Saturday, December 23, 2023

The first step to self-discovery is to be honest with yourself. Never fool your subconscious!

Let us understand why marriage exists. As a human being, either as a man or a woman, you have certain needs. When you were eight years old, if I had asked you about marriage, the question would not have meant anything to you. If I had asked you when you were fourteen, you might have been a little shy because you were considering. Because your body started growing in a certain way and hormones started infecting your intelligence, you were thinking about it. If I had asked you at eighteen, there would have been a clear "yes" or "no, not now" or "not at all", depending on what happened to you between the ages of fourteen to eighteen.

The word “marriage” might have acquired a very negative aura around it in certain parts of the world now, because there is a sense of juvenile freedom. Young people in some societies perceive marriage as a bad thing. When you are young, you are against it, because your physical body is in a certain mode. Marriage looks like a bondage and a chain. You want to do things in a certain way. But slowly, when the body weakens, once again you wish there was someone with you in a committed way.

This is a very juvenile feeling – “When I am strong I do not need anyone, when I become weak, I wish there was someone with me.” I think a partnership should be formed when you are at the peak of your well-being. When you have fallen, you will make desperate partnerships. When you are well, when you are at the peak of your life, that is when you must make a partnership which will take you through all those ups and downs.

As a human being, you have emotional needs, psychological needs, and social and economic needs. People may not want to consciously think about these things because they think their marriage will become ugly if they do. But these needs and considerations do exist.

For women today, the world has changed to some extent. She need not necessarily get married for social and economic reasons. She has a choice. She can take care of her own economic and social situations. It was not so a hundred years ago. There is a little bit of freedom now. At least two of the reasons why you need to get married are out. You have to consider the other three.

Psychologically, do you need a companion in your life? Do you need emotional companionship? And how strong are your physical needs? You must look at this as an individual. This is not a social prescription – everyone gets married or no one gets married. It is not going to work that way. As an individual, how strong are your needs? Is this some kind of a passing need that you can easily go beyond? If it is, do not get married because it is not worth getting tied up. If you do, it is not just two people but a family that has to face the consequences. I am not saying marriage is wrong. Do you want it, that is the question. Each individual should consider this for himself or herself, not by the social norm.

There is nothing wrong with getting married. But if you get married without you needing to do so, then it is a crime, because you will cause misery to yourself and at least one other person. When someone asked Gautama the Buddha, “Should I have a companion?” he said, “It’s better to walk alone than to walk with a fool.” I am not that cruel. I am saying: that if you find a similar fool, then something can be worked out. But based on your need – not because of what society is saying, not because others are getting married.

Marriage or Live-in?I would say, that at least 25 to 30 percent of the people do not need to get into marriage because it is just a passing interest for them. For another 30 to 40 percent, it may be a little longer and they get into this. For 10 to 12 years they feel good and after that, they think it is a burden. But there are some people for whom the need is very strong. About 25 to 30 percent need partnerships for a much longer period – they need to get into such arrangements.

Right now, people have found other kinds of solutions. “Okay, I won’t get married, I will just live in.” If you are just living with one person, it is a marriage, whether you have a certificate or not.  The body imbibes and retains experiences beyond the memory that you carry in your mind.

Either you go into marriage or you simply go beyond these needs. But this is something that you have to look at individually – how strong is your need? If you want to look at this with clarity, without social influence, it is always best that you take some time off, let's say a month. When you make this decision, you must be in a state of clarity. You must not be influenced by anyone. Just meditate and bring yourself into a certain state of clarity. In that clarity, look at how strong your needs are.

If you find that marriage is not necessary, that is it, once you make a decision, do not look that way. If you decide to go one way, do not look the other way. You must do one of these things. If you hang around in between, you will remain in a constant state of confusion. “Which is the best thing?” There is no best thing. Live your life in such a way that whatever you are doing, you are doing that. If you have this quality, whatever you do, it is fine.

Rab Rakha!!!!!

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

The moment you realize there is incredible beauty in not knowing!

Life, as you know, is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. Letting go is really hard, especially when you have to let go of something you really want, whether it’s a great opportunity, someone you really liked or loved or even any expectations you had about something. I don’t think anyone knows how to completely let go or not fall back from time to time if they do, but there are definitely ways to make it easier for you to let go when you relentlessly don’t want to let go.

Anything that feels forced or more difficult than it should be, or that causes you pain and sorrow, is not designed for you. Having this mindset or faith will help you overcome the hesitation that comes with deciding whether or not to let go. Things destined for you have a way of finding their way into your life. The more you struggle for something that was never meant for you, the more it will fight back. You may eventually obtain what you desire, but it may not last and you may not be comfortable with it. The beauty of things designed for you is that they just happen; sometimes against all odds. We are simply programmed to complicate things.

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”

Letting go is extremely excruciating when you feel "halted," and it can sometimes appear impossible to do, but the truth is that if you've reached this point, it means you've worked so hard to make this thing work in a positive way, or reach your goal, and it can sometimes feel like we've tried so hard or come so far that letting go now will feel like a waste of time given the time and effort we invested in it. But, even if it feels like it, nothing is ever a waste of time; we are here to make mistakes and learn lessons in order to grow as individuals; if we continue to hold on to situations that are detrimental or negativity because we've already done too much or it's too late to change things, we are only setting ourselves up for an empty existence. There is strength in letting go, a power that gives greater peace and tranquility than staying in conditions that cause your emotions to pine every day.

