Essay - Failure in Life

Encountering failure is one of the biggest challenges known to mankind. Not everyone is good at handling failure. One may overcome the biggest challenges to achieve success but when it comes to handling failure, not everyone can tackle it. Each individual has his own way of tackling failure. It is a whole different story for each one of us. Some may accept failure and learn to fight a way through it by trying again. Some take failures as graciously as they could while some miserably mess things up. Here is a story that I recently learnt which tell us about how not having the strength to handle failure could lead to serious repercussions. 

There was a very brilliant boy, who always scored 100% in Science. He got selected for IIT Madras and scored excellent in IIT. He then went to the University of California for MBA and got a high paying job in America and settled there. 

He got married a beautiful Tamil girl and bought a 5 room big house and luxury cars.

He had everything that made him successful but a few years ago he committed suicide after shooting his wife and children.

So, WHAT WENT WRONG?

California Institute of Clinical Psychology Studied his case and found “what went wrong?”  The researcher met the boy’s friends and family and found that he lost his job due to America’s economic crisis and he had to sit without a job for a long time. Even after expecting a job with less salary than his previous, he didn't get any. 

Since he couldn't manage keeping steady his house installments, the family lost the home. They survived a few months with low money and then he and his wife together decided to commit suicide. He first shot his wife and children and then shot himself.

The case concluded that the man was programmed for successes but he was not trained for handling failures. Now let's come to the actual question, 

"What are the habits of highly successful people?"

People often share their success stories but very few share their battles and struggles to success. Many fail miserably in their early attempts of success and then rise to shine.  Nothing is predictable in life. There are risks and possibilities. At any point of time, one may lose what he owns. Here is a quote that speaks the same, 

" Life is like a river, 

sometimes it sweeps you gently along and 

sometimes the rapids comes

out of nowhere."

What this means is that when we plan to start something new, nobody can predict how things would go on. We can desire success, but we should learn to accept failures too. Failures make us who we are. They help us learn things and give us experiences that we knew nothing about. Hence one of the most important success habit to share is to learn to handle failures. 

Same lesson applies to the kids. We want our children to gain success in everything they do. Seldom we teach our child that it is okay to fail. When a child fails we get disappointed which in turn disappoints the child. But instead of programming our child to be successful we should prepare them to handle failures which is one of the most important life lesson you could teach your child.

Essay - The Change in Gender Role

In this evolving world, not only women but men too must prepare themselves for the change. Today's scenario one witnesses a lot of change and confidence building in women. Women are meeting challenging roles successfully, but one can't say the same about the men. It has been a matter of two generations especially in the urban scenario, where women changed their gender based role. It could be the result of perfect parenting where women were raised to be confident and made aware to stand for their rights. But has this parenting been biased when it came to boys? Has it been made clear to them about the change that was imbibed in women and how it was going to effect in the future run?

 When the daughters of the house were taught to shape into this new role, no one bothered to notify the men that their sisters were changing and evolving. No more the women in the house needed the so-called protection and dependency. Where women were taught to grow beyond their roles in kitchen and work in male dominated areas, men were never taught to cook and house-keep. Why is cooking and housekeeping considered solely to be a women's job? If women can work and walk hand in hand with men today by earning equals, men don't seem to approve the idea where they could cook and clean when their wives or mothers were out working.

Theoretically men accepted the role of their wives or mothers or sisters as working women; but they were completely unprepared for the role of a homemaker. Men were never taught to honor and accept living with women who earned more. Men were never taught that it was okay to stay home and manage the house and kids while their wives continued to work. A women is so good with multi-tasking. She can successfully handles a field job, prepare reports, manage house, manage kids, prepare lunches, come home and cook dinner. But men seem to lack this potential.

 When a woman gets a promotion or a career boost which may take her away from the city or which may mean less family indulgence, it gets quite clear that she has to select her family first and turn down such opportunities. But have the men been taught to do the same? No. And hence men need to be made aware that they too need to come out of their shelves and evolve. When we speak of empowering women, we must also help men to prepare for the change in gender role so to set their expectations right.

Expansion of Idea - However Mean Your Life is, Meet it and Live it; Do no Shun it and Call it Hard Names.

