Balancing Love and Life..........Really?

At 22, I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions. Love had swept me off my feet, and every moment with my partner felt like a dream come true. It was a wonderful stage in my life, and nothing else seemed to matter - not studies, not career, not personal growth. I was on cloud nine.

But amidst this euphoria, I began to feel a deep sense of confusion. My older cousins, who had always been my guiding lights, sat me down one day. They shared stories of their own journeys, stories of how they balanced love and ambition, dreams and relationships.

One of my cousins told me about her friend, Priya, who pursued her career passionately alongside a loving relationship. Priya showed me that it's possible to chase your dreams without letting go of the person you love.

Another cousin, Neha, talked about how she and her husband supported each other's aspirations. They shared household responsibilities and took equal part in raising their family while pursuing their individual goals.

These stories resonated with me, and I realized that my cousins were right. Why should women in India, or anywhere else, for that matter, let go of their dreams for the sake of love? Men don't abandon their studies or careers when they fall in love; they find balance.

I understood that achieving emotional balance was the key to finding clarity in my life. It was possible to cherish love while continuing to pursue personal growth. My heart could soar in love, but my dreams and ambitions could thrive alongside it.

I decided to work on achieving this balance in my life. It was a journey filled with self-discovery, learning, and growth. Love was beautiful, but so were my dreams. I wanted to be like Priya and Neha, building a life that embraced both love and ambition, where my heart was full, and my aspirations were soaring.

My Journey from Rural Odisha to Becoming a Nursery Teacher

I was born in a small village in rural Odisha, India. Growing up, I attended a state school and studied hard, especially history, which fascinated me. After completing my graduation in History, I found myself at a crossroads. I had a degree, but I lacked the skills needed to secure a job in the competitive world beyond my village.

Life was tough. I wasn't unskilled, but I wasn't skilled enough for the job market either. I needed a path forward, a way to make myself more employable.

One day, it hit me like a ray of sunshine - academic studies and a degree were just the beginning. I needed practical skills that could make me job-ready. That's when I decided to focus on nursery teacher training.

However, there was a hurdle I had to overcome. To land a job in a good school, I had to improve my English skills. My spoken English was hesitant, and I needed to change that.

Rediscovering Fun in My Late Thirties: A Housewife's Journey

Life in my late thirties, as a housewife in a tier 2 town in India, has its routine moments. But I've discovered that it's never too late to infuse some fun into my days.

Morning Routines Turned Adventure: Each morning, I used to wake up to the same old routine - cooking, cleaning, and managing the household. But one day, I decided to change things up. Instead of hurriedly making breakfast, I put on some music. As I danced around the kitchen, flipping dosas and stirring chai, I realized that even the simplest tasks could be fun with the right attitude.

Unleashing My Inner Artist: I've always loved art, but life's responsibilities often took center stage. One afternoon, I dug out my old sketchbook and colored pencils. The joy of creating something beautiful, even if it was just a simple drawing, reminded me that fun could be found in rediscovering forgotten passions.

Exploring New Hobbies: To add more excitement to my routine, I decided to try something entirely new. Yoga and meditation classes became my weekly escape. The feeling of stretching my body and mind in new ways gave me a fresh perspective on life.

Connectivity and Virtual Adventures: Living in a tier 2 town doesn't mean I can't explore the world. With the internet, I embarked on virtual adventures. I joined online book clubs, attended webinars on topics I'm passionate about, and even took virtual tours of museums worldwide.

Quality Time with Loved Ones: I realized that fun doesn't have to be a solo endeavor. Spending quality time with my family, playing board games, or simply going for evening walks, brought us closer together and added a touch of joy to our lives.

Life as a housewife in my late thirties doesn't have to be mundane. I've learned that fun can be found in the everyday, in rediscovering passions, trying new things, and cherishing the moments with loved ones. It's never too late to infuse life with a little excitement and rediscover the joy of living.

Finding My Purpose: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Hey there! I want to share a bit about my personal journey in discovering my purpose in life. It wasn't always easy, and for the longest time, I felt like I was stumbling in the dark, trying to figure out who I truly was.

I grew up in a family with strong values and beliefs. While these values were important, they sometimes overshadowed my own identity. I found myself conforming to their expectations and beliefs without fully understanding what I wanted.

It was during this phase of my life that I realized I needed something more. I yearned for a purpose that extended beyond my immediate self-interest. I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, to leave a mark that wasn't just about accumulating wealth or personal success.

One of the turning points for me was when I started working with underprivileged children. Their smiles, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their boundless potential opened my eyes. It was in those moments of teaching and learning from them that I began to sense my purpose taking shape. I wanted to be a source of support and inspiration for these young souls, to help them build better lives.

