Just another one in the crowd

A couple of days ago I was travelling by metro train. It was quite crowded. I was holding the handle on the pole above to keep from falling when the train moved. When I just looked up, I saw ten other hands, holding handles the same way as me, forming a queue.

It struck me hard. The queue. The line. It made me realise that I was just another one in the crowd. Just another traveller like the hundred others. Just another person doing the same job daily, following the routine we have set for ourselves. Just another person running the race of life, in the quest of something wonderful. Just another person hoping and praying everyday, that this is going to be our day, when things will turn our way.

                                        

As a kid or even as a teenager, I always wanted a different life. Rather an unusual one. Something which is not common. I wished that life would surprise me.And God has fulfilled my wish upto some extent too. But it was not easy. After I started working, I often thought that whether this is what I wanted to do in my life? Really? Waking up at the same time everyday, travelling by the same train, doing more or less the same job daily, seeing the same faces again etc etc. Nothing much exciting. I hardly know people who really love what they are doing and these are the people who wait for Mondays.

If you are not happy with what you are doing, don't let time pass just thinking about it. Stop cursing what you have and start looking for what you want. Like me many of us would not even know what to look for. Help yourself. When you think you are screwed, think that you are a part of a big ball, floating in the dark, and it doesn't even matter. You are highly insignificant. It is practically not possible for us to leave our jobs and go exploring our lives, however good it may sound to hear. If not today, maybe tomorrow, or the day after, or in the days to come, you will find your way. The right thing is just around the corner. The first step is very important. If you never start, you will never reach the end. And like Harry says, 'Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more : Believing in yourself. :-)

In today's world, you will be different if you are happy, as not many are. Do not get tangled in the vicious circle. Make your presence and absence felt. Do things that matter. SRK had once said on a show, 'Peace is boring'. Problems keep us on our toes and our brain in a working condition. Routine is cliché. And excess leisure degrades you. Struggle is important. And struggling for our dream will not tire us. 

Remember that what makes people stand out from the crowd is the bit different they do in their lives.

Keep smiling!:-)

Mayura Prabhudesai
February 11, 2017

The Minimalistic Approach

It is our fortune that we do not have to take out time seperately for breathing. With only Usain Bolt being closest to the ever sprinting 'Time', all of us are victims of it. Inspite of having technology dancing on its fingertips, the apparently most intelligent creature on the Earth is wracking his brains to overpower the Godfather of all, our dearest, Time. With so many things on the to-do-list and an overflowing platter already in the other hand, we try to squeeze in our schedule as much as possible and make ends meet. The success mantra is to 'Cut the Slack'.

We need to master the act of being brief but comprehensive. Not many will have time for us, and those who do, will have little. The crux is to understand what is important and what is not. Precise, concise but also impactful and influencing is what we must focus on. In order to be heard and acknowledged, one needs to stand out from the crowd. Time was never a luxury, it is the only thing that treats each and everyone on this planet equally. If we respect it, it will never be a matter of "Time". A conflict of interest between our heart and brain makes it a bit difficult to cut down on things that are of lesser importance and use our time more productively. Well, wisdom plays a role here. Knowledge is knowing that Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit plate. Prioritising is the need of the hour. Of course it is a subjective matter, but everyone should at least take it into consideration.

Having been just went through the student phase of life, the best real life example I can  relate to where the Minimalistic Approach is a must was studying for my CA exams. The technique of preparation was to 'Work smart, not hard'. It was impossible to cover all the syllabus in just a day before exam. We had to do was revise only the important chapters for which we had to plan in such a way that nothing would be left out.

The Minimalistic Approach does not mean taking short cuts or limiting our scope. Nor can we avoid the hard work. In economical terms, a successful Minimalistic Approach would mean highest possible total utility, the highest amount of satisfaction a consumer can derive from a product, consumer being us, product being 'Time'. If something doesn't matter, get rid of it. Do not compromise on stuff, but there is a different kind of beauty in having something just of the perfect amount.

What we need to realise is moving ahead along the way is essential, but the thing that makes all the difference is moving ahead in the right direction. So just keep it simple, silly!


Mayura Prabhudesai
January 26, 2017

Are we adults already? When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?

Do you ever wonder like, "Wow! This must be what growing up is like!". Happy Realisation. For those who haven't yet felt this way, all the very best, and for others, well....

