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A good book not only transforms you but it also leaves you with a lasting impression. If you are a reader, a learner or a leader; reading is going to open you up to a new world. Here are some of the books that I have read and have been inspired from. I strongly recommend you to read them at least once.

The Last Lecture �� Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture quite literally, is about a professor with a terminal illness. Taken from a speech that he wanted to impart to his students, family, friends, everyone as he came to grips with his condition. Randy Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and only had some months to live. This is an emotionally charged and moreover a spiritually powerful story. The author is trying to explore the territory that we all face, but he was hanging at the edge of his existence when he put up all of this together. Randy, with this perspective in mind, shares with the readers what is most important. Moreover, the book can speak for itself.

Pollyanna �� Eleanor H. Porter

“�� there is something about everything that you can be glad about if you keep hunting long enough to find it.��

Pollyanna �� the little glad girl, will fill you with positivity and happiness which will surely change your way towards seeing life.��What a great little book! It’s just a wonderful, uplifting story with a simple but extremely important message we too often tend to forget.��It is a gift to be able to see or find the positive side of things, especially when you’re down on your luck. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Tuesdays with Morrie �� Mitch Albom

This book is an inspirational real-life story of Professor Morrie Schwartz albeit carrying a life-altering message for all. We know that wisdom grows with the age. Moreover, the development of wisdom also starts to accelerate when mortality is clear. This book has many themes like loss, physical affection, greed, compassion, and modesty. The book is truly beautiful and is a heart-warming piece of art. One of the most beautiful and thought-provoking books, I have read. It condenses all the key messages of life. Precisely, this book has something for everyone to learn. A must read.

Sita –��Devdutt Pattanaik

Devdutt Pattanaik cleverly puts in all his eye-catching and unique mural like art all over the book, which makes it extremely interesting to read. The book is phenomenal in its design and its art. It tells why Ramayan is not just a book.��He explains to us how every community/class/religion/nationality has their own version or understanding of the Ramayana, reminding us that it has been circulated and been a part of varied people for centuries. This book will unconsciously grow a seed of spirituality in you.

Who Will Cry When You Die �� Robin Sharma

This book offers to its readers, beautiful pieces of advice if taken seriously can actually make a huge impact on a personal level. It can create good habits and values that can lead one to their success. It is a beautifully written, also quick and easy to read or follow. After reading this book you will receive strength, embrace positivity and be self-disciplined. There are 101 lessons/solutions to have a more happy and fulfilling life. This is a great book if you want lots of motivation.

The Time Keeper –��Mitch Albom

The Time Keeper is a light read and is full of lessons. Lessons that will keep the reader thinking and lessons that will fill their thoughts. It focuses on a man back in the Stone Age �� the first person to discover time. This book utilizes the imagery and symbolism common to the creation of myths while uniting the lives of all the characters. Each character’s story blankets together to form a thicker depth and it also caused me to do some self-evaluation. The characters produce a sense of remorse and emotion in the heart of readers.��One of the major highlights of this books is Mitch Albom’s creativity regarding the plot creation. The book has lots of sequences that are filled with inspirational lore.��

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK �� Mark Manson

This book grows on you as you read it. An amazing write up along with sufficient illustrations. Since it’s counterintuitive and very practically thought of, this book surely influences one’s day to day thinking and reorients one’s mind to let one start living life to the fullest.��This book is really good when it comes to examining the various common aspects of life. This is a self-development book like no other, and I’d say for now, that it’s a must-read.

The Book Thief �� Markus Zusak

It’s a strong powerful story narrated beautifully by Death himself. Markus Zusak presents a poignant, heart-breaking, soul-shattering yet beautiful story of Liesel, the book thief. The lyrical narration, vivid character development and profound writings about war, death, loss, and love make this book a masterpiece. Personally, this book has helped me immensely in developing as a reader and writer. I have learned and felt the mesmerizing power of words from this book and I hope to do so in my writings as well.

Jaya –��Devdutt Pattanaik

This book is not just the retelling of the epic Mahabharata but a true treasure of lessons. The author has accumulated various stories all scattered in various parts and cultures of the country and has given a meaningful essence to the readers. The illustrations are extremely eye-catching. Moreover, unlike other retellings of the Mahabharata, here in this story the author has not given any conclusion or portrayed anyone as the hero or the villain. The true meaning of Karma, dharma, and adharma is vividly explained here. Everyone, whether they are an atheist or an agnostic could read this book undoubtedly.

The Alchemist �� Paulo Coelho

Simple, enchanting and inspiring, ‘The Alchemist�� is all about dreams, desires, and destiny. This book may not score high on literature as compared to other classics but it’s sheer simplicity and wisdom makes it a must-read for today’s generation. I strongly believe in Paulo’s philosophy, “When you truly want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it.�� It has made me the storyteller I am today.

Big Magic �� Elizabeth Gilbert

“Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?��

Thank you, Elizabeth Gilbert, for writing this much-needed book on creativity. It was practical, helpful, comforting and inspiring.��Whether you’re a writer, a painter, a quilter, a pottery-maker, a dancer, a singer, a circus artist, or anything else that could be considered even remotely creative, you need to pick up this book. You need to read it carefully, slowly, fully, and let it seep into your core. Trust the words. Trust the Magic.��If you’re someone who is hesitating writing a story idea and you need a nudge, this will definitely provide that boost of confidence. Or if you just want to head in the game, I think it’s good to make sure you’re in touch with your creativity and humility.

