‘Contentment is the real wealth’ - Alfred Nobel

'A week dedicated to the beautiful souls who brought laurels to the world'

Human life is a gift of God to us. We may or may not acknowledge the fact but anything done for the benefit of mankind is one humanitarian deed being counted in our names. On a random morning, Swedish Scientist Alfred Nobel, after reading his own obituary, wondered how he would be remembered after his death. This sudden realization made him amend his financial Will with an aim to leave a major portion of his wealth for the establishment of series of prize for those who confer the "greatest benefit on mankind".

Courtesy: AK Mishra Library

“We rise by lifting others"

Thus, Alfred Nobel introduced this Prize for a cause which otherwise would have never been acknowledged. Although, on November 27, 1895, when Alfred Nobel signed his last will at the Swedish-Norwegian Club in Paris, he would not have thought that his decision will be taken forward with such grace and glee, throughout the globe; bringing up and cherishing the names of some extraordinary people who will be remember by all forever.

Commemorating Death Anniversary of Alfred Nobel on 10^th December, World’s most renowned and prestigious Nobel Prize is given for the outstanding contributions towards humanity. Nobel Prize week is celebrated from 6^th – 12^th December and the award is bestowed in several categories by the Swedish and Norwegian institutions in recognition of academic, cultural or scientific advances at the beautiful States of Norway (Peace Award) and Sweden (awarding for Chemistry, Literature, Physics and Physiology or Medicine).

It is a privilege to be able to bear witness to someone’s story when they may not have had the chance to tell it before. Nobel Prize gave us this proud moment by awarding these notable Indians for their contributions in varied fields:

·         Ronald Ross (Physiology or Medicine 1902, British India)

·         Rudyard Kipling (Literature 1907, British India)

·         Rabindranath Tagore (Literature 1913), C.V.Raman (Physics 1930)

·         HarGobind Khorana (as a US citizen, Physiology or Medicine, 1968)

·         Mother Teresa (Peace 1979)

·         Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (as a US citizen, Physics 1983)

·         14^th Dalai Lama (Peace 1989)

·         Amartya Sen (Economics Sciences 1998)

·         V.S. Naipaul(Literature 2001)

·         Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (as a UK citizen, Chemistry 2009)

·         Kailash Satyarthi(Peace 2014)

Small acts, can transform the world, when multiplied by millions of people. Learning from these role models, we must make our little moves towards benefit of the Society in bits and pieces no matter where and how.

'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give’

Glowing from Within

‘I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose to be happy’

There is this girl at college we admire the most, not for the looks but for her intelligence or this colleague at work, who is jack of all trades, and is least concerned to be acknowledged. And that friend of yours who just called you for guidance to write an official mail. There could be anyone around, whom you admire or feel high in spirits with. That could even be you, the one who loves to spread positivity and smiles. Such are the people who have this influential personality to glow from within radiating the aura in others’ lives as well.

A kind, considerate and compassionate person has a beautiful soul and always rejoice their kindness in giving others. They will happily share their knowledge and even their materialistic things with others without any expectations. Although such people often forget to be kind to themselves and forget that it is completely selfless to be happy from within. A happy person will be more declined to help others and make them feel good as well.

In this article we will help you find the beautiful soul inside you, rejoice the magic of selfless love for others and radiate the aura in and around you.

Look within yourself: As per an old saying ‘there is fire with in each one of us’ and we just have to air this fire in the right direction to spread around the warmth and gleam. Look inside and explore the potentialities from within the chore of your heart. Where and what areas do you think you are best at? We won’t go into your weak points but your strengths to be specific. Look within yourself.

You! Yes, my dear, we are asking you, what’s the best thing or quality you possess? What in person do your friends tell that you excel at? We can feel you smile at this point. Okay now tell yourself, I am good at – dealing with odd situations, brainstorming with excellent ideas, breaking Herculean deals or even telling stories to a child. Do your friends call you odd hours when stuck in trouble or do you often find yourself feeding stray dogs not just because you are left with excess food, but only because you felt like; have you recently given away your favorite blanket for someone in need or were you able to feed that old man by the street today? Didn’t you just make someone smile because you felt that they need to?

