Dawn of Optimism

The Pandemic has spread its jaws tight in the second wave in India – attacking not only the physical health of the citizens but also affecting the mental fitness. 

Everyone out has lost someone either in the family or locality – which has just aired the fire of negativity. Deep inside all of us are craving for thoughts of affirmations, for positivity, for an ounce of hope towards better tomorrow! I couldn’t be luckier in choosing “Viktor Frankl’s” Man’s search for meaning randomly to get this little bit of “hope”

The author being a Nazi Concentration camp survivor has beautifully explained the psychological state of humans in every phases of life – through the ups and downs. Jotting down a few of them which actually threw light on the optimistic sight in me. (Hope it serves you right)

• One instance which an author recalls in a talk where he was shown the pictures of prisoners laying like the haystacks in a room on their sick days – prisoners suffering from the typhus epidemic wearing old rags as clothes resting their wounds on torn shoes – some bleeding and others searching for piece of bread in their torn pockets – the person showing the pictures to the author tried having pity on the conditions in which they survived on which the author’s reaction was surprising when he said that these were the happiest times as we could rest, we could laze and not go out and work. So you see it is all about the perception – every thing can have two perspectives – you need to find the happier one, the positive one.

• Another instance where he focuses on how the prisoners though in misery still had the humanity to think for the other one in the group.

• Hope – was a huge thing that the prisoners of camp were motivated for survival of every day that passed. The times when they were taken from one camp to another rose their hopes to live a better life with lesser pain. The “hope” that one day they will be free helped them survive through the most brutal tortures. (every camp always had an option for prisoners to suicide by touching the electric wire but they still chose to live each day in dreams of freedom)

• This is an extract from the book “I would like to mention a few similar surprises on how much we could endure: we were unable to clean our teeth, and yet, in spite of that and a severe vitamin deficiency, we had healthier gums than ever before. We had to wear the same shirts for half a year, until they had lost all appearance of being shirts. For days we were unable to wash, even partially, because of frozen water-pipes, and yet the sores and abrasions on hands which were dirty from work in the soil did not suppurate (that is, unless there was frostbite). Or for instance, a light sleeper, who used to be disturbed by the slightest noise in the next room, now found himself lying pressed against a comrade who snored loudly a few inches from his ear and yet slept quite soundly through the noise”

All I wanna point out through this blog is – The pandemic has 100s of negative effects but then it is we who are gonna pull ourselves out from this negativity. We can and have to stand up for our families, our friends, our colleagues!! It is gonna be tough each day to stand the scenes of people struggling for oxygen, relatives queing up to bury their near ones but then let us stand tougher against all this. Material help is provided to the country from every corner of the globe, but mental support has to be given by us – you need not have huge bank balance, all you need is a positive mind. If you only can pull your close circle from sinking into dark thoughts – you have done your part of the job! In no time the chain of smiles and hopes for healthier tomorrow will spread. 

We are comparatively in a better situation then the people who have survived the world wars, the concentration camps, the Vietnam War and our very own Indian freedom struggle. Back then it was physical torture which is beyond our imagination. Today all we have to do is simple things – wear a mask, avoid gatherings, stay home. We have Netflix, we have thousands of books online which are unread, we have our families with us unlike the wars where families were parted and all what people had was closed gas chambers to threaten them with their death.

Spread the word – stay home, stay safe and stay positive! Very soon there will be a new dawn of health and happiness!

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Readers Attention

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Tag your friends or join the whatsapp group made where readers across the city, state, country and may be even globe share the experiences they had while reading the books they have picked.

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Communication

This question peeped through my mind all the while throughout the day as I was sitting on the first bench of my Orientation Programme before starting my articleship days “As to why this 35 hours are a necessity when all you do here is just speak, chatter all round and nothing else?”

The question hovered me even on the last day and I wondered when will it be answered. And yes! It was answered rightly on the very first day of my articleship (where I was interviewed before, which as well included communication skills – because the interviewers didn’t scrutinize my results deeply, all they were interested is the way I present myself). It was my first day of articleship where I was accompanied by my senior and colleagues, and I was handed over a file to compare the TDS as per books, TDS certificates along with form 26AS. I was blank because all this was read in books but I never knew how to download 26AS, neither was I thorough with the accounting software. I kept staring at the files for a while with an awkward look till my senior came and with the bossy voice instructed me – “If you aren’t aware of things, ask for help and start working immediately!!” And then, I understood why was OP conducted, those 35 hours did work miracles and I could get through things.