The Little Prince �� Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.��

Consider honoring the Little You that still remains, and resides within you, and read this salute to childhood, to innocence, and to you. It just takes a ‘Little�� imagination and bravery. It’s a small book with some deep and beautiful thoughts which can truly help you in seeing the world and living your life in a better way.

Have A Little Faith���� Mitch Albom

Have a Little Faith is an outstanding story about a Rabbi, who is a Christian Minister. Rabbi is a man of very little faith. The book takes the reader on an incredible journey and leaves them with a beautiful message in the end. Mitch Albom’s simple storytelling can touch the reader’s soul. This book is about faith and also about believing in something that is actually bigger than you and yourself. It’ll make you rethink and retrospect about all your future acts, decisions and what life is really all about. It surely gave me a lesson.

The Forty Rules of Love �� Elif Shafak

Elif Shafak, the acclaimed Turkish author unfolds in her novel, two parallel narratives. It is a wonderful novel, it aims at shortening the distance that lies between love and faith, and helps in dissolving the convulsions of troubled souls in the vase of tolerance. The book is not necessarily a love story, but it moves around the theme of adoration. The book does not provide any sort of judgment or ultimatum, but every chapter has a message or thought to ponder upon. The book is not religious research, but it is definitely immersed in mysticism.When referring to the sequence of the events and the diversity of characters, the novel turns out to be interesting and exciting. The syntax is apparently simple and smooth. There is an indirect introduction to certain principles and values of Rumi and Sufism.

The Devil and Miss Prym �� Paulo Coelho

It’s the battle between good and evil. There are various elements in the story. From angels and devils to a rogue wolf, to an arms dealer etc. and all of this occurs in a rural community, in Brazil. The story raises an important question of trying to discover if humans are generally good or evil, and also why if God existed would allow evil things to happen to good people. The vivid portrayal of imperfect people having to make the most difficult and challenging decision of their lives. This is a book that makes you look at yourself and wonder why you make your decisions. It’s also a book filled with beautiful writing, legends, and stories for its readers.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto –��Mitch Albom

This book is a wonderful narration of the life of Frankie Presto. The story deserves to be read by everyone who loves music. The unexpectedly beautiful anthropomorphic narrator: Music. The many musical references and interesting innuendos sprinkled throughout the story, make the reading delightful. The ebb and flow that occurs between the past and the present, time and place, is another delightful story element. The characters are very beautiful, each narrating their own experiences and adding to the richness of the atmosphere. Overall, the story is undoubtedly exceptionally woven, is surrealistic and realistically magical, has heartfelt moments, is also compelling, and a little bittersweet. One gets caught up in the magic of the strings, and make us ponder on the way music affects the lives and the paths of musicians or artists and their families.

The Notebook �� Nicholas Sparks

When it comes to love stories and soul mates, ‘The Notebook�� is my personal favorite. Nicholas Sparks has the power to go deep into your soul and pull out your innermost thoughts and feelings. The romance between the main characters Noah and Allie is passionate and sublime. It’s a modern-day classic romantic story of the power of true love across time, across social conventions, and ultimately conquering all.

To Kill a Mockingbird �� Harper Lee

If you have to write just one book, this is the one to write. A classic that needs no introduction. This book is an eye-opener and I learned a lot of things about sadness and happiness, racism and equality, immaturity and maturity, injustice and redemption. Only after you read it, you will realize why it’s an ultimate masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

For One More Day –��Mitch Albom

Charley Benetto is at rock bottom, having lost all that meant anything in his life. He decides life is not worth living. But then he gets an unexpected gift which is to have one more day with his mother who has been dead for eight years. This is a book about relationships, and especially those between a parent and child. It is a story about the choices one has made in a lifetime.��It shows you the real & purest love you will ever know. Love without any limitation.This book is intriguing and emphasizes beautifully on a mother-son relationship. It makes the reader reflective and also makes the reader’s eyes go moist and choke with emotion. A beautiful story.

Manuscript Found in Accra �� Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho takes you on a spiritual and philosophical voyage. He takes his readers deep down into the unfathomable depth of his wisdom and also guides them to collect the lost pearls of human virtue. This book has 20 powerful and spiritual lessons ranging over topics from beauty, to elegance, to luck, to loyalty, to enemies, to defeat and also towards forgiveness and anxiety. Paulo Coelho’s wording serves as the guiding light. Sometimes, all of us have times in our lives where the questions seem to outweigh all of our answers that we seek. It’s a quick read, but it’s loaded with lots of life-affirming and life-altering advice.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven��–��Mitch Albom

The Five People You Meet in Heaven tells the story of Eddie, the head of the maintenance department at a well-known amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, Eddie had a severe accident. Along with Eddie, the reader gets to know what he discovered in his afterlife. Every now and then, there are flashback scenes to some of Eddie’s previous birthdays.��The book portrays that our lives don’t end by our death. All the events and the people in our lives are interconnected. Each soul that reaches to heaven has to meet five persons in its afterlife from which it gets to know five lessons and secrets. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a unique, interesting, well-written and very creative story. Also, it’s an easy and quick read.

Eat Pray Love –��Elizabeth��Gilbert

Gilbert touches the heart of her readers because of her honest, open, sincere, and often hilarious account. She finds her spiritual awakenings in an Indian Ashram. This book has many things like, her traveling adventures, her vivid descriptions of Italy, India and Indonesia and her stories about the people she encounters on her journey. It also shows her efforts to seek pleasure, devotion and balance in life and also her love story at the end. It is a great read to touch anyone who has ever woken up to having an unrelenting desire for change.

