LOL: Life Of Leo

Image Source When you do not have the time to rest is the time you need it the most. This couldn't be more true. Last weekend, all my hustle caught up to me and I fell terribly ill. Fever, cold, body ache, stress and what not! Apart from my chronic migraine, my health has always stood by me. This is exactly why I can work at ungodly hours and stay busy throughout the day. Until a few years ago, this was something I took a lot of pride in. Not anymore. I've finally understood that work is just a part of my life and not my entire life.

Image Source There’s something undeniably beautiful about the open skies; how they seem to stretch forever, inviting us to explore far-off lands. But for those of us living with aerophobia, that beauty comes wrapped in layers of fear. I love traveling, the idea of it, the thrill of new cultures, but the fear of flying can turn that excitement into dread. Every time I buckle into my seat, I feel a sense of vulnerability, a complete surrender of control. I’ve often wondered, how can something so exhilarating also feel so terrifying?

Image Source I've been wanting to write this post since the start of the month, finally got to it now. Why? I simply did not find the time. Why? Read on. Burnout (as per Helpguide.org) - Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place. Burnout reduces productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

Image Source I just came back from a mini vacation and I'm thrilled. Not only because I had a great break, but because this was the first time in my whole life where I did nothing for a few days. It was a short road trip with our pup and we had a nice little house with a lawn for ourselves. While I had carried my books and the Kindle, I didn't even touch them. My partner and I talked endlessly, watched random movies, ordered in food, played with our pup and caught up on some much needed sleep. It was the best time ever.

Image Source Everyone who knows me knows how important reading is to me. Right from when I was a child, books have been a close companion. Books are to be thanked to a large extent, for everything that I am or am not today. Like almost every reader, I started with Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew, Carolyn Keene, Agatha Christie etc. As a young adult, I moved on to Sidney Sheldon, Shakespeare, Mills & Boon and the likes. Since then I have read hundreds of books in diverse genres with mystery/thrillers and contemporary fiction topping my list of favorite genres. As much as I enjoyed reading romance when I was younger, as an adult I was not quite fond of the genre.

Image Source Have you heard of the term called gaslighting? Gaslighting is a tactic in which a person or a group of people come together, and make you question your own reality. It’s the act of manipulating a person by forcing them to question their thoughts, memories, and the events occurring around them. A victim of gaslighting can be pushed so far that they question their own sanity. It is the worst form of emotional abuse ever! While political figures, cult leaders and influential people use it the most, it is more common than you think.  Gaslighters are usually people who have a thirst for control and power and don't think twice before manipulating people for their own satisfaction. They’re self-absorbed and don’t have time or interest in others unless it serves a purpose for them. They aren’t empathetic and don’t have the ability, or the interest, to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing. While all gaslighters are narcissists, not all narcissists are gasli...

Kashi Cafe, Kochi - December 2018 Mental health and mental balance is critical to leading a healthy life. ~ Mariel Hemingway

Image Source Over the years, I have constantly worked on being a calmer and better person by improving my mental state of mind. One of the first things that I had to do in order to achieve this was to take a closer look at the people I surround myself with. As someone who immensely believes in the vibes that people give out, this was more than necessary. We might not realize this often, but the kind of people we become is usually influenced by the people around us. Habits, frame of mind, reactions and thoughts usually get rubbed off people. This is a dangerous predicament, but not something that one can't handle. Once you put yourself first, you will start seeing the true colors of people and my oh my, what a color palette that is! I'm no expert on the human mind or even people for that matter, but, with time I have come to recognize the ones who are good for me and the ones who are toxic and need to be cut off at the earliest.

Image Source Feeling lethargic, upset and low? You are not the only one  We all go through phases like this Sometimes, it is okay to come undone To rise from the arid ashes We need to sometimes burn You may not turn out to be a phoenix But many a lesson you will learn

Image Source What has to happen will happen They say that it is all written Yet, we worry at every step Always shy, always bitten Excessive thoughts, unwanted worry It is not easy to live with this Every day is a battle for survival You win some, some you miss

Image Source Dear mind, I'm sorry For not thinking about you soon I know I keep you overworked Morning, night and noon Dear mind, I'm sorry For plaguing you with list after list Too many things to remember As I fight hand over fist