If your answer to any of these or relative questions is a Yes, you may not believe and not even know but the little things you do, collectively form an image in the hearts of people for you. People would trust you and no matter how difficult the situation you might face in future, they will stand by you, if not all, atleast some of them. Because with these kind gestures, you knowingly or unknowingly spread the warmth and radiance of positivity and love which will come back to you at any moment; as whatever you sow, so shall you reap.

Life is small; and each one us is somewhere broken inside due to several reasons; it could be family problems, financial constraints, too much workload at office and no acknowledgement, recent breakup with boyfriend or girlfriend, and thousands of other reasons. And in such era, a small gesture of compassion would not only make others feel special; but will make you feel content too. And we all have those positive emotions; like an innocent child, who is filled with love, compassion, innocence. Just give wings to these qualities and spread around the selfless glow in you. If you think, it’s still missing, wink to yourself and develop one right away.

1.   Appreciate the Divine souls around you: When we ask you ‘what is the best thing you would appreciate in a person?’ what will be your response? Some would say, we find that person humble and polite, some would acknowledge the fact that their dear-most person is always there for them at any hour. Some would appreciate working skills of a particular colleague and others might just say we love our parents for all the sacrifices they’ve done for us.

We all have this one person whom we admire the most, no matter what relationship we share with them. If you acknowledge the fact that the person in your thoughts right now, have a different kind of aura that wide-spreads enlightening your and others life as well, you must definitely appreciate his/her uniqueness and try to learn and gain from his positives. Find ways and keep doing little things to appreciate those kind and generous souls who not just add exuberance to their lives, but will brighten your life as well.

2.  Practice acknowledgement: Start your day with a grateful heart. Make it your goal to appreciate people for every little thing they do for you or someone else. It is a great way to live in positivity and love yourself while appreciating others for what they do, knowingly or unknowingly. A simple line saying ‘You’re an awesome colleague’ might make them feel good. Or a genuine appreciation to your child would motivate him to do things even better next time.

Remember you told your friend how beautiful she looked in her new dress and she may have waved you in silly ignorance but in reality, she would’ve loved that remark. Keep making happy remarks to people for little things they do. There are people who live in a negative aura, pissed off from life and worries. Your constant appreciation and acknowledgment will help them learn to be positive about themselves and radiate the same around. Who knows they might even start practicing conscious acts of kindness and spreading love while also adding positivity to their own life. Even a thank you with a smile, will help people who are ignorant towards their explicit positives.

3.    Let words create wonders: Do you like to read fictions? I mean most of us would really say Yes. Who would not want to read a story that roughly started somewhere and ended with an unexpected smile? Or maybe with a tear that didn’t fall, but made you bring back those beautiful emotions which were lost somewhere long time back.  

Our life is quite similar! There are highs and lows, extremes and blues but at the end of every situation we are either left with a smile or a lesson. In reality, we never loose; and everything would make perfect sense. That’s the magic of life!

Self-love and positive belief system will help you overcome any situation. You must be wondering why are we asking you to focus on self-love, appreciation and positivity. You will understand this better when you allow your thoughts and doubts flow free in writing. Yes, we want you to write.

Writing is an exploration where you start from nothing and learn as you go ahead.

There is a story we all are living and only we can write it better than anyone else. If you think you are not a writer, we disagree! All you need to do is let your hands bleed words and your mind cross out the wrong ones. Now you would obviously not want to read the bad part of your story? Would you?

That’s where the magic happens. Write your experiences and maintain a journal. At the end of each experience of life you will be able to find positives on your part and how magically things turned in your favor, sooner or later. Process of loving oneself and spreading the aura of positivity will start within itself. Weird though, give it a shot; it works like Pixie dust from northern lights. You just won’t know and the magic will happen.

