Travel is Personal.

I recently got a tattoo on my ankle that has a small airplane on it, in an infinity symbol. The obvious theory would be that it speaks of endless travel. There is some truth in that. But one would also look at it and assume I’m already an avid traveler and have been to some 20+ countries so far. That is far from the truth. One would then assume it is a rather incomplete representation of myself 🙂 but I assure you, that is hardly so.

Every time I’m on Instagram, I come across users posting innumerable pictures of themselves on trips across the globe. Some for work, some leisure, some on a family holiday, some on a soul searching expedition, and then there’s the evident travel genius who uploads 40 pictures in one post.

For me, to be able to travel for leisure and/or exploration always came with a whole lot of excitement and preparation. Right from choosing whom to go with, to choosing seats on an airplane, for me the whole process is an experience that I want to remember forever. And therefore, while I do travel quite a lot for work, I’m taking it one country at a time for a more personal experience.

Walking down cobbled streets on a cold evening..clinging to my jacket, opening a frosted window to reach out to first snowflakes of the morning, digging my feet into the warm sand on a beach, exploring heritage cities on a cold night, indulging in an Italian lunch on a hot middle-eastern afternoon, waking up to sounds of an aircraft piercing through the silence of the snow clad Himalayan peaks… these and a ton of other eternal memories are what prevent me from ‘traveling in a hurry’ ! I’m not (and will never be) the type who will speed through 5-6 countries on a Euro-trip in 2 weeks.

I recently read a blog titled ‘Why You Should Travel Less in 2019‘ by #passionpassport and they talk about why you should throw away the long practiced habit of ‘traveling for travel’s sake’. They couldn’t be more correct and it saddens me to realize that our ‘kind’ are far from realizing the beauty of truly cherishing another culture and landscape.

I admire people who take a good couple of weeks to really soak in the sounds and sights of a new place. That is what I aim to be!

Sure, we want those fabulous pictures for good old Instagram. But would it hurt to take it slow?  Would it make a difference to me and/or the environment and the people of the country I’d like to visit if fewer of us showed up every once in a while with our cultural differences, bad habits, lack of appreciation for their civic sense and art (just using examples, no offence).

I’m  positive there are many just like me, who sometimes break under the pressure of Instagram ‘Influencers’ and experience #FOMO to the next level. It’s one big social media race to the finish out there!

My advice to you is to hang in there, cherish the experience of slowly but surely planning a nice trip to a destination YOU’VE always wanted to go to – and not some place chosen by a survey on social media. Take time to research, chose a great friend / sibling / travel group to go with, and live to tell the story – just like I’m doing here.

Yours truly

xx

PS – You should totally follow https://passionpassport.com/ for their superb, contemporary, meaningful content!

A Bombay girl in Ladakh!

If there’s one place on almost every other travel bucket-list in the world… it is Ladakh! There’s something magnetic about the stark unforgiving beauty of Ladakh that lures many a hitchhiker, adventure enthusiast, senior citizens on a group tour, a bunch of college kids waiting for that selfie at the few Bollywood movie spots and well.. Me!

After a year or two of voluntary avoidance (I’m a total beach person, mountains need convincing!) I finally traveled to Ladakh with two of my very close girl friends, both of whom had never been and had finally found the time.

Throughout the week long trip I often found myself thinking about other travelers who, like me, are preparing for their first trip to Ladakh and after having browsed a dozen travel blogs and websites, just want a basic no-frills low down about what to expect before/while traveling to Ladakh. I’ve tried to help – Hope you find it useful 🙂

Note: If you’re the kind of traveler who seeks worth from every penny spent – let me warn you, this post is NOT for you 🙂 , that’s not the kind of traveler I am.

GETTING THERE

My friends and I are based in Mumbai, so we took a direct flight to Leh. This is advisable on some levels, especially if you want to make it to Leh directly and not via Srinagar (not the best thing to do if you’ve been partying the night away before a 4 am departure! enter sleep deprivation)

Having said that, I will own up to the fact that I suffered from dizziness and difficulty in breathing (can be comapred with ACM – Acute Mountain Sickness) barely half an hour after we arrived in Leh.

Advisory Note : Since Leh is located at 10000+ ft above sea level (and so are other places in Ladakh), acclimatization is something you should really prepare well for, before you travel.  Which is why, getting to Leh via Srinagar/Manali is probably a better option since you have time to/a chance to acclimatize gradually.

