I have a unique ability to prepare food in a distinctive manner, crafting dishes that may seem exclusive to my taste buds, leaving others in amusement. I genuinely find it hard to believe that people could replicate my cooking style. It’s quite amusing to me; I can’t fathom anyone else cooking quite like I do. That’s one area where I truly stand out in doing things differently in the kitchen. (PS: This food is not edible for others lol)
Category: Purpose
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Reason behind “Smile, You Are Enough” in the freeway billboard?
The goal is to create affirmations for passersby, with a key message being “SMILE, YOU ARE ENOUGH.” In a world where many grapple with depression, low self-esteem, and fear of failure, it is crucial to affirm each individual’s inherent worth. The message emphasizes that everyone is sufficient as they are, deserving of joy. The intention is to offer solace and encouragement to those facing internal struggles, promoting self-acceptance and resilience through a genuine smile. These reminders aim to empower and create a positive, compassionate atmosphere in a society often plagued by self-doubt and negativity. The simple act of smiling can contribute to fostering a brighter environment for oneself and others.
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The College that shaped who I am today
The college that I initially perceived as a jail now holds the fondest memories for me. Every single memory I have from that time is cherished, making it the best college in the state. The institution has rules and regulations governing every activity, and adherence to these rules is mandatory. Though the rules are strict and unyielding, I have come to realize their immense value in shaping my life.
I confess that I had expressed frustration and resentment, particularly towards the law enforcement personnel in the college and hostel. However, in retrospect, I acknowledge that these rules have proven to be incredibly advantageous for my personal growth. Each rule was in place for a specific reason, and I now understand the wisdom behind them.
My college experience was not just about theoretical studies; it laid the foundation for my life, and I am profoundly grateful for it. Engaging in Social Work studies provided me with maximum opportunities, and I have no regrets about the discipline enforced in my college, where non-compliance came with consequences.
Looking back, I appreciate the seemingly silly mischiefs, the competitive spirits, and the laughter over trivial matters that collectively defined my college life. I owe a debt of gratitude to the college for shaping me into the person I am today.
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What I pray for 2024
The biggest challenges include not being able to have full faith in God, succumbing to the temptation of anger, hesitating to take risks, and more. I acknowledge that not all individuals face similar challenges; what might be significant for some could be inconsequential for others, and vice versa. One of the major challenges for this year is whether I will be able to save up some money or if I will be in a better financial position. As we grow older, it becomes challenging to sustain a hand-to-mouth existence indefinitely, as time seems to show no mercy to anyone. Therefore, I pray for growth in terms of wealth. Haha!
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Four best lesson that 2023 taught me!
The profound lesson that I gleaned from the tumultuous journey of 2023 is one that instills gratitude and a refusal to complain about life’s adversities. Despite encountering myriad highs and lows, including experiences of humiliation, shame, failures, disapproval, downfall, and the painful loss of loved ones, I find solace in acknowledging the transformative power of this challenging year.
Regrettably, I confess that I struggled to accept myself during this period and, at times, found it difficult to seek divine intervention through prayer. Moments of questioning my very existence clouded my perspective. However, I realize now that my struggles were not eternal, my failures were not permanent, for 2023 granted me the opportunity to power down my internal engines and initiate a rejuvenating restart. Through this process, I’ve managed to re-focus my life and rediscover the capacity to smile once more.
Expressing gratitude for the individuals who played pivotal roles in my life, teaching me profound lessons through their presence, I have come to appreciate the diversity of these lessons—some being the harshest, others sweet or bitter. Despite the challenges, I harbor no regrets about embracing these experiences. My earnest prayer extends to each of them, hoping they find or continue to experience the best that life has to offer.
Allow me to share a few lessons from my 2023 odyssey:
- Politely refusing someone in a superior position is not an act of disrespect; rather, it signifies a person of integrity and self-respect.
- Recognize that the world extends beyond your limited perspective; embracing the diversity it offers can be a source of invaluable life lessons.
- Prioritize your well-being and mental health, even if it means disappointing others. In the grand scheme, it’s your life, not theirs.
- Life is ephemeral, and harboring resentment towards undeserving individuals is a futile endeavor. Embrace the wisdom of letting go and moving forward.
These four insights encapsulate my learning from the past year, and I sincerely hope they prove beneficial to you in times of similar challenges. Take courage, stand up for yourself, for the sands of time do not grant us the luxury of reliving the same year. Seize the moment, act promptly, lest it be too late. Wishing everyone a fulfilling and prosperous 2024.
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What is it takes to be a daughther of a middle class family?
Navigating life as a daughter of a middle-class family in the Far East, where stable incomes are elusive, and with four siblings, each eager to broaden their horizons and make a meaningful impact, has proven to be a far more challenging journey than I could have anticipated. Adulting, a term I never thought would encompass such complexities, has forced me to confront the stark realities of financial instability.
In those days, as I yearned to start earning and contribute to my family’s well-being, some elders dismissed my aspirations with laughter, insisting that life is not as straightforward as I believed. Initially, I felt annoyance and anger, vowing to prove them wrong. However, reality unfolded differently, and I learned the hard way that the wisdom of elders, derived from life experiences, is invaluable. Perhaps I should have heeded their warnings and savored my teenagehood more.
Despite the challenges, my determination to move forward and face the world head-on persisted. As the eldest child, unexpectedly shouldering responsibilities akin to a second mother, I found myself in a role I had not anticipated. While I acknowledge that complaining is futile, understanding that I am entrusted with this role for a higher purpose keeps me focused.
