http://pravsgupta.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/rules-of-work-part-1/

RIP Jagjit Singh

jate jate vo mujhe acchi nishani de gaya,
umra bhar dohraunga aisi kahani de gaya.

RIP Jagjit Singh :(

Running behind ...

My last post was about to design a cool app for my product. and here I see some other company already doing that. disappointing to say the least but lesson learned in a good way !!!

Friday ... is it time to innovate?

Friday morning, Sept 09, 2010. while leaving to office today, my auto rickshaw driver asked - "Sir ji, aap Hinjewadi me kaam kyon nahi karte? aapko waha par job nahi mili kya?"
well, to be frank, I was answer-less.  It reminded me the days when I was working with Infosys. Why every person on street thinks that Infosys pays a hefty cheque every month. is it some thing with the attitude of Infy employee?
The  guy was talking, talking and talking and I was thinking if we can use our product (NetBackup) on our PDA and do a backup and restore using my hand-held device?
let me think over it or should I say sleep over it?

Always Follow Your Dreams

There were once 2 brothers who lived on the 80th level. On coming home one day, they realized to their dismay that the lifts were not working and that they have to climb the stairs home.

After struggling to the 20th level, panting and tired, they decided to abandon their bags and come back for them the next day. They left their bags then and climbed on. When they have struggled to the 40th level, the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. They continued to climb the flights of steps, quarreling all the way to the 60th floor.

They then realized that they have only 20 levels more to climb and decided to stop quarreling and continue climbing in peace. They silently climbed on and reached their home at long last. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open the door. And they realized that the key was in their bags which was left on the 20th floor.

This story is reflecting on our life…many of us live under the expectations of our parents, teachers and friends when young. We seldom get to do the things that we really like and love and are under so much pressure and stress so that by the age of 20, we get tired and decided to dump this load.

Being free of the stress and pressure, we work enthusiastically and dream ambitious wishes. But by the time we reach 40 years old, we start to lose our vision and dreams. We began to feel unsatisfied and start to complain and criticize. We live life as a misery as we are never satisfied. Reaching 60, we realize that we have little left for complaining anymore, and we began to walk the final episode in peace and calmness.

We think that there is nothing left to disappoint us, only to realize that we could not rest in peace because we have an unfulfilled dream …… a dream we abandoned 60 years ago.

So what is your dream? Follow your dreams, so that you will not live with regrets.

resharing from : http://www.pravsworld.com/

10 Principles for Peace of Mind

1. Do Not Interfere In Others’ Business Unless Asked:

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others’ affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

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2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

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3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours if in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

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4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody’s life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

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5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

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6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

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7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

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8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

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9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil’s workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God’s name.

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10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering ” Should I or shouldn’t I?” Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over split milk?

21 Things To Remember

1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.
3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.
5. Success stops when you do.

6. When your ship comes in…. make sure you are willing to unload it.
7. You will never have it all together.
8. Life is a journey…not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
9. The biggest lie on the planet When I get what I want I will be happy.
10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

11. I’ve learned that ultimately , ‘takers’ lose and ‘givers’ win.
12. Life’s precious moments don’t have value, unless they are shared.
13. If you don’t start, it’s certain you won’t arrive.
14. We often fear the thing we want the most.
15. He or she who laughs……lasts.

16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.
17. Look for opportunities…not guarantees.
18. Life is what’s coming….not what was.
19. Success is getting up one more time.
20. Now is the most interesting time of all.
21. When things go wrong…..don’t go with them.

