#CALM #AHH..#SUTRA

Trouble is you think, you have time- Buddha

We live such restless lives, never in the moment. Either thinking of the past or planning the future. On Monday we dream of Friday, on Saturday we dread Sunday evening. I do it too, and no matter how hard I try I barely live the moment.

Screw your SWAG, work on the soul. We get so excited if we get 30 minutes of "me time", sounds familiar?

#Life Hack: Kama means love* and Sutra is the thread*. We need to string our love towards ourselves, invest in yourself and most important "breathe".

There is a Buddist theory that says, when you meet someone and your heart pounds, your hands shake, your knees go weak, he is not the one. Instead if you feel calm, then that’s the one. Apply this logic to your daily life, it will give you clarity. If you dread your job, then you are probably in the wrong field.

Think about this

3/4 of the things we worry about, don’t even happen.

Disappear! I do this very often, nothing said, nothing done. I sit in my space shuttle and freeze time.

Go to a new place, always helps. When it’s uncertain, you pay more attention to your senses.

All you need is a perfect song on a perfect drive to feel like a superman.

Alcohol is not an answer, but may be you forget the question. If it works for you, fine..but don’t over do.

Sleep solves every problem. If you think sleep is a waste of your talent, then find someone and do it. Whatever works for your Calm-Ahh-Sutra. 30ish is mid life for an average life span, I am not scaring you just reminding that may be living edgy and free might be more rewarding and fulfilling.

Tell us about your "CalmOlogy".What is it that you like to do in your me-time, leave a comment and share your ideas.

  

Confessions of an IPL superfan

Indian's have a PHD on our cricket squad. Everyone has a proven theory which makes complete sense to themselves. I challenge none of you. This post is based on my personal experiences.

With sheer luck and the case of right time right place I got this fab opportunity.The craze was obviously insane during the initial seasons with everyone wanting to know everything about cricket, cricketers, scandals, after parties, owners etc.

#Life Hack: You can question India's PM in court but not Sachin Tendulkar -Sidhuism

What has working on IPL taught me?

• No matter how cool and unaffected you pretend to be, the moment your favourite cricketer appears, you behave “juvenile”. Giggle, lose all your snobbish SWAG and behave like a retard. He (The Wall) asked me in the most charming voice, "No makeup, is it fine for the interview" and I just looked at him like an awestruck idiot. My reply “Oh you want me to wear makeup” EPIC Disaster.(And see how brave am I, to put it on 30ish)

• When he (The Spin Wizard) calls his lads in a thick aussie accent to the pool for a warm up, you drop everything and pretend to work.. “Obviously by the pool”. That man is charming in the most unconventional way and redefines brat.

• There’s a reason why after parties earned the “wicked party tag”. You have to experience them to be convinced that they were not required. Every team has their own mellow version of post game celebration which is quite acceptable.

• Cricketers are as human as us. They experience fatigue and disappointment, have post game show-downs and lose heart after a tough defeat but the next game is always a new opportunity. They party, have a drink, shop and chill by the pool and that’s absolutely fine.

• As young cricketers they are exposed to so much money, pressure and stardom. It’s really tough to stand still. That knock of glamour can blind your game. In the last 8 years IPL has seen so much talent appear and disappear.

• IPL will collapse without its support teams. So much heart and sweat goes into managing this giant logistics nightmare. The amount of work put in by the management teams is most unnoticed.

• 

Working on this project has been my careers sweet spot. I travelled to South Africa, Dubai, most of the home games and collected crazy memories. If you mention a cricketers name, I have an after party story/trivia ready to entertain you. T20 is not the traditional cricket format and lot of fans are very touchy about the dynamics of this tournament, but as an IPL superfan I love all the entertainment.

As I gear up for the coming season, stay tuned for my next post. My perspective is that of a fan who got lucky, nothing more than that. 

PS: I have left enough clues to guess the cricketer. Did I take any names?? Nah!! and the pics are of a fan with their fav cricketers, no big deal ;)

30ish wants to be your quirky friend, are we doing a good job? leave your comments, we have exciting official IPL merchandise for you.

  

Ink'spiration

‘Body Art’, you either like it or you don't. There is no midway. If you were confused about getting one in your 20ies then the odds of getting one the moment you clock 30ish is very high. It’s a tested statistic, think of people around you.

