Sponge Vs Doormat

Sponge Vs Doormat 

“Enough! I have had enough! Everyone throws their garbage on me and treat me like a doormat. I am always at the receiving end. Why, it’s always me?” My childhood friend nearly screamed as she barged into my office walking in a fast stride, hands clenched in fists and hitting against one another. She swayed up and down the room with infinite wrinkles on her forehead and lips seldom getting a chance for approximation. I sat calmly in my office chair and observed her.  Words were coming out at a tsunami speed which made her speech incoherent.  I knew I had lost her somewhere in the beginning itself. I pointed my finger towards the chair and tilted my head, urging her  to sit down and focus on her breathing. 

Offering her a glass of water, I just closed my eyes and nodded. This seemed to have a soothing effect on her. Deep in her heart, she knew I had understood what she was trying to convey, she felt relieved. We sat in silence for some time. She seemed to calm down and rested her head against the head rest of the chair and said, “Let’s have tea and salted cracker biscuits.” Tea ordered, soon we were sipping tea. Silence prevailed except for few crunchy noise of biscuits. Seeing her relaxed forehead, I took the lead and said,” Since when did human beings started becoming doormats?” 

My friend’s lips curved into smile as she remarked, “You find this amusing! Isn’t it ?” “Obviously no,” came my prompt reply. I continued, “Do you remember my favorite quote -Word is our world? Let’s do some practical work. Think, you are sponge. You absorb all their negativity (their means your family), then you squeeze yourself to let go of everything and come back to your original form- all clean, fresh and soft. Important is timely squeeze to release all negativity and energy draining thoughts. You are blessed with immense power to absorb and remove your family’s anger, dissatisfaction and tantrums. You are helping in their cleansing too.” 

Suddenly, there was a loud laugh. She put her teacup down and got up. “Thanks buddy, for giving a whole new outlook. Tea with you is always magical.” She smiled and left. While sipping my tea, I pondered, word is indeed world. A simple replacement of word Sponge with doormat had an amazing effect and helped my friend sprint back. 

Let’s refresh our vocabulary with powerful positive affirmative words. 

Love, 

Juju.

Links of my 10th book - My Mind's Cafe 28 stories for a love tooth

Dear readers,

Feel happy to share my book - My Mind's Cafe 28 stories for a love tooth is available as paperback and eBook on all e-commerce sites in Indian and International market.

Print Book India 

• Notion Press store: https://notionpress.com/read/my-mind-s-caf
• Amazon.in: https://www.amazon.in/My-Minds-Caf%C3%A9-Stories-Tooth-ebook/dp/B0BG5ZQXHS/
• Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/my-mind-s-caf-28-stories-love-tooth/p/itm79066808f1eb2?pid=9798887333984 

eBooks

• Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.in/My-Minds-Caf%C3%A9-Stories-Tooth-ebook/dp/B0BG5ZQXHS
• Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/in/en/ebook/my-mind-s-cafe
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Juju_s_Pearls_My_Mind_s_Caf%C3%A9?id=DOuJEAAAQBAJ

        iBooks (in process) 

International Print Books

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDSBJTXR
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BDSBJTXR

Keep loving, Keep Caring.

Keep reading, Keep sharing 

Love

Juju's Pearls 

Marks minting machine # NEET Warriors Part 2

Marks minting machine # NEET Warriors Part 2

Disclaimer: This write-up reflects author’s experiences regarding human psychology. Not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. Reader’s discretion is respected.

Last few years have witnessed an unprecedented rise in the marks scored in the NEET exam (National Eligibility Entrance Test). With students targeting for full marks, there is a cut throat competition.  Important teenage years (15-18 years of adolescence) get lost in this rat race. Students have become machines being designed to mint marks. There is decline in emotional quotient, pyschology quotient and social quotient. Blinded in their aim, these souls of future have forgotten to enjoy the journey.

Every year, there is increase in number of applicants by a lakh or more. Only few thousands or less than 5% will get the medical seat. There are two different aspects to this. One is qualifying the exam and other is getting a seat in a medical college of one’s own choice. Like my Popsie says, ‘One has to look in totality. One may or may not get what one aspires, but will definitely get what “HE” -almighty decides. “So, the best approach is to have faith in the judgement of God. Geeta also says, “ Do your work and don’t wish for the rewards.” I know easier said than done. But with continuous practice, one can move an inch closer to one’s goal.

Ever since the results have been announced, I have witnessed a spectrum of emotional states. On one hand, there are many homes which have not smiled since then, on other hand there are a handful who are in joyous state. Normally, the middle path is the best path. But in this case, the students in the middle are left confused. It’s like, “Yeh, dil mange more!” They are repenting for ticking few right choices as wrong or not leaving enough un-attempted questions. To each one their own story. This result is just a entry ticket into the medical world. The real journey has just begun.

