tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55236174469466774522024-03-14T11:51:08.836+04:00My life, my musingsWhen I think aloud, I write here - welcome to my blog!!
While you're here, I would love if you could leave me a comment too! Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-38331208811616612592022-01-28T21:18:00.005+04:002022-01-28T21:18:49.091+04:00Resurrected<p style="text-align: justify;">I am back!! I just realized that my last post on this blog was in November 2020! OMG!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">How have you all been in the third year of the pandemic? Masking up and sanitizing has become an integral part of the new normal, horribly so. In 2020, we did not venture anywhere beyond what was necessary such as groceries or rarely, the mall. However in 2021, things did change a bit. We got vaccinated in the first half of the year and the kids got the vaccines too. We also got our boosters by September too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2021, even though schools reopened physically - they kept closing because of positive cases. So in the whole tossing around between online and offline, it was chaotic. They managed very well and I give them full credit for it! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Everyone at home also very quickly learned to share their space and adjust, even though it's not so easy to concentrate in the home environment with all the distractions around. Especially looking at the cozy couch/bed!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2021, we started to go for small staycations, whilst following all safety protocols. After gaining some confidence in these trips, by the end of the year we also managed to go on a short holiday to Kenya with our N95 masks firmly on! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll be posting an account of our trip very soon here so watch this space! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Everyone has had different experiences in this pandemic. It's affected some families a lot more than the others. Which brings me to my favourite quote: 'Life is what we make of it'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">During these trying times, let's disconnect, reconnect, rejuvenate, replenish and do whatever it is that can help us get through. Let's promise to look at each other with less judgement and more empathy. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates24.453884 54.3773438-3.8563498361788469 19.2210938 52.764117836178841 89.5335938tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-16176434062002218482020-11-12T22:45:00.005+04:002020-11-12T22:45:39.226+04:00Unlocked! And Happy Diwali!<p> Throughout this 'special' year one of the few terms we all used frequently were quarantine, lockdown, virus, sanitising etc etc. With just two months to go until the end of this year, our household has had enough, we have unlocked a part of our lives and are working towards a semblance of normalcy. Yes this crap has gone on for too long!</p><p>Yes we are still being careful, no gatherings at home, no going to crowded spaces and being sensible in general but WHOA we are so done sitting at home and doing nothing! </p><p>All this year I have contemplated the impact of this isolation on adults and kids alike. There is NO comparison! Obviously kids have had it worse than us adults. In the beginning all they heard were these scary words thrown around in conversations about the virus and they had to comprehend and make sense of it in their tiny little minds. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTl8mCFwan8/X62B5OAbc1I/AAAAAAAA3fw/rVdvhO31a3c2r4OLYgEgW876lpoU-SMRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/WIN_20201112_22_40_59_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTl8mCFwan8/X62B5OAbc1I/AAAAAAAA3fw/rVdvhO31a3c2r4OLYgEgW876lpoU-SMRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h373/WIN_20201112_22_40_59_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It came to a point where my younger son actually started saying things like 'we'll do this when the pandemic is over', 'we'll travel there after the pandemic is over' and it broke my heart into a million pieces every time he would come up with something new he would do after all this was over. That's when I realised we had better do whatever best we can given the situation because WHAT IF?</p><p>The crisis has been on for 11 months now and it doesn't look like it's ending any time soon. It's draining the heck out of us mentally and emotionally. Not good at all. BUT on the plus side - we have got ourselves more time as a unit of 4. Yes we're tearing each other's hair out (for real sometimes) and annoying each other a lot but eventually we are learning as we go! </p><p>All this e-learning and work from home means that we are constantly stepping on each others toes but it also is true that we are learning to manoeuvre our way around it. </p><p>We're doing good, we are trying to see the positives on most days. On the other days, we just socially distance from each other at home. HAHAH! </p><p>On that note - HAPPY DIWALI, from us to you!! Enjoy, light diyas and EAT!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-2894581982146586292020-08-27T12:31:00.001+04:002021-01-13T15:49:42.973+04:00Paper Collaging for everyone<span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Earlier in August, I took a huge step forward and launched my very own Paper craft course on Udemy! </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you have a passion for craft, that's all you need to be a part of this course. Using just 3 basic materials, alongside me, you will learn how to make beautiful journal/scrapbook pages, by effectively using just what you probably have lying around at home. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">This course is also designed as a parent and child activity, something that younger kids can join in too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">You can view and purchase the course at the below link! If you have any questions, please email me at artsyurmi@gmail.com</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-handcrafted-flower-collage/?utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email&fbclid=IwAR2A-S9nRaWwLDETuTall8CW4i8_0RYStUFcc6TPYRsfx9JzgR9kExCIndw">https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-handcrafted-flower-collage/?utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email</a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /> These collages can be used for cardmaking / journalling / cover designing! Some examples are as below:</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icKgMwkuNKI/X0duHARazGI/AAAAAAAA3KI/q3bU830Qsr0bXx5EoTh9ezZ3Ddsgl916gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200722_110515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1847" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icKgMwkuNKI/X0duHARazGI/AAAAAAAA3KI/q3bU830Qsr0bXx5EoTh9ezZ3Ddsgl916gCNcBGAsYHQ/w289-h320/IMG_20200722_110515.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU7GIg6-HXI/X0duHYAgxjI/AAAAAAAA3KM/66EU842JXqom6J6WyxSaXWmLyPLbD1M1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200722_110605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU7GIg6-HXI/X0duHYAgxjI/AAAAAAAA3KM/66EU842JXqom6J6WyxSaXWmLyPLbD1M1wCNcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_20200722_110605.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkYi2FJq_0Y/X0duGq0EXfI/AAAAAAAA3KE/sC-l9Vzw7-8e7uOZFiaJ9IdL_QzJfkJxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200722_110707-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1817" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkYi2FJq_0Y/X0duGq0EXfI/AAAAAAAA3KE/sC-l9Vzw7-8e7uOZFiaJ9IdL_QzJfkJxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200722_110707-min.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0mEH5YyYqM/X0duHibWBnI/AAAAAAAA3KQ/6xtjXyZwQhYgY1XsEpUbNu9cdC7b5MrSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200722_110732-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0mEH5YyYqM/X0duHibWBnI/AAAAAAAA3KQ/6xtjXyZwQhYgY1XsEpUbNu9cdC7b5MrSwCNcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_20200722_110732-min.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is a self paced course, can be purchased by anyone around the world and you can work on it on your own schedule! You also receive a certificate at the end of the course!! </span></div><br /><br />You can watch the video below to learn more!!</div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZmMXKjQa7AA" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZmMXKjQa7AA"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Course overview:<br /><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td2/2/16/2714.png" /> How to create individual flowers, leaves and stems - by hand!</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td2/2/16/2714.png" /> How you can layer them together in a collage</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td2/2/16/2714.png" /> Learn how you can present your creations!! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-66325365562790374442020-07-07T20:01:00.002+04:002020-07-07T20:02:58.449+04:00Mid year Musings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yeah, Mid-Year indeed. No, I'm not going to say where did the time go because I sure know where it went. We spent it all at home.<br />
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How have all of you been - and how are you transitioning into the new normal?<br />
