Why I am Baring it All: The Reason Behind this Blog

Starting this blog was like taking a giant leap towards fulfilling an age-old dream. You see, I've always wanted to have a blog where I could pour my thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and this blog represents the realization of a dream that has simmered within me for years. It's incredible how a simple digital space can serve as a canvas for personal expression and connection with others. This blog isn't just about documenting my journey or offering insights; it's about the joy of putting thoughts into words, sharing my experiences, and engaging with people who are as passionate about the things as I am.

Part 1:

This desire to write has been with me since around the age of 12, i.e., the time I embarked on a journey to write my first ever fictional novel, which was going to be based on the Mahabharata. It was a creative journey that started with great enthusiasm, only to be scrapped after a few months of inception. I stayed in delusion and ignorance at that time and continue to do so till date because I don't want to be reminded of an ambitious project that I left incomplete. It's a bittersweet memory, a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's passions and the commitment it takes to see ambitious projects through. While the novel remains a fragment of my past, it's also a symbol of how we grow and learn from our earlier endeavors.

As for my school days, I always enjoyed writing essays for my Odia or English Language examinations. I relished the opportunity to explore essay topics from unique and unexpected angles, injecting fresh perspectives into familiar subjects. I did it to have fun, and to be very honest, I would do it to trouble my teachers who would have to sit down and read the entire thing, yet sometimes it would end up having greater impact than I ever intended for it to have. It was during this time that I had a somewhat unconventional incident that my parents still love to recount---- the topic for one of my essays was "My Ambition in Life." Instead of following the conventional route which the other students wrote (about the profession that they want to go into), I wrote about my aspiration to become a successful grandfather. This unexpected choice raised eyebrows, and my teacher was so intrigued that she called my parents to school to discuss the matter. It turned out to be an essay that left a lasting impression. In fact, it was later published in the school magazine. I would like to think of it as a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the joy of seeing the world from a different point of view.

It is my nature; I'm drawn towards endeavors that allow improvisation. This inclination is what led me to become an Indian Classical musician, where every performance is a unique, creative expression.

Part 2: Philosophy of Life

Why did I create this blog, you ask?

Well, it all stems from a life philosophy I adopted around two years back, in 2021 – a philosophy centered on living without regrets. I came to the realization that I'd rather try something and say, "Okay, I failed," than never attempt it and forever lament, "I could have done this" or "I could have been that". Prior to this phase of my life, I was an avid consumer of motivational content. I'd eagerly absorb the wisdom shared by various speakers who would unveil the so-called "secret mantras" to boost productivity and discipline. I comprehended every word they uttered, yet I continually struggled to muster the inspiration to sustain that energy for more than a couple of hours, or at most, two days. There was an undeniable issue at play, though I couldn't quite pinpoint it. What I hadn't realized was that I had developed a penchant for dwelling in a realm of imaginary highs. The rush of euphoria that washed over me after reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a video had a unique pull. In these moments, I was transported to an alternate reality, a delusional space of transient exhilaration.

Hence, I can safely say that the world of "could haves" is a treacherous one, teeming with untapped potential and at the end, regret. I observed this pattern in many older individuals and decided that I didn't want to become one of them. It was a day like any other, sitting in my flat in Model Town, Delhi, when I resolved not to be that person. I committed to taking action. Whenever I encountered an obstacle, I wouldn't just complain; I'd address it head-on, seeking solutions or alternatives. From that point on, life finally began to take on a semblance of discipline.

In a similar fashion, I approached the creation of this blog. I'd always yearned to share my thoughts through writing but lacked the confidence to put them out there. Then, one day, I made the decision to build a website where I could share all my writings without telling anyone, just to avoid the pressure of people's expectations. Consequently, most of the views on this blog are, I assume, from strangers.

Work. Keep digging your well. Don't think about getting off from work. There is water somewhere.

Jalal ad-din Rumi, The Sunrise Ruby

Now, I must admit that many facets of my life still lack discipline. But I remain hopeful that I can change and evolve as time progresses. This blog will serve as a repository for the experiences and life lessons I accumulate along the way.

Part 3: Philosophy of Profession-Hobby Balance

This blog is undoubtedly a passion-driven side project for me. It's something I engage in during my free time while my primary aspiration is to become a skilled sitar player. In this context, I'd like to touch upon a philosophy I've embraced along this journey. I firmly believe in immersing myself in creative pursuits. As I work towards my goal of becoming a sitar player, I've committed to maintaining a mindset steeped in creativity.

A Illustration of Work and Life

When one enters the professional field of music, it's essential to remain in a state of constant musical awareness, i.e., to be in tune with the music within you. What I mean by this is that every facet of your life should harmonize with your core life goals and values. This blog serves as an extension of my creative pursuits, aligning seamlessly with my primary life goal and, in many ways, bolstering it. During moments of creative blockage in my sitar practice, I can shift my focus to crafting blog content. The act of expressing my thoughts in writing is liberating and, personally, it provides valuable support to my overall creative journey.

Part 4: Other ways this Blog helps me

I'm a voracious reader. I read a lot of genres and combined with my love for getting to know in depth about various topics, I buy a lot of books and then the books themselves recommend other books.

Books became my closest confidants, finely ground lenses providing new views of the world.

Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air

All this reading has helped me with my communication skills, but until I put it to the test, I'll never know. Right?

Writing consistently for this blog sharpens my communication skills. It compels me to think deeply, articulate my thoughts clearly, and develop a coherent narrative that can be understood by other people clearly. This has translated to improved self-expression in everyday life, better communication with family and friends, and I am hoping for it to enhance my public speaking abilities too. Writing about diverse topics encourages me to approach issues from different angles. Also, maintaining a blog necessitates time management and discipline. It compels me to allocate specific time slots for writing and stick to them, fostering better time management practices that spill over into other areas of life. For now, I have decided on posting at least one post every month, to which I have been sticking to seriously. Any more than one post is also good, but not a hard and fast rule for me.

Reading and writing also serves as a form of stress relief and creative release. It's a space where I can unload my thoughts and emotions, promoting mental well-being. Sometimes there are things which I know deep inside, but not aware about it. In times like these, writing helps. By helping me manage stress, the blog indirectly contributes to my overall personal and professional effectiveness.