TIME management…(1)

The beauty of time lies in the fact that “WHETHER GOOD OR BAD, TIME CHANGES.”

Many of us feel life is passing by too quickly; time flies is what we caption on Instagram. It looks great with a childhood picture or a throwback picture. But, Are we really happy about growing up so fast? Time is something that moves on, it doesn’t wait for any of us. We move from one season to the other and wonder where time went. Time flies at a tremendous speed and we are not able to achieve what we wanted. To get everything what we want out of the given time, we got to plan a time management for goal setting. It’s like learning the strategy or trick to find a coin from water; which is not stagnant and continuously flowing.

Generations change; you are the one cuddling in your mother’s lap and now you are a mother. Many a times, we wonder if we are really accomplishing all that we set out to achieve? Life is measured in the number of breaths we take. We feel like we waste much of the precious gift of our life’s breaths and our time in useless pursuits. Instead of gaining what is most important, we waste time in petty pursuits. Do you agree?

Time management means making the best use of our time. This is an important aspect and secret to achieve our goals. Time is precious. Once the time is gone, we can’t retrieve it back.

Think about each moment and don’t let it go waste. Ask yourself, for what are you trading time with? Do you want to trade it away for thoughts of anger and greed? Do you want to waste each precious breath in brooding over the past and worrying about the future? Do you want to spend your time in some petty things not valuable? Or ……………. Do you wish to spend the present moment in doing something to discover who you really are and to find out your purpose in life? Sounds sensible right?

Goal setting begins with deciding what is important in life. In YOUR life!!! A goal for you might not be even in the thought process for someone else. To set this goal in your mind is a great idea. It will avoid the aimless adrift. We can and we should spend some time in deciding the direction we wish to go in. Once the plan is ready, your goal is clear in you head, all you need to do is move towards your goal, with all the hard work and here comes; manage your time in the entire journey!! When there’s little time left for something, we got to make the best of it as well.

I was too bad at managing time. But I feel I have learned it to some extent. This also took away my time. But now that I am aware of it, I shouldn’t waste any further time or shouldn’t waste any more breaths. There are some tips and tricks to manage time which I will be sharing in my next posts.

Let me know in the comments.—What is the most important principle of time management according to you?

My 30th post of the May 2020 Blogging Challenge. I am so so happy I could finish this. Thank you my readers. Your likes and comments motivate me. Hope I can reach out to topics which are best to read for you guys.

Love—- AKIRAA

My shopping strategies–a transformation!

In my recent post on addictions, I felt like including SHOPPING TOO as an addiction. But, I’m the victim in this category, so didn’t preach what I can’t practice. For those who know me, they know what happens to me when it comes to shopping. A complete shopping addict, shopaholic or whatever. For me, shopping has always been a mood lifter, confidence booster and all the good words possible. Also, buying clothes is termed as shopping. This is the first and I guess the only thing that strikes my brain when I hear the word SHOPPING. Footwear, grocery, accessories, bags, etc are all secondary. By God’s grace, it was never about budget. But yes, the idea behind shopping has had transformations for me over a period of time. What I used to think about a particular top 10 years ago is something way different from what I think today. This change is for the better ofcourse.

Strategy 1

My childhood (school days) went in the concept of loving clothes but not to the extent of getting obsessed. My shopping strategy was “I want my mom along with me to figure out and finalize” Also, brand was no where in the picture. The central idea was to be FILTHY RICH in terms of the number of items in my wardrobe. It should overflow with clothes, that’s it. Here, in the journey of collecting too many clothes, we obviously tend to lose the logic! There are so many tops which are just lying and I hardly wear them because they are either not noticed or I don’t have a nice matching bottom to pair it with. But, that didn’t bother me those days. I was happy unless there were too many clothes—-it seemed like a mix treasure of useful and useless objects. I picked what I wanted, wore what I felt like wearing and just slept with the thought that if a thief bumps into my house, all I have to do is tell him to spare my wardrobe and he can take away the rest. Such a simple life that was, haha. Back then, the strategies were so simple. And they worked too. Lemme continue with my transforming journey with respect to SHOPPING. Read till the end and you will know what it is for me today.

