7 posts tagged with "beginnings"

As we journey through life, we encounter moments that remind us of the beauty of existence and the wonders of new beginnings. Last week, I caught up with a dear couple friend who are embarking on an incredible journey of parenthood as they eagerly await the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Celebrating New Life​

During our conversation, the expectant mother shared her experiences of the first trimester of pregnancy, highlighting the physical challenges of fatigue and tiredness that often accompany this stage. Despite the initial hurdles, she expressed gratitude for the miracle of life growing within her and the overwhelming joy that comes with each passing day.

Finding Joy in the Second Trimester​

As the conversation progressed, she explained the relief that comes with the second trimester, a period often characterized by increased energy and a sense of well-being. The couple shared their excitement about a recent ultrasound scan, where they were able to witness the tiny hands, fingers, legs, and toes of their unborn child. It was a poignant reminder of the miracle of creation and the awe-inspiring journey of bringing new life into the world.

Reflecting on the Miracle of Creation​

As we marveled at the miracle unfolding before us, our conversation turned to deeper reflections on the mysteries of life and creation. I ponder about the profound truths articulated by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, acknowledging the innate human drive for reproduction and survival as fundamental aspects of our existence. I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the divine orchestrations of life and the mysteries that lie beyond our comprehension. As I bid farewell to my dear friends, I offered heartfelt wishes for them to cherish every moment of their journey into parenthood and to find joy in the countless blessings that life has to offer.

In celebrating new beginnings and the miracle of life, we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness of all beings and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. As we navigate the twists and turns of our individual journeys, let us embrace each moment with gratitude, reverence, and an unwavering sense of wonder.

Playschools play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a child's holistic development, providing a nurturing environment where young minds can thrive. The myriad benefits of playschools help in fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth in children.

Creating a Conducive Learning Environment​

Playschools offer a vibrant setting where children are introduced to new friends, caring teachers, and an array of stimulating toys. This environment encourages exploration, curiosity, and creativity, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.

Facilitating Social Development​

One of the key benefits of playschools is the opportunity for children to interact with peers, developing essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. Through collaborative play and group activities, children learn the importance of sharing, taking turns, and working together towards common goals.

Fostering Cognitive Development​

Playschools provide a rich sensory experience that stimulates cognitive development in children. From sensory play activities to hands-on learning experiences, playschools encourage curiosity and problem-solving skills. Moreover, activities such as storytelling, singing, and arts and crafts promote language development and creativity.

Encouraging Emotional Growth​

Playschools serve as a safe and supportive environment where children learn to express their emotions and develop emotional resilience. Through positive interactions with teachers and peers, children gain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging, laying the foundation for healthy emotional development.

Promoting Skill Development​

Playschools offer a diverse range of activities that promote the development of fine and gross motor skills. From building blocks to finger painting, children engage in activities that enhance hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and spatial awareness. Additionally, playschools encourage the development of daily habits and routines, such as making butterfly signs or dressing up as their favorite animals, fostering independence and self-help skills.

Playschools play a crucial role in nurturing the holistic development of children, providing a supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Through interactive play, social interactions, and engaging activities, playschools lay the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional development, setting children on the path to a bright and successful future.

As 2023 unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the unexpected turn my life took this year. Little did I know that a seemingly simple frustration of not finding a swimming pool in Jaipur would lead me to an incredible running journey. Today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for stumbling upon this newfound passion and share my running summary for the year so far.

Discovering Running: A Stroke of Luck​

Having been an avid swimmer for around an year, moving to Jaipur felt like a breath of fresh air, except for one thing – the unavailability of a nearby swimming pool. As I searched high and low, my desire to stay active and healthy was at odds with the limitations I faced. However, life often has a way of guiding us towards unexplored territories.

One fine morning, a close friend suggested I give running a try, and little did I know that this single piece of advice would alter the course of my fitness journey. I started running out of the blue, unaware that it would soon become a source of joy, accomplishment, and self-discovery.

120km running in 2023​

I started running from February 2023, and I took me 98 sessions to complete 150km.

The Aftermath: Embracing Flexibility and Mobility​

As a runner, I have learned that the journey doesn't end with the last step of a run. The key to sustained progress lies in maintaining flexibility and mobility. Stretching has become an integral part of my post-run routine, and its impact on my overall well-being has been remarkable. Not only has it prevented injuries, but it has also kept my body agile, ready to tackle new challenges each day.

Gratitude: A Journey of Unexpected Blessings​

Looking back, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What started as a simple quest to find a swimming pool in Jaipur turned into an extraordinary journey of self-discovery through running. Along the way, I have found camaraderie, joy, and an unyielding spirit to keep pushing my boundaries.

I am grateful for the opportunity to explore this new path, for the friendships forged, and for the chance to witness the beauty of Jaipur from a different perspective. The joy of running has seeped into every aspect of my life, infusing it with newfound energy and positivity.