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I wrote my previous blog post at the beginning of lockdown. Ever since, nothing much has really changed - our days have been effectively tunnelling into our nights. In the beginning it was really difficult to get used to e-learning but then we started actually looking forward to it. I can't actually believe we completed one entire term using e-learning. Kudos to the teachers who jumped onto the bandwagon just like us, without prior notice!!<br />
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Anyway, our academic year has ended and the school holidays have begun in full earnest. Here everyone is allowed to move out albeit with masks and social distancing etc but we have still not gone anywhere. Unless the UAE becomes covid-free, I don't think I'll be comfortable going out comfortably. The lockdown has eased and the economy has opened up - so it's a wait and watch situation.<br />
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It's again a matter of perspective. How we will emerge at the end of this lockdown period, totally depends on us. I can see that this pandemic has turned some people into insensitive monsters - we're all going through the same thing, and some people actually have it so much worse with job losses, homes gone etc. Why is it so difficult to be kind??<br />
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Of course, I don't judge those who want to step out - It's truly a gamble. Not everyone who goes out will get Covid. Not everyone who gets Covid will die. It's all about how much risk we're willing to take.<br />
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Meanwhile, we surge ahead. Kids have found renewed interest in helping around the house. Yes, they really miss the social interaction but on the plus side they are learning to tolerate each other :D It's also blazing hot and humid outside so spending time outdoors is not comfortable.<br />
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We have a grand two months ahead of us and I don't really have a plan. Right now, we are just busy getting our extra snoozes which we didn't get during the school term - guess, it's ok to take it slow!<br />
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What we want to do with our time and what we end up doing are two very different things :D but hopefully we'll get through this like we have so far!!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-53659507968618922362020-03-31T11:37:00.002+04:002020-03-31T11:39:11.982+04:00Once upon a 'quar'-an-time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My God. Oh My God.<br />
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It is the last day today, of the first quarter of 2020. As of today, we have been in lockdown here in Abu Dhabi for around 3 weeks. <br />
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It is the small things that we never see coming, that can hit us the hardest, isn't it? I am looking now at a photo on my wall in the living room, clicked on the first day of this year. On that day we did not know anything about the stormy 2020 times that lay ahead of us, or these uncertainties.<br />
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In January and February, our life went on as routine as ever - something that we always took for granted as time zoomed from one day to another. The kids' schooling, their extra curricular activities, trips to the supermarket, my alone time, our family time - it seemed mundane then!<br />
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In the background we were always reading news about the coronavirus affecting Wuhan and before we knew it, the virus was at our doorstep and our government had issued notices for everything to shut down - schools, malls, shops, activities.<br />
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It is time now to segue into a new normal. What was normal then is not allowed now. I never thought we'll need permits to leave our house during the day time but it has happened. The weather is so amazing here in March, it is the one last month we cling on to because as soon as April arrives, the heat arrives too. But in the new scheme of things - we can't. We're making the most of chilling on the balcony though!<br />
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Every dark and stormy cloud has a silver lining and for us, we definitely have more time together now that we are all home. The kids have to log in to their e-learning for the first half of the day but the second half is time to chill. Life has definitely quietened down and we are quite grateful for it.<br />
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If you're reading this and if you're feeling any anxiety due to the lockdown - find a reason to smile today. Start a gratitude journal, rediscover hobbies. Move your focus away from the coronavirus and trust me, you'll feel a lot better. I know it's easier said than done but try.<br />
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We're all in this together - let's hold hands and take a deep breath!! This too shall pass!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-82644399005985101162020-01-14T15:36:00.002+04:002020-01-14T15:37:23.663+04:002020: A year of Affirmations and Empowerment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello folks! I only wrote three posts on my blog last year and I'm not really proud of that! I have committed to writing more this year and hopefully I can follow through :)<br />
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How have you guys been? My life has been on the fast track with the freshly minted teenager in the house who was a tot when I started this blog. And following in his footsteps is a cutie patootie who wants to be the boss of the house, talks nonstop and doesn't let me focus! Ha!<br />
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In our house we literally live by the clock and that's what keeps us all sane - routines, organisation and a bit of pre-planning wherever possible.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for 2020</span></b></blockquote>
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For 2020, I want it to be a year of affirmations and empowerment for me personally. I am already on that path since a few years now and it has changed me in many ways. I no longer seek validation for my decisions or my way of living life and I lead my life in a way that suits me and what I believe in.<br />
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I repeat affirmations to myself on a daily basis and I think everyone should do this for themselves. Be your own cheerleader - you owe it to yourself!<br />
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Tell yourself you can do it! On many days I need help even to get through my day because I can so easily sink into the quicksand of laziness and languor. On those days I need to literally push myself up hour by hour and set tasks for the day - it is perfectly okay to have such days and perfectly okay to end up doing nothing either. Recognize that it is normal and don't go against the flow.<br />
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It is always nice to step back and review what you really want from your life and January is a very good month for you to plan accordingly so that you have something to reflect upon at the end of the year.<br />
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Personal goals are very underrated but they are the most important of all. You are accountable to only yourself and that's what makes it special as it is your goal, set by you and for you.<br />
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I wish you all a beautiful 2020, and hope you guys have a peaceful, prosperous and healthy year!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-2612009908983692832019-05-26T11:24:00.000+04:002019-05-26T14:53:15.354+04:00One step at a time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I</span>t's officially the middle of the year, and time for reflection. 2019 has been filled with mixed emotions for us so far. We welcomed babies in the extended family, we lost beloved ones. Also said hello to new opportunities, opened some hidden doors and distanced myself from a few 'friends turned acquaintances'.<br />
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What I truly believe in , is one step at a time. <br />
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I have never been the one to rush and now I understand the meaning of keeping things flexible all the more. I'm no longer in a rush to prove myself, justify my decisions or portray a certain image to the world or to someone.<br />
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Holding myself accountable for the decisions I make, has really helped me think about what decisions I am making in the first place. It has helped me understand the larger picture and I am able to shove the more trivial bits aside, matters that I used to previously obsess about. <br />
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Half a decade ago, I was very keen to please everyone around me whether they cared for me or no. I used to make time for people who wouldn't spend a second of their day thinking about me. And to add to it, I used to be upset if those people didn't reciprocate my emotions and I would think it's because I was lacking in some way. In short, I was ridiculously clingy and it didn't do me any good.<br />