On Writing �� Stephen King

All of you who want to be a writer or are fascinated by the world of writing, I absolutely recommend this gem.��When it comes to writing, King offers advice in a comprehensive manner; he is concise and straightforward in his presentation of the fundamental approaches to writing that have shaped him as an author.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower –��Stephen Chbosky

It is really an emotional, deep and realistic story.��Charlie (the protagonist) showed me that no matter what happens, what we experience, we always have a right to feel the way we feel, just because. He showed me the purity of feelings, the beauty of thoughts, generosity of love and warmth of friendship. He made me appreciate books and poetry more, and see the impact they have on people’s lives. To all those who feel they are a mismatch in this world, all those who find it hard to connect with people, this one is for you.

I am the Messenger �� Markus Zusak

Sometimes people are beautiful.

Not in looks.

Not in what they say.

Just in what they are.

Highly recommend this funny and touching story. It will pump you up to believe in yourself and do things which are really important in life.

The Kite Runner –��Khaled Hossein

This book is the type of book that makes you think about your life and reevaluate your values and what you think you know. It is the type of book that makes you question what you’d do in a given situation if the tables were turned.��There is no doubt that the book is able to touch you deeply with its moving story of life as a journey, the relationship. If you let it, it may make you a better person.

Eleven Minutes �� Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho’s books are mostly character driven and Maria is a wonderful one. This book is not about what you want to be. It is about what you choose to be.��Coelho, through his masterful use of simple language, has created a vivid, thought-provoking, and unforgettable experience.

The Sun and her flowers �� Rupi Kaur

The sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms. Her poems are relatable and exceptionally written. It made me fall in love with ‘writing�� and ‘words��.

Tiny Beautiful Things –��Cheryl Strayed

Real lives, real incidents, real words and all this in two or maybe three pages per story! Sugar dolls out advice from a painful life, a life of mistakes, of coming out on the other side, and her disclosures and what she lays bare will often leave you speechless. But it is her compassion and kindness, her lack of judgment yet with a healthy dose of straight talk, that won me over. Recommended to anyone interested in becoming a better, more resilient and generous human.

A Thousand Splendid Suns –��Khaled Hossein

It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love—a stunning accomplishment. The story is about two women leading through miserable and broken lives in Afganistan and how they try to reach for a better future. We all need to be reminded of how blessed we are at times. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for an emotional and enlightening story.

The Sun is Also a Star �� Nicola Yoon

This story was more about life than love. No matter what decision you make, it is going to affect your present and future. And if it is meant to be, then it has to be. Life is full of surprises and you don’t know what would come next. But giving up is not the option.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull �� Richard Bach

Richard Bach’s main character Jonathan Livingston, who is a seagull, is told by all his personal that seagulls can’t fly, like many of us are dissuaded by family and friends from realizing our true calling. According to the world, compliance is a must. Jonathan meets his mentor who carefully encourages him to achieve what his heart wants. A truly inspirational story.

Heidi –��Johanna Spyri

Heidi’s infectious pleasantness carries easily over the Swiss Alps and into my life.��It will speak to you of forgiveness.�� It will teach you to appreciate the richness of relationships and the expansive nature. It will teach you first and foremost that love is the foundation for the happiness of man.

Everything, everything �� Nicola Yoon

Everything, everything is fast paced, unique, romantic, witty, and heartbreaking altogether.��The author’s approach to communication and observation when the main character is confined to her house is interesting.��I loved the writing and how I was able to connect with the story. It��is a sweet story with lots of feels and I loved how I couldn’t put down the last half.

Girl, Wash Your Face �� Rachel Hollis

A simple book with some the lies we tell ourselves and solutions to get out of them. This one is for all the women/girls out there. I’m sure you can get one or two answers out there which can be very helpful to come out of some painful situations in life.

Unposted Letters �� Mahatria Ra

Unposted letters by Mahatria is a self-improvement book with a very practical approach that can be used to solve the problems of today’s world. It would really help you to establish the regime of peace and understanding in the world if you follow the principles contained in this book diligently. This book has taught me that life is not going to change in the way I like; rather I have to change myself according to the changing demands of life. A book that can be gifted to anyone irrespective of one’s age group.

Love Story �� Erich Segal

I laughed. I cried. I fell in love. I learned. I simply love the book. It was indeed beautifully written and it reached out into the depths of my soul.��It’s a very simple story but it was the emotions in the book which made it so beautiful.

Kafka on the Shore �� Haruki Murakami

Murakami is known for his magical realism and dreamlike narration and he nails it to perfection in this book. Two parallel narrations with engaging characters and storyline will keep you glued to the book for days. Each chapter will make you want to read more and more. And, it will make you love ‘reading�� and ‘books��.

Most and More �� Mahatria Ra

Reading this book reminded me of the many things that I subconsciously believe in, but don’t always follow. When I need motivation and when I’m in doubt, I glance through this book to increase my drive. A simple read with simple yet profound messages.

Eleanor and Park –��Rainbow Rowell

This book might seem like a normal teenage story but it’s not. It deals with many important and emotional issues like bullying, poverty, and violence. While I really enjoyed their love story, I really couldn’t help but feel sad during those dark and emotional scenes. I was really surprised how despite these tragic moments; the author has portrayed love and friendship so beautifully. Some scenes are very horrific and intense, but they were well balanced with the sweet romance of Eleanor and Park.