When you reflect on your life, you will find yourself laughing at times when you thought you would never be able to let go of someone, or when you held on to something so firmly only to discover later that it was not right for you. Great things happen to us all the time in many kinds and forms; we just prefer to focus on the not-so-great. dread is defined as holding on to something out of dread that it will never happen again. We must be fearless when it comes to letting go.

“See it for what is, not what you want it to be.”

The truth is that if letting go is your only option, it usually implies that this object or someone has already let you go. You are attempting to remain in a place where you are no longer welcome. The mind has a funny way of deceiving us into thinking certain things in order to make it less painful for us, or to frame it in a way that doesn't actually damage our pride or break our heart, but we have to look at it as it is, not as we want to view it. This isn't an optical illusion; it's reality, and what you see is what you receive.

If an opportunity passed you by because it didn't want to stop at your station, if someone let you go because they didn't want to stay, if someone else got what you were asking for, this blessing was not written for you in the first place, and you will be blessed in another way. Let go of your fear, your past, your mistakes, your fears, your failures, and your self-doubt as you continue to learn the skill of letting go. Allow yourself enough forgiveness to let go of the pieces of yourself that dull your brightness.

Rab Rakha!!!!!




Monday, December 04, 2023

If you can learn to detach your emotions from a lot of things, you are most likely to be the happiest!



Strange occurrences enter our lives when we become attached to objects, people, or a specific way of being. Why? We fear losing that to which we are bonded when we become attached to something and change happens, which is a constant.

However, dissociation frees us from being bound to a particular result, allowing for change to happen. We shall be able to accept things as they are and let calm into our life thanks to this realism.

But how can we learn to step back from the things that really matter to us? Furthermore, why does related hit us?Any person, event, condition, or scenario that is no longer serving a divine purpose in your life is something you should release and detach from. Everything has its season, and every season has to finish. Select a fresh season that is full of meaningful ideas and pursuits.

Attachments are mental or emotional relationships that we have with anything other than ourselves. We accumulate luggage as we travel through life. Some of it we like, some we rely on, and some we aren't even conscious we have. However, we become so entwined with them that they can define us and dictate our path of conduct.

Being linked to anything drains energy. Why? Because our clinginess causes us to focus just on one repercussions. It restricts the options that the Universe has to offer. Because we feel that there is just one thing that will make us happy. When the outcome differs from what we believe we want, we are unable to perceive that this conclusion is superior to what we believed we desired. Worry is the attachment's lost energy. It stems from a fear of loss and is extremely disempowering.

So, what may people become emotionally attached to? Relationships, career opportunities, outcomes, thoughts, views, perceptions, money, status, titles, automobiles, homes, ideas, other people's opinions, and labels are all valid.When we allow attachment to occur, we get overly emotionally involved. This immersion leads to scared thinking, which leads to a lack of action, even if the change is for the best. These ties have a negative impact on rational thinking and prevent us from perceiving prospective outcomes and better options.Attachment is the great fabricator of illusions; reality can be attained only by someone who is detached. 

Detachment is the process of releasing the egoic emotional ties that bind us. It is the ability to let go of the negativity of our situations. It is not a case of quitting or not caring. Instead, it's about embracing what is, enjoying what we have, and designing the life we want.


Detachment appears to be a calm individual in a difficult situation who actively seeks a solution without being emotionally charged. It is establishing personal boundaries so that the negativity of others does not touch us. Detaching takes time because it demands us to redefine our perceptions of our relationships, beliefs, and dreams. It enables us to be more patient and empathetic toward others. It also means that we are learning to trust the Universe, which knows just what we require to grow and extend our souls.

Learn to embrace the unknown. As we progress into uncertainty, we realize that security is really an egoic fiction designed to block us from fulfilling our ambitions. Discover your faith in the Universe and your soulful self-confidence to recognize the proper path for your life. Feel everything. Detachment does not imply suppressing our feelings. Instead, we must acknowledge, feel, and then release them. We recognize that our emotions are only sensations. We are not to keep them. Allow them to depart.

The Law of Detachment: 
1) Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. 
2) Do not force solutions allow solutions to spontaneously emerge. 
3) Uncertainty is essential, and your path to freedom. 

Happiness comes from within, not from beyond. When you let go of your attachment to things, people, and results, you allow joy to spring from within you since external circumstances no longer have control over your happiness.Our attachment to people and things reflects our dread of losing them. We lessen our hold when we separate from them. We let them be themselves and enjoy them more. We regard them as a blessing in our lives because we adore them. We no longer perceive them through the lens of dread and possible loss.

Un-attachment offers peace of mind, self-confidence, empowerment, and happiness. Genuine freedom comes through detachment.True detachment isn’t separation from life but the absolute freedom within your mind to explore living. 

