Happiness...on MESS

I recently wrote on my Personal Diary a poem about happiness.

 

I wrote that (loosely translated here),

 

Happiness is

When nothing is between you and what you like

When you have the resilience to stand up even when you fall

When someone is there, meticulously caring for and protecting you

When a vulnerable heart just gets stronger than ever

 

Happiness is also

When you have a confident to rely on when you are down

When you are deep in thoughts, someone is quietly accompanying you

When someone is there to guide you to find the meaning of life

When you don't have to hide - you are just you

 

There is no need to compare and compete with others to know if you are happy

For happiness is just when life is spent in fun and joy

 

This has got to be one of the best things I have ever written in my diary; there is this feeling that kicks in my heart whenever I read it. I love it so much I read it to myself so many times a day and I keep reminding myself about it. I've also put it on my Laptop screen.

 

Maybe it's just me feeling so attached to these words.

 

It is now my little reminder to myself that it is not that difficult after all to be happy; it all depends on what one's definition of happiness is. Perhaps, when we try to be less harsh on myself - something I've recently realised and a lesson I'm still in the process of learning - and learn to see simple joys in life, we can all be a little happier and feel much better.

 

I've been at an emotional tug-o-war with myself these few weeks which have been very evident based on the contrast so there was long gap in post. I sink in so quickly, but yet I stand up just as quickly. Even I myself don't know what to expect my emotions to turn out to in a random day, for it is now just so unpredictable. I can be full of joy and smiles, but yet another day I may just be crying alone. Many things in my life right now are taking a toll on me - this vulnerable person here - having to deal with it. All I can do right now seems to be to just keep 'psycho-ing' myself that I'll be fine and I'll do great, but the question mark still stands.

 

Perhaps only time will tell.

 

My recent study on "RETAIL ARCHITECTURE"

The basic aim of a retail store is to develop an atmosphere that helps the seller in promoting and selling good and helps the consumers select and purchase the items with ease. Because of this aim, retail design involves taking into account several considerations of promotion, graphic design and ergonomics, in addition to the usual ones relating to architecture and interior design.

When the design for a retail space is being created, the designer should make it according to the particular uses of that retail space. For example, an art gallery would need an entirely different design and structure from that of a supermarket. Many factors have to be considered while working on the design, such as the type of products being put on sale, the degree of involvement of shop assistants in the purchasing process, the number of products that need to be displayed, and so on. Many a times it is also essential for customers to be allowed to try the products, while some other retail environments may only require exhibiting the products. The retail design adopted would thus vary accordingly.

Other than the functional aspects of retail design, consideration must also be given to the attractiveness of the retail environment for the buyers. It is very important that the retail space is amicable towards the buyers and motivates them to make purchases on stepping into the shop. The designing of the retail space can immensely contribute in this regard. There should also be place within the store for promoting the goods through advertisements to increase the probability of a sale.

In addition, the retail store must impress the customers to such an extent that they are compelled to visit the store in future for more shopping. Hence, an expert retail designer will always give due attention to the ambience of the shop that would ensure that the customers have a nice and pleasant time in the shop.

To make sure that the retail design is effective, the designer should be acquainted with fundamentals on optimal utilisation of space, promotion and psychology of the customers. These factors should be understood both by the owner of the retail space, so that the precise requirements can be communicated in an efficient manner, and by the retail designers, so that the design effectively meets those requirements.

Finally, it is not just the designing of interiors of the store that needs careful attention. The outside design and appearance of the shop should also be appealing to draw buyers to the shop so that they enter and look at the goods.

1200 miles..............

1200 miles..............


this number goes through my brain constantly.... 1200 miles. That's how far away my girlfriend is from me.

Oddly enough, we lived REALLY close to each other for a good portion of our lives. With the same interests, we probably even bumped into each other here or there and never even realized it. But for now, she is 1200 miles away.

We talk every day, sometimes several times a day. On the phone, in emails, gifts... just about anything we can do to try to make the distance go away. "I just wish I could hold you, I just wish I could be you," is my hourly mantra. 1200 miles...

Simply put, she is amazing. She's so funny, so beautiful, so caring, so intelligent, so... everything, finally sweeto. And it's not crazy infatuation- I know she's not perfect, nobody is. She is however perfect for me, everything I've ever dreamed of and more, and I tell her so every day. 1200 miles...

With our schedules, visits have been laborously impossible. We met last week, and then a major emergency (literally, a real one, have to rush for interview) made it impossible for me to spend some more times with her. My current lack of transportation means that to get there by bus or train would not only take a half a day, but would also cost far too much money both ways to make the trip plausible right now. It pains me that I can't go to her, that I have to put all that pressure on her to come to me. 1200 miles....

I love her with all my heart, all my spirit. I also know that this distance is only temporary... with of few years ,she will be "coming home"- back to me, living in Pune, working here, and we will be together every day - a fact that makes both of us incredibly happy. I couldn't ask for more... except to ask that it would happen sooner, but really, having waited this long for happiness, I can wait another 1 more year . 1200 miles....