Strategy 2

Now comes my college days. Unfortunately, I got my admission in a college at a rural area where there was no need to look glamorous. LOL!! All dreams were shattered at that point of time. Today, I feel fortunate to have tasted the spice of hostel life. But in those days, that was the worst thing for me; one of the reason being I will not get the college glam in terms of wearing clothes. How will I wear fashion?! How will I be the college heroine?! This place wasn’t favorable for all such dreams. I oiled my hair so much in school (my classmates made fun of me too). I endured all the oily jokes on me just with the dreamy thought that I will flaunt my beautiful shiny hair in college. Little did I know what the future had in store for me. This new place was just so appropriate for a neatly oiled hairstyle. Okay, back to my clothes—I didn’t lose hope because I knew my love for clothes and all the “dressing up in style” process is the only thing that will keep me going and boost my confidence over studies as well. I kept shopping and now slowly this shopping concept was taking a turn — My idea from too many clothes turned to I CAN’T REPEAT CLOTHES. Whatever happens I will not wear anything the second time. Quite crazy, isn’t it? Thanks to my mom for always supporting this craziness. And I became popular as the one who doesn’t repeat clothes. WOW, I felt like a rock star those days. Again; no budget, my mum with me in shopping, brands are a little into the picture by now because I had entered the social media and was exposed more to the outer world!!!! Ahh, feeling so nostalgic like the title to this post should have been THOSE WERE THE DAYS. What say?

Strategy 3

College ended and I’m back home from the hostel. The days when there were 2 beautiful things existent— maa ka pyaar and shopping with my sister. Me, my mum and my sister were a trio for everything including shopping. When it comes to clothes, as always, I was greedy unlike my sister who was always (she still is, my darling) ready to sacrifice her favorite possessions for me. Here, brands were a consideration and price too. Also, the kind of clothes I eyed on, were different than the school days and also it was more of a serious discussion and the entire shopping spree felt like a planned event —– where will I wear this, I have this colour already, why spend so much on a night dress, this colour is too light so it won’t survive more than 2 washes, etc. At this point of time–all this irritated me and I felt what has this got to do with something I like. For me, I like a dress and I want to buy it; the matter ends. I had just realized, It was not so easy. To add on to the fire, I got engaged and then married —- all of this was happening super fast before I could actually dream about how my lehenga would be when I get ready as a bride. That was a wedding shopping where I just nodded at sarees and dresses of either my mum’s choice or my in-laws’ choices. Luckily, they weren’t a disaster. I somehow survived the wardrobe for some years post marriage which was an alloy of everyone’s choices and I was the obedient girl wearing everything with a smile.

Strategy 4

So, here I am, the current ME, as original as MYSELF! I have a completely clear picture in my mind about the helluva word SHOPPING. Some things have completely changed, some things are still the same. Today, I can go for shopping alone; unlike before-but I love it even more when it’s with my husband. My choice is my choice– I can’t allow anyone else to interfere unless it’s my husband. Still, for me shopping is all about clothes and clothes. Everything else is secondary just like before. Brands have occupied a big place today as compared to those days. But, one thing I love about myself today is, I have become mindful and I know how to shop smart; to some extent. (there can be errors sometimes when I like something over the limit and all, so please ignore those days which are quite rare). In the era of the SHOP TILL I DROP, I have learnt many ways to experience a successful shopping expedition. Lemme share a few tips with you!

1. SHOP WITH A LIST: You don’t want, don’t buy; don’t need, don’t buy. It’s the hard earned money that we are spending on our favorite things- so just prepare a little bit in advance. Review what you already have, see what you need (genuinely), make a list and shop accordingly.
2. POCKET FRIENDLY: Set up a budget. This can be of great help. Whatever may be your budget, stop shopping once you hit that limit. This has always been the toughest part for me, But I want my shopping to make sense so I had to learn this. And I’m happy I did!! (ZARA being an exception:) Look for quality pieces. The quality and price value must coincide. If it does, are you able to carry it well?
3. SUITABLE TIME AND TIME LIMIT: Shopping is something that should give you happiness at the end of the day. This won’t happen if you don’t pick up a suitable time. A time that works best for you. If the time isn’t appropriate, it will become a stressful activity. If you are already tired, hungry, lonely, not in mood, had a bad day at office, don’t feel like, etc or any other emotions which aren’t pleasant enough for you to take a hundred trials, do not go for shopping. You will tend to make bad or incorrect choices. Also, the time you spend is valuable. Don’t spend it mindlessly over shopping. Fix up a duration, may it be hours or days anything; but just see to it that you finish it within that time. When our shopping isn’t planned, the experience is also random and you will surely end up buying the wrong stuff.
4. CHECK THE VERSATILITY: Don’t give up buying new stuff but Mindful shopping is the key. Many of us buy impulsively without thinking what will we do with the things we buy. This has happened with me too. We end up taking home things we never wear or never use. While shopping, stop for a moment and think—Do you really need this item? Are you going to wear it atleast 10 times. Repeating clothes is fine ( I used to think just the opposite ). Go for versatile styling. Wear it differently; different footwear, accessories, etc and you are good to go. Being an outfit repeater is not a bad title- the art lies in wearing a single outfit in a hundred different ways.
5. JUST BECAUSE IT’S ON SALE: SALE– this four letter word is mainly responsible for impulsive shopping. This includes me too. It’s very difficult to restrain from this. The sad part is, I realize I don’t need this only when it’s already purchased from the sale out there. That discount is not at all worth it if it fetches you something you already have or something you don’t need at all. If you are sure you want that, the discount you get is a great deal for you. Only buy items on sale when it’s something that is on your list and is within your budget.
6. YOUR LIFESTYLE: This is a crucial step. You may like or love that bikini but you either need to know you won’t wear it or you have no plans of a beach vacay in the near future. Why buy then? You are an office person so your closet should mainly consist of those office formals. Suddenly you want to buy some pairs of shorts or skirts. A pair or two is fine for weekend parties (if you are a party person) but otherwise don’t you think it’s gonna be a dead investment? Shop as per your lifestyle. I feel the efforts made while shopping should be such that each item from our wardrobe should be used atleast once!!! This is also difficult nowadays.

