Achieving the impossible...

Many days ago, I read this story in the newspaper. This was a fictional story in a motivation article. A boy in school fell asleep in his maths class. When he woke up at the end of the class, he saw two problems written on the board. Thinking that they were for homework, he copied them down before going home. At home, he put his full efforts into solving the problems. They were hard, but he laboured throughout the night and managed to solve one. In the maths class, he showed it to his teacher. He was afraid he would be punished for not finishing his homework but as it turned out, his teacher was astonished. This was because the problem solved by the boy was actually (or should I say, was supposed to be) impossible. The moral of the story, of course, was that determination can achieve anything.

This got me thinking. It's all very well for the boy who fell asleep in class, but what about us? What if we were awake in that class and had heard the teacher say the problem was impossible? How would we solve the problem then?

In our lives, no matter what age we are, we all sometimes face problems that we think are impossible. Whether it's learning a new skill, solving a particular problem, changing ourselves (or others) for the better etc. We usually start by thinking that it will be difficult, but if we find we can't succeed after putting in some efforts, it might become easy for us to give up. We could decide that the task is impossible, or at least, impossible for us, and give it up. Or even if we do continue, it'll be with a sort of defeated attitude. If we wouldn't feel confident of our skills, it'll be easy to feel demoralised. So what do we do when we get into the mindset of "this is impossible!" ? What do we do if we've stayed awake in class and "know" a problem is impossible? Unless we have are super-powerful at forgetting things and are also determined to finish the task, it's likely to be hard for us. Now I'm in no way qualified to be a lifestyle coach or motivational guru, but if you're interested, here are my views:

1. Analyse - There's no way you're going to solve a problem if you're ignorant. Make sure you've gathered some information about your challenge; whether you actually LIKE what you're trying to do, whether you have the faintest clue of what to expect, whether you really want to commit yourself to try hard and so on.

2. Be rational - It's not likely you'll have to solve an impossible problem. If you've already analysed, you should have a fair idea of whether you want or have to do. Even if you have to solve something "impossible", try to be rational and not hysterical.

3. Be determined - If you really want to do something, most tasks should be easier than you think because half the battle is won. Self motivation is exactly what'll keep you going.

4. Forgive - Yourself, the situation, others, whoever you have to for your peace of mind. Relax.

5. Remember - You've done new stuff before, right? In fact, lots of the stuff you take for granted now was probably new to you at some point. As for a personal example, when a new session starts in school, I go through my books to see what I'll be studying the year. It looks really intimidating at first, but by the end of the year it feels like the back of my hand. You'll have different problems no doubt, but don't make the mistake of focusing only on the mistake you've made. Let the successes you've had do their job and buoy you up when you need it!

In the end, don't give up without giving your best ;)

Image : http://fatfinch.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/house_sparrow_m_i_img_7881.jpg

55 fiction

55 fiction is a contemporary form of fiction in which the author must limit himself or herself to 55 words. Here's my first attempt. Do tell me what you think!

------------------------

I opened my eyes blearily.

Bright light, noise, movements, screaming...Where was I?

Where had I come from?

Colours and shapes, jumbled up…

Shoved and pushed, I wanted to return to the warm, comfortable darkness. Oh, what was my crime?

And then I heard a voice,

"Get up sleepyhead. It's time for school"

----------------------

Clouds - a poem

I wrote this poem a long time ago when a teacher asked me to write something for the school newsletter. It didn't get in eventually, but I still remember it. Let me know what you think.

----------------------------------------------------------

Clouds

Why do clouds exist ?

Some days when I have time

I look out of windows in search of a rhyme

I now see the clouds and wonder why

Is it that they so coolly pass us by?

Though I had to cudgel my brains to find explanations,

Here they are listed for your convenience

But before you read them, know this:

Science was not considered while making this list

I thought this was a more interesting way to pass my time

So please don’t consider this omission a crime

(Well here goes: )

First, when clouds pass by

and hide the sky

Do they say that heaven’s bright light must

Always be hidden from us?

Second, do they mock us as they go

That there will always be something we don’t know?

Do they warn us, when life seems to have paused

That we must stop grieving because

Life will go on?

Do clouds with their never-ending patterns and shapes

Show us the beauty of nature and the things she makes?

Do clouds try to show us with their changing form

That life, while moving, should be changing along ?

(Also that adaptability,

Is a useful ability)

While I would like to write more,

I must restrict the length

Because this poem is the for the newsletter,

and not something I meant

to do. So thank you clouds for helping me when

I needed inspiration and picked up my pen!

 - Charu

Saving the earth, Part 5 - Find yourself

Note to all my readers: I'm EXTREMELY sorry I haven't updated in a while. 11th was starting in school and besides battles with teachers, indecision about my subjects, general grumbling, and the odd reading and watching movies, I haven't had time for much else. But I promise I'll be more regular from now on

It's been a long time since I wrote to continue my ten part series on environment conservation. Let me first clarify that no matter how busy I was, the real reason I haven't put up this part for so long is that I was very hesitant. I consider this the one of the most important parts of the series, and I didn't want to mess it up. But now that I've delayed this for so long, I think I'll just do what I've done many times before : trust my instincts. I hope you'll like it.
___________________________________________________

In the words of Andrew Carnegie, "If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes". 


I have often observed that environmental conservation becomes a rather sporadic issue. Some specific issue comes up, receives a lot of brouhaha in the media and fizzles out of memory.  On the other hand, I've heard of individuals who've made environmental conservation their life's work or as a constant endeavour alongside their regular life. 