When you can detach from the past and look forward without attaching to the outcomes, happiness becomes a regular part of your life. Detachment helps us reframe missteps and helps focus us on the positive characteristics in our lives.

Enjoy the moment while it is there and when the moment starts disappearing, as everything is bound to disappear, let it go. That is detachment.

Rab Rakha!!!!!








Saturday, September 23, 2023

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.




Over the last few years, I’ve done my fair share of leaving. I’ve left people, jobs, plans, projects, friendships, and my favorite city. It's heartbreaking every time, and deciding whether to stay or go can be daunting. What is the best option? What if I decide to leave and then change my mind? What if this is merely a passing phase? I understand. So here are some certain indicators I've learned to trust that signal when you've outgrown something and it's time to move on.

Dr. James Collett couldn't help but thrill when tennis star Ash Barty startled the world by revealing she was quitting the sport at age 25. It was  "really cool" and "sets a great example for people." Barty was challenging a pernicious and persistent societal stereotype that all too frequently undermines people's wellness by leaving while still at the top of her game in order to, as she put it, "step away and chase other dreams."

People who put their jobs too close to their sense of self tend to burn out and have a propensity to disregard and harm their personal relationships, which is sort of a modern societal ill. According to mental health professionals, negative cultural myths and societal pressures do more than only persuade us to stay in a depressing gig. They are also the reason why so many of us continue to be involved in friendships and relationships that are unhealthy for us.
So, how can we determine when to leave?

There are the obvious ones, according to therapists: if your partner abuses drugs, alcohol, or gambling; is a habitual liar; endangers the safety of your child; or poses a risk of causing you bodily harm. Then there are those causes that, because they are so unpleasant, people are reluctant to acknowledge. Many people are essentially in denial; they don't want to admit they've lost love, either to themselves or others.

“Once your partner and you have become detached” – the psychological term for having fallen out of love – “it’s almost like we are going back to zero, in the sense that we’re talking about the prospect of falling in love with a new person, even though we’ve got that history together,” he says. Not only is it rare to fall in love with someone – full stop – but to do so after there’s likely been “so much hurt” from that person adds an additional barrier to it happening.

When to leave a Job? The only crucial situation when you must quit [a job] right away is when it seriously jeopardizes your bodily or mental health. For everyone else, it can be helpful to consider what you want your tombstone to say. and "What do you want to be remembered for?"To be honest, people probably don't give their careers that much thought."I've discussed whether or not people wanted to leave their roles with a number of people... Actually, [for many, the issue] was a lack of self-awareness. Moreover, they were unsure of what would truly bring them joy.

In order to decide whether you're in an appropriate position or whether you need to follow a different career path, Take a deep breath, and an honest look at your basic beliefs, which may include helping people or making money and having a job of distinction.

But we also need to be cautious not to buy into the great social media lie, espoused by many employers, that there’s the “soul mate” equivalent of a job for each of us, that we should hold out for it, and walk away from anything else. “I tell all my students, ‘You’re not looking for the perfect job that you walk into, and suddenly, it’s like a cosmic alignment and you feel like you’re in the place you’re meant to be,’

Instead, a critical – and undervalued – factor that should help people decide whether a job is a keeper or not is if it will enable them to have the lifestyle they desire.“A certain level of money is great for the quality of life,” says Collett, and, of course, necessary to pay the bills. Finding some meaning in fulfillment in a job is important, too. “Beyond that, you’ve got to think about, what are you sacrificing? Are you working a lot outside of work [hours]? So often with clients, someone will say, ‘I’m stressed at work’. They’ll often be on really good money, but absolutely wrecking themselves for this job. They don’t have any free time, people have actually walked out of their lives because they don’t have time for them.”

So, stay or go?

Leaving isn’t simple. It’s actually one of the most terrifying things we as humans have to do.  Leaving something like a job or relationship or city means creating a massive tectonic shift in the foundations upon which we build our identities, and that can cause some ruptures, take some time to adjust, leave us feeling scared and weird and not knowing what lies ahead of us. It’s not always a grand leap. It can be a gentle dance between faith and fear. Maybe at the start, your fear makes you stay.

Fear there will be no more love.

Fear you will never find a better job.

Fear you will never find people who really get you.

Fear you’re being ungrateful, that it’s all in your head.

But slowly, the faith builds. It’s a gentle dance. The faith grows, the fear shrinks. Again, a little more. Until one day you wake up and the faith is bigger than the fear. You believe it now. You trust. You feel ready to step into the unknown.

If you are getting that small voice in your heart saying leave! leave! leave! It’s there for a reason. If you feel like you are being called elsewhere, if you feel like your heart yearns for more, listen to it.

Seriously, listen to it.

Rab Rakha!!!!!


Thursday, September 21, 2023

When someone takes credit for your work, just smile and thank them. After all, you know the truth!




When someone takes credit for your effort, it can be very upsetting. You must be prepared to manage it because, regrettably, it occasionally occurs at work. The secret is to control your tendency to become agitated and resentful. Keep your cool and concentrate on the facts instead.

