Isn’t it very often that we crib how our plans were foiled because they were not meant to be? I have lost count of the number of times I have prayed to God until late at night to make me ace my math test the next morning, or to make that cute guy ask me out on a date. Umm...it doesnt happen that way...”If wishes were horses,
beggars would ride them”, or so the famous quote goes. I would love to view the World with rose coloured glasses, but I know life is such a paradox...it surprises you when you least expect it... hunky dory for a while and then BOOM!...Life just hits you in the face. I have a thing for talking with my God...I talk to him very regularly, and we have one-on-one’s where we have deep conversations regarding my love handles or the zit on my face. On a serious note, we discuss life and I have noticed that everytime I want something to work out my way, it works out- but not without a twist! There is always something that I chalk out and a plan that God has already made for me. It works out anyhow, but I know its Him...
There might be a thousand things you try in order to curve out your destiny, to ensure a better and secure solution to your problems, but He is watching and He knows exactly what to do. Sure, Man is the maker of his own destiny, but God is the Big Daddy of the Man...magic happens and happens just like that...
we have all heard of miracle cures and people waking from the dead...people who were suffering from terminal illnesses in the last stages, yet miraculously they survive for years, or a street beggar winning pots of money because of one unnamed cheque that someone dropped on the road. We have heard of unfinished love stories coming to a grand finale when the two separated lovers meet when they are old and grey. We call it luck, destiny...its all a part of God’s plan. He knows where all of us are headed.
So, the next time you receive that Apple I-Phone from your long forgotten aquaintance, remember He’s watching you.

Then came the trip we were waiting for...Mudumalai Forest Sanctuary. It is situated in the northwestern corner of Tamil Nadu at a distance of around 80 km from Coimbatore and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. We took the shorter, but difficult route via Coonoor(64 km from Ooty), called the “36-Bend Route”. We came to know why it was called that as we drove on, it had 36 Hair-pin Bends and a gradient of almost 40-45 degrees. It reminded me of a Formula-I track. When we reached our destination - Safari Land Resort - in the heart of Mudumalai forest, it was heaven at first sight...we were given an
exclusive Tree-House perched atop a huge tree almost 10-15 metre high, with the tree going right through the room. It was an amazing experience to stay there for the next 2-3 days in the most ecological way...the tree- house was made up completely of bamboo, thatch & Wood. The swaying of branches & and rustling of leaves as you slept made it awfully peaceful, squirrels, chameleons & monkeys visiting you pretty often in the room...all this was tucked in the middle of nowhere...and was indeed an adventure in itself.
But our adventure in true sense was awaiting us, as Mr Ali, the owner of the place, had planned an excellent itinerary for us. The jungle tours were terrific and well organised, be it a day safari in the Forest Department van, or the night safari in their own open jeeps...we were lucky enough to spot animals in plenty during all trips. The elephants were shy, but the bisons were extremely camera friendly - they would pose gladly for the camera,and they were in plenty, so were sambhar, spotted deer, wild boars etc. The Night Safari was a different experience, wherein elephants almost charged at us as we were passing, but the bison were merrily posing next to the road.
The most exciting part was the early morning trek to the forest on foot, where we were welcomed by a huge black grizzly bear from an unbelievably striking distance of 10metre in the middle of the jungle. Apart from that, we were also fortunate to spot bisons & sambhar from close vicinity.
The experience was definitely one of my best, and I plan to revisit Mudumalai soon. For all you folks reading this, its a highly recommended place, if you happen to visit that side.

A successful career is a dream cherished by each one of us. We are taught from kindergarten onwards to be good at what we are doing. Mothers are constantly seen trying to stuff information into their kids’ minds, thinking they will exactly be able to reproduce in exams, what they so painstakingly have taught their young ones. It is true that instilling proper values and knowledge in a child’s mind helps him gain confidence to make a successful career for himself when he grows up.

Little do we realize that each person has their own potential. Every single individual on this planet has his/her own identity, and this individual identity should not be shaken. One should not be forced to be like others, to dress like others, to talk like others, and most importantly, to perform as well as others are. Every single person has a unique soul or ‘aatma’, and this unique soul develops right from birth until the day we die. This soul gives us the inner confidence to achieve what we want and to succeed in life.

I agree that qualifications are equally important for a successful career, and one should be educated enough to stand on his own in life. However, by education, I mean wisdom and not plain textbook knowledge. Wisdom to decide right from wrong. With this kind of education in hand, confidence comes from within. The confidence to stand by one’s own beliefs and principles, the confidence to make your own mark in whatever field one may choose.

While the mind gets education, it is also important for our bodies to be in sync with it. Correct body language is extremely important in communicating your confidence to the World.
A slouchy posture, an unsure gait are all signs of under confidence. A well defined posture and a confident tone can work wonders in communicating effectively when you want to clinch that crucial deal with a giant organization or make that lasting impression on your boss.

Confidence is indeed, the key factor for a successful career. However, while confidence is important, too much of it can ruin all the hard work you put in the first place. Over confidence is a surefire way to not be taken seriously. When we try too hard to make an impression, we do not realize that we might be exposing our shortcomings and this may work against us. What works in the long run is a true show of our personalities, as confidence shines from within and cannot be created. To sum it all up, confidence is essential in realizing our goals and dreams.