Growing up is reacting to things in a more decent manner, responding in a different way, not necessarily better, or like they say, 'Growing up is learning how to act in public'. Infact, sometimes, I wonder whether I have grown up enough to know what growing up actually is! Yes, you will never be younger than you are at this moment, and time is flying way too fast!

As a child we always fantasize the adult life. With freedom calling us with arms wide open, being a child or a teenager does not interest us at all. Our lack of authority over our own life and with decision making power in someone else's hands, we feel like slaves.

The grass being always greener on the other side, everyone hates being an adult too. The unfortunate fact of our life is that just after we grow up, we realise that we shouldn't have. With age, our priorities change, so do our choices. But the core human nature never changes. Maybe the way we approach a problem is different from what we would have done 10 years ago. Of course, the problems grow with time, but so do we. Here experience comes into picture. It is the best teacher in the world. 9 out of 10 times, experience beats intelligence. You never actually know something unless you do it yourself, however good it may be to read, to see or hear. The feeling can never be shared. God is so perfect in his job that he burdens us with only as much as we can carry. The right thing at the very right time.

When you grow up, you realise that all the things your parents said, were all true. The freedom you craved for once, is not so much fun. With freedom comes power, but with power also comes responsibility. Now you think that it was far better when you were not responsible for what you did in your life.

Mayura Prabhudesai
February 03, 2017

For the Harry in you...

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?"

Dumbledore said it for you too, the very thought that runs through your mind when you read Harry Potter. Somewhere, subconsiously, you have created your own magical world, just like the one in the book, where you are Harry, the Chosen One, the Boy Who Lived, who is destined to fight the greatest battle against the darkest wizard of all times,Lord Voldemort, and you are the one in whose hands the fate of the entire wizarding community lies.

With every laugh that Harry had, with every tear he shed, with every moment he enjoyed, with every lesson he learnt and with every memory he cherished, you did it with him. It was difficult, at times even impossible to hold on, but hope and belief kept Harry's will alive. It was a fight, a fight against the evil, a fight for getting what belonged to him, a fight for all those who died fighting for him, a fight for his Godfather, for his friends and nevertheless, his parents....

This is for the Harry in you who is fighting his own battle. A battle which is as important and as difficult as Harry Potter had against Voldemort. Just of another kind. I have always believed that there is always something to learn from everything we come across, however insignificant it may seem to us. Harry taught us to be brave. He taught us that if we are determined enough, we can turn our greatest fears and weaknesses into our strengths. He made us believe that nothing in this world is greater that our mother's love.

Cheers for the Harry in you and for J.K.Rowling for introducing us to Harry. Like she says, "The stories we  love best live in us forever"

P.S.- If you haven't read it yet, you are missing something magical and adventurous, BIG TIME!

Mayura Prabhudesai
January 25, 2017

Happy Realisations

You know you are growing up when you realise that all that your parents had said once, is actually true. These days, I can actually see myself growing into thoughts. This is what growing up feels like. And it's beautiful. Yes, I am having my share of bad days, too. Sometimes, the worst of them. But that is what is helping me to be a better person. So here are a few "Happy Realisations" I have had/am having in the past few months or maybe years. Those reading would have already had some. If not, wait for them.

1. Nothing can replace family and nobody can love you more than your parents do.

2. Nobody cares. Neither the best of your friends, and of course, never your enemies. In the end, it is you who has to take care of your ownself.

3.You are much stronger than you think you are. And much braver and courageous than you can imagine. So do/do not drink beer. But do fuck fear. Fear puts you in a boundary when you can fly high. You can conquer what you had only dreamed about, when you face your fears.

4. What goes around, definitely comes around. Perhaps, it may come much harder and faster. So beware!

5. Time needs time. And patience is the biggest virtue one can have.

6. In the smallest of things, in the worst of experiences and people, there is always something to learn. Not necessarily do we like every person we meet. But I believe that there is at least one good thing the other person has which you don't.

7. Never feel inferior to anyone. You yourself are very special.(and sometimes awesome too :-P)

8. Self pity only weakens you. Do not be lenient with yourself. Not at least when you know you are at fault.

9. Come what may, always, always,always show up. Regret is a very bad feeling. Missing out on things is missing an experience, whether good or bad.