The values of love and respect became my guiding principles. I realized that success, as defined by society, was not my ultimate goal. Instead, I remembered a saying by The Mother of the Pondicherry Ashram: "Success is for your own progress, not for society." These words resonated with me deeply.

My purpose became clear: I wanted to lead a life driven by love, respect, and the desire to uplift those around me, especially those less fortunate. I understood that true success was not measured by material wealth, but by the positive impact I could make on the lives of others.

Today, I am on a path that aligns with my purpose. I still face challenges and moments of doubt, but I hold onto the belief that by living a life guided by love and respect, I am not only making progress for myself but also contributing to the betterment of society. And in that journey, I have found the sense of purpose I had been searching for all along.

अंग्रेजी क्यों सीखनी चाहिए

कुछ भी सीखने के फायदे हैं। अंग्रेजी भाषा दुनिया के लगभग हर देश में दूसरी भाषा के रूप में सिखाई जाती है क्योंकि विज्ञान और technology की भाषा तो अंग्रेजी ही है। इन शब्दों पर गौर कीजिए। कंप्यूटर, लैपटॉप, माउस, यूएसबी,मोबाइल, ट्रेन टाइम बुलेट लेन एक्सप्रेस सर्किट बोर्ड मॉनिटर केबल वॉइस रिकॉर्डर, एप। ये शब्द अंग्रेजी से सीधे दूसरी भाषाओं में आ गए हैं और दूसरी भाषाओं में इनके समकक्ष बनाए जाएं तो वह चलन में नहीं आ पाएंगे। एक होती है बोलचाल और स्थानीय संवाद की भाषा और एक होती है विज्ञान की भाषा संवाद के लिए अपनी भाषाएं इस्तेमाल होती रहेंगी उनका स्थान कोई नहीं ले सकता ।अंग्रेजी आधुनिक ज्ञान की भाषा है जैसे प्राचीन समय में संस्कृत, लेटिन, ग्रीक और फारसी को यह दर्जा प्राप्त था। अंग्रेजी सीखने में बहुत फायदा है।

आप अपना डर्ज़ा एक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय नागरिक का कर लेते हैं..

चाहे आप दूसरे देश में पढ़ना चाहते हों.. या नौकरी करना चाहते हो.. अंग्रेजी आपकी भाषा होगी।

अगर आप आसान से इंटरनेट पर कुछ लिखना या समझना चाहते हैं तो अंग्रेजी आपकी भाषा होगी..

बहुत सारे लोग तक अपनी बात पछूचन्नी हो तो अंग्रेजी आम भाषा है और अंग्रेजी मज़ेदार हैं.. सीखने में आसान हैं और हमारे चारों तरफ़ हैं.. हम आसान से सीख सकते हैं..

Embracing My Path: Beyond the Pressure to Marry

Hello, I am Anisha, and I'm 29 years old. In my world, where I come from, there's often a lot of pressure on women my age to get married. It's like society expects marriage to be the magic door to the next stage of life, as if it's the only way to start a new chapter.

Finding Beauty in Simplicity: My Journey to a More Authentic Life

Hello, I am Lata, an Indian homemaker, and I want to share something important with you today. You see, in our fast-paced world, we often believe that learning new skills, taking on more tasks, and staying busy will lead us to a beautiful life. But I've learned that sometimes, less is more.

One day, I found myself overwhelmed with chores, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to keep up with everyone around me. I thought I was on the path to a beautiful life, but I was drowning in stress. That's when I realized that constantly doing more doesn't always equal happiness.

I decided to make a change. Instead of piling on more tasks, I started taking breaks. I found joy in simple moments like sipping chai on my balcony, watching the sunrise, or spending quality time with my family. These moments allowed me to rest, pause, and reflect.

I understood that creating a beautiful life isn't about being the busiest person in the room; it's about understanding ourselves better and aligning our actions with our values. For me, that meant nurturing my creativity through painting and spending more time in nature, which had always brought me peace.

Every day, I take a step back from the hustle and bustle to nurture my inner self. It's like tending to a garden. By focusing on what truly matters to me, I've built a more authentic life in tune with my values.

So, my dear friends, remember that life isn't just about doing more. Sometimes, it's about doing less and finding beauty in simplicity. Take a break, pause, and reflect on what truly matters to you. That's the path to a truly beautiful life.

My Journey to Health

Breaking Up with Unhealthy Eating

Hey, I am Rahul, and I want to share my story with you. For a long time, I had a love affair with junk food. Chips, chocolates, and all sorts of bakery delights were my daily companions. I thought I could eat anything without consequences, but boy, was I wrong!

Maida, sugar, and low-quality oils became my best buddies. samosas, namkeen, mathri-you name it, I devoured it. At first, my taste buds danced with joy, but slowly, my body started sending signals that something wasn't right.

