"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck", is a debut book by a popular New York based blogger, Mark Manson. The author is extremely knowledgeable, witty, and has a great sense of humour. No doubt, his debut has gained so much popularity in such a short time. It was also in the list of … Continue reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck- a book review
I saw him coming from the opposite direction. A boy of about eleven-twelve years, maybe. He was running bare foot at a great speed, his lanky built swaying rhythmically. He was out of breathe. Although, there was a distance of few steps between us, I could see he was perspiring. He sat down, with his … Continue reading About crazy races
When was in my early twenties, everything that could go wrong was going wrong. Career graph wasn't satisfactory, love life was a big joke, there was a huge (I thought so at that time) family issue, I thought I was letting everybody down, and was on the verge of ruining my life with constant comparison … Continue reading A little note on self-motivation
On 18th of July, I woke up to a mail from Women's Web. It said I was selected as the author of the month. I was in a sweet slumber when I read it, so I dozed off again, keeping my phone aside. I do keep dreaming about weird stuff all the time. It's normal. … Continue reading My second
I started writing for Women's Web two months back. I haven't written many articles though, just two in two months. I am always looking for topics to write, and quickly discarding every idea as 'not good' without even trying. So, a few weeks ago I decided to write on every damn topic that crosses my … Continue reading First featured article
Jerry's mother was bipolar. It began when he (her second child) was born. When it got worst, she tried killing herself several times, by jumping in front of a bus or cutting her wrist or running off with Jerry, a toddler, on her tow. Jerry created a novel (read the review here) from his experiences … Continue reading A Book of Light- book review
It is after a long time that I have completed a book in one sitting. The last time I achieved this feat was with Jhumpa Lahiri's 'In other words', in 2016. The two long years were totally worth the wait. What a shame, I have not discovered Jerry earlier! I have not even heard or … Continue reading EM and the big HOOM- book review
I have been reading since the age of eleven- twelve. Reading helps me escape the reality and create my own bubble. Bookshops, book fairs, bookshelves, make me go weak on my knees. Needless to say, I have a good collection of books, which is constantly increasing. But, that doesn't stop me from buying more. And … Continue reading How to buy good books?
I have recently realized that I think and write better with a cup of steaming coffee at my side. The stronger the aroma, the faster my thought processes. There are three reasons for this realization. First is, I have always imagined a writer writing something frantically while sipping coffee. To me, a work desk without … Continue reading Coffee and thoughts
Just like that my 100 Days of running came to an end. Two and a half months of daily workout was unimaginable for me. But, with dedication, self-discipline, and strong determination I did it. I would not say, I became a better runner. To be frank, I am still far behind to call myself a … Continue reading 100DOR
There are two reasons why I am writing this: 1. I am still not sure that the term I used in this context was correct or not. I want you to read this and give me your valuable opinion on it. I want you to correct me if I am wrong. 2. People turn a … Continue reading Right or wrong?
It is easier to meditate when on a bicycle. It is easier to meditate while running. In fact, it is easier to meditate anywhere, anytime- if you just know how. I have been juggling between cycling and running from last one week. Running becomes monotonous after few days, if you keep running on the same … Continue reading Day 90
More than two months ago, I took this resolution of 100 Days of running. Last 70 days were amazing. I never thought a resolution as tiny as running could change me and my life in such tremendous way. I didn't know running could be my savior on bad days. That I would fall in love … Continue reading Day 70- what running taught me?
Book 1: I knew Stephen King since I was a kid. I knew that his writings are a legacy for American Literature. But, I haven't read any of his books. Horror is not my genre, you see. It scares the shit out of me. I stay away from horror movies too, I can't constantly keep … Continue reading TBR stories
I haven't written much on my 100DOR for the last one month. Today, when I have finally decided to continue writing, I thought of giving a honourary mention of 'Day 45', as it was super special for me. People say, that running changes life. It changed mine too, and when I was just half way … Continue reading Day 45
I can't dance. I am the girl who would always stand away from the dance group at a party. During my friends' birthday parties, when my whole girl gang would move and groove to the music, I would stand in a corner sipping cold drinks.People on the dance floor always makes me jealous. Their effortless … Continue reading Shall we dance?
The sky was beautiful today.
This was Day 38. My body has well adjusted to my workout regime. My pains have gone. My sore and tight muscles have gone. Even my feet uneasiness have disappeared. I now feel light and quick on my feet. The distance which earlier seemed threatening now looks doable with minimum effort. I have now completed … Continue reading Day 38
Me, after my 37th Day. Morning runs are definitely better. I wish I could wake up early every single day. My paternal grandma would have been very proud. She always wanted me to become a '4-5am person'. "Xui thoka hiyale haan dhoribo nuware", she used to tell me regularly.
