Lately, I have been thinking about doing a detox program. I think it is a nice way to kickstart my fitness regime. And what better day to "restart", "reboot" my daily shcedule and perhaps bring in a life-style change than my Birthday. I am inching closer to the "not-so-young-anymore" number. But I think you are as young as you feel you are. So, I want to feel more energetic, lively and vital. I think this might be a good place to start reading about detox and improving what I put in my mouth.
http://kimberlysnyder.net/

Second chances

I have been thinking a lot lately about second chances. Wondering whether friends are those who understand that sometimes you need a second chance. You make mistakes in relationships, but you learn a lot about yourself in the whole process. Once the clouds clear and you admit and accepts the mistakes, are "true friends" the ones who openly accept it and accept you and give you a second chance at the relationship.
And then, why is it so difficult for some people to give you a second chance?
Do they forget that when you unintentionally hurt someone close to you, someone you care about, then you hurt more than the person you hurt. And you feel like shit! And something that you did not know has just been revealed to you and you are willing to make amends. But to make changes you need a second chance. You need a chance to prove that you have learnt something more. You need a second chance to implement and execute what you have learnt. A person becomes wiser by making mistakes, by falling, and then by getting up and getting another shot.
And then sometimes, I think that you yourself need to give yourself a second chance. You need to forgive yourself and take another shot.
So, are friends the people who understand you more than you do and are willing to give you that second chance with an open heart. You sometimes hurt them, have fights, have arguments, but they are still ones who root for you the most when you get that so deserved second chance. They are the ones waiting for you at the victory line. They are ones who run into at the finish line and they catch your fall. They hug you, pick you up on their shoulders.
So, second chances are important, they are perhaps more important than the first shot itself. Second chances make us appreciate what the first shot and failures taught us, they re-iterate the importance of the first shot.
I hope that my friends and my life is generous enough to give me sceond chances. To give me a second chance to make relationships better, a second chance to know myself, a second chance to be a better and stronger friend.
To second chances!!!

Gems and such

I was reading some of the notes that I had made to myself in India during this India trip and there were gems that I read/heard that I had noted. I am putting them here so that I can read them whenever and whereever I think I need them.
This one is from Sorry Bhai. This is what Boman says to Shabana when she tries to come in the way of Chitrangada and Sharman's love. I think this is really powerful, a true test of strength and a true test of love.
"Real strength is when you love someone and you let that person have all the freedom that person needs; you let that person totally free and espite that, he or she remains yours."
The other one is from an episode of Mahabharat when Krishna is leaving Vrindavan to go to Mathura. All of Radha's friends are asking her why she does not stop Krishna. How can she love him and not be possessive about him. To that she says,
"Love is being able to recongise that when the reflection of the moon falls on the waters the lake, it is the foolishness of the lake to think that moon belongs to it. The moon is always and foreverr in its place in the sky shining upton the on the entire world and giving its moonbeams to everthing equally."
A little too contemplative, a little too cheesy sometimesat times. But there are times when one needs such words. These words become gems when they are set and said in the right settings and right circumstance. Until they are set and used and they shine, I am keeping these gems stashed in this treasure chest; for me to find them when I need them. Until then..they are for safe-keeping :-)

Doggy Door in Heaven

A friend and co-worker's dog passed away today morning. I had not met him, but had seen loads of pix. I know that had I met him, I would have instantly fallen in love. Dogs just talk to you with their eyes. The best kind of communication ever!
Neeways, I was thinking what to write to her so as to let her know how I feel and I found this wonderful website dedicated to dogs. Check it out!
Poems in Praise of Dogs

Here is what I sent her. I hope she finds the courage and strength she needs in this time of sorrow.

HEAVEN'S DOGGY-DOOR

My best friend closed his eyes last
night, As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through
my head, As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart thats filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door"!

--- Jan Cooper --- 1995

Love..a Why...

They say that love does not hurt; 

They say that love brings happiness

They say that love makes everything joyful

They say that love lights up the darkness

Then why does the heart ache

Why is there anger

Why are there disconnects

Why is there a fear of loss anticipated along the way

Why do two people grow apart

Why is there loss of words

Where does the happiness disappear

When does the boon become a curse

Why are there so many questions

And where do I find answers

Why does he say that something is missing

Even when I have laid down my heart; still he says it falters.

So do I still believe that love brings happiness

Believe that everything will be joyful like it was

That love will light our way 

That we met  has to have a divine cause.

- Leena

Jan 06, 2009; 1:27 AM