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Do we actually SETTLE DOWN?
For a couple of years, I have been exposed to this beautiful phrase called ‘settle down’. And honestly, it seems like ages now. Somehow, I never understood it well then. And I still don’t really understand it now. I would like to believe that people who keep giving this advice, have the best of intentions in their mind. But, please understand the fact that your ideologies can be different than mine. I respect yours. The least that you can do is respect mine. I am ready to listen to your perspective for sure. But, please stop judging me for politely refusing to take your advice and not ‘falling in line’.…
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Festivals – Are They More Important Than a Global Pandemic?
Life has been so different since the year 2020. And so are the extravagant festivals celebrated in India. Gone are the days when festivals in India meant a surreal experience with fanfare at a different level. I still vividly remember how the first blow to Indian festivities was when the larger-than-life Ganpati celebrations were banned in Maharashtra, followed by the ban on the most-awaited Durga Puja in West Bengal. The pandemic was clutching its grip and the only way to fight it was – SOCIAL DISTANCING. It was a great feeling to experience the country coming together as one and fighting this nasty virus. It almost felt like we have…
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Corona – How Did This Contagious Virus Change Our Lives Forever?
The first time I heard about the corona virus was back in December 2019. China had reported the outbreak of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) from Wuhan and the original source of viral transmission to humans was still unclear. We had seen such instances before, so why would this one be any different? That’s exactly how we acknowledged the onset of an unforgettable pandemic beginning in 2019. After all, the only ‘Corona’ that I had heard of was the Mexican beer! It is already 2021 and the virus has almost become a part of our lives now. Rather, we keep hearing about the new mutants of the corona virus and…
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Birthday Surprises – the New Normal in COVID Times
With a nationwide lockdown in place and a birthday round the corner, our creative juices were bound to flow to make it a special day. Personally, I am not someone who is excited about her own birthday. But, birthdays of loved ones get my adrenaline rushing like nothing else. And then, the year 2020 changed it all. The last year has been very different from the rest of our lives so far. It almost feels like a reset button which life has involuntarily turned on. New set of rules, new way of life – and we just have to adjust and fall in line. Initially, the mindset was slightly delusional.…
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A Nationwide Lockdown – a Long Holiday Nobody Asked For
I still vividly remember the exact day – 15 Mar 2020. It was 4 PM on a Sunday afternoon and I was engrossed in every bit of Michelle Obama’s journey described in her book – Becoming. In the adjacent living room, the news channel was blaring with information on the rising COVID cases world-wide, and how we should prepare for an impending global lockdown. Yes, I heard that right – a LOCKDOWN. Honestly, this was a new word in my vocabulary base. I mean, I could obviously make out what it might mean, but it was the first time I was hearing this word in such a large scale. I…
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What Are Your Takeaways From the Pandemic Year 2020?
Needless to mention, the pandemic year 2020 has been tough. Having survived COVID-19 myself, I can confidently say that each one of us is a warrior in every sense – the ones who contracted the virus, the ones whose loved ones were infected, the ones who toiled hard to protect us, the ones who shielded themselves and the ones who succumbed. Each one of us fought our own battles, in our own mighty way. Time for a round of applause for self. The least that we deserve is a pat in the back for making it so far. It is March 2021, while I sit down and type this post,…
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An Inward Journey – Need Of The Hour
What exactly runs in a person’s mind just minutes before taking away his own life? Does he feel numb or does he feel angry? Is he agitated or is he absolutely calm? Does he feel alive or is he dead already? Amidst the chaotic mess of random speculations, a zillion thoughts cross my mind. But I can only find a deafening silence within. What state of mind exactly leads one to suicide will remain an eternal mystery. Perhaps, the best that we can do is – take a pause and head for an INWARD JOURNEY within. Recently, on a bright Sunday morning, we lost a very prominent young Indian actor.…
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Healing a Bruised Soul ~ A Short Story
“He is that kind of high, which only a deep soul will get stoned to.” There, he stood right there, all by himself, soaking in the deep blue ocean, the myriad shades of azure skies and the setting sun with its glossy warmth. As he looked at the ocean, there’s something that fixed his gaze. It was never that alluring before. As he began walking towards the ocean, his mind started racing with thoughts. The brain started diminishing the cacophony of the surroundings and there was nothing else that he could hear. It was just HE and HIS THOUGHTS. As his feet left the dry land and crossed over the…
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Making ‘Roti’ in Indian Households : Whose Job Is It Actually?
Recently, I read a very interesting take on roti making in India. It defined the whole process of making ‘roti’ (read : Indian flatbread made from wheat flour) and how it weaves magic in Indian households. Apparently, no meal seems to be complete without the quintessential ‘roti’ or ‘chapati’ after all. And yes, we even have variations in the form of parathas, kulchas, pooris etc. as part of the Indian cuisine. But nothing has ever been as regular a feature in Indian meals as the good-old ‘roti’. I had just wrapped up work and blissfully reading away random blogs in the late evening. And this particular post immediately made me…
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Quote Of The Day
How busy can we really get? Today’s quote is dedicated to that one moment which we spare for just ourselves, and that connects us to the truth of life in someway. -> Take a pause before that last sip of your favourite tea, -> spend that extra minute in bed cuddling with the loved one, -> look at yourself in the mirror for that one extra moment, -> breathe in that smell of the first rain, -> hold your breath for a moment after that beautiful kiss, -> steal a glance and appreciate beauty, -> smile back at a stranger passing by, -> stop by and wave to that…
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Quote Of The Day
Life conversations happen with many. Self-conversations are rare. I dedicate today’s quote to all those times we spend with just ourselves, in that cosy little private space of ours.
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Quote Of The Day
Introducing a new category in the “Unleashed Thoughts” segment of WANDER BIRD – Quote of The Day. This compiles life quotes by the author of this blog – SANTWONA PATNAIK – an avid writer, story-teller and a dreamer.
