Informative

Follow Your Dreams

/ Naveeta Shokeen / 1 Comment


Everyone has a dream. When you were a young, you fantasised about adventures such as slaying space pirates or galloping across a rainbow on the back of a unicorn. Your desires shifted as you got older, and now you envision a career in health, the fire service, or education someday. Can you recall any of your previous ambitions? Are the goals you’ve set for yourself the same as they were before, and have you made any progress toward achieving them?

You still have the opportunity to live the life that you’ve always dreamed of. It is always possible to start over. And if you start to doubt yourself, here are a few good reasons to keep your mind made up and work hard to make your dreams come true.

1. You will have more joy in life.

Not everyone will be interested in hearing this, but one of the main reasons you should follow your aspirations is that you’ll have a lot more joy pursuing them! But, of course, following your passions will only bring you happiness and rainbows all the time. There will be highs, lows, and obstacles to overcome, but one thing is sure: life won’t be dull. Therefore, if you want to live a life filled with excitement and fun, one of the best ways to do it is to follow your aspirations.

2. It’s the most effective way to give something back.

If you want to make the world better for everyone around you, one of the best things you can do is follow your dreams. But, believe it or not, how so, you ask? Put another way, if you choose to do something that lights a fire in your chest, you will also decide to make the most of your natural abilities or the things you are best at. As a result, when you want to live a life that makes the most of what you’re good at, you, in turn, offer the most that you can to the rest of the world. And, as may be anticipated, this benefits the world. Therefore, if giving back to humanity or impacting it is essential, you should do what makes your heart content.

3. You might experience financial success.

You’ve heard many people advise that you should follow your passion and your aspirations if you want to become wealthy. However, many other successful people have gushed about how crucial it is to follow your ambitions to succeed. Success guru Grant Cardone, for instance, said, “Be obsessive or be ordinary,” while Elon Musk said, “Passion and purpose scale, always have and always will.” Even multibillionaire investor Warren Buffett said those who find their passion are the luckiest.

4. You’ll increase the value of life.

Imagine receiving a ticket to enter a theme park featuring attractions like roller coasters and water slides, as well as delightful performances, but once inside the park, you are only permitted to ride one or two kiddie rides. How would you feel if that happened? Is it worth your time to visit this theme park? When you don’t pursue your aspirations, it’s like owning a ticket to a fantastic theme park with hundreds of thrilling rides but preferring to stick to the less exciting, safe coasters. So although you are in a park, it is probably not worthwhile for you to be there. Therefore, ensure you pursue a life that enables you to take advantage of what it offers. Make the most of your life, as you only get one.

5. You’ll Become the ‘Best Version of Yourself’.

The pursuit of dreams is not for the weak of heart. Realizing your dreams will be challenging. You will encounter challenges and setbacks unlike anything you have ever experienced. It won’t be easy. But those difficulties will make you stronger. You’ll improve in many areas of your life if you persevere in pursuing your goals. Your confidence will increase, your discipline will improve, and you’ll have many creative solutions. You will be the best version of yourself because of the difficulties you put yourself through.

6. Live Honourably.

Following your dreams is simply standing up for yourself. You declare to the world that this is your life, and you can live it however you want. Because of this, you’ll be able to hold your head high and maintain your dignity no matter where you are in the process, whether you’re making $0 an hour, living out of your car for a while, or struggling to make ends meet at times. This is because you’ll know that whatever is happening is only temporary and will eventually become part of your success story. Decide to pursue your goals like the successful have and to live honourably each day of your life.

7. Will assist you in obtaining true joy.

Living a life without goals is like living a life without hope. And a life devoid of hope is meaningless. The good news is that working toward living the life you’ve always imagined is one of the best strategies to lessen feelings of hopelessness and depression. One of the easiest ways to happiness is to follow your vision and pursue your aspirations, regardless of what other people believe is best for you. In fact, “I wish I dared to live the life I wanted” is people’s most common regret as they lie on their deathbeds. Decide to have the guts to follow your dreams and live your life to the fullest if you want to experience true happiness.

8. The result will be a more optimistic world.

Because it will increase the amount of good in the world, you should follow a life or career that makes you the happiest. Think about how you would treat the people you interacted with daily at home or in your neighbourhood if you decided to seek a living at a desk job you loathed. You’d probably feel less optimistic and happy. Additionally, there’s a significant likelihood that you’d start to respond negatively to people over time. But if you decide to take some chances and pursue your aspirations, you’ll eventually be able to leave your dead-end job and immediately increase your happiness and joyous levels. And even if you can’t quit your miserable job or situation immediately, just thinking about progressing to a better future will instantly improve your outlook. A powerful thing is a hope.

9. Will assist you in obtaining true joy.

Living a life without goals is like living a life without hope. And a life devoid of hope is meaningless. The good news is that working toward living the life you’ve always imagined is one of the best strategies to lessen feelings of hopelessness and depression. One of the easiest ways to happiness is to follow your vision and pursue your aspirations, regardless of what other people believe is best for you. In reality, the most common regret people express as they lay dying is that they didn’t have the confidence to live the life they truly wanted.

10. It will make you feel more confident.

The last benefit, but certainly not the least, is that pursuing your goals will help you build self-confidence. If you decide to forge your way, you won’t have to worry about becoming a follower anymore. You will quit comparing yourself, your degree of success, and your level of competence to that of other people. Why? Because you will realize, whether sooner or later, that the path to realizing your aspirations and the timetable for doing so are both unique.

There is something to be said for having a clear idea of who you want to be and where you want to go when you set your goals. So, do what makes you happy; doing so will do wonders for your self-confidence.