My friends and I came prepared with medicines (ask your local doctor for these) and were well hydrated at all times, but I had a constant headache for the first 2 days in Leh. You may want to consult your doctor before travel, especially if you have respiratory issues and lack physical exercise in your daily routine.

LEH

Views from the aircraft while descending into Leh are in one word – Breathtaking! As the airplane circles into final approach, you cannot help but stick your nose to the window, I know I did! The airport is small, so you’re basically off the plane and into the arrivals lounge in seconds, no time wasted.

On arrival at your accommodation (Hotel/Home-stay) you may want to rest up for a few hours before venturing out anywhere. Chances are you may feel lightheaded especially while climbing stairs, but if you take medicines and stay hydrated, with rest – You’ll be fine!

Things to do in LEH

Buddhist Monasteries – The 2 prominent monasteries are Hemis and Thikse which are a 1-2 hour drive from the main city center, and if you have the time and energy – visit the Stok Palace and Monastery. We visited the latter and did our best to get up to the highest point at both. Again, if you’re suffering from dizziness, you may want to avoid climbing too many steps.  Every nook and corner of the Monasteries is aesthetically appealing and serene, so you will not miss an experience if you choose not to climb on to the next levels too much.

Shanti Stupa – My personal Favorite ! The Stupa is on a hill, reachable by car. It is also reachable by some 500 odd steps which many tourists ardently take. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. It is one of the most peaceful places in Leh (when not crowded with noisy tourists), offering crystal clear panoramic views of the whole city of Leh. My friends and I spent quite a few enjoyable moments before sunset on two occasions, and the skies lit up so magically, it is a treat for us city dwellers who seldom get to experience such unfiltered natural beauty! If you want those breathtaking pictures from Leh, head to the Shanti Stupa, you will not be disappointed!

Leh Palace, War Museum and Leh market – If you’ve had your fill at the Monasteries you could skip the Leh Palace. The War Museum is an experience you may not want to 🙂 and finally, if there’s one place you’ll find yourself walking to everyday – it’s the market (read WiFi). From local restaurants and cafes to vibrant souvenir shops and jewelers, the market place is bustling during the day, up until 9-10 pm and is easily walk-able.

FOOD in LEH

My friends and I ate everything including Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) & momos (steamed dumplings) from the local restaurants, but were unapologetic about devouring some pizza and pasta at this really nice Italian cafe. My top picks from the places we ate at are: Chopsticks Noodle Bar (this was our favourite!), The Tibetan Kitchen, Bon Appetit and Coffee Culture. City brats that we are, we also did lunch at the Hotel – Grand Dragon one afternoon, with a view to kill!

KARGIL

This 2 day trip was recommended by our itinerary maker, and we decided to play along. The highlight was our journey to Dras War Memorial (Dras is the coldest place in India) . A few silent moments spent here paying homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the war make a lot of difference to an Indian traveler who has knowledge of and cared enough about the war.

Our hosts at the hotel in Kargil were very friendly, welcoming and hospitable! They told us some spine-chilling stories from the Kargil war, but also soothed our temporarily shaken nerves with a hot delicious meal.

If you’re on a tight trip (a week) I would not recommend Kargil. While the experience was eye opening and unique, and we truly cherished our visit to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, we could have covered another attraction in Ladakh considering it is quite a distance from Leh to Kargil/Dras and back. The roads however, are not too bad (NH 1) and you will miss this when you make your way through the mountain passes later on (Khardung La and Chang La)

River Rafting on the Zanskar

I’ll admit I didn’t do this one, my enthusiastic friends did! and boy did they have fun! Our tour driver took us to the river rafting booking centers, where my friends were given wet-suits and other safety gear, and then we drove about 20-25 min to the starting point upriver. While my friends were busy splashing away in the mighty Zanskar (which meets the river Indus at Sangam Point) I was having meaningful conversations with our tour driver’s (Mr Phunsuk) 5 year old daughter Stanzin 🙂

Nubra Valley / Hunder

After the Shanti Stupa, Nubra Valley has got to be my favourite! It is an absolute MUST DO if you’re in Ladakh.

A challenging, very bumpy 5-6 hour journey through the unforgiving mountain pass of Khardung-la brings you to Nubra Valley, home to the Diskit Monastery where you will find the iconic 32 meter Maitreya Buddha statue. Diskit has a lot of restaurants and cafes, an ideal place to set base and set out to explore Nubra Valley with it’s famous sand dunes and double humped Bactrian camels situated a short distance away – in Hunder.

