?

Second chance?

“The first time people show you who they are, believe them.”

People change, but only their priorities, they cannot change who they are. A scorpion cannot resist from biting. So when a person show their true color to you, you have to understand the capabilities of the person and the darkness in their characters.

The journey from adolescence to adulthood has been one hell of a ride. I have lost many friends who i thought were forever. But life so far, has taught me second chances are costly.

The person who has betrayed you once, will not refrain from doing it again. It's in their character. Most of the people out there have their own agendas, own priorities and own motives. It's like tying an anchor to your feet and expecting others to sink. If you keep mean people in your life knowingly, they will be instrumental in your destruction. Blind trust can be fatal so trust but verify. Gone are the days of  innocence and friendships without motives. It's a rare occurrence.

I neither believe in forgive and forget nor in second chances. I am very naive and trusting and i welcome you with open arms and i will put my heart before you. 

But if you mess with me or show insincerity towards me, then we are simply done. I am a peaceful person and hate limelight, so there will be no drama, no action, just an end.

I can handle petty things but if you decide to cheat me, backstab me or take me for granted then I will walk out straightaway.

Some losses are heavy but no loss is irreparable or irreplaceable. Sometimes when i meet or come across the people i have lost, there is strange pinch in the heart but it's just for a while. The flashback always ruins the present.

But still there are no second chances with me and it is for my own good. I cannot blame anyone else if let such people stay in my life and ruin it. It's easy to move on. Empty spaces can be filled but bruised heart cannot be healed. 

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. 

I still sometimes think about giving them a second chance, but then there is another thought "Are they really worth it?" People are selfish, people seek convenience and people have priorities and i am fine with it, but i am not a toy to play with or to entertain you. Whatever regrets i had about losing people evaporated quickly when I realized how important i am for myself and how damaging they were for me. 

If you don't love and respect yourself, who will?

Though there will be some people whom you cannot resist to give chances again and again no matter how damaging they are. I regret those decisions. But for everyone else there are no second chances because i put myself above everything else.

Quarter life crisis?

We all share a common thing which is quarter life crisis and that's why I feel, we will connect better.

Quarter life crisis is a phase where you find everything useless and every action futile. You indulge in self doubt and you endure a great deal of uncertainty about your future. You doubt your actions, choices and decisions. 

The career choice you have made suddenly has a question mark because you feel your efforts aren't taking you anywhere. You start to think (rather doubt) about your career and it's prospects. The life shaping decisions you have made pertaining to people, friends, job etc. won't let you settle down. 

We think we are working hard, we are struggling to cope up with the circumstances of our life, but it's not the case. We are going through a process and for a fruitful future, we need to trust the process. We are yet to face the struggles of real life and we are yet to work hard. We have to decide what we want to become, a doormat or a matador. Evolution, change and growth are all a lengthy process and after the process is over, the real challenge starts. This is a testing and cleansing phase where you are tried and tested. 

So calm down. There is nothing wrong with you, your career, your life and your decisions. It's just a sandstorm that's making your vision blurry, give it time to settle down and you will have edens before you. If you want to see how your life shapes up, go with the process and don't quit.

Anything and everything that can go wrong, will go wrong and let it be that way. For anything to rise, it has to fall first, for anything to be right, it has to be wrong first. So again, trust the process.

Everything will fall in place when the time is right.

"Don't you worry child, see heavens got a plan for you.."

Why to have a Bucket list?

Daily life is stressful and monotonous but to keep going we need something motivating, something inspiring, something exciting, something that drives you not to give up.

Most of the times we don't know why we are doing what we are doing and that is why we need a goal to bring clarity in life.

Also, many a times while we are working towards our goal, we compromise on our dreams. A bucket list is a perfect way to remind you of it.

You should exactly know what you're working for in life.

A bucket list is a simple to-do list with extraordinary wishes, desires and dreams. As good it is to have a bucket list, it is also important to see not to let it get on your nerves and depress you.

All said and done, why you should have a bucket list?

Remember your goals/dreams:

Sometimes we get so overworked in life that we lose track of our dreams, goals and aspirations. A bucket list will constantly keep on reminding you what you want to do in your life.

Management and efficiency:

Once you know what you're working for in life, you bring discipline in your life naturally. You work efficiently and try to manage your finances, time in the best possible way.

Excitement in life: 

When you cross a thing on your bucket list it's a wonderful feeling. The sense of accomplishment and achievement sends a chill down the spine and it's a must have experience.

Overcoming shortfalls:

When you are not able to cross a thing on your list, you introspect and try to find a solution to the problem. 

Happiness, memories, and purpose:

It's not always necessary to have big things on your list, sometimes little things bring more happiness.

Things like writing a poem once, buying an old radio, gifting something to parents etc. these things may sound small, but the happiness achieved in immeasurable. Though you might not achieve everything on the list, but you will live a memorable life with whatever you have achieved.

TIP: Don't let the pressure of bucket list get on your nerves. It is meant to drive you towards your goals and dreams and keep up the excitement, not to drive you towards depression.

Excerpts from my bucket list:

• Learn photography
• Write something- DONE
• At least 2 trips a year- In Progress
• No job, only business- DONE
• Buy something for everyone from first income: DONE
• Make a business plan: DONE
• Help somebody: DONE
• Try something new every year: Recurring
• Learn a musical instrument
• Expand car collection to 35
• Collect 50 books
• Stay away from FB: DONE 
• Own a Mercedes
• Travel lavishly
• Have bodyguards

So have you made your bucket list yet?

My Travel Bucket List - 1

Friend  "What is your goal in life?" 

Me:      "I want to travel the world"

Friend: "Who doesn't want to?"

Friend: "What different are you going to do?"

Me:      "I don't know!"

But now I know and that is why I have started working towards my travel bucket list.

Here is the first list prepared:

An autumn in London

 Migration at Serengeti

Source: National Geographic

Private candlelight dinner in Bali

Source: Redperiscope

Lazing around in Santorini

Source: mrwallpapers

Road trip in Spain

Source: Tripoto

Exploring the history of Prague

Source: Deviantart

Romance in Paris

Source: Fourseasons hotel

Dive in Maldives

Northern lights

Explore Himalayas

Soak at Bora Bora

Feeling itchy? Got dancing feet? 

What are you waiting for? 

Pack your bags and explore

Wait for second list..:)

Travel Bug

Are you bitten by something called "Wanderlust"? Yes? No? Don't know? Well here are the symptoms that will help you decide whether you suffer from it or not!

 You have a "Bucket list" for travel.

Source: Lee abba monte

Long weekends are blessing for you.

You always have a list to choose from.

You immediately start planning your next trip after returning from a trip.

Source: Smedia

You keep aside a fund for traveling.

Escaping routine becomes a must for you.

Source: Tumblr

Everything can wait, travel can't.

You have a travel playlist.

You always have a reason to travel.

Source: ScoopWhoop

Stamps, tickets, souvenirs and photographs become your treasure.

Source: Smitchell

You will search for off-beat and unconventional places.

Source: Wallpaper-download

You don't follow an itinerary, you make one.

You are always enthusiastic to share your knowledge and experience.

Source: Gapyear

You have your own travel book / diary.

Traveling completes you.

So, do you think you suffer from wanderlust?

Source: The traveling lady in combat boots