Digestive issues plagued me. I felt sluggish, uncomfortable, and downright unwell. It was time for a change. I decided to consult a doctor and embark on the path of health.

Here are five things I learned not to eat for a healthier life:

Refined Flour (Maida): Maida lacks essential nutrients and fiber, and it can wreak havoc on your digestive system.

Sugar: Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. Cutting down on sugar was tough but worth it.

Hydrogenated Oils: These unhealthy fats can raise bad cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Opt for healthier cooking oils like olive or coconut oil.

Bakery Items: Many bakery products are loaded with sugar, Maida, and unhealthy fats. They may taste delicious, but they harm your health in the long run.

Processed Packaged Ready-to-Eat Food: These convenience foods are often packed with preservatives, sodium, and artificial additives. They offer little nutrition and can harm your overall well-being.

My Journey

The journey is worth it

English is a Connecting Language in India

A few months ago, I visited Meghalaya which is one of the beautiful northeastern states of India. When I landed there and wanted to communicate with the locals, I realised that most of the locals, understood English. Whether it was a small tea stall owner, a cab driver, or a boatman everybody astonished me with their ability to communicate in English .

I realised that English serves as a connecting language in India due to its linguistic and cultural diversity. India is a multilingual country with hundreds of languages spoken across its regions. While Hindi is the official language of the Indian government, English holds a special status as an associate official language. Here's why English plays a crucial role as a connecting language in India:

Linguistic Diversity: India is home to numerous languages and dialects. Each state in India may have its own official language, and people often speak their regional languages at home. But English acts as a neutral means of communication that bridges the gap between speakers of different native languages.

Education: English is the medium of instruction in many prestigious Indian schools and universities. Proficiency in English is often considered a key factor in accessing quality education and pursuing higher studies, including international opportunities.

Business and Trade: English is the language of business in India. It is used extensively in corporate offices, trade agreements, and multinational companies operating in the country. English is also required for many job positions, especially in the IT and service sectors.

Government and Administration: While Hindi is the official language of the central government, English is also used extensively in government documents, legislation, and official communication.

Media and Entertainment: Many Indian newspapers, magazines, television channels, and websites provide content in English. English movies and music also have a significant presence in the Indian entertainment industry.

Urban Centres: In major Indian cities and urban areas, English is used as a common language for day-to-day communication. It is commonly spoken in offices, schools, and social settings, making it a practical language for urban life.

International Communication: English allows Indians to engage more effectively in international diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.

Migration and Mobility: English proficiency is a prerequisite for Indians seeking to work or study abroad.

Be Yourself, Express Yourself, and Have Faith in Yourself.

"I Love You" is a very strong sentiment that describes all feelings. Actions are often more expressive than speech, and can convey messages with utmost sincerity:

Acts of Kindness: Preparing breakfast in bed, doing chores, or leaving sweet notes; these gestures speak volumes of affection.

Quality Time: Spending undivided time together, and engaging in shared interests, reflects a deep emotional connection.

Support in Tough Times: Offering a shoulder to lean on during hardships silently communicates unwavering love and care.

Listening Intently: Paying attention and actively listening demonstrates genuine concern and emotional investment.

Surprise Gestures: Planning surprises, be it a candlelit dinner or a thoughtful gift, reveals love's essence without words.

Physical Affection: Hugs, kisses, and cuddles effortlessly translate emotions that words sometimes struggle to express.

Respect and Understanding: Acknowledging each other's feelings and perspectives showcases a love rooted in respect.

Shared Dreams: Working towards common goals and dreams demonstrates unity and shared commitment.

Apologizing and Forgiving: Making amends and forgiving displays an enduring bond that values harmony.

Empathy and Care: Being considerate of each other's emotions showcases love's ability to empathize.

"I Love You" isn't limited to vocal expressions. Actions amplify their meaning, echoing love's authenticity through thoughtful deeds that deeply touch the heart. Always be yourself, express yourself, and have faith in youeself.

English Star -My Icebreaker

मैं नए भारत की एक लड़की हूं और मैं चाहती हूं कि हम पश्चिम की नकल न करें, बल्कि सभी संस्कृतियों से अच्छी बातें सीखें। मुझे यहां वह सबसे अच्छा मिलना है जो सभी कौनों से सिख सकती हूं।

मेरी प्रमुख ख्वाहिश है कि मैं अपने माता-पिता को गर्वित कर सकूं और खुद को वो स्थिति प्राप्त कर सकूं जहां मैं स्वतंत्र और सुखमय महसूस करती हूं।

मुझे करियर करने का शौक है, लेकिन मैं चाहती हूं कि मुझे किसी को कुछ सिद्ध करने की प्रमाणित करने की आवश्यकता न हो। मैं हर दिन सीखना और प्रगति करना चाहती हूं।

What is a Helicopter Parent

Helicopter parenting refers to a style of parenting where caregivers aka parents or guardians, are highly involved in their child's life. This parenting style often stems from well-intentioned concerns for the child's safety and success but can have some negative consequences.