Follow Naveeta Shokeen

Date Night After Kids

/ Silverback GRP / Leave a comment


Things were excellent at the beginning of your courtship, and it was just the two of you. The colours were bright, the sun was nice and warm, and the rain was magical. Ah, this was life. Something went right! Few years after all the sparks and reasons to live and be together. All that magic is still there, maybe a little worn from wear. But it’s there. And then you had or heard the best news ever. That is if you always wanted kids. You were now going to be a parent! So there came the stork, dropped off your little bundle of joy, and the parenting began – feed times, nap times, bath times, and so forth. 

All of a sudden, the only dates you had were doctor appointments or daycare, depending on your parenting style. Yet, somehow, that tiny little human of yours took all your time and owned it! I have been in that confused yet intrigued frame of mind. 

Simply put, the family grew by two feet, but this doesn’t mean life then begins to move for you both as separate entities. So you are still together, work on making sure you still make or have time for each other. Every relationship needs that investment of time, care, and a little love.

Now, what are you going to do? There is no such thing at this point called ME TIME. The last time you had time to yourselves, it probably was to catch up on some badly needed sleep! Given you, both aren’t machines. However, you need to have some US TIME sans the baby. 

Don’t worry, and all is not lost! Here are five tips to get romance and the magic back into your love life even while you have kids.

1. Get a good and reliable babysitter.

Ever since your little one was born, especially if you are a first-time parent like me. You just never let the baby out of your sight. Period! It sounds funny and may make you look paranoid; however, it is not easy to give your tiny little bundle of joy like that to anyone. Especially not in this day and era where it is nearly impossible to find someone who will look after your little one just as carefully and lovingly as you would. That is why finding a good and reliable babysitter is vital. Pick a person who treats your little one with the faithful love and care they need. If you are living in a large family, ask for help from a family member. Request their service if you have a family member willing to support you. And if you have a great circle of close, connected, reliable friends, reach out to them. Check with a friend who could spare a few hours to be a great babysitter.  

2. Stay Connected 

Even as you both steal some time away for your us time, stay connected. Either by phone or messages. However, let this be used only for emergencies. These do not include your sitter calling you for every little thing. Emergencies are emergencies, so always stay connected and be prepared to handle any if they come up. As mentioned in the previous point, a good sitter will allow you both to be in a relaxed frame of mind. So to enable you both to enjoy the time away.

3. Start Setting Date Nights Near Your Locality

During the initial date nights, plan to go to a place not too far from your home. The idea is to rekindle the romance in your life. So short drives that get you out, and just the two of you for a few hours is great. Of course, as the baby grows, you can increase time apart if needed. However, many parents I know mostly never take more than a few hours away from their little ones. It helps keep the little one and the parents in a superficial understanding or agreement that they will be out for a little while, only a few hours a week or a month. Enjoy your local shops and diners, make strong local relationships with people around your locality. Maybe you will meet new people, make new friends, get to know new parents…

4. Concentrate on Each Other

During your us time, focus on each other. Communicate, share, laugh, and take a breather. Rekindling a romance after kids is more manageable than we can admit. (depends on our surroundings and living situations also) Ensure this couple or us time reinforces the love and joy you both had before the little one came into your lives. As I mentioned, this is not time taken from your parenting time to drive a big wedge between you. It is time to bond and continue loving and supporting each other.

5. Keep At It & Do What is best for You 

Remember, this is an ever-evolving process. Try to go with the flow. If you are people who like planned and structured outings, do that. Suppose you like spontaneous outings; do that. Do whatever it takes to balance your lives as partners and parents. 

You must remember you both are the same two people who are partners as well as parents. So own this title, and have fun with it. But most of all rebuild your lives around your little one so that as the little one grows, our child will know exactly what it means to be in a healthy, affectionate, and well-rounded relationship.

Follow Ignatius Deepak Stanley

Parenting, The Gender-Neutral Way

/ Pozicool Raga / Leave a comment


Pink for girls and blue for boys is passé now. Neither should colours determine the gender nor codes followed. Most of the globe now work towards (most) or has moved forward and are trying to leave behind stereotypes. Thanks to practicing gender-neutral parenting. Despite there are still people who follow stereotypes. A portion of the population still believes in gender-specific roles, professions, choices, and clothes. 

Gender-neutral parenting is defined as bringing up children in an environment minus inflicting typical norms, and gender-specific roles followed for generations. This parenting style focuses on developing characteristics and traits needed for a human without labeling them as “boy” or “girl.” It allows children to make choices without being influenced by society or norms. It allows children to make choices without being impacted by society or norms. No gender tags as well. And it does not mean not raising your kid without knowing their own body. To make it as simple as we can, ‘Gender – Neutral Parenting’ means raising your kids without gender stereotypes. 

On the other hand, in a traditional household, gender roles are instilled in young children, including choosing their professions and partners for them in the future. Children are given toys and clothes and assigned tasks based on gender. Sadly, children who grow up in this environment remain limited to norms and beliefs (followed by their family) that they carry forward as adults. Many cannot accept standards different from what they were brought up with. As a result, they become resistant to new changes and become either extraordinarily authoritarian or submissive in family roles and society. In addition, they quickly give in to and crumble under family pressures to adopt traditional choices.

A friend once told how her son was teased and made fun of while playing with his friends in their apartment playground. His friends poked fun and mocked him, calling him a girl. The reason was he was wearing a pair of pink socks. Her four-year-old son came crying and told her that he would not wear pink colour anymore because of all the teasing. My friend gently explained to her son and his friends that pink and blue are just colours and don’t belong to any gender. Yet those children stuck to their stance, saying that is what they learned at home. Finally, she told them to stop making fun of her son because he loves pink. This incident’s root cause came out – it all started at home. Upbringing matters a lot. 

