New beginnings

2014 started as a painful sad year for me, with the loss of my father, and proved to be the most eventful year of my life.  Despite the saddest start, I had major positive personal changes in my life too.  So many stories are left untold, and I deeply miss writing and reflecting on my thoughts and life.

It is time to catch up... to write more and learn more.  Here is hoping I find the time and energy.

Blind Spots

We were on a telcon discussing the agenda for an upcoming meeting.  The speaker says: "Mr. X won't be able to attend the meeting because his wife is having a baby at that time".

What a way of saying he is becoming a father! Is not he having a baby as well?  He says as if it is a significant event in the wife's life only and he is staying as a favor or service to her not because he does not want to miss his child's birth.

Is it me or does this phrasing sound strange to you too?

Vision

I am frustrated these days a lot about many things;  How leaders at highest levels work in survival mode, sustaining the status quo.  Those whose job is to have a vision and strategic plan, lack both.  When asked about it, there is no response; Worse, you hear the inaction at times might be by design.  Some people may think of retiring, finally.  Some may quit to find better opportunities.  Even if so, these leaders do not think what their organizations will be known for?  What values will it stand for? What repetition and respect will it have in public eyes?  Will the youth of today consider working for it tomorrow? Will it even exist tomorrow if they persist in their approaches?

Good writers

I think being a good writer and speaker, has more to do with having something of value to say and share, than it does with writing and speaking skills.

Friends

I think I have been depressed lately. For the first time, I think I really felt for people who had gone through this. I could see and feel how draining it can be. How hard it can get to do the most simple daily tasks. Me, who was full of life and passion, find it hard to put myself together and do my job. I find myself procrastinating.  It takes forever to finish a few charts.

 -"It is hard to focus and get things done these days", I told an old friend and colleague that I admire a lot.
 -"You will have better days gradually. It takes at least 6 months to a year to even get used to the idea of loss".
 I nodded.

 A couple of days ago, I found myself talking and laughing, surrounded by old and new friends in a short casual get-together. Maybe I can get back to my old self. That is what getting out of your routine, good friends and people do. They bring you out of your shell, remind yourself to you, bring you glimpses of hope. Maybe I will be all right again.

زن نوين

"
زن نوين، دختر نجیبی نیست که عشقش به یک ازدواج موفق ختم شود، همسری نیست که در خفا از خیانت های شوهرش رنج بکشد... پیردختری نیست که در حسرت عشق نافرجام جوانیش بسوزد، او قربانی شرایط رقت بار طبیعت سرکوب شده اش نیست... زن نوین قهرمانی است که مستقلانه از زندگی طلب می کند، که اعتماد به نفس دارد، که علیه بردگی جهانی زنان در مقابل دولت و خانه و جامعه می ایستد، که به عنوان نماینده همجنسانش برای حقوقش می جنگد.
"
الكساندر  كولونتاي

Desiderata

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.  Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."

Max Ehrmann,