Human being has harvested into the constant habit of nagging. Be it grumbling about their financial problems or crying over facing daily struggles. Such people who persistently complain can never achieve happiness in life. Nor would success come to such people who whine about every single thing happening in their life.

Life could be mean at times, but that doesn't mean we stop living it or we stop enjoying the good moments that come across. Once we start living our life we will soon realize that it is not that bad at all. So instead of shunning our life and complaining about it, we should enjoy each and every moment we come across. 

Expansion of Idea - A Great Deal of Talent is Lost in the World for the Want of a Little Courage

There are many people out there who have real talents. Some are out exhibiting it, but not all. Seldom these talents go recognized or known to others. Many people with real talent rarely accomplish any success. This is the case with most because they hardly let others know in the first place that any talent does exist.

Timidity is one of the major fault that stops an individual from making the first venture. The fear of failure and being a source of embarrassment can keep a person from showcasing his or her talent. Then steps in self-distrust, where a person doubts himself and his capabilities. Thus the talent he possesses stay hidden within him, away from the eyes of others. And hence a great deal of talent is lost in the world for the want of a little courage.

Expansion of Idea - Living Life

Life is said to be worth living. Though it never turns out the way you want it. Unexpected things do happens, which aren't wished for. Every day is a new challenge, a new journey. It is not something that has an editing facility. If there had been such a facility, imagine how wonderful life would have been.

We would have edited every difficult and untoward situation and lived happily. But few people don't find happiness in their entire life. It seems to unbalanced. Seeking happiness is like winning a lottery. This happens to one in million.

Consider memories, when you think of past, along with all the good, funny and happy moments, you also remember all sad, horrifying and bitter moments. Wish life had a delete button, and then maybe we could delete all the unwanted, scary and non – happening memories permanently.

Life is a sad phase, where no one can expect the next thing going to happen in their life. What if we really had choices, like choice to live, to make amends? Though we have few choices; that can make us live peacefully or disturb our existence. Choices like forgiving someone, blaming someone, hating someone, forgiving someone etc.

Do we make a good use of such choices? Indeed no, we end up making a wrong choice at the wrong time and end up in dirt. Repentance makes us feel vulnerable to an extent that we start hating ourselves.

But then aren't mankind known to live out in odds and overcome such situations. Aren't we capable enough to make a better use of our life and handle things? Aren't we known for our power in terms of raising our voice, speaking out our mind, fighting back, building our own empire and striving hard to make our survival worth living? It's never too late and we can always make it happen what is wanted by us from our life.

Expansion of Idea - For Some The Journey is Quicker, For Some The Journey is Slow

Very often life is compared to a journey. When people set on a journey, some are quick enough to reach their destination while some meander on slow. Similarly in life people walk in their own pace. For some achieving destination is the only goal they planned and hence they set their mind on it. But some walk the way their life takes them, without having any idea what they wish to be. For such the journey could often be slow and dreadful.

Our pace of life also depends on our abilities, skills, goals and our determination. If you are determined, you can make your dream come true. But without determination life can stagnate for some. Life provides us with vast opportunities and experiences. It is upon us to make most of it and enrich our lives by living it to the fullest. Or else our journey of life would be slow and meaningless.

Expansion of Idea - Speech is the Gift of All, But Thought of Few

Human beings are very fortunate compared to other animals. One of the best things that happened to us is the speech. Speech is a gift which allows us to express our feelings, convey ideas, speak and communicate with others. The freedom of speech has allowed us to express and debate about our opinions on things. Talking has thus come naturally to us. Few use it in a good and wise way while for few it is just about talking without thinking.

Though all of us have the skill of reasoning, very few actually make use of it. Being rational is not everyone's cup of it. Thinking before speaking is actually foreign to few people. And all this results to what can be expected from such people - bunch of words spoken out without giving any thought to it. Decisions are made without worrying about the consequences of it. The thoughtless words are said and then paid heavily later.