Veronica Decides to Die �� Paulo Coelho

This book questions the meaning of madness and celebrates individuals who do not fit into patterns which society considers to be normal. Poignant and illuminating, it is a dazzling portrait of a young woman at the crossroads of despair and liberation, and a poetic, exuberant appreciation of each day as a renewed opportunity. The book has inspired me to live in a happier manner and is a pure work of art by Paulo.

Autobiography of a Yogi –����Paramahansa Yogananda

A book you will go to, again and again, and again. The entire journey Paramhansa Yogananda undertook from East to West is a symbol of transcending the borders and the differences, and discovering that, first, you are one with God, and second, you are one with God who lives in all the people. It flows smoothly and is candidly written and best of all helps you to gain glimpses of your own soul or life without practicing grandiose ideas or rituals.

The Fault in Our Stars �� John Green

One of the most heart wrenching, beautiful and inspiring novel. Hazel Grace and Augustus will inspire you to live life with their struggle to live every day. A story of love and life. It made me cry, it made me value life and it made me live my life in a better way.

Chanakya’s Chant �� Ashwin Sanghi

Want to read a fast-paced, interesting thriller? This is the one. The story is set in two different ages �� in ancient Bharat & in the present day.��What this book very well explores is how witty, cold, cruel, cunning & calculating individuals both Chanakya & Gangasagar are �� who will use the dirtiest tricks in the manual to achieve their ulterior motives. To all those who aspire to write a book can learn a lot from this book.

21 Lessons for the 21st Century �� Yuval Noah Harari

In the book, ��21 lessons for the 21st century, Yuval Noah Harari raises challenging questions about concepts that have become so enshrined in the global society and the author shows how these concepts have failed us, particularly now that we need them the most. This book rattles the foundation of everything we have believed over the years and how they are now the very things that have stopped us from coming together to fight and win the battle of the future. A must read for all!

The Time Traveller’s Wife �� Audrey Niffenegger

Audrey Niffenegger’s innovative debut,��The Time Traveler’s Wife, is the story of Clare, a beautiful art student, and Henry, an adventuresome librarian, who were not only meant for each other, but it was as if they were destined to be together. They will go on to face obstacle upon obstacle, but their love for one another never wanes.��Even with all the questions surrounding the strange affliction attributed to the main character, I cared for the characters and worried about their destiny.

Norwegian Wood �� Haruki Murakami

This Story is on one side a story of misadventure and a melancholic exploration of adolescent love and another side a thought-provoking and poignant study of memory and morality. Murakami never disappoints and always writes with a poetic richness that leaves almost every line hanging with symbolic possibility.

Shyam �� Devdutt Pattanaik

This book is about glimpses of Krishna’s existence, also about the birth of Kansa, and other stories. What I loved the most about Devdutt’s books is, they are well researched and detailed. It tells about Krishna’s teachings, observations, and his life. The prologue and epilogue are also very interesting and unique as always. Get ready to learn!

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven �� Mitch Albom

Filled with hope and all heart, Mitch Albom once again addresses the meaning of life and proves his point beautifully.��Sometimes a book can just be what you need and in this case, with all the hatred and cruelty that seem to surround us today, this book offered me, along with a few tears, a port in a storm.

Me Before You �� Jojo Moyes

It’s a story of life and death and what comes in between.��It beautifully covers the themes of acceptance, family, friendship, and hardships of life.��The book not only makes you cry, but it also makes you laugh. Just read it!��You won’t get disappointed!!

��

There’s something about non-fiction books which attracts some and others find them boring. But, here are some of my most favourite non-fiction books, which I highly recommend each one of you to give a read. I’m sure you’ll pick them again and again.

Tuesdays with Morrie �� Mitch Albom

This book is an inspirational real-life story of Professor Morrie Schwartz albeit carrying a life-altering message for all. We know that wisdom grows with the age. Moreover, the development of wisdom also starts to accelerate when mortality is clear. This book has many themes like loss, physical affection, greed, compassion, and modesty. The book is truly beautiful and is a heart-warming piece of art. One of the most beautiful and thought-provoking books, I have read. It condenses all the key messages of life. Precisely, this book has something for everyone to learn. A must read.

Have A Little Faith �� Mitch Albom

Have a Little Faith is an outstanding story about a Rabbi, who is a Christian Minister. Rabbi is a man of very little faith. The book takes the reader on an incredible journey and leaves them with a beautiful message in the end. Mitch Albom’s simple storytelling can touch the reader’s soul. This book is about faith and also about believing in something that is actually bigger than you and yourself. It’ll make you rethink and retrospect about all your future acts, decisions and what life is really all about. It surely gave me a lesson.

The Last Lecture �� Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture quite literally, is about a professor with a terminal illness. Taken from a speech that he wanted to impart to his students, family, friends, everyone as he came to grips with his condition. Randy Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and only had some months to live. This is an emotionally charged and moreover a spiritually powerful story. The author is trying to explore the territory that we all face, but he was hanging at the edge of his existence when he put up all of this together. Randy, with this perspective in mind, shares with the readers what is most important. Moreover, the book can speak for itself.

Manuscript Found in Accra �� Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho takes you on a spiritual and philosophical voyage. He takes his readers deep down into the unfathomable depth of his wisdom and also guides them to collect the lost pearls of human virtue. This book has 20 powerful and spiritual lessons ranging over topics from beauty, to elegance, to luck, to loyalty, to enemies, to defeat and also towards forgiveness and anxiety. Paulo Coelho’s wording serves as the guiding light. Sometimes, all of us have times in our lives where the questions seem to outweigh all of our answers that we seek. It’s a quick read, but it’s loaded with lots of life-affirming and life-altering advice.

