Good Old Days - Part 1 (Happiness)

When was the last time you were happy? Being happy, does not only mean to smile or laugh. Now answer that simple question, “when was the last time, when you were really happy?” Strange isn’t it? You can’t recall it properly? Apart from becoming parents, these days, people mostly don’t realize what happiness is. I am not sure whether you still have those memories in your mind when receiving a “One Rupee” or “Two rupee” note (back then there were notes and not coins), unexpectedly from elder, was equivalent to something magnanimous, when a sudden visit from a cousin was a dream come true, when a surprise visit from either of the parents at school, in the lunch hour, to take you home for a surprise was filled with so much of excitement, fun and happiness. And there are countless other reasons which could have let you wear a smile all day long.

Remember the times when you kept on waiting for a call from a friend or loved one for hours and on every ring of the, non-digitized, phone you couldn’t stop your excitement but rush towards the telephone set, considering it was his/her phone call. That was the time when an ordinary cake from friends on your birthday could easily bring water to your eyes and happiness to your heart – the actual overwhelming state. The time when a simple three to four sentenced greeting card was read by recipient for hours and hours, whether lying on bed in the nights or during studying for the final exams. It is quite strange that now we, mostly, don’t spend hours and hours on deciding what to buy for our loved ones. After all, now we have a huge range of choices, though back in those days we had limited choices and even in those limitations we used to get something of sheer happiness and need for the receiver.

These days we are so much occupied with our jobs, professional and other commitments. But back in those days we used to enjoy “Life”, “Relations” and above all the “Moment”. A walk at the beach, no matter if hands in hands or eyes locked with eyes – the sense of “I am there for you” used to be satisfying for either. In older days we were not much exposed to technology, but we were definitely aware of the relationships, contentment and righteous conduct. And today we only talk about technology, benefits and results. We do not realize that there are far more important things which are of greater importance than benefits and results. Those were the times when even beggars had limited demands.

I am talking about those times when the biggest dream of a father was to let his son achieve his goals, by acquiring education in terms of degree, when a mother used to wish for her kids to get married happily, when a brother used to wish for his sisters and brothers to stay happy and blessed and when a son used to do every possible thing to provide his parents with every possible happiness – keeping all his goals and targets beside. To them those small acts were the happiness. They used to stay together and stay happy. They used to care for others to stay happy. And now! We live in state of the art houses! We work in multi nationals, we drive automatic vehicles, we operate newest gadgets and we eat at finest restaurants and still when someone asks if we are happy? We don’t have a rational reply!

The problem is that most of us have associated happiness with tangible items. For instance I want the newest laptop to become happy, I need an HSY outfit to get happy; I need an iPhone to stay happy and the list goes on and on.

I wish and hope that soon every one of us finds happiness, the real one

Fly High With the Wings of Love

There are many blossoming hearts which you can find around you. Whether they are kids, youngsters adults or senior citizens, their hearts beat for their loved ones. There was a time when life was simple and free from hassles but now technology has gifted us so many things which can do an hours’ work within few minutes, but taken away the “time” from us. Be it a student or a professional no one has time for their friends, family members and loved ones. Back in those days when life was simpler even a rose could have made the expressions clear to other person but nowadays buying an iPhone or Louis Vuitton’s bag can not guarantee that the girl of your dreams will say a “Yes” or not.

Many people consider that celebrating Valentine’s Day is a waste, as per them they do not need just one day to show and celebrate their love with their loved ones. But think for a moment, when was the last time you appreciated or praised your loved one? When was the last time you had a passionate and soft time with your partner? I am sure you might be able to recall few moments but not a complete day, where you tried to bring a series of smiles to your partner’s face. We all know that life is much demanding nowadays and it is not practical to keep living the role of college sweat-hearts. But if you try to just wake up early one morning and before going to office just say any line like; “I will be worried about you, so I have arranged a bodyguard to look after you whole day” then hand her over a stuff toy or teddy bear. I am sure, the look on her face will enlighten you about how she will feel.

If you are a student with not enough money then you can easily buy 9 real red roses along with one artificial one. Attach a card that says “I will love you until the last rose fades”. On the contrary if you even do not have enough cash to get her flowers then you can also wrap a mirror in gift paper and present her that, on which you better write “In this mirror you will see the image of the most beautiful woman in the world”

For instance if you are a newly wedded wife or in fact any wife, whose husband have left for office – make sure the moment he has left for office, e-mail him a simple note “Miss you already” that he will read the moment he will log on to his computer. You can also scan or photocopy the image of your hand and before sending it to your partner write “Do you wanna hold hands?” over it. One of the most important and heart melting acts which women love is very simple – cook something for them, either late at night or early in the morning. Serve her with complete protocol. You will be amazed to see the after effects.

Expressing love is not difficult and at times not easy as well. All you need to do is to be truthful to yourself. If you feel anything express it. If you want to thank your partner – then let the words flow. Simple deeds done are better than bigger ones planned.

Stay happy – keep losing yourself in love (preferably with same person) again and again. Love grows and strengthens with time and by sharing different experiences. So keep experimenting and keep holding your partner’s hands.

