It was a lovely morning when I was awakened by the chirping birds and pashing patter of pounding rain. Soft wind gushed through the windows caressing my brown locks, splashing raindrops over my face. I gently reached for the window, drew the curtains, gazed outside, and was mesmerized by the beauty it encompassed. But a sudden realization of the day brought my heart into low spirits. Yes, in an hour I have to be at my workplace, tolerating the harassment from the higher-ups, subordinates, and customers, why even through mails. God knows when I will be able to reach back as I may not be able to close the shutters once my targets are achieved and the peer pressure is mounting day-by-day… I remember the time when I was damn happy in my job and even stayed late hours just to help my colleagues. Those were the wonderful days when after returning to my semi-dark room after the day’s work, I laid down on my bed with drapes shut, ordered a pepperoni pizza, a double cheeseburger, and a fruit custard, opened my Netflix and watched episodes of any of my favorite web series. I can never have that life back and I seem to be trapped in the conundrum of an absence of any serious alternative. I never had any skills apart from my constant diligence in my job and now it appeared as foolery in the years I spent nourishing this virtual baby.

Why am I living such a hellish life? Of course, I earn a handsome money, but does that mean I have to sacrifice everything I own? I went to the kitchen, poured some coffee to my black mug with a teaspoon of sugar, went to the closed terrace, and sat down on the deck chair. I gently stirred my coffee while my thoughts were still hung up on my dispirited life. What if I take the day off? I called my immediate authority who after much introspection, at last granted me leave.

The whole day I gave a thought about my life and at last, I decided to be free. To quit… To do something I love.. To read, write, travel, and enjoy my life… My life was predetermined by my family and now is the time for a change …

Perfect lifestyle

A perfect day starts when you wake up early in the morning which is preceded by an early night’s sleep. Outside food habits lead to several health ailments and home-cooked food is usually recommended. A woman should dress herself ‘properly’ so as not to invoke any sexual appetite in men. She can go for a job but be there at home at most by 6.00. Any couple after a few months of marriage is expected to share the ‘happy news’, whether or not they are prepared for parenthood. A government job is the dream come true for a vast majority as they can peacefully retire at 60 and enjoy their secure life.

These are a few among the rules set before us by our parents, elders, relatives and the society around us and people seem to be following them blindly. The ‘ideal’ life set before them is expected to lead them to ultimate success and be an epitome of social etiquette. But is it always true what society demands? Do these unwritten norms suit every person? Seems a little deranged right? Let’s see…

• Sleep tight

I have seen people who sleep at 9.30 at night and wake up at 4.00 next morning. It’s okay that everyone has the liberty to follow their lifestyle, but is it necessary to force someone to follow their schedule? The important thing is to get a REM sleep for which around 7 hours of sleep is required. What difference does it make if we wake up at 4.00 am 5.00 am or 6.00 am? Children are always advised to sleep at 10.00 and wake up around 5.00 am. While it may work out for a few, the others may not be always morning people and they may be able to finish their chores at night. Our routine should depend upon our school/work schedule and the key is to properly follow it. The rest is a show-off.

• Eat right

Never eat whites… And people call this a healthy lifestyle. Life on earth is the biggest wonder and the body of each human being works in unique fashion. We should know what suits our body and should feed/restrict accordingly. For a person with a non-diabetic background, the possibility to get diabetes is minimal. I have seen my teenage niece looking after her ‘diet’, following strict calorie patterns, and restricting carbs, and sugar, and I felt sorry for her. For God’s sake, eat something. Teenage is the time to nourish our body as every part is in its growing stage but how can we make an adamant person understand? She often faints and once she has broken her incisor in the fall, but will she learn the lesson? NO… I am a person who cannot survive by restricting food, so what do i do? I balance my body through my fitness routine

• Fit or fat

This is my third year in the gym and the most frequent observation is freshers starting with an intense workout. Law of inertia is never a joke. Start with a few exercises to warm up our body and continue with the machines which are required for our body and at last have a proper warm down. Heavyweight lifts should be prevented at the early stages as every change should be gradual… Respect our body. For me, I tried for a weight loss and thus depended on long walks, a treadmill, an elliptical trainer, a bench, and bending exercises. It took me 2 years to find myself in the form I desired and the result come to those who wait. Never hasten and give everything time.

• Travel & cuisine

I was born into an orthodox family where they spent half of the time at the office and the rest at home(mainly sleep). The people who travel are idiots for them and they occasionally pop the question, ‘Why can’t he sit at home and get some rest’. We have a single life and there is no trial period for tryouts. Visit at least places around you and never make the blunder of visiting a number of places in a limited time. Better stay somewhere, enjoy the beauty encompassed, try the local cuisine, explore the nature around, take your own time, and move for your next sojourn.

There is no special rulebook for how a dish should be, hence be open to every cuisine. Each taste should create wonders and appreciate the novelty that rises.

• Just married

Marriage is in fact a matter of luck. However hard we try we won’t get the complete idea of our partner and it takes years for him/her to be out of the mask. It’s a decision which should never be forced upon anyone and it’s very essential not to interfere in their lives after. Every couple is allowed to make their own rules whether it be food habits, fitness routine, travel vibes… They must have their freedom in choosing their faith and belief, decision on children and none others’ business.

• Fashion

Modern fashion is often criticized by the senile genre but in many ways, today’s fashion stands superior to the traditional dresses which exploit sexuality. We have the liberty to choose our fashion, whether a kaftan or a floral wrap or a crinkled shirt or chiffon saree… You can wear juttis or fancy flats or sneakers or glossy pumps or loafers… It’s all up to you… You may club a pastel pink saree with a pearl chain and kitten heels… Or an A-line skirt with puff sleeve top and shining stilettos…. Fashion is to be fallen in love with and no one messes with our love.

On anything and everything, people seem to have varied opinions, and it's quite a difficult task to be our own boss. Think what is good for us and make sure to live our lives and feel every moment. Be happy and do what we like… After all, we all have a single life.

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