Inspirational Archives - Page 2 of 17

A ‘Have To’ List vs. A ‘Get To’ List

Like so many others, I spent most of yesterday in shock over the horrific mass shooting in Vegas. There are no words to adequately describe how sick to my stomach I felt as we watched the news in the morning and learned more about what happened.

Kaiden was positioned between me and Vishnu on the sofa, and as I looked at him, I couldn’t help but cry and think, “I’m so so sorry for this crazy world, kiddo. I promise we’ll do everything in our power to leave it a better place for you.”

Many people have expressed that prayers and thoughts are not enough in times like this. Times where policy change and a little stepping up on the part of our leaders and politicians could mean the difference between life and death. And while I will never stop praying for and sending positive thoughts to those who need them, I agree that action is the only way forward. Look, I get that the right to bear arms is just that…a right. But when one person’s right can ultimately cost someone else’s life, we need to rethink the entire system. I’m not an expert in the area of gun control laws by any means, but this, to me, isn’t about having all the facts. It’s about using commonsense. And at the end of the day, I’m just someone who wants to leave this world a better place than she found it.

Anyways, I’m looking into what I can personally do to help create change. Maybe it’ll make a difference, maybe it won’t. But I have to try. For Kaiden and all the other beautiful babies who deserve a bright and peaceful future.

One very easy thing all of us can do is contact our legislators. To make the process even easier, you can text ‘RESIST’ to 50409. Follow the instructions to send a personal and powerful message to those who have the opportunity to impact major reform. Enough is enough.

With everything that’s been going on in the world as of late, from natural disasters to the man made ones, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of have to vs. get to. Let me explain.

I 100% acknowledge that I live a very privileged life. It’s not perfect by any means, but from a needs based perspective, I don’t have to worry about much. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, running water, electricity, etc. We are privileged and freaking lucky. I know this.

But then I go through my day thinking about all the things I have to do. I have to do the laundry, I have to make dinner, I have to pump, I have to pay the bills, I have to clean…and the list goes on and on.

When you think about it, for most of us, our ‘have to’ list is a really a ‘get to’ list because of our privilege.

Getting to do laundry means we have clean clothes on our backs.
Getting to make dinner means we have food on the table and full bellies.
Getting to pump means I can feed Kaiden breast milk.
Getting to pay bills means we have gas, electricity, internet, and TV services.
Getting to clean means we have a roof over our heads to keep clean.

There may very well be things on your list that you have to do because there’s no way around them. However, when you put the ‘get to’ spin on them, you’ll feel more grateful about even the most mundane of actions. Like laundry.

Look, I’m not saying it’s easy to live in a state of complete gratefulness day in and day out. But if you can tip the scale to be a little more ‘get to’ heavy, I’d say you’re doing pretty good. 🙂 In the midst of all the chaos, that’s what I’m working on.

Putting the Universe’s Words into Action

written by Parita 5 Comments

My long time readers know I’m a huge fan of Notes from the Universe. It’s been years since I first signed up to receive daily messages from the Universe and haven’t looked back once! While everyone who signs up receives the same messages, I find they come at exactly the perfect time for me. The Universe just knows!

I smiled big when I read the “Perception Management for Very Advanced Souls” note last week. I even shared the message on the MIS Facebook page. And then I thought, easier said than done!

Anyone else agree…?

I mean, I get it. If I could think these thoughts all day every day, I’d be the most peace-filled, zen person on Earth. However, when someone really pisses you off, it’s hard to think, “I love you!” HA!

Well, my sister and I had the opportunity to put these words into action on Friday, and I can now say [when you remember to think these thoughts] they actually work.

Situation: We were driving home from the Honda dealership on Friday afternoon, and someone ran a stop sign (like a bat out of hell). My gut reaction was to yell, “WTF!” But before I could, my sister, who saw my Facebook post, said, “Be careful, friend. We love you.” I looked at her, laughed, and said, “Yes, we love you and forgive you. Just be careful next time.” And then we laughed and laughed some more. More than anything, saying those words out loud, took a very frustrating situation and alleviated it a bit. And who knows, maybe next time our little bat out of hell will think twice before blowing through a stop sign. You know, because we sent so much love his way!

I’m going to try and keep these thoughts at the forefront of my mind this week, as I’m sure I’ll come across a few more ‘WTF’ situations. My goal is to replace my angry thoughts with more loving ones. No easy feat for me, I’ll tell you that! Expect an update in this week’s Friday Favorites post.

With that, I hope each of you has a peaceful week full of loving thoughts. Love you, my friends (never too early to start, right?)!

Restoring My Faith in Humanity

written by Parita 10 Comments

You guys, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. There are days where I hear/read the news and have a visceral reaction. And let’s be real, as of late, it’s every day.

