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...

  Young at Heart: Living with Intention     My mother-in-law made a conscious decision to stay young at heart, and until she passed away at 91, she was cooking, attending church services, participating in church activities, and practising yoga. There were a few ailments, but she never let them deter her from living life to the fullest as much as was possible. At 61, I try to use my mother-in-law as a role model and not give in to the limitations that aging brings. Staying “young at heart” doesn’t mean clinging to youth. It means making a conscious decision to remain joyful, curious, and open. Ageing is inevitable, but how we view the ageing process is a conscious choice we make. Some feel weighed down, while others choose to embrace each year with intention and adventure.   What does it mean to be young at heart?   ·       Choosing to laugh freely and often because laughter is the best medicine. ·    ...

  Xenial Living   In today’s world, fraught with negativity, bad blood, and bloodshed and where technology overshadows genuine connections and relationships, we could do well by adopting a Xenial way of life. The word xenial is derived from the ancient Greek words xenos , meaning stranger or guest, and xenia, meaning hospitality. Xenial living is therefore a personal philosophy or a culture of openness, friendliness and mutual respect. Besides celebrating the bond between host and guest, xenial living also applies largely to how we interact with our community.  In a nutshell, Xenial living is about opening up our homes to friends and strangers (a little cautious with strangers) and creating physical and emotional spaces where people are seen, valued, and welcomed. It’s not about extravagant dinners or picture-perfect homes but about rustling up a meal even from leftovers for unexpected guests, inviting them to stay in our slightly messy home, and just being ...

  Worry Less, Live More “Worry is a total waste of time; it doesn’t change anything. All it does is steal your joy and keep you very busy doing nothing.”   I tend to be a “worryworm.” I worry 24/7 about things big and small—rising prices, dwindling finances, when the boys will come home, their careers, their life partners, the family’s health, and the list is never-ending. Worrying is like a second nature to many of us, but all it does is steal the joy out of our lives and give us sleepless nights.  I’ve been told a dozen times that worrying doesn’t solve problems; it doesn’t change the outcome. Stressing over things you can’t control or things that haven't happened yet is exhausting. (I'm also addressing this post to myself.) “When I asked him—Mr. Henry Ford- if he ever worried, he replied: "No. I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe that everything will work out for the best in the end. ...

   Vices We Love: Defending guilty pleasures     Dear Vices, Slowly and surely, you slipped into my life—that bar of chocolate at midnight that plate of pani puri, those outfits I didn’t need, and those occasional nights of binge-watching Downton Abbey. That sugar rush gives me comfort, joy, and escape from a world that can be hard as nails, and despite what society says, I will continue to seek you out. There are times when engaging in a vice can feel like an act of rebellion against the pressures of life. “I deserve this” or “to hell with diet.” That fleeting sense of freedom feels so good. Clean living, discipline, minimalism and perseverance are being rammed down my throat, and anything out of the arena is deemed evil or detrimental to my health.  You remind me that I’m not a robot; I’m human, and it’s okay to eat something without counting its health benefits or watch a show just because it’s silly and funny.   When I’m hurt, disappointe...

  Understanding Minimalism: Decluttering for a Better Life   I confess I was not big on decluttering and hung on to stuff because I felt that at some point in time, I would need it or because of sentimental value. More recently, I started donating a few of my clothes that I’d hope I would fit into someday, but came to realise that, in all probability, that day would never dawn. The person I’ve donated the clothes to never fails to tell me how happy she is with them and the compliments that she receives. I feel so glad that I’ve made someone else happy. Someone said, “Happiness is a byproduct of making someone else happy.” I’ve started to work harder at disposing of stuff that simply occupies valuable space and feel good about it. It brings a sense of order and organisation into my life. I need to declutter in other aspects of my life.  Decluttering is a fundamental aspect of minimalism. A minimalistic lifestyle is when you consciously decide what you allow to stay i...

  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