As the year continues, I am excited to see where my running journey takes me. Each day, I look forward to lacing up my running shoes, hitting the pavement, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. For anyone hesitant about trying something new, take it from me – life has a way of presenting us with opportunities beyond our wildest dreams. Embrace them with open arms, and you might just discover a world of untapped potential and happiness.

From non-runner to 120km in 2023!

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting milestone, filled with the promise of a fresh beginning. As I am preparing to settle into my new rental apartment in Gurgaon, I embarked on a furniture shopping journey to transform empty spaces into a cozy and inviting home. I explored the top three rental stores in India - Urban Ladder, Pepperfry, and Wooden Street - and how I carefully curated a collection of furniture to align with my style and needs.

Simplicity carried to an extreme becomes elegance.​

The Quest for Quality and Style​

With a clear vision in mind, I set out to find furniture that blended both quality craftsmanship and stylish aesthetics. Urban Ladder, known for its contemporary designs, offered a wide selection of furniture options. From elegant sofas to chic dining sets, I discovered pieces that resonated with my personal style, ensuring a seamless integration with the overall ambiance of my new apartment.

Sales Expert: Ritika Gupta - 9521420831

Exploring Pepperfry's Vast Collection​

Pepperfry, renowned for its vast collection of furniture, became my next destination. Browsing through their online store, I was delighted to find an extensive range of furniture, catering to various tastes and preferences. With each click, I explored the diverse options available for my bedroom, living room, and dining area. Pepperfry's commitment to providing furniture at affordable prices made it an ideal choice for furnishing my new space.

Sales Expert: Ravi Vaid - 8221009225

The Wood Craftsmanship of Wooden Street​

Seeking timeless pieces crafted with the beauty of wood, I turned to Wooden Street. Their reputation for exceptional woodwork and attention to detail intrigued me. As I perused their collection, I fell in love with the elegance and durability of their furniture. From intricately carved bed frames to sturdy wooden wardrobes, Wooden Street offered me the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Sales Expert: Arif Khan - 9773313477

Coordinating Deliveries for Moving Day​

To ensure a seamless transition into my new apartment, I meticulously coordinated the deliveries of my chosen furniture from all three stores for 10th June, my moving-in date. This allowed me to plan my move with ease, knowing that everything I needed to create a comfortable living space would arrive on time.

The Joy of Personalization​

Beyond the convenience of shopping from top rental stores, I relished the opportunity to personalize my furniture choices. I carefully selected colors, fabrics, and finishes that resonated with my taste and complemented the overall theme of my apartment. By infusing my unique style into the furniture selection process, I was able to create a space that felt truly like my own.

Furniture should always be comfortable. And always have a piece of art that you made somewhere in the home.​

As I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of my life in my new rental apartment in Gurgaon, the process of furniture shopping proved to be an exhilarating journey. Through exploring Urban Ladder, Pepperfry, and Wooden Street, I discovered a wide range of high-quality furniture options that aligned with my style and needs. Coordinating the deliveries for my moving-in date added an extra layer of excitement, ensuring that my new home would be furnished and ready to welcome me from the moment I stepped through the door. With each carefully chosen piece, I am one step closer to creating a haven that reflects my personality and nurtures a sense of belonging.

Running after long​

I have been able to enjoy running as much as swimming. In other words, it does not come as naturally to me. While in Jaipur this week, I decided to take a weekly pass from Quantum Fitness.

Observations from 5km run today:

• I breathe more frequently from mouth than nose. Possibly a reflex from regular swimming.
• My quadriceps muscles need to be strengthened further.
• As a new activity, I need to be consistent for a month and then review it later.

100 hour rule​

Put simply, the rule or observation implies that if you put 100 hours to a new activity, you will become quite good at a new activity after 100 hours of deliberate practice. Ofcourse, it’s just an approximation, but a different approach to explore new activities especially the ones that you have pushing under the carpet.

For most disciplines, it only takes one hundred hours of active learning to become much more competent than an absolute beginner.​

This observation gives us the 100 hour rule: someone with 100 hours of deliberate practice in any field will appear impressively good at it from the perspective of someone who’s never practiced it at all.​

New Financial Year​

Like a calendar year, a financial year is a reset of metrics - a clean slate. Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings.

My 100 hour activities​

I have found committing to activities by keeping a written record as a good way of getting things done. I am adding 2 activities to test the ~ 100 hours observation over a period of 4 months (i.e. April 2023 to July 2023). This implies a commitment of 50 minutes a day for each of the activities.

The activities are:

1. Understanding new developments in AI and coding a project
2. Understanding new developments in Product Development

I will do a review of progress in the following sequence from the beginning - 2 days, 5 days, every 10n days.

Career Switch​

Met Ameya yesterday evening and wished him all the best to start in his new role at TPA Global - a new Legaltech Firm.

Beginnings​

Beginnings are weirdly exciting and change in the only constant in life. I have learnt that only when I embrace change fully, I enjoy the new normal fully.

At Chayoos, Worldmark Aerocity