Midnight Sun..

Watching movies is one of the most common entertainment options these days. There is unlimited content all over the internet for every genre, interest or subjects. Sometimes you just start watching a random movie unaware of the impact it will leave on you for a lifetime.

Some movies just give you a much needed hard reality check.

Midnight Sun, for me, is one such movie. I randomly started watching it from the recommended list. The story revolves around a 17 year old girl "Katie Price" who lost her mother when she was too young and lives with her dad. She has a life threatening sensitivity to sunlight and remains sheltered and confined in her house during the day. Her day begins after dark when she plays Guitar and sings for random travelers. She knows her condition and has been enjoying it with her dad and a friend Morgan who visits her everyday. 

One night, she walks out on the station to play guitar where she meets her long time crush "Charlie". She had been watching him skate and go for swimming training all these years through the special glasses installed at her window. She just couldn't believe him in front of her eyes, and leaves from there in a hurry after making a silly excuse. In that state, she forgets her diary which Charlie keeps.

Next day while talking to Morgan, she realizes the same, and asks her to bring it back for her from the station. She had been using this diary to pen down everything she feels, her songs and it meant a great deal to her. Morgan meets Charlie at the station, who was waiting with the diary, in hope of meeting Katie again. He refuses to handover the diary to Morgan and asks her if he can drop it at her house. So, Morgan plays a cupid in making them meet again at the station. This time she is relaxed and they start sharing things. But Katie feels hesitant to tell him about her medical condition as she wanted to feel normal and not like a disease to be carried in front of him. 

He helps her get exposure to sing and play guitar in front of live audiences by taking her to a different city wherein she ends up having an experience she never had. She in turn helps him and motivates him to start swimming again, which he had stopped after his silly dare. That dare gave him an injury which made him lose his Berkeley University scholarship. That night they stayed together and she lost track of time and panics after he mentions to watch sunrise together. She frantically starts running when he picks her up from the road and continues driving at full speed clueless about the state she was in. As soon as she reaches the doorstep, she frantically runs to get inside but gets exposed to sun rays just for a second. She had missed her dad's calls, Morgan calls and landed here and they followed her shortly. Morgan fills in Charlie at the doorstep about her condition when she realizes Katie still did not tell him.

That one second changed everything for Katie. The medical tests revealed that her brain had started to contract, she would face muscular twitching and she would not live long. It was all going to end soon.

When Charlie finally gets to meet her again with her dad's intervention, she wanted to break up with him and wish him final goodbye. But he comforts her, supports her and says that we will not fail without trying as she always believed. She feels happy and smiles with tears rolling down her eyes. He makes her record a song at a studio and just sing as she can't play guitar any more. Charlie also wins the swimming competition finally and wins his scholarship back. The happiness he witnessed on Katie's face who was there to cheer for him with her dad made him super happy.

Charlie had to go for one last day to take care of a boat which was under his supervision for a year. Katie wanted to experience sailing for one time in her life, to feel the breeze even when she knew the sun exposure would worsen things. She goes out for the first time without any worry, feeling the warm sunlight on her face, feeling the breeze and just living in that moment. 

She passed away. She left Charlie her diary which her dad handed over to him when he came to meet him and apologize before leaving for the university. Her dad mentioned they always knew this day would come and its not his fault. He was happy that she found her happiness in Charlie. After exchanging goodbyes, he went in his truck.

In the diary, she had penned a letter for him describing how she really enjoyed the time with him, felt lively and lived her life even if it was for a short time. Charlie had tears in his eyes. Shortly after, he switched on the radio wherein he came to know that Katie's "Charlie Song" had gone viral on you tube and he couldn't feel happier. He informed her dad as well and he jumped with joy at his office hearing the same radio channel telling everyone around that his daughter did it.

We expect so much from our lives but we just forget to live in the moment and enjoy what we have. Just imagine being in her shoes even for a short time. We always compare ourselves to one's having more than us and that's a never ending cycle. We will always be left disappointed in the end. Many thrive to be in the place we are already at. Why not enjoy and appreciate that? Life is short. Don't waste it getting into a loop of never ending expectations. I hope we learn to enjoy the "JOY IN LITTLE THINGS"

Trust... Earned when Actions meet with Words.

 

Trust... a thin boundary which grows wider over the years with efforts spent, with realizations and sense of believe that creeps inside us making us feel comfortable gradually.

So, how does it happen? Manually or Automatically? Actually both. You do things for a person, who may be anyone in your life, out of your own will that makes the other person believe that there is a certain understanding and comfort. This sows the first sapling of belief. With time and more of such gestures, the sapling gets the nourishment needed to grow, automatically.

So far so good. Right? Yes.

