Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Best of 2019 | Cheers to the Year that Was - Editor's Note
As we get ready to welcome a brand new year, it's that time when we look back and reflect at those 365 days of the year gone by. Days when we discovered ourselves. Our strengths and weaknesses. Days when we learnt to let go, and those when we loved ourselves even more. Every year brings in a plethora of things - surprises, highs, achievements, lows, discoveries, excitement, nervousness and more. 2019 was no different! Yet, it was different in more ways than one for every individual, including me.
In 2019, personally, I experienced a multitude of emotions and discovered many sides to my personality. Learned a lot, and also learned to let go of certain flaws. Made new friends, and further learned to prioritise those who matter. Broke off ties with people possessing negative energy. Understood why quality time with loved ones is never enough, and prioritised their needs to the fullest. Further, bettered myself at multi-tasking and managing the work-life balance. Learned to love myself for all that I am. Discovered 'patience' in an all new light.
Encouraged positive thoughts and decided to make it an everyday habit, because the world can definitely do with more positivity. Understood that there might be days when you feel empty and hit a low. When nothing seems to work in the right direction. On those days, I realised the importance of taking time out for self care and indulging in things that I loved. Pushed myself to ensure I am always there to make my parents smile and feel happy from within. Continued my quest to take fitness more and more seriously, especially by learning new techniques and variations. Danced my heart out at some occasions, and promised myself to do more of it in the year to come.
Encouraged positive thoughts and decided to make it an everyday habit, because the world can definitely do with more positivity. Understood that there might be days when you feel empty and hit a low. When nothing seems to work in the right direction. On those days, I realised the importance of taking time out for self care and indulging in things that I loved. Pushed myself to ensure I am always there to make my parents smile and feel happy from within. Continued my quest to take fitness more and more seriously, especially by learning new techniques and variations. Danced my heart out at some occasions, and promised myself to do more of it in the year to come.
In 2019, I tried my hand at new things, and realised why learning makes me truly happy from within. I challenged myself against the fear of Math and didn't stop till I emerged victorious. Experienced days when I stumbled, faced hurdles and even cried myself to sleep; only to wake up with the clear thought of turning the tide on a new day. I took time out to travel with my loved ones. Discovered new places that this beautiful world has to offer. Interacted with people, including those I've always been in awe of, and took back perils of wisdom that stayed with me. Got various opportunities to engage with people across different age groups, encouraging them to follow their dreams and give themselves a chance to become familiar with all that the digital world has to offer.
Lived new characters on-screen and learned something new from each role. Understood why not just achievements, but also being thankful for every little joyous moment on a rather normal day matters too. Why having gratitude for all that I have been bestowed upon is extremely important. Moreover, the year taught me how to love, it's true meaning, and gave me the chance to experience the true beauty of 'romance' like never before, and that too, beyond the filters of what Bollywood has taught us all these years (yeah well, this was a first for me)!
As the year comes to a close, I thank god for everything! For the people in my life, the opportunities, projects, achievements, honours, interactions, the ever growing digital family and for every moment that made me smile. I am also thankful for the moments where I experienced a range of emotions - be it anger, sadness or fear; because they taught me to become stronger than ever. I truly believe - the universe conspires when you really wish for something! And so in 2020, which I strongly feel would be a landmark year, I pray we all are blessed with happiness, luck and lots of love around us. May we continue to work hard towards our goals, and witness dreams turning into a reality.
In the brand new year, I promise to learn, grow, master, absorb and discover more. To travel a lot more, love a lot more, spread positivity even more, and make everyday special for those who matter. And yes, it's gonna be a year full of creating tons of new content and experimenting with exciting, fresh things on the website, because the new year is all about new goals. It's time to dream on!
Thank you for making me a better person, 2019! You will always be special.
And, cheers to what I truly believe shall be a beautiful, exciting and enriching year.
Here's looking at you, 2020!!
Here's looking at you, 2020!!
Love,
The Dancebee
On being a wanderlust - Lisa Ray | Exclusive Interview
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| Photo courtesy: Joy Dutta |
You have always referred to yourself as a wanderlust. Tell us something about your recent trips.
This year, I traveled through Italy with Insight Vacations. Both were phenomenal trips, a complete eye opener. In Italy, we started in Rome which is truly one of the most gorgeous cities in the world. I was staying right next to the Forum and my favourite moments were sipping espresso in the sidewalk cafes. It can be a challenge to stay away from the crowds. Cinque terre, Capri, Luca and finally Venice were among my favourite sights, but particularly Venice. Later, my husband Jason joined me and we wandered on the streets of La Serenissima and enjoyed afternoons lunching with Roberto, a local entrepreneur who runs a magnificent murano glass showroom. I chose a gorgeous murano sculpture of a Picasso painting by Walter Furlan for ourselves.
What about the Rajasthan trip?
The ever so royal Rajasthan was also very special, as we stayed at the Leela Palace in Udaipur and I enjoyed an audience with Arvind Singh Mewar or Shriji as he's called, the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty. Jason also joined me for a part of the trip. I love travelling in India and can never get enough of it because I love this country and there's always something new to discover. Next, I will be traveling to Athens, Hong Kong, Bali and I will spend some time in Nelson BC. Travel is my oxygen and fires me up. And believe it or not, this has been a slower year than usual for travel.
If there is any country that you would love to settle down in for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
Can't choose just one. It's not in my nature. My perfect triangle would be India, Italy and Canada.
Being a style icon, which is your favorite shopping destination and what do you love picking up from there?
I shop a lot when I travel. Of course, Paris and New York are great shopping destinations, but I've also picked up some really cool stuff in Athens, Capetown and Buenos Aires. Also, I love picking up art these days and have been a collector for a number of years. Athens is great for sandals, Buenos Aires has some cool leather goods and Capetown has a very quirky art scene.
Your dream destination for the perfect getaway would be?
Well, that has to be Bora Bora.
Travel is my oxygen and fires me up. And believe it or not, this has been a slower year than usual for travel
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Which are the three places in Mumbai that you can never get enough of?
My home in Bandra, my friends' homes in Mumbai and Salt Water Cafe, which is my office by default and the number of meetings I have had there are just endless.
Do you like experimenting with food while travelling? If yes, which is the weirdest experiment that you have ever encountered.
Strange is obviously in the eye of beholder and I am pretty fearless when it comes to trying new food. I try to eat healthy most of the time, but I really love experimenting with local food when I'm travelling. Some of my most unusual meals have been Crickets in Mexico, la Pajata or baby calf intestines in Rome and Ostrich steak in Capetown.
Is there any country or city that tops your 'Must visit' wishlist?
I am interested in visiting Mongolia now. And, Australia.
What are the five travel essentials that you will never leave home without?
Sunscreen, my iPhone, sunglasses, comfy shoes and workout clothes.
Any travel tip that you would like to share with your fans?
Roll, don't fold- your clothes! Also, walk and talk to the locals. And finally, just breathe and take a moment to look around you and sometimes just put down the phone. How many selfies do you really need?
Just breathe and take a moment to look around you and sometimes just put down the phone. How many selfies do you really need?-- By Priya Adivarekar --