Now, is the time to pause, rethink, before it’s too late. Medicine is a noble profession and one needs lot of compassion, patience and humbleness. In the most important years of transformation, we are pushing our gen next into this maddening race of marks. Is it really worth it? Are we creating poster candidates for our own social status?

Our warrior already knows where they have faltered and what were their strong and weak points. Is it really that important to highlight or make it obvious? At times, best approach is a non- interfering approach and let the child come out of it on their own. (Please bear in mind the emotional status of your child.)

Concluding with a humble appeal: Please celebrate and cherish your NEET warrior right now. Time will fly, the wounds will heal, what will remain with children is the memory of the behavior of their parents and teachers in this important, life transforming/ altering moments of their lives.  

Let’s help each other in creating loving memories and reminding ourselves- This moment (happy or sad) will fly away soon. Be your own pilot. 

Congratulations to each and every soul reading this and sharing this.

Love,

Juju

Social media puppet!

Social media puppet!

P.S. The title is to catch attention. Read up to find out more.

 

I was scrolling through my mobile and the above heading caught my attention. Three signs, you are in a toxic relationship! I decided to open the link to read about it. The short reel/ video mentions 3 warning signals to identify whether one is in a toxic relationship. After watching this, I was engulfed with a peculiar feeling as my score was 3/3. This set me in a thinking mode and stat my cap was on my head beaming with pride.

Numerous thoughts started churning inside my brain. How can 3 signs define whether you are in a toxic relationship? There were many such reels/ videos like 3 signs your spouse is cheating on you, 3 signs your spouse loves you and so on. I felt all these were bombarding negativity. This is like quick sand. One (wrong) click on a particular eye catchy title link leads to similar posts and within a span of few seconds the Pandora's box opens up.

Sharing the 3 signs mentioned were - First, your spouse always sounds busy whenever you call. Second, your spouse is spending less time than before and thirdly, when it comes to you, your spouse always has a financial crunch whereas they spend on themselves. I feel many of us will score 3/3. In forties, everyone deals with similar challenges besides making a livelihood. On one hand, there are parents, on other hand there are growing up children, who need constant attention and care. Anyone can experience these signs. One needs to be strong minded while reading such topics. I also feel, such type of write ups appeal more only when one is going through a lean phase in a relationship. Remember, in this game of life,  one needs to stay afloat in relationships.

In a matter of few minutes I felt being pulled into a negativity well with mighty force as my heart and soul started validating all these three signs. Suddenly, I felt an abrupt halt and yet again I felt being pulled by an unseen force, but this time in reverse, upward direction. The sky was clear and so were my thoughts and mind. I learnt yet another important lesson in a matter of few minutes. To be very cautious and careful of what one reads and to keep one’s brain in control of one’s heart/mind.

I remember my all-time favorite lines from Bhagwad Geeta, 

“Your heart is like a horse and it’s reins must be in hands of the charioteer /brain.” Whenever, there is role reversal, calamity is inevitable. Here I endorse Mahatma Gandhi’s three monkeys, “Bura matt dekho, bura matt suno, bura matt bolo.”

I hope and pray, all of us keep the reins of our heart firm and tight with our three monkeys well behaved.

Watch out for what you read, see and hear.

Keep reading, keep sharing.

Juju

The NEET Warrior

 "NEET Warrior"

PS: This write up is dedicated to all the parents, teachers and students who have appeared for NEET or are preparing for NEET.

 

The answer key of NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) was released yesterday. I sent a congratulatory message to one of my colleagues. There was a prompt reply, " Score is less, hope to get admission in a private college." 

Students who have scored high, or the students who have scored as per their expectation or those who have scored less, none seems to be satisfied with their performance in the exam. To keep the vibe positive, I replied “You are a parent of a NEET warrior. Salute your warrior.” The desired effect was palpable.

To become a doctor in our country, one needs to appear for NEET, which is a merit-based exam. Out of more than eighteen lakh students who appear only eighty thousand or so are able to get a gate pass to enter this medical world. Students usually start from ninth class. Exceptions are always there (some start from class sixth or maybe earlier). This requires persistence, dedication, endurance, sharp thinking, quick reflexes and a strong mindset to keep oneself motivated. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role. This is a difficult path and requires constant support (emotional is on top of the list) by parents. For teachers it a herculean task to maintain the tempo throughout the two -year duration. For parents, it’s their own child whereas for teachers, they have to keep well being of all their students in mind.

