Platinum rule of relationships - Day 21 of 30 - #30daysblogmarathon

I was introduced to the Platinum rule of relationships at a milestone program in my workplace and I have tried to follow it sincerely ever since. Up until then, I was only familiar with the Golden rule of relationships. For the rest of this post, I will refer to these as PRoR and GRoR. Are you familiar with these?

GRoR says - 'Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you'
PRoR says - 'Do unto others as they would like you to do unto them'

So subtle and yet so powerful!! The difference between these two rules is all about perspective. We believe that the same things that make us happy are bound to make others happy as well. In assuming so, we couldn't be further from the truth. We are all different people at our core and have different motivations in life. Our happiness is driven by different things and our belief systems are not identical.  So take some time to understand other people, particularly when they matter enough to you. 

Here's a little rhyme to remind you of this rule!

You're a fish, I'm a monkey;
I revel in the trees, you bring life to the sea!
You need water and so do I,
Though we use it differently!

You can't live on land, 
I can't survive in the sea;
That doesn't make you right or me wrong,
We're just different, you and me!

Yet if we were friends,
I'm sure we'd do just fine,
'Coz we could just party on the banks,
You in your comfort zone, me in mine!

I was always good at perceiving the feelings and preferences of others but ever since I have heard of this rule, I try more consciously to apply it to all my relationships - personal and professional. Of course I'm only human so I do falter sometimes, but in most cases, where I have paid attention to the likes, dislikes, idiosyncracies, fetishes, preferences, thought process, belief systems and feelings of others, I have found that they genuinely appreciate the attention to these details. It has only strengthened my relationships. 

If you have heard of this rule for the first time, do try it out. And if it resonates with you as something you anyway do, then kudos to you on your interpersonal skills!! :)

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P.S. None of the content on this blog to be reproduced or lifted without permission

Thanking family and friends - Day 14 of 30 - #30daysblogmarathon

How can Gratitude week be complete without thanking the people that make life worth living!! These are the relationships that we are born into and the ones that forge along the way that sustain us through the ups and downs of life. 

They say you can't choose your family. I can only thankful that I've been blessed with one that I would not change anything about! With all our similarities and despite all our differences, we are a really tight unit and I know I can count on them no matter what. 

As for friends, I have a really diverse bunch that keep me grounded, happy, a bit crazy and a bit sane! We all need different types of people in our life because if we kept relationships with those that are just like us, we would miss out on so many different perspectives, experiences and opportunities. 

So here's my thanks to my bunch, in my own special way!!

Someone to share the joys of life with,
to share a laugh or two;
And share a shoulder to cry upon.
when life throws stones at you!

Someone to look up to,
for unbiased, objective advice;
Someone who can call out your flaws,
without being obliged to be nice!

Someone to share your love of coffee,
someone to share your love for cake;
Someone to sing, read or watch movies with,
Someone with whom to run, play or bake!

Someone to call you and ask if you're okay,
if you've reached home safely when you're late;
when your unwell, upset or alone,
or when there's heavy rains or an earthquake!

Someone to make you rasam when you're sick
Someone to make you a card for your birthday;
Someone to cover you when you fall asleep on the couch,
or when your oversleep, to shake you awake!

Someone you can call in the middle of the night,
without thinking twice (or even once!)
Someone you can ask favours from,
without feeling like you're being a burden!

Someone who'll drop you to the airport,
to see you off when you go away;
Or someone who'll get you food,
When you're back home after a holiday!

Someone who can scold, chide or scream at you,
when you do something out of line;
Someone who won't mince words,
Because they genuinely have your best in mind!

Someone who is family,
but you can talk to as as friend;
And someone who is a friend,
but feels like family, no end!

Someone who is young,
Fun and crazy beyond compare;
Someone who is old,
and has stories, experiences and advice to share!

Or someone who is young,
Yet mature beyond their age,
And someone who is old,
Yet fun in a way, almost savage!

I feel blessed to have all of these people in my life,
Family or friend, they help me get by,
I'm thankful to them for always being there,
I'll never take them for granted, yet on them, I'll always rely!

I hope you too have such a fabulous bunch of loved ones in your life - to share all your happy and sad, angry or fun moments with. Parents, siblings, spouse, cousins, grandparents, aunts/uncles, school friends, college mates, commute friends, work colleagues - all of these people that we interact with, sometimes everyday and sometimes after gaps of years, still have such an important role to play in our life! Make sure you let the people who are special to you know what they mean to you because life is too short for unspoken sentiments. 

And I pray that those who you hold special hold you special too,
Because there's nothing more meaningful than a feeling that's mutual!

New post tomorrow!

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P.S. None of the content on this blog to be reproduced or lifted without permission

Finding the Secret Key!!

Helloooo after a long long time!! The last time I wrote was about gems and how each one of us is a gem waiting to sparkle and shine. This time, it's about finding the trigger that makes us click with some people more than others! 

I had written this poem a long long time back and was pleasantly surprised to find it in the 'drafts' folder of my mailbox earlier this week when incidentally, I happened to be thinking about something very similar! Such is life :)

Finding the Secret Key!

In all the world, so wide and big;
Millions of people, different and unique
Each living their own story;
Puzzles to unlock, with a secret key.

Likes and dislikes, choices and preferences,
Styles and attitudes, habits and differences,
Myriad factors at perennial play,
Connecting people in a special way.

So many people in our lives,
It sure is then, no surprise,
That each of them gives different vibes
On a different strength, each relationship thrives.

Some are shy and always quiet,
While others like to talk and chat,
Some love sports, some love to laze,
Some love art or harbour some other craze. 

Some believe in holding back, some love to let go,
Some need inspiration or advice, some just need company when bored,
Some are gung-ho, others may be recluse,
While some just go with the flow and often have no clue!

With some, we connect instantly,
With some, it takes a lifetime;
With some, we connect but there's an invisible wall,
With some others, we connect not at all! 

So what is it that makes people click?
How is it that some relations stick?
Why do we love some people so?
Is it simply providence or something more?

The secret lies in knowing,
What makes people's hearts flutter;
It's all about discovering,
The little things that matter.

Of course, people are different,
That is how they are meant to be.
It's up to us to bridge the differences,
To find that elusive secret key!




Have fun everyone! And keep looking for the secret key to every person you meet! 

Till next time, from slo, it's tally-ho!!! :) :)

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P.S. None of the content on this blog to be reproduced or lifted without permission