10 Easy Steps For A Healthy Relationship

By Dr. Grace Cornish Livingstone
Are you ready for real love? In this day and age of fast-paced and short-lived relationships, it’s challenging and many times difficult, to find good, solid, effective, and useful, information that helps to build healthy and long-lasting romantic relationships. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or looking-to-be-married, these time-tested steps will help you and your current or future mate to create a long-lasting romantic bliss:
1) Always Be Your “True” Self
You are wonderfully and uniquely made by a loving Creator. If you find that you have to act or try to become someone you weren’t born to be, in order to fulfill someone else’s expectation, then something is seriously wrong. A true love will appreciate you for who you are and what you bring to the relationship, and vice-versa. If you feel as if you’re being pressured to alter your character to do things you wouldn’t usually do (drink, drugs, pre-mature sex, lie) so that the person will continue to see you, that’s a certain sign that things are unhealthy. Your true love will gladly embrace you just for who you are—so don’t be afraid, step out in faith and show your true self.
2) Develop Deep Communication with Each Other
A healthy relationship goes much deeper that a surface affair. Even though you may both look good arm-in-arm, or standing next to each other, whether at a concert, family reunion, Movie Theater, or at church, can you talk when you’re alone? What’s going on in your conversations—are they deep and meaningful or surface and bland? Do you discuss personal hopes, dreams and goals, or just talk about the weather and the plot to the latest drama? Can you count on each other to lend a listening ear, good advice, and undivided attention?
Good, honest, and deep conversation will keep you deeply connected. When in doubt, talk it out. Always keep the lines of communication open in your relationship.
3) Don’t Ignore, but Explore Your Differences
Do your personalities blend well? Is one of you on the optimistic path while the other is on the pessimistic side of the road? Opposites may initially attract, but eventually they can repel each other. It’s important that your personalities are compatible.
If one views life through rose colored glasses, while the other is always singing-the-blues, then you have to make some sort of adjustment to accommodate each other. The simple truth is oil and vinegar make an excellent salad dressing, but they don’t mix well in romantic relationships, unless both personalities can explore each other and find some sort of balance. If you can adjust and love each other’s personalities, regardless of any differences, and bring out the best when you’re together, then this is a winning combo, and you could very well be a dynamic-duo in a life-long healthy relationship.
4) Share Similar Interest and Values
You don’t have to have the exact interests. As a matter of fact, having diverse preferences can help you to share new and exciting things with each other. However, make sure you have at least a few common interests, so it won’t be an ongoing battle over what to do and where to go to keep you both satisfied. You may have to compromise in some areas like sports, politics, movies, shopping, music, etc. Keep in mind that compromising doesn’t mean depriving each other of their individual interests but instead it means participating in each other’s interests.
5) Discuss Your Spiritual Beliefs Together
If you’re not on common ground with your beliefs about who and what God means to each of you, this will eventually cause a rift in your relationship. Don’t try to conceal your true beliefs and hope that it will all just one day fall in place—it won’t. Make sure you talk about your faith honestly and openly with each other. There’s a wise adage that states, “The couple that prays together, stays together.”
6) Appreciate Each Other’s Unique Body Temple
Let’s face it, we’re all built differently. We come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades. In order to have a healthy physical and emotional relationship, you must embrace and appreciate each other’s total package. One of the worse things a couple can do to each other is to fantasize or try to fit their mate into someone else’s body image. When you throw away preconceived “ideal body type” perceptions, you’ll enjoy the true worth of your partner.
I remember years ago, one of my college friends, Nicolette, a five-foot-eight-inch, former beauty queen, adamantly refused to date any man under the six-foot mark. Her preconceived idea of the “ideal match” was “an athletic hunk who would be paid well for playing ball—footfall, basketball, or baseball would qualify him—as long as he had the height, the muscles, and the billfold.”
Well, after a whole lot of heartbreaks, shallow relationships, and a completely new outlook on life, she eagerly reports that she has been very happily married to a five-foot-five-inch dentist for over five years and “has since been blessed with two wonderful children to complete her healthy marriage.”
Nicolette would have missed out on the love of her life had she remained stuck with false perceptions. Don’t let this happen to you. Admire, appreciate, and enjoy your companion’s body temple.
7) Talk About “The S-&M Factor” (Sex & Money)
Two of the biggest destroyers of healthy relationships are the misuse, abuse, lack of or over-use of sex and money (the S & M Factor). Both are very important and very personal in your love life. Yet, unfortunately, most couples make the mistake of not setting quality time aside early in their relationship to discuss these two vital components. To put it bluntly, “You’ve got to know where you’re heading, before you get to the bedding; and know what you’re spending before it gets beyond mending.”
In deep romantic relationships, there is a world of difference between “having sex” and “making love,” just as there is a major difference between being “involved” and “being in love.” The misuse of sex, just like the misuse of money, causes major turbulence in relationships. These can be dangerous influences which overwhelm your relationship; or they can be healthy tools for intimacy and success. It’s up to both you and your partner to know what sex and money means to each of you, and to make sure that you share your beliefs and feelings with each other. Otherwise, both the sex and money issues can become major conflicts which will destroy even the deepest love.
8 ) Try to Get Along With Each Other’s Friends-n-Families
Although your happiness ultimately depends on how well the two of you get along with each other, some input from loved ones can be frosting on the cake. Do you have a healthy interaction with each other’s close associates? Make sure you ask some supportive family members and/or dear friends their opinion about your choice in mate. If the advice is not what you want to hear, examine it closely, evaluate the source, pray about it, and make up your own mind anyway. Make sure you also meet your mate’s family and closest friends, and discreetly observe their interactions with each other. Look if there is any dysfunctional family pattern that you need to address and get help with. There is a wise old saying, “Show me your company, I’ll tell you who you are.” Chances are, if your partner has a healthy interaction with loved ones, you will also get the same treatment—and so much more!
9) Stay Away From Negative People
It’s important to make a special note here, that although the interactions of relatives and friends can be a plus in building a healthy relationship, some, unfortunately, can also be a minus. If you face unhealthy interference and discouragement from loved ones because of their personal insecurities, don’t let them have any influence in your relationship. Both you and your mate must be on the same page and decide to keep negative people out of your personal love life in order to love and grow together in a harmonious, healthy relationship.
10) Learn to Laugh Together
This one doesn’t need much explanation—if there’s no joy, there’s very little hope. Laughter keeps love alive. Find something that you can both get a good hearty laugh from. Here’s a little secret that works wonders: A good sense of humor and a pleasant disposition has a magnetic attraction that makes people always want to be in your presence. How can that special person resist your gorgeous smile and sparkling eyes? Go ahead, laugh a bit—have fun and enjoy!
There you have it—the practical, useful and effective steps that will surely enhance your current or future relationship. You deserve to have an enjoyable, exciting, and loving healthy relationship with someone who loves you, just for who you are. You are worth it!

