Ekta | wisdomekta

Is this book simply a quick money-making scheme? Yes. Is the plot repetitive and identical to the first four books? Yes. Will I likely purchase the inevitable sequel? Of course. For fans of the series – “ Before the coffee gets cold  ,” “ Tales from the Cafe ,” “ Before your Memory Fades  ,” and “ Before We Say Goodbye  ” – this fifth book offers familiar comfort as it explores modern familial and relationship dynamics while stirring deep emotions. For this series, the mysterious café Funiculi Funicula welcomes four new guests, each hoping to travel back in time for different personal reasons. They are- - The father who could not allow his daughter to get married - A woman who couldn't give Valentine's Day chocolates to her loved one - A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents - A wife holding a child with no name These simple stories of people longing to undo a major regret are filled with grace and forgiveness. These remind us of the importance of being ...

  Leadership - one of the most talked-about terms, I have read so many books on this. The latest read, " Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading ” by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky , is a thought-provoking and insightful book on the concept of malleable leadership. Staying alive through the dangers of change, which we as individuals face while trying to balance the identity and significance of life in our workplaces and personal lives, the book is just the handbook to read. The last two chapters of this book really resonated with me, especially " What's on the Line " and “Sacred Heart"... maybe because of what I've been going through lately. Life is always full of excitement!! Key Lessons on Surviving Leadership , which can be learnt through this book, are- Understanding the Danger -  The crucial point is that people generally dislike change, and as their leader, we need to push them out of their comfort zones in order to grow....

  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 Filhos (sons in Portuguese ), As you are growing, you are beginning to understand what it feels like to be “liked” and “appreciated.” Sometimes, you might find yourself changing your behaviour to fit what others want, just so that “the feeling” of being respected and being heard stays with you. But kidos, here is something important to remember: “ being liked ”, “being appreciated”, or “being called” are not the same as “being respected”. Keep in mind that being respected is a higher level of appreciation and admiration. It doesn’t come from just anyone, and it’s not about money or social status . True respe...

The latest read is a work of literature and philosophy, believed to be one of the suberb portrayals of the human psyche and emotions by 18th-century Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky , titled Crime and Punishment . Crime and Punishment is an unparalleled tale of suspense set amidst nineteenth-century Russia ’s troubled transition to the modern age. It features an engaging blend of intrigue, philosophy, political, social, moral, and religious commentary that all thread together to create literature that captures the deep, raw core of the human condition when it is at its most gruesome and vulnerable stage. The novel's roughly 750 pages explore themes of murder (crime) and redemption (punishment). It broadly has two parts: one following the inner turmoil of a murderer, Raskolnikov , and the other chronicling the melancholic destruction of a family due to a flighty, alcoholic patriarch, social norms, and other factors. Each character is carefully balanced with their foil, with unique...

Disclaimer: This new series, “My Old-soul Twinkle,” is my heartfelt attempt to capture the endless stream of thoughts racing through my mind. At times, these musings may seem confusing—or even a little "out there"—but I genuinely welcome your counterpoints and insights. Dive in and share your thoughts! Recently, at Delhi Airport , while waiting for my flight, I overheard (unintentionally, obviously!) the conversation of two gentlemen. The discussion transpired as “I have been asking my grandson to be serious for the business babu bhai , but it seems his dedication is more towards his mobile screen than to the galla (business). Yesterday, I asked him to clear the accounts of creditors , and today, when I asked about the status, he said, 'kaka, abhi karta hoo'. Kal time nai mila.’ Why is he not sincere? He is just daydreaming, trying to bring in significant concepts of environmental protection and health consciousness . He seems to talk only; I am still baffled about w...

Disclaimer: This new series, “My Old-soul Twinkle,” is my heartfelt attempt to capture the endless stream of thoughts racing through my mind. At times, these musings may seem confusing—or even a little "out there"—but I genuinely welcome your counterpoints and insights. Dive in and share your thoughts! While recently travelling inside Mumbai ( an attempt to make friends with Mumbai ), I saw the contrast between local trains and metros . While local trains represent the old speed of Mumbai—the lifeline of the city—the metros, with their sleek elegance and silence, are quietly becoming part of Mumbaikars ' journeys, trying to vibe along with the city's pulse. And the day is not far, like the days of the post office, when the local trains soon vanished from the geography of Mumbai for the better!! My life has seen the “gone” of many things like black & white TVs, the vibrant playgrounds, the genuine smiles, the neighborhood chitchat, mothers’ genuine love and care,...

  Compromise is a heavy term. It embodies the delicate balance of negotiating differing perspectives, where both sides willingly make sacrifices to reach a mutual agreement. In my life, on one side stand my past beliefs & experiences and on the other side are the recent scenarios. Past beliefs are accompanied by fear of the future and presumed warnings, while current ones pose questions about unpredictable changes with no immediate answers. The weight of the past and present has profoundly unsettled me, sending ripples through my very core. Nothing major has happened; it's about observing the little things. So, my life is at a point where many illusionary paths and options seem to appear, but the clear one is nowhere to be seen. Where childhood beliefs and long-held concepts are being challenged by my inner self, and sometimes I find them unfounded or without solid ground. Essentially, it’s a disorienting experience that has left me feeling lost and adrift, struggling with a ...