To give light to others, you have to glow yourself: With time and experiences you will be able to realize that the only person who is responsible for your happiness and positive outlook for life is YOU. Others can sure add to your contentment, but you will never need someone to complete you. You’re complete in yourself. Embrace the solitude and allow your thoughts, feelings and beliefs about yourself flow freely. Ingrain the positive energy hidden underneath your protective shield and radiate the same to enlighten the world with love, peace, compassion and prosperity in life of one and all.

‘Nothing can dim the light that shines from within’

Author: AK Mishra

Attitude is the altitude of Life – Light it up

To light a candle is to enlighten the darkness. Inner fire is the most important element we human-kind possess. Just that the spark is lying deep asleep, somewhere within us. Deepawali, being the auspicious festival of lights, is the perfect time to rekindle the fire, hope and faith within us and celebrate triumph over darkness. Human life is an interesting journey through peaks and valleys. The high and lows, twists and unexpected turns will put us on tests, to pass through this beautiful journey. Individuals’ inspirations and aspirations, in such situations, help them get up and go higher. Because, how the journey ends, lies in our own hands and what matters the most is how substantial our journey progressed. Illuminated by the fire within, there is indefinite light inside us. Hope is our positive approach and apt attitude to utilise the zest of Life. Despite all the darkness, faith helps you maintain the altitude of your aspirations. This faith is like the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark. Keeping your beliefs firm, look for your light and let fly! Dawn is near! 

Courtesy: AK Mishra Library

Be willing - Socialise and maintain healthy accords. Positivity starts from living a luminous life; free of ego, hurt, despair and grievances. When troubled we often tend to not get too close to people, for, at that time we get negative and feel darkness inside us. Human relationships are strange. In reality, we all have this dark side in us that comes out only when things are not right and we can’t see the light of hope reaching out to us. Our attitude at that particular time determines how we are judged in the society and as a person. Maneuvering other people, in their time of need and odd-most situations, is another dimension, a person is judged for, their giving back approach towards life. Who wouldn’t want to stand out as an exuberant personality? 

Believe in you! And radiate your positive attitude... 

Live a life without limitations! Every time you fall down, you will learn something new. Take your notes and get ready for the next one. Don’t let your mind, sway away in the chaos and hamper the choices that you are making. Because these choices shape your future course of actions and once you’ve given up, there is no hope. You will only win if you don’t give up. Make choices, design a path for you, take wrong turns, mark the faulty ways, learn from the failures and go ahead. Just don’t stop. Don’t let anything hold you back.

Tough situations and blockades often hinder from reaching the desired destination. There are moments when we are demotivated to the chores and giving up seems to be the only viable option. But just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean a way-out isn’t present. The light in you, will show you the way, you just have to re-kindle the spark and look out.

No goal is too big and no dream is too far- fetched

Learn & excel in the art of Life and positive approach to ‘Live’ the same. Don’t just spend the life in wait of right time to change our attitude and make things work. Get up and inspire yourself. Find your strength, stand for your purpose and encourage others to go positive and make our existence, worth it. 

Life is Unpredictable. Willing or not, we have to take what comes our way. We are all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it! Why hide when we can enjoy the madness. This Deepawali burst the box of ego and misunderstandings and light the ‘Diyas’ of hope and faith. Enjoy the ‘you’ in yourself and let others appreciate your uniqueness. If you can feel, you are not alone, then light it up and let it go. This Deepawali lets pledge to accept the challenges gracefully, enlighten ourselves over the darkness and take higher the spirits of life. Let’s shine and have a blast – with or without crackers!

7 Ways To Get Motivated & Start Taking Charge Of Your Life

While reading this post, you must have a long to-do list that might be popping up in your mind; may be your office work, family, kids, cleaning of house, etc. Although, we perform the same tasks every day, we still care to complete our day to day tasks and sadly we put off the things that actually make us feel balanced, healthier and happier.

