Change is Good

Lazy bones. That’s what people used to call me. My life happened mostly after sun down — no, I’m not the party kind. I’m more of a solo act. I read, write, watch movies or just lie awake in bed way past midnight.

Now though, I have trouble staying awake past 10 pm.

That’s because I awake at 4 am everyday. And despite people telling me repeatedly that I’m crazy, I continue to wake up early, and go to work — see that’s why people call me nuts, because I go to work at 6 am when the rest of my colleagues don’t show up until after 10.

I don’t care though. Ever since I started waking up early, I’ve been experiencing the subtleties of nature that the rest of the world sadly misses.

I’ve been there — I’ve lived in that precise moment that it takes for the light to appear in the sky. It only takes about 5 minutes to go from darkness to bright, and it’s amazing how quickly it all happens.

And all the while, the moon sits majestically on the clouds surveying the world, preparing to sink back into the sky. I’ve seen the moonrise countless times to say that the moonset is equally beautiful, particularly the night after a full moon.

And the sunrise — how can I forget that? In as little at 15 minutes, the sun and the sky around it change rapidly. The entire process lasts for about an hour — wherein every 5 minutes, the sun’s position, color and grandeur are so beautifully diverse. I try taking photos, but I’m nowhere a match to nature’s design — I simply can’t share the beauty with those who are asleep when the sun shows up.

Sunrises — The sunrise on three different days and times

Just knowing that I enjoy both the moon and the sun within an interval of 1 to 1 1/2 hours — is a joy beyond words. It’s bliss.

Who’d feel like sleeping after seeing what I’ve seen? That’s what motivates me to wake up early everyday. Knowing what I’m about to see during my walk to work, and thereafter is an impetus I can’t resist.

P.S — Even while writing this, I could feel my lips widening in a smile. Here I am at work, typing away and smiling at my screen like a nutter, when everyone else I know is snoozing!

National Blog Posting Month – #Day11

The Best Advice

Here’s the thing about advice: it’s best recieved from an inanimate object. I meant a book. Because the worst you can do to a book is rip it to pieces, and what it says isn’t going to change. It’s much better than taking advice from friends or family where at the end of the day, the relationship might be hanging on a noose.

Anyway, books — they have the best advice. A few quotes always help me so much on a bad day. Here are a few of my favourite quotes.

“First sign of madness, talking to your own head,”

~Harry Potter

I talk to myself a lot. Random ramblings to conversation replays — it all happens in my head. And I smile each time I think about that line. Sheer madness!

“Keep in mind that many people have died for their beliefs; it’s actually quite common. The real courage is in living and suffering for what you believe.”

~ Christopher Paolini, Eragon

Dare to believe in what is worth believing and worth dying for — a great advice. This book surprised me, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Pity the others in the series weren’t as interesting.

“We’re fighting.”

~Harry Potter

If an imaginary character can fight for something he believes in, why can’t I? Motivation in its purest form. Someone says something like that to me when I’m distressed, I’d probably punch them — but it’s just a quote, so it’s fine.

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”

~Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

This is where I fell for Paulo Coelho’s writing. Raw truth, not to mention bitter. I know this feeling only too well — when I wish people would stop telling me what to do and leave me alone. Been there?

“I am not worried…I am with you.”

~Harry Potter

An incredible teacher — student conversation in a life threatening situation! How would it be if teachers trust students with their lives? What would students do? Endless possibilities; endless entertainment.

“Truth doesn’t have to be liked. It only has to be spoken. Speak it out. The truth may hurt you, but it will set you free.”

~ Amish Tripathi, The Secret of the Nagas

Well, Amish has said it all, and I have nothing better to add.

Any thoughts? You know what they say, “Spit it out!”

National Blog Posting Month – #Day8

Oh, Fandoms!

I love Pinterest. Because it fuels my multiple fandom needs. Facebook – well, not so much. Because that takes it all a little too far.

What is with fandoms that makes the hair in my neck stand erect, in utmost attention? And what is that feeling that leaves my spine tingling? Even I know it’s not that cold where I live. It’s the feeling of being satisfied by an image, a quote, a photo or a simple not-so-exact reference to a popular fandom.

I love BBC’s Sherlock. And the Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory – the list goes on.