It is shocking that parents still colour-code children so much! It begins from their cribs as newborn babies and continues till adulthood. After this incident, my friend pacified her son and told him to continue wearing what he loved and not be bothered by his friends’ comments. He did start wearing pink gradually but mostly restricted it when he went to play down.

As I pen this, I recall a similarly unsettling incident where a group of children teased a kid. They called him a girl. Why! He was made fun of for crying. He was just eight years old and is still learning to process his emotions and label them himself. How can he be expected to regulate or control them at this young age? The young boy was incredibly hurt and unhappy about the incident. I have come across grandparents, and more often than more, family members make fun of kids who cry, especially boys.

1. Avoiding Colour-Coded Pregnancy Announcements

In India, seeking information regarding the gender of your child is a crime. However, we do have traditional ceremonies where pregnant women are celebrated, appreciated and cared for. Gender-based announcements of pregnancies are followed as a tradition in most countries. People are increasingly using colours other than blue and pink to host baby showers. Traditionally, there are ceremonies where pink/blue is used to announce the child’s identity. A child’s room is designed according to gender, including toys, clothes, and other things. A change here could help bridge the gender bias and avoid building gender stereotypes. 

2. Gender-Neutral Toys & Clothes 

As we gender products for kids, we foster the notion that men and women are not the same and are different – for example, dolls for girls and trucks for boys. However, change can be seen in toy brands as they have presented toys that are no longer gender oriented. Let kids explore and find what they want to play with instead of choosing traditional dolls and blocks. In addition, entitling them to select their clothing style will give them a sense of identity and self-esteem.

3. Gender Neutral Pronouns

Pronouns and why? RESPECT. That’s it. Respecting and being mindful are valuable. Gender Neutral pronouns are inclusive pronouns that do not associate gender with a person – like “They, Them.” The pronouns “She/Her” and “He/Him” are associated with gender. In most personal and professional profiles, we can see individuals who specify how they associate themselves. Some parents refrain from mentioning the gender on their child’s birth certificate in some parts of the world. No labeling while addressing the child as well. The world is evolving, and society is and will embrace the change. 

4. Non-Traditional Professions & Courses

More students are veering towards lesser traditional study programs and courses for higher studies. As a result, many schools and universities should slowly break students’ expected gender “codes.” It will expand the horizons for many who want to create their own professional identities and entrepreneurial ventures at a young age. So, circumstances, situations, and gender, no bar!

5. Introducing Labels for Emotions

Start teaching children to name their feelings and emotions. Please encourage them to express themselves and give them space for it. For instance, happy, jealous, angry, sad, joyful, and excited are some expressions you can teach your child. 

6. “Be You and Do You”

Children must be encouraged to express their sentiments and allow others around them to express themselves, especially their peers. For instance, say, “It is okay to cry/laugh/smile/feel sad whenever you feel like it.” It is okay to be themselves and do what they like at that moment. This will up their self-esteem and make them emotionally stronger.

7. Beyond Fairy Tales

It is exceptional to refrain from narrating old stories about princes and princesses or kings and queens with happy endings. New-age stories are full of real emotions with open-ended plots. These will encourage and stimulate the imagination in children. 

The 2021 Musical drama ‘Cinderella’ starring Camila Cabello, portrays an ambitious young girl with entrepreneurial dreams. Of course, love has presence, but finding yourself, finding happiness within the self, and standing up for yourself, and your goals took priority in this fairy tale climax. And a Price who stood by his love and her entrepreneurial dreams broke all gender stereotypes.

8. Reels Breaking Gender Stereotypes

There are excellent children’s movies and TV shows which have gender-neutral characters. Stories are straightforward and have a natural culmination. The cast can be genderless, similar to Big Hero, and roles can switch to any gender. Fantasy and sci-fi genres are becoming more credible, where roles and characters can be reversed. You can develop a script similar to Ridley Scott’s Alien, where all parts can be interchangeable for all genders. Alien for sure transformed gender neutrality in writing and casting characters in movies.

9. Conversations Begins At Home

Home is where the hearth and heart are. Home is also where values are seeded. Make sure your family is on the same page while having discussions at home on gender. If adults are sensitive and tolerant, children also absorb the same values.

10. Re-Writing Rules & Breaking Cycles

Cycles can be broken while helping children make informed choices and life decisions. So stand by them firmly and let them know you are with them.


The current state of society, where even tears are stereotyped. It reminded me of an adage, “Boys don’t cry.” This adage has been drilled into boys for centuries, since the time they are young kids. Crying has been seen as a weakness, and boys are specifically not supposed to cry since it makes them less manly or less of a boy. So, when I saw the said child being bullied and teased, I made it a point to tell the other children that it is perfectly okay to cry, whether it is a boy or a girl. But it is wrong to make fun of anyone linking to their way of talking, mannerisms, dressing, or emotions.

If children are sensitised at home and schools, society will have lesser bullies. Unknowingly we are encouraging gender stereotypes that will result in crimes when they grow up. Children will either think it is okay to hurt people or get hurt, making them grow up to become emotionally volatile and vulnerable adults. Let’s make a calculated change for a better tomorrow for our kids and the future of mankind.

Follow Priya Rajendran

The Interference

/ msveenagupta / 1 Comment


My dear friend asked me for a Divorce Attorney’s number. Within minutes, I put all my social machinery into force to look for a number to help her. I did pass all the numbers I could find. Finally, she settled from the many and planned her visit to the lawyer. 

It wasn’t supposed to sound routine! What surprised me, though that I wasn’t surprised at her request. I almost knew it was coming! It kept me awake. It sent me pondering what the driving force behind her choice is. What forced her to make this choice at this stage! Slowly but surely?

All was not downhill with her husband and their relationship. What strained her bond then? Was it relatives, her family members, in-laws, maybe not, maybe !!?? 