Documenting your work should come first. Keep meticulous records of the tasks you've finished, any emails or conversations you had regarding the project, and any other documentation that demonstrates your work. If the situation escalates and you need to take further action, this can be a huge help. Next, when someone tries to steal glory for your work, speak out and establish yourself firmly but calmly. Don't let co-workers who are trying to take advantage of you push you around or intimidate you. Make sure they are aware of the fact that you won't let them off the hook. Do not be reluctant to involve your management or Human Resources (HR) if the problem intensifies. They can make sure your rights are upheld and the proper measures are implemented. HR occasionally even suggests going to court if necessary.

It can be really annoying when someone steals credit for your work. It's crucial that you answer without letting your irritation and fury win. Remaining composed and professionally expressing your viewpoint is the best course of action. Speaking up and stating your position is the first step. You must succinctly and clearly lay out the relevant details of the case without coming across as combative or combative. Be careful not to accuse or criticize the individual who is taking credit for your work.

It's time to go on to the next step if the other individual refuses or is unable to accept that you are the true author. A manager or supervisor may be able to help you address the problem. If necessary, provide documentation for any evidence you have to support your claim to authorship of the in-question work. If necessary, you might also want to think about submitting a formal grievance to a regulating body like the HR department at your employer. This should only be used as an absolute last resort because it can be cumbersome and should only be used after all other options have failed.

It’s important not to let yourself become too emotional about this situation, as it will only make matters shoddier. Stay professional and focused on resolving the issue in a constructive manner so that everyone involved can move forward and put this incident behind them.

A culture of excellence in the workplace is also fostered by not claiming credit for the efforts of others. Employees are more likely to put more effort into their work and produce better results overall when they are aware that their contributions will be acknowledged. This promotes innovation and originality, which can aid a company in maintaining a competitive edge over rivals in terms of production and efficiency.

Finally, keep in mind that it is unacceptable and unethical to claim credit for someone else's work. Everyone in a workplace setting should be aware of this reality and appreciate each other's contributions equally. Everyone will then feel empowered to speak up when the work they did is erroneously taken from them. In the end, it's absolutely essential to avoid letting someone else's duplicity undermine your confidence in yourself or your professional ability. When someone tries to claim credit for your effort, be assertive but polite about it. In the long run, it might be beneficial to both sides.

 In conclusion, there are several advantages to not claiming ownership of other people's work. Not only does it show honesty, but it also promotes a culture of excellence in the workplace, fosters goodwill among co-workers, and helps build relationships between them.

 

Some of my favorite sayings aka two cents for people who take credit for other people’s work:

  • “A thief is a thief whether he steals a diamond or a peach”
  • “It takes a lot of effort to get ahead in life without taking credit from other people”
  • “You can never really win by taking credit from others. You’re only cheating yourself in the end.”

Rab Rakha!!!!!

 

 

Monday, September 11, 2023

Is it even legitimate to set beauty expectations for women?




Women have long been socialized to believe that they should be beautiful, beginning with princess fairy tales as children. I saw a news item on my feed that I wanted to read right immediately! The caption said, "Top 50 Countries with the World's Most Beautiful Women." How can such a topic not pique your interest? South Korea came in first place, followed by Brazil and the United States. I was clearly curious to check India's ranking, and our country was ranked eighteenth. The process followed in the selection will stupefy you!

The prevalence of cosmetic surgery in that country was the sole criterion for ranking countries in terms of gorgeous ladies! Let me be clear: I am not advocating for or against cosmetic surgery. It is completely personal, and a woman has the freedom to alter her physical appearance in any way she desires.

However, this system appears to be flawed because it is primarily based on an artificial process that alters and enhances one's natural appearance. At the same time, I don't believe we need to hunt for other ways to rank a woman's beauty! The source I mentioned is not the only one. A Google search will produce numerous results ranking countries based on their attractive ladies. I've even come across an article that claims that every country has both gorgeous and "ugly" ladies. The word "ugly" is extremely insulting and contradicts basic human decency and etiquette. Women have been brainwashed to believe that they should be pretty. That begins when little girls begin reading stories about princesses and heroines who are depicted as the epitome of beauty with decent souls.


We have grown up hearing conversations about who is attractive and who is not in our daily lives. The media and tabloids will always make derogatory remarks about celebrities' and prominent figures' physical appearances. Unfortunately, the majority of the body shaming and demeaning lines are directed at women, and they are continuously examined. According to a survey done by the Independent  Research Center, society loves women mostly for their attractiveness and maternal nature. Men, on the other hand, are sought after for their honesty, professional accomplishment, ambition, and strength.

There is no exact concept of beauty! "Oh she is so beautiful!" we may have said or heard countless times. This is a perfectly natural human reaction. You may find someone really appealing, which is just OK. However, your point of view is not set in stone for everyone to follow. It is really subjective, and others may disagree. We cannot argue that only someone with delicious hair, expressive eyes, a slim frame, and soft, refreshing skin is lovely. Yes, a woman with all of these ideal characteristics may turn heads for some, but not for everyone.