But not everyone sail in the same boat. Some people actually think before saying. These people take their thoughts into consideration and make rational assessment of it. They worry about the consequences and speak wisely. The outcome of speech for such people are always worthwhile. This is because they are never reckless. Hence man should use the power of thinking before making a speech. Think more and speak less should be the motto of one's life. Because whatever you speak is the result of one's thinking. 

Expansion of Idea - Green City, Clean City

When we say 'green city', the first thing that comes to our mind is a city full of greenery. Lush green trees and plants everywhere! When we say 'clean city', the first thing that comes to our mind is a city completely clean of garbage, pollution and dirt. The combination of both blows our mind away. Something such would exist is a dream come true.

But think about it in this manner -  a city which is green because of lots and lots of trees swaying away all around would definitely keep away pollution, forest degradation and other environmental problems. Such city would help purify the air and allow us to breathe safely, without any worry of pollutants and gases. A green city will allow us to live a healthy life. Such city would gain an ecotourist importance and attract tourists and visitors from all around the world.

If such a city exists the residents of such city would rejoice because of all the attention. In turn, they would take certain measures to keep the city clean and set an example. Not only will the green city be maintained but the people of the city would plant more trees and try to maintain the green environment. Once the ecosystem is balanced, the city would remain free from diseases and the residents would enjoy healthy environs. But such city can still exists, if we as concerned citizens take initiative towards making it green and clean.

It is completely upon us as the concerned citizens to plant more trees, maintain them, maintain cleanliness and keep the environmental problems at bay. Even if it starts with one city, slowly and steadily it would grow. Imagine what the consequences be - good health and happiness everywhere!

Expansion of Idea - Live and Let Live

Life is the best gift to mankind. Enjoying life and allowing others to enjoy so is the right thing to do. Making use of every opportunity available to us helps to make life better. Such opportunities should be enjoyed and allowed others to enjoy as well. Every person has the right to make the most of the opportunity provided to him to improve his standard of living and to develop his own skills. Man in his own greed at times, takes away such opportunity from others who too deserve to enjoy. By doing so, we destroy the peace and well being of others.

No one can predict the time allotted to them to make their presence on this earth. Hence one should make the right use of his time and allow others to do so too. But greed overpowers all the desires. Greed not just to have everything to oneself, but greed to peace, greed to fame, greed to power and greed to success makes man cruel and selfish. In such cases, we destroy lives of others and bring harm to innocent people. We should allow each and everyone the opportunity to live and enjoy life. Every one has the right to do so. No one is less fortunate than other. 'Live and let live' indeed should be the prime principle of every individual's life.

Expansion of Idea - We Live in Deeds Not in Years

Man is known for his deeds. Our actions speak louder than our words. What a man does in his life counts more than how long he lived. You may live a short span life, but if your life is well-spent than such a life is far better than a life that is long lived. Life that we have is a god's gift, and it is upon us how we make the most of it.

What is the point in living a longer life which is wasted and has nothing to remember by! Man in it's entirety can survive on his actions rather than how long he lived. Deeds speak for themselves. Our deeds and our actions are what we are judged for, not for the length span of our life.  A life full of negativity, regrets and unpleasantness is not a life well spent.

You rather live short, but whatever time you spend on this earth it should be worth it. A good living never goes unnoticed. Some spend their life with actions that announce positivity, generosity, humility, charity and forgiveness. Such people are followed by many and often serve as examples to live by. Hence it is imperative that one should make a good living of his life and enjoy optimistic and positive approach. Because we live in deeds not in years. 

Expansion of Idea - For Some The Journey is Quicker, For Some The Journey is Slow

Life is a journey. Each day you try and reach a new milestone. For some the journey of life is quick for some it is slow. Each one of us live life our own way. Everyone has their own goals, dreams and objective they wish to achieve. We try to fulfill our objectives and achieve our goals depending on our merit. Our skills and abilities provide us with the opportunity to make the most out of our life.

For some the journey is slow and for some the journey of achieving success is fast. This speed depends on how important it is for one to reach the goal. For some the only purpose of life is to make their dreams come true. But not everyone think that way and then they stagnate and live a dreary life. Then there are few who reach success on a slower pace, because they face many obstacles and yet never back out.