YES! All of them. These were the very people who we consider the ‘support system’ of the sacred institution called ‘Marriage.’ This support system is presumed to insulate you from the daily wear and tear of the relationship and the occasional earth-shattering problems a couple faces in modern-day society. 

The problem HERE was ‘they were DOING WELL’!! 

They were doing well for themselves in terms of Finances, housing, savings, travel, and many other facts…… More than Roti, Kapda, and Makaan!!! (food, clothing, and shelter) And not just for themselves. Their hard work was helping people related to them too, aka the ‘support system.’ Then, what was the problem? 

The problem was Interference. 

Before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify. I live in a joint family and am totally in favour of it. However, a home on the verge of breaking pinches my heart as much as it pinches yours…. BUT….coming back to our situation… 

The Interference was in everything they were doing. RIGHT! Even if it meant going to a movie together as a couple, requiring some ‘us’ time, or watching a late-night movie locked up in their bedroom. Or going for a morning walk together…. Everything was laden with interference and pressure. 

Pressure to keep the ego of the ‘elders’ of the house swelling. It was almost like, ‘How dare you guys have an easy-going relationship while we are still nursing our fragile and bigger-than-the-planet EGOs’!! Similar to our corporate bosses who get wounded if a junior has an easy life. HOW DARE YOU!! 

The dictation of terms saturated every aspect of their life as a couple. Including what clothes to wear, what to cook, and every decision of the couple’s personal lives. Why would that be, you ask? Oh! That was because they were the youngest in the household. So, all the ‘bosses’ of the house could not digest that someone could achieve more than they could and sooner than they could. It is almost like… Do good in life but not better than us!

Cut to the present day; they are looking for a divorce: lousy word, but probably better life than what they currently share. What surprises me most here is that all these fiends – family members, in-laws, ‘elders’ of the house – are now Non-Existent!! They leave it to the couple to decide since ‘it is their life, you see?’ They choose to graciously step aside and let the couple do what they decide to do…. ‘Dono adults hain, apna bhala bura khud soch sakte hain, right? Hum Kaise interfere karenge?’ (Both are adults, they know what’s good and foul, who are we to interfere? )

Well, Yes!!! This stepping aside graciously was needed and required absolutely. However, it is too late for the couple. Not now. It was mandated when they had a good life and wanted that peace and privacy while building the foundation of their marriage – needed when they tried to go to a movie and, when they wanted to go for a walk, when they tried to sleep late, when they wanted to go for a drive by themselves and when they wanted a support system to help them with their kids and pets. When they wanted personal space and when they wanted PEACE! That. My friend. That is where you need to graciously tame your bruised egos and step aside and let love bloom! 

And No. It would be best if you did not step aside graciously now. Now is the time for Interference. The ‘Positive’ Interference! Now is the time you SHOULD intervene. Try and know the story from both parties, separately and jointly. Try and iron out the differences. Show them that there may be hope. Show them that love can bloom again. Show them that all is not lost! Now. 

My Friend. Now is the time to I-N-T-E-R-F-E-R-E.

Interfere, not when things are going well. Meddle, instead, when things are going awry. Reach out, enquire… How can this mess be sorted? What was supposed to be done was to let them be, leave them alone when things were hunky-dory and check when things were going wrong. Never the other way round!

Why would you have it the other way around? It sounds insane but is as insanely widely present. Almost ubiquitous. Why does this even sound so familiar? We all know this is wrong, yet we all have gone through this in some form. Why are we doing this, then?

Had the Interference been absent when things were going well, the NEED for Interference would never arise now. Just a slight change in approach would have changed so much. In a way, saved lives from pain, mental trauma, and separation. 

Some would say Interference is terrible. But I beg to differ. I am all for Interference, but at the right time and the Right Kind! The ‘Positive’ Interference.

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Building Routine With Kids

/ augustusstanley / Leave a comment


Routines… Sounds complicated. Yet, once set, it’s simple. Help kids feel secure, grow life skills, and accomplish healthy practices. Patterns help parents feel ordered, and it also relieves pressure. So what can parents do to make this a wholesome and fun experience for their young ones?

Repetition of certain activities continuously and constantly help us build a routine. It is a fact. As a grown-up, you have a system. You have a pattern of doing things. For example, close your eyes for a minute and think this through. ‘I wake up, and then I ____,’ fill in the blank with the activities you do till you reach your workplace. 

Excellent! While you thought about this and were recounting or tracing your steps, did you realize there was or is a method to that madness? A structured approach or a systematic plan to get those things done in a specific order. Many of those, by now, is second nature. Most of which were taught to you by your parents or mentors. Routine, unlike a schedule, means a flow of activities in a sequence, while a schedule will pin this down to a set time for an activity.

The same is valid for children. Help a child build a routine, and you will have a child who can function independently. Well, at least when the child is old enough to do their tasks with zero supervision! An ancient Chinese proverb says, ‘give a man a fish; they will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and they will eat for a lifetime.’

Let’s take this as literally as it is and apply some of that to building routines for our children. Habits are formed by repetitive action. A 2009 study by European Journal of Social Psychology showed that it takes anywhere from 18 days to 254 days to form a habit. That’s why the greats follow specific routines, and all put on repeat day in and day out. That ensures they know what systems or structures will help them build their success stories. It never is an overnight success. Follow a routine that matches your need; for example, when your child is very young, you might want to base your routine around the baby’s needs. Things like feeding times, bath time, nap time, playtime, and a little fresh air will revolve around the little one’s timing. Usually referred to as attachment parenting or baby-led parenting. And essential in the early years of your child’s life. 

The second form of routine will change as your little one grows up. Here the routine will now revolve around the parents’ schedule. So, technically, meal times, outings, waking up, etc., will now focus more on the need of the parent to give their child/ children the much-needed time and attention in the best way they can.