Students get used to rising up early, going for classes, preparing for tests and having a busy lifestyle. All parties, get togethers, vacations take a back seat. I always believe, ‘When the goal is big, so will be the sacrifices.” One should always enjoy their studies with the mindset to gain knowledge. Knowledge is a wealth which can never be stolen and always multiplies by sharing. Parents! please make sure that your child gets the message that he/she is not marks. The child is already under tremendous pressure to perform and enroll in a college of their choice.

Concluding this write-up (otherwise, it can stretch) with a request to change one’s mindset and see these students as NEET warriors and their parents and teachers as their army. Automatically, respect will generate from within. Let’s celebrate our warriors as the last  two years were taxing and have caused lot mental and physical stress. 

Hug your warrior and convey the message via clear conduct, “My child, you did your best,  and we love you unconditionally. You are not marks.” Filling up their emotional and psychological saucer is the need of hour.

Keep cherishing life, Keep loving life.

Juju.      

  

Ganpati Bappa Moraya !

 Dear readers,

Ganpati Bappa Moraya.

I have initiated a campaign for this festival month. Avail a 15% discount on your buy of Momsie Popsie Diary Tea time chit chat on living life by using the coupon GANPATI15.

The links are as below 

Indian Links:

https://www.amazon.in/dp/1649516959

 https://notionpress.com/read/momsie-popsie-diary

 https://notionpress.com/read-instantly/1336965

 https://www.flipkart.com/momsie-popsie-diary-tea-time-chit-chat-living-life/p/itma70341551be39?pid=9781649516954&affid=editornoti

e-Book Links:

Amazon Kindle

https://www.amazon.in/MOMSIE-POPSIE-DIARY-TIME-LIVING-ebook/dp/B08M6FPDJV

 Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/JUJU_S_PEARLS_MOMSIE_POPSIE_DIARY?id=fkcFEAAAQBAJ

 iBook

https://books.apple.com/us/book/momsie-popsie-diary/id1538582528?ls=1

 Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/in/en/ebook/momsie-popsie-diary

International Links:

For USA, Australia, Singapore

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649516959

 For UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1649516959

 For Canada

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1649516959

Hurry! what are you waiting for ?

Happy ordering, happy reading.

Keep reading, keep sharing.

Love ,

Juju's Pearls 

Listing links of my 9th book # Stories from India Volume I

My dear readers, 

Please find below the links for Stories from India Volume I.

My story features first 

" The Great Indian Marriage Facade" 

Ukiyoto All Variants - https://www.ukiyotoindia.com/product-page/stories-from-india-volume-i

Amazon eBook - https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0B8XMWTH5

Amazon Paperback - https://www.amazon.com/dp/9355970978

Keep loving, keep caring,

Keep reading, Keep sharing.

Juju 

Listing links of my 8th Book - Summer Waves Volume II

Dear readers,

Please find below the links for my 8th book , Summer Waves Volume II,

Ukiyoto All Variants - https://www.ukiyotoindia.com/product-page/summer-waves-volume-ii

Amazon eBook - https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0B8DRC9N5

Amazon Paperback - https://www.amazon.com/dp/9355970854

Will update links for my 9th & 10th book soon.

Keep reading, Keep sharing.

Love,

Juju

A Summer Warrior (Genre #humor)

A Summer Warrior

This write up is dedicated to all the beautiful souls living in Northern India especially, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. All of us will resonate with this.

It’s always a thought provoking session with my Popsie. A routine call usually gives birth to new ideas and terminologies. Last night when I was talking to him, this write up got it’s name. Sharing a clip of the conversation we had. (Referring Popise as P and myself as J)

J: “Hello daddyji, so how’s life treating you?”

P: “ Badiya ( means very good) ! Things are going on fine, life is running smoothly on the track with no station or halt as of now!”

J ; “ Sounds great! Have you resumed your walk? How’z the weather ?”

P: “Yes, I did go to the park but it’s still humid here in Delhi. How's the weather? Is it raining?”

(This last line touched my Achilles spot. Monsoon season is a touchy topic for souls like us living in semi desert terrains. Every day the weather forecast raises our hopes, only to quash it. Out comes the sun with hot fire breathing rays and humid,suffocating weather. We go to bed dejected and again wake up with hope and faith.)

J: “ Daddyji, here God has started his own Sauna system. We are sweating and sweating and sweating. The drops of perspiration start from the nape of neck run down the spine till the hip region. The song “Tip tip barsa paani” echo in my ears and I can feel the pain of the song writer when he must have conceived this song.”

