To kickstart todays episode, I want you to recite a simple yet powerful thought: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough. It is our gateway to abundance” A simple reminder that our best version isn’t always attached to the pursuit of more, sometimes, it is in appreciating what  we already have.

Today, my friends, let me talk about something which I have spoken many times earlier and is very close to my heart- Gratitude in our  Daily Life. This element is nothing short of a magic ingredient that can turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones, our daily routine to enjoyment and our regular tasks to blessings 

So now, I encourage you to begin our gratitude voyage with little things. How about catching up the sunrise or getting a chance to enjoy your cup of tea in the morning? Such encounters are often overlooked and taken for granted, yet they are small mercies that can improve our day. 

To keep it interesting, I want you to be part of the Seven-Day Gratitude Journey. It’s a simple, yet a very powerful practice. I want you to find three fresh things to be thankful for each day and note it down. No need to go big, it can be something as small as your cozy bed to sleep in, reading a book on a lazy afternoon , or simply just nutritious home cooked food on your table. 

I assure you, once you finish this 7 day journey, you will see the world with a new perspective and welcome each day in excitement with open arms . Kindly directly message me if you want to be a part of it and I shall be your navigator and guide through this journey. 

I got this inspiration from the book Magic by Rhonda Byrne and it has transformed my life by introducing me to the idea of abundance. This book has a 28 day continuous practice, but I urge you to start small, because little by little, a little becomes a lot.  

As we come to the end of today’s episode, I want to emphasize that gratitude is a lot like a muscle- the more we use it, the more powerful it becomes. So why not start today, right now, by recognizing something for which you are thankful? Could this quiet moment with our podcast be a little source of gratitude for you? 

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear – Such a simple, yet deep statement….And this quote is from none other than one of our most renowned president…the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam….a true visionary and leader, popularly known as the Missile Man of India

After Kalam failed the interview for Air Force pilot in Dehradun — in sheer disappointment he took a bus to Rishikesh and headed to the banks of the Ganga. In his words, he “stood at the edge of a cliff with a lake below”. This was 1957 and his childhood dream of flying a fighter plane had been shattered. That’s when he met the man he would often call the ‘Guru of my life’…The great Swami Sivananda. 

Sivananda told Kalam: “Accept your destiny and go ahead with your life. You are not destined to become an Air Force pilot. What you are destined to become is not revealed now but it is predetermined. Forget this failure, as it was essential to lead you to your destined path”

Here was the teacher appeared, to show the way to a student who had nearly gone astray! Even in the Bhagwad Gita…When Arjun questioned his purpose to go to war, Krishna appeared to guide him to the righteous path. 

And then, we all know contributions Kalam made for our country…. His work as a scientist in DRDO and ISRO put India’s missile and space programs on the global map. We launched our indigenously made missiles, and satellite launch vehicles… and now we are making satellites for the entire world, at a fraction of the cost of other countries.

The word teacher here, is used as a metaphor for ….The right opportunity, the right time, or the correct path. 

The universe has its divine ways, which we often question ! But infact , those missed opportunities, those unfulfilled wishes, those broken dreams were signs pointing us to a greater, more rewarding and joyous path

My mom always says “whatever comes your way…is Gods plan, and shaped by a larger hand…Trust it, and keep moving forward ….And yes, I have felt it on multiple occasions that as I moved forward…,God had something bigger, better and more beautiful in store for me

Have you heard of the common phrase, “light at the end of the tunnel”

 When things get dark and gloomy, .… we look outward for the light to guide us. 

We look for it like it’s distant, unreachable or hidden. 

But what if I told you that we all have a light glowing inside us? 

This inner light is symbolic of our failth, resilience, the kindness, and the courage that pushes us through our toughest days.

And just like a lighthouse stands firm, guiding ships through stormy seas, our inner light reminds us that we have the power to overcome obstacles, to find our way, and to help others find theirs.

Remember, each one of us has the power to illuminate the dark
corners of this world.

In my own little way I try to light a spark in our lives through my podcast, and I must confess that it has really helped brighten my own journey/ path 

Imagine every good thing you do is like a spark. It can be something very small, like a random act of kindness or bringing a smile to somebodys face or even leaving the last place you visited cleaner than what it was. One spark may not seem like much, but together, they can light up a whole room, a home, a community, even the world….because little by little, a little become a lot…

May the light you leave, illuminate the path for others.

To manifest something means to make your dreams, goals, and aspirations a reality by believing you can achieve them….. The idea is that by believing you can do something and focusing your thoughts and energy in that direction, you can actually make it happen.