Who Will Cry When You Die �� Robin Sharma

This book offers to its readers, beautiful pieces of advice if taken seriously can actually make a huge impact on a personal level. It can create good habits and values that can lead one to their success. It is a beautifully written, also quick and easy to read or follow. After reading this book you will receive strength, embrace positivity and be self-disciplined. There are 101 lessons/solutions to have a more happy and fulfilling life. This is a great book if you want lots of motivation.

Big Magic �� Elizabeth Gilbert

“Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?��

Thank you, Elizabeth Gilbert, for writing this much-needed book on creativity. It was practical, helpful, comforting and inspiring.��Whether you’re a writer, a painter, a quilter, a pottery-maker, a dancer, a singer, a circus artist, or anything else that could be considered even remotely creative, you need to pick up this book. You need to read it carefully, slowly, fully, and let it seep into your core. Trust the words. Trust the Magic.��If you’re someone who is hesitating writing a story idea and you need a nudge, this will definitely provide that boost of confidence. Or if you just want to head in the game, I think it’s good to make sure you’re in touch with your creativity and humility.

The subtle art of not giving a F*CK �� Mark Manson

This book grows on you as you read it. An amazing write up along with sufficient illustrations. Since it’s counterintuitive and very practically thought of, this book surely influences one’s day to day thinking and reorients one’s mind to let one start living life to the fullest.��This book is really good when it comes to examining the various common aspects of life. This is a self-development book like no other, and I’d say for now, that it’s a must-read.

On Writing �� Stephen King

All of you who want to be a writer or are fascinated by the world of writing, I absolutely recommend this gem.��When it comes to writing, King offers advice in a comprehensive manner; he is concise and straightforward in his presentation of the fundamental approaches to writing that have shaped him as an author.

��

‘Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.�� �� Willie Nelson

Thinking about the life it occurs to me that negative thoughts are more prevalent than the positive thoughts. It takes some serious efforts to think positive while the negative thoughts automatically inhabit your head.

Negative thoughts come uninvited. That’s what makes it hard to deal with them. They dampen the simple pleasure of living and leave you anxious and depressed all the time. If you have always been in a cheerful environment and have been brought up without a struggle, then it can be easier for you to stay positive. But, if you have been brought up in the stressful environment with poverty or other family problems then you’re an easy target for negative thoughts because you see the world through a predominant mindset and perception.

Your life is the mirror of your thoughts!

Your thoughts define your life and the circumstances you are going to fall in. Your life brings only the things your thoughts invite. If you are positive, you’ll attract good things. If your thoughts are negative, your life will take the same shape. It completely depends on you that how you want your life to be.

Dealing with the negative thoughts:

When it comes to dealing with the negative thoughts, acknowledgment comes first. Acknowledge that you have been thinking negative and you need to fix this.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you often think about your failures, incapability, and difficulties?
Do you keep thinking about the negative news or incidents you have witnessed?
Do you ever feel that your life will remain the same and it will never improve?
Do you think that you do not deserve happiness and money?

Well, these are the thoughts that are very easy to catch. I practice meditation regularly and even I find it very easy to prey to negative thoughts most of the times.

See, the thing is not to force your mind to not let negative thoughts come in. The part that you have to play is not letting these negative thoughts drain your energy and your ability to be at the present moment.

What these negative thoughts do is they close your mind, makes you repel people and see no good opportunities.

Now, what you have to do is acknowledge these negative thoughts and overcome them with positive thinking.

Some Simple Tips to Overcome Negative Thoughts:

It’s not easy to get your mind in control, but it’s not impossible either. Here are some simple tips that might help you get rid of negative thoughts and surround yourself with the power of positivity.

Whenever you find yourself thinking negatively about something, rethink about it. Rethink to figure out why it can’t be positive instead of negative. Replace your negative thoughts with the guiding light of positivity.
If you think about the failure of the plan or something you’re doing in your life, remind yourself of why you are doing that and why it has to be a success. Remind yourself of all the reasons why it should be successful.
Do not use negative words in any conversation. Replace “I cannot�� with “I can�� and “I will do it, but…�� with “But, I’ll do it.��
Live in the moment. Do not think about the past for what has been done cannot be undone and don’t worry about the future for it is not even here.
Make some positive affirmations for you. Whenever you feel negative, read these positive affirmations and encourage yourself to stand back on your feet. Here are some affirmations you must add to your list:

I deserve to be happy.
I can do everything I want.
I deserve to be loved deeply and purely.
I can change the circumstances anytime I want.
I have right to feel what I want to feel.

You are one decision away from happiness. This decision is yours to make �� Keep Thinking Negative or Do What it Takes to Turn Negativity into Positivity.

Stay positive because this life is yours to live!

“Forever is composed of nows.�� �� Emily Dickinson

We, humans, are unpredictable. We have our own ways to orient ourselves in time. Some of us are letting our past lives cling to us while others are busy thinking what their future may bring. But, that’s not how we all should be.

Life is lived in the moments. This is the best thing that I have learned in my life. Looking back in the past and forward to the future will only create worries and regrets in life. This is the reason why world’s prestigious philosophies and religions such as Buddhism promote LIVING THE LIFE IN ETERNAL NOW. It is the best way to live the life and feel joyous about every moment we breathe in.

“Living in the moment�� belief comes from great wisdom and the people who live by this belief are regarded as the enlightened ones.

