Sohum Sutras

My girlfriends do spoil me a lot. Today Seema (the one in black, with a Prada bag), took me for lunch to my favorite place- Flavors. Flavors is under Defence Colony flyover and serves authentic Italian cuisine. On their menu they have amazing salads and waist watchers section too.  We were joined in, by Ms cute, gorgeous, classy, chirpy person (the one in my favorite fuchsia top, and long beautiful tresses). I can sing praises for her but she is so young, that I would rather respect her privacy and not reveal much about her. Few words about Seema. Seema has been in high profile corporate job, which she quit some time back and is now a home maker. She has done up her home extremely beautifully and tastefully. She is extremely helpful, intelligent, humble and warm person. Being from finance background, she is pretty good at it. In fact, she is an authority on the subject. Her whole family is wonderful. One feels blessed to have such good friends in life. I a...

In an age of social networking and emails, people rarely have time for thick friendships. Research has proven that specially women have a need to connect with their gal pals. They can empathize and comfort better. Sisterhood is an important part of womanhood. Women de stress when they gossip. Have friendships without any hidden motives or agendas. Have a rock solid bond with your friends and stand with them through thick and thin. With my girlfriends, I know for sure, how they will always be by my side when I need them. We do not talk about jewels nor try to impress each other with our latest acquisitions. We are most relaxed and chilled out with each other and are very non judgemental about each other. We give other person space and yet unconditional love and support whenever needed. We can pour our heart out to the other and know that our secrets are safe. Such should be the friendships.

Cat Grizabella sang a memorable song, "memories' in Andrew Llyod Webber musical Cats : Daylight. I must wait for the sunrise I must think of a new life And I mustn't give in. When the dawn comes tonight will be a memory too And a new day will begin.

Today I met these wonderful girls- Shreya and Leia for lunch at Amour in Hauz Khas village. Leia is a blogger. You can check her blog here.  Leia is also a piano teacher. Leia blogs about her daily fashion, her exquisite nail art, flower arrangements, her baking recipes, etc. Leia is from Dhaka. She has recently moved to Delhi, after her wedding. I have been following her blog for quite some time now and was overjoyed when I got to know that she is moving to Delhi. We have met earlier before and she has featured in my blog here before.  Shreya is a wonderful person, who has been a client, friend, my ardent blog reader and much more. We connect well together. You would remember seeing her here before where I sang her praises. Once Shreya had sent me a lovely bouquet. It was featured here on this blog and her lovely card was featured here on this blog. What I am wearing: Skirt: Joss. I have worn it here  and here befor...

For self realization, you have to look with'in' and see how the 'in'side shapes your outer world. Think of the importance of "in". It is always introspect, intuition, insight, instinct, inspiration, internal, integrity, innocence, inborn and the list goes on. In fact, a new born baby is kept in a incubator.

Observe a child and see how he laughs, spontaneously, genuinely, without any reason, enjoying the moment. Learn to laugh and smile for no reason. People today have forgotten to smile. They will laugh at jokes of someone, whom they consider superior to themselves, even if they do not understand the joke because they do not want to portray an image of ignoramus. Do not take yourself too seriously. Successful people need not look grave and serious all the time. Let go. Smile and laugh. Laughter, as they say, is the best medicine. Having said this, let me also add here that humor and mockery are two different things. Be humorous in your approach. But never mock at others nor let anyone get away by mocking at you/being sarcastic towards you/passing snide remarks at you, and laughing at your expense. There is a thin line that divides the two. Only people with very low self esteem can pass off mockery as humor. But there is nothing funny in mockery.

What I am wearing: Top: Kenneth Cole Skirt: Express Heels: Miss Sixty

3 things associated with past Anger Guilt Sadness 3 things associated with future Fear Expectation Anxiety/anguish But if you get centered and live in present , you will be just Happy, peaceful and contended.

I have often stated that our Destiny is in our own hands. We can make it or mar it. I have written a post about destiny here before. In his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People", Stephen Covey, the author states that the 10% of life is made up of what happens to you; 90% of life is decided by how you react. Our reactions often change the whole game plan for better or for worse. That is why, as I have said earlier, our Destiny is in our own hands. By saying so, I do not mean at all that one should not react. In fact, REACT. React the way you want to. Burst out if you wish to. Do not be too submissive. But whatever the situation, you be in control of the situation rather than the situation controlling you. Hence, carve your own destiny.

Beautiful poem by Rudyard Kipling If you can dream- and not make dreams your master, If you can think- and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disater And treat those two impostors just the same.. If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty second's worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And- which is more- you 'll be a Man, my son!

His Holiness, Dalai Lama has beautifully said, “Take care of your Thoughts because they become Words. Take Care of your Words because they will become Actions. Take care of your Actions because they will become Habits. Take care of your Habits because they will form your Character. Take care of your Character because it will form your destiny. And your Destiny will be your Life!” This sums up the power of thoughts. If you focus on negativity in your life, you will go into depression. Why not focus on all the positive things in your life. Is the glass half empty or half full? This is for you to figure out. Yes, we have no control over thoughts and mind just wanders. But let it wander and recall the beautiful moments that you had in your life rather than brood over what you do not have. Your life will then no longer seem hopeless. It will seem worth living. Our mind and thoughts are given to us as very powerful tools. Use them to your advantage. With your thoughts,...

I think the biggest secret for being happy is "being yourself". Never wear a mask. Never do what is not coming from within but is being done to confirm to the norms of society, or to please someone else. Discover yourself. Ask yourself, what you want, who you are, where you want to be? Stop imitating other person. Yes, adopt the positive qualities of others but do not try to have a similar lifestyle of someone else just because he/she seems happier, more successful, etc. Only people with low self esteem aspire to be like someone else. They put up fake accents, dress up like someone else and do things that are alien to them. Some people never ever smile. Because they attribute smiling to being frivolous. Business class passengers, wearing pin stripes, glasses, reading financial express, working on a lap top will never smile. Because they think that it works against their image in the corporate sector. Be yourself. Be honest. Do not have inhibitions. Voice out your emotion...

Yesterday there was a general body meeting of Quota International club, NGO, of which I am a part of. President Chris, from US had come over for the same. Here are few pictures of the same. I have worn this suit by Anita Dongre here before. Check it on this link.

There were so many do's to attend last night- An art exhibition, dinner at one friend and a Birthday party of another friend. I was exhausted. Before that, there was also meeting of a NGO. Those pictures will follow in the next post.  What I wore I have worn the entire ensemble before in this post.  Check it here. I added my kani shawl to it.

She was so shy. Unlike others, she was hesitant to come in front of the camera. Hence, a special candid shot of her. All my friends are special and dear to me. Some have a special place in my heart. A soft corner.  Both these girls were given prizes for being the best dressed. They looked so cute.

We were Nabeela, Hameeda, Latifa, Zainab, Fatima, Shakira, Munira. My name will remain undisclosed.