If you find the cold desert of Hunder more appealing, there are many options for accommodation, from affordable hotels to Eco-friendly tents and camps. We spent a good amount of time here, idly dipping our feet in a stream that ran parallel to the sand dunes, calmly taking in the sights and sounds of our almost heavenly surroundings.

After spending a few days in Leh, and traveling to Kargil, one would think the seemingly supernatural landscape everywhere you went would cease to impress and inspire further. I can assure you, that is not the case. The sheer magnificence and meditative aura of Nubra lingers in your senses long after you’ve left.

We then headed to our homestay in a village called Sumur, approximately an hour’s drive  from Hunder. Point to note here – If you really want to take in the sights and sounds of Hunder  I strongly suggest staying IN Hunder or Diskit. The village seemed secluded, with barely a few kids playing on the dirt road, but the greenery around lent a calming reassurance after a hectic travel day! We reached in time for tea, and a delicious home cooked meal thereafter.

One of the many blessings of being in a place like Nubra valley is the chance to gaze upon a crystal clear night sky and even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.  Whether you’re staying in one of the luxury tents/camps or even a resort, you MUST make time for an evening outdoors by a camp fire and some good music!

BACK TO LEH!

Our journey back to Leh was a mixture of long silent pauses in between music and conversation, each one of us probably contemplating the past few days and everything we experienced. Our tour driver and guide Phunsukji told us many a wonderful story about his innumerable travels within Ladakh.

On our last day in Leh, we treated ourselves with another visit to the Shanti Stupa (did I mention this is my favorite spot in Leh?) and some non-ladakhi food for a change! I strongly recommend a meal at Bon Apetit when in Leh, especially when your city-bred stomach is craving for the usual!

THINGS WE DID’NT DO/YOU MUST!

A visit to the famous Pangong Tso lake is a must on every Ladakh tour list! However, we were advised to rather go to the lake Tso Moriri – by an elderly army gentleman and his wife who claimed it was far better, cleaner, and more beautiful (read – unexplored)

My journey through this trip has been nothing short of eventful – I have been amazed and awestruck several times, and yet troubled by tiring car journeys. I have been both uncomfortable, and extremely calm depending on landscape and every single day has had an influence on my perception of ‘travel’ and what it really is as opposed to what we expect it to be.

Having said that, I am looking forward to my second (longer) trip to Ladakh soon, to explore and meet with experiences we missed out on! I hope you find the time to make your way to Ladakh once in your life. If not anything, it is a trip you will never forget and will want to tell stories about to your friends and family too!

Yours Truly

xx

The girl who longs for Christmas…

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight”…

…listening to Nat King Cole’s timeless voice was what she loved the most about December. Time and again, her eyes would light up at the thought of every single line of the song, if only it could all come true at once!

Winter mornings were made of this, and a dozen other happy thoughts and chores around the house – all in anticipation of celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, the birth of Christ.

Year after year she’d long to smell the delightful aroma of Christmas cookies in the oven,  and put up the tree with all its pretty ornaments, to gather around friends and family and listen to Christmas carols on the radio. And then there’s the long-awaited Church service at Midnight, after which kids hurried home to eat Christmas cake and open up their presents kept under the tree 🙂

These traditions never really change with time, and they continue to make Christmas eve the special night that it has come to be for generations.

What is truly magical about Christmas is the idea that no matter how the year has been, how far or near you may be from family and friends or someone you love, the cheer that comes from preparing for this time of year makes it all worth while.

She worries when it’s over, and longs for it to arrive sooner next year;

For life has come  full circle at Christmas, dreams have been pursued, faithful friends have been loved, promises have been made to keep memories of those who no longer live…ever so close, ever so dear.

She longs for a White Christmas, with Frosted window panes, Candles gleaming inside,
Painted candy canes on the tree… Frank Sinatra has a huge role to play in her ‘Christmas Waltz’ 🙂

She is the girl who longs for Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year… xx

It’s Leh-Ladakh season !

via A Bombay girl in Ladakh!

You can’t postpone ‘LOVE’…

The Piano… one of the most popular instruments to learn music, one of the most celebrated instruments in the world, and my favorite!
They say, once you learn an instrument, it is unlikely that you will forget how to play it again. I’ve been romancing this instrument since I was 5, and it has been my friend, my love, my guide and the greatest comfort I could ever find. It has never let me down, and mostly never will.