"Without communication there is no relationship, without respect there is no love. Without TRUST, there is no reason to continue." 

Its good to have few people in life whom you can reach out for or just be assured that they are there. Its a great feeling... super great! These few people give you the mental peace and assurance even if you are not regularly in touch. You just feel motivated and optimistic by being around a few people. You feel a lot of positive energy around. A sense of relief that if somethings goes unplanned you can reach out to them. They understand what you say and sometimes what you don't after a period of time. Its equally important to trust people around you by treating them fairly. Believing in them and giving them a chance to prove it just like you would have wished.

Trusting your family, your friends, your partner or your colleagues. Trusting the conditions, situations and believing in the outcomes. It is everywhere if you think.

BUT...How can everything go as planned? Its life right... It has its own ingredients of making a cocktail. So where's the twist?

"Trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair."

Trust do gives you positive energy but what if the person you happened to trust knowingly/unknowingly broke it? If someday you get to know that your faith was being thrashed?

It hurts. A lot. Depends on how long you have had this belief. How much effort you put in for this trust to get flourished. Its not at all easy to stand it if it breaches. The positive energy as a whole seems like soaked out of your body and you can feel the negativity creeping in. To manage this is one part, the other is to believe that you can trust again. Too much.. no?

"Trust is like a mirror. Once its broken its never seen again and no matter how hard you try to put it back together, the cracks will always show."

Isn't it a better option to not trust anybody ever? Many people might be doing that already but I feel be it businessman or politicians, they also need to trust one or the other person. You can't stop living because of the fear of death, right? So a more practical way should be to not blind trust anybody and let this process get matured over a sufficient period of time. Till then keep your eyes and ears open. Don't assume things to just be but keep validating. This won't guarantee that you won't face setbacks but yes reduce the chances of it for sure. So, 

    "Fool me once, shame on You. Fool me Twice, shame on Me."       

Expectations !

Its such a common term that everyone of us must have come across it, used it numerous times in our regular conversations. Being humans it seems its too common in most of us. 

Expectations from our family, friends, spouses and kids. Expectations of something which we feel is going to happen or which should happen. It may be a dream, a job, some passion, something you want to have.  And for obvious reasons you expect only positive things, that will make you rejoice. Something which indirectly will affect our well being, happiness and mood. Something if doesn't happen may bother our minds directly or indirectly a lot. 

If  we go and ask a number of people, most of them will say "Its common to have Expectations. Everybody expects something or the other. Its NATURAL! But have we ever pondered over it? Is it Good or Bad for us? If this can become toxic for someone or is it harmless? If you haven't ever given it a thought, give yourself some moments to let it sink in....

Now, I can just express what I experienced about it.

I am in the herd of  majority of people who used to have a lot of Expectations in life. I still have but its reduced a lot over the period of time with some experiences. Expectations, specially from other people around. 

Every time this thought used to hit me, I would think why do I expect things? From where it seeps inside me? I got too many answers but none of them were good enough to help me eradicate it. And trust me some times it hurts too much. Depends on the situations, specially for people who are emotional like me. 

Over the time I felt, if possible, or in whatever capacity, Try to 

    Keep Expectations but from your own self. That way if it does not get fulfilled, you will know the reason and you will know what is needed to fulfill it, which will be most of the time totally under your control.

     If you have had Expectations from someone in your life, your parents, friends anybody around you, keep reasonable ones, NOT too high. If they failed to fulfill it, try to understand the reason. You might feel okay after knowing the reasons behind. Put whatever effort is possible from your side, if you feel you should, to make it happen.

 

    Think twice that what you are expecting is reasonable or not? If it is and it is something which is out of your hands, Just Accept It. If it's unacceptable for you for some reason, choose your own way. Don't let it hurt you or haunt you. There might be other alternatives, other ways to achieve the same happiness. 

    Sometimes you may never get it. Being sad or upset about something for too long is also not healthy. 

So Cheer Up! 😀

1. Try to find happiness in whatever you can. Try to be happy with your own self more. Develop hobbies, so so many things to do. Find what cheers you up.

2. Make friends but don't depend on them and don't expect much. Those who bond well will stay, those who don't will move on. Everyone is free to do what they like. Let them.

3. Appreciate small small things, people, those who are there for you selflessly. IT MATTERS. It can bring a smile to someone's face. Make yours or somebody's day.

4. Be true to yourself and to others. Don't commit on something you not sure about. 

Its not easy to do but its not IMPOSSIBLE too 😅

Lets Smile, Stay Healthy, Make each other happy and spread smiles across.

At Last, there is this scene from Movie "Dear Zindagi" which I love watching to again and again. Hope you enjoy it!