When I see a photo of Benedict Cumberbatch on a Facebook page I’ve liked, it makes me smile. It reminds me of Sherlock’s wit and Benedict’s acting. But I’d like to leave it that way. Simple.

Nowadays though, all I see are posts of Benedict’s photos with captions of how handsome he is, describing him as a cutie-pie, or a cherry blossom – or whatever crap.

And that’s annoying.

Admins of these pages use my interest in the show to manipulate me into ‘liking’ posts and even believing stuff my sane-self knows to be bull shit.

Something similar happened with the BSB – troll posts and all other fake people posting from their name – social networks became painful. It’s like they have to do whatever it takes to entertain their fans – even if it means stripping themselves naked. It all feels wrong and immature – perhaps it’s just me – but I don’t want to spend my day staring at old photos of the BSB, following them to recordings, sharing a vehicle, selfies or meals. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the BSB but I’d rather sit home enjoying some of their greatest music.

Using the natural affection for someone, or something seems to me like a cheap way of earning bucks. It’s like porn – the more you see this stuff, the more addicted you get and the higher the chances you participate in that fandom. Isn’t that the lowest level of insult possible?

I respect my fandoms enough to know where to draw the line.

National Blog Posting Month – #Day4

150, Oh My!

This was not the post I had planned to publish today. Nevertheless, it’s as important as ever.

I’ve reached a milestone of 150 followers!

Sounds a little trivial? Well, not for me! I’ve spent much time and months for this blog – not just publishing random posts, but also figuring out a way to get over my inhibitions and feel confident writing about my personal feelings. And though it took me longer than I hoped it would, I have finally managed to build a small readership for myself.

I’m so proud of myself – and thankful to everyone reading this. Thank you so much for everyone who came back for more of my writing – nothing motivated me as much as that rising bar chart in my blog statistics. To all of you who follow this blog, open post emails and spare your time to visit this space – I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

It’s been one hell of a journey on The Chaos Within – I remember times when I used to stare at posts that I thought were so good, but got no attention – of course, now I realize that blogging is more than publishing new blogs; it’s more about the people and the community. As I learn more and more about the amazing world of blogging, I invite you to stand alongside me so that we may take the ride together.

My dear bloggers, all of you are amazing, (whether you’re following me or not!) because blogging requires awesomeness at spirit and a kindness at heart that I’m only just beginning to experience.

Have a great day y’all. I know I will!

National Blog Posting Month – #Day3

What I Learnt From Helping People

I’ve been a WordPress member for 2 years now, though I haven’t been blogging or taking active part in the forums for that long.

Ever since I started reading the forums and replying, I’ve enjoyed it so much that it’s like a way of getting high. Nope, I’m not exaggerating, but it’s so satisfying to see someone walk away (!?) with whatever little help you offered. It’s such a peaceful feeling.

A couple of days ago, I went through the threads I had replied to about 4 months ago, and it definitely made me smile. To see people succeeding in doing something for themselves — wow it was inexplicable joy. But more than that, I was proud of myself. I was proud that the knowledge I had gained from blogging on WordPress has really helped some else blog better.

And, I was getting better at relationships!

I hate to get involved in communities offline. I get claustrophobic whenever I’m in a large crowd of people, particularly around friends of friends. Strangers, I don’t mind — but people who could be potential acquaintances — that’s a scary moment for me. I get scared at having to live in some one else’s shadow. That awkward feeling when you are with a bunch of people you partly know, only because you have a mutual friend? What happens if the friend suddenly moves away, and you’re left alone with these people?

I know — that’s my chance to make friends of my own — but it’s a bit awkward. At least for the first few times. I tend to take some time with people.

But all these changed online. The forums really helped me interact with people easily, and without making a fool out of myself.

Well, I did make a fool out of myself once or twice — or more, but the thing is, no one seemed to think that way. Besides, even if they did, no one comments on it, or makes it a big issue. After all, we all make mistakes and we need to learn somehow.

From chipping in at the WordPress Forums, I learnt the details of a few features that I use myself. Not to mention how much I enjoyed being a part of the WP community.

Also, I learnt how awesome the internet is.

National Blog Posting Month – #Day2

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