Let love be pure and fine. Accept and announce everyday that you love someone, let people know if you are professional you are best amongst the lot and if you are a lover you are a blessing for your partner.

Pakistan's Very Own - "Mufta" Culture

Pakistan's Very Own - "Mufta" Culture

Few days ago I was reading an article composed by Maliha Usman. I kind of liked the article, which was titled as “Mufta Culture”. Well, she asked some really good questions that made me think about the possibilities behind the term Mufta. For those who do not understand what a “Mufta” is let me clarify – a person who does not spend a single penny from his pocket but expects and at many times demands from others to pay for those things which he wants to have for himself, is known as “Mufta” or “Free Loader”.

We can find such free loaders in multiple places that may include schools, colleges, universities and even offices. No matter from which class or family they belong, this disease is contagious. It transfers in a jiffy, if you are surrounded by free loaders. Most of the people compare free loaders with misers but in actuality this is not true. A miser not only tries to spend less from his pocket but he also does not want anyone else to waste his or her money on unnecessary stuff. Whereas a freeloader or better say hanger-on only wants others to invest for him. I am sure you must have come across to many individuals who usually demand for cigarettes, coffees, teas, samosas (in my context Bermuda Triangles), dinners or lunches etc. They mostly create hype after every slightest joy that can occur in their friend’s life. Like, if a guy has passed in his exams or if his proposal has been accepted by his love, the freeloader will ask him to “give a treat”.

Initially they used to be present in small informal groups but now we can find them in multinational FMCGs and even in any International Organization. The position, age and family background has nothing to do with this disease. Every person is, these days, affected by this plague. It is really difficult to fight this disease. This statement does not mean that there is no hope, am sure there will be a day when our nation will come to realize that it is much better to be in a position to give aid than to think about getting aid all the time. The root causes as per my understanding can include following points;

1. As a nation we are in habit of bending and bowing our heads and begging for help (be it foreign or local) in front of others. Similarly the people of nation are enjoying the cultural (better say National) heritage. So in short “Mufta Culture” is our very own Paki Culture. We are the originators whereas rests are copycats.
   
   
2. The concept behind “being a freeloader” is bullying the other person. This concept usually develops in early days and college days but later it grows with the passage of time and it becomes part and parcel of one’s personality.
   
   
3. Most of the people have eyes on others’ cash and belongings – Human Nature – hence they try to avail every possibility to enjoy that.
   
   
4. If people think that there is something wrong with such guys and girls, they are wrong themselves. Today in corporate world it is considered as a smart move and act of appreciation. 
   
   
5. Almost all the freeloaders have short term goals. They want to eat at a nice place on the expense of others or they can even ask for others to buy them soft-drinks etc.

 Thinking about self esteem is something which never crosses their minds. All they are interested in is “something for free to feast on”. One of the reasons behind this culture is lack of dignity. It is an open ended question, how many of us has the term “Dignity” left in ourselves? No need to get emotional here, just look around the system and you will get the answer. I am not talking about 05 – 07% of the total population, but the rest.

I personally feel that there is no way to cure this disease, as our society has accepted it the same way just like the Star Plus Dramas are accepted in our society these days, the only difference is name of the channel. Initially it was Star Plus, now almost same content is shown on HUM, GEO, ARY or any other TV channel. Coming back to the main point, I would like to quote few examples;

1. How can you expect something to get eradicated when the major telecom companies of your country are promoting their new packages with the title of “Mufta Packages”?
   
   
2. Why are all of us looking for “Free Services” or “Free Offers” instead of qualitative offers in which we may get Value Addition?
   
   
3. Can you say "No" to your senior when he asks for a treat on your promotion? Throwing a treat is a man's own decision, not a forceful outcome of bossy tone.
   
   
4. Don’t you think people wait for “All you can eat offer” all year? What is the concept behind it?
   

If you really want to stop it then the simplest answer is “I earn for my family and myself, I have to save for rainy day, no matter how big or small. Why should I spend on you? Give me one good rational reason?”

Am sure when we start to say such line loud to make others listen only then we can change this culture. Else, it will take over all around us.

Live your life with dignity, truthfulness and contentment will be the outcome!

Nothing can buy contentment but a life full of ethical and dignified codes.

Stay blessed!

Breast Cancer Support – Keep the Spirits High

I just wonder; is it really difficult to take out sometime from our busy schedules and try to listen to people who do not have any one to talk to?

Well I am writing this because a dear friend of mine wanted me to wear “Pink colored Tie” to support “Breast Cancer Day” – I simply admire her for drawing my attention towards this point. Thanks Barbie!

I then went through different web-sites on Breast Cancer – but I found this Particular One really helpful. I have a suggestion for many young guys and girls like me, to spend few minutes a week with someone who is suffering from this severe illness or even any other illness. It will have many positive after effects on you, for instance;

Ø  You will definitely realize how blessed you are – to be healthy and fit.

Ø  You will get the inner satisfaction that someone is really there, who waits for your visit every week/month on any particular day. This is an amazing feeling (try it out to experience it)

Ø  The happiness which you will cause to the person can only be seen in the teary eyes (tears of happiness) but can never be expressed in words by him or her.