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On the other hand, as a giver, there are people who I used to hold long conversations with, and it suddenly dwindled to just a random monosyllabic hi, to zilch. Yes, nothing at all. No replies or responses received.<br />
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We have to understand we are 'enough'. <br />
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I now consciously steer clear of people who intentionally start 'discussions' that very evidently cross the line, or those people who dole out free advice when they weren't asked for it in the first place. These conversations give off red signals in our consciousness from the word 'Go' but somehow we are conditioned to believe we deserve to hear what such people say to us. <br />
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By the way karma has no menu. You get what you deserve - be it exceptional love and luck or the reverse. <br />
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I wish you all a beautiful second half of 2019, and hope you all get what you've been waiting for. Maybe the key to it is hidden just where you haven't been looking :) </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-74015122997985904562019-04-04T19:41:00.001+04:002019-04-04T19:41:45.277+04:00Expectations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What are the expectations you have from yourself in general? Have you ever thought about it? If not, do give it a thought now. No, I don't want to know what society expects from you. Or what your family expects from you or your kids. No. It's kind of irrelevant. <div>
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For a minute, remove everyone else from your mind. Yes, those chattering noises that overcrowd even your silent moments and prevent you from thinking about yourself. Now think that what is it that you want from your life? Remember life is very finite and if you have to put your foot down and make some changes, today is the day and now is the moment. </div>
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I read a lot online and also have really deep conversations with my friends and what I have realized is that people are too occupied with fulfilling expectations of people around themselves that they fail to understand if this is really making them happy or no.</div>
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To be honest, no one will really care about your happiness. No sir. If you are waiting for that day, you can wait for the rest of your life. No one will ever ask you that important question so it's time you ask yourself - ARE YOU HAPPY?</div>
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See, I understand that many people especially women are brainwashed and mentally conditioned to such an extent that they have tied the family's happiness with their own. Undoubtedly, we all have our duties towards our family, children, parents, inlaws whatever. Not saying it's not important. The question again is priorities. Where do you put yourself in this hierarchy? </div>
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Coming back to the expectations - do you expect that you should fall in line with what others are doing or does being a leader excite you? What are you passionate about? What invigorates you? </div>
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Get there. Do it. Feel it. Never ever too late. Begin today! </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-48861176040513719112019-01-01T22:49:00.002+04:002019-01-01T22:49:25.269+04:00Hello 2019 !! Who's perfect?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm still here!! Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy 2019!<br />
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If you're reading this post, thank you so much for being a part of my blogger audience and thank you for your support and love always!<br />
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I'm not going to give excuses for why I didn't write even a single post in the last 6 months - but all I can say is that living life in the fast lane has taught me so much.<br />
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The best part is that happenings in my life always give me opportunities to learn and I'm so grateful for that! I have learned to approach life with utmost positivity and to have absolutely no expectations when it comes to people or situations that are not in my control.<br />
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My older one started secondary school (gasp!!) and everything is so new for him. He's getting a good grip on academics and also enjoys his creative pursuits so much. I love this guy for how chilled out he can be, sometimes way too chilled for his own good though HAHAHAHA.<br />
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As always I love observing people and quite often I seem to note the presence of these 'perfectionists'. The ones who claim that they are perfect with this and that. And pray where did they gain this notion from? Either (a) it's self created or (b) people around them keep calling them perfect.<br />
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Well, to break the bubble - there is nothing that's 'perfect'. Some people are organised and some thrive in chaos. Some have OCDs and some come alive when there's disorder around them. The important part is respect.<br />
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It's ok to not agree on a single point with someone, yet treat them with respect.<br />
It's ok to never see eye to eye on any topic with someone, yet show them respect.<br />
It's alright if someone isn't as perfect as we think they should be, because perfection is a perception.<br />
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Some people perceive themselves to be a version of 'perfect' and somehow get so absorbed into proving that to the world that they cannot see how insensitive it is making them.<br />
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I live in the UAE and the government has announced this year to be the Year of Tolerance. I so love this, because that's what our society needs more of. We need more people respecting each other the way they each are. To identify what makes us unique. To come together and celebrate differences.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-37971374489023547332018-06-26T23:35:00.001+04:002018-06-26T23:36:15.505+04:00D is for Disappointment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Folks, it's been a while.<br />
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Half a year flew past, eh? I see and mentally note so much on a daily basis and this is something I've been meaning to write about for a long time.<br />
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I see way too many parents these days rushing to cushion their child's life from every angle. So much so that the child does not know what's disappointment, or does not know how to react to rejection or the word 'NO'. Yes, this is happening for real.<br />
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Now. I'm all for happy childhoods. Every child deserves a happy and secure environment where they are free to be themselves. Free to be the cheekiest, corniest, craziest version of themselves.<br />
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At the outset, I'll be honest. I'm not super perfect mom. Quite far from it by the way.<br />
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Yes, my children know how it feels to NOT get their way all the time. They are in multiple scenarios even at home on a weekly or a monthly basis where they realize that a mild level of rejection or disappointment is normal.<br />
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Don't fight your child's battles for them. Let them figure out their little strategies for themselves. They'll thank you for it later.<br />
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<b>Accountability is the other thing.</b><br />
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Mommies and daddies - make your child accountable for their daily chores or decisions. For example: In our home, my children know to look at their timetable and ensure their PE kit or swimming kit is packed the previous night. Yes, even my 6 year old.<br />
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They do realize that if they forget their kit due to laziness then mom i.e Me, is not going to get into emergency mode and go rushing home to pick and deliver the kit in question.<br />
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One main reason why they should learn the basics of accountability is because we parents won't be around to help them forever. And such children who are mollycoddled at home, do end up floundering when thrown into the big bad ocean by themselves because they don't have these basic life skills.<br />
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<b>Today's responsible child is tomorrow's sorted adult.</b><br />
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Let your child face life's little situations at a tender age. If possible, share stories with them about children who are not from privileged backgrounds and who have to take life in their stride everyday. Let them understand the value of working hard for something and then receiving the rewards.<br />
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It's our duty as parents to empower our children by giving them opportunities to develop basic soft skills, and not decapacitate them by doing everything for them.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-9819525918349360682018-03-14T22:39:00.000+04:002018-03-14T22:39:41.995+04:00Staying Afloat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yup, you read that right. No this post is nothing to do with water or swimming. Ok, I'll be honest. It is is about swimming, but maybe in the context of life. </div>