In last 7 years, slowly and gradually I started putting weight. From a lanky teenager, I became all curves and fat. Sexy prominent jaw line became double chin. One kg here, one kg there, and without even realizing I reached that point where it was hard for people to imagine that I was ever slim. … Continue reading Day 35 and why our reason matters?
I always had this assumption that losing weight is easy. I never sincerely tried losing my extra kilos before. So, I had absolutely no idea as to what one needs to do to lose weight. I had this notion that one needs to work their ass off. Something, that I have been doing from the … Continue reading Day 33
Some days, I will feel motivated. Some days I have to drag my feet. The days when I am jam packed with plans, my brain tries to trick me to miss your workout is more. It requires an extra effort to design your day in such a way that you are able to make time … Continue reading Day 32
Thank God for enthusiastic kids who listen to anything you say. There is this kid in my neighborhood, who has just taken his class X exam. I came to know that every morning 6 to 8 he plays football in the stadium. So yesterday, I fleetingly mentioned that I would love to go with him. … Continue reading Day 31
I snoozed the alarm twice. I clearly had no intention of getting up at 6 either and go running. "I can always go at night", I told myself, "let's just sleep now". I pressed the 'snooze' again and slept some more. When mom came to wake me up at 7. 30am, I told her, "It's … Continue reading Day 30- one month anniversary!
My first morning run in the last 29 days, and I see hope in myself. In the month of February, every night before going to bed, me and my sister would decide to wake up early the next day and go for run. And every morning we would laugh at our audacity to make such … Continue reading Day 29!
The morning run didn't happen. My alarm did wake me up at dot 5 am, but I was in such a sweet slumber, cocooned with heavy warm blankets, that I pressed snooze and slept again. God knows, how I used to commute to work in Delhi. I am really not a morning person. I have … Continue reading Day 28
When I was in class IX, I did this Art of Living programme in Duliajan. I didn't know then what's AOL is all about. It just came from word of mouth from a friend of my father's, and he insisted that I try. I learned a lot of valuable things from that first session. I … Continue reading Day 27
I am so so thrilled that I already covered the first quarter of this journey. I am glad that my 25th day happened on the same day as 2018 London Marathon, one of world's premier marathon. I couldn't have asked for a better coincidence! When I had just began this journey, I thought 25 days … Continue reading Day 25
I am grateful to those people who have shared their workout journey with me, someway or the other. Even though, I wasn't instantly inspired, and didn't jump on the bandwagon with them, but their stories helped me imagine mine. I thought if they can, why can't I. And, that's the beginning point of my journey. … Continue reading Day Twenty-two
Annnnddd, that's how you successfully complete three weeks of running. When I started, one week seemed like a long time. One month felt like an unmountable work. 100 days felt like forever. And here I stand today- tall, proud, happy, and much lighter- on the threshold of 3 successful weeks. Three damn weeks completed. Three … Continue reading Day 21
Those who knows me know how scared I am of street dogs. I feel every dog I see would come chasing me. On my way to the Helipad today, near the Tiny Tots school, I ran past these three kids. As I crossed them, I saw three dogs coming from the opposite direction at a … Continue reading Day 20
At around 11am, my relatives made an impromptu plan to go to Tinsukia in the evening for shopping. I wanted to go, but knew that they would be stuck there till dinner time. Because, generally when we go to Tinsukia, we don't give up on the rare opportunity of eating out. So, I knew if … Continue reading Day 19 and I acted like a complete maniac.
I want to remember Day 18 as the day when I went for my run without even removing my makeup. And this photo stands testimony to it. Biggest achievement is not those sweat gleaming on my face, but it's the lipstick. I did not lick it off. Yayy!
I planned to go for my run around 4.30-5pm. And at 2pm in the afternoon, I started watching this movie on Netflix and I don't know when I slept off. The weather is to be blamed for this. Anybody would fall asleep if it rains the entire day. My mother thought I am not going … Continue reading Day 17 and my cravings for a good massage
The weather was lovely yesterday. So, I took a route longer than my usual one. Duliajan boasts of such clean and green environment. It's a pleasure to walk around. I wish the younger generation understood this and leave their bikes at home. After leaving in metros for almost a decade, you wish for a quieter … Continue reading Day 16- photo journey
I was doubtful when I started this 100 Days Running Resolution. I thought I would quit after week 1. But, look at me, I crossed the '2 weeks +'mark today. I have successfully completed 15% (as a mathematician pointed out) of my target. Yayy, to that! I realized that I enjoy going for my runs … Continue reading Day 15
I defeated the rain today. I showed it that it's not stronger than my dedication. I have never been this satisfied before. Fourteen days ago, I would have stayed in my bed on a rainy evening. And would have fallen asleep at the first sight of lightening. But today, today I went out for my … Continue reading Day 14- the most adventurous one till date.
