Today I felt truly inspired. I caught up with a friend at a cafe close to home and we ended up chatting for hours. We spoke mostly about work and life in the big city that we live in! My friend being philosophically inclined preached and I intently listened like a lost student seeking answers to life's questions.
My friend came to Mumbai four years back to become an actor and has since then never looked back. Being a young single professional in the city has its own issues. You live by yourself, manage your personal, social and professional aspects single-handedly and most importantly make several decisions every day. It might sound easy but it isn't so all the time. Life in a big city makes one feel dis-oriented at times, especially when things may not be going as planned. This is when one needs the right perspective.
My philosopher friend is indeed a positive soul and has a fighter's spirit which is worth admiring. He kept insisting that its never too late to try new things, to re-create the magic in life and to be successful. Every moment should be enjoyed and cherished, he said with a strong sense of faith in his dreams, despite the setbacks one may encounter along the way.
After our long discussion I went to see another friend who has moved into a new rented apartment. She is a flight attendant and she too lives by herself. She came to Mumbai a few years back leaving behind a simple life in a small town. She was over-joyed to have me over as she often feels homesick here. It was ironic to realize how much people who live alone value human connection and friendship. When you lack something you value it more, I guess. She mostly spoke of missing home-cooked meals... she must have been hungry I thought for an instance, but jokes apart, I felt nice to see how happy she was to have a friend. Today I learned an important lesson... that contrary to popular belief the so-called glamourous jobs do not seem to dilute the effects of this overwhelming city.
We all need periodic checks and inspiration to live enthusiastically. When I see things around me and hear people speak of their lives, I get something very valuable... A perspective!! That is when I begin to admire my life even more.
When seeking for answers they come in all different forms. At times they come through friends, at other times through books or even television. We just need to be open to picking up the clues and recognizing when life provides them. Making the most of our time, being happy in the present, doing good and sustaining a positive attitude is a great way to begin each new day.
My friend came to Mumbai four years back to become an actor and has since then never looked back. Being a young single professional in the city has its own issues. You live by yourself, manage your personal, social and professional aspects single-handedly and most importantly make several decisions every day. It might sound easy but it isn't so all the time. Life in a big city makes one feel dis-oriented at times, especially when things may not be going as planned. This is when one needs the right perspective.
My philosopher friend is indeed a positive soul and has a fighter's spirit which is worth admiring. He kept insisting that its never too late to try new things, to re-create the magic in life and to be successful. Every moment should be enjoyed and cherished, he said with a strong sense of faith in his dreams, despite the setbacks one may encounter along the way.
After our long discussion I went to see another friend who has moved into a new rented apartment. She is a flight attendant and she too lives by herself. She came to Mumbai a few years back leaving behind a simple life in a small town. She was over-joyed to have me over as she often feels homesick here. It was ironic to realize how much people who live alone value human connection and friendship. When you lack something you value it more, I guess. She mostly spoke of missing home-cooked meals... she must have been hungry I thought for an instance, but jokes apart, I felt nice to see how happy she was to have a friend. Today I learned an important lesson... that contrary to popular belief the so-called glamourous jobs do not seem to dilute the effects of this overwhelming city.
We all need periodic checks and inspiration to live enthusiastically. When I see things around me and hear people speak of their lives, I get something very valuable... A perspective!! That is when I begin to admire my life even more.
When seeking for answers they come in all different forms. At times they come through friends, at other times through books or even television. We just need to be open to picking up the clues and recognizing when life provides them. Making the most of our time, being happy in the present, doing good and sustaining a positive attitude is a great way to begin each new day.
My two friends re-affirmed this today in their own unique way and I returned with gratitude, lit some candles, turned on the music and smiled with contentment.