Tattoos are so much deeper than what you see. It predominantly defines your uniqueness. Our society craves individuality and self-expression. Lot of people communicate through body art. It’s an unspoken language, more like a vibe you reflect.

Life Hack: Similarity between tattoos and botox? Both deal with self-esteem

Every time I noticed a friend get inked at 30, I asked why now?? each one had their own reasons which made lot of sense to their existence. They have candidly shared their tattoos with 30ish.**Hugs. One thing they all have in common is that it marks an important time in their life or a turning point. You fairly have an idea about things and people that truly matter.

Unfortunately tattoos border around stereotypes eg. He has skulls on his arm.. what a freak! We all judge, the first expression carries much more weight than reality.

Here’s a list of popular tattoos and their meaning

• Butterflies – Symbol of love, change and rebirth
• Lions – Stands for strength, courage and protection
• Stars – Shine in darkness, no fear
• Pin up girls – Ideal beauty, youth and attraction
• Birds/Wings – Symbolic to freedom, free spirit
• Alphabets – Faith and reminder of someone special

I am yet to find something that defines my spirit. The day I am sure, I will definitely get inked. Till then I am gonna flaunt "Muscles & Mascara" to amuse you  :D

Do share some ideas about your ink'spiration and how it matters to you.

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I am gonna make onions cry!

Before you draw conclusions, onions represent all those negative vibes that hold us back. Onions worry us the most when we are stuck in between “what if “and “screw it”.

There are times when I try to convince my brain to feel and my heart to think! It’s an IMPOSSIBLE task, that’s when onions win. Don't be at war with yourself it’s a very dark space.

Life Hack: You can either worry or have faith, the choice is yours.

Your biggest strength is also your weakness, a very wise man’s words. The same onions can make the world’s best onion rings. Bad Vibes can also push you take a call in the right direction

There are times when your gut tells you to do something, but that challenges all your life’s strategies, balance sheets and planning. I do not know about the rest but I will definitely give myself a chance. So what if you make a new business plan every day, you just need to get it right once! That’s the beauty of it, life is a lesson, you learn it when you are through. The trick is to never look back or down, just focus on what’s ahead. The moment you get distracted, onions kick in!

I have found my inner bitch and now we run with it baby**million dreams to chase.

Here’s a fun quiz, pick the words you see first, they are signs to your current vibe. I picked Intelligence, Popular and Happiness. Leave your 3 words in the comments column, your vibe might inspire 30ish readers.

Quiz Source : Mental quiz via Facebook

  

When 30ish seems complicated - Yoddhas, a true story.

This post is a part of the #madeofgreat contest hosted by #indiblogger and tatamotors

Check their page: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com

#Life Hack: Nothing makes you feel more alive than your world turning upside down.                                                                                                Malcolm Gladwell.
Now keep this quote in mind as the story unfolds…

Title: Yoddha
Main Protagonist: Rahul Yadav
Supporting Cast: Wife and Close Friends
Actors in Negative Role: Cancer Myeloma, Chemotherapy & Emotional Turmoil
Statutory Warning: All characters are real and as inspiring in person. This might make you question your purpose in life.

Scene 1(2013) – Rahul has just got married, is in between jumping jobs and looking forward to a blissful future but is diagnosed with Myeloma Cancer at the age of 28. SCREACHIINNGG BREAK!
Scene 2 – Self-doubt, a feeling of the entire world sinking, uncertainty. He definitely did not plan this for his 30ies. So what happens if being 30ish seems complicated and uncertain?

"It was like being hit by a 300 mph train. I had never even heard of the name Myeloma before. I was lost and trust me at this moment the internet is the worst place to be in".                                                                                                                              Quoting Rahul.
Everyone looks up to Rahul as being a survivor, an inspiration to thousands but how does it feel to be absolutely vulnerable and scared. He faces the world like nothing happened, but trust me lots happened within. He challenged his fears, his tears, and his life.

Meet the Real Yoddha, someone who is as human as us, yet a terrific personality to learn from.

• Rahul is an IT professional. Believes technology should be used to simplify life, not complicate.
• Rahul is passionate about his social initiative, Yoddhas
• Rahul loves Bollywood, he gave me an example from the movie “Border” to explain his state of mind, and we connect instantly in true filmi style.
• Rahul adores his wife (A rare quality in husbands)
• Rahul is inspired by Lisa Ray, she not only fought the dreaded disease but also is actively supporting cancer survivors.