The Secret of Living in “Present Moment��

Before learning the secret of living in the present, you’ll have to accept the fact that though you are in your present your mind is still stuck in the thoughts of past and future. Living in the moment is not about your actions, it’s about the thoughts behind them. It’s about the content that comes along with the action �� the worries about outcomes, the expectations, the regrets and many such things.

So, whenever you find yourself in the regrets, worries, and restless thoughts, just breathe and open your mind to let go of your thoughts.

Returning to the present

Since you have realized that you are not your thoughts, it’s time to return to your present.

Ask yourself these two questions:

How often you think about what you are going to do in future instead of focusing on what you are doing now?
How often you think about the past and wondered I should have done this or I shouldn’t have done that instead of realizing that you cannot change it?

If your answer is “A lot��, then you are simply denying the divine pleasure of living in the moment.

Just remember this:

“Your happiness doesn’t reside in your past or future. It completely depends on the moment you’re in right now �� not in the previous or upcoming moment. It’s all here. Redirect your awareness to the present moment and live it to the fullest.��

Staying in the present moment

What I have seen is that people find it very difficult to not think about their past or future. When they are asked about it, they say it’s not in their hands. Their mind automatically takes them to somewhere they don’t belong.

Then, how are you supposed to stay in the present? The answer is: Control your mind.

Meditate

Meditation is the quintessential tool that can help you to control your mind and stay in The Now. Meditation is a divine practice that connects you with YOU in the present moment. It takes you to the blissful state of being in the now and not worrying about what has happened in the past or what is going to happen in the future. It takes you to where you belong.

This three-step “Here and Now�� Meditation will help you to stay in the present moment:

Remind yourself that you belong here and now.
Be aware of the things happening around you in the current moment.
Start doing everything with mindfulness and awareness without thinking about the past and future.

Life unfolds itself in the present moment. It’s right where you are now. It neither belongs in past nor in the future. It’s here. So, live it here.��Embrace the Divine pleasure of living in the moment!

Storytelling is an act of telling stories which include plot, characters, and narrative point of view. The most boring situations can be likened up when we take the time to listen to each other’s stories, and tell our own. Telling a story, whether it’s a joke or fairy tale, is a great skill. Some people have this skill naturally and others have to learn this. If stories are told poorly, then you can lose your audience interest.

First, you need to know that what makes a story a good story. A good story holds the listener’s interest and builds a connection between narrator and audience.

Here are some tips to become a better story-teller:

Choose the right story

Choose a right story for people who you want as your audience, whether it’s kids, friends, entrepreneurs or other people so that they can understand and enjoy. Don’t just dive into telling any story without thinking.

Stay focused

It’s very important to focus on what’s important. The most frustrating thing while listening to someone’s story is when they don’t stay on point and deviate from descriptions that have nothing to do with the direction of the story. This makes the story boring.

Use a confident voice

Even if the content of your story is amazing, it’s of no use if your audience can’t listen to you. Sometimes when you are confident, you prefer to speak slowly so that story could be absorbed by the audience. But don’t speak so slowly that their minds check out of the rooms. Tell your story in a way that’s easy to listen. Don’t talk so fast as if you are trying to win a race.

Keep your story short

Your story should be short and interesting. Nobody likes to sit through a long story. Sometimes you realize that people aren’t too interested in your story. If people are yawning, checking time again and again, realize that they are not enjoying your story and want you to stop. So try to end as fast as possible before they lose patience.

Never link two stories

Sometimes while telling a story, people mix other stories and deviate from the main story which makes the listener think where you’re going with your story, if they can even remember what it was about in the first place. Never do that. This deviation can be okay when it’s rare and short, otherwise, it can lose your audience interest.

Proper eye contact

Make proper eye contact with your listeners. It makes them feel that you are talking to them personally. It also shows how much confidence you have. Proper eye contact is essential to create a personal connection with the audience.

Easy and calm gestures

Some people are so nervous from inside that they don’t even notice how they are standing or moving. Some people also have the habit of moving their feet at the same place as if they are dancing. Your gestures should be natural and relaxed.

Never wait for audience reaction

When people have a good story they pause at important parts and wait for the response from the audience. Don’t do this. Even if you know that your next part of the story is going to be really very exciting and deserves a response, you should tell your story as if you aren’t aware of this. Listeners can pick up on it when you wait for their reactions and then they become self-conscious.

Make sure your story has a good ending

Sometimes storytellers start to tell a story because they think it’s an interesting beginning, but they couldn’t end it properly. It’s awkward when the audience couldn’t understand if you are done with the story or not. So always try to give a good ending to your story.

Being good at storytelling is an important and versatile quality. Keep these tips in mind when you ever get a chance to tell a story to others. Stay focused, and don’t be dull. All the best!

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the greatest spiritual books which contains 18 chapters and 701 shlokas in Sanskrit that is the part of Hindu epic Mahabharata. It’s an incomparable book which has answers to almost all problems that one can face in his life.

It is believed that during Mahabharata, when Pandava and Kaurava were about to fight the Dharma Yuddha, Arjuna felt weak seeing his relatives and friends in opposition. That time he was counseled by Lord Krishna to fulfill his Kshatriya duty as a warrior. Bhagavad-Gita describes the exact process by which one can set up an eternal relationship with God. Its teachings are still applicable and considered to be ultimate.

The book gave inspiration to many great leaders, saints, philosophers and ordinary people. Even people like Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Einstein took lessons from it and applied those rules in their life. It shows a path to the lost people and wisdom to all. It encourages us to do our duties and not to turn our back upon them.