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Let's face it, noone's life is perfect :) <div>
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I have a couple of friends who are currently going through a physically and emotionally difficult journey in their lives and we share our thoughts with each other on an almost daily basis. The subject for this blog post struck me as I was writing my thoughts in a way that I could be a source of support and light to them. </div>
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We all have ups and downs in our journey of life and on some days it feels like there are more downs. Somehow, everything seems to be going wrong; be it relationships, work, life, kids etc. Sometimes even health? </div>
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I feel like it's then that we have to take a step back and think. It's important to focus on what really kept us going in this journey so far. In the case of relationships, it's imperative to focus on the happy moments and think of them often during those low moments. </div>
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<img alt="Image result for happiness jar" 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" 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(Image courtesy Google Images)</div>
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This is a wonderful idea shared by many on social media. If maintained regularly, this pretty little happiness jar concept helps us analyse and understand our emotions - and in turn it helps us value what we have rather than worrying about whatever may be out of our control.</div>
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Each time you feel like giving up - tell yourself that you won't. Vocal reaffirmations are very powerful !! Remember that there are ALWAYS reasons to stay afloat. Some reasons may be really small to you but they are important. </div>
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Think about what got you through your journey AND what helped you reach this point.Write your thoughts down or draw to express your feelings.</div>
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And finally, remember that you are not alone. Find an outlet for your feelings, speak to friends, listen to music and BELIEVE in the power of finding a solution. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-80223085913080051162018-01-09T22:39:00.001+04:002018-01-09T22:44:16.930+04:00Empathy and Being Real<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy 2018 to all reading this post - May only the best come your way this year!<br />
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This post is linked to what I wrote previously on Acceptance.<br />
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Being empathetic is really important in this day and age. There is just too much hate in the world right now. What if we tried to treat others the way we'd like to be treated ourselves? What if we only said to others what we'd love to hear being said to us? The world would transform. It's like I always like to say : Every Drop Makes An Ocean.<br />
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Last year was a revelation of sorts. Without getting into details - it suffices to say that I evolved as a person in the year that went past.<br />
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We all learn everyday. Some lessons are taught to us nicely and some we learn the hard way. Sometimes drawing a line verbally or physically is necessary. Sometimes crossing over a fragile line to give the other person a hug is also equally important - more so when you realise they were literally craving for it.<br />
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Something I also learned last year was to let go of expectations. Here it's important to note that I had a lot of unrealistic expectations from myself. I'm not the first mom to multitask and I'll not be the last. Women in the previous generations had it harder because blah blah - but that does not take away from the fact that in this day and age, it's quite tough to present the balancing act. I learned to do only as much as I could handle and take some time to rest. It did wonders for my mood and self-esteem.<br />
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And coming to the topic of social media. Yes I'm on social media now more than I ever was. I like observing people and trends. Hands down, I have more respect for people who portray their real selves on social media because it takes guts to do so.<br />
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Be real. Show real emotions. Say what you mean and mean what you say (they're both different by the way).<br />
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On that note, I'll sign off !<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-20483764168557680242017-09-25T22:38:00.000+04:002017-09-25T22:38:11.205+04:00Acceptance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a little more than 2 months since my last post. Needless to say, school has reopened this month and I'm getting my precious 5 hours to myself when the kids are away. 5 hours may seem A LOT but to be honest, it's not much :)<br />
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On a daily basis, I enjoy observing people and making little notes when I interact socially. I can strike up a conversation with anybody; so it's win-win :)<br />
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I can't believe we're hurtling towards the end of 2017. This year has mostly been very good to us, and I'm quite grateful for it. In this day and age; if you have a home to come back to and a family that loves you for who you are - there's nothing more you can ask for .<br />
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And that brings me to the topic of acceptance. What is acceptance? It's when you are judging less and introspecting more. It's when you're not trying to be one up on someone and instead, walking hand in hand with them. It's when you're not crushing someone's self esteem to bits and instead, showing empathy.<br />
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'Cuz remember, we don't know what the other person is going through. We haven't lived even one day in their shoes; so we are no one to advice them about what they should do with their life.<br />
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How about we say; 'Hey, I know how hard this is for you. I'm always here if you need me'.<br />
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'Hey, I know this is tough. Hang in there buddy, we're in this together'.<br />
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OR<br />
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'Hi! Just checking in on you! How are you feeling today?'<br />
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I think judging and criticizing is a very sadistic behaviour. It is done for the sole purpose of belittling someone and not 'for their benefit'.<br />
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The world needs more of people who love unconditionally and who can accept each other regardless of size, shape, looks, clothes and all such irrelevant and trivial parameters.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-70639899529683361882017-07-19T18:37:00.002+04:002017-07-19T18:46:45.135+04:00Our Italian Sojourn - Part Two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>DREAMY FLORENCE</b></div>
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We arrived in Florence by train at the Santa Maria Novella station which is HUGE and has a lot of cafes and even a nice supermarket. It also has a Mc Donalds and yes the veggie option is available too (what a relief). </div>
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<b><u>An important note here:</u></b></div>
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All public toilets are of the paid category, it costs anywhere between Eur 0.50 - Eur 1 to use. The other option is to go to a cafe, eat something and then use the toilet there for free. And of course - no water in the toilets. We are so used to this coming from India and having lived in the Middle East that we take it for granted. Flushable wipes are a good option to carry though I don't know how eco-friendly they are.<br />
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Keep an eye on your valuables at all times and I don't recommend wearing expensive jewellery. It's best to keep the gold and diamonds at home and go to Italy wearing something very inexpensive - saves a lot of headache! If you're using a backpack, wear it in the front .</div>
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After checking into our hotel (no recommendations here, our hotel was comfortable but not the sorts I can recommend), we relaxed a bit before heading to the <u>Eco Florence</u> tour in the evening. This is a highly recommended tour! The pick up is at the Church of San Philipe in the main square - our guide was a lady who drove an electric cart and we were given audio guides to listen to. The biggest highlight of this tour is the Piazza Michalangelo, which is a uphill drive to a point where one can get the best view of the city of Florence! Thumbs up !</div>