Meet the Super Hero

• Rahul recently celebrated his 100 days, post Bone Marrow transplant.
• Rahul won the People's Choice Award as well as the second rank for projects at the Unesco Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition for his efforts via Yoddhas.
• Rahul wants to be a pillar of strength by building communities that center primarily on promoting cancer awareness among the youth and providing a platform for Indian patients to connect with each other for information and emotional support

One of the main issues is, lack of “constructive emotional support”.  They want the right human touch and not a self-help mobile App. Rahul’s story has been covered by various publications and websites, he specifically asked me to not go the regular way. This is my humble attempt to write about a soul that deserves a standing ovation for his spirit and audacity. He is a survivor in more ways than we know.

Rahul is 30ish and a game changer, Respect! #WATCH Rahul's message to 30ish followers

If anyone of you would like to support Yoddhas being a donor or pitching in as a volunteer connect with me. You can also tweet and spread the word. 

Visit - Yoddhas official Facebook page

** Rahul Yadav, needs a matching donor for further treatment. Leave a comment on the blog, team Yoddhas will reach out to you.

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WTF, Where's The Food?

I am not a foodie if you dare me to have carrot juice for 4 meals, I will. But street food is like a lover I can not resist. Will run extra for a week but its so worth it. So what if beef is banned #Beefban, we can connect on something everyone enjoys.

#Life Hack: The most dangerous food??? err.."The Wedding Cake".

Will be fun, identify your street food personality!

Vada Pav- It belongs to the heart of Maharashtra, a mighty ball of fried potatoes snuggled in soft buns! No I am not writing for Playboy, although my description is fantasizing the street delicacy. This is the official desi veg burger– spicy, hands free and on-the-go.

It goes best with fried chillies and chutney, and of course a chilled Thums-up. You have to tell yourself "Darr ke aage jeet hai" to digest this combination of food. Don’t bother looking at the pool of hot oil in the wok, it’s our comfort food.

Cutting Chai – Just like a vodka shot, it’s the right amount of strong, extra sweet and boiling hot concoction. There’s a typical way you consume this mighty mix, long slurp followed by a loud sigh.. Sounding like a sweet alarm for your brain. aapphh..

Typical day of a workaholic– chai break – work – loo break– chai break – work –chai break –work –. Its for those people who like to socialize briefly at the tapri, discuss cricket/bad-boss/gf tantrums and return to their respective desks/lives.

Pani Puri/Puchkaa/Golgappa – Oh boy, these are the big guns. It’s for the real risk takers, they take life head on. "Meetha ya Theekha", doesn't matter they just keep gulping the fire ball. Nothing stops them, watery eyes, running nose, tongue on fire, not even watching someone punching the puri with nails that could stab your tummy. PS: This does not apply to the ones who have pani puri made in bisleri (#snob)

Chocolate Sandwich – After eating this you will have a feeling that Nutella was invented for bread. Chocolate, butter, carbs, peanuts and tastes like heaven. All those calories just make you bounce for hours, total energy booster. Someone wise said "after all chocolate doesn't ask silly questions, chocolate understands".

Street Food is a great way to know a place, it will give you cues about various aspects of their culture and people. Food brings out the best and the worst in people, on that thought if someone says something badass when "HuANGRY" just forgive them.

I am a Poo*chkaa.

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Related posts:

Be the Durga, you believe in

As Women’s Day approaches social media is bursting with issues relating to Sexual Violence, Rape, Domestic Violence. My blood boils as I watch the BBC documentary “India's Daughter”. Watch it just to remind yourself that,“You have to stand for yourself”.

I don't understand these hypocrites talking about the Indian society being patriarchal. It’s the same society that worships Durga. Each and every woman has this goddess within her. Durga is a warrior woman and so are you. She is the only one I think of every time I need inner strength.

#Life Hack: A real man will never have an issue with this post. 

You say, educate the society.

You say, make them understand.

You say, our jurisdiction cannot hang them.

I say, give them to us and we will deal with them.

I am very emotional about this topic. Trust me if each one of us built the same uproar within, there would be no crime against us.

Please don’t depend on anyone to save you. You have to fight for yourself and be absafuckinglutely unapologetic about it. Some battles are your own, no one will understand. Don’t waste time making them empathise with you.

Be the Durga, you believe in. Let’s redefine the meaning of #IndiasDaughter.