Basically, not only on the office desk but at every platform communication plays crucial role. Giving you an example how effective communication helps you to make the listeners visualize better and in turn it makes the process of understanding the facts better. Let us just compare – and ask yourself which sounds better and conveys better.
1st way – I started my morning with coffee
2nd way – I opened the chilly winter morning by treating myself with a steaming hot aromatic coffee.

I am sure the second way makes you feel the situation right. Same happens in our teams while working, if we can convey the ideas well, we can convince well and gradually that affects our career growth. There are many ways through which we can be effective communicators like effective listening, reading of facts and having knowledgeable content to share in the right manner with the RIGHT TONE (very important when you are in a verbal conversation)
Simple way to start can be add minute details to your observation and these will be automatically added to your words.

Speak sensible and Spread your ideas.

Self Analysis

I was confused! I was self-analyzing my own steps and thoughts and decisions taken in the past! Was it because of the isolation in lock-down or was is it a result of a deep conversation!? Well the process was memorable to start from the pen and paper jotting down things and thinking over each of the word given as an advice to now where I could find path which can be walked well!

Writing down a few maybe it helps you as well!

1. Every age has some rights and some obligations! – A deep line which if given a thought can cut your thinking and corresponding actions as sharp as sword the sword. When a student you have the right to ask for academic help but then you also have an obligation to produce results. In childhood if you have a right to be free of tensions and burdens you have an obligation to keep that childishness alive in you! You cannot skip the bar and mix two ages’ rights and obligations – because that’s the time where you create heavy blunders for your own future.

 

2. Compromise is a compromise till you make it feel the same – If you think on the dilemmas or issues having solutions contradicting your wishes in a way to accept it whole heartedly with a mutual agreement it isn’t a compromise, instead it will be a promise to yourself to stay happy with decisions taken in self-interest!

 

3. Thinking Substance over form – A language used probably in law has got a lot of relevance in real life as well! One cannot think about every scenario in a bookish manner. Like, if one thing is ideal in a specific way, it need not be the same in every circumstance, because the definition of ideal in every situation varies! Think more in substance then the formats.

 

4. You cannot stay happy at cost of others cries –Though I always firmly believed in this, but it was highlighted again. Happiness is something that spreads, and how can you smile when the reason behind the smiles is a thousand tears and bad vibes. Rather it must be rule – that one should not build his own life, ruining 10 other people’s smiles. (I guess, Karma works here better)

 

5. You cannot question your Parents! –The ones who walked with your small steps and held your fingers to make a better life at the cost of every sacrifice that was demanded by time – they cannot be wrong! Under them every problem finds its own solution. Rude at times but they are the only ones who will think for your benefit even if it takes a huge toll on them!

 

Stay Active, Stay Focused!!

I was just lazing on the sofa waiting for mom to get me the evening coffee after cancelling the plan of me making coffee for everyone just because I had to get up and walk all the way through hall and pull things down to make coffee and get it for all. In short, I was lazily just turning myself in every way possible to fit in on the sofa with all soft toys. The steaming hot tea cup finally managed to blow off the chilled attitude of mine and I switched the TV to get some updates on the pandemic. And while random switching I came across this interesting news, rather a short snap story of couple in drought prone region of Maharashtra, this couple who may be stood in their early 40s, managed to dig a well 25 feet deep without any heavy machinery. They started from the day; the Prime Minister announced the nation to be locked down. And within less than a month they dug this well which now not only had enough water for this family but also enough water to feed their cattle and neighbours.

And I just got a “KICK”, like these people whom we so called refer as villagers or the less learned people have utilized their time much more effectively then we as civilized and extra learned people do. I just took a quick look back to what we do here in cities since the lock down was announced! And realized – the students who had their exams find reasons like the atmosphere is too negative and we cant focus on our studies, the newly qualified who are yet to find jobs have seen enough series on Netflix and Amazon, scrolling whatsapp, posting old pics on Instagram with captions like “Life before lockdown” and the way we have wasted our 20-25 days is just pathetic. Listening to the story of this couple I actually got charged like – Bro, if these people can make their way through difficulties we too can. Yes the lock down has affected us mentally but then we can be our own motivators rightly!!

