Life Skills

 - The Closed Door and a Quiet "Sorry" A story to remind us the power of sorry: Raj had left his charger bag in the training building earlier. Returning late, he found the main door locked. He knocked repeatedly. Finally, the caretaker, a stern Mr. Verma, opened it, his face tight with annoyance. "What's the commotion?" Mr. Verma grumbled, glancing past Raj at another resident, Ravi, who had been startled by the loud knocking. He'd assumed Raj was trying to barge in. " Mr. Verma, I'm so sorry, " Raj said quickly, his voice sincere. "I didn't mean to disturb anyone with the late knocking." Instantly, Mr. Verma's expression softened. The annoyance faded. "Ah, it's you, Raj. No worries, son. For a moment, I thought you were just being inconsiderate. But that 'sorry'… it makes all the difference, eh?" He offered a small smile, the tension gone. Ravi nodded in agreement. Raj retrieved his bag, the brief moment...

 - Beyond the Simple Narrative: Why Nokia's Android Dilemma Was More Than Just Stubbornness For years, the narrative surrounding Nokia's dramatic fall from mobile phone titan has been simplified to a single, damning sentence: "They should have just switched to Android." While seemingly straightforward in hindsight, this perspective overlooks the complex strategic considerations and valid concerns that likely influenced Nokia's fateful decisions. Diving deeper reveals a story where data privacy and the perceived potential of their own ecosystem played significant roles in their hesitation. The mid-to-late 2000s witnessed a seismic shift in the mobile landscape with the arrival of the iPhone and the burgeoning Android platform. While Apple's sleek design and intuitive software captured consumer hearts, Android, with its open-source nature and Google's backing, quickly gained momentum. Nokia, the reigning champion of the feature phone era, found itself at a c...

 - Is anybody happier  because you passed his way? Does anyone remember  that you spoke to him today? This day is almost over,  and its toiling time is through;  Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you? Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along? Or a churlish sort of "Howdy"  and then vanish in the throng? Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,  Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today? Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast, That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;  Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead? Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent? Source:  taken from Edgar Albert Guest poem. Reflection of above poem: "Is anybody happier because you passed his way?" is a po...

 - Judging Others: Sadly, we are always critiqued,  By the people that we know.  By title or occupation,  And by the possessions  that we show. We judge by skin colour,  Or by awards received.  By the denomination,  And by what we believe. We're judged by what we spend,  Or by what we give.  We're judged by age and gender,  And by where we live. We're judged by our past,  And by our education,  By the language that we speak,  Or by our nation. We evaluate cosmetically.  We judge both fat and small.  We judge by ones appearance.  Fact is, we judge it all! Some judge because they're paid to.  Some judge intentionally.  Some judge to build self worth,  Some judge unwillingly. BEWARE, for there is only One,  Who evaluates every stain and smudge.  Good luck amateur critics of humans,  When you face that  Wise & Mighty Judge! Source: received through WhatsApp message

 - The Sweet Taste of Nostalgia: When Ice Cream Was a Yearly Treat Do you remember a time when the simplest of pleasures held extraordinary value? When a single scoop of ice cream was a cherished event, not just a casual indulgence? I do. I remember a time when our small town boasted only one ice cream parlour, a magical place we visited perhaps once or twice a year. Those visits were etched in our memories. The anticipation, the sweet, creamy taste, the shared joy with family and friends – it wasn't just ice cream; it was a celebration. We savored every lick, every melting drop, because we knew it was a rare treat. We valued it because it wasn't readily available. Fast forward to today. Ice cream parlours dot every corner, and frozen treats are accessible at any hour, in any flavour imaginable. The same can be said for countless other things that were once considered special. We live in a world of abundance, where instant gratification is the norm. And yet, something has been ...

 - Strong relationships with family and friends form the bedrock of a fulfilling life. They provide essential emotional support, offering a safe haven during challenging times and amplifying our joy during celebrations. These connections foster a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moreover, they contribute significantly to our mental and physical well-being, as studies have shown that strong social ties can lower stress levels and even improve our immune systems. Ultimately, nurturing these relationships enriches our lives, providing a network of care, support, and shared experiences that make life more meaningful. Think about the people who bring light into your life. What makes those relationships feel so special? Often, it's the simple act of choosing to focus on the good, to appreciate the small moments, and to communicate with kindness.  Building positive relationships isn't about avoiding conflict or pretending everything is perfect. It...

 -  Ever notice how sometimes it feels like other people just don't get you? Or maybe you've had that feeling about someone else? A lot of this comes down to something called "perspective-taking"—basically, the ability to see things from someone else's point of view. It's like trying to walk in their shoes for a bit. But it turns out, this isn't always easy, and many of us struggle with it. So, why is it so hard to see things from another person's perspective, and what can we do about it? What is Perspective-taking: Perspective-taking is the ability to understand another person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is an essential skill for building empathy, compassion, and understanding in our relationships. However, many people struggle with perspective-taking. There are several reasons why this might be the case. Why some people lack it: One reason is that people may be too focused on their own thoughts and feelings. When we are constan...