10. Read. Read. Read. And read more. This is something I know I should do and even I love to. But somehow I do not get addicted to books. Reading gives you wisdom. It is an escape into another world where you can let loose your strings of imagination. It is you who will make it or break it.

11. Never compare yourself with anyone. When I was not selected in the National Basketball team once, my father had brought me a paper with a quote written over it. 'Don't compare yourself with anyone in this world. If you do so, you are insulting yourself.' I had put it on my bookshelf at that time and I still have it. You are born to be different from others.

12. It does not cost anything to be a good person. Be kind.Always.:-)

13. Let the bygones be bygones. Clinging on to the past which can no more be amended wastes your time and energy. Let that shit go.

14. Like they say "Empty mind is devil's workshop". And once the devil feels at home in your mind, it doesn't go away. Be busy. Engage yourself in things. When you are idle, you stop thinking. It rottens your brain activity on which the devil breeds happily.

15. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is the best TV series, SRK is the King, nothing can beat Harry Potter and Harvey Specter is the best closer. ( This is a subjective realisation ).


P.S.-The list is inexhaustible and will be updated as and when.

Mayura Prabhudesai
December 22,2016.

Go Goa Gone

I feel blessed that our family's religious abode is Goa. I have been there countless number of times and yet it surprises me in a different way, every time I go. One must always remember, when in Rome do as the Romans do and when in Goa do as the Goans do. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to enjoy it in true sense. You have to drop down your guard, stop being uptight and be yourself.

Goa is not about roaming in AC cars but is about wandering aimlessly like nomads and taking yourself wherever your mind takes you. Every tour to Goa is not just a holiday but a learning experience. It makes us realize that even in the smallest of things, happenings, or people, you get to learn. And such things change you.

For a Mumbaikar whose life runs ahead of time, Goa is an overly comforting place. The people there live as if today is the last day of their life. They live the laziest yet satisfactory life with no baggage brought forward and carried forward. They truly live in the moment. The spirit of life is one thing that I loved.

In spite of being one of the smallest states in India, Goa has managed to maintain its own separate identity amongst all. Being happy and satisfied in what we have and not wanting more is what Goa teaches us. The people there are the kindest of all and are always more than happy to help.

Goa is eating at random places, getting sun tanned (which happens anyway), going to city markets and trying and living the life of a Goan. The blend of Konkani and Portuguese culture is reflected in the lifestyle, the food, the language and nevertheless, the people.

It is a place where no one bothers whether your shirt is neatly ironed, whether your shoes are polished or do you come in a luxurious car or an auto. It lets you be you. It helps you rediscover and redefine yourself. Away from the hustle, close to our Mother Nature, you may even turn a poet or a philosopher.

Now I believe that every time I go there, it is going to be a new place. It is going to be as exciting and surprising as it was the first time.

Mayura Prabhudesai
September 13, 2016

Just shy, not anti-social. You can talk to me!

The person with whom an introvert talks the most is no one but his significant other self. It is quite convenient and easy to open up to someone where there is no awkward silence and small talk. We are often misunderstood as disinterested and we are left out of the group. How less do they know, we are happy and contented in our own world.

For those who are alien to such behavior, let me tell you, our minds talk more than your mouths do. If there is any count larger than infinity, that is precisely the number of times we think before we speak. Even after "We" (where "We" comprises of Me and my significant other self) agree on content about what to speak next, "We" have a round of discussion on the framing of questions and sentences. It may not happen always but definitely when we are with new people. Our heads are filled with thoughts and ideas about what common topic can we find to, if not initiate, at least contribute to a conversation. Sometimes during a conversation it also happens that we actually have nothing to talk about and there goes a period of absolute silence. But we have nothing to worry about as we are accustomed to such situations ( and make it through them by keeping quiet, AGAIN!) and successfully embarrass or make the other person at least uncomfortable .

There are a very few people with whom we click. They are those with whom we connect easily on all levels. God bless them for they make it so easy for us. We have a very small friend circle but a number of acquaintances. Our friends are such who know us in and out and probably the only ones who tell us to Shut up.