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You can read more about the Eco Florence tour online and it is bookable on TripAdvisor/Viator etc. </div>
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Florence is SO beautiful - it has the old world charm, the cobbled streets and there's all the beautiful Renaissance architecture all around. </div>
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The next day we headed off on the <u>Best of Tuscany Tour.</u> This is a group tour, travel is by an airconditioned bus and the points of sightseeing are the towns of Sienna, San Gimignano and Pisa. It is a full day tour and can get a bit hectic with little kids but given that there's a lot of travel by the bus, there's plenty of time for them to get rest and sleep off for a bit. The Tuscan countryside is a sight tto behold! After our trip to Sienna, we stopped at a farmhouse for an authentic Tuscan lunch with homemade ingredients. We also tasted the wines - Yum !!<br />
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Sienna is very rustic but beautiful, San Gimignano is vibrant with little shops selling trinkets and cafes etc. And Pisa!! No words to describe what we felt at seeing the Leaning Tower - it's surreal!</div>
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The Best of Tuscany tour involves a LOT of walking and especially in Sienna and San Gimignano - all of the walking is uphill. I recommend wearing good walking shoes - I practically lived in them all through the trip !!</div>
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This tour is also bookable online and a big thumbs up from us - highly recommended!!</div>
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<b>OUR FINAL STOP - MILAN</b></div>
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After enjoying Italy for a whole week, we travelled to Milan by the super fast AV train that departs in the morning. Overall, our experience with Trenitalia has been very positive including interactions with their staff at the customer service desks everywhere and even the staff on board. They are very kind, very helpful and supportive. </div>
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Milan - what can I say! It is one of the fashion capitals of the world - it is stylish! The architecture is modern, everyone is on the go. The city has a fantastic subway network of 4 lines, of which one line has a driverless metro as well. Because there are 4 lines, the subway routes are not as easy to understand as the one in Rome, but what I especially liked is that you are never too far from a metro station. The metro connects the whole city and is a VERY convenient mode of transport as compared to taxis which are expensive. </div>
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We stayed at the Novotel located near the Ca Granda metro station - an excellent property and highly recommended. The shopping district of Milan goes by the name of Buenos Aires and it is located very close to the Duomo - some great deals are always available on the choicest of brands. </div>
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We went on two tours in Milan - both extremely good and recommended. Do remember that none of the tours offer a pick up from your hotel - so it is your job to figure out how to get to the meeting point. The first was a tour to the village of Turino from where we boarded the Bernina Express towards the Alps and onwards to the lil Swiss town of St Moritz. The highlight of this tour is the train ride through the mountain passes - it is very exciting for kids and adults alike! The climb is quite scenic and your eyes will never tire looking at nature's bounty. Keep your camera(s) charged and ready to click !! It was 28C in Milan versus 10C at St Moritz - cold!! The guide took us on a beautiful walk along the lake and then there was some free time to spend drinking in the natural beauty of which we could never get enough!</div>
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The other tour we did was that of Lake Como and Bellagio. The drive to the village of Como is so spectacular, and once we get to the village, there's a little cathedral there to see. We spent the best time lounging by the side of the pier on the benches there. There are free bikes to ride around a LOT of space for children to run - win win !! The tour continues with around a 45 minute cruise to the village of Bellagio. Sumedh was happy to look at all the ducks that seem to love the waters in Italy and at one point we also spotted a gorgeous Big white Swan when we docked at Bellagio! </div>
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It is worthwhile to mention that we had Indian food delivered to our hotel twice by the Taj Mahal restaurant and they offer excellent service! Here's a link to their presence on Zomato (https://www.zomato.com/milano/taj-mahal-isola/menu)</div>
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We flew back home from Milan with our hearts bursting with memories - this is a trip we'll always remember. We managed to fall in love with everything - the culture, the vast blue expansive skies, the friendly amiable Italians and the yummy food! </div>
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And yes we're already planning our next holiday next year to a new destination - let's see where we end up going!!!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-39458151795008939662017-07-16T16:42:00.001+04:002017-07-21T22:28:37.762+04:00Our Italian Sojourn (A Multiple Part Series) - Part One<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>PLANNING THE HOLIDAY</b></div>
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Early in the month of March, we decided to finally plan a holiday after a 3 year hiatus. Our last holiday was to Greece in April 2014. </div>
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There was no such reason for not going except that our little one is not very comfortable in confined environments such as flights, so we wanted to wait till he was a bit older. He is nearly 5 now so we thought better now than never!</div>
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As we looked towards European destinations - Italy came to mind. I have always wanted to go see the Leaning Tower in Pisa, and the ancient historic sights of Rome. But the south of Italy is said to be beautiful and very picturesque - the Amalfi Coast is very popular with tourists.We spent a few weeks of debating whether we should visit the south of Italy or the north . We had only 10 days in hand - and ultimately we decided on the North.</div>
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So we chalked out a route which would be Rome - La Spezia (Cinque Terre in the north west) - Florence and finally Milan. The plan was to fly into Rome and fly out of Milan and our dates were June 23rd - July 4th. </div>
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<b>ROME </b></div>
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We landed into the Fiumicino Airport and we were aghast to see the horrific queues at Immigration. About a 1000 odd people crammed into the hall and obviously the airconditioning was not able to support the load so it was sweaty and hot. There is no priority for elderly folks or families with kids - we requested them but we were turned down. <b><u>We did see Australian and US passport holders being fast-tracked - no idea why</u>.</b> If we were warned beforehand, at least we would have kept some extra food and water for the kids. Eventually when we were an hour away from the counters, we requested a lady ground staff and though she was quite rude, she fast-tracked us. </div>
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We checked into the <u><b>Mediterraneo Hotel at the Central Termini</b>,</u> which is a beautiful location to stay. It's very close to the Metro line and all major locales such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain etc are just 2 stops away. The hotel also has a lot of cafe style Pizzerias all around so there's no dearth of choice for meals. The Central Termini is full of branded stores and it also has a nice McDonalds that does stock the McVeggie burgers. We needed a break from pizza by the 2nd day, so this was a nice option for us to refuel. </div>
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We thoroughly enjoyed our half day tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and we explored the Spanish Steps etc by ourselves. The Colosseum is exactly how you see it in photos - huge, imposing and the history of this space literally pours out of each facade. Our guide led us through the history of this arena, and the way she was explaining it, we could imagine the scenes in our minds.<br />
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The Vatican City is inside Rome and has its own entry point demarcated by a huge wall. The tour we went on basically covered three points - the Vatican Museum, St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The Museum is filled with paintings from that era and plenty of frescoes. There is a lot of walking and stair climbing which is ok but it got uncomfortable due to no air-conditioning. The St Peter's Basilica is enormous, with beautifully carved gates and columns; but indeed the Sistine Chapel is the best of the 3. Serene, tranquil and it houses the best ceiling frescoes painted by Michaelangelo. In those days, without any equipment and just using vegetable dyes - he has truly painted masterpieces, some of which are 3D. The intricate detailing of each painting there literally gave us goosebumps!!<br />