So how do you create a routine that will work for your family?

1. Plan 

First, you will need to analyze your day and a typical week. Then, consider which family member needs to do what during that day or week. For example, how many meals are required at home, work, or school? Who will clean the dishes or do the chores at home? Are there any extracurricular activities for the children? Do you, as parents, have date nights or child-free time to yourself? Considering all this will help you create a chronological list of who needs support or help at what task. Remember, while trying to get our children to build or follow routines, it is crucial to lead by example. Face it. We are our children’s superheroes. What we do, they do too!

2. Prioritize

Next, think about the priorities from that list you made. Define the ones that are non-negotiable and must be done daily. Once you have a precise list (Yes, write this down, too), you can create an easy-to-follow routine. Have the children pitch in and make it more of an adventure/ discovery activity rather than a tedious chore or to-do task. Now for a pattern to fall in place, you will need a schedule in the starting phase. That helps you get used to how things are done and in which order. As mentioned, some things will have a specific time to be done, such as getting ready for school or work. And some will be flexible, like playtime or picking up their toys. Maybe even sleep time on weekends.

3. Pilot 

Next comes the litmus test. No routine, schedule, or plan is foolproof. A test run or trial period is mandatory. It will help you smooth out any crinkles in the plan. Do this for a week or fortnight. Create a snarliest of sorts – iron out the crinkles. Then stick to the routine. And as you get better at it, make sure to revise the process as you refine the flow of the practice. Repeat the process until you and the children know it, like the back of your hand. Have fun, as mentioned earlier. You could create a chart. Write down all the actionable for the day. Track completed tasks by giving each other stars for a good job done. Allow the kids to earn brownie points for chores, even if they are small and manageable. Reward and recognition work wonders, especially during the learning process.

4. Practice

After your litmus test of sorts, here comes the all-important part while teaching your children to set and follow routines and set expectations for them. And while doing this, do not set them up for failure. Set them up to achieve success by giving easy tasks first and slowly making them complex. They were patient, loving, nurturing, and an accurate guide to your young ones. Show them grace if they fail. After all, tomorrow will be a new day, and they can try again! Most of all are flexible with the children as they learn. 

Remember, this is a routine, not a schedule. If it does not go as planned, no dramas. Re-evaluate, re-plan, and re-do the activity or task. Make it as fun as possible. And watch your little ones glow as they grow!

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Sway To The Beats And Tunes

/ Pozicool Raga / Leave a comment


Most of you would have heard of this: “Dance like nobody’s watching; love as you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.” 

So how many of you sing and dance at home while doing work? Break into a jig while cooking? Just switch on the Music and sway? Have you ever been afraid someone’s going to watch you? Or do you plug in your headphones and Dance? You could sing too. It feels so good to be in this happy state when you dance! But Music and Dance have those magical effects on a terrible, lousy mood! Beating those blues becomes so important!

Which is your favourite Music? Do you have a go-to-playlist? Every person has at least one music app downloaded to their smartphone. It’s always plugged in during workouts, driving, cooking, etc. While Music awakens senses and activates happy hormones, Dance has similar effects, too – mobilizes the body, and shakes inertia. 

Research shows how physical activity increases the secretion of endorphins – the particular neurotransmitter substances in the brain. Dancing is one of the best physical activities, and once you add Music to the combo, it can help beat all your fatigue and sadness. Music and Dance are being considered therapy for those seeking professional mental health support.

1. Body Positivity

You will begin developing a better body image. Body positivity is unconditionally accepting your body as it is, in its proper form. Music and Dance help you do that. You switch on Music (any music according to your mood), close your eyes, and concentrate on the beats and sway. Good hormones start flowing in the body, and you will feel happier. Endorphins do this – boost spirits! The best part about Dance is you can create your steps. Music will do the rest. So be a dervish!

2. Meditation & Rooting

Have you watched videos of whirling dervishes (also called Sufi whirling)? It’s calming! They dance to Sufi beats in circles, in a meditative trance, listening to prayers for the prophet and peppy Turkish Music. These dancing circles are supposed to symbolise the planets revolving around the sun in the solar system. As a dancing dervish, you sacrifice your ego and personal desires and let your body go. The famous poet Rumi established this practice in the 13th century. The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul have been recognized as UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage. You can sway the same way in your house with your eyes closed (of course, be mindful of the furniture around you!). 

These days, a few teachers’ training and corporates have started including body workshops and theatre in their programs. Participants are first made aware of their bodies and surroundings, similar to the dervishes. Then, a mild swaying of bodies to meditative Music creates wonders!

3. Helps You Express

There are specific programs to encourage participants to write songs, compose Music, and sing. Music can be used to modify behaviours and even bring good changes at the community level. For example, one of the therapies uses Music to motivate patients to express feelings, describe sensations in their body, and stimulate memories long hidden from the world and visuals formed after listening to the music piece. The same goes for Dance.

4. Shaking A Leg To Happiness

Any happy occasion is incomplete without a song and Dance across the globe – especially our big, fat Indian weddings! A lot of positive energy reverberates when a group of people dances. No fun can be compared to families of all ages shaking a hip to Bollywood, hip hop, Salsa, Latino, Bachata, Ballet, Ballroom, Jazz, Tap dance, Contemporary Dance, or any dance style of the world. You name it, and these styles are part and parcel of all happy occasions like weddings and births. Event planners make it a point to have a choreographer on their team who prepare family members for the experience. 

5. Boosts Cardiovascular Health 

Research says dancing reduces the chances of developing heart disease. Fitness enthusiasts recommend a moderate-intensity dance movement to remain fit. When stamina is good, one can always be active and do tasks irrespective of age.

