Stop Moaning and Start Grooving !

In 2000, I moved to Canada with dreams that were shattered by the reality of life here. My career was being gnawed at even before it started. With so many scruples with life and career, I was ready to packs my bags and do a U-Turn and move to Dubai or Mumbai (if any of them would have me). My wife Suzanne, was patient through these times and provided any motivation to carry on. She even bought a frying pan to hit me on the head should this have gone too far..just kidding..she did buy a frying pan for real ! Then one fateful evening, while sipping a caramel mocha latte at Starbucks at Chapters (now Indigo), Suzanne introduced me to an author I never heard before. His name, Anthony Robbins and the book was "Awaken the Giant Within". From then, it was no stopping me.
 
A long story made short, I have summarised what works for me and in no means is a teaching aid.
 
1. Surround myself with positive company - "Seek and you shall find" I followed this mantra and have a found positive people. They are encouraging always pushing to you do your best. I avoid fruitless conversations like the local gossip, though I must admit sometimes the latter is tempting, but fruitless nonetheless. I too can be a victim of the "misery loves company" jamboree, but tend to move away fast. Now I make a joke of when people ask me how my life is..I just say "miserable". I keep the jealous ones happy and the ones who really do not care happy too.

2. Got my spouse involved - In this case, help is never too far. She is here when I need her support to stay on track. It's with Suzanne's help and confidence that I continue to make/measure my strides.

3. Stay Educated - Books, yes Books ! There is not a question in the world that has not been a addressed in a book. I cheat a bit, by listening to audio books. Time is precious when you have a kid(s), so audio books are a fast track in my craving for knowledge. Do not forget religious texts. There are a plethora of messages and guidance for staying positive. The Holy Bible for me is fantastic source. In addition, I listen to the teachings of Buddhism and lessons from Osho Rajneesh. Great authors, to me, include, Anthony Robbins, Robin Sharma, Sir Richard Branson, Stephen Covey, to name a few. Quotes from the greats like Sir Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, etc. are inspiring as well. The Internet is also a great source for positive learning. Google has been a trusted guide in this day and age of browsing.

4. NO MORE TOXICON - "Toxicon: is a term I use to denote those individuals that will do their best to ensure that one gets hurt with toxic and destructive remarks. They thrive on emotional blackmail and do all of this with a smile. The "Oh, I never meant to hurt you" comment follows, amongst other things. Trust me, this breed stands out in conversation.  When I come in contact with them, to coin a phrase, I "sleep with one eye open". Something just clicked (An even better idea) - Get them off your Facebook page...LOL !!! .

5. Do not get turned off - "You have changed and are not the person you used to be"- How many times have I heard this one. Yes, I have changed, (over 40 ahem!)  accept it and move on.

6. What will they think ? - I used to worry about this a lot, until recently. Then I questioned, Do they worry about me?...Probably not.  So never mind what people think, you cannot stop them. I do what is best for me. Selfish as it seems, for when I am happy, everybody around me will be happy.

7. Help a person in need - Never let the right hand know what the left hand does. Nough said !

8. TIME OUT - A solitary vacation or even a fishing trip is always on the cards. It helps recharge the batteries. It is also a time to connect spiritually with the Supreme being. You ask questions and you get the answers you are looking for. Works every time. Even time out with your family, just doing nothing..aahhh the life !

8. Keep "Chugging" along-  Yes, no matter what the odds and failures, I look to find a positive spin on or how I can benefit from the failed situation or even what lesson the failure has given me. Staying positive is HARD work, but the journey is fantastic.

I am no self-help guru, but do what is needed of me to benefit my wife, son and my loved ones. I invite you on this journey.

P.S - If you have any tips on staying positive, please share them with me. Any advice is encouraging.

Goodbye 2013 and Welcome 2014 !

I could ponder on the bad that plagued 2013, but I chose to dwell on the good times.

Had the in-laws over and that was amazing. 6-months is a long time, one might say to spend with your in-laws but overall, it was wonderful. They assisted us immensely when it came to Elliot, joked around, did a couple of road-trips to the United States...we could not ask for more. When they left, it was back to square one and that square was way too big for us to get used to all over again.

My folks seem done with Canada, or so it seems. They are up in age and the weather is not to their liking. They lived through the horror of a Canadian winter in 2012.  On the warmer side, they love their beach house in the tiny hamlet of Uttan off Mumbai (yes I called it a hamlet :P). Dad is very active helping out at the local church and mum loves her catering. So they are a busy duo with no end in sight. Kudos to them !

Elliot started Montessori with the usual cries that are a part of almost every child going to school the first time. Gotta give him a  break, he is 2 after all. Elliot loves painting and hates noise. Guess, that gives me reason to shut my vocal cords. He is the best gift we could ever have. Children make your life better, which is the case in our lives. I could go on and on, but I can see you sigh already.

Suzanne got back into the workforce with a great company. She loves it, as where she should rightly be. At the helm of it all, managing her team and result-oriented, as always. I actually get to play bashing board of decisions and ideas that churn in her mind.  After being a project Manager on the book "Call Centres for Dummies" I still say she can run her own consulting firm and come out shining.

Me- I just work nights now and that makes me a social outcast and wannabe vampire (minus the blood sucking antics). In addition to also being a Facebook  buff, I have now become Mahjong lover. I rarely do win, but the thought that I would win at the next board gives me hope. I have started reading again...ok, that is not entirely true...I listen to audiobooks at least once a week. Saves me from fines incurred when taking a book from the library that I never seem to finish on time.

The biggest highlight this year was me flying a plane (a Cessna) on my own... like 75% of the time. Someone has to take control of the take-off and landings. It was a thing to do on my bucket list . Why start on a bucket list, you might ask? Simply because time is fleeting and should I wait any longer I would be too old to do anything. We have a whole world to explore and encounter exciting adventures. Some like the relaxed lifestyle while I prefer the adventure. Next on my list is a scuba dive with a friend, most probably in the United Arab Emirates. Why I choose the U.A.E, well, it has been almost 2 decades since I visited friends and family out there. A dive in the Arabian blue sea, a desert Safari, maybe some fast cars... an adventure vacation is just fascinating ! If all else fails, a trip to Europe is definitely not ruled out.

My 2013 ended on an ill note. I got the flu and it is getting better . As for 2014, like I said , I hope to make it a memorable one, keeping in touch regularly and personally with family and friends. Facebook and other social media does help, but there is nothing better that speaking to someone over the phone or even sending a greeting card/letter. Face it, technology is here to help and not take away the human aspect of a relationship.
Also looking forward to the Football World Cup to be held in Brazil (June 12- Jul 13). Samba music , football and beautiful sites (wink)..now that is my kinda world cup !

On that note, from my family to yours, we wish you a very Happy and Prosperous 2014. We wish that joy surrounds you in every aspect of your life. Keep smiling and remember when you face any hardship, do not ponder, just act on it.

Love you all !

Rohan