The recent increase in hate crimes against Indians are what have my blood boiling right now. The stories I read make me so angry/sad/worried/etc. I literally sobbed at my desk while reading Sunayana Dumala’s, wife of Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was killed at a Kansas City bar, heartbreaking Facebook post.

I hate to say this, but my faith in humanity slips away with every single incident like this one (and so many others). It sounds a little ridiculous, given how many more amazing humans there are inhibiting this Earth (like Ian Grillot who stood up for the two Indian men in Kansas City), but I can’t help it.

To help counter this not so positive way of thinking, I find myself scanning my environment every chance I get looking for glimpses of good, kindhearted people. The gentleman who held the door for the elderly lady the other morning, the lady who let me cut in front of her as I exited the parking lot (she even waved and smiled at me!), our doormen who ALWAYS greet us with smiles on their faces, etc. There is all kinds of goodness all around us…we just have to look for it.

In fact, I was able to experience firsthand how good people can be. And with that experience, my faith in humanity was restored to a degree…

Vishnu and I met up with his med school friend for dinner on Saturday night. The restaurant is walking distance away, but we decided to take a Lyft because of the weather. We got to the restaurant, chatted, ate dinner, and got ready to pay our bill. While asking Vishnu if he wanted me to use my credit card, I pulled my purse into my lap and saw that my wallet was no where to be found. “Weird. I must of left it at home,” I thought.

Fast forward to us arriving home (2 hours later). I couldn’t get my ‘missing’ wallet out of my mind, so Vishnu and I searched high and low for about 15 minutes before reconvening in the living room. “My wallet must have fell out of my purse in the Lyft we took to the restaurant,” I said to Vishnu. He immediately took my phone and found the driver’s number. I called Alvin (the world’s best Lyft driver!), and the first thing he said to me was, “I have your wallet. A couple of riders after you found it. I can bring it by your place after I finish up this last ride.” “THANK YOU, ALVIN!,” I screamed.

And as promised, Alvin showed up at our place a little after 11:30 with my wallet in hand (and 100% in tact…nothing was missing). I gave him cash, thanked him at least five times, called him my angel (ha!), and said good-bye. A very relieved and tired Parita made her way upstairs. As I laid in bed that night, I thought about how easy it would’ve been for Alvin to ignore my phone calls or take my cash. But he didn’t. He went out of his way to ensure I got my wallet that very night.

I know this incident doesn’t even compare to the gut-wrenching things people are experiencing right now, but connecting with people like Alvin helps me realize that on a grander scale we will overcome the craziness that lies ahead. That somehow, even when terrible things happen, people will come together and help one another.

I guess this post was just a long way of saying…thank you, Alvin, for restoring my faith in humanity and it’s inherent goodness!

The Wright Institute: Foundations Weekend

written by Parita 4 Comments

I attended a workshop this weekend hosted by the Wright Foundation [for the Realization of Human Potential]. And when I say I attended, I mean – 6-11 p on Friday and 8a-8p on both Saturday and Sunday. It was full on!

The focus of the weekend was personal transformation and growth, a topic I love and find super interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the workshop, the content, and the people I met. I’m not quite sure if I’ll participate in another (paid) program, but I’m glad I put myself out there and did something that was a little outside my comfort zone.

I thought I would share some of the snippets that impacted and inspired me the most.

Our fears tell us more about who we are, what we can expect from the world, and what the world can expect from us. This plays into loss aversion – anticipating the pain of loss more than the pleasure of gain. Said differently, playing to win versus playing not to lose.
More than happiness, we should seek out well-being, meaning, and incremental self-improvement.
We are the gift to the world. Period. Not our accomplishments, the outcomes of our decisions, etc.
Our goal should be to live life unedited.
Weird is good!
Never confuse impossible with inconvenient! –> LOVE THIS
In order to get people to listen to you, YOU have to listen to you.
Your pain is part of your gift. Denying the pain is denying the gift.
You’re the corner of humanity you have to take care of and be responsible for. Otherwise, you are projecting your insecurities and unfinished BS on to the world.
There’s pain in focusing on your own satisfaction. –> So much truth to this.
Don’t be afraid to unleash the dam [of emotion] because even dams return to become a stream (or river).
When things get good, people stop taking risks. We should flip when things are good!
The more authentically you live, the more you’ll live your purpose.
By being vulnerable and opening up, you’re recruiting allies for your team.

I hope you can find some inspiration in one (or more!) of the above bullets! Happy Wednesday!

Where/what/who do you draw inspiration from?

The One Thing We Should All Aim to Do More of in 2017

written by Parita 10 Comments

As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t have specific 2017 resolutions or goals. However, the one thing I want to do is be more intentional with my time. Like me, lots of people are opting to pick a 2017 word/phrase instead of going down the resolution route.

Regardless of what option you choose (or don’t choose), there is one thing we should all aim to do more of in 2017. As I think more and more about what I want out of this year and the years to come, I need to conquer this one thing before anything else can really be achieved.