Let us take charge of our own selves! Every effort in right direction is going to be a task towards betterment of the economy which will help our global family to get out of the crisis. Stay home and be creative. Every one surely will have something in addition. Stay focused Stay Home and Stay active.

Photo by Olenka Sergienko on Pexels.com

Letter from Indian Doctor

Hello Friends,

Being into this noble profession from nearly 26 years I have seen many ups and downs, I have enjoyed many perks in this profession – like being pampered by my family patients like a family member, being a part of their every personal problem as well as social gatherings, being respected and honoured in many of the social drives and on the darker phase I have also seen attacks on hospitals and doctors, but then yesterday (22/03/2020 – Janta Curfew Day) what I saw was something like never before!

The way citizens of India responded to the activity of applauding for all the working people was “ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME” experience for all of us! We as General Practioners are a small part of this contribution of fighting against CORONA but then still all those patients in my contact list who has always been supportive had so much gratitude to express – making me feel lucky and all worth of burning the midnight oil for all of you, answering the late night calls and opening the doors at 2:00 am as well!

I had all flashbacks reading your whatsapps (and none of them were forwarded!!) – the way a few of you have grown up in front of me, from the first cries to the first walks – I witnessed it all like a family member, the way you came running with your child when he fell from the bicycle, the way I have counselled younger generation to work for betterment, the times you shared your success stories with me and also came to me on an unexpected failure, the way a couples shared the typical “He doesn’t help me with household chores and She doesn’t cook food like my mother did” fights and the list has no end!

All your messages along with the videos and images of you clapping, ringing bells captioned in a way which read like – “Sir we clapped for you”, Doctor we are thankful to have you as a family”, You have been a part of our family since I was born and still with us when my baby is born”.

Trust me it feels overwhelmed, it feels more motivated to work for all of you. There are times when we do feel down, we feel helpless seeing the number of deaths but then acts like these make us feel that we are dealing with a greater responsibility and YES! We have to do it! Corona has to go back – we all are one and we will fight it back!

An Appeal to all my doctor friends – its very natural to feel unsecured in your regular OPDs to take care from this disastrous virus as not all of us have the safety primary kits with those surgical gowns and huge masks (and the thought that we too have a family back waiting for us) – but then try through your small efforts to help all those who need us, the society has given us abundantly – it is our time to stand for our people. I wont say open up your small dispensaries (because on a genuine note, small clinics do not have those huge facilities and more importantly the patients walking in are random and we are unaware of the travel history and other facts) but then be available for your extended families on calls where you can atleast guide them through these bad times. People have panicked and we can show the right way through! Your small efforts will surely contribute towards nation building!

Lastly, I am always there for all those who have always made me feel home, who have given my degree and my learnings a true meaning, who have shared all their good and bad times with me! We are all one and we will pull each other from this phase too!!

I also salute to all those fighters fighting their way through this epidemic be it the 5% people working in government offices to handle the load of the entire state, the nurses and ward boys who have been constantly working with us, the media people, the drivers, the police and entire Government – specially for the quick actions taken by our CM Shri Uddhav Thackeray, Health Minister Shri Rajesh Tope and our beloved PM Shri Narendra Modi.

We are working – you stay at home!!

 

Lots of love and thankfulness to all of you!!

From a “Responsible citizen to Another Responsible Citizen!!”

Educating Footpaths!!!

“In learning you will teach and in teaching you will learn!”

Feels proud to share with you small efforts taken by my friends towards a better tomorrow. Under the Hope House, we all gathered as per our convenience and free time to teach the children on the footpaths. The ones who are less privileged and cannot afford schooling were taught to be a part of the civilized society. Experience of which was beyond imaginations. The smile on their faces and the eagerness to learn new things was something that made our Sundays much brighter and better! It was much memorable Sunday then simply spending it on Netflix series or at a theatre. We could feel the smiles connect and heart dance in happiness when the little things we did made up the day to the innocent kids.

All in their wee morning moods were surprised that they were gonna learn something new! All were inquisitive and curious about getting aware about formal education through open schools. Kids out were all from slum areas, living in open, some picking up rags and a few others just making a living by cleaning the cars or polishing the shoes!

The way they clinged us and sat down to learn made us really believe in the thought that “One child, One Book, one teacher, one pen and few thoughts can make miracles happen!!”

I thank Pranav, Sairaj and the entire team to promote such activities and make world a better place to live in! Friends try reaching to such foundations or NGOs in your free time, you need not help financially, instead you can simply give in your time – because that can be biggest donation in today’s time!!!