They also say the relationship between yourself and the things you love, is in many ways, like a fresh new affair. You give it your best in the first few instances, and then you may slowly start to fall out of interest or habit. Thanks to so many distractions around us, we seldom find time to sustain and revisit these interests.

I, however, believe it is never too late to pick up where you left off, refresh what you paused, recreate from what you discarded.

And that is exactly what I am doing this year… picking up from where I left off, teaching the piano to curious and brilliant children, encouraging young adolescent minds to hone their music skills and building strong trustworthy relationships to last a lifetime.

Here’s to a new START. Hopefully I will sustain.

Yours truly

xx

What keeps YOU going ?

It’s September and the beginning of a new journey for my students who’ve traveled to the United Kingdom (and Plymouth) from India to begin further studies at University. Numerous phone calls, multiple checks, tons of questions, last-minute doubts and a whole lot of reassurance has all come to a strange halt.

…is it over? Have I done my job? Could I have done it better?

While I wait for an answer to miraculously fall into my head , my phone beeps and behold! there’s a message from one of my students telling me he’s reached safe and is doing alright in a new country. A few minutes more and there’s one from another one telling me she’s so glad I helped and hopes we can stay in touch as friends … and that worried parent leaving me a kind note of thanks. This goes on.

I think about the past few months and how the hours in a day didn’t amount to enough, and the hour of day didn’t matter. Add some time zone difference (between the UK and India) and I found myself working way past working hours. But for what reason you may ask? The answer is simple – because I love what I do, and rightly so when what I do, could help shape someone’s life and career.

BUT has every favor, every piece of advice been rewarded with appreciation? Not necessarily. Sure, some important ones have, and unexpected ones have… in a manner that could only render the affirmative – Yes! This is what keeps me going… and for a long time at that! (we’re talking ~ 7 years)

I’m hoping most of you will relate to this great virtue called ‘Gratitude’ (to some extent, if not fully). How many of you have gone to bed smiling about that tight hug a student gave you in your class, the thumbs up emoticon from your manager on a job well done, or the thankful look on someone’s face from knowing their life was in your hands and you kept it well! Isn’t this a binding factor in the scheme of things that keep you going? If not, for how long can you imagine yourself running the evident rat race driven by power and wealth, without a friendly nod or a grateful handshake? Think about it in the still moments of your day.

And then sometimes, and for sheer misfortune, appreciation does not manifest easily for many. Lack of gratitude can be an absolute killer. It kills – your winning attitude, your purpose to do better and it most cases, your willpower. This could well be the case not only at your work place but even in your relationships. In such situations I think about the quote on my office white board that says “Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder!”

Many of us won’t look hard enough, but if we give it time, space and maybe some more hard work… that long-awaited thank you will find its way! And my belief is that it finds its way sooner to people who are generous enough to give it back in return. Being grateful helps clear your path for greater things and achievements. It changes the way you deal with challenges and makes for a healthier and happier life.

 

It’s been a while since my students reached University and are now immersed in coursework and student-life. Soon I too will be caught up with a new set of issues to deal with. Funny thing is, I still find myself checking my phone every other time to see if I have any more emails or messages asking for advice, telling me about their experiences.

I smile when there is, and keep going.

 

 

 

While Women Work

I write for all you women, who want to make it to the top of your career and pursue your dream… and for all men, to understand what we’re up against. I’m not going to go on a feminist rant. My concerns are basic, real and influenced by some very sound and strong women across the globe.

Leaders in politics, Nobel Prize winners, Sportswomen, Scientists, Engineers  … it’s true, women have arrived! It is also true that we owe a lot to the generations of women before us, who paved easier paths for us to both dream of and be the achievers we are today.

Yes, we have indeed arrived. But how far will we go? And is there a limit? A few personal experiences say Yes, there is. Unfortunately, there is a limit, and that’s because a lot of us are either holding ourselves back, or not leaning in enough!

As much as Beyonce would have it the other way [ in her song ‘run the world-girls’ ], we still live in a world run by Men! Sheryl Sandberg [COO, Facebook] in her highly acclaimed book ‘Lean in’ highlights this, and points out to how the percentage of women in leadership roles across the globe is far less than we can imagine. I couldn’t agree more. Speaking of India,

• Out of 323 total executive directorship positions (generally considered to be prerequisite to becoming CEO) on the Bombay Stock Exchange 100, just eight (2.5%) are held by women.21
• In India, 12% of seats in Parliament are held by women

Common reasons: Is this due to misplaced or no ambition? or sheer lack of competency.. It could be all, and a dozen other reasons. It could also be because women are not taken seriously enough, or not given a chance. Point is, don’t let it be any of these. If you lack competency, work on it. If you’re not given a chance, take one.  Approach mentors and teachers who have. After all, there isn’t a talent or capability that cannot be improved. And don’t have someone tell you what you can and cannot do. Let that come from within. After all, who better than yourself to know of your capabilities.