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We got stuck in a heatwave that hit Rome - temperatures hit 35C which is not very high if you consider the heat in the UAE but it was HOT outdoors.<br />
Luckily, the evenings were very pleasant and post 4 pm it was quite nice to be outdoors. Considering that sunset is only by 9:00 pm , we had quite a lot of time to tour in the evenings.<br />
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<b>ONWARDS TO LA SPEZIA</b></div>
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After 3 days in Rome we headed to La Spezia. There is a direct train (Trenitalia of course) from the Central Termini and the journey is about 4 hours through the picturesque north western terrain. I highly recommend getting the Eurail pass, we got ourselves the 4 day pass and it was quite useful. The trains are extremely comfortable and there's enough space even for big pieces of luggage. </div>
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As the train approaches La Spezia, the glorious seascape comes into view. Imagine the turquoise languid waters that gently splash over the rocks ashore - bliss!! La Spezia is a small scenic village and it is through this station that the train departs towards the Cinque Terre (the 5 villages). Many tourists like to hike through to the villages, it's not too far. </div>
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We stayed at the <b><u>CDH La Spezia</u>, </b>a 10 minute taxi ride from the railway station. This hotel is right at the central square, just minutes away by walk and there are ruins of a castle in front of it. The village square is a delight to just stroll around, there are little shops everywhere and even a small kids play area. Overall, we were enraptured by the ambience and the vibes all around. A village is a village - wherever in the world you go ! :)</div>
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We took the little train to the 5 villages, but got off only at Vernazza and Monterosso. The village of Monterosso has a nice small beach. Oh and if anyone prefers cruises, there are day cruises that depart from the dock at La Spezia too.<br />
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After La Spezia, we visited Florence - keep watching the blog for further posts!<br />
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COMING SOON</blockquote>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-53432944995325777982017-05-08T23:28:00.000+04:002017-05-09T07:01:24.776+04:00My Age is more than just a number<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh yes, you read that right! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometime in late March, I entered my mid 30s. My older son Samarth was busy announcing my age to all and sundry and I heard a lot of chuckles around and was beginning to wonder why. What is so great in hiding one's age? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My age is my badge of honour. I very proudly say it loud and clear and don't attempt to hide it with a tee-hee or ha-ha or some joke.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So apparently there's this saying, that <b>don't ask a woman her age and a man his salary. Because a woman never lives for herself and a man never earns for himself. </b>Really? Is that even true in today's day and age - I think it is really outdated. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can surely speak for myself. I enjoy my me-time as much as I enjoy my mommy+wife+multiple role time with the family. Yes, I am not ashamed to admit that those snippets of time recharge me and remind me about what I am as an individual and allow me to reflect on my journey so far. After all one cannot pour from an empty cup!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wear my age proudly as a title. I do not care if 'I look my age or younger or older'. I am so self-assured that comments do not matter to me anymore. I think all women should be comfortable enough to reach this point in life where nothing can shake them anymore. </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If anything - my age has taught me to reflect on the inner core rather than the outer shell. It has taught me to look through the facades and masks that some people insist on wearing. As I enter a new year in life, I have learned to tune into my instincts more than ever and trust them to help me make decisions. Yep, I'm certainly doing a lot of important decision making these days :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ageing gracefully is an art and I do intend to take baby steps in that direction. </span></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-833399686463274062017-03-02T21:29:00.000+04:002017-03-02T21:29:21.434+04:00In 2017 : Emotions, Prioritizing and more..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How soon two months of the new year have flown by us!</div>
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Towards the end of 2016, I learned a harsh lesson and learned how to cut off toxic people from my life. It really felt like a breath of fresh air! Getting angry and giving an intense reaction was the easy way out and it would have been so convenient to choose it. But I chose to give a cold shoulder - something I thought I could never do. For me the most important thing was that my kids were watching my reaction and they were simultaneously imbibing. At that time, I felt a bit like the lion in this pic below :D</div>
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<img alt="Every time life gets tough do you give up? Do you find an excuse not to exercise? Remember that you are a role model for your children and that they are always watching you. If you enjoy exercising chances are they will too. Kids pick up your behaviors. Exercise is important know matter how old you are. Kids should be getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Make a change today! Show your children how important it is for them to take care of their bodies. It's the only one they have.: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/67/61/56/676156510e3ff5cb6d8bda22c0f56db6.jpg" height="390" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/67/61/56/676156510e3ff5cb6d8bda22c0f56db6.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I realised that only when we stick up for ourselves and prioritize our feelings and emotions - will other people do the same. We need to be stronger and sometimes more vocal - not to be confused with being rude. Being vocal is being assertive - and yes it can be done very politely. </div>
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Here's something cute that has been doing the rounds on the internet lately - How to convert your 'sorrys' into 'thank yous'. Reducing the number of unnecessary sorrys - also aids projecting a more self-confident version of ourselves. </div>
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<a href="http://www.boredpanda.com/stop-saying-sorry-say-thank-you-comic-yao-xiao/">http://www.boredpanda.com/stop-saying-sorry-say-thank-you-comic-yao-xiao/</a> </div>
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One of the images I liked from that link is this one below. What a difference words can make!<br />
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<img alt="stop-saying-sorry-say-thank-you-comic-yao-xiao-4" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-343505" height="173" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/stop-saying-sorry-say-thank-you-comic-yao-xiao-4.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Vocalising is so important - it is something I am learning along the way. Body language and mannerisms that accompany the words - can change the meaning altogether. Assertiveness is important and so is realising the importance of self-respect. </div>
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<strong>If there's one thing I am working on changing in myself this year, it is my reactions to unpleasant situations. I want to be calmer, I want to be more composed. It would be more of a personality overhaul, I guess. Over time, I have realised that people who intentionally want to hurt us by way of their words or actions, are fuelled by our reactions.</strong> </div>
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The easiest way out is to keep quiet - and let them know they have not affected you in any way. Barking dogs, seldom bite. </div>
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Here's to a year of positivity, a year of making slow and gradual changes. Wish me luck!! :D</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-34776756073106505052016-12-05T21:51:00.000+04:002016-12-05T21:57:06.645+04:00In the pursuit of Happiness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few days ago, I was having a little chat with my not-so-young 10 year old about what happiness is really about. He is at this age where he relates the source of happiness to everything materialistic and specifically gadgets. He is surrounded by kids here in the Middle East who have the latest gizmos and spend a lot of time gaming. Their conversations are seemingly centred on who played what, whose online score was higher and the latest updates ... so on and so forth. </div>
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When recently we were thinking of whether or not to get him his own laptop - I raised my hand in disagreement. Until he has a real need for his own laptop, I don't think it makes sense for us to give him his own. Seeing as there are a couple of laptops in the home already - I thought of it as a nice opportunity to teach him the importance of shared resources. </div>