Smile and spread smiles

Why kites fly on Sankrant!?!

The first festival of the calendar year 2020 is here!!

So, here is a question that I asked my mumma and the answer to which amazed me!! On to the early morning walks, which were more of a reason to talk about life to Mom I asked her… Maa, why do we fly kites on this festival and what is the significance? Like we could have even thought of some other ways to celebrate the festival as we traditionally do! Either just making sweet, taking a bath early morning, going to a temple and then having sweet in the dish!!

And then, we just took a seat on the bench where the senior citizens had made their early morning news reporting spot, what she answered was like, it made me realize that our ancestors who had the concept of these festivals were actually genius. Their thought process was much far sighted then ours and sorted enough to have good reasons for everything!! They thought better than the best computerised planners in the generation where even simple machines were not a routine!

She continued saying as I was making myself comfortable on the bench!! Makar Sankranti marks the end of winter season and start of the spring season! The sun starts moving and the chilly mornings now change to warmer ones!! Winters are seasons where we usually have an unhealthy lifestyle, most of the times we tend getting up late because of cold floor that gets us goose bumps to walk upon and now that the festival marks end of the freezing mornings, flying kites not only gets the sky go colourful and kids cheerful it also gives us an good exposure to the morning sunlight which is rich source of Vitamin D making our bones stronger! (and I was like, now I get the reason as to why our brains are so much in demand!! Because we think way ahead and way smart!! Though the festival is not only celebrated in India!!) The next answer was why sesame sweets (til papdi) is that sesame seeds have a property which helps the body keeping warm and also provides enough oil to moisture the skin which has been dry due to the chills of winter!!

So, this Sankranti celebrate the festival knowing the reason behind every small thing you do!! And let your friends and kids know why and how of everything!!

Take Sweet and Talk Sweet – HAPPY SANKRANTI TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES

Happy New Year 2K20!

 A gift-wrapped box having 12 months… more than 50 weeks and 365 new chances to make better mistakes!!

New year Resolutions! New year Goals! New year – this and new year that!! So many plans on day one and not to anyone’s surprise its hardly 5-6% that stays till the year end! A few might break tomorrow morning – because winter mornings are better in the cozy blanket then the gym!!

What are my new year plans!? Resolutions!? Goals!?

Its as complicated as simplest thing…

But then would love to share the foundation of my plans for myself this here! May be ones without any plans do get one – So 2020 is not only start of new year but also start of new decade!

What I have figured out after being on this planet earth for a more than 2 decades now and seeing the century change from 1900’s to 2000’s!!! (Oh wow! It sounds so matured – which of course is just a fake candid writing – if such term exists for writers!)

Give in your 100% in everything – not only happy things but also things which make you sad! (shocked – but then yeah that’s it!) When you laugh with all your muscles getting stretched and you rolling on the floor why can’t you cry out as loud as you throw out all the discontent!? Why is that only your pillow knows that you cry or the washroom tap hides your weeping sound! Enjoy crying as well! (I know new year – first day – and its so very depressing to speak about the tears stuff! But then come on we can face it right!?) I will be myself this year – I will make myself a better me! I don’t want perfection at first sight but I promise myself to make better mistakes and learn out of it! If I take up a task, I put in the best efforts to complete it in the best possible way I could do that!

 

And the next and last thing thought is – be the hope! Be human!! Feel for people and not for machines! Drop by drop fills a mighty ocean! And so is the race of humanity – let it start from small efforts and make world a better place to be in!

 

Rest – goals for the year are always high – be a better professional, exercise daily! Do this and do that! But then that’s on everyone’s list! This was somethings that I found unique on first page of my diary! Do share if you have something happening like this! You never know who gets inspired by you!!

 

Plan your plans

“Always be careful of where you run to. When the going gets tough, take it easy and slow down, else you venture into the den of lions.” Just wait and take time to observe what the nature has to tell you. Everything need not be perfectly as per your plan everytime but yeah you cannot blindly step into things without plan at any time!!! Before taking a giant leap just stop to notice that what and how the small steps taken will help you to stand out better and brighter. Take every step cautiously be it in terms of academics, social, personal or any other genre.

“Don’t ever step in the market unprepared and unplanned

Make it a point to give your best shot, with proper plan and preparations

You might be slow to reach your goal, but definitely you will stay there longer and stronger”