As backward as it may sound, we cannot overlook our society's obsession with fair skin. Anyone with a lighter complexion is considered lovely. It's revolting to see how companies market fairness creams while sowing the seeds of color discrimination. Since the beginning of her modeling career, actor-supermodel Dipannita Sharma has been opposed to endorsing fairness creams, believing that they send the incorrect message. "They show that dark complexion is a barrier to women's success and that only fairer women can be successful, which is incorrect," she says. In an interview, Dipannita beautifully discusses the concept of beauty. She claims that it is difficult to define beauty since it involves a wide variety of attributes that are not only physical: "Beauty is something indescribable to me, something that takes my breath away, whether it's a breathtaking view, a unique personality, or just a few words."

Yes, when it comes to being clean and tidy, one's physical appearance is extremely important. I am always in favor of someone looking well-groomed, whether he or she is a guy or a woman. This is encouraged since it benefits our emotional well-being. It is, however, not the same as feeling pressured to look good for people around you. We don't need other people to tell us how good we look. The self-assurance should originate from inside.

Beauty, as they say, is only skin deep. So, instead of being superficial, focus on sincerity, and utilize that positive energy to transmit love, light, and goodness to illuminate the world around you!

Rab Rakha!!!!!









Tuesday, September 05, 2023

How can you spot a Male Chauvinist Pig?




They walk with a swagger and look down on the rest of the world. When it comes to women, they become a little too preoccupied with attempting to bully them or treating them as if they were their very own property. Welcome to the world of the male chauvinist pig, which you can easily detect in your immediate surroundings.

He may be a people pleaser, and he may have held the door open to impress you, but the question is how long he can continue to exhibit that expression. This person is skilled at complimenting you in public while undermining your image behind your back.

If you have set constraints, this person will undoubtedly intrude on that space, just as they do in every other aspect of your life. A true man will let a woman follow her heart, and there will never be a time when one does not know one's limit--not just in deed, but also in speech.

He lacks chivalry: He may have performed a few acts to impress you, such as holding the door for you as you entered a restaurant. What matters is if he will keep it while you go.

Creating false hopes: Knowingly, he may give someone false hope and send mixed messages. And then tell you that I'm perplexed!

Crossing the boundaries: If you have been setting limits and he intrudes, it is assumed that he is a failure. A true man will let a woman follow her heart, and there will never be a time when one does not know one's limits - not just in action, but also in expression.

He has everything to show off to the world, and he eventually wants to turn you into a Barbie doll and parade you about. He will leave you the day you gain weight!

Self-appointed critic: He will tell you that you are wrong, either directly or indirectly, practically every time you do something. He'd critique and say that because you're so close, he has to tell you. He will determine the number of breaths you should take in an hour!

If you've spotted these signs in your child, gather your thoughts, since he could be a total mama's boy. It's not that being a mamma's boy is terrible, but he will strive from the beginning to instill fear in you about his mother, implying that you must please her and be her slave. His mother might not be too horrible.

For every dispute you have with him, he may put you in a Catch-22 situation, forcing you to feel sorry and return to him. Do you really want to be with someone who seeks to change you, who does not allow you to grow as an individual?

I am so certain of these features because, since moving to Punjab from Mumbai, I have come across such men who completely dominate their wives and their wives have been my childhood friends. These men choke you to death and won't let you scream, therefore girls, beware and get rid of these narcists from your life.

Rab Rakha!!!!!

 

 

Monday, September 04, 2023

When a man gives his opinion, he’s a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a bitch. Ah the double standards of our so called society!



"Women have minds and souls, in addition to just hearts." And they have zeal, expertise, and charisma on top of it all. "I'm sick of hearing that love is all a woman is made for."

Discrimination against men and women has existed for eons. Women are regarded to be subservient by society, whereas the majority of men regard themselves as dominant. It's hard to envision, yet many people around the world feel that we have achieved gender parity. But the trouble is that many still feel, deep down, that a woman cannot do everything that a man can. There are still gender stereotypes alive and well in the minds of many individuals, including many women. It is nave to not be on your own side.

I don't mean to dismiss the progress being made around the world; I'm just highlighting out that this progress needs to gain prominence, and those who dismiss these movements as meaningless and declare that women are "overreacting" need to get out from under their rock and look around.

I don't mean to dismiss the progress being made around the world; I'm just highlighting out that this progress needs to gain prominence, and those who dismiss these movements as meaningless and declare that women are "overreacting" need to get out from under their rock and look around.

I'm not sure why guys don't see us as equals and competitors, but rather as something to be "handled" and "taken care of." In a sanatorium for insane people, these are the things you say about a lunatic. I'm writing this because I still witness males dismissing women, women who are frightened to speak up for themselves, and clichés like "you play well for a girl," "stop crying like a girl," and "be a man" being bruited about.

And, for those who are still perplexed about what feminism is, here's your answer:

"Feminism is gender equality in political, financial, and social terms."

It does not imply that men should burn in hell or that women should govern the world. This word only asks for impartiality and nothing else. A feminist is someone who believes in these ideas, and I am glad to be one.

Rab Rakha!!!!!

 

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different!



The corporate world is currently working to promote more women into senior leadership roles. Despite these progressions, these roles still do not have the gender equilibrium that we would like to see in 2023. However, female CEOs have put substantial effort into forward-moving their careers and accomplishing conquests that many weren't sure were realistic for them only a few years ago, whether it be through mentorship programs or schmoozing opportunities.

