Incredible India: My Life's Greatest Challenge

"It is not the applause nor the pat on the back that inspires me the most, but the simple appreciation makes me feel special and valued. When the time is up, the next question would be, what comes next? What is there waiting for me?... and it goes on..."



It's been 8 months since I arrived in Delhi, and it's a great experience to live independently while doing the work that I love. Some days excite me, and some days I need to calm my senses. Those days when I traveled a long distance and enjoyed the moment while on holiday; those days when I traveled a long distance to do my duties and responsibilities.

My second trip back to India was challenging; this time, I had to do my best even on a solitary journey. I rushed and slipped... I ran and fell... I moved on and got stuck. However, it was still a challenge despite the obstacles I had gone through. I never stopped, but I learned to move forward and realize that reaching goals isn't easy. 

In my travels, I have gained many memorable stories and insights. Sometimes, it's not the place that puts a smile on my face, but the people captivate my spirit.  I have learned to discover the beauty in every person I have interacted with and also from their inspiring stories that can be a source of wisdom.   

It is nice to have known some friends that are kind and cheerful. It is their helpful gestures that make my stay in India genuinely remarkable. A heartwarming welcome from people is something I will cherish. They have shown great hospitality, which has made a lasting impression. 

I have met people from different places where I have served. Young and old, the fortunate and underprivileged, the yogis and meditators, and if still recognized, perhaps the Brahmins and the Sudras. They have impacted my life in the quest to understand the nature of humanity and our world.

Indian society couldn't be much favorable to some, but upon my observation, it could be a better place to live in and start making a good influence on others. A country that is truly diverse in many ways; the people, the culture, and the tradition. Here, I have experienced the chaos in the city and where different major religions exist without much prejudice and conflict. 

For the past 8 months, I have seen the many faces of India and its diverse culture. From the freezing cold mountains of Dharamsala in the north and the humid climate of Kolkata in the east. The industrial city of Ludhiana in Punjab and the Magical pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Different places with a unique identities yet share a common language of smiles and hospitality. 

What makes life challenging in India is to reach out to people and offer something for their own benefit. When the clock starts to wake me up in the dawn, it is a non-stop action towards the destination. It is the people that make you move and their spirituality that touches your soul. I talk, and they listen... they discuss, and I get more wisdom. It is the reciprocity of events that makes learning enjoyable.

When the spotlight is on and everyone is watching, nothing could be brighter when you see the smiles, hear the laughter, feel the positive emotions, and sense the good energy of the people. I feel special...I feel blessed. 

It is not the applause or the pat on the back that inspires me the most, but the simple appreciation makes me feel unique and valued. When the time is up, the next question would be, what comes next? What is there waiting for me?... and it goes on...

When life gets tough, it reminds me of my achievements. Never to return...never to surrender...never to quit.  Life is passing all the challenges and reaping the rewards after that. It's a game of life; you win some, and you lose some. In the end, the battle remains, and the journey continues. 

© 2013 Del Cusay

Oprah's Lifeclass: What Is Keeping You from Being a Star in Your Own Life

Oprah and Dr. Phil have shared insights on one of the most challenging questions... How to be the star of your own life? 

Whether we want to take full responsibility for our lives regarding relationships, careers, and goals, then we can achieve what it is to feel like the star we are meant to be. 

Here are some of my answers to these challenging questions in this episode...

1.  Think about your choices to create a positive outcome. What is it you're doing that's working?

Recently, it has been easier for me to attract people and circumstances. These images in my mind turn out to become a reality. You get things as desired if you put your mind and attention to them. 

Father's Day Special: Leading The Way

How do you define a Father? What can you say about your Father? How did your Father raise you? These are some of the questions that we can find answers to on how we truly know our Father as we celebrate and honor their most special day of remembering.

In our lives, our Father plays a significant role in molding us to become better people. Since childhood, when we've developed our awareness about life, he would have guided us with principles through stories that we tend to laugh at but still struggle to understand the story's lesson. We shared smiles and laughter that made us feel good.

A Father would always find means to support the 'needs' of their children and protect their security and sense of comfort; the reason why we feel confident in his presence. Even 'wants' are granted to make us happy and enjoy our childhood.

Fatherhood is the most challenging job of all. It would take a lot of perseverance and patience to give it all to the family he loves. He is the provider, defender, and protector, sometimes making all your wishes come true.

What I could remember from my Father are the valuable lessons about life. To give service to other people in need without expecting something in return. Life is indeed about service to others after finding our purpose. We find out where we are good at and then make the best things possible. 

Reverence is also one of the teachings that make an impact and are very significant in living a just life. Honor and recognizing the elderly and people in authority bring fulfillment through the wisdom they can share and the virtues we can emulate. We can't stand alone, and we need people to guide us toward our path. We need teachers, mentors, and leaders to motivate and push us to do well and achieve our targets.

I have learned the importance of having the 'fighting spirit' or the so-called willpower to get things done and achieve almost everything I desire. When life seems complicated, it takes a lot of courage and determination to rise up and face the unknown; of what lies ahead. It is fitting that there are times we are so obsessed with the future that we tend to forget how to live in the present moment. Hence we missed a lot of good things along the way. I have learned to live in the moment of 'now' instead of 'soon,' which may or may not happen. Just hold on to the mind. The 'goal' and invisible forces would take you there at the right time. The power of  'now' is significant to me, and I do not regret every single moment of the happy event that happens in my life.

It is a great responsibility for a father to look after the family's welfare. I am grateful that the sense of responsibility is strong despite unfortunate circumstances. He is there to advise and support whatever problems need a solution.

Today, we honor our Father for who we are and what we are now because of him. The wisdom gained will guide us to become the best we can be and live a life on our own when the time is up to say, 'I have guided you, and now is the time that you lead your way.'

© 2013 Del Cusay