The four-lettered F word

The four-lettered F word is an innocent word.. I mean .. what the f...!! Why is it considered to be indecent to utter this nice word?

The following is true about the word f%!$: it lets you vent your energy out, it has a good sound, it is short, it is hard-hitting, it is a very apt means to express various emotions that may occur to humans.

This post is about the word and has nothing to do with its meaning.

I associate the F word with youthfulness, energy, courage, alertness, aggressiveness, and the guts to take on shit that comes your way. The F word rocks my dictionary.

Disclaimer: No puns in the above text, whether direct or indirect, are implied. Any perceived occurrences of indecency in this text are solely due to perverse inclinations of the reader.

While at Dallas

it was not a fun to survive in scorching heat of Dallas. Let me begin with my first day. I reached Dallas on 16 th Aug, 09 Afternoon and it was looking so pretty. You won’t see traffic below your plane and your plane moving on a over-bridge every day. Nice! It took me not more than 30 mins to land and to reach at my hotel. Picture perfect.

My College life ... Kuch yaadein ...

yesterday night when I was going through our own mechies web page at http://www.geocities.com/mechies04_mnnit/ , I just wondered why I didn't write about my best moment in college and worst off course. so here it goes.

the best moment that I can recall from top of my head was when the 3rd sem result was declared. I was so happy to see chachu jumping all around (perhaps on fundu's bhaiyya bed). I was so happy for him that I forgot to know about my result. to me, It was my Best day at college :). Chachu might disagree but I don't care. :P

if somebody will ask me which was the best year in my college life, I will reply 2nd year in a blink of eyes. It was a lot of fun while having your room in the same wing with JK, Papaji, Bond. miss you guys :)

worst moment, perhaps the day I entered in bloddy politics of college. another one might be the one when I asked one guy for b'day party. I was stunned and shocked with the reply. I was perhaps most hurt that day and alas that Guy doesn't know what does he meant to me in my college life. You missed a great friend for life-time dude.

the most funny moment? it's too hard to name one, I can tell you. Let me start with one and rest in next blog.
I was 10 mins later (as always) in our chand sir class at 9:00 A.M. .... Drama to continue in Next... :P

My favorite songs

My friends were bumping me from a long to give them a list of my favorite songs. you bet me, it's ain't easy to know and rank your fav ones. you can always say, I like this song but this but it's hard to compile your top 10, top 100 without doing any injustice to others. Anyways, I have given my hard to compile this over last one week and here it goes.