Here are some of my favorite life lessons from Bhagavad Gita that can help you to develop the necessary qualities and discipline.

Soul is Immortal

The soul is neither born nor does it die. It’s an incorporeal essence of a living being. A fearless soul has nothing to worry about, that’s why the fear of death is absurd. Don’t worry if your body is getting old, because one day everyone has to die. So, don’t pay attention for your outer body and live in the present. Work for your inner soul and its satisfaction. Do what your heart says and stay happy.

Change is the law of universe

Nothing is permanent. Even a rich person can be steeped in poverty. Never expect that what you have today will stay forever. People, surroundings, society, they all change with time. Yours-mine, rich-poor, big-small all these ideas are the sign of immaturity. Learn to accept changes in your life. This can help you to face any tough situation.

Being good is a reward itself

Suppose you work hard all day-night for exams, still don’t get good marks. What will you do? Will you try again next time or sit back and stop working. If expectations are not met, people start complaining. One of the wisest messages that Gita gives us is- ‘Karam karo, Phal ki chinta mat karo. We are so goal driven that we only think about the results. What we don’t understand is that results are not in our hand and it can’t be controlled. Worrying for outcomes only affect our performance which in turn can give a negative outcome.

We came empty handed, and will leave empty handed

Nothing in this world belongs to you or me. The whole Universe and everything that lies in between belongs to Almighty. We get so attached to material things that we don’t even understand that all these things will be left here. We won’t be taking them with us when we die. So, there is no use of doing evil things for them. We should be satisfied for what we have because we won’t be taking anything with us.

Anger causes delusion

Anger is one of the three main gates to hell other being greed and lust. It causes delusion, which is the mental condition where one is no longer cognisant of what actions to perform and what actions not to perform. One must try to stay calm and handle the situation while keeping the mind at peace.

Everything happens for a reason

Everything that happens, it happens for the good reason. Whatever is happening, it’s happening for the good. Whateverthat will happen, it will also happen for the good. There is a reason if you are facing a bad time and there is a reason if you are basking in glory. Don’t repent on past or worry about future. If things are not favourable, don’t worry, just be optimistic and have faith that God has planned everything for us. He’ll not let anything bad happen with us.

These were some of the teachings from Bhagavad Gita. Whenever you face any problem in your life and don’t find solution or feel stressed out, read it deeply. You’ll definitely find solution there. It will perfectly answer all the spiritual questions as well as illuminate all spiritual directions.

A story comprises a beginning, middle, and an end. The “Beginning�� is where we came from and who we were. The “Middle�� is who are we now and where we stand. An end is what we dream to become. Everyone on this planet has a story. We all have lived in the past and the past has a story linked to it. These stories are the greatest ways to tell people about our life like who we were and what we have been through. And these stories can have a very deep impact on our lives.

Stories are very powerful and they have this tendency to change our lives for better. Some stories can entirely change the way we think. Some stories motivate and inspire us to do something grand.�� We express our deepest emotions through stories. To convey deepest of our thoughts, we tell stories as they appeal to our reason. Stories provide evidence to our past. It’s just by nature that we all are storytellers. I do not know whether we have inherited this trait but this trait stays with us forever and we all become storytellers as soon as we learn to speak.

A research was conducted at Princeton University where a psychologist and his colleagues had a team of graduates. The research showed some astounding results. A graduate was telling an unrehearsed story. His brain along with the brains of 11 other volunteers was scanned by a fMRI machine (functional MRI). When the results of the scan were analyzed, the researchers found out that while the speaker was telling his story, his brain lit up in the area of insula (a region in the brain responsible for empathy and moral sensibilities). That’s not it. To their surprise, the insulae of all other 11 volunteers lit up too. The listeners were actually imagining the story. They were thinking about the emotions of the speaker.

This is how a story affects us.

Stories have a great Influence

Well if you think about the power of the stories then you’ll find out that it has a very deep impact on our lives. A story about a Tibetan boy was told, which made people become like that boy. The boy gave a cake to his mother while he was hungry big time. People began to feel the emotion and the love of the boy for her mother. People were so much influenced that they decided to do the same and help others when they can’t help you back. They learned that hard times are not really hard unless you make them hard.

Steve Jobs had rightly said, ��the most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storytellers set the vision, values and the agenda of an entire generation that is to come.��

Stories Inspire and Motivate

We hear stories of some of the greatest business entrepreneurs. We all know about Bill Gates. He began writing computer programs when he was 14. He was so passionate about programming. At that time, he was able to write programs for a computer Operating System. Then there is the Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg who was a college dropout. He was suspended from the college for a year for hacking into the Harvard University’s computer. Donald Trump won the election because he was such a good narrator. He made people buy into his story and that’s something which helped him win the election. And when we hear these stories, we feel if they can do it then we can do it too. I know there are many stories that you can relate to yourself. These stories inspire you and motivate you to do something big and you actually start to work hard to accomplish your goals. So yeah, these stories are really powerful and are capable of changing our lives.

Stories change Life and Society

We hear a lot of stories which are inspiring, happy, or sad. These stories have a serious impact on our lives. We hear stories about oppression and that human in us feels sad. So we think about making a change. We take steps to avoid things like these. We hear stories of people suffering from diseases and we feel it’s something that should be eradicated from the society. So we take actions to stop the disease and help those people.