Take the case of the tigers. The Aircel "Save our tigers" initiative ran strong for a while. It stayed in public memory long enough for the situation to receive plenty of criticism, and the tiger to receive plenty of sympathy. But at the end of the day, many people have moved on with their lives. The fact that there are less than 1,000 tigers in India is now old news. I'm not saying this to start a tirade on the shortness of public memory, but to draw the contrast between regular individuals for whom the issue is short-lived, and the people who fight battles, big or small, for the world. 


But aren't they regular people too? Aren't they the same humans who share our world, consume food and water like us and breathe the same air we do? What is it that sets them apart and what is it that makes them continue? We observe their passion, and we may even be a infected by their enthusiasm.  But we are unable to work as they do, make contributions like them and, in brief, do what they do. Why?


The real reason lies in the fact that these people have found what resonates with them. They've found a goal that they can pursue without forcing themselves, one that they want to pursue. They've identified what they can and want to do.  Here, I'm not speaking only about well known environmentalists, members of wildlife organizations and NGOs and others,  but also of every layman who follows environmentally friendly practices with the intention of doing good. 


There's no reason why you should follow an issue with which you don't identify. Why should you work for an endangered species when you feel more strongly for say, waste management? Besides, compared to all the big shots, what can you do and how can you do it? 


So in this part of the series, I would like you all to think about what resonates with you. What do YOU feel is an important issue on the environmental frontier? Waste management? Energy efficiency? A particular plant or animal species? Specific practices or technologies? Governmental involvement in some form?  Some particular issue which you feel is ignored?  Or something else? What do you want to do for the environment on a small (or large) scale? How do you really think these problems should be solved? 


The importance of identifying such an area lies in the fact that it is much easier to work for something you are passionate about.  In the previous parts of this series, you've made yourself aware of the world around you and what is actually happening in the world.  Once you identify where your interests lie, it will be much easier to regularly and eagerly work hard.


In fact, you don't even have to work with the set intention of doing something great for the environment. Neither do you have to give over your life to the cause. All you have to do is find your niche and fit in. You, your talents and your situation in life can make a unique contribution. What can you do? Can you alter your habits? Can you speak or write to spread word about the causes you feel for? Can you persuade people to change themselves? Can you encourage your school or business to become more eco-friendly?


There's a world of possibilities. It remains for you to find the one that you can really act upon, and feel satisfied too. It's your world, your home and your lifeblood. It gave you life after all. Surely you can find yourself a happy place in it? 

Find yourself within...

Image from : http://www.thousandwords.us/oconnorsky.html

Remya's tag: 50 random things about me

Yay! My first tag where I can respond on my blog. I have to write down 50 random things about me. Am not really sure it'll turn out, but it's worth a try. So here goes...

1. I tend to do all my worrying about things before hand, that is before they even happen.
2. I remember many of my dreams
3. I get moody occasionally
4. I want to travel the whole world
5. I love to debate. 
6. I wish I could paint, but I'm not really good at it... 
7. ...but at least I'm good at copying diagrams in biology.
8. I LOVE reading
9. I want to learn some of the classical European dances like the Waltz, Ballroom and Ballet
10. I don't use my I-pod and  don't have a laptop. 
11. I write long emails
12. I'm not a member on any social networking site (barring the flixster account I never use) according to wikipedia's list of social networking sites here
13. I enjoy considering different points of view
14. When I sing or dance, I love to think I'm on a stage
15. I enjoy "reading" people
16. Sherlock Holmes is my favourite detective
17. A quiz once told me that my biggest question in life is "Am I having fun?". I agree.
18. I want to try out every adventure sport I can.
19. I love updating the programs on my computer to newer versions
20. I enjoy reading my horoscope through different methods (is that correct?): sun signs, moon signs, tarot, numerology etc.
21. I tend to be a bit of a purist when I see books made as movies  
22. I used to be an introvert. Though I used to feel bad at the time, now I think it was a good thing.
23. I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, badminton, uno etc.
24. I love reading sarcasm, irony and witty replies in books. 
25. Yes, I'm halfway there!!! ( And hopefully, you'll still be reading :) )
26. I have fussy tastes in food, clothing and music. Or so I'm told ;)
27. When I get lost in a fantasy book, I really don't like having to return to reality.
28. I tend to worry about how I look to other people and what they think of me
29. I love photography.
30. People tell me I try too many things at once
31. I think I have an absolutely rubbish sense of humour
32. I think one should balance being alone and having company
33. I'm an Aries
34. I often become restless when I have nothing to do
35. When something becomes very popular/famous/sensational, I tend to be even more sceptical about whether I would like it (until I've tried it out myself)  
36. I can be very indecisive at times
37. I'm old fashioned in many things
38. I.....am NOT sure what to write next :|
39. patar patar patar - makes me laugh hysterically (!)
40. I don't like so called "fashionable" clothes that one can hardly wear off the ramp or carpet
41. I think self awareness and consciousness in general are very important
42. I prefer winter to summer and spring to winter
43. I think there are analogies for everything everywhere...
44. ...therefore I believe the mind sees what it chooses to see
45. I have a habit of monitoring myself, to see how I've changed and whether it was good for me.
46. I don't like being stereotyped
47. Red is my favourite colour
48. I can be a bit of a drama queen
49. I love my family, nature, books, music and many other things (which I can't remember right now)
50. I'm EXTREMELY happy I'm finished

I honestly hope you enjoyed reading this list. It's probably not as funny as I would have liked, but whatever. 

Oh, and I tag Vivarjitha,  Choco and Vintage Obsession.