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I don't know about other households, but I do tend to place a lot of value on family time and real human interaction. For instance, I expect my children to engage with each other in whichever way they find mutually fun (they are 6 years apart so maybe there's not many games that they can play together). Even if it's just kicking a ball around in the corridor or chasing each other around the house - it's something REAL and tangible and that's what makes it special. When I see them collapsed in fits of laughter, I know then that these rules are so worth it! :)</div>
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Even though we can afford those gizmos that he so craves - I have limited his gadget usage to TV and his Lenovo Tablet which is password protected - he doesn't know what the password is. I keep a track of how much screen time he is given. And somewhere along the line, I am teaching him to be conscious and aware - to not be simply drowning inside some virtual quicksand.</div>
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But first as adults, we need to ask ourselves - What do we base our happiness on? Is it external factors all the time, or intrinsic? Are we seeking validation all the time from our social circle or social media OR are we learning to be happy and content on our own? Our children are watching us all the time and imbibing subconsciously.<br />
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To summarize, I'd like to think we have to work in tandem. Parenting and teaching life lessons in this day and age is challenging no doubt. If we're not effective role models, we cannot expect our child to learn anything. If you take away all of your child's gadgets BUT you are always busy on your own phone/tablet, it does not make any sense. If you don't give them real alternatives to what else they can do with their time, then is it going to work? I don't think so. <br />
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In a couple of decades, my son will not remember his top gaming score but he will surely remember those fist fights with his brother and all those songs they like to sing loudly together. <br />
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Those are REAL memories :-) unbeatable, precious and priceless. <br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-68205565017587311112016-10-08T15:58:00.001+04:002016-10-08T16:00:46.189+04:00A decade of parenting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is a warm Saturday afternoon as I write this. Jr#1 is hanging around watching a movie and Jr#2 is asleep and yes their dad is also asleep in another room. </div>
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It is also one of those days when I sit musing about life. </div>
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Jr#1 turns 10 this month <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong><u>(YES, He is the then-5-year-old cutie who is in the image you see at the top of my blog)-</u></strong></span> yikes he is officially entering the double digits :) He has grown up - in more ways than one. I can talk to him on a different level now and he understands more stuff than he ever did so far. He sort of knows the difference between fake emotions and real ones. </div>
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He also shows a great deal of interest in helping around at home and I let him do it. To illustrate, he washed a few dishes lying around in the sink this morning, for the first time. So far he had only been rinsing his cup or plate and putting it away. I really hope he continues to be responsible and will want to help around like this - I am sure as hell encouraging that. </div>
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I have vowed that I will never be THAT mom who ends up raising ungrateful kids because she didn't know what went wrong along the way. No parent does it consciously - it just happens. It happens when you don't correct kids when you are supposed to or you let them be slobs, whilst catering to their every whim and fancy. Before you know it - they get used to being treated as royalty and BOOM, one day they're adults and you can't do anything about it, least of all mould them anymore. </div>
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So it has been a decade of parenting for us :) Hubby and me have learned a lot along the way, made some mistakes and worked on rectifying it too. We understood very early that parenting is team work - and it only bodes well when both parents work in tandem. </div>
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The pre-teen is already starting to throw his weight around and I know that tougher years lie ahead - may it be easier than I imagine it to be. All that rebelling, slamming doors, 'you don't know anything' etc etc - GASP - I guess I'll never know what to anticipate :D</div>
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Wish me luck ! :) :)</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-40153220377838508682016-07-19T17:45:00.001+04:002016-07-19T17:45:51.223+04:00MidYear Musings :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After some of this and some of that - it is officially the middle of 2016. For better or for worse, the changes in this year have definitely brought out the best of me. I discovered "deeply-buried-inside-me" aspects to myself which I did not know were ever there.</div>
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In June this year, I completed 10 years of staying home (of being a SAHM) after quitting a full-time career which was good while it lasted :) I won't trade those beautiful years in for anything in this world - I got to work with some really fun people who were more my friends than colleagues. </div>
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I realised early on that I wouldn't be able to juggle the balancing act between motherhood and a full-time job; and so I made the obvious choice. And a beautiful decade it has been ! :) Some awww and hair-raising moments later - the bittersweet experience of parenting has changed hubby and me in ways we never imagined. </div>
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Speaking of which, Samarth enters double-digits this year - a milestone in any child's life :) He is at this age where he is not a kid any more and neither a teenager nor an adult as yet. It is this beautiful pre-teen phase where he is beginning to discover himself, his peers, his family and also beginning to understand emotions better. I am happy to be around him when he needs me the most - and happy to witness these years. And alongside, I am praying that the teenage rebellion does not hit us too bad when it arrives :D :D For now, we are enjoying each day in its glory!</div>
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As I write this - I am in the midst of planning Sumedh's 4th birthday next month and simultaneously thinking of a special way to celebrate Samarth's 10th birthday in October. In a couple of years he might want to go hang out with his friends FAR away from parental supervision so I'm going to enjoy his 'I need my parents' age while it lasts :)</div>
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Meanwhile, I have also been reading SO much on my kindle :D</div>
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One of the things on my to-do list is to put together a list of my favourite books from the huge stash which I have read, alongwith my rating. Interestingly, I have been buying books looking at the reviews and not author-wise, so I have read the books of many unknown authors in the process. There are many upcoming writers, Indian as well as non-Indian, whose works are unparalleled. They write compelling stories which we all need to read - of complex emotions, of simple lives.</div>
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What have you been doing this year? I can't wait to hear all about it :) </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-84523471644383488462016-03-30T06:00:00.000+04:002016-03-30T06:00:07.886+04:00Celebrating another birthday :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everytime I think of updating the blog, I feel I have nothing to say. But when I sit and think on a daily basis, there are so many thoughts that cross my mind :D Does it happen to you too? <br />
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I turned a year older a few days ago - how exciting :D It was a year well spent watching my kids grow and sailing together in the boat which is a symbol of our life together. Through the trials and tribulations of daily life and through smiles and tears. I feel like I get all sentimental around the time it is my birthday and I introspect so much. Which is nice!<br />
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Birthdays remind us how blessed we are. How incredibly blessed we are to have a family that loves us and depends on us for their emotional needs and whose faces light up at the very hint of a smile on our face :) <br />
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A birthday is less a celebration of the day you were born; but more a commemoration of the life you have led since that day. A birthday is special because it is that one day which reminds you of your life goals and the purpose of your life. The greater purpose.<br />