Everyone has stories and everyone is a storyteller but the one who uses the paraphernalia of distinctive storytelling effectively knows the power of stories.��Adichie knows what the relation between the story and power is.

“Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.��

‘You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.�� �� Joyce Meyer

Scanning the internet again to see if there is new positive stuff to read? Well, here you are, at the right place and the right moment.

I often wonder how easily people advise others to stay positive all the time. It occurs to me that it’s not practically possible. Negative thoughts will always find a way to consume you no matter how hard you try to isolate yourself from them.

Here, I want you to know one thing. Negative thoughts are powerless until you give them the power to ruin you. You always have a choice. You can either exterminate them from your life or let them exterminate happiness from your life.

It’s okay to feel what you feel!

See, good and bad things will always keep happening around you because nature has to maintain its balance. It’s okay to feel sad if something bad happens just like the way it is okay to feel happy when something good happens. Trust me, it’s completely okay. You have the right to feel sad and happy to react to what life throws at you.

What’s not okay is to stay in that negative state and not moving on with time. It’s not okay to think over and over again about sad moments. It’s not okay to feel that you don’t deserve happiness just because of few bad moments. If you come to this point, that’s where you need to be fixed.

Choose to be Positive! Choose to be Happy!

Positivity is the mantra of life as it shows us how life is lived. It is the guiding light that can bring you out of the sheer darkness and unwillingness to live.

Therefore, learning to stay positive in all situations is the most valuable lesson you can learn in your life. Here are some ways that will help you have a positive mindset even in the worst circumstances of your life.

1. Surround yourself with positive people

When your social circle is positive, then your mind automatically starts developing the positivity without efforts. Simply hanging out with positive people show a great impact in the way your mind works. It is always beneficial to be a part of a group of positive people who always help each other get through the hard times.

2. Keep distance from negative people

Having positive people in your life is not enough. Keeping distance from the negative people is also equally important to make sure that they do not convert your positive energy into negativity. Negative attitude of people will always bring you down and be detrimental to what you are trying to achieve through positive thinking. Don’t let their energy dominate yours.

3. Remind yourself of the things you’re grateful for

You know what helps the most in getting through the tough times? It’s counting on the good things that have happened in your life and even better things that are waiting for you in the future. So, be grateful for what good has happened before and be optimistic about the fact that your thoughts and actions have the capability to turn every bad situation into a good one.

4. Remember nothing lasts forever

You might have heard this one million times that nothing lasts forever. So, how come the bad times make you think that you’re never going to get happiness? Sun has to rise to give you a day after dark night. You have to wait for that light that’s waiting to make your skin shine one more time. Keep home for that ‘one more time��.

Keep exercising your mind and brain to deal with the stress every day. It’s possible to come out of every bad situation. Be positive for your thoughts don’t only improve your life, they also reflect in the lives of people you keep around.

You have to stay positive because you have this world to turn into a happy place.

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.�� �� Albert Einstein

Imagination can change the way you perceive the reality!

Yes, that’s true. A group of Sweden researchers has found that our imagination influences our real life. Your mind can give you the creeps by controlling the illusions of what you think you saw or hear into what occurs as reality to you. The findings of the research clearly show that our brain combines the information of our imagination and the things happening around us to shape our perceptions.

There’s a very thin line between imagination and reality.

We, in our minds, have created a line that separates imagination and reality, which we think is very thick. In actual, this line is very thin and the content from both sides of the line interacts freely with each other. Imagination is not just a frivolous, dreamlike diversion as we think of it. It’s more than that. It shapes the reality of your life.

How your imagination shapes your reality?

“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.�� Buddha

It’s always imagination that has led to greatest inventions. People once called legends like Einstein daydreamers. These daydreamers used their imaginations to create reality while the people criticizing them are reading their theories now.

Imagination has created more legends than the knowledge.

Imagination alters the way we perceive the world around us. Your mind has the power to create the reality around your imagination on a neuronal level.

How does it happen?

Imagination is the key to reality. When we imagine something, it reflects its influence in the way our brain works. We start thinking about it and our brain starts finding the actionable ways to turn it into reality.

It works like this:

Imagination mends your thoughts.
Your thoughts define your actions.
Your actions will bring the respective outcomes and changes in your life.

This way, imagination affects the reality of your life.

Beware of destructive imagination:

Your imagination has the power to construct as well as destroy. If your imagination is destructive, you’ll end up creating destructive things. It can damage you emotionally as well as physically. So, use your imagination in a positive way.

How to use your imagination in a correct way?

Your imagination depends on six channels that help you get your perceptions. These six channels are your five senses and the sixth sense that comes internally. You have to put all these senses in coordination to use your imagination in a correct way.

Use these five steps to make your imagination work constructively for you:

Don’t allow negative thoughts: Give no place to negative thoughts in your imagination as it can destroy you. If you have negative thoughts, you’ll sabotage your power of imagination. If you find it hard to overcome negativity, then try to reframe the situation in a positive way.
Create positivity around: Stay positive and imagine with enthusiasm.
Use all your senses: Use all your senses to imagine and create the imagery and feel of something you are imagining.
Imagine often: Imagine as many times in a day as possible.
Take necessary actions: Don’t just rely on imagination. Take necessary actions too if you want to turn your imagination into reality.

Creative imagination takes time and efforts. It is much more than day-dreaming. It’s an organized approach to create the reality your mind wants to create. You’ll have to put your energy to make it effective.

So, tap the lights of your imagination and start creating your own movie in the theater of your mind. It’s time to turn your creative imagination into magical reality.