Master the art of confidence: Yes, even if you are at your most self-critical, don’t let it get the best of you. It is because we hesitate to put that foot forward, ask that challenging question in a meeting, disagree with a majority vote… that we fail at voicing out! Many women doubt their own capabilities when met with challenges outside their skill set. Chances of a man taking up a task he’s never attempted are always more than that of a woman who may well possess a few required abilities.This is where we lose out on opportunities when compared to men.

• My current job as Regional Manager for Plymouth University(UK)  was not a part of my long term plan when I started out. And the skills I’ve gained from this profile were not obtained in a day. It takes hard work and a whole lot of self-realization, but it’s not impossible. To quote one of my favorites: ‘The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me’ — Ayn Rand

Accept all Appreciation!… even when you least expect it. You often tend to question your contribution and may even feel embarrassed when you think you could have done the job better. Thing is, none of that matters. A job well done is a job well done, and you must learn to give yourself due credit and accept a pat on the back! Likewise, you must never hold back from asking to be evaluated and promoted. If you feel you deserve it, it’s definitely worth going after.

Don’t fear Male dominance at work: there are countless stories of gender bias at the work place. More so if you work in a multinational corporate office! Chances are you’ve been a victim of discrimination, your work has been devalued or worse, not even considered. Some women fear competition from men simply because they are MEN and are physically intimidating. I’m not asking you to stop feeling all of this, but to get over these issues.  Work hard, let your work speak for itself and give you strength. And if you fail to get due attention, don’t be afraid to make some noise about it. Demanding to be evaluated and appreciated for your work is not a crime! If you’re working with the right people, desired results will follow.

Motherhood & Family: For those who work during pregnancy and after, this is the stage where you get asked ever so often, “how do you do it all” ? It is as though women were not meant to multitask and be good at it! While some women decide to take a break /leave their careers on account of maternity and other family responsibilities, many are forced to do so. And the impact of this can be tough on careers. This accounts for the lower percentage of women in senior management and sadly, there is no concrete solution to it, but to live out the ‘holding phase’ and bounce back to where you left off. On a positive note, and thanks to demanding women and many gentlemen in the work place, companies are working to provide a better working environment for pregnant women and new mothers. I know friends who enjoy privileges during maternity and a few months after, and it puts a smile on my face to know we live in a better world!

Don’t climb the ladder: – in her book, Sheryl Sandberg talks about how the Jungle Gym defines our idea of success , and how her way up to COO at Facebook has been just that. I feel the same about mine. Ladders are limiting. There’s only one way up or down, whereas a jungle gym allows you to explore unique paths and direct your own progress to the top despite occasional dips and detours. Isn’t this a more productive way given all the career changes and job switches we tend to make. It’s reassuring to know, that no matter what the journey, you can and will find your ‘happy place’ in the world. So don’t be afraid if you don’t have One Solid Plan, chances are, you will some day 🙂

Co-founder of the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington says “I love talking about my failures more than my successes because I feel that’s the most important thing I can teach—failure is an essential part of success, because these days, no one has succeeded who hasn’t failed along the way.”

Dear ladies,  I strongly feel it is up to us women to stand by and work with other women to strive for our place in society and create a better place to work and live in, with due thanks to the men in our life who make this possible. 🙂

Yours truly xx

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Add Highlight & Share on Twitter Feature in WordPress — ShoutMeLoud

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via How To Add Highlight & Share on Twitter Feature in WordPress — ShoutMeLoud

That British Degree you’ve always wanted!

My fellow British University India representatives fondly remember a time when one in every 8-10 young graduates from India aimed for higher studies in England. This number has changed drastically over the years, owing to the removal of the Post Study Work Visa [since 2012] with most of the top universities reporting a 30 – 40% drop in Indian student numbers on a yearly basis, post 2012.The consequences of this major clampdown on student visas didn’t paint a happy picture for Indian students for those few odd years.

But we’re in 2016 now, and a LOT has changed since then [hopeful minds still await the reintroduction of the PSW]. We’ve come a long way from complaining about how Great Britain is non-welcoming to Indian students, to finally working a positive way around these policies.