1. Atif Aslam : Kuch is tarah from Jal pari

Watch it here:


Lyrics is here.

2. Pankaj Udhas : Chandi jaisa rang hai tera

Watch it here:


Lyrics is here.

3. Sheal : Soniye Hiriye

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.

4. Hothon se choo lo tum : Prem Geet (1981) : Jagjit Singh

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.

5. James Blunt - You're Beautiful

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.


6. Taal : Ishq bina

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.


7. Pussycat dolls - Stick wid u

Watch it here: unfortunately enough you can't watch it here. Embedding disabled :(

Anyways click here or copy paste link below in your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwYceiv5WsM

Lyrics is here.


8. Bryan Adams - Please Forgive Me

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.


9. Tere Khushboo Mein Base Khat ": Jagjit Singh

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.


10. Tum bin jiya jaye kaise : Tum Bin

Watch it here:



Lyrics is here.

The rest list goes here : off course, I have not made any attempt to give ranking to the rest. it's as if they have came to my mind. Enjoy!


11. Shibani Kashyap : Kya nazakat hai

12. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan : Kinna sona rab ne banaya

13. Jagjit Singh : Sadma to hai muje bhi

14. Sadak : tumhein apna banane ki kasam

15. Falguni pathak : meri chunar ud ud jaye

16. Aise na mujhe tum dekho

17. Ajeeb dastan hai ye, kahan shuru kahan khatam

18. uski baatein to phool ho jaise : jagjit Singh

19. Wo kagaj ki kasti

20. Dil ko tumse pyar hua : RHTDM

21. Tum ho to : Rock on

22. Aawaj do humko : Dushman

23. Tum itna jo muskara rahe ho

24. O satthi re Tere bina bhi kya jina

25. Geet gata hoon mein , gungunata hoon mein

26. Ab tere bin : aashiqui

27. Piya Basanti re

28. Dhadkan : Dil ne ye kahan hai del se

29. Tere bin nahi lagda dil ....

30. Pyar me hota hai kya jaadu : papa kahte hai

31. Jaddo bhari aankho wali suno : dastak

32. Tadap tadap ke is dil se : hum dil de chuke sanam

33. Accha Sila diya tune mere pyar ka : Sonu Nigam

34. Tanhai : DCH

35. Tere aane ki jab khabar mahke : Jagjit

36. Purani Jeans

37. Doorie : Atif Aslam

38. Zindagi ka safar

39. Tu jo nahi to kuch bhi nahi hai :

40. Har kisi ko nahi milta yahan pyar jindagi mein

41. Kiska Chehra : jagjit singh

42. Mera pita gaye Rangoon

43. Aadat : asit aslam

44. Tere Bin : atif aslam

45. Tinka Tinka : karam

46. Ae Naznee suna na

47. Pyar Mujhse jo kiya tumne, to kya paogi..

48. Tu bin bataye : rang de basanti

49. Agar tum mil jao : Zeher

50. Aawarapan

51. Jhuki Jhuki si nazar

52. Ek din teri rahhon me : Naqab

53. Suraj ki kirno ki lali me tum ho ...

54. Deewana : sonu Nigam

55. Dheere Dheere - shaurya

56. E ajnabi tu bhi kabhi aawaj de kahi se

57. Chunari chunari - Mansoon wedding

58. Jab kisi ki taraf dil jhukne lage ... Ajay D - Kajol

59. Shaan - tune mujhe pehchana nahi ...

60. Tere sang ek simple si coffee

61. Ehsaas : atif Aslam

62. Pyar ka Anjaam kisne socha, hum to mohabbat kiye ja rahe hai .......

63. Fiza ke phhol pe aati kabhi bahar nahi, mere naseeb me e dost tera pyar nahi.

35 things that make you special

WHAT do people remember about you when you walk out of the room?

In my case, I may think it’s my background, my knowledge, my voice etc. etc. that makes me special, but it’s more likely that what’s really memorable is seeing food magically transports itself from my plate onto the floor or onto other laps when I’m excited…
What makes YOU special?

