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Recognition (Advice to my kids)

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Disclaimer- This post is part of trait-series-for-kids which I began to search and write for my kids in 2019. With this series of blog posts containing knowledge-slash-experience, I pray from the almighty that our kids have a simple but magical life. The contents of the series are the outcome of the rigorous search, several readings and experiences, and self-reflection. Each trait post will end in a mantra to follow. --------------------------------------------------- Dear Children,      When you grow, you will realise that there is always a natural human tendency to seek recognition, to be known, and a deep-seated fear of being forgotten or remaining unseen. This desire for visibility is so deeply ingrained in us that it often becomes an unspoken goal in life. Whether in personal relationships or professional pursuits, you will encounter moments where this urge to be noticed tries to take over your thoughts and actions.      As I write this, I want...

Book Review- Underground by Haruki Murakami

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  I had no idea about this event in history until I read this. It’s insane—a chilling chronicle of violence and terror that is absolutely heartbreaking. " Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche " by Haruki Murakami is a non-fiction work that recounts the gas attacks that occurred in the Tokyo subway system on a beautiful spring day in March 1995. A religious cult known as Aum Shinrikyo, also referred to as the "Doomsday cult," released packets of sarin gas, resulting in many deaths, numerous injuries, and a nation left in shock. This book provides an insider's perspective on this tragedy through a series of interviews with survivors, relatives of the deceased, medical personnel, and members of the cult. The first part of the book is composed of chapters filled with interviews aimed at reconstructing the events of the sarin gas attack. It incorporates perspectives from victims, railway administration officials, police officers who w...

Book Review- The Answer Is NO by Fredrik Backman

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This book was exactly what I needed right now. I have known Fredrik Backman through his well-known novel  "A Man Called Ove "  . This is my second read from the author. The third one is on my to-read list. This quirky tale focuses on a character's everyday life and the tiny, often ridiculous troubles that arise, highlighting the absurdity of human actions and societal norms. Our protegee, Lucas who is a bit of a grump and a complete loaner, needs just three things for a perfect life: video games, wine, and pad thai with peanuts. Then, one day, the apartment board, a vexing trio of authority, rings his doorbell. And Lucas’s solitude takes a startling hike. They demand to see his frying pan. Someone left one next to the recycling room overnight, and instead of removing the errant object, as Lucas suggests, they insist on finding the guilty party. But their plan backfires. Colossally. And the rest is the story which requires reading!!! If you're looking for...

Book Review- The Book of Tommorow by Cecelia Ahern

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So, this book was lying on my brother's bookshelf. I picked it up because of its beautiful cover. Since, the author is well-known to me, as I have read most of her books, and I instantly decided to dive into the story. The Book of Tomorrow revolves around Tamara Goodwin, a 17-year-old girl who has always gotten whatever she wanted. However, with her father gone, her life changes forever. A mountain of debt forces her and her mother to sell everything and move to the countryside. Life with her uncle and aunt is boring and lonely until Tamara discovers a book in a traveling library. What she uncovers within its pages shakes her world to its core. Without revealing the details of the story, I will just say that the ending was to my liking ( yes, it has a good ending ), with an entire chapter devoted to revealing more information and answering lingering questions. This is a mesmerizing story about how tomorrow can change what happens today. It feels like a modern fairytale...

Book Review- 7 Rules by Dr Hansaji Yogendra

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I had the opportunity to visit The Yoga Institute, the world's first yoga center, where I experienced its authentic environment. This institute was established in 1918. This book review focuses on a book written by the director of the institute, Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra, titled "7 Rules to Reset Your Mind and Body for Greater Well-Being." The book offers a wonderfully accessible read. In the first four chapters, readers are invited to connect with the content through relatable, real-life interactions. It gently reminds us that approaching situations with a calm mind can lead to greater perspective and understanding. The author compassionately outlines the practices and thought processes we can cultivate to foster a positive yet realistic outlook on life. It's a reassuring guide for anyone looking to navigate challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Whether it is getting a good night's sleep or eating healthy or dealing with the office stress, sh...

Book review- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

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I have read this book before, but I now appreciate it in a deeper way. With adding up of days in my livings and as I reflect on reality (my version of it…of course), while obligations at home and work keep me engaged, I wonder. I find myself questioning the value in my daily life, reminding me that life is a journey of exploration. Each day brings unique experiences and decisions and this re-read brought a reminder to discover what truly matters and what my priorities are. Franz Kafka’s “ The Metamorphosis” is an important modern literary work, published in 1915. The novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman. One morning, he wakes up and discovers that he has turned into a giant insect. At first, he worries more about missing work than about his transformation, showing how deeply he feels responsible. As Gregor’s situation gets worse, the emotions in his family change, leading readers to think about similarities between his world and their own. Gregor’s ...

Take care! Reset!!(Advice to my kids)

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Disclaimer- This post is part of the trait-series-for-kids, which I began to search and write for my kids in 2019. With this series of blog posts containing knowledge-slash-experience, I pray from the almighty that our kids have a simple and magical life. The contents of the series are the outcome of some research, readings, first-hand experiences, and self-reflection. Dear Söhne (Sons in German), Life is wonderfully simple, and yet sometimes we make it a bit more complex than it needs to be! I recently had an intense experience where I fainted. It felt like my world was spinning, followed by a wave of numbness and some intense vomiting. Throughout it all, my mind was stubbornly focused on the commitment I had made for the day, even though my body was clearly telling me to slow down. It might seem easy for you to say, " Mumma, you should rest! " but I tangled myself up with the importance of my promises. That experience encouraged me to hit the reset button on my goals and ...