The weather is very cloudy these days. The rain visits us at its own whims and fancy. The fields and roads become muddy and slippery. That's why, from the last 2-3 days, I am running before sunset. Another reason to go for an evening run is the photo, which comes out brilliantly in natural light. … Continue reading Day 13
I am so excited thinking that in two more days, I will be completing two weeks. Wow, who would have thought that I could pull it? I am happy that I am going more stronger each day. Day 12 was fantastic in every way. Dad dropped me off till Zaloni Club, where I waited for … Continue reading Day 12
Eleven days ago, I had no idea that this girl existed. I have never seen her in my entire life. I don't know where she was hiding all these years. Do you know this girl? She is showing such unimaginable determination from the last 11 days. Something which was on her 'to-do' list for the … Continue reading Day 11- The new me
Rain always evokes beautiful feelings in me. Maybe that's why on rainy nights I get my inspiration to write. The sound of raindrops takes my wanderlust heart to places I have not visited in a long long time, which are buried under the layers of newer memories. Rain helps in unearthing them, by bringing back … Continue reading Excerpt from a rainy night
I was very happy to have completed one week successfully. That too, without any excuses or hesitation. It may be a tiniest achievement as compared to my main target, but I am still proud of myself. To commit to something daily requires a lot of determination, focus, and a constant reminder of why you started. … Continue reading Day 7- Successful one week.
On my 6th Day, I decided to go out alone for my run as nobody was there to accompany me. Dad said he was too tired after work, so I didn't insist much. I decided to go by myself to a nearby playground. Dad tried to persuade me to go in the morning and that … Continue reading Day 6- Under the stars with the fireflies
The secret to successfully work on yourself is to never get disheartened when people say they see no change in you. Carry on your work silently and make your success make the noise. That's what I am doing. Because I am not doing it for a short term gain, I have a long term lifestyle … Continue reading Day 5- My body, my rules
Today morning I went to see the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge. That means a 5 hours drive from Duliajan, up and down, and the bad roads in between make it worse. I came back home around 4.30 pm. I was exhausted. But, I knew I had to go running. I cannot miss. Being exhausted was not even … Continue reading Day 4
What do you do when you have this ridiculous determination to go for your run and a dinner invitation soon after? And, the venue is far away from your home and you want to be on time? Also, you don't have a vehicle. In this scenario, I decided to run to the venue. After this … Continue reading Day 3
I am not a morning person, and I am not letting this become a hindrance on my road to 100 days running challenge. I believe, the best time to go running is a time you find convenient. So, my sister and I decided to reserve one hour from our evenings for running. I am super … Continue reading Day 2
This piece is about Day 1, which I completed. I don't even know if I would successfully complete the rest 99 days. But I am trusting myself. I am willing to try. I want to see how far I could go. I want to see what keeps me going and what stops me. I would … Continue reading Day 1
Hello fellow literature lovers! If you are looking forward to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival'19 a.k.a 'the most fabulous literary love-fest in the world', then you are at the right place. (This picture was taken at JLF' 17.) Although anyone can go and attend the fest, but I believe that you can make the most … Continue reading How to attend JLF like a pro?
This year I attended the Jaipur Literature Festival for the second time and already felt like a pro (Note to self: write a blog on it soon). I was there for only two days, and so I chalked out the events that I wanted to attend well in advance. Being a self claimed movie buff, … Continue reading Elephant joy rides! (Or is it?)