Beneath this shy, mute or sometimes even dumb personality there lies a beautiful mind whose creativity knows no bounds and is already flying high in the sky with its thoughts. Though alone, it is more than delighted. We introverts have a blessing in disguise of not fearing loneliness. We can very well spend time with ourselves without being restless or bored. Books come to our rescue most of the times. And there we go again into our virtual yet wonderful world.

Mayura Prabhudesai
August 30, 2016

An hour of badminton has a lot of impact

Sindhu made me nostalgic and I was a bit intimidated because of her height too ( I am not used to people being taller than me, and that too a girl? Never :-P). Not that I was playing at her level, but I did feel that why did I not pursue Basketball as my career. Life would have been completely different.

Basketball has taught me a lot in my life, even after I stopped practicing. A lot more later, perhaps. When I played regularly, it taught me to be in a team, practice hard, digest losses, enjoy our wins, literally pour your blood ( I have had bad knees hundreds of times and a broken nose once too :-P) and sweat, and always, always fight till the end, no matter what. Yes, I did cry sometimes on losing a match, or not making it into the team in spite of getting selected in the practice camp, but it was the part of the game and you had to face it one or the other day. The pressure is of a complete different kind. Your hear races faster than the ticking clock and your eyes constantly glued to the score board. The sound of the referee's whistle and the ball releasing out of your hand for a free shot. It is all felt inside. No words are good enough.

I never wanted to play Basketball professionally, and maybe that is why I never took it so seriously. Not that I was bad at it, but I never put my heart into it as much as I did while studying for my CA exams, which unfortunately, I am realizing now. But better late than never, right?  Now I always feel that had I took it more seriously then, I would have done more justice to it. Like as always, I had the best teacher anyone could have. He taught us so many things beyond the game which made it all more wonderful. Agradnyeya Vyayamshala (AVS) was the best team in Mumbai, and I am not bragging. He had once said, "AVS is not just about practicing Basketball for playing at State and National level. It is about values, discipline, a sportsman spirit, respect for seniors and a legacy to carry forward." I can never forget it. Never, ever. And to add to it, my team. They are the best. :-). 


Keep Smiling and keep playing.

Mayura Prabhudesai
August 22, 2016

Exactly a year ago, I crossed the line

When I was a CA student, I always had this imaginary big border line in my head between me and my teachers who were CAs, which constantly made me realise the difference between us.Just like a race, I had to cross it to win. Being on this side of the line, I always wondered how would it feel to be on the other side. A year before, on this day, at about 11.10am, I crossed the line and a dream came true.

I remember getting a shiver down my spine on the mere thought of being a CA when my teachers used to talk about clearing CA exams in first attempt and how wonderful it is to live your dream. And as I write, I relive the moment. If you clear the 'Golden attempt' as they referred it to as, there's nothing like it.

The journey always matters the most, even more than the end. It was a period of about 4-4 1/2 years that has changed me a lot. When I look back now, I realise how beautiful it was. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me learn 1000s of new things, it made me slog for my dream,it taught me many new things some of them out of my comfort zone, it made me meet so many wonderful people and most important of all is that I was blessed to have the best teachers.

Clearing CA exams was of course a dream come true but what makes it so special is that it did not come easy. It makes you fight hard for it, puts all your determination to test and perhaps this is the reason you value it so much.

Process is what is important because it is the process that gives you memories to cherish, that inspires you, that makes you feel good about yourself and last but not the least, the experiences both good and bad make you a better person.

There were so many realisations which made me grow up. Hard work always pays off. Efforts never go waste. And even your dream obeys you if you are ready to go an extra mile for it.

P.S: It is all always worth it.

Proud and happy to be,
CA Mayura Nishikant Prabhudesai
July 16, 2016

When I am with you

When I am with you,
I wish I could stop the time.
We walk a long way together,
with your hand in mine.

When I am with you,
even my demons want to stay.
They say they hate me,
but will accept you anyway.

When I'm not with you,
My life is like a mess.
You make things fall in place,
and God's there to bless.

When I'm not with you,
my heart beats faster than ever.
It kills me to think,
what if it's not us forever?

And if I'm not with you,
I wouldn't die for sure.
But the thing called magic,
that would certainly disappear.

Could you be the rains,
or will you be my summer?
Will you be my Ross,
if not my Chandler?

Mayura Prabhudesai
July 8th, 2016