Lessons from life

We always look ahead...We have eyes in the front to see, ahead. The past transforms to memories and gets stacked inside our heads for reference. We refer them to interpret ourselves, others, our surroundings etc.We try to create meaning of unknown or new things by referring to these memories. Any new meaning we create becomes part of our memory. Its rare that people visit these memories just for the sake of it, the future overwhelms us and craves for all of our time. Nevertheless on a pleasant December evening, a couple of months after I completed my 34th year, I decided, I would make an errand into this database and see if I can get some information.

I came up with some insights, which is actually nothing new. Its all there, thread bare, in the books of management gurus, new age philosophies, motivational books, positive thinking books, newspaper articles, magazines and what not. I have no claims... . However of the so many things that has been said and written on these things, I endeavor to reflect on those things which has affected me profoundly, which has taken deep roots into my psyche, which has changed the way I think and perceive things. There are more to be learnt, as always, but these are what has become part of me.

1) Never compare ourselves with others:
Comparing ourselves with others makes us miserable to the end of our lives, probably beyond. No one is perfect. We are unique and have our own destiny to fulfill. The world would be a boring place had everyone been a photocopy of others. We are exactly where we ought to be and people are exactly where they ought to be. Rebellion is just questioning God's intelligence.

2) Accepting Change:
Life keeps changing, new things replace old ones. Without change there is no growth. Resisting change is like trying to stop the waves of the ocean. When we accept change, we flow with it, there is continuity in transition. If not, there will be periods of dismay and unrest which is totally uncalled for.

3) Never trade peace of mind for money (or for that matter, anything!!!)
There are times when the temptation for making more money blinds us to the present joys and peace of mind we enjoy. Its worthless, I swear. Focus on the quality of life rather than the quantity of life. Even the mos richest man on this planet can enjoy only as much as he can take, not an iota more.

4) Defining success:
If we can sleep peacefully without a care for tomorrow, get up in the morning and look at it fresh with the eyes of a child, we have succeeded. Success is relative, look at it from what we were yesterday to what we are today. And if we can make a change in a person's life for the better...am sure, we have super succeeded.

5) Value health :
The more said, the less. There is nothing more enigmatic than the way our body functions. It works 24X7 and tries every possible way to keep you fit. It is more loyal than anything else in the world. Only years of constant abuse makes it go down. Still if you show any signs of respect, it raises its head and keeps you going good.

These are not in the order of importance, these are just the way they came to my mind.