Most of us find that the grass is greener on the other side. If you watch closely, you will find that you are in the midst of opportunities and the best of talented people. Only we have been too busy to look closely and appreciate or we are unaware and going on our own journey so fast that we are always too preoccupied to 'see' anything new and beautiful.
To learn, we first have to drop our preconceived notions. We have to empty our cup of mind to fill in new ideas. We have to see from different perspectives to understand what the other person is suggesting. To explain simply, we have joy inside us while we keep looking for it outside in the form of parties and holidays. We seldom sit with our own selves while we keep calling others for interaction!
Little moments have to be enjoyed for a more fulfilling life. But in reality, we keep missing these and focus on the larger picture! You do not appreciate the little chores your wife does for you, you do not thank the little boy who brings tea for you in office, you just passed by the most beautiful flower as you were rushing for office and you seemed not to bother to say 'goodbye' when the little hand waved at you... and you think you are working hard for your family!
My friend Reema's mother has come to visit them after a couple of years. Since Reema returns from her school late in the afternoon, she has a much needed nap till 6.00 O'clock in the evening. When her husband returns from office, they go out for marketing etc. Imagine how much time she is spending with her own mother! Can these golden moments be brought back when after some years the young couple realize their folly. Take out time to sit and converse with your near and dear ones. Remember, you will never be totally free in your life --- even after you retire!
When we landed in Jamshedpur, the steel city of India, from day one I could not stop appreciating the place for its greenery, the state-of-the-art stadiums, wonderful hospital for employees where they could avail of medical treatment free of cost, planned roads and the legendary figure of JRD Tata behind the very making of Jamshedpur. I was in awe and gratitude for what JRD Tata had gifted to the people here --- the steel factory, educational institutions and an extremely good standard of living and sanitation. When you are in gratitude for what you have, you are given more, you are blessed more.
Don't be Oblivious of your Diamond!
Look around, look well. There are any number of opportunities waiting for you --- from helping others to thanking others, from elevating spirits to doing good work just where you are sitting right now. Avail of these opportunities and see yourself growing in stature as well as in joy. It is in giving that you receive. It is in loving that you are loved.
Big things get done when the little things are taken care of. Slog the small stuff to make a big impact! One of our neighbours was habituated to finding fault with everything wherever he went. He has changed 3 places in three years and has also spent a handsome amount for moving from one place to another. Count your blessings always. Make it a point to lay your eyes on the good that is present and be thankful for it.
Mr. Mehta was not very highly qualified. However, he made it a point to keep updating himself and kept learning. He attended evening college, correspondence courses etc. and kept on adding to his educational qualifications. He stuck to one place and found out ways to shine where he lived and worked. Today, he owns a big house and has a good bank balance. He did not waste much time and money moving from one place to another.
Your Thoughts make your Life
Travelling to a very famous shrine, when I gave alms to a beggar which fell short of what he had expected, he started hurling abuses at me! I got terrified and perturbed by his rebukes. Sitting in the famous religious place was not enough to learn to think well. You had to imbibe the goodness of the place and be open to learn spirituality for right thinking and a loving life. The beggar had learnt neither.
My grand ma told me a story about two ladies --- a house wife and a prostitute living close by. The prostitute looked towards the family and always wondered how happily they must be living, how the lady was fortunate enough to cook for her husband and have her own kids... The house wife had wandering thoughts about what beautiful dresses the prostitute wore, how she entertained her customers and what a carefree life she was living...When they died, the prostitute went to heaven and the housewife was put into hell! The reason was that though the prostitute was placed in adverse circumstances, her thoughts were pure. She appreciated a pure and loving life!
We too are what our thoughts have made of us. This is why you must have heard about how so many people have been able to heal themselves through right and positive thoughts, meditation and exercise. We are all magnets and are attracting into our lives what we visualize and bring forth in our thoughts first!
My book 'Cancer to Cure' was not approved by any publisher. However, I always visualized that it was in my hands in paperback form and I was gifting it to my mother who was eagerly awaiting to receive and read it in print form. Today, her dream has turned into reality! What's more, my second book is awaiting publication! Thoughts become reality and trust me it is true.
Bloom where you are Planted!
Instead of trying to make happiness a onetime affair during summer vacations when you travel out of station, make it a routine affair. This is what you are working for! Your life must have smiles, laughter, happiness and joy 24x7. For this, you have to recognize the diamond moments scattered all around you. Seize them and enjoy them --- gift flowers to bring that glittering smile on someone's face, appreciate good work of others, say 'thank you' next time for every small deed any one does for you. In short, be kind and be good and the diamond of joy is yours. Thank you!
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