I had my first epiphany this February

February was life-changing. I had my first epiphany this month. In the first week of February, after hitting another low in life, I wanted to give up everything. But because I'm stubborn, I thought of giving it another try. I wrote what I wanted from life on a piece of paper. Then I did what I do best - I planned. I made a daily routine in which I included the activities to bring me closer to my goals. (By the way, my goals are to have peace of mind, attain happiness in things I have, and live a simple and meaningful life.) And most importantly, I made an effort to delete what was toxic or unnecessary. This is what I changed:
  • I kicked off all the negative and bad influences - people, food, circumstances. I don't log into Facebook as I don't get positive vibes from it. I'm being picky with food and exercising portion control. But the challenge was to kick-off bad circumstances as they are never under our control.  The best way, in my opinion, to deal with a bad circumstance is to face it head-on. Don't try to avoid it. Face it as and when it happens. If you can't find a way to deal with it in real life, deal with it emotionally. Make peace with it - forgive and move on. Don't leave it hanging there. It would disturb you in the future.
  • Rekindle old bonds. In a research on bypass patients, it has been found that those who have faith and social circle, live longer post-surgery. After reading this research, I thought of giving it a try. I reconnected with old friends and relatives. They were very welcoming. I'm bad at remembering dates. I also pledged to remember all birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones of friends and relatives, and congratulate them. To inculcate faith, I started worshipping like I did many years ago. I practice the same rituals minus the expectation. I worship to be at peace with myself, not to please God.
  • My weight issue is unmanageable. It caused a lot of stress. This month I changed my philosophy. I exercise, eat a healthy meal, and meditate - not to lose weight but to form a healthy lifestyle. I don't weigh myself. Whether or not I'm losing weight, I want to imbibe these good habits. Hopefully, I will reach my dream weight one day. I call it 'Not Stress Attached' method!
  • I'm good at multitasking. But I don't multitask now. The problem with multitasking is it takes the fun away. And I don't want to live a mechanical life. If I'm cooking, I want to enjoy it. If I'm watching TV, I want to enjoy it, too. Now, I multitask only when it's absolutely necessary.
  • I try to live in the moment. Brain is a habitual wanderer. You try to sleep and brain wanders off and makes a list of unfinished tasks. You are talking to a friend, it goes off to an imaginary land and thinks of countless replies, none of which you say to your friend. Hence, you don't listen, sleep early or do things the way they should be done. I'm trying to live in the moment - good, bad, ugly. I want to experience the present. My mind wanders off. I try to bring it back. I say 'Excuse me, could you please repeat' and listen to all the conversations. I learned this trick from meditation.
With these, I hope the rest of the year is better. Or at least, now I know how to make it better. On writing front, I wrote/shared the following in February:













The going-away February gift: I'm the first runner-up in Vodafone #CelebratingSuper contest on Indiblogger.


How was your month? What do you think of the changes I made? Any suggestions for improving them?

Comments

  1. Exercise and healthy meal is the way to go about maintaining a healthy self. I am like you I guess. Can't lose a single gram but exercising regularly keeps me fit and I have accepted that for myself. Also, find an accountability partner. One you can report to your progress. Also, on food - I follow the 80-20 rule. I will cheat 20% of the time so it means 1 day a week I can eat junk but in moderation.

    Btw - why did you research the bypass patients? Just curious! I think everyone needs to have a social circle. That keeps us going.

    Another suggestion would be to have a notebook by your bed. Just write small things down there that made you smile over the day. Things like chai, a good conversation, a dress that fits well, a walk etc. I started doing that this 1st Jan and I am loving how even when I miss writing it down, my mind tells me to do it. It's happiness as I see it. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the journal suggestion. I use an app. I will try a notebook now. 80-20 rule is also good. I read somewhere, 'only celebrities can have a celebrity body.' There is so much effort that goes into it. Not to forget, it's their profession. I'm at peace with my body and physical limitations.

      About the research, it was not done by me. It's done by an organization.

      Delete
  2. This is a heartfelt piece you jotted Saru, I connected with every ounce of it my dear, just don’t push yourself too hard on it, be easy and smile. You are a gem of a person, stay like this forever and congrats for the win. I am here too with you, fourth runner up 😄.

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    Replies
    1. Doing just that - taking baby steps at a time. And congratulations on the win. So proud of you.

