Embracing Change: Lessons in Perspective

While contemplating on what to write on my blog here and on medium.com, remembered these stories I read a long time back and also repeated the same to my kids and their kids too. So created this story for sharing the same here.
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In the tranquil setting of an ashram, a devoted disciple rushed to his Guru with joyous news, “Guruji, a generous soul has donated a cow!” The Guru, with a serene smile, responded, “That’s wonderful. Now, shall we enjoy daily milk?” However, a week later, the disciple returned in distress, “Guruji, the donor took back the cow!” Surprisingly, Guruji’s response echoed wisdom, “That’s good. Now, we are spared from the toil of cleaning and tending to the cow’s needs.”

This simple tale imparts a profound lesson – the essence of happiness or remorse lies not in external circumstances, but in the way we perceive and adapt to them. When life’s script changes, altering our mindset can turn challenges into opportunities, showcasing the transformative power of a positive outlook.

In another corner of life, laughter echoed through a temple courtyard as people mocked a blind visitor. “You’ve come to the temple, but can you truly ‘see’ the deity?” they jeered. Unfazed, the blind person responded with grace, “Why does it matter? At least my God can shower His graceful sight upon me!”

This heart touching encounter underscores the importance of a positive perspective. Despite the world’s doubts, the blind person found solace in the belief that divine grace transcends physical vision. It’s a testament to the idea that our outlook shapes our experiences, and embracing a positive viewpoint can illuminate even the darkest corners of our journey.

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

These stories remind us that life’s tapestry is woven with unpredictable threads. Whether facing the loss of a donated cow or confronting societal skepticism, the power to transform lies within our mindset. Adapting positively to changing circumstances not only alleviates the burden of adversity but also opens doors to new possibilities. In the dance of life, let our minds be agile, turning challenges into stepping stones toward growth and contentment.

-R K Karnani
Dec 2023

Embracing Positivity: A Gratitude-Filled Reflection on the Past Year

Daily writing prompt

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

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Embracing Positivity: A Gratitude-Filled Reflection on the Past Year

In life, it is often our perspective that paints the colors of our experiences. As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the host of positive events that have graced my life and the lives of my loved ones. Amidst the ebb and flow of time, I am reminded that focusing on the positive allows us to savor the sweetness of every moment.

As I pen down my thoughts, I am overwhelmed by the kindness that the divine has showered upon me and my family. It’s a gentle reminder that positivity is not just an occasional visitor but a constant companion if we choose to acknowledge it. As someone once said, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

The past year has been adorned with milestones that shine brightly in the gallery of my memories. Celebrating my 72nd birthday was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of life’s continuity. In the face of the brevity that has touched my family through the generations, every additional year becomes a precious bonus, a gift to cherish.

The golden glow of love enveloped my life as I celebrated my golden wedding anniversary. Fifty years of companionship, shared laughter, and enduring love are not just a testament to commitment but a beacon of hope in a world that often changes too swiftly.

The joy expanded as my daughter marked her silver wedding anniversary, a testament to the enduring strength of love passed down through the generations. It’s a reminder that amidst life’s uncertainties, the constancy of family love remains a grounding force.

Witnessing the next generation’s milestones added a layer of profound joy. My eldest granddaughter, with dreams in her eyes, completed her college journey and ventured into the professional realm, joining McKinsey in her own city. The pride and joy that swelled in my heart were indescribable.

Another chapter unfolded as my second granddaughter embarked on her college journey, a poignant reminder of the cycle of growth and learning that perpetually marks the passage of time. Each step they take is a testament to the resilience and promise of the future.

Financial relief also graced our lives as I successfully sold a part of my agricultural land, overcoming challenges posed by illegal occupation. The timely infusion of much-needed funds brought a sense of security and serenity, demonstrating that sometimes, against all odds, positive outcomes emerge.

Equally important, the past year unfolded without major health issues plaguing our family. In the realm of well-being, the absence of significant challenges is a gift in itself, a reminder that good health is often the most precious possession.

Amidst this cascade of positivity, there were, of course, small negative events. However, I choose to embrace the wisdom encapsulated in the quote, “Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.” By focusing on the positive, we amplify its presence, allowing it to overshadow the smaller negatives.