Yellow is my favorite colour. I can see no more, but I feel. I feel it when I eat 'dal' and suck on mangoes. The taste tells me if it is yellow. I am a slow eater now, I try to savour the colours more. I feel it, when I sit by the window and … Continue reading #002 #100POEMCHALLENGE
Why do you pull down that top? Pull up that skirt? And suck in your tummy, when you look at me? Why do you stand with disappointment, hoping to be someone you are not? Why do you cover your scars with expensive cream and concealer? And press your rebellious hair to make it straight? Why … Continue reading #001 #100POEMCHALLENGE
My knowledge about breast-cancer is that of a layman's, as I am neither a doctor nor a medical student. I don't know how it happens or why it happens, but I do know what happens when it happens. I have friends whose mothers had suffered from it. I witnessed what their families had to go … Continue reading Do it the right way
I grew up writing diaries. I used to write about my day-to-day affair at such length that it used to look like someone's autobiography. I wanted it to be one. Thinking, one day when I become famous, the world would want to know about me. I made sure that I write in nice clean handwriting, … Continue reading Of lost and found
The ride from the station is always a special one. My memory of the place leads my emotions home first; I just follow it. The ride to the station is always difficult. Heart sits back stubbornly, feet reluctant to leave; already wanting to come back soon. The days in between -- pass like winter afternoon; … Continue reading HS Episode #1
(A certain street in Duliajan) Disclaimer: I do not claim copyright of this image. It was not clicked by me. Last month, on a lazy Saturday I woke up thinking about our old scooter. A green and black Lambda. As I made my morning coffee, my thoughts wandered off to the good old days when … Continue reading Of familiar roads and our Lambda
Only a poet at heart sees poetry in mundane things; like fireflies and porch swings.
Picture of Syrian kids in a refugee camp, waiting in a queue for food. Disclaimer: I do not claim copyright of this image. It is used here only to show the state of mass starvation world wide. This image was taken from:<http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/shared/npr/styles/x_large/nprshared/201310/228844734.jpg> I shifted to a new job recently. On my first day, I was … Continue reading We cannot afford to be indifferent
I decided to move on with a heavy heart, for I knew our love was torn apart. Here lay my heart, with feelings suppressed; All the memories we have shared, have only left me in a mess. Never knowing if we’d have a chance to get back together, Just tried to forget what we had … Continue reading The other way
Image source: Secret- the daily teachings. In my sleepy home town, we hardly had any public transport. Since it's a small town, we would take either the car, or walk, or cycle wherever we want to go. There were no autos, buses or taxis to take us around. But, there was always my father, mother, … Continue reading Uber Story
Every year, unfailingly, on 15th of August, we retell the tales of our freedom struggle. 71 years ago, on this day, newspapers carried headlines in bold, _'Independence Dawn'_ _'The battle won'_ and and _'Sovereign India born'_. But ask about freedom of religion to the 17 year old, whose life was subjected to his religious preferences. … Continue reading Freedom
How are we raising our kids? Last Saturday, when I went to a pub to catch up with an old friend, this question pricked my mind. I know, pub is not a right place to think about parenting, but I did. And I will tell you why.The place was a huge 4 storey building, with … Continue reading How are we raising our kids?
A poem on crying. Cry like a candle softly on the ground, like a mother holding her firstborn and overwhelmed by its sound. Cry like a pack of wolfs crying from afar, like a kid tending skinned knee's scar. Cry like the silence preceeding a storm, like someone for the first time leaving home. Cry … Continue reading On crying
To break the silence. Because, anything more beautiful than we are, makes us vulnerable.
I am just a body in the crowd. Hungrily and hurriedly scanned. No different from others, until you read my content. You strip me with your eyes, like million others. And try to see, if I am what you're looking for. If I am, what I look on the exterior. I am, what I am … Continue reading If newspaper headlines could speak!
An ordinary pencil that we all have held, at least once, in between our fingers, could give us a teaching of a lifetime on how to be a human, if only we give it a chance. Firstly, it teaches us that we can fabricate- greatness, masterpieces. We can give shape to ideas that come to … Continue reading 5 steps to be a human.
Rain, You can be who you choose to be. Depends on how you grew up, and what kind of society you saw? You can be a lover, caring and kind. Welcomed, praised and embraced with a heart and open mind. One that reaches to one's soul, makes one happy and washes away scars and gives … Continue reading Rain
You no longer enjoy playing in the Sun, nor I see you shout, cycle or run. Basketball, volley ball- doesn't interest you anymore. You just seem to be searching for a new sky to soar. Dear twelve year old me, you're going through a change, I could see. I saw you sitting quietly at the … Continue reading For the twelve year old me
This picture will not tell, how pretty pictures of this place on those fancy travel websites, lured me. And I set on to explore it, with much glee. This picture will not tell, the stories of those mighty ranges, from whose foothill I started. Nor about those beautiful winding road, covering the Himalayas like a … Continue reading What this picture say?
I can't tell you for sure for how long I've known her, and since when we're friends. What I can tell you is, what this friendship means to me, and how beautiful a soul is she! My constant, store-house of all my secrets, and roll-on-the-floor-and-laugh partner. She joins me, unfailingly, in all the illogical things … Continue reading Nimi’s birthday