Key characteristics of helicopter parenting include:

Excessive involvement:
Helicopter parents are deeply involved in their children's daily activities, including schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social lives.

Overprotection:
These parents tend to shield their children from potential risks or disappointments. They may intervene to prevent their child from experiencing failure, disappointment, or adversity.

Constant supervision:
Helicopter parents closely monitor their children, sometimes to the point of invading their privacy. This may involve checking their text messages, emails, or online activity.

Decision-making control:
Helicopter parents often make decisions for their children rather than allowing them to make choices and learn from the consequences. This can hinder the development of decision-making skills and independence.

Lack of autonomy:
Children of helicopter parents may struggle to develop independence and self-reliance because their parents have been so involved in their lives.

Anxiety and stress:
While helicopter parents may have good intentions, their constant hovering and overprotective behaviour can lead to increased anxiety and stress for their children. It may also strain the parent-child relationship.

A balanced approach to parenting, which allows children some independence and the opportunity to learn from their own experiences, is considered more beneficial for a child's long-term development.

Creating a Ladies Nice Things Account: Prioritizing Our Growth

Ladies, have you ever noticed how we often put others' needs before our own? We happily spend money on our children's classes, dinners for our husbands, and gifts for our families. But when it comes to ourselves, we hesitate. It's like we're programmed to think that spending on our personal growth is a luxury we can't afford.

My Journey Towards Holistic Health

Getting fit has been quite a journey for me. You see, being fit is like having a shiny badge of honor nowadays. You can't buy it with money; it's all about dedication and hard work. It means you're disciplined and committed to your own well-being. It's like saying, "I've got this!" And that's cool!

But let me tell you, it wasn't easy. I struggled. At times, I felt like giving up. But I knew that a fit body is not just about looks; it's about feeling good inside and out. It's about being healthy in every way - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Top 10 Tips for Teenage Parenting

Parenting is challenging, whether it's for a new-born, toddler, or teenager. However, I feel teenagers require the most delicate handling. Teenagers undergo significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. If you are a parent of a teenager, here are the top 10 tips to help you navigate this stage of parenting.

Maintain Open Communication:
Keep the lines of communication open with your teenager. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings without being judgemental. Listen to them actively.

Respect Their Independence:
Teenagers or young adults crave independence. Encourage them to make decisions and solve problems on their own. Offer guidance and support when needed, but allow them to learn from their mistakes.

Be a Positive Role Model:
Actions speak louder than words. Model your behaviour on the values you want your teenage children to adopt t. Show them how to handle stress, conflict, and challenges with maturity and patience.

Encourage Healthy Habits:
Promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

Indian Middle-Class Women & Their Un-noticed Loneliness

Painting by Pradip Goswami

I have a beautiful daughter, a very cooperative family, a caring husband, and a wonderful job. I live in a joint family. Everyone says that I have everything for which I should be happy. Of course! I am happy. But in spite of all, there is something that bothers me every day. The loneliness that I am dealing with is draining my passion and motivation.

In the fast-paced world of modern India, the hectic careers and demanding routines have unintentionally given rise to a concerning issue - the loneliness experienced by middle-class women. We as women, traditionally responsible for nurturing the family, often find ourselves isolated as the world around us speeds ahead.

In order to achieve careers and personal ambitions, the role of homemakers is often overlooked. Though we are the spine of our families, many times we grapple with feelings of emptiness. We are so engrossed with the duties towards our families, caring for the family - that the same become the sources of isolation as most women go unnoticed and uncelebrated.

The transformation of our society towards a modern lifestyle has left many Indian middle-class women disconnected from social circles. In this English-speaking world, though we are going out for our jobs and other work, there is an absence of meaningful interactions outside, because many times we feel that language is a barrier. The lack of opportunities to nurture our passions leads to feelings of confinement.

As a potential solution, it's important to acknowledge and address this issue. Families and society must recognize the value of women's contributions, both within and beyond the household. Encouraging women to pursue interests, connect with peers, or even engage in work and studies can reignite a sense of purpose and belonging.

I myself was going through this unnoticed loneliness. In spite of a very bright career that I was pursuing before motherhood, many times, I felt as if I was lagging behind and would not be able to match the pace with the fast-running lives of the modern world. I always fulfilled all my duties towards my family as a caregiver, nurturing mother, and a beautiful wife.

But many times, when I sat with my cup of tea, I used to wonder, am I only a homemaker? What were my aspirations? What were my dreams? I started to rework my personality, to reach my dreams. I started going out and interacting with people. I tried to take time for myself, to groom my inner self.