As I travel through the labyrinth of the past year’s experiences, I am reminded that life’s beauty lies in the appreciation of every moment, in choosing to see the glass not as half empty but as brimming with possibilities. Gratitude, as a guiding light, transforms ordinary days into extraordinary memories. Let us continue to keep our stance positive, for in doing so, we open ourselves up to a world rich with even more positivity and joy.

-R K Karnani
Dec 2023

Five Talents That Define Me

Daily writing prompt

Share five things you’re good at.

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Embracing Strengths: Five Talents That Define Me

In humdrum or exciting, ever changing tapestry of life, we often find ourselves unraveling the threads of our own strengths, discovering the unique qualities that shape our journey. Today, I am eager to share five facets of myself, five things I feel I am good at, which probably form the foundation of who I am.

1. Family Bonds: Being a good family member is an art, a responsibility that I hold close to my heart. Whether it’s fulfilling the roles of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, or uncle, I take pride in fostering strong connections with my loved ones. Family is not just a word; it’s an unwavering support system, a sanctuary of love that I cherish and nurture.
2. Listening as an Art: In a world that often clamors with noise, I have honed the skill of being a good listener. I believe in the power of lending an empathetic ear, providing a safe space for voices to be heard. Listening, I’ve discovered, is an art that builds bridges, fosters understanding, and forms the foundation of meaningful connections. I have always maintained that it is as important to learn the skill to ‘listen’ as much as a skill for ‘public speaking’.
3. Positivity Amidst Challenges: Life’s journey is sprinkled with challenges, and yet, I have mastered the art of focusing on the positive. Instead of fixating on the half-empty glass, I choose to see the half-full one. It’s a perspective that transforms obstacles into opportunities, infusing each moment with hope and resilience. I have honed the skill of moving out of a negative mindset asap.
4. Art of Communication: Words have the power to bridge gaps, mend hearts, and shape destinies. I pride myself on being adept at communicating my perspective. Whether through spoken words or written expressions, I strive to convey thoughts with clarity, fostering open dialogues that lead to understanding and connection. I believe that ‘communication’ solves almost al issues on this globe.
5. The Gift of Personalized Writing: Among my most cherished talents is the ability to weave emotions into words, particularly through personalized poems. In Hindi, the language of the heart, and in English, the choice of the younger generation, I craft poems for birthdays, anniversaries, exam successes, and other special occasions. Each verse is a labour of love, a reflection of my desire to celebrate the milestones and joys of those closest to me.

In embracing these five aspects of myself, I recognize that our strengths are not stagnant but ever-evolving. They shape our interactions, influence our perspectives, and contribute to the intricate mosaic of our lives. These talents now at 72+ are not just skills; they are the hues that depict the canvas of my existence, making each day a unique masterpiece.

-R K Karnani
Dec 2023

कवि के साथ आँसू ही क्यों ?(Why Poet Sad)

मेरे एक मित्र ने लिखा :
हम कवि और आम इंसान में

बस थोड़ा सा फर्क है

बाकी लोग आँखों से आँसू बहा

दर्द कम करलेते हैं

और हम कलम से

शब्दों के सहारे रो लेते हैं |

मेरी प्रतिक्रिया कुछ इस प्रकार थी :

कवि के साथ आँसू ही क्यों ?

क्यों अपनी रोनी सूरत ही दिखाता है कवि
हमेशा पेश करता अपनी गमगीन छवि
हर बात का होता एक दूसरा पहलू
इसलिये सोचा अपनी बात भी कह लूँ
स्तिथियों का सकारात्मकता भी होता एक पक्ष
वैसी बातें कहने में अधिक नहीं,थोड़ा हूँ मैं दक्ष
वैसे आम इंसान भी क्यों नहीं हो सकता कवि
हर पल नहीं तो कभी कभी,जैसे है आपका ये ‘रवि’!

-रविन्द्र कुमार करनानी

rkkarnani@gmail.com

Nov 2023 (Reblogged)

Selfworth

This is a Blog by my daughter Bhavna. Sharing it here as I loved it.
She is an author and have penned two books:
Bee Magical
Tricky Teens
Both are available on Amazon.

Selfworth