Whatever you are today you have created for yourself consciously or unconsciously.

Because since you are the creator I want you to design the life you want for your future whether it's a happy family or perfect body or becoming successful or amass tremendous wealth.  You can create it today because your ideas become your belief and your belief drives your action which shapes your future. 

Remember, you are the artist of your life…

The red car theory states that although red coloured cars are all around us but on a normal day, we will probably not even notice them on the road…however, if you consciously seek and watch out for red cars, you will be able to see plenty of them.

In the context of this episode, the red car is symbolic…of the opportunities to be grateful, but we overlook them because we don’t keep an eye out for it. 

We should try to make this natural, a habit or what I call an attitude of gratitude where we identify areas to be grateful about regularly. To give a personal example, writing a gratitude journal, first thing in the morning, has helped me develop this “attitude for gratitude “ so that I can spot more such red cars on a daily basis. 

If you have an elder in the family, who stays with you, or even close to you …..be appreciative, be grateful ….because, you are blessed.

Today, lets travel to what we call the Blue zones around the world in order to unravel, their secret to happiness and their exceptionally long lives. Lets touch upon another such blue zone called Sardinia..a small island in Italy and one of their unique culture pillar and secret ingredient for long and happy living, called “celebrating elders”

In Sardinian society…… elders often act as a bridge between the past and the present, a source of invaluable experience and guidance., and there is [an effort] in keeping family together which in turn contributes to their remarkable longevity.  

And how, do WE honour them, celebrate them in our daily lives…..

1.     By spending more time with them, involving them in family decisions and gatherings….Honoring their presence and wisdom

2.     By encouraging their bonding with our children, Whether its storytelling, or a craft, these activities foster bonds and ensure the transfer of knowledge

3.     By acknowledging their contributions, either through a simple thank-you, an occasional family dinner or public recognition, make them feel valued and loved.

Remember, our elders are not just a source of inspiration—they ARE the essential guides who make us two cents wiser. So, let's pledge to celebrate them, not just today, but every day. 

In today’s episode, we dive into the profound concept of selfless giving, inspired by an article written by Avinash Anand, a happiness coach and a dear friend of mine. 

Avinash in his piece titled "The Art of Giving is the Art of Living," has beautifully explained what the art of giving means… It means giving joyfully selflessly and without expecting anything in return. He goes on to explain this paradoxical truth about giving, explaining how…. The more you give, the more you receive. If you give or do good deeds without expecting anything in return, the universe gives it back to you many folds over. 

Heres the link to the article

https://www-thebespokediaries-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.thebespokediaries.com/amp/the-art-of-giving-is-the-art-of-living-avinash-ananda

Let us try to give selflessly, and make that a way of life, and in doing so, enrich not just the lives of others, but also our own. Remember, every small step in this direction inspires others and fuels a larger transformation. As always, little by little, a little becomes a lot.

You dont need to be perfect to help others

Story of a little boy who is hurling starfishes back into the water even though they keep coming back. Every little act of kindness counts, whatever little difference it makes.

Because, to make a difference in someone's life, you don't need wealth, beauty, brilliance, or perfection.

All you need... is to care.

Each year, millions of people set New Year's resolutions.

A study shows that while about 60% of us make these resolutions, only 8% successfully achieve them….and by mid February 80% of these resolutions have been left by the wayside. This striking difference leads us to ponder, why such a gap?

Resolutions, can be broken, and then you give up on it entirely….Whereas in an intention, you just deviate for a day, but you can always bounce back. Moreover, with resolutions, you are harsh on yourself for not being able to keep it up, coz it’s a commitment Whereas, with intentions, you are kind to yourself…and you tell yourself, its ok to make a mistake, but my intent is in the right direction.

The takeaways from this year have been many…But some have stood out which have been deeply impactful and have resulted in a permanent change in me….and one of them has been this podcast…My 2 cents wiser, which started as a small sharing, is now a medium to be your guide, to touch lives, to be a part of our collective growth. I am so full of gratitude to everyone who has helped me in this journey of wisdom and self-fulfilment….Thank you from the bottom of my heart, because in speaking and imparting wisdom to you, I listen and grow alongside you 

So it is with our lives, by helping others, we aren't just being compassionate; we're also nurturing our own environment, which in turn enriches us….for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others find happiness

-Call it power of collectivity...

-Call it a principle of success...

-Call it a law of life.

The fact is, none of us truly wins, until we all win!!"