In 2017, we should all aim to care more about what we think of ourselves versus what others think of us.

Think about it. You can set as many resolutions/goals as you want, or you can pick a super inspiring word to keep you focused on what matters. But until you care more about (and really own) your thoughts, decisions, actions, etc., none of that really matters. In order to live life on our terms and accomplish great things, big or small, we absolutely need to put ourselves first.

Now don’t get me wrong. Of course other people matter. I still care about what Vishnu, my parents, my sister, and my close friends think because I value their opinions and some of my decisions do impact them. The key here is that their opinions are just that. To live a fulfilling life, and in my case, live up to my 2017 mantra (anything, not everything), I have to love and trust myself more than anyone else around me. I have to believe in myself and take ownership for my decision…regardless of what everyone else thinks.

I’ve found that this is absolutely easier said than done, but it’s also absolutely necessary. It’s necessary if/when you become a parent and are faced with difficult decisions, it’s necessary when you’re deciding what your next career move should be, goodness, it’s even necessary when deciding what to wear in the morning.

When we let other people’s thoughts rule our universe, we’re basically giving up everything we think/want. Don’t let other people’s opinions determine who you are and what you’re capable of…that should be completely up to you!

Your next question may be – how do I do this? How do I stop truly stop putting other people’s thoughts/opinions before my own? Well unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that. Personally, it all starts with loving and building myself up more instead of doubting, judging, and tearing myself apart. That gives me the strength to focus on myself without obsessing about everyone else.

With all of that being said, please do set goals/resolutions/intentions for 2017 (I personally find it inspiring!), but at the same time, do also aim to care more about what you think/ say/ do/want than anyone else. And remember, it all starts with loving and trusting yourself!

Here’s to an amazing 2017!

My 2017 Mantra: Anything Not Everything

written by Parita 4 Comments

Yes, I’ve already thought about my 2017 mantra! No, I don’t have resolutions or goals…yet.

Anything not everything.

This short phrase plays on repeat in my head every now and then. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, when I have to make key decisions, when I want to finish off a pint of ice cream, etc. So instead of letting it just come and go as it pleases, I’m making it a permanent fixture in 2017 to help frame my thinking and give me a bit of perspective as needed.

In 2017, I want to do two things. I want to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way, and I also want to slow down and not be so hard on myself. Anything not everything reminds me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once. I can and should take my time and do what makes me happy.

This phrase also alleviates some of the pressure that comes from having a personality like mine. I want to be all things to all people at all times. I want to be an outstanding wife, a supportive sister/daughter, a solid friend, a dependable employee/co-worker. When I think about this from an anything not everything perspective, I feel like there’s a more even split in my relationships. I don’t have to carry the weight of every relationship on my shoulders. It’s…liberating!

I’m also a huge believer in making most of the time you in this very moment because tomorrow is not guaranteed. That’s why I focus so much on things like mindfulness. Viewing things with an anything not everything lens puts that into perspective. It serves as a reminder to prioritize and focus your energy on the things that matter most. There’s a reason why we can’t physically do everything…not everything is important!

So in 2017, I’m going to pick and choose which hats I wear and when, I’m going to prioritize and align my to do lists with my energy levels, I’m going to focus, enjoy, and live the hell out of the present moment, and I’m not ever going to feel bad about being/choosing anything not everything (this one is absolutely key!).

Your turn – even if you don’t have concrete thoughts about 2017 just yet, what are you thinking about in terms of a mantra, a word, resolutions, goals, etc.?

Communicate with Kindness

written by Parita 10 Comments

Have you ever received an email/social media message/[insert communication channel] out of no where with a insulting/rude/hurtful/disrespectful/[insert adjective of choice] tone?

I, for one, have come across one too many of these kinds of messages recently. Not all of them are directed to me, but nonetheless, they’ve made enough of an impact to prompt me to write a blog post about this topic!

My message today is very simple. Communicate with kindness. Whenever possible.

It’s so easy to lose your cool, but it takes someone with emotional intelligence to communicate with kindness.

This doesn’t mean your messages should be covered in rainbows, unicorns, smiley faces, and exclamation points. Not at all.

However, your language and overall tone should relay kindness. For example, if you have a difficult message to share, don’t do it via email. Pick up the phone and have a conversation. Also, test your assumptions before writing a snarky email. Make sure you have all of the facts.

Basically, treat others the way you want your mom/dad/sister/husband/[insert relations] to be treated.

You don’t want to be the reason why someone has a bad day.

That’s all for today. Happy weekend!

A ‘Have To’ List vs. A ‘Get To’ List

Putting the Universe’s Words into Action

Restoring My Faith in Humanity

The Wright Institute: Foundations Weekend

The One Thing We Should All Aim to Do More of in 2017

My 2017 Mantra: Anything Not Everything

Communicate with Kindness

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