PS: Would love to hear your views on Expectations. Feel free to put your views in comments 👇

See you again!

The Last Lecture...

What will you want to do if you get to know that you have very little time left to live ????

A series known as THE LAST LECTURE, was organised every year, where a Carnegie Mellon Professor was asked to deliver, what would hypothetically be a last speech to the students, before dying. Randy Poush, a father of three small kids and a professor at Carnegie was asked for the same but the only difference was, he dint need to imagine he was going to face the inevitable death, in fact he was. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was detected with around 10 tumors in his lever. The Doctors had predicted 3 to 6 months of good health left, a months before the lecture.

The last lecture he delivered, was entitled as "ACHIEVING YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAMS".

The speech was not focused on death but LIVING EACH MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE AS IF ITS THE LAST. It is as inspirational as Randy himself was. He shared everything about how was his upbringing, what were his dreams, how he worked for his dreams and achieved them all. He shared what he learnt from his life, and how he made others to learn those things and helped them achieve their dreams. He shared some beliefs, what could be called the Mantras of Life. Being a Disney Imagineer himself, he taught his students the fundamentals of group work, Value of Dreaming Big, Art of apologizing, Results of at least giving a try by just asking for something that you badly desire, Never give up Attitude in life and many more. He cited several examples from his life, to make his point for everything he said.

The speech was not only for the ones present in the auditorium including his dear wife, but his kids. He desperately wished them to know that how their father was and how much he loved them. He wished, they must know that he will love them till the are alive and will always support whatever they choose to do in their life, if they want it passionately and work for it.

He said "EXPERIENCE IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DON'T GET WHAT YOU WANTED".

It never seemed that he was a man with 10 tumors in his liver, with the way he was carrying himself and his family. He said "WE CANNOT CHANGE THE CARDS WE ARE DEALT,JUST HOW WE PLAY THE HAND". He was doing the same. He was busy collecting memories for his kids so that they know how their father used to live with them. The only thing eating him up was the thought of his kids without a father more than he wont be with them as a father. He believed Jai, his wife who supported him every time, will tell the kids about him and will bring them up in a great manner.

He treated every hurdle in his life as a brick wall, which made him passionate to break it soon. According to him, "THE BRICK WALLS ARE THERE TO GIVE US A CHANCE TO KNOW HOW BADLY WE WANT SOMETHING. IT IS THERE TO STOP THOSE PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH".

The zeal, attitude, passion, and art of living in his life can easily be felt reading this book and watching the video of his last lecture. It really is inspirational, a book that must be read.... or a video that must be watched...

The video can be watched at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

He lost the battle with pancreatic cancer on 25th July 2008 after his lecture in September 2007....

@ AHMEDABAD..

I reached Ahmedabad on 22nd December, to join the esteemed company TCS, as an Assistant System Engineer Trainee. The picture is of INFOCITY - Gandhinagar, where I am residing these days.The very first thing I noticed here is GREENERY and CLEANLINESS.Its a great place out here and I am really enjoying the new surroundings. The second thing I noticed is, HORRIBLE DRIVING and HORRIBLE DRIVERS.Literally, NO TRAFFIC RULES...lolzzzz.

My schedule has changed abruptly, but this is the way it goes. Initially, schedule was like suffocating.I felt my head so heavy, the first day i came back from office. Afterwards, it became easy. You need to adapt yourself in a new environment, with a smiling face. You never know, whats there in store for you next. My overall personality is on the way of change. I am more vocal now, with a greater confidence than I had. I can easily interact with people out here, and its so necessary, as you meet so many people every new day. It also gives you an opportunity to know their interest, learn new things that might be their area of experience, and indulge in discussions that gifts you a new vision. Its always said, "People learn the most through their experience and society instead of books or anything". I am learning Gujarati language, being in touch of so many Gujarati's here.I am really quick :) . Apart from the language, there are a lot of things you can learn from every new person you meet. And the same way I am also "learning happily".

After joining ILP, I was eager to overcome one of my weaknesses. I always expected so much from others and myself too, that hurt me really bad sometimes. With the advent of this new year, I asked myself not to expect anything from someone else. If they do, its well & good and if they don't, at least it won't be causing any difference to me. But, I am still bad with expecting from my own self.Its atleast better than expecting others. I am enjoying this change of mine, as I am more happy. It was not at all a resolution but a conscious effort on my part, to change my life.

Days are passing slowly. Last weekend, I went to ISKON Temple and I was mesmerised by the beautiful idols out there. Although, the temple was still in the phase of construction but it was great. I attended Tulsi Aarti and Krishna Aarti afterwards and my mind was so peaceful. I enjoyed my every moment in the temple.