Observing friends who effortlessly achieve success and prosper in life leaves me both amazed and bewildered. I marvel at those who seemingly do nothing and yet lead comfortable lives with the support of their parents or siblings. It remains a mystery to me how they navigate life with such ease while I toil daily, not only to overcome hurdles but also to manage the debt incurred in pursuit of my education.
This surreal life, uncharted and unanticipated, has failed to come with a warning. Nevertheless, the challenges I face and the experiences I endure are shaping me into a better human being. Each trial, each hardship, is a precious gem contributing to my unique journey and making me distinctly different.
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Swat 2017- movie review: 2 characters who gave me goosebumps.
I haven’t done many movie reviews, except for the obligatory ones for extra credit during term-end exams in college—gotta boost that scorecard! Today, I want to share a brief opinion on a series that, in my view, is worth your time—SWAT. The first season was released in 2017, and it spans five seasons.
The story revolves around a team of seven, led by the Commander. However, the main actor is the team leader or sergeant known as ‘HONDO,’ Daniel Harrelson. HONDO is a man who shoulders every responsibility, being accountable for his team, the state of Los Angeles, and his loved ones. Amidst the challenges, he strives to mend relationships within his broken family, navigate friendships, parenthood, and love life.
The series unfolds with the team, facing risks and challenges as highly trained LAPD SWAT members, consistently finding solutions for the chaotic situations in Los Angeles. Sergeant Deacon, a family man and a decorated police officer, battles financial difficulties, putting his family at risk and working diligently to protect the state.
Each team member faces personal challenges, yet they maintain composure, dedicating themselves to their work, risking their lives to save others. The series highlights themes of trust, unity, belongingness, love, and dedication. It emphasizes standing tall for what’s right, unwavering in the face of negativity.
If you have the time, I highly recommend checking out this series. It’s a compelling narrative that explores the virtues of trust, unity, love, and dedication while portraying the relentless pursuit of justice by the LAPD SWAT team.
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How I Journey for Healing and Hope
Self-reflection day! Just when a path seems clear, life introduces even greater stumbling blocks. Success, seemingly within reach, often eludes us, appearing farther away than our hopeful visions. It may seem unjust to many, yet numerous individuals have achieved remarkable feats this year. As the year draws to a close, celebrations abound for those who have conquered milestones, but there exists a handful mourning the year’s end due to debt repayment, personal failures, worries about their children’s education, and more.
My question today is, have we gleaned valuable lessons from the experiences of this year? Do we harbor any regrets in life? Is there room for improvement that we recognize within ourselves? Are we confident enough to step into a new year with a hopeful heart, or are we still contemplating what lies ahead? I won’t deny that I’ve encountered thousands of setbacks this year, making it a challenging period filled with burdens and trials. However, I can proudly proclaim that amidst these challenges, I’ve learned the art of healing, and for that, I am grateful to God.
As Christmas approaches, my wish is that Santa brings a better life for me and my family in the coming year. Amen!
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What Christmas is to me!
Today is the 23rd of December, and 18-20 years ago, my siblings and I were filled with excitement as Christmas approached. It was a time when we could celebrate at home with our parents, indulge in delicious food, and adorn ourselves in new dresses. The festivities included eagerly anticipated afternoon games where we received prizes and the frequent treat of Gur Chini (jaggery) every few hours.
Our parents, however, were seldom present at the community ground festivities. My mom was occupied with church and community work, while my dad had his own responsibilities, making appearances during the celebration quite rare. We found solace with our second and third aunt (yet third Aunt won’t be there this year at the community ground, as she is in a better place now), who took care of us, treated us to local delicacies like Sinju, and occasionally bought special treats from the shop.
Despite not having the opportunity to wear fancy dresses or join our friends, the bond between my sisters and me strengthened. I took on the role of the big sister, responsible for their well-being in the absence of our parents. Occasionally, our peer groups would ridicule us for not being part of the larger group or not dressing as smartly. This, along with mom’s peculiar restrictions, further distanced us from our peers.
This Christmas tradition continued until I started my degree studies. Since then, my participation in the festivities dwindled due to exams, short holidays requiring expense savings, and later commitments in the workplace. Initially, I didn’t mind being away during Christmas, but as time passed, I started feeling homesick and longed to be with my family.
This year, being far from home, I anticipate spending most of my time inside the four walls of my room. My prayer is that, regardless of our locations, we will welcome Christ into our hearts and let His presence dwell within us. May we learn to submit to His care and be instruments of His love, no matter the circumstances. I extend warm wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas.
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“Everyone is a hero!”
In the year 2018, I listened to my students’ harrowing tales of Kerala’s devastating floods. They recounted their real-life ordeals of navigating through the floodwaters and enduring the aftermath. As I heard their stories, the distress they experienced became palpable, and I empathized deeply with their struggles. Many had endured nightmares as their homes succumbed to the deluge, forcing them to seek refuge in relief camps.
However, my understanding took a profound turn when I watched the documentary “2018.” It dawned on me that what they had conveyed to me was merely the tip of the iceberg, and the extent of the devastation was far greater. My heart ached witnessing people grappling with the aftermath of decisions that led to such catastrophic consequences. I pondered what might have happened if certain preventive measures were taken or if they had heeded the warnings of their team members (as seen from the documentary)
Fast forward to the end of that distressing year, the resilient people of Kerala faced yet another adversary—COVID-19. It’s remarkable how, despite these challenges, many of the individuals I’ve encountered have managed to rebuild their lives successfully. Reflecting on these adversities, I can’t help but contemplate how my own family might have coped in such circumstances and where we might be now.
Beyond the miseries and dangers, these resilient individuals stand tall, facing the world with unwavering zeal. Their strength in the face of adversity has left a lasting impact on me, making me feel a bit stronger today.