We should change the way we approach the word SHOPPING. Think of your clothes as an investment. Will you wear this 10 times? Will this fabric survive 10 washes? Is this exactly what you wanted since so long? Will you love this dress after 6 months? Evaluate these factors and then go for it. The items you collect in your closet after so much planning will be no less than a treasure you’ll cherish for lifetime. You may update, dispose some things and all but it will be an endearing thing you own for yourself. Trust me on that. Hope these simple tips of mine help !! Thanks for reading:)

My 26th post of the May 2020 Blogging Challenge!

AMELIORATE

As the word says – make better .. a little effort towards making something better.

If I could aid in atleast a bit in making anyone’s life fuller and happier…I WILL BE THE HAPPIEST !!!

I can’t change anyone drastically but what I can do is try and make their lives a little better in a manner where their basic lifestyles remain the same but doing things slight differently makes them better at everything!!

Some specific tips can work wonders in feeling healthier and happier.

Lets begin then….

let the good times roll

I feel lots of women these days put themselves under a lot of pressure to look good according to society standards.

Also, that pressure makes them more stressed mentally as well as physically.

One of the stressful things that disturb all of us is, for instance, we stop eating what we love and also start doing things that particularly don’t make us happy.

What’s needed first is to remain HAPPY … it might read as a simple term here but it’s like any of the vital organs of our body without which our body is unable to function efficiently.

Every soul is radiant and beautiful just the way God has designed them.

HERE ARE 10 SIMPLE WAYS TO AMELIORATE YOUR LIFE:-

1. Be grateful for what you have and never be disappointed for what you don’t get. Always see the good in things. After all, its how you perceive!!
2. Always plan things— if not in mind; on paper. Well, a paper and a pen are your besties. However techy one can get, the simplest and most comfortable is when you jot down “things to do”. It really helps.
3. Never say or feel “you know everything”. It ceases your success. There is no time or age for learning. Staying RAW forever turns you to a finished/fine/near-to-perfect individual. This humility shall take you where you want to be and moreover, you’ll learn how to react when things don’t go the way you’d planned.
4. Too much sad or too much happy- Both are dangerous. Success or failure- Just shake it off!! How stable you are at every point, evaluates your position. Change is the only constant; nothing is permanent; you got to get that right. Build such a persona- strong aura, shining soul, happy heart and a healthy mind.
5. Pay attention to what your heart says. Gut feeling is a big deal. Sixth sense is real. Your instinct can be a message to focus on. Each emotion of yours is important. Respect it!!! But at the same time, do not forget- just because YOU are having such a feeling; doesn’t mean, IT HAS TO BE RIGHT. Instincts, gut feelings can be wrong. Figure out things with a lot of wisdom and patience.
6. Never judge. Everyone has a story. You have no rights to be judge-mental.
7. You cannot make everyone happy at the same time. A hundred people with a thousand different opinions. It’s okay if you don’t agree with someone or vice-versa. Doesn’t matter. Just be sure and of-course confident and yes, if there’s negativity around, STAY AWAY!!
8. Get rid of your past, hard feelings, embarrassments, etc. We all have a thing that makes us feel bitter. Remember; TIME IS THE BIGGEST REMEDY. Feel lighter by letting it go. Important is to LIVE AND LOVE.
9. Respect and Love yourself. Give your best. Be the Original YOU. Never get carried away. You’re special and Nobody can be YOU. (9 being my lucky number, the best point is here .. so everything in bold.. hence, to those who are reading .. you are amazing and worth it 🙂
10. You own this thing called LIFE, just once. Live it like an example. We are all stories in the end; make sure you are someone’s favorite story. Where you are is exactly where you are meant to be. It’s all planned, so live with utter grace and love unconditionally. If you are an inspiration for just one, then BINGO; you’ve hit the nail…!

Let me know your reviews in the comments..