The journey of life allows us to come across varied experiences and vast opportunities. We meet people and learn different lessons. It is all about how you take each and every opportunity and try to enrich your life. Some let opportunities go and repent their whole life. Opportunities once lost can never be found again. Hence it is important that we take life in a positive way and make the most out of it. By doing so we can continue with the journey of life on a much faster pace. 

Expansion of Idea - Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Whenever we hear this maxim, the only story that comes to our mind is about the race between the tortoise and the hare. In this story, there was a race between a hare and a tortoise. This race is won by the tortoise, who slow and steadily reaches the winning line, whereas the hare loses because of it's overconfidence and foolishness.

At times, people rush into certain things or decisions without giving it a second thought. Such people make a fool of themselves by meeting with failure. The reason for meeting failures in such circumstances is either being too confident about oneself or not taking time thinking over the decision to be made.

Some students do not prepare for exams throughout the year, but study at the last moment when exams are near. But few start their studies right from day one and prepare well. These students who prepare well throughout the year fare well. But those who burn the midnight oil at the last moment, discover that they are ill-prepared. At times such students go blank during examinations or even forget whatever they have learned over the short period of time. It is then they realize that they could have fared better, had they been studying consistently throughout the year.

Overconfidence is something that can jeopardize your chances of success. As in the case of the rabbit from the story, who thought he was too fast and smart and could easily win the race against the tortoise. But on the other hand, the tortoise kept taking his slow steps forward consistently, until he reached his goal. 

Expansion of Idea - There is Nothing Impossible in Life

For those who believe in themselves there is nothing impossible in life. People who are full of optimism always take life in a positive way. They do not allow negativity enter their mind and thus control their way of thinking. For such people there is nothing impossible in life, as they learn to fight problems and face challenges. One sees many obstacles in the path of success. These obstacles are barrier to success and can either let you down or take away the possibilities of life.

But just the fear of facing obstacles should not take your success from you. One must not run away from problems but face it with fortitude and courage. There are solutions to each and every problem, but it is all about your approach towards it that helps or hinders your progress. If we allow ourselves to look at life with fullness and entirety, we can foresee what is coming toward us.

Unbridled determination and perseverance can help us go long way in life. Looking at the brighter side of life can help build a positive approach. Only such attitude towards life can help turning impossible into possible. Optimists are one of the shining examples of this. They have a positive approach towards dealing with challenges and fighting problems. And only for such people everything is possible and nothing is impossible in life.

How Do We Get High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of our blood that pushes against the arteries. We do need some blood pressure so that it helps the blood to move throughout the body. But at times, the pressure rises more than one needs and stays high over time. This high pressure keeps pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. In many ways this high rise in the blood pressure can damage our body. This process of the rise in the regular blood pressure and staying high over the time is known as high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is also referred as 'hypertension'. This condition of high blood pressure in one is dangerous as it makes one's heart pump and push more than normal stages. Understand this, the higher one's blood pressure, the greater is the damage risk. High blood pressure needs to be controlled to avoid major damage such as a heart stroke, heart attack or other complications. The situation at times could be fatal.

Symptoms and Causes of High Blood Pressure

Some symptoms of high blood pressure include severe headache, chest pain, tiredness, irregular heartbeat and difficulty in breathing. Some foods that may get you blood pressure higher include intake of salt, packaged foods, frozen food items, heavy creams, etc. Packaged foods and canned foods are the many culprits as they have heavy doses of sodium in it. Foods like canned beans, canned fruits, frozen meats, soft drinks, pastries should be avoided as much as possible.

One can include fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, leafy vegetables, fishes with omega 3s, cow milk and berries to maintain a healthy heart. Other than foods, some other factors that lead to high blood pressure include body temperature, mental state, sleep apnea, over exertion and certain medications or drugs.

How is Blood Pressure Measured?

Blood pressure is measured with an instrument known as the sphygmomanometer, commonly also known as the blood pressure monitor or blood pressure gauge. The blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. Here 'systolic' refers to blood pressure while pumping blood and 'diastolic' means blood pressure when heart is at rest in between beats. 