When it comes to identifying the headship skills of women in business, a lot has changed. The mainstream of males has held the most senior roles in businesses for far too long, but this is finally starting to change. Many women now hold executive positions in some of the largest and most successful organizations in the world.

Women are having a greater impact on the business world than ever before, from Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM, to Safra Catz, the CEO of Oracle. It's wonderful to see strong, capable women succeeding and establishing a good example for the next generations.

It's no secret that men and women are significantly underrepresented in the highest business echelons. Despite the advancements achieved over the years, there are still very few female CEOs and board members. It's not only a matter of justice; there were also chances missed.

According to research, companies with greater gender diversity typically perform better and generate higher profits. So why aren't more women given the chance to hold leadership positions? The solution is not straightforward, but it is evident that we must improve if we want our businesses and our economy as a whole to prosper.

As we all know, women sometimes find it difficult to advance in their careers. But don't worry; there are strategies you can use to grow and progress in your job! Be proactive in looking for chances to learn and develop, first and foremost. This can entail connecting with co-workers or going to training sessions.

Furthermore, don't be scared to speak up for yourself and advocate for yourself. Let your superiors know your professional aspirations and how you see your career progressing. Finally, acknowledge the influence of mentoring. Finding a person who has been in your situation before and can provide advice and support can be quite helpful. You'll have a great chance of succeeding in your profession if you use these strategies!

Despite accounting for about half of the workforce, women are still notably underrepresented in positions of leadership. Female executives face a number of obstacles that prohibit them from rising to higher positions, such as prejudice and gender stereotypes, a lack of networking opportunities and mentors, and difficulties juggling work and family obligations.

However, there has been progress toward achieving gender parity in the boardroom thanks to deliberate efforts to recognize and remove these obstacles. Companies can take action to help and uplift their female employees on the path to leadership by supporting diversity and inclusion policies and offering flexible work arrangements. It's time to remove these obstacles so that women can perform to the best of their abilities at work.

The fact that businesses are working so hard to build a more diversified leadership pipeline is refreshing. One clique has dominated leadership roles for far too long, which has left people from other backgrounds underrepresented and excluded.

We must actively endeavor to eliminate these obstacles and create a more welcoming workplace where everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, has an opportunity to succeed. Companies that are making efforts to achieve this should be commended. Gender parity in the workplace is a serious issue, not simply a trendy phrase. It's essential for advancement. It is an appeal for employers to be welcoming and inclusive of all employees, regardless of gender. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to attaining gender equity. This objective is hampered by a number of things, including prejudice, stereotypes, and societal conventions.

We must make a deliberate, ongoing effort to counteract these influences, raise awareness, and implement equitable laws and practices if we are to attain true gender equity. The good news is that while it's a long journey, it's not insurmountable. We can pave the road for a brighter future by cooperating to build workplaces that are really diverse, inclusive, and egalitarian.

For the advantage of women in corporate, for businesses to fully benefit from both male and female leadership, and for organizations to create greater diversity, gender equity should be pursued. We can find comfort in the fact that many organizations are taking practical initiatives to promote gender diversity in leadership positions, despite the fact that female executives' career advancement has stagnated in comparison to that of their male colleagues.

In the end, firms will need to make a concerted effort to remove obstacles that keep female executives from advancing their careers. It is equally crucial for women to construct their own strategies for growth as they chart their own career paths, actively look for mentorship, and climb the corporate ladder. I am convinced that as we work together to achieve greater gender parity, we will start to open up more opportunities, making it feasible to create a workplace where people of all genders are valued equally.

Rab Rakha!!!!!

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Lady you have the Parvati (nurturing) and the Kali (destroying) side in you. Use both when needed!



I was not aware of the encounters of the corporate world till I moved to Punjab. Up till then, I thought, what was the burruhaha about?

Ask men and they will marvel why women need to be speaking about women empowerment and equality when they have all the same probabilities. And no, of course, they have never ever treated men and women differently! It hurts them that women would even say that :)

This made me question that perhaps men, being in the majority in the decision-making, both in homes, organisations and countries, may actually be blindsided by the challenges a woman faces sometimes. They can't help with what they don't know!

What can we do? I realized that women may be adding to that by not doing a few things well themselves and maybe starting there...

Many women, in a bid to get to the top, hardly act like women, there is little feminism left in them. What is the point of having more women join any association if they are to subsist only by acting like men? The network also appreciates and gratifies the belligerent drive, the hunt, the rivalry, each to his/her own...whether in men or in women...does not help, don’t do that to yourself, ladies. The feminine vigour is as much needed as the masculine energy. If you are upset about the way that the customer or your manager spoke to you, let them know. And if tears came out while doing that, excuse yourself, or just let it be, cry right there and then come back. Sure, they will stamp you as overtly sensitive and emotive. They will give you a berm and take away the cheque (for being such a ‘sissy’). No problem! You be yourself. Learn from being that and how to express yourself realistically then learn to suppress it.