I am getting to know the new place, new people apart from my technical and behavioral development. I don't know how I would be after this ILP ends, but I am sure about one thing that I am going to be a great performer and will pour all my efforts to create an everlasting impression of mine in everyone's eye. I will be having so many beautiful memories with me, when I will be completing my ILP and heading towards a new way of learning.

The Breaking Dawn.......

I must say...what a great experience I had reading this novel.It was like making me crazy to read it out all so soon...

Before watching the movie, I had to complete this last part of the Twilight Saga...and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of my reading..

I was like, living with the characters, in some part of my own world...I was so indulged that night, I even not realized, it was already 6 a.m. in the morning, when I finally went for a sound sleep.

At some point I felt like to slap Edward hard but the same time, I can feel his emotions for his love. I wonder if any lover can dare to share his lover with, to save ones lover's life. It really needs guts and emotions..true emotions.

On the other hand, I wonder how Bella manages two guys at the same time?????? lolllllzzzzzzzzz... Even if Jacob was her friend, he loved her. How difficult it was for Jacob to see his love with his enemy...but ya I liked one thing about him.... He always knew that Bella will choose only Edward...but he dared to confess his love...even then ...almost aware of its refusal..saving himself of any future regrets of "not even trying". Atleast it build a transparent and healthy relationship of friendship between the two and then even between him and Edward. But, Jacob finally imprinted on Renesmee and found his soul-mate...Bella, now the newborn vampire, was like killing him at the moment she realized this fact, as if he did that all intentionally...crazy gal.. :P.

Her optimism was remarkable throughout. Killing herself all over with her Renesmee, was so very painful but she always had faith of keeping her heart beating, so that, in addition to give birth to her kid, her longing of becoming a vampire finally takes shape and it did exactly as she thought. Renesmee, was even caring for her deep inside her, when she finally understood that her tragic movements were hurting her mother but she had to tear her up in the end. No choice was left....

The most amazing part was Bella astonishing everybody in the end throwing her protective shell around them all and keeping them safe...and worth reading was when she amuses herself, seeing Jane, above all, in disgust as handicapped for using her powers any more....hahahah.. Well Done Bella..She deserved that... :P

Unity of the vampires and the werewolves, in fact, the shape shifters, made the superiors leave the Cullen family happy as ever :) :)

It was a worth reading novel, at least for me, grabbing my attention all the time, depicting the various flavors of life like happiness, sorrow, pain and the truth of being in love. Love demands sacrifices, it gives pain, it may shed your life even...but even then being loved by the one you love, is the thing you only crave for. The happiness is above all.

It applies exactly for all shades of love, for family, for friends, and obviously for your lover, in real life too.

The Twilight Saga really rocked... :)

Now, I wonder if the movie will be that worth watching ..???

Kids make me smile...

Today is childrens day.. :)

Kids are the one in my life who can always make me smile. They make me forget everything and I myself become a child with them. Its always have been one of the happiest moments of my life. I enjoy a lot with them and till today I have experienced that they also enjoy with me.. I attract kids :O :D

I remember one kid, the most, with whom I enjoyed a lot. It was around 6 months back when me and three of my friends were at the waiting room of Gorakhpur station. Train was getting late by hours and we had to just spare our time.. After a moment a family came inside and sat in front of us. They were all elders except one who was a kid of around 5 years of age.

He was intentionally moving around our bench and trying to grab our attention with some kind of toy. He was so cute… :) I pulled him up, seated him up in my lap and made him play for sometime. Then he saw my cell phone with music on and tried to play with it only…hahah .I made him listen to some songs and while he was listening, his grand mother(I suppose) called him up. His family was also cheerful seeing him like that.She asked him to dance on “HUR HUR DABANG”.At first he resisted but then he started dancing…and what a move he took…lolzzzzzz

The step Salmaan did in this song was the same he was doing but rather in a different way. Instead of holding his pant on the belt, he took hold of it rather low and even pulled it up :O and it was really amusing seeing him dancing with that step. He caught everybody’s attention around and we were laughing out loud like hell. His mother suddenly came and made him sit near her, putting a stake on our ongoing fun. We dint even realized that hours passed playing with him, and, it was time for us to catch our train and we went with a huge smile discussing and remembering about that sweet child.

I wish I can live my life again with the experiences I have now..but we cant go back to the time we already spent :(.No problems,…I can experience my childhood when I be with them. I love their innocence, purity, smile, in fact, I love them the most.

I wish and pray he and every other child in this world enjoy the peaceful period of their life with smile and grow up in a good environment with good teachings. May they all have a bright future ahead.

I wish to everyone including myself.. ”Happy Children’s Day”