Making Most and More of Life
Quarantine. Lockdown. Pandemic
A sinister and a never before experienced phase of our life. A strange time where we are imprisoned in our own house. But as we have always heard people say, the show must go on. And life does move on. Whether you utilise your days constructively or while away your precious time, it’s totally up to you.
The best thing about time is that it’s like a flowing river. Standing in one place your feet will never feel the same water twice. It’s always new. Similarly, time also passes by, making way for the new moments. Life is made up of these big and small moments. Let’s make the most and more out of what is left to live.
You will agree with me that life is not a long glad Psalm. It’s a journey which has many roadblocks. We face obstacles and challenges at every turn. But these setbacks should not disappoint you or frustrate you. Learn from your mistakes and bad experiences. Try again.
Honesty is a virtue which ripes it’s fruits in the future. Be honest, not only with others but with yourself also. My granny used to say,
“If you want a good night’s sleep, keep your conscience clear.”
I also like Sir Walter Scott’s famous words.
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
Your growth, happiness and respect depends a great deal on how honest you are. Understand that dishonesty is a road to loneliness.
Change is the only constant thing in our lives. Be flexible, have the willingness to bow and to bend. If we are stubborn or rigid with our beliefs and attitudes, they only bring us sorrow. Be open to new ideas and practices. You never know, it might prove beneficial and unfurl better opportunities in life.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Learn a new skill, upgrade yourself. You’ll be surprised how deeply satisfied you feel when you learn something new. Like in this quarantine, apart from writing, I took to sketching. I may not be wow at it. But it’s a start. And I’m definitely practicing to become better.
I wish to add a point here related to the above. As a teacher I feel it’s extremely important to be a student all your life. Always be enthusiastic to learn. From whomever it might be. Young or old, anybody. Everyone who comes in our lives, teaches us a lesson, however big or small.
Set realistic and achievable goals. Don’t simply dream big for the heck of it. Ask yourself. Will I be able to reach it? Do I have the potential for it? If yes, great! If not, there’s no harm in changing directions. Go for what you are good at and that which will bring a positive change in your life. Invest your time and energy in things that really matter.
Gratitude. Feeling thankful for all that we have. Looks, talent, necessities. We’ve taken them for granted. But actually speaking, each thing in our life is a blessing.
Whether you are young or old, healthy or sick. Life is short and our days are numbered. Dig deep within you and find the objective of your life and live to fulfill it.
Remember?
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!” Enjoy life.
Take a mini vacation or hit the spa or the gym and pamper yourself. The biggest gift you can give yourself is your own time. It’s wonderful to sometimes live for yourself, away from obligations.
I’ve learnt one thing. Family, friends and music. These are boosters and have the capacity to lift us up from the most dreary situations.
Forgive me for being a little bashful, but I have to tell you this. Today when I told my hubby that this week my topic for motivational article is,
“Making Most and More of Life.”
Without looking my way, he simply commented in three words,
“Put your name.”
Shamim Merchant
