I am inspired by what His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says about happiness

“Don’t look for happiness in that which is temporary, that which is fleeting and changing. Joy and happiness is only in that which does not change “

I was going through a tough time in my life, fundraising for my startup.

And yeah it was just not working out! After one year of trying hard and coping up we were left with empty wallets and big credit card debts and loans from all over the place!

On the verge of giving up… one fine day i decided not to be affected by whats happening with my startup which almost took over my entire life… Personally, change is something i fear much more than a deadly flight crash! so it was challenging.. but looking back I feel so grateful and empowered and very proud and satisfied with myself!

The 7 simple changes that changed me!

1. Reading — I began to read inspiring books on spirituality — Autobiography of a Yogi, Power of Now, Jonathan livingston seagull, Illusion, Alchemist, Celebrating Silence — It not only made me feel lighter and inspired but it did improve my ability to make better decisions by distracting myself from thinking about work all the time! I gave my 100% and i was committed to reading as if i was preparing for an exam!
2. Long Walks — I love driving and i hate walking and taking public transit — without giving up on my passion for driving i tried to incorporate long walks with music to my schedule — it made me feel more relaxed, and made me understand that there is so much more to life than my own little world where only me and my startup existed! I used to walk outside, and i observed a lot of people along the way, people of different types — some happy, some sad, some joyful, some upset, some angry, some relaxed, some peaceful — so many types of people! Everyone immersed in their own journey!
3. Me Time — I realized how i was scared to spend time alone all by myself, i always like to be around people .So i sincerely tried to change that by “Meditating” twice a day for 20 minutes — it was hard initially but as days progressed those were the times i looked forward to in my entire day. When i wake up, i look forward to my routine of meditating before going to work and that made me energetic and super charged to take on challenges throughout the day and when i come back home i meditate again and that rejuvenated me and made me calm and peaceful and prepared me for a good night’s uninterrupted sleep!
4. Standing up for a cause — I have benefited a lot from the Art of Living foundation, so i thought it was time for me to give back to the society — we started a campaign called “Be Happy Jersey City” to spread happiness to everyone around, and trust me it made me feel a magical comfort that did not come from buying expensive gifts for myself ;-)
5. Practicing Gratitude — This one has been very powerful. I used this app called Happiness with Sri Sri to log my mood, it is as simple as being grateful when you are happy and dropping botherations when you are sad!
6. Being Crazy- The way i used to live my life i always was worried about what people would think of me, i made an honest attempt to stop that stupid thought! And slowly i felt a sense of relief and freedom! Being Crazy was on my weekly todo list ☺ skydiving, impromptu drives, driving a vespa in the tunnel, blasting music, singing aloud at a park ;-) are some of the things i have done so far!
7. Doing something special for someone — There is this special joy in giving! And i have noticed that, the more i give, the more happy i was! And it doesnt have to be gifts — it can be a simple conversation, or a random act of kindness, or just your presence! People will never forget how you make them feel, and that is the best gift that you can give anyone and yourself! ☺