You are a woman. Stop repudiating yourself and start appreciating it. Wear lovely colours. Wear that jewellery. Get that soft satin shirt. Stop shouting and get back to speaking softly. Be careful of your dress, yes, but don’t be ashamed of it, consistently watching to see if all is okay. How many times you give people no reason to think I’ll of you, they do it anyway. Same here. The world is not changing right away today. No reason to be whacking forever. Wearing yourself makes you vulnerable to the wrong people. Yes. Learn to deal with that and not hide from it. The trick here is to keep your eyes honest. Don’t give anyone a reason to believe they can cross the line with you.

“Real diversity is in valuing the opinion and perspectives that the gentler sex brings” Stand up and say what you think. Don’t mince words and don’t rearticulate them. Just say them! Let people learn what real diversity is! Just because you are too blunt, too gentle, too women-ish, too expressive, talk more than men folks, are way more collaborative and give away too much information, would rather be with the child than in a pub socializing……and anything else that comes with the female hormones sometimes…. live it up! Help the organisation and its people learn to manage this diversity. It is your role to keep it alive enough for them to find a way to manage it. Don’t surrender. If they were looking for more men, then that is what they should have hired :) You are a woman. Sometimes women come with these. Take the whole package or leave it. Wear that up your sleeve.

Don’t benchmark yourself with what a man in your career path can do. You know that society is more sympathetic to men being at the workplace than you do. The factor that in and be proud of where you are. And then, go give them a run for their money!

Don’t compete with them either. Cooperate with them. Educate them on how to team up with you. How you like to be treated and conveyed a task’s urgency and updates compared to the other gender. Maybe you like it less military-like and motherly. Well, let them know! Maybe you want more litheness with your job, for all the extra work you have to do around the house, let them know how you like to manage your work and family. Maybe you care too much if you got the rating or not, it hurts you more that you are not appreciated, let them know what drives you and if you feel you have not been treated fairly. Teach them how to treat you. Maybe they don’t know.

If you have taken a long sabbatical to enjoy your child, wear it with pride. Don’t compare yourself with the men and women who didn’t take the sabbatical. Stand up from where you are and take it up from there, without shame or guilt, driving your decisions. Any company, worth its salt, will see you for your potential (and possibly, your very women-like heart to nurture your young) and give you that shot. Else go find a business and run it yourself! There are many women impresario across the world who have delivered some amazing benefits and impact! If you know how hard it was to even get educated, given your circumstances, don’t underplay it. If you know how hard it still is to leave your child at home and come to work, don’t forget it. Let what you know of yourself and your circumstances drive you forward. Don’t let others' views of where you should have been stop you from where you could be headed! Also, research says women apply only when they know 80-100%, and men apply even if they know only 25% of the job. Don't be tougher on yourself than you have to be!

Ensure you laugh and have fun at normal jokes. Where they become gender specific, let them know you are not okay. Enjoy the camaraderie and diversity discussions bring, but where they get personal, cut the talk. Don’t let a joke or a shoulder when crying, become the reason to let the wrong people into your camp. Say thanks, repay the favour in equally kind gestures and move on. Don’t be over-obligated. Do not compromise for anything. This is specifically true when you become a fish in a pond for a long time and think that the ecosystem is the only system you can survive in, in the world. This is also true when you might have a male in the system who likes to keep you under his thumb, making you believe that the world starts and ends with him. Grow up ……and grow strong! Do NOT be embarrassed and ashamed of drawing the lines! You have the Parvati (nurturing) and the Kali (destroying) side in you. Use both.

I have heard a lot of women quip that it’s the women that cut the other women’s path. Maybe it’s true maybe it is not. You won’t be that woman who gives pay less than the men in your team just because you hate her willpower and her charm. Don’t penalise her because she gets emotional fast and over-jabbers when she is dismayed. You stand up and be an inspiration for the women in your team, in your country, all over the world. This, you do, by being a woman and not like a man (in women's attire) and then and then alone…... you would have stood up for the women as a community. Same in your houses. Support your mother’s perceptions of things. Hearten it.

The first thing to bring down a revolution is to cut its voice. Making men out of women is one way to jeopardize the voice of femininity. The other is to ignore the women when key verdicts need to be made, whether in the house or in projects. Another one is to 'tell' them how they are equal to men and 'act' quite the opposite. Find a way to let them know you have a voice and you plan to keep it. Exercise your voice with chicness and don’t be ashamed to be self-confident (not aggressive). Lastly, if you feel like a superior race for that day only, it's okay to ignore the other voices :)Also, have a voice when the men around you are taking a stab at other women for being too emotional, too right, too this and that. Stop them there. Remember those that chin-wag with you, gossip about you. Yes, it is not always an equal plane when you are out there sometimes. That is when the tips above will help. Other times, don’t use these as a way to feel victimised and overly cautious. These are ways to be on the watch out, not to be used as weapons. Use the women's card to play out your perspective and introduce your thinking in the right light only. Do not use the women's card to get things that you are not getting, because you maybe don’t deserve them yet.