What are Waterspouts

Tornadoes that form over water are called as waterspouts. A waterspout is a strong columnar whirlpool that resembles funnel shaped cloud and move over water. At times they form over water and move over land from water. A waterspout could be accompanied by heavy hail storm, lightnings and strong winds. A waterspout has a five part life cycle, which include a dark spot formation on the water surface followed by spiral pattern of water surface and formation of a spray ring along with a development of visible cloud like condensation funnel which finally decays.

Waterspouts can form in an area less than 2 km in width. The column of rotating cloud that is funnel shaped, descends over water. This cloud that develops could be mild or even harmful. Some of the waterspouts formed are strong and usually tornadic in nature. At times these waterspouts could be mild and weak. Such mild waterspouts are caused by different atmospheric pressures and develop in moisture laden environment. Though weaker than a tornado, waterspout can still manage to cause considerable damage to it's surroundings.

Where are waterspouts witnessed?

Waterspouts are witnessed in tropics and subtropical areas. Europe, Australia, New Zealand have common occurrences of waterspout. One of the area which witness waterspouts frequently is Florida Keys with around 400 waterspouts approximately around the world. 

Expansion of Idea - Say No To Plastic

The usage of plastic has been one of the major cause of concern. Recently government came up with severe resolutions towards ban of plastic bags. It is high time that government take such step towards the use of plastic. We use plastic bags because their use is convenient for us. We can go empty handed for shopping and come loaded with plastic bags. We rarely think how our action can harm the environment. Plastic doesn't cost much, in fact at times they are even free. We have been using plastic for such a long time that we hardly ever realized that by doing so we have been abusing the planet.

Our carelessness has costed the planet. The planet suffers for our deeds which can have severe repercussions on our existence. Most we could do to save our Mother Earth is stop polluting it. And plastic is one such major pollutant. Use of plastic is harmful to nature. Though plastic can be advantageous to us, they also are a disadvantage to our existence. One disadvantage of plastic is that it is non-biodegradable. This means that plastic cannot be decomposed and hence the discarded plastic will keep piling up on the earth's surface. This is a major cause of concern for the environment upkeep. Many animals swallow plastic bags and suffer severe health threats. Plastic bags often get stuck in the sewage openings and cause problems. Plastic bags indirectly contribute to problems during floods. The quality of soil is also deteriorated due to plastic bags.

Government has definitely taken major steps towards ban of plastic bags. But that is not enough! Every individual needs to take firm step towards ban of plastic bags. Everyone has to contribute their bit to ban it. This can only be done when each one of us, stop using plastic bags for shopping or stop accepting plastic bags from vendors. One can carry their own bags made from cloth or jute. Our environment would become a better place to live only if we say no to plastic.

What Are Sinuses

If you are suffering from cold and headache for more than 10 to 14 days, then maybe you have an infection of sinus, also know as Sinusitis. Sinus headaches can be too irritating and keep recurring frequently, unless sinusitis is not treated. Sinuses are air-filled spaces within the bones of the head and face that contribute to the upper tract of your respiratory tract from the nose to your throat. The sinuses develop even before one is born. There are four parts of sinuses - one located in the cheeks on either side of your nose, one located in the forehead, one located behind and between our eyes and one located at the back of one's nasal cavity.

What is Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a medical condition in which one suffers from the infection of sinus. The cold virus damages the delicate cilia of one's nose and causes the mucous lining of the nose to swell. Due to this swelling, the narrow opening from the sinuses are blocked causing more and more mucous to produce; which could be harder and stickier, thus making it difficult to flow out of the sinuses. It results in an infection of the sinuses and this condition is referred as Sinusitis.

Sinusitis symptoms include headaches, severe cold, runny nose, blocked nose, congestion, sore throat and facial pain. Sinus headaches can be painful and discomforting. Causes of sinusitis could be anything from pollution, infection, allergy to certain substances such as dust, pollen etc. Individuals suffering from asthma, chronic cold or allergies are more prone to sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis is a short term condition which responds well to antibiotic treatment or recovers on it's own in a matter of few days. But chronic sinusitis on the other hand, could last for many days, even weeks or may keep recurring. Medication course for the same is advisable. Sinusitis is a matter of concern and could cause unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is a boon to patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.  Mucus is developed by the body and acts as a lubricant that moves across the sinus cavities. Sinusitis swells the mucous membrane thus blocking the mucous movements. When in the cases of sinusitis, antibiotics and other prescribed medical treatment don't work, sinus surgeries are suggested to correct the problem. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is considered to be safe and perfect solution for the problem of sinusitis. 

