On the 13 th of August this year, a friend texted me early in the morning, wishing me a “Happy Left-Hander’s Day.” “So you’re left-handed” is a remark I’ve heard a million times. It’s been said with disdain, surprise, or mockery. I’m grateful to my parents for not trying to turn me into a right-hander. Society demands that you give and receive with your right hand. This is one rule that I may break or not adhere to. An autorickshaw driver once refused to receive the fare from me because I was handing the money to him with my left hand. When I sit at the computer, I must transfer the mouse to the left side or learn to work it with my right hand. As a left-hander, I must position my book in a certain way and write. Some left-handers have their hand trailing across the page as they write, and thus, fresh ink may be smudged. Smudge, smear, or not, lefties are there writing their hearts out. The list of challenges is long. From scissors and can openers to musical instr...

  Zeal: The fire within     The dictionary defines zeal as a ‘great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or gain.’ As the Blogchatter A2Z challenge draws to a close, I commend the enthusiasm and effort of my fellow bloggers who pursued the challenge relentlessly, writing, engaging, and completing it.   Zeal is that inner fire that pushes individuals to pursue a goal or a passion even when the path is fraught with obstacles. It is that secret ingredient that turns ordinary actions into extraordinary achievements.   Zeal Matters Zeal matters because, without zeal, the most ambitious of goals might fall by the wayside. It is only zeal that keeps pushing us forward when things get tough. Zeal fuels commitment, sharpens focus, and turns aspirations into reality.   How Zeal Works: ·         Personal growth: Cultivating zeal encourages learning and self-improvement. It’s about pursuing passion and achievi...

  Dear A Man Called Ove, I had heard so much about you that when I spotted you at a book fair, I couldn’t resist grabbing you. You were my first book, by author Fredrik Backman, and I did not know quite what to expect. You turned out to be funny and poignant, and I loved you for that. You gradually began growing on me as grouchy but principled Ove slowly began revealing his heart of gold in his interaction with his neighbours, whom he considers to be idiots. The story you hold is simple and realistic, with many emotions like grief, loss, and joy skillfully woven into it. You turned out to be unputdownable.  I’m currently watching your movie A Man Called Otto, starring Tom Hanks, who does a fantastic job of portraying Ove (Otto) on Netflix.  It’s your day today. Happy World Book Day! Lots of love, Marietta  #TBRchallenge