Talking about change, well, let me be very honest, during the initial years of my childhood, I was never to open to change. The concept of change was frightening, it made me believe that I was being thrust out of my cocoon, a sheltered life, a humdrum life, full of bliss, comfort and no change. I was rigid to quite a large extent. But experience is a great teacher, it teaches us things that no university or reference book can impart. I moulded myself according to changing scenarios, changing expectations, became more open to adapt to changes that would not be detrimental to my existence in any manner. Some people are responsible for what I am today. They made me understand that being flexible is no crime, it only enhances adaptability, ensures less strain in relationships, and fosters better associations. I know that sounds like a stereotypical definition in the Oxford Dictionary! When I look back, I wonder how irrational I was (well, I still am, but I believe the percentage of irrationality has reduced considerably!), horribly moralistic, and yes, unnecessarily judgemental. Today, I know I have loosened up a lot (and there is tremendous scope to loosen up further), and trust me, it has taken me a great deal of effort to incorporate change, however insignificant it may be. No regrets though, in this respect.
I marvel at my ability to remain silent, without uttering a single word, for indefinite periods of time. Strange enough, because I am otherwise an extremely talkative person. So much, that the listener is always one shot of giving me a resounding slap on my cheek! More often than not, you would find me in the same room with no conversation, no expression, nothing. Call it a mood fluctuation or a habit, people who know me well, have got used to this trait of mine. And, those who don’t, tend to pass the wackiest of comments! I am just as normal a human as you are. And yes, I am as inhuman as you are. Nothing separates me from the majority. Like I mentioned at the start - I happen to belong to this prestigious category of our country’s most inconsequential people. I won’t take back my words. I am a person who never does that. At least, that’s how I would want to believe. And I am pretty sure, by now, you would agree with me.
There are some elements in my life that define me the best. Elements may sound a bit too clichéd. Vibrant and highly unassuming, both oxymorons (figures of speech) – I am a person who loves the colours orange and black the most, but very strangely, the colour grey has taken a precedence in my list of ‘likes’. When it comes to my association with animals, I adore dogs, and much to your surprise and aghast, I love reptiles. Given an opportunity, I will domesticate a Komodo Dragon! This is certainly not my intention to make you loathe or despise me! Those who know me, often call me weirdly wired, but that’s how my grey matter works. It’s horribly different!
I am sure by this time, as a reader, you have already formed a certain image about the kind of person I am, or at least I portray myself to be. This is exactly what I do not want you to do. As a student who is currently pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, I have learnt this gospel, lesser-known truth that pre-conceived notions and pre-determined perceptions with regard to people and situations only tend to make matters worse and irreversible. One need not be always opinionated about every aspect of life. Having an opinion certainly doesn’t make us come across as a villain, but trust me, not having one, can help blend in any given scenario. There are no ifs and buts. That’s what a program in Management has done to a change-averse person like me. Adaptability, tolerance, patience, and empathy – these traits get established, even without our conscious observation. Of course, leadership, determination, a go-getter-never-say-die attitude are also instilled. It’s ultimately the way we look at things. For me, the glass is always full, or at least half-full. I have worked on training my mind to strongly believe in it. I urge you to try as well. You will be surprised at the results!
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