What are UV Rays

UV Rays or Ultraviolet rays are invisible rays which are part of the solar energy. UV rays help our body to make Vitamin D and hence we are suppose to walk in morning sun. Vitamin D is essential for the strengthening of our bones and teeth. It helps us to build strong immunity against body disorders like Rickets or even colon cancer. UV rays are also used to slow down the growth of skin cells and treat diseases like psoriasis.

Commercial uses of UV rays include disinfection and sterilization. Few animals perceive in ultraviolet and can see things. Animals such as birds, bees and even some fishes can see in ultraviolet. For example by perceiving ultraviolet, bees can collect pollen from flowers. Human eyes can however detect wavelengths only in visual spectrum.

How Harmful is UV Rays?

 UV rays are useful for the ecosystem.  But too much UV rays can be a threat to our existence. UV light is a type of a electromagnetic radiation which is responsible for sun tans and sun burns. The ultraviolet rays have the potential to burn eyes, skin as well as hair if these human parts are not properly protected. Too much exposure to sun affects our skin. Too much UV rays can damage the skin cells and also cause cancer. And hence one should always use a sunscreen when opting to be out in hot sun. Also wearing a hat helps.

The ozone layer in the upper part(Stratosphere) of the atmosphere absorbs UV radiation and thus prevents most of the harmful rays to reach the earth's surface. And hence ozone layer is very important. The depletion of ozone layer is a great matter of concern. 

Expansion of Ideas - Power of One's Imagination

A person's imagination can extend up to great lengths. The power of imagination can be unlimited. God has gifted us the divine power to imagine our wishes, our fantasies and our desires. A dream can be considered as a figment of our own imagination. A dream may consist of our desires or sometimes coincidentally our future.

Basically a person who imagines a world of his own, in their own mind is called a dreamer. A dreamer may consider his imagination as his hobby and may utilize it in his life. For example, let us take the example of the famous author, J. K. Rowling. She can be considered as a 'Professional Dreamer', because it is really difficult to imagine an entire 'Wizardry World'   and then place certain characters and beautiful features in it. J. K. Rowling successfully managed to convert her imagination into a series of book which was an adventure in itself. The world in our imagination is entirely different from reality. The people residing in our imaginary world may look different or may behave different. This is because there are no rules or boundaries in one's imagination.

The philosophical aspect of our imagination is that it totally helps us to identify our wants or the way we wish our world to transform. It is possible for the imaginary world to be total contrast to the laws of nature. Because our imagination doe not obey laws of physics or biology. It obeys the laws of our mind and it's methodology. As a result, people should truly be motivated to imagine and gain a clear understanding of the way our mind works.

Expansion of Idea - Service To Man is Service to God

Today's world is just striving for the benefit of self, not for others. Majority of the people currently either serve themselves or serve the almighty. Selfishness and greed has plagued the entire world due to which humans have forgotten the cause of humanity. The important thing that humans do not realize is that God is not pleased by offering delicacies or prayers. On the contrary, he would be pleased if humans become useful to the needy or even feed the starving.

According to great philosopher Swami Vivekananda, 'In every God there is an individual and in every individual there is God.' This quote simplifies the complexity of the human thinking towards religion. People should willingly donate items to various charities, non profit organizations and to people who genuinely need them rather than temples where it could just get wasted. By doing such great deed, they indirectly serve God and offer their prayers to him. Such a perception should be imbibed in every individual's mind so that the world becomes a better place to live. Instead of offering gifts in form of food and clothing to temples, one can distribute such goods to the needy, who would be thankful. Such vote of thanks from the heart of a needy person serves far better as a blessing than one you think you may get from a temple.

The hypothesis for our direct service to God has been accurately defined by various philosophers. As a result, ' Service to man is service to God.'