DECLUTTER; Mind & Life

It's been a while.

A new year has begun and we are two months into it. However, this long hiatus made me realise for the first time that what I always counted as a blessing is also a skill that I am probably losing out on. So, if you're good at something make sure you devote more time to it and definitely not vice versa.

In the past six months a lot conspired within me. The excitement of a new year and the hulabaloo around it has definitely been tapering off for me. I had put an end to the 'new year new me' quite a few years ago. That's because I've been trying to live in the present rather than the anticipation of the future.

Growth and change cannot be measured by a timeline. Having said that, certain years hold more value for us than others and we all have our reasons for that.

Over the past few months I've ascertained that I've changed more as a person than in the last few years. It's not because of a colossal chapter in my life. It's simply because I am more in tune with my ownself. I've tried to understand how much of my behavioural pattern is based on conditioning and childhood experiences or both. Although, I tend to digress I make conscious efforts to get back on track, because the only person I can change is myself. Although it's tough to maintain that because you're surrounded by people all the time who sometimes irk you, intentionally or unintentionally.

Something I've managed to learn recently is the art of letting go and that I must not cling to someone when I am lonely. I've had incidents in the past where I've associated and invested in relationships that only turn out to be stressful over a period of time. An understated advice I've received is, you'd rather be alone than in bad company. And, well thirty years later, after having accumulated my share of experiences, it remains (one of) the best advice I've ever received. The beauty of letting go without being bothered by the accusations made by the other person, is just so satisfying. The last thing I like to do is walking away by telling someone what I did for them. The thought of it makes me cringe.

Talking about advices, never ever give one for free. Most of the times people confide in you because they wish to vent out. Most people, never act on advices you give them and I pity those who take that personally. When you offer an advice to someone it should always come from a place of wisdom, not with the intention of making people act on your advice. The latter has a statistical chance of failure.

I've also learned that how people react to a situation has got more to do with them than me. That's why, I no longer take everything seriously and don't give myself as much importance. You're not the drving force behind people's behaviour, the sooner you realise the better. We give ourselves way too much importance sometimes.

To graciously accept your mistakes is an underrated quality. It does make you more vulnerable to being targeted but I like to accept my mistakes. Except, you must know the difference when someone wants to berate you by finding joy in pointing out your goof ups and those who want you to genuinely improve. Primarily, in your workplace or in life in general. Know the difference.

All of this is an ongoing process and I do tend to deviate more often than not. However, aren't we all a work in progress? So guys, declutter your mind from time to time. Stay in company that makes your time worthwhile. Compliment people more often.Replace information with knowledge. Talk to people who want the best for you. Stay hydrated. Choose your freinds wisely and don't waste your time choosing your enemies, they have nothing to offer anyway. Spend more time in your own company, there are certain voids only you can fill. Stay around people who love to eat healthy and exercise, the affect will rub off on you eventually. The greatest gift you can give yourself is your peace of mind. If you have things to be grateful for, you're one of the luckiest person on earth.