The power of words

When people write to me and tell me how much my words and my posts motivate them, I feel moved. I feel happy. And I feel delighted that what started as a journey to help myself ended up bringing sunshine to many.

Shruti wrote about it in her post 'Blessed with a friend' .I was so moved .(So many people said so many nice things about me in the comments section there--I thank you all) Ajay mentioned it here. Misti wrote a post recently mentioning how my blog inspired her to pursue something she always wanted to. (click on the coloured words)

Rayne of Crunchybits and somanystories.com says “Before you groan and say, “Not another mommy blog.” let me assure you this blog is much, much, more than that. Preeti is an incredible writer whose posts are filled with warmth, humor, compassion and the joy of life and while some of her entries are about her children, after all they are a big part of her life, they aren’t cloying or annoying. She also blogs about so much more. Memories of her past, her travels, her interactions with other people, and the big wide world around her. I envy her ability to travel and see so many interesting places and it always pleases me when she shares her adventures through photos and words. She shares her days with us candidly and in this way invites us into her life. Her blog is one of my daily reads and I believe it will be one of yours, too.”

I don’t forget kind words easily.(They are so hard to come by) It is the same with unkind words. I was hurt and upset sometime back when someone I consider a good friend said that my blog is lousy, he doesn’t like my writing style (yes, he is entitled to his opinion- I know) and most of it is stupid sentimental stuff.(Maybe it is because it is heartfelt) It reminded me of my post on ‘Truth speakers’.

Most of us are so conditioned to condone rudeness. Many of us find it easier to point out that the person being rude has a free right of speech and there might be truth in what he or she says. Many of us question ourselves (Did I over react? Did he/she really mean what he said?) Some of us even sub consciously defend the wrong doer (May be I should have stood up for myself but he/she was right.)

What I firmly believe is that no matter what the person meant (or didn’t mean) if their words hurt you, then your feelings ARE valid. Do not make excuses for them. Tell them how much it hurt you and why. If they really care they will apologise and make an effort to remember it next time.

Some people are so negative. They find it hard to be happy. They find it hard to muster enthusiasm. If you want to do something they will point out reasons why it cannot be done. If you want to write a book, they will tell you that there are hundreds of hopefuls who want to be the next J.K Rowling and publishing houses wont even look at your manuscript. If you want to paint a picture (or pursue your hobby of photography) and if you dare dream of holding your own exhibition they will delight in telling you that it is very difficult, as there are thousands of more talented people out there.

Do not listen to them. I firmly believe that what the human mind can imagine, it can achieve.

Sometimes, I’m grateful to the negative people too. I find that when I am getting too comfortable and laid back in a nice routine, then a sharp jab from someone makes me think. It makes me act—and shakes me out of my comfort zone—making me more determined to pursue my dream and chase my goals.

I felt a sense of satisfaction today when I got my first earning from my writing. (An article I wrote for a local paper was published in December) I have always been interested in writing and really enjoyed it. But I never pursued it as a career or did not even think that I could be earning from it.(Compared to what I earn from my Thinking workshops, it is really a pittance, but still this is the first time I'm getting paid for writing)

Paths always open up. Always. Sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes with relentless pursuit. But they do. Despite the drains, nay-sayers and the negative thinkers—or maybe because of them!