Take a look at the following list of 35 things that make you special. It’s like a life inventory. When you consider all the questions, you’ll get a sense of how your life is at the moment, and how you could change it to bring out YOUR special uniqueness.

1. Personality
What is your personality? Take a look at the following personality types according to the Enneagram. Are you:

An idealistic Reformer,
a caring Helper,
a success-oriented Achiever,
an introspective Idealist,
an idealistic Reformer,
a caring Helper,
a success-oriented Achiever,
a sensitive Individualist,
an intense Investigator,
a security-oriented Loyalist,
a spontaneous Enthusiast,
a powerful Challenger,
or a reassuring Peacemaker?

You can take the Enneagram test here. or click http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/QUEST/quest.asp

2. Signature style
What’s your signature style? Are you engaging, entertaining, moving, intense, funny, bold, ditzy, serene, boring, or threatening?
3. Beliefs
What do you believe about life, the universe, or about yourself? Do you have religious beliefs? Do have beliefs about yourself that limit your potential? Complete this quiz to find what your limiting beliefs are.

4. Spirituality
Are you drawn to the mysteries of life? Do you use spiritual practice, i.e. meditation, prayer, or other to nurture your spirituality?

5. Aspirations
What are your aspirations? Do you strive for a cause that is greater than you?

6. Dominant sense
Each of us has a dominant sense through which we experience the world. What is your dominant sense? Is it sight or sound or touch? To find out do the test here.

7. Thoughts
What kind of thoughts are mostly in your mind? Are they daydreams, or thoughts focussed on your current project? Is your mind usually focused on the past, on the present, or on the future?

8. Goals
What are your goals? Have you recorded them? Which goals we choose, and whether we set them determines a substantial part of our uniqueness. Click here to learn how to set goals.

9. Creativity
Are you creative? Do you create at work, or write, paint, cook, or in any other way? Often people who are creative are more lively and happier than those who are not. Find out what makes us creative.

10. Happiness
How happy are you? Take the test here to see how happy you are. Find out what authentic happiness is.

11. Attitude
What is your habitual attitude? Is it negative or positive? Our attitude is shaped by influence and association, beliefs, thoughts, expectations, and self-talk. How was your attitude shaped?

12. Attraction
What are you drawn to? What are your favourite colours? What’s your favourite music, climate, or food? What kind of people do you like? Read the rest of this entry »

13. Genes
We are shaped by both heredity, as well as environment. What traits have you inherited from your parents that make you unique?

14. Body
The size and build of our body is genetically encoded. However, how we care for our bodies determines what it looks like. Check out the following questions: Are you slim or overweight? Are you fit or out of shape? Are you flexible enough to touch your toes? Is your body able to practise sports, or dance, or do yoga, or train in martial arts? If you have a physical disability, are you stretching your capability to the limit, or not?

15. Face
The face is a mirror of the soul. If we are kindly and upbeat, our face looks animated and relaxed. If we feel down, or anxious or ill, our face looks tight and grey. What is your face like? Do you take moments to relax your face?

16. Ethnicity
What is your ethnic origin? Are you proud of your culture of origin and your ancestors, or not?

17. Culture
What is your culture? Is it followed by the majority or a minority of the people around you? In what way does your culture influence your life?

18. Voice
We are born with a particular voice and its resonance, tone and pitch. However, it can be developed - as actors and singers know. What is your unique voice like?

19. Diction
Do you speak with an accent or a dialect? The way we pronounce the language we use is a unique marker.

20. Gender
Gender is only partly determined by body formation. What masculine and feminine traits do you see in yourself?

21. Health
Good and bad health are life’s gift and burden. What really shapes our uniqueness is the attitude to health. What is your attitude? Are you pro-active or passive? Do you complain or actively seek healing?

22. Hormones
Hormonal patterns determine whether we are tired, or hungry, or irritated, or lustful.
What hormonal patterns or surges are noticeable in your life and how do they influence you?

23. Age
Age is a biological factor. But it is also influenced by the mind. Do you feel old and unfit, as well as low on energy and drive? Or do you feel vitally alive, energetic and youthful? If you want to feel youthful, you need to put effort into keeping your mind and body in good shape. How do you keep in good shape?