Accept the fact that you have different responses to situations, as a woman, and factor that into your own introspection and decisions. There is a need for women to step up and increase their representation at the top of all organisations. Their perspective will lessen some of the cultural and relationship nuances those organisations face and pave the way for a faster-growing world rich in values, ideas and purposes.

A close friend, once told me she could no longer take all the politics and red tape. She would leave her child at home to nannies and play school only so she could do meaningful work, and that was not happening anymore. Sure, she could have played the game a little while longer, but she realized the 'the hunt and the chase' was what she wanted. She left and is happy making a globally better leader....at home.

Another one felt the same way. She did not enjoy the way she was consistently side-lined to her male counterparts. She left the organisation to run a business. She now makes a lot of money...only it is her own way. She also hires and supports a lot of women candidates.

To being a woman. Have it your way.

Rab Rakha!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Sometimes you gotta be a beauty and a beast!



Alpha females often get a wicked thwack, not surprising as we still live in a male-controlled society that brings down and confines self-confident, courageous women to a predetermined code of conduct. And while men show-off about their alpha male eccentricities, women with these same qualities are labelled as masculine and highlighted in an adverse light. Well, to hell with that. Strong women, or alpha females, are exactly that: strong women who are far-fetched leaders, with alpha traits that are inherently a part of who she is and come across in everything she does. Alpha female traits manifest in her career, personal life, hobbies, friendships pretty much every facet of her life. These self-confident, self-assured women can at first seem daunting, but they’re women we can all look up to, and ones that have our back.

There’s an oft-repeated quote that makes the rounds every International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, though its author is unknown, it exemplifies the very spirit of an alpha female. The quote goes, “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Here’s what you need to know about alpha females and why it’s a label that you should absolutely feel flattered to have.

 There are definite characteristics that women exhibit that push them into the category of alpha females. Maybe you recognize these in yourself, in the women who raised you:

  • Self-assurance: Generally speaking, alpha ladies have self-assurance. They frequently exude a confidence that can be felt in a room.
  • They identify as alpha females: Part of that confidence comes from utilizing the word alpha and living up to its definition.
  • Encourage others: Women around strong women are inspired. Alpha females inspire other women to be their best selves by using their leadership abilities.
  • Ambition: Women that are naturally alpha tend to be very motivated, ambitious individuals. This may be seen in many areas of her life, not just her profession. She likely aspires to success in her social circles and interests as well as in her professional life.
  • Self-belief: This characteristic is similar to others, but it notably denotes that an alpha female has complete confidence in her skills and abilities. She not only has confidence in herself but also a firm conviction that she can accomplish whatever goal she sets for herself.
  • Well-Respected: Alpha ladies gain a lot of respect from those around them as a result of encouraging others to achieve success. People appreciate these personalities much for their commitment to all they do and believe in because they exude an atmosphere of conviction and inspiration.

Being an authoritative female is, to be honest, an enviable position. These women, who do not minimize them or treat them unfairly, are strong, push boundaries, pose difficult questions, and continually motivate others around them to improve. If you aren't the alpha female in your life, then ideally you have one close by who can inspire you to be your best self with a little of her magic dust.

To sum this beautiful post, I would say “I love bossy women. Some people hate the word, and I understand how ‘bossy’ can seem like a shitty way to describe a woman with a determined point of view, but for me, a bossy woman is someone to search out and celebrate. A bossy woman is someone who cares and commits and is a natural leader.”

Rab Rakha!!!!!


Friday, May 12, 2023

Family or Career? What options should a Lady make?

Everywhere in the world, women's professional decisions are scrutinized, thus it doesn't really matter if a woman chooses a family or a career since society will still question her decision. Similar to Jules in the movie "The Intern," who was repeatedly denounced by everyone around her for prioritizing her work first.

A successful professional woman in our society isn't considered as successful until her husband values her, her children have done well in school, her house is kept up, and her in-laws are content with her. Over the course of her profession, a woman encounters numerous obstacles. Since women must put in more effort than men to be recognized, career progression is far more difficult for them. 

Another major challenge a woman faces is work-life balance. Although everyone struggles with balancing their personal life and work, women are expected to magically handle both areas of their life perfectly or choose one, while men if failed to do so, are excused stating that they are the breadwinners of the house meanwhile women are called selfish.

Almost every working woman has the conundrum of having to decide between her family and her own job at least once in her life. The causes may vary, but the options are largely the same. According to a survey, 42% of women cut back on their job hours and 33% stopped working altogether to care for a child or other family member at some point in their careers. Only 10% of men were reported to have left their jobs to care for a family member.

There is no right or incorrect response; rather, it is merely a question of priorities, which differ greatly from person to person. Whether a woman chooses to work outside the home, hires someone to handle household chores, or even tries to have it all should be fully up to her. Everything is entirely up to her. Everyone has various priorities, thus it makes no sense to categorize them according to how we see them. A woman is not selfish if she chooses her career, and she is not deceptive about her work if she chooses her family. We must treat both women equally, and the only way we can accomplish this is by respecting their liberties.

Rab Rakha!!!!!



When Grace Becomes the Last Word!

There comes a point in your life when the rose-tinted glasses fall off, the background violins stop playing, and you realize — not everyone ...