Lessons from Life

Over the last eight weeks I have been trying to come to terms with the fact that I am no more awoken by a wet muzzle on my arm, my walks are not as interesting and I have less competition for that toast with egg. Casper’s going has turned me a tad philosophical and I have been reflecting on life, the unpredictability of it and the lessons it places before us. These are some of my lessons:

Prepare for the future but live in the present: Make those investments, plan for a secure future, both, from the perspectives of finance and health. But know well, that the future is just that - unseen, unknown and unpredictable yet; it is the present that is experienced with every breath. So, breathe deep and never put off to tomorrow what you can do today! 

Let the heart speak: Use these without a second thought - ‘sorry’, ‘thank you’ and ‘ I love you’. Don’t carry with you the burden of these unspoken words; simply let them out and live light! By the same token: forgive, but don’t forget; it helps prevent you from repeating your mistakes.

Believe in yourself: Society has its rules, alright. But just think for a minute, when you suffer or are unhappy because of that, society neither suffers with you nor is it unhappy. Your happiness is entirely in your hands. So, follow the simple thumb rule - when in doubt follow your gut. Goes without saying: maintain a healthy gut!

Spice up life: Add that very important ingredient in your life - passion. Whether it’s cleaning up, dancing, dressing up for a special evening or loving, be passionate about it. The result will be spectacular and you’d feel really nice about it. Also, keep handy these other ingredients - compassion and wit! Be positive and upbeat about life; it's the best gift ever.

Break your rules: Don’t like walking barefoot? Awkward about wearing that bikini? Hate to let your hair down? Rephrase all of that - walk on the grass barefoot and feel it tickle the sole; it’s also, apparently, good for health. What’s a bikini body, exactly? Your body in one is a bikini-body; so just go ahead! Loosen up in life - shake your ‘two left feet’, sing that song off key, and pair that jhumka with a gown.

Nurture Companionships: Friends are those who are there when you need them to be, not those who are there at their convenience. Choose your friends with care - remember the adage: a (wo)man is known by the company s/he keeps.
Have these two companions, at some point in life - Books and a Dog. Read a book when you’re happy, sad, and everything in-between those two emotions. Books are the best companions - they can make you laugh, cry and, most importantly, imagine. And keep a dog - you’ll learn what loving unconditionally is!

Have an open mind: Read, listen, read, listen…it simply enriches your life. Do something new every now and then - register for a course, join a club, cultivate a hobby…

Don’t be harsh on yourself: No one is perfect so don’t fret over it. Finding beauty in imperfections is an art; try and master that. It will save you a lot of time and heartache! Besides, everyone has a bad-hair day at some point. Smile and laugh easily: they are the simplest ways of producing some endorphins.

Be generous: Give those who need more than you do - a smile, a blanket, your ice-cream, sponsor a child's education; it's your way of showing gratitude to Her/Him. Be generous with your compliments, but remember Carnegie's advice - be sincere about them, not bombastic!

Maintain equanimity: Success and failure are relative, subjective and transient. Don't take them too seriously! And, yes, let the 'Jones' ' be!

And last, but not the least - Remember the important Commandment: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.