6. Dance Movements Improve Core Strength

It helps build balance in the body and boosts muscle strength in the region between your upper and lower body. Various dance forms teach you to develop core strength in the body. It’s imperative to look after your body’s power for all activities! There are many ways to improve your core, and dancing is one of the best ways because it includes simple steps like lifting, bending, squatting, and raising your hands will help develop the best core.

7. Good Shot At Self-Esteem

Look at yourself in the mirror. Switch on Music and Dance away. Each twist and turn in every step will make you feel good about yourself. Make sure you shake your hips well ‘coz hips don’t lie, and neither does the mirror! 

8. Comfort & Strength To Conquer All Odds

Patients suffering from terminal illnesses have been known to battle illness thanks to Music and Dance. They help you gain confidence that you can beat it all! Music provides comfort other than human touch when you fight a battle with your body.

9. Lowers Anxiety

When you have a panic/anxiety attack, Music and Dance help calm down the pressure points in the body. Beats and pleasant Music fill you with warm sensations to bring down the overwhelming emotions you are undergoing.

10. Reduces Cognitive Decline

It has been found that both Music and Dance possess unique powers to help reduce memory loss and the aging process to a large extent. It keeps you youthful and lively! Remembering lyrics and dance steps helps maintain alert brain cells! Neural connections remain stronger.

So, what are you waiting for? Plug in your favourite Music. Do tell us your favourite genre of Music and Dance! What keeps you going – Music or Dance? Or Both!!!

Follow Priya Rajendran

Stop Fighting You

/ dinah1995 / Leave a comment

We all feel a little down sometimes. Don’t feel like getting off the bed in the morning! The feeling of gloom and sadness lingers over our heads. Over-eating, under-eating, laughing too much, crying too much! Pretending to be okay. Being offensive and defensive when not required, mood swings, bad temper, violence of any sort, emotional outbursts, overthinking, anxiety, taking too much stress, clinging onto the past, and self-pity- are all signs of bad mental health.

Mental health is more important than how much importance it’s given. Despite the world beginning to recognise it, most of us brush it aside as if it’s part of life. It is not. Marred mental health is not a lifestyle and must not be treated as ‘just a phase’ in life.

A sound mind is the key to a sound body and life. The happier we are within ourselves, the more comfortable we look on the outside. The more we dwell on negativity and hurt, the deeper the wounds become. Life is more than sad or bad days. It’s got minutes and hours that tick fast, and in the blink of an eye, years must have passed.

We must realize how much of that time we lost have we utilized to be happy and content. Therefore, we must be mindful of what we invest our emotions and energy into. The more we harbour toxicity and hurt, the more things get difficult to sort inside our heads, leading to indecisive thought patterns, lack of trust, self-confidence, logical thinking, rational behaviour, wisdom, and so on. Therefore, it is imperative to understand what is good and not for our minds and hearts.

It is always good to let go of what does not do good for our minds. May that be something someone did to us or said to us, something that caused us to hurt, perhaps just too much to let go of. But that is what we must learn to master first – to move on, let go and be happy where we are. The little joys in life matter, not how many days we spend hurt or angry.

Anger is a killer. The more we harbor anger within ourselves, we lose the game together. Anger destroys relationships, lives, and health. It worsens any situation. It leads to a lack of understanding and empathy. Words spoken in anger can never be taken back. And the scars that badly spoken words leave are quite profound.

We must learn to rationalize and prioritize where to invest emotions and feelings. The moment we learn to live happily with ourselves, we master the art of keeping the mind happy and healthy. Mental health plays a vital role in overall health and well-being. We are only fighting ourselves by destroying our mental wellness. We only fight by being rude, angry, hurt, stuck, and tormented. Get out of your comfort zone and make a few changes – it’s all worth it afterward.

Stay healthy inside out… that’s all that matters!

Follow Aakanksha Dinah

Building Confidence In Kids

/ augustusstanley / Leave a comment


Attention Parents.!!! Does the question “How to create confidence in my child?” worry you? Let me tell you the steps to be taken if it does bother you. Building confidence in children helps them to feel good about themselves, make friends, focus on their strengths, take on harsh criticism, and more. Children with healthy self-esteem will flourish. I would like you to read that again and add the word my child at the beginning. ‘My child with healthy self-esteem will flourish.’ Confidence and self-esteem in children sprout from what we, as their parents or caregivers or guardians, nurture them with.

Today’s children are pushed to develop complex life skills very young. However, please note all the intellectual abilities in the world are of little to no value without the self-esteem or confidence to put them to good use. Therefore, as parents, guardians, or guides, we must prioritize building healthy self-esteem and confidence. Nurturing and reinforcing confidence and self-esteem in our children evolves as our daily tasks. Our children or ward’s futures depend on it.

First, we must recognize that thoughts and beliefs affect our self-esteem. Experiences reinforce the positive or negative impact. This allows you to change the way you see or portray yourself. This will help you understand your value as a person. So as your self-esteem increases, so do your confidence, which directly impacts your sense of well-being!

Here are a few tips to help you support your kid’s journey to confidence and self-esteem.

1. Modelling confidence in kids and yourself

Allow the child to confide in you. Be their trust ambassador. Keep encouraging them and tell them they have a tower of refuge in you. Make sure you are there for them in all situations and circumstances. Being available is paramount. As an adult, your insecurities or confidence will transfer to your child as quickly as breathing. Children are like sponges. They absorb anything and everything their little eyes see, ears hear, or mind conceives. So, for instance, simple habits like nail biting can be transferred unknowingly to a child. 

2. It’s ok for kids to make mistakes.

If you are not making mistakes, you are not doing it right. You have to agree that this is a clear point. Everyone will make mistakes, and everyone should learn from them. Since we all know that we are human, we should also agree that we are bound to make mistakes. What is important is how we teach our children to react to making these mistakes. Take it too seriously, and we have a problem. Taking it too light and we still have a problem. Create a safe space and no judgemental environment. Most importantly, never compare kids to any other kid. 