P: “That sounds great, God is very kind. He has saved all of you from a Steam/ Sauna visit. Enjoy and be grateful. All your skin pores will open up and you with detoxify.”

J: “ Daddyji, I feel like a warrior braving this intense heat wave of Indian summers. The enemy is the heat, humid air, scorching sun and hot wind. Every day, when I leave for my workplace, after applying sunscreen and wearing my cap, I feel like a warrior who is on a mission to beat this hot humid day and return home a winner after completing the day’s work.”

(As these words came out of my mouth, I held my head high and my chest swelled with pride. I felt like a soul of Great Maharana Pratap had merged with my soul and I felt like a true brave heart.)

P: “ That,s a nice approach towards life. It’s all a mind game, how to convince yourself. We can only fold our hands and accept almighty’s decision. Good night.”

J: “Good night daddyji.”

As I keep my mobile on the side table, I realise ( yet one another time) that life is all about how you make it.

I coin this term “Summer Warrior” and dedicate to each and every soul living in such climatic conditions. My outlook changed in a matter of few minutes. Now I visualize myself and everyone around as “A Summer warrior” and salute them for living life in a larger picture. Now I am friends with sun and air. Remember we are bravehearts.

Keep reading, Keep sharing.

Happy Monsoons!

Juju

Listing Links of my 7th book -The Kolkata Diaries Volume II,

 Listing Links of my 7th book -The Kolkata Diaries Volume II,

Hello my dear readers,

Sharing below the links and details for The Kolkata Diaries Volume II.

Ukiyoto India (all variants) - https://www.ukiyotoindia.com/product-page/the-kolkata-diaries-volume-ii

Amazon eBook - https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0B6Q5JMBN

Amazon Paperback - https://www.amazon.in/Kolkata-Diaries-II-Jujus-Pearls/dp/9390510678/

Keep loving, Keep caring, Keep reading, keep sharing.

Love, 

Juju's Pearls

 

Decoding AAA –Part 2

 Decoding AAA –Part 2

Disclaimer: This write up is based on author’s experiences. There is no intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments. Any resemblance to any person is purely co-incidental

Triple A is one of the most powerful words on this planet. Depending upon the situation and one’s state of mind, it can be decoded. In this write up, I will decode Triple A as Alcohol, Anger and Arrogance. Continuing with Part 2 of this,

We all have heard shallow waters make lot of noise as compared ocean/ sea. Similarly in such souls there is shallowness, weakness and Triple A is their coping mechanism. In zest to justify themselves such souls plunge into alcohol or get angry or act arrogant. Their inner self is scared and impulsive with fear of being judged.  This either dampens or excites the neurons. The normal state of activity transmission is lost.

Here comes the role of family, friends or other people. One should sympathize with such souls as they cannot think straight. One should not expect appropriate behavior. It’s like holding a burning coal in one’s hand with the intention to hurt the other person, not realising they are themselves hurting in the process. One just cannot throw dirt on someone without smearing one’s own hand.

Denial is very strong in majority and hence the treatment becomes challenging. When one does realises the damage, the relationships have already been stretched and strained. If not rectified in stipulated time, these can break permanently. Anything stretched for too long, leaves a flaccid segment which has just enough strength to hold the ends together.

All these can be qualified as coping mechanisms. An individual, who has been criticized a lot during his childhood period, either becomes arrogant or aggressive. This behavior is defensive as these souls are emotionally weak, reasons can be many. The most common one is deficiency of parental love especially mother’s. Adopting this attitude protects them from the external world which hurts them. One needs to drill through them to identify the nervous child within the huge exterior who is waiting to be hugged. With abundant love and care, one can hope to help them or at least gain the confidence in getting a psychologist visit.

Alcohol addiction is seen in our societies since time immemorial. This is one of the fastest growing culture (? pseudo). Generally, men are incapable of handling themselves and to release this tremendous pressure, they indulge in alcohol. This intoxication makes them overcome their fears and they tend to feel powerful and in control. Of late, many women are also indulging in this to ease their stress. This is a very strong addiction which requires immense will power by the person concerned to give it up.

As the great Punjabi Sufi poet Waris Shah says ( Heard from my Popsie umpteen number of times), regarding addiction and habit. The essence is that it is relatively easy to change habit ( although requires immense will power and self control) but very difficult to give up an addiction.

" Wareh Shah na vaibhataan jaandiye ne,

Bhavein band band katwa dehye  "

Lets work to change our AAA code to  Awareness, Acceptance, Alignment so as to make life beautiful for self and those around.

Living life in a conscious state is the most powerful addiction. Get addicted!

(I will write a separate blog on habit and addiction.)

Juju