Students today are more independent and capable of making their own career decisions and are actively consulting with us (University representatives) to know how to get the most out of their British Degree without exerting emphasis on only ‘working after their course’. This is the beginning of a new strategy for many Universities, and we’re not stopping here!

So WHY would you choose Great Britain over other accomplished counterparts like the mighty USA or Australia? I can give you a number of reasons, but will water it down to FIVE – to make this blog short enough for you to read and sweet enough for you to remember.

Reason no 1: It’s GREAT Britain! – Home to the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, the likes of literature giants William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, George Orwell, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, legendary artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Adele, Coldplay… home also to Formula One champions Mercedes AMG Petronas, Soccer giants Manchester United, I could go on and on, but you get my drift.

Reason no 2:Unparalleled reputation – A British qualification has been the most sought after by students from overseas since time immemorial. With an academic model that challenges students to develop their potential while learning new techniques, British education has stood its grounds and maintained international popularity and credibility in all areas of graduate and higher level education. So you can be sure your degree is recognized and valued…world over!

“British qualifications are acceptable in Yale and Harvard, they are a currency and you can trade them across the world” says Hilary Moriarty, national director of the U.K.’s Boarding Schools’ Association

Reason no 3: You are NOT ALONE – Great Britain has a long history of international students studying both under graduate and post graduate level degrees. You can be certain to meet a good number of Indian and other non EU students from overseas who may be equally nervous about and excited to begin their degree. From the Halls of residence at university, to cultural festivals, your course will give you enough chance to make ‘friendships for life’ (happy days!)

Reason no 4:Melting pot of cultures– from dynamic cities like London, Cardiff, Leeds, Plymouth to historic Yorkshire, Warwickshire – the UK is overflowing with cultural diversity, thanks to the consistent influx of international students, year after year. What other motive could you possibly have of choosing an overseas destination to study if not to meet people from all over the globe!

Reason no 5: Shorter and Cost Effective degrees – It’s true! Undergraduate degrees are typically 3 years in length, and a Taught Master’s degree – One Year [ and upward] – with no compromise on curriculum.

Did I mention Scholarships? … Here’s where you’ll find a range of funding and scholarship details – EducationUK

While I hope I’ve been able enough to get your attention to the basics, I am happy to share more information if and when required.

Links to information about studying in England : British Council  : UKCISA : UCAS

Get browsing NOW!

Don’t let that fire burn out…

I am privileged to have grown up to the sound of good music, that faint jazz tune playing through the door as I struggled to wake up in the mornings… all throughout school I remember being sat at the piano, coached by a rather stern but genius of a teacher!

A couple of college and early work years down the line , the inevitable kicked in – I grew apart from the one thing I loved – my music. Why you may ask ? Do excuses like ‘busy with work’, ‘tight schedule’, ‘too tired’, ‘travel is hectic’ … sound familiar ? To me they do, and would still continue to, had it not been for certain ‘eureka!’ moments in my recent past 🙂

Now it’s a different story for those who’s job revolves around their passion. It’s true, I know of successful friends and relatives who’ve made a fabulous living from doing what they love. So is my case different? Yes and No.

Plymouth University came to me like an opportunity from nowhere [literally] … and from the moment I took it up, I knew this was not temporary. I discovered the manager and leader in me over years of trial and error, not to forget the love to teach and counsel – something I continue to do even today!

Like me, a lot of you will come across moments in life where you’re challenged to take up tasks that you perhaps may have never done, or thought you were not capable of doing. It’s like they say, “If you don’t try you wont know”.

But that doesn’t mean you forget what you started out with…what you grew up doing. There came a time where I found myself living the monotonous life we all crib about at some stage…and sleeping it off. Sure there was travel, new challenges at work… but never the excitement, the smile a new tune on the piano or guitar brought to me!

And then I woke up!… with some inspiration from certain ambitious friends I look up to. I began playing the piano again, recording videos at home and even playing in Church. And then it all came back to me, like it never went far – that fire in me to produce melodies that were suffocated within, crying to come out.

Whoever said one can’t manage passion and a paycheck must definitely be lacking in multitasking skills 😉 I for sure am not!

To quote Ayn Rand- “Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swamps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all.  The world you desire can be won. It exists.. it is real.. it is possible.. it’s yours.”
― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

Don’t let that fire in you die out, whatever it is you do – paint, design, sing, dance, fly, ride… do it for YOU! and the results will follow 🙂

Yours truly

xx