3. Give them a chance to try their hands at new things.

Kids learn things so fast it will surprise you. For example, I read somewhere that speaking to your child in two languages helps them build not just their love for languages but also helps improve their IQs. Also, children love to learn things that allow them to explore and develop:

  1. Hint puzzles and building block games like lego, duple, etc.
  2. If your kid requests an instrument, allow them to explore their interest. This will enable them to take it up as a hobby and not a profession.
  3. Help them find their passion.

It will go a long way in letting them gain confidence in themselves.

4. Please remember to let kids be kids.

A little fun and tons of encouragement for them to let their hair down and catch a break is the most fantastic feeling a child will experience. It is crucial to allow them to play, waste time, and have time to themselves. It is also essential to keep them from running wild too. However, that said, please let them enjoy their childhood. They will grow up one day. Let them grow up as confident adults as they have you (their most prominent supporters and fans at their side for later in life.)

5. Praise their resilience and any effort they make.

Something that will go a long way in helping your child grow into a confident young adult. In a world that seeks ease and comfort and is becoming lazy. Give your child the much-needed encouragement even if they try more than once to do anything. Failure is never final unless we give up. Think of Edison and his 9,999 attempts to get a light bulb to work. Had he given up, could you imagine what would have happened? I know it’s an exaggeration, but the world would not have been the same. So when kids are determined to do better, give them that support and stand by them. The results might shock you. 

6. Please offer unconditional love and kindness to them.

The world has enough haters and sadists: mean people and those who are bitter. Give your children unconditional love. Shows them immense kindness. Remind them that they are very precious to you. This not only allows them to venture out as confident young people but will also give them a chance or realize home is their haven. Their safe space. Your kindness and unconditional love will help them when they are in a tough spot. Moral support is precious. Give them that always. 

Confidence in children is always built by how we bring them up. Invest the right amount in them, and you will have independent children who thrive in any setting life throws at them. 

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Unconventional Careers

/ Naveeta Shokeen / Leave a comment


Unconventional careers are any career choices that have yet to reach their mainstream level of acceptance and approval. That said, something unorthodox the day before is considered standard today. But, at the same time, it might need to be updated the day after. 

For instance, you would not believe me if I said that engineering was an unusual profession hundred years ago. Learners who wanted to pursue areas such as design and engineering had difficulty persuading their folks those days to support their decision because Teaching and a career in education was the most popular profession at the time. As a result, only a small number of individuals choose to pursue a job there. However, since the first engineering college opened in Roorkee in 1847, the field of thought, approach to study, and doors of opportunities opened wide for people across India. 

Things have shifted vastly since then. In the modern age, occupations are changing again, and more and more students are looking for non-traditional approaches to take in their professional lives. 

Unconventional Careers Paths To Follow.

1. Ethical Hacker

It is a common misconception that hacking is an illegal and dishonest practice. Yet, some ethical hackers are responsible for discovering and eliminating problems in the framework. Internet connectivity has spread across the entire globe. 83.32% of individuals on the planet have smartphones today. (Source) Most business activities, like shopping, banking, and saving, can now be done through electronic communication. Consequently, issues on defense and protection are the considerations that have the utmost weight on any given scale.

To prevent the security of computer networks from being breached, leading organizations often offer IT whizzes the opportunity to act as “ethical hackers.” It is utilized as a defense mechanism against cyberattacks, malware, and other risks to the integrity of our information systems—also breach of privacy. This is the career path you should pursue if you’ve always wanted to do something different.

2. Content Writer

The demand for well-written, concise, and insightful content is enormous. As a result, today’s business and social networking sites are dominated by written content, whether textual or visual. Because of this, there will be a significant need for content writers, making this one of the most unusual employment alternatives.

The best thing about being a content writer is that you can work from the comfort of your home and in a time frame that suits you. 

The well-known social networking site has become indispensable in modern life in the wake of the 2020 pandemic. As a result, future generations will have an insatiable need for excellent web content.

Nothing stops you now if you have a gift for writing and the creativity to experiment with new formats like websites, copywriting, scriptwriting, etc. Whether you work as a freelancer who operates from home at your convenience or a corporate enterprise writer, the market for your profession can only expand. And what matters most is your drive to master the craft.

3. Head Hunter

In essence, head hunters are qualified recruiters. They are frequently employed by businesses to find executives or higher-level workers for jobs that are never posted. However, finding nearly ideal job prospects can be time- and money-consuming for most organizations. Therefore, to save time and money on hiring, it might be far more effective for businesses to employ headhunters.

You don’t only collect resumes as a headhunter. By connecting employers with possible job candidates who would be the perfect fit for their organizations, you assist them in improving operations and bottom lines. Additionally, you are helping young professionals in advancing their careers. Finding and interviewing potential candidates will start after you have met with a company and understood its requirements. The company depends on you to identify the applicant who can fill the open position with the fewest obstacles. Therefore, companies prefer to obtain a handpicked group of the most qualified candidates’ resumes.

To do your job correctly, you’ll need a solid professional network and a thorough understanding of the labour market. You might even focus on a particular industry, as many Headhunters find that doing so increases their chances of success. The more successful you may expect to be in business, the better you will be at matching candidates with companies. Businesses will probably use you again and possibly refer you to others.

If you have good relationship-building and communication skills, quick thinking, and intuition, becoming a headhunter could be a suitable career choice. Although a degree is not necessary to work as a headhunter, people with human resources experience frequently have a competitive advantage. It might help you launch your career in a headhunting or recruiting firm, where you can keep picking up tips and tricks.