We often catch ourselves thinking, I’ll begin working out, will try new meal, will go out with loved ones, or I’ll begin working upon what I love the most when I’ll have more time. But, in truth, that MORE TIME never comes, because we get used to of this procrastination.

Undoubtedly, we all are extremely busy in our lives, and in this hectic schedule, beings busy has become a convenient excuse. But ask yourself; is it really impossible to take out some time to do what we have been delaying since long? You know the answer!

If you feel you are not in charge of your life; you must watch this video and actually follow these 7 steps to bring a real transformation in your life.

If you think you are going nowhere in life, hold on. Read this!

In today’s era of hectic schedules and fast-paced world, we all are in hurry to win the race. The race to complete the tasks, the race to get most effective and productive at the workplace, the race to prove yourself the best, but while running in this race, we often encounter a question in mind; where are we exactly heading towards? Are we going in the right direction? We often get disappointed when things don’t occur the way we expected. We are running in the race with a constant fear of left behind.

This is an era when 15 years old kids are developing codes, making websites and changing the overall definition of success. Some people at the age of 25 are running their own organizations or have become accomplished artists and traveling the world.

If at the age of 30, you are still drudging in 9 to 6 job, these questions must be popping up in your mind; what am I doing? Where have I reached? Am I even closer to this race? Is this what I wanted in my life?

Most of your friends are working in big MNCs with high profiles, updating their pictures on social networking sites, most of your friends are getting married and posting pictures of their honeymoon to Switzerland or some other exotic locations, which you cannot even think in the next 2 to 3 years.

Relax! Take a deep breath. Stop comparing yourself with others. Everyone is living their part; everyone is struggling with their problems and weaknesses; all you can see is what others actually choose to show you. The world is full of different kind of people; some get successful early in life; while some do wonders at the later part of life. Some get married at 25, while some get the love of their life at the age of 40. Some drop out the college and become an entrepreneur at the age of 35; while some after completing their MBA wait for 5 years to secure a good job.

Henry Ford designed his revolutionary Model T car at the age of 45, you never know what you’ll be doing at this age; may be something better than this. Always remember this wonderful fact; “You are uniquely, lovingly positioned on this earth by masters craftsman, don’t compare yourself to others.

There is a right time for everything to happen, and everyone is working on the basis of their Time Zone. You friends, your colleagues, your cousins, your siblings; some might seem going ahead of you while some may seem behind you. But all are working their own race, on their own lane in their own time. There is a different master plan for all created by the almighty. Let this plan work out the way it is, and stop comparing your plan and time with others. Everything happens for a reason. Where Obama took retirement at the age of 55, trump took the ownership at 70; they are in their own time zone and you are in yours.

Happiness cannot be achieved by achieving success at young age, or getting married or travelling the world; the true happiness is achieved when you start considering yourself unique, when you know your worth which cannot be compared with any other person in the world; when you feel satisfied with what you have and work to achieve what you desire without cribbing anymore by looking at others’ success, when you consider others’ success as an inspiration for you and when you begin competing not with others but with your own self.

Maybe the job you have lost wasn’t right for you; as you are meant to hone your skills for something great, maybe the person you are not with anymore wasn’t right for you; maybe you are meant for someone else; we get the things which are truly meant for us when we learn to accept, let go and open ourselves to receive.

When things are not going the way they should be; do not get disheartened; spend that time in polishing your personality, learning new skills and creating a better “you” for the future. You never know, you might be doing something really worthwhile in few years and you are busy today in cribbing, feeling bad and drowning your woes in alcohol. Just imagine the regret! Are you really that worthless? The answer is NO!. you can do wonders, it’s just you have to make yourself ready for the time when you’ll do wonders, so learn from your today’s mistakes, make yourself better and get ready for the future achievements.