THIS BLOG HAS HAD A BRIEF RESPITE. While I owe my apologies to my valued niche readership for the brief interval of three months that I was off this page, I took a few life-turning decisions for myself after passing through, what I would call, “the tipping point” in my life. I decided to quit my job and try my hand at what I have always aspired to do – write full time. After putting in my papers I thought I could “settle down” and “put pen to paper”, as they say. But that did not happen for a full quarter of a year – roughly the same time since my last post ! I never realized that by the time the last official emails were replied to and the papers properly filed away or handed over it would take a full three months ! While some hinted at my own inefficiency others more closer home thought that my professed pursuit of my avocation was only fanciful and not deep rooted enough. Well, here I am returning, in the first instance, to my blog, with the fervent hope that I would, sooner rather than later, add “my own spines on the library shelf”.
IT WAS STEVE JOBS WHO SAID that the only way to do great work is to love what you do. He also added, “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” I am also overwhelmed considerably by the memorable words of one of the greatest educationists living in our midst today – Ken Robinson. In a recent interview, he remarked, ” You have control over what you do; think of the direction you take as a quest. Life is brief- only do things that hold meaning and purpose.” After a little over three decades of working in four different jobs I thought if I do not at least make an honest attempt to answer what I think is a genuine “inner calling” I would be leaving this world with a dream unfulfilled. I decided that I will no longer shoulder the guilt of “not trying”.
I DO HOPE THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO STEADFASTLY hold on to my own inner belief and feel a sense of authenticity. Centuries ago, the Greeks coined a term for this – eudaimonia. As the word implies, one hopes one will find fulfillment in a state of well being that is prompted by living in consonance with one’s deeply held beliefs.
I HAVE TRIED TO PURGE ALL THOUGHTS OF self doubt and a tidbit from the recently concluded Australian Open convinces me that I am on the right track. One learns that the following words of Samuel Beckett were found tattooed on the left arm of this year’s winner, Stanislaus Wawrinka :
Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.
Watch this space !
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