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  3. Loved these changes that you've shared. I've always maintained exercise to stay fit. Weight is never a parameter of health and you will maintain a healthy weight of you exercise regularly, eat healthy and focus on happiness. Also try meditation everyday. Maybe prayer works as meditation for me. I think as we start aging we often neglect our mental health. About FB, ditto. I don't get positive vibes from it hence hardly spend any time there. I wish you the best, Saru. Knowing you I know you will nail it.

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    1. I meditate. I use Calm. You are right, prayer is a form of meditation for me. It's good not to concentrate on weight and focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for your good wishes, Rachna. BTW, your fitness tweets are inspiring too.

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  4. Saru, that was inspiring -- really. I could take home a few things from here. :)
    Sending some hugs your way.

    Btw, lovely lines. :)

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    Replies
    1. I'm sorry, which lines are lovely? Not clear from your comment.

      And thanks for those hugs. I need them.

      Delete
  5. Well Saru,you are on the right road,keep going :)

    The externals don't matter,what is inside does.

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    1. Well said, ma'am. I'm focusing on the inside these days.

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  6. Totally agree on the weight.. I gave up ages ago so now i jsut do my exercise and eat healthy and not bothered of weight anymore .. :)

    and toally agree too on you pray to be at peace with yourself .. GOD is already at peace..

    All the best Mam alwayssssssssssssss

    Bikram's

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    Replies
    1. This philosophy is better than stressing over weight and other things. Be a peace. Use whichever method suits you.

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  7. Little girls with big dreams become remarkable women! Feels so warm to read your quotes. Rekindling old bonds does make a difference. When you come back to this post after twenty years, you are going to love yourself more than ever. Congratulations, how often I see your name and winning entries in the contest wins!

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    Replies
    1. I hope so. I hope I truly grow up the way I want - graceful and at peace with whatever I've.

      Congratulations to you, too. I can say the same for you. You are always in the winner's list. And it such a good feeling to see your friends there. Wish you more.

      Delete
  8. I am a big fan :) You deserve the win... Congrats!

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  9. Congratulations :).
    Well said.
    I think I read it at the right time.Negativity around you make you so negative. I was wasting so much of my time I realized.I know sometimes it happens.
    And yes you are so correct little girls with big dreams make remarkable women.
    Let me work towards becoming one by focusing on the positives :).


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Remember how I always say what we speak for 30 minutes is in our mind for at least a month. Who would want negative thoughts for that long? Staying away from negative people is the best alternative. There is so many beautiful things out there. I'd rather focus on them.

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  10. I liked this one bit particularly: the focus is not on losing weight, but in being healthy. I think that is very important.
    Besides doing all the right things like, right diet and other lifestyle habits, It's also important to have faith in oneself, not to worry. Because the more one worries, more miseries will pile up.

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  11. Beautiful words. Liked each of it. Going to sleep with your beautiful lines. So deep is the meaning and emotions. I absolutely agree with you on the point of multitasking. We should enjoy one thing at a time otherwise everything in life becomes mechanical. Great article!

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  12. Saru! You are doing the right things to grow, connect with old friends, flush out negative people, live in the moment to overcome wandering thoughts. I know a thing or two about it. I love your poem about going back to our favorite cities because of connection. It's so me. I can identify with the entire reflection.

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    1. I know your love for Pune. I sense that in your writing.
      And I'm trying to live a meaningful life. The changes are bringing postive energy.

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    2. Meaningful changes is what makes us a complete person. I strive to do the same. Sometimes, I do well and while several occasions, I fail. I pick up the thread and walk to overcome the minuses. Being aware is a beautiful thing, Saru. Pune is pure bliss.

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    3. I agree. Knowing what is wrong or what needs to be changed is half the battle. And for that we need to listen to our body, heart, and mind. They give us all the signs.

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  13. It's always important to kick away any kind of bad influences and if that maybe social media so be it. Whether we say it or not, social media has made us wonder what kind of crazy lives we are living. It has created something of a needless competition between individuals.

    Rekindling old bonds with friends and family is always pleasurable. Its great to connect and remember those times gone by. Honestly, its more important to have a healthy and fit lifestyle. The weight and fat will automatically fall into place.

    All your poetry and hashtag stories and couplets are nothing but beautiful. Congratulations for your Vodafone win. That post was so informative for sure :).

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  14. There always something to learn and emulate in your posts. Although I come here for reading bliss but I always take back lessons home. I m glad I read you.

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  15. Aapki likhi hui har baat dil pe lagti hai

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