Imprints

I believe that everyone is a sum of their experiences. If two people had identical (hypothetical) or fairly similar experiences, they are likely to turn out the same, although not at a fundamental level. People leave a mark on you and the more people you meet, the more diverse and complex that influence gets. What I fear frequently is the influence that I may not want in me. But sometimes I realise that ironically, the same traits that wish I never had, sometimes manifests itself in some situations in one way or the other. Admittedly, in some cases its just pure paranoia whereas in others, a deepened sense of understanding of one's own psyche. That leads me to this quote from the movie Company, wherein Mohanlal nonchalantly utters,

"6 mahine ke mil-julne ke baad, yeh woh ho jaata hai aur woh yeh ho jaata hai"

Very true. This probably explains why the concept of good mentorship in any profession or learning, is important. Not only do you learn the 'tricks of the trade' so to speak (I personally believe that one should learn the trade itself) but you also let a certain part of the mentor's personality get imprinted on you whether you like it or not, or whether you know it or not.

While I am glad that I have learned a little something from people around me, I also discover certain traits or even shortcomings of others instilled in me which exemplifies the need for the discovery of one's true self and the undeniable fact that it is going to be a long journey while I befriend my conscience and fight with it, all at the same time.

Studying for the New York State Bar exam can do things to you. Ample proof, me thinks!

New Year ramblings

Initially, I used to hate only my birthday which falls squarely on a day that associated in a way with the title my blog. Needless to say, I don't enjoy my birthday all that much and certainly don't enjoy the marginally greater attention. I do however, understand other fortunate souls immense joy out of the occassion.

Another one to that list is the New Year. Everyone falls prey to "What are you doing for New Year?". Although no one intends or feels that something has to be done, the cascading effect of one person asking the other completes the collapse of the cards to a full circle, wherein everyone automatically believes that something has to be done. Why? well, 'coz it's New Year, ain't it? Pretty soon, all the ones that are sitting at home look silly.

God Bless all the kindred souls who bring in the New Year in content peace. I think the best way to bring in the New Year, is being in the arms of the one you love, eyes fixed in the same direction (Not the TV, you idiot) and a renewed resolve.

I hope I am never proved wrong.

Here's something that stares at me everyday. It makes sense in a different way everyday.
Its the tagline from the poster of "The Shawshank Redemption"

"Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free"

Here's to a happy New Year 2008!! The crucial year.

Purpose. Plain and simple

I watched a movie today. The movie was Taare Zameen Par. What I realised had nothing to do with how I viewed the movie. It came from how I viewed myself. All of a sudden, amidst regret and the resultant silent resolve, I chanced upon my own interpretation of purpose. Purpose in life.

"Man's purpose in life is to look for that purpose which is bigger than his own life"
.............................................................................................................................................................................

"But, as you well know, appearances can be deceiving, which brings me back to the reason why we're here. We're not here because we're free. We're here because we're not free. There is no escaping reason; no denying purpose. Because as we both know, without purpose, we would not exist.
It is purpose that created us.
Purpose that connects us.
Purpose that pulls us.
That guides us.
That drives us.
It is purpose that defines us.
Purpose that binds us.
We are here because of you, Mr Anderson. We're here to take from you what you tried to take from us.

Purpose."

Agent Smith in The Matrix : Reloaded (2003)

To be forewarned, is to be forearmed.

An unforgettable still from The Matrix (1999), this comes in when Neo realises that he is The One. He can now see the agents in code. He knows what they are made of. He knows their next move.He knows their weakness. He knows. Fighting off the agents with consummate ease, Neo realises that this is just the beginning of his job. So?

See the code. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

(An ominous start to the blog. It was never meant to be like this. But life is easier this way)