Ø  The contentment level will be high. Why? You will be aware of one thing that you are making a difference in someone’s life, by brightening up his or her day.

It is definitely not difficult. All that is required is courage to say “Hello How are you feeling today?” and then the conversation will take its own pace.

Wearing pink ribbon is definitely good – but spending a few minutes with a patient will be better. This habit will definitely make you realize numerous things which you might have never thought about.

You might come across a Top-Notch Banker Excelling in her field, four years ago, but now if you will meet her you can sense the difference in her life – Don’t let this DIFFERENCE spread more.

I am not sure whether I have fully conveyed my message / feeling or not! But all I know is that! My friends and readers are far sensitive and intelligent than me.

Bless you all!!

Keep Smiling and try to be the reason of other’s smiles.

An interesting Interview! The Code of “Con”-“Duct”

Being a decision maker is not easy at all. Trust me, its really hard to decide at times – what to do and what not – how to react and how not to – What to say and what not. There are countless such things which Decision makers go through. Though some are gifted, but those who are not definitely face a lot of troubles.

I am a Libra by Zodiac sign and mostly Librans are not quick and pro-active decision makers. At places I have to take many decisions, which are neither planned nor easier for me.

Recently I conducted interviews for the content writers for my “Earn Online 4 Pakistan” venture. I definitely needed some fresh writers and even few experienced ones. I flooded different platforms with messages and ads. I received great response, better than I ever expected. I was really surprised to receive 86 CVs in just 24 hours’ time. I was like “WOW – there is a lot of talent in this country, who is definitely getting wasted by doing nothing”. May Almighty save them all from the Freedom (of Vacancy).

After taking a gap of 2 days, I scheduled their interviews and planned my activities accordingly. Seriously I was amazed by 80% of them all. We have the crudest talent trust me. Most of the Individuals who have applied for the jobs used “Slangs” and short-hands in the interview session. Most of them were either enrolled in the Masters’ Program or have completed their Masters from some big and reputed names of our country. But none of them were able to write a single paragraph free from errors. Many guys and girls gave some amazing excuses, which I simply loved – being the Interviewer and Feed Back Provider on their master pieces. Excuses Included;

1.      Hey bro I wrote really fast couldn’t check em all.
2.         Sorry I am New to this
3.         It was my first time, please sorry me.
4.         Oh that’s my mistake – please avoid that, read next line.

I am sure these answers are worth reading, when you are conducting a serious interview and hiring individuals to make them earn 15,000 – 28,000/- PKR (initially). What I don’t get is that how have such students passed their exams? Even a student from Matriculation would have failed on such usage of language. Plus, don’t they have classes or orientations for “How to appear in interviews”? What language to use, no matter how informal the interviewer is, the candidate is supposed to be in his/her limits and show his/her best conduct. Or it might be a fact that I am old fashioned and prefer individuals with better conduct and ethics of communication.

I am still surprised about the fact that an MBA these days says that “I am new to writing Essays”. I don’t think our institutions are passing the talent out. People really lack in writing skills. After thinking about it, for like many days and even nights, the only thing which I came to realize is

•          “BULLET CULTURE” –
•          “To the Point answers” and finally
•          “MCQ based Question Papers”.

These Three elements throw students away from writing the content. And when it comes to writing a decent content they terribly fail to use good words, proper grammar and appropriate sentence structuring.

I am sure every student makes reports in almost every semester, but how many of them are there who do not use the term “COPY/PASTE” while making those lengthy reports and get “A’s” from their instructors.

Where are we Standing fellows? We need a wake-up call!

Great People

In life we come across many people who we consider and know as “Achievers” and “Success Stories”. Those people are later known as the “Great People” by the world. Most of us think that those people are made up of some different kinds of ingredients, but in reality, they are as similar as You and Me. They are as ordinary as any other person walking on the street.

So what makes them different? It is nothing but their high commitment level – to many “Commitment Level” may sound a heavy word, easy to say but difficult to do justice with and hard to achieve. But actually commitment is the pre-requisite to do any work – not just a job. For instance taking complete history prior to prescribing a medicine to a patient shows commitment level, before writing an essay on “Global Warming”, asking from friends, teachers and Google-ing about “Global Warming” is also a form or commitment level. So it is not difficult at all – doing right thing at right time is commitment level.

The “Great People” have high commitment level, focused dedication and a particular objective or goal in their minds – that sync with their hearts as well. Today most of the individuals (particularly youngsters) think that starting a career from Sales is substandard. But they forget the fact that the lowest step of the ladder is close to the ground but if they can not step on that, how will it be possible for them to reach at the highest step of the ladder, which is the sky. Like all says it is always essential to start from the basic to reach at the top. Similarly you studied “A, B, C…” before writing a word or Blog (in my case).

We know “TATA”, “DALDA” and “TAPAL” today, as giants of business world. But they started their journeys towards success by fueling their limbs. Life is and was never tailor made – not even for emperors.

Finally I would like to share!

                “Great People Are Really Ordinary People, Who Commit Themselves To Extra-ordinary Goals.”

Be blessed – Keep Smiling – Dream on – and Start acting