24. Intelligence
Being intelligent is not only having a high IQ. Intelligence is now seen to include social, emotional, and physical aptitude. Your mix of these strands of intelligence is what makes you unique. How do you maintain and develop your intelligence?

25. Life experience
Each of us has a unique experience of life. Used wisely, experience is valuable because we can recognise patterns and respond appropriately. Which life experience has shaped you most?

26. Childhood
The childhood we experienced in the past makes us unique today. What was your childhood like? How has it shaped you? If your childhood included traumatic experiences, what have you undertaken in order to heal from them?

27. Trauma
What kind of life crises have you experienced? Have you integrated them, or are they still unresolved? (My upcoming Ebook From Tragedy to Triumph: How to Win Through a Life Crisis explains how to integrate difficult experiences).

28. Opportunities
We have all encountered different opportunities in life. What kind of opportunities have you encountered or created? How have you responded to them? What we make of opportunities is part of what makes us special.

29. Relationships
Whom and what we relate to makes us who we are. Which human beings do you love or feel connected to? Whom do you feel disconnected with? What about the environment - do you love nature, or the city? What is your relationship to animals - which are your favourite animals?

30. Learning
Your stance towards learning makes you unique. Is continuous learning important to you or not? Do you like formal study or informal learning? What kind of learning environments work best for you?

31. Habits
How do you spend your time on a regular basis? How much time to you spend on passive recreation, such as TV? Do you have an unpaid activity that you enjoy? How important is this activity to you?

32. Work
Most people spend more time at work than asleep. How we spend this big chunk of our life makes us unique. What do you define as your main work? Do you work for yourself or work for others? Do you work mostly alone or with a team of others?
Are you passionate about your work or is it a chore? Do you earn enough to keep yourself going or are you struggling financially?

33. Quirks and foibles
What are your quirky habits? As I said in the introduction, these foibles can be the thing that people enjoy about us.

34. Communication style
Psychologists pinpoint four different communication styles. Are you a Relater, Socialiser, Thinker, or Director? Check it out on this site.

35. The life journey
Each of us is on a unique life path. Which path we follow defines a part of our uniqueness. What path have you chosen?

What strikes me is that we are able to change most of these variables! What makes us truly special is how we spend our energy, thoughts, and time, as well as how we respond to whom and what we encounter.

It’s in your power to evolve and bring forth the unique, special person that you are. That’s an awesome responsibility.

This feature has been sourced from Mary Jaksch's Goodlife Zen. Mary, a Zen master, writes passionate articles about personal growth with a spiritual twist on her blog.

Ideas for stress free life

Small changes in your lifestyle can relieve you of stress and leave you
energized.

Idea # 1: Have breakfast, even if you don't feel hungry: Studies show
that people who eat breakfast feel better both mentally and physically than
those who skip their morning meal.

Idea # 2: Eat every three to four hours: Having three smallish meals and
two snacks throughout the day can keep your blood sugar and
energy levels stable all day long.

Idea # 3: Stay hydrated: Water makes up the majority of our blood
and other body fluids. Even mild dehydration can lead to blood
thickening, forcing the heart to pump harder resulting in fatigue.

Idea # 4: Perform Yoga, Pranayama or light exercises: Practicing yoga, pranayama or even plain simple stretching can help relax the muscles which tighten during the course of the day and make us feel stressed.

Idea # 5: Go to a spa: Spa therapies are a great way to reduce stress and enhance your mood. Spa therapies help the body release mood-elevating hormones called endorphins which are the same hormones that are released when you meditate or go for a jog.

Idea # 6: Take a cold shower: While we all love to indulge in a cosy hot water bath, a cold shower can do wonders to remove fatigue and boost energy levels.

Idea # 7: Do something different: Indulge in an activity which is completely unrelated after a few hours of intense work. Take a walk, do gardening, cut vegetables or read some comics!

Idea # 8: Perform random acts of kindness: Acts of altruism can lend a little pep to your step. A study by Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that volunteer work can boost energy in six ways: enhancing happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control over life, physical health, and mood.

