Life teaches us stuff when we are least expecting it. And, it is at such times that quotes come to our rescue, to reassure us that this is, indeed, Life and it is best to accept it as it is, along with all of its idiosyncrasies. These words of wisdom give us light when we find ourselves in the dark, and show us the way forward.

There are some quotes that resonate with me, instantly, and make me realise a few truths about Life. Of course, every quote I read speaks to me, but, there are some that, I feel, are tailor-made for me, especially when I come across them at some specific juncture in Life.

Sharing today, three of those that are now a part of my daily self-talk that I give myself as the day begins. Well, two of them, actually. I am yet to inculcate the third one. I mean, it does make the rounds of my mind on a regular basis, but I am yet to give it the respect it deserves!

 

This is the number one quote on my list since some time now. For every time I slip back into the past or fast forward into the unknown future, these words echo in my mind and bring me back to the present–the present moment, the only moment we have with us.

We are forever losing ourselves in either the past or the future–revisiting some beautiful memories from the days gone by or planning for a future that’s really a mirage. Rarely do we make efforts to live in the here and the now–the present.

I realised how the amount of stress and anxiety reduced once I began practicing it, you know–living in the moment. Whatever happened in the past is dead and gone, and the future is still on the distant horizon, a moment that’s still to come. So, why not concentrate on this  moment and give it my very best?

Saves me a lot of heartache, time and energy, too.

 

Now, this is the number one fact of Life…of every aspect of Life. Nothing, however big or small, significant or insignificant, is constant in this Universe. Everything– from the seasons, to the days, to people, to feelings, to phases– is transitory, ever-changing.

Be it good, bad or ugly, if  it’s here today, it will be gone tomorrow! That’s the rule of our Universe, and the sooner we realise it and accept it, the better for us. Don’t you think?

So, let go! Let go of the grudges, the anger, the hatred, the bitterness, the fear and the anxiety. It’s really of no use to you; it only poisons the heart and wears you down.  At the same time, soak in the good moments, for some day they will be gone, too. And,  give your best during the difficult moments, for they are the ones that teach us so much about the world and about Life.

And, don’t stress. Whatever’s here today, won’t last. I promise.

 

Isn’t it true?

Actually, we all know and understand this one perfectly well, yet we invest all of our energy in creating a mountain of expectations from people, from Life, and then despair over everything that doesn’t turn out as we expect.

I came across this really cool quote on expectations..

“What screws up most in Life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be.”

This one is something I really need to work on. Really! In spite of knowing fully well that neither people nor situations will turn out the way I want them to, I hope against hope and look forward to stuff happening as per my imagination. And, then, when it doesn’t, I find myself crying in a corner.

Stupid me!

But it’s never too late to begin afresh and I can always turn over a new leaf, for I am a work in progress.

We all are!

So, starting today, I hope to expect less from others and more from myself, because I know my strengths, my limitations and my potential. Let’s see how soon I learn.

 

How about you? What are the quotes you live by? Do share.

 

Love,

SHILPA…

 

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A few days ago, I read a post by my friend, Shalini Baisiwala of Shalzmojo, titled, ‘The immutable law of “This too shall pass”. 

I came across it precisely when I needed to hear those four words. And, it reminded me of what a friend told me years ago. She said that, it’s exactly when you need divine help, when you are going through turmoil and looking for answers, that you receive the message you seek from the Universe.

“This, too, shall pass”, was just what I was looking for!

Life will never be a smooth ride for any of us. There will be exhilarating highs and disheartening lows. We will get pushed over the edge and pulled back in the nick of time. We will find happiness, the kind we never imagined we would, and we will hit rock bottom just when we believe we have conquered the world.  But, the one thing that will remain constant is, it will pass. Every bit of it.

Life isn’t constant. Every moment is ephemeral. The joys, the sorrows, the highs, the lows, the love,  the heartache – each one of these undergoes a change with time. What you have today, will be snatched from you tomorrow. And, what you never imagined you would ever achieve, you will receive, unasked!

Everything about our life is an irony.  It’s just when we begin enjoying the highs that the lows drop in on us, announced. They test our patience, our limits and leave us feeling hopeless, despite all the positivity we practice. And, just when we feel things can’t get any worse, a ray of hope peeps from behind the dark clouds, bringing with it a certainty that the tides will turn. It’s precisely during such tumultuous moments that it helps remembering the four precious words.

“This, too, shall pass!”

The words we need to remember not only during the upheavals, but also during the tranquil moments, when we celebrate the joys gifted to us by Life. We may be all smiles today, but, let’s beware…the sun will soon set and it will be a long, dark night.

So, let’s just live every moment and not get overwhelmed by either the highs, or the lows.

Let’s just be grateful for all that we receive.

 

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I end my post with this poem my bestie forwarded me on Whatsapp.  I am sure many of you must have read it. Do read it again to remind yourself to go slow!

Sip your coffee nice and slow,

No one ever knows when it’s time to go.

There will be no time to enjoy the glow,

So, sip your coffee nice and slow.

Life is too short,

but feels pretty long,

There’s too much to do,

so much going wrong.

And, most of the time you struggle

to be strong,

Before it’s too late and it’s time to go,

Sip your coffee nice and slow.

Some friends stay, others go away.

Loved ones are cherished,

but not all will stay.

Kids grow up and fly away.

There’s really no saying how

things will go,

So sip your coffee nice and slow.

Before you know it seasons have

changed,

Those precious little moments are

part of yesterday,

Most things have turned out

relatively okay,

And, you finally reap what you

have sown,

So sip your coffee nice and slow.

In the end it’s really all about love,

For this world and its beauty and

the stars above,

For His grace in your life, for each

present moment,

Smile and breathe and let your

worries go,

Just sip your coffee nice and slow.

Love,

SHILPA…

 

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