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I definitely remind myself of whatever I wish to achieve this year and I hope to be truthful to it. Everything in our life does not go as planned, but it's ok. It's always OK to have a plan B and use it without guilt if necessary. That's one life lesson from the past year :D :D<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-77742778915251911402016-02-05T22:21:00.001+04:002016-02-05T22:23:39.203+04:00Life is in the Small Moments :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When we thought that 2016 has just begun, here we stand 5 days into the second month already! Whoa!</div>
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I am trying to infuse positivity into my outlook for this year and have decided not to think about anything that is not in my sphere of control for the moment. Every now and then, I find my mind overcrowding with thoughts and it is then that I realize that YES, it is possible for us to control our thoughts and it is in our hands as to what we let affect us. </div>
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The first month of the year was filled with so many moments, precious and priceless. Taking a good look at both my cubs everyday, I discover in sheer amazement as to how soon they are growing. What the hubby and me are doing is not just raising kids, we are shaping individual personalities and grooming them as humane and empathetic people who will eventually be independent and lead their lives in such stellar ways that make us proud.</div>
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The little one is so happy to follow in his Anna's footsteps. Sometimes it is literally following every step and tagging behind :D :D So we also tell Anna how important it is to set the right example and how he has to be careful because the little eyes are always watching his every move :)</div>
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On another note, the hubby and me absolutely delight in making plans for the following weekend even before the ongoing weekend has ended :P Somehow, it perks us up when there is something to look forward to. </div>
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By the way, it does not have to be anything fancy.</div>
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Our outings with the kids are mainly to the parks as we are in the midst of a beautiful UAE winter. We sit together and share a few words as the older one cycles around and the younger one climbs monkey bars shrieking in sheer delight and discovers that he can navigate the higher slides without help! :)</div>
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Life Is In The Small Moments. Those moments that pass us by as we browse idly through a social media feed or anything random. I am guilty of it too. Remedying it one day at a time :)</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-9057019493274055622015-12-16T23:48:00.001+04:002015-12-16T23:48:54.235+04:00Always TRY. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, in fact just now this night I just realised that I wrote only a handful of posts on this blog this year. But hey, on the brighter side, I tried! :D <br />
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You know, ultimately that's what matters. Whether you TRIED or not. Maybe you are struggling to learn a new skill. Maybe you need to work really hard towards passing an examination. Or maybe it's something else. Never mind. Always remember to try. Even if it feels like forever, remember that every day is like a drop in the ocean. It counts. <br />
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So before I start sounding like some life coach, let me quickly write down some of my learnings from this grand year.<br />
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1. <strong><u>I am responsible for my own happiness</u></strong>. if I am happy, I automatically radiate happiness towards the people around me. Hubby, kids, family, neighbours, strangers. Everyone.<br />
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2. <strong><u>Every step counts</u></strong>. What may feel like a futile exercise today, brings rewards tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow :)<br />
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3. <strong><u>Empowerment is not just one of those fancy words</u></strong>. Empower yourself, empower everyone around you. You will automatically feel the positive vibes. <br />
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4. <strong><u>Every day is a new experience</u></strong>. Sure I have had my share of those days when nothing seems to be going right and I feel like going and huddling inside my comforter. Sadly on such days, vanishing is not even an option. Therefore, staying in the situation with the head held firmly high is important :)<br />
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5. <strong><u>Gratitude</u></strong>. This year, I have cultivated the attitude of gratitude. Work in progress but getting there :)<br />
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I have learned so much more, it is too much to even remember and write here. Through the peals of laughter that escaped my throat and through the tears that flowed from my eyes on some occasions - this year was iconic. I guess every year is. <br />
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What matters is what we take away from it. <br />
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As you may have already guessed :) I am wrapping up this year on my blog with today's post. We are now a fortnight away from waving goodbye to 2015.<br />
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Adieu 2015 and here's to a rocking new year 2016. Cheers to more real friendships, more gadget-free times, enjoying with the kids, more travel, and more of understanding myself along the way. <br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-2133467793108724612015-12-16T15:51:00.001+04:002015-12-16T15:51:43.778+04:00Cloud watching :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On my flight back from Bangalore to Abu Dhabi last week, I was admiring some beautiful cloud formations . They seemed surreal and so beautiful !! :)<br />
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Enjoy the pics!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523617446946677452.post-44551767856960975252015-11-02T22:24:00.002+04:002015-11-02T22:24:18.388+04:00Thinking positive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's almost the end of 2015. Time to wrap up the year now, analyse the moments and absorb the goodness whilst chucking out the negativity. <br />
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If there's one thing I learned this year then it is the power of positive thinking. Oh I know what you must be imagining (What a cliche, everyone says it all the time). If you have been doing it then you know what I mean. <br />
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<strong><u>Live today to the best you can and infuse the goodness of today into your full being.</u></strong> <br />
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I was never a strong believer in these thoughts until I started to feel the positive effects myself. I couldn't believe that my unvoiced thoughts could actually impact the flow of events in my day and affect my perception of these events. <br />
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But you know what? It does. Positive thinking is not just meant to be taught in workshops etc and forgotten. It is meant to be a way of life. And for a good reason.<br />
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For example, I am not at all a morning person. I find it very difficult to wake up and function at very early hours. However due to the schedules at home with the kids, I don't have a choice. So I try and infuse a bit of happiness into my morning routine by either observing the birds outside or marvelling at the rising sun and watching some reflections before I enter the kitchen. It really makes a difference and makes me feel better. <br />
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<strong><u>Smile more often</u></strong><br />
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Smile at your kids, smile at your spouse and smile for no reason at all. Maintaining a cheerful disposition makes you feel good from the inside. If you can't think of even one thing that makes you smile then gosh, you aren't really looking at the brighter side of life. Smiling does not make our troubles vanish but it makes them easier to bear. <br />
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<strong><u>Many things in life are out of our control</u></strong><br />
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Dwelling on these things will only make us sadder. Instead, think of what you are grateful for and keep reminding yourself of this. If it is in our hands then we should work on changing it, else set it aside.<br />
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It is very difficult to think positive all the time but believe me when I say that I have met people who really manage it 24x7. So it is not impossible. Just try and I guarantee you will feel a sense of inner healing and happiness. <br />
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After all, our happiness impacts our health and we should always strive to be happy by ourselves and not depend on the rest of the world.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Share your views!! :D</div>Urmila Santoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619147580381050713noreply@blogger.com0