4. Personal Fitness Trainer

For the past five years, the fitness industry in India has expanded at a rate that is without parallel. After losing their jobs because of the epidemic, many people who care about their health and fitness choose to become online fitness trainers and coaches. However, many people interested in pursuing a career in the fitness business may need to gain the requisite background in training or nutrition.

5. Professional Chef

The next entry in the list of the strangest jobs may be the most interesting. Twenty years ago, there was no such thing as aspiring to be a skilled cook. Due to the proliferation of the food and tourism industry in India, evolving as a Chef is currently one of the vocations in demand. A genuine enthusiasm for the kitchen and traditional culinary arts education is required to succeed in this field. It is one of the most attractive alternative career paths available. 

6. Travel Guide

The purpose of an outdoor guide is to provide a one-of-a-kind setting and an enjoyable vacation for their clients. Therefore, as a tour guide, trekking guide or adventure guide, you will need mental toughness as well as a flexible, fun, and healthy way of thinking. It’s a challenging job, but it comes with many perks, and it helps you become an experienced explorer, someone who never stops learning, and a master of many skills. Meeting new people everyday, no day will be the same.

Of course, having a robust physical condition would put you in a better position to handle this challenge. Protection, medical, and survival training, as well as outdoor training, are needed. This career path may require higher level of specialisation as well. 

7. Online Tutor

We are all well aware of the epidemic years. It has had an impact on the atmosphere of the classroom as well as the academic performance of the children. You might start taking classes online and guiding students if you already have experience in the field of tutoring or if you are an expert in a particular subject area.

You may sign up to be an online mentor on various blogs, construct a profile describing the topics or courses you wish to teach, your level of competence, qualifications, and other relevant information, and then begin working with students. After achieving this goal, you will be able to start an online education business and charge clients for your services.

Follow Naveeta Shokeen

Mind Your Tongue

/ Silverback GRP / Leave a comment


We have all heard the famous saying, ‘Manners Maketh Man.’ Sometimes, when someone is conveying the right thing, the way they speak and the tone they use can hurt you so much that you never want to see them, let alone talk to them again. The intent may be right. However, the sarcasm or tone makes it unbearable to listen or speak. So why should we mind our tongue? Our language, vocabulary, and our lingo.

A Russian proverb says, “words, once spat out, cannot be swallowed back.” It simply means watch what you say. Every word has an impact, and that impact has a reaction, good or bad. As children, we have been constantly reminded to say please and thank you. We are also taught to share and care for others. Unfortunately, sometimes this learning goes out the window with time. Not always, but sometimes. There are a hundred reasons why we tend to forget our manners. Maybe we had a bad day, and our boss, colleagues, teacher, spouse, siblings, or parent gave us a good telling-off. Or things did not go the way we wanted them to. Whatever the reason, we have, at some point or another, been mean and unkind with our words or actions and hurt those around us intentionally or by accident. So, how do we keep our cheeky tongue in check!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making conversations,
be it at work, with friends, or with family.

1. Take a step back.

When you are upset and just had a bad day. Always take a step back when you are about to go all guns blazing at anyone or everyone who seems to be irking you for no reason. A split-second outburst can cause more damage than a 2-minute break, even in conflict.

2. Have some water. 

Sipping on water has a few positive effects on our minds and body that go way beyond simple hydration. First, it helps pace a racing heart. It cools the mind, especially when angry. Second, it gives you a break from your thought process and a chance to reflect before you react. It also helps you breathe better by taking a deep, relieving breath as you sip the water.

3. Practice being mindful.

Ever so often, we forget to give any heed to the feelings of others, especially when we are in a rush or upset. Practicing mindfulness helps us show others the respect they need and deserve. It also helps us treat others with the right amount of concern, care, and class. In a world of becoming selfish and disconnected, staying grounded and respectful of others is crucial. They, too, have value and emotions. But, unfortunately, they can get hurt just as quickly as you.

4. Be assertive and not aggressive.

Being assertive is a simple yet less-used skill by many of us. Assertiveness means knowing how to treat others while standing up for your beliefs – giving people the respect they deserve while holding on to your own. Being assertive is also the ability to stand up for others when needed. And also means knowing when to say no. However, there is a clear difference between assertiveness and aggression. And that is a line you need to keep clearly in check. Know when to stand your ground and know when to apologise if you are wrong.

5. Know when and how to thank people.

There is an old practice that has been around for years. When you borrow a friend’s car, always return it filled. As input in a tank full of fuel after using it to say thank you and show that you are not using people without realising they’re worth in your life. Gifting is also an excellent way to appreciate those in your life. Appreciating people, though, does not always mean buying them stuff. It can also mean doing things for them, like mowing the yard of an elderly neighbour, buying their groceries, taking sick neighbours dogs for a walk, and watering someone’s plants when they are out of town.  

6. Never make someone feel bad about themselves.

As kids, we used to tease each other and make fun to the point where sometimes it was cruel. Intentional or not, it hurt our friends or the person we were taunting. Not a good thing to experience. An unkind word can scar for life. A simple comment on someone’s weight, height, body type, and skin tone can seem harmless. But it can damage the person to whom these comments are hurled. 

7. The attitude of being grateful.

Also called the attitude of gratitude, we will not be here forever. If we must leave a legacy, it has to be one of being grateful for all the things we experience. Humility and gratefulness help us teach others how to respond further when they experience something nice. 

Whatever your situation, whatever your circumstances, always remember to be friendly, grateful, humble, and kind. The world has rude, mean, angry, and wretched people. Even when we are hurt or angry, let us be the ones who will make a difference in our lives first by being kind to ourselves and then to others by being humane and humble and mindful and respectful. Let us be trendsetters, valuing others as we do ourselves and making this world better. Our commitment should be to make the world around us meaningful with our attitude and actions. 

Follow Ignatius Deepak Stanley