My 10 Fav bollywood movies of the year 2008

1. A Wednesday (10/10)

A Wednesday is one of those rare variety films about which one can't discuss much despite a strong desire for it could hamper your viewing experience as an unapprised audience. It's a film one wants to rave liberally about but even then you can't conveniently converse on the instances of acclaim since those are the moments of surreptitious surprise held in reserve by the director. It's the kind of film that is discussed in detail once it acquires the cult status. A Wednesday has an unforeseen treatment and an unassuming demeanour.10 out of 10 for Neeraj Pandey. Read review here.

2. Aamir (9/10)

From the outset, Aamir starts off as an intriguing thriller about a common man forced into criminal exploitation in the course of a day.From the almost anonymous but able cast, Rajeev Khandelwal comes up with a restrained and natural performance of a troubled common man. Gajrao Rao comes up with an equally competent act as the vicious villain. Aamir is opulent on ideation but is not as rich on execution and most importantly culmination. 9 out of 10 for Raj Kumar Gupta for the direction. Read review here.

3. Rock On (9/10)

Farhan Akhtar’s debut as a leading man showcased some of the most endearing rock-music tracks. The story of four guys had a lot of chutzpah and emotional velocity. there was not a lot for Prachi, but she looked stunningly beautiful and innocently cute. I relate this to my life to some extent and favor goes to farhan. 9 for him.





4. Fashion (8.5/10)

Madhur Bhandarkar’s searing and soul-searching look at the beau monde with Priyanka Chopra in a stunning performance. Kangana was too good to be ignored and one can wonder whether it was kangana's movie or priyanka. And yes, Mugda Godse was quite a discovery. A well directed focused movie with a strong grip on the movie. well done Madhur. Long live dude. A great movie likes of Page-3. 8.5 out of 10 for you.







5. Ghajini (8/10)
A majestic Memento inspired monument to the mood of mayhem, with Aamir Khan pumping up the iron and adrenaline to unbearable levels of violence and suspense.A must watch for Aamir's fan but disappointment to his critics. being a great fan of Aamir, I might be a little lenient giving 8.




6. Dasvidaniya (8/10)
Director Shashant Shah’s movie is a slow but heart-wrenching tale of a 37-year-old man who has few months left to live and sets out to live it to the fullest before he says his final goodbye.First-time director Shahant Shah does a neat job for the most part of the film but botches up in the second hour. A few flaws notwithstanding, ‘Dasvidaniya’ turns out to be an above-average, eminently watchable film that charms you with its dry humour and touches your heart with its underplayed drama. 8 out of 10 for Shashant. Read review here.




7. Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (7.5/10)
Debutant director Abbas Tyrewalla moved from Munnabhai to a film about a guy who dreams about horses, a girl who mourns for her pet cat and a dead dad who talks from a portrait. Take a bow, Imran Khan. such a light movie, you will love to watch it anyday. Really a great entertainment. Jaaaaaaaane tuuuuuuu............... 7.5 for you dude at 7th position.






8. Mukhbiir (7/10)
Mani Shankar’s rough, but tough path-breaking look at the grey world of government informers. Mukhbiir could’ve done with some technical polish. But what the hell! Nothing is perfect. The movie was a gem to watch with some heart-breathing scenes. 7 out of 10 for you Mukhbir.










9. Mumbai Meri Jaan (7/10)

Nishikant Kamat’s episodic narration moved through a labyrinth of wonderfully-sketched characters coping with a tragedy whose enormity defeated them. It was a film with jaan, imaan and soul. Paresh Rawal was outstanding. 7 for Nishikant.








10. Jodhaa Akbar (6.5/10)
Ashutosh Gowariker’s labour of love was a work of art. Every shot oozed history , romance and passion. And when Hrithik took to the floor to the sound of Khwaja mere khwaja... time stood still. Aishwarya looked every inch the Rajput queen. though the film didn't create a wonder on counters but my 6.5 for Ashutosh.







And for all Sharukh khan's fan, Here is a Guest appearance for them.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (5/10)

Aditya Chopra’s sincerest directorial venture to date Rab De Bana Di comes in the same year when Adi’s Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was spoofed in the disappointing Bachna Ae Haseeno.
Adi has clearly outgrown the Londonmeets-Amritsar saga. It was all Amritsar, all soul. for all Shahrukh's Fan, I have put this movie on my charter with 5. Tanni partner, you deserve this only.

Hum hai rahi pyar ke, Fir milenge, Chalte Chalte :)
~~~
Pravs

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