I wake up at 6 AM on a Sunday morning, lift my phone to switch off the alarm. And then I see a bunch of notification from Whatsapp, Linkedin & Facebook. One notification catches my eye and I quickly browse through Facebook; and Voila; I am wide awake.
I got up, freshened up, put on my headset, played Linkin Park and set off to jog in the nearby park. My mind started rolling the days back by an year.
Last year, July, I get an email from this friend saying he is finally quitting his job to chase his dreams. He was like he will not join back until he doesn't have even a single penny left in his pocket. It always is a big decision for anyone of us, to leave something that's paying for our bread and butter for something unknown. And when the person has a family to support, the risk just increases exponentially. I was happily surprised back then. I just have 2 friends who are restless as I am, when it comes to life as-is. I understand the feeling when they say, that's it, I quit; I need to do something I love.
He had his share of downs and downs (pun intended). He had started with developing an app for iPhone, although not a great revenue generating thing, it was something and a start. More difficult was to chart an idea on what he wanted to do; but he knew his area - Web technology. All this was when he was on the job. Once he knew what his area was, he decided that he needs to think and invest his full time and energy in it; which could not have happened with a job in hand. And so he quit! Then began the trials with ideas, new start up hiccups, hiring employees who would leave the next day without notice, running around doing all the errands, maintenance expense without any incoming revenue, long day and night, and adding to all this was limited emotional/moral support from the surroundings. (this is all from the conversations we used to have once in a while. I am sure it took more than all this for him to get to where he is now)
So what was the Facebook post that woke me up - this friend had posted an article from a known national newspaper; article dedicated to his new venture; his dream.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/meet-india-s-friendly-neighbourhood-book-match-maker/article1-1363642.aspx
I finished jogging one round around the park, came and sat on a bench at my favorite point. I was happy for Hooda no doubt. Although I cannot say I know the feeling, but I definitely can imagine how one would feel, when you see return on your investment. When you invested your time, energy, emotions in your dream, and if not the entire world, a small part of it starts recognizing it - It does make a huge elated difference.
I kept wondering where does that leave me. I have been trying to figure out what the heck is that one thing I might end up investing my life in; and I am still figuring it out. I did have to take a break of an year due to family commitments, but now coming to think of it, such things will keep coming in; there will always be something or someone to take care of which will keep stopping you from breaking the routine.
Quite a few of my friends have gone down the path of their dreams, quit the job to become an actor, start a business and so on. But this friend of mine; Hooda, we have always been talking about it; so am kind of very happy to see him getting his dreams unravel. I hope, me and another friend of mine, discover each of our path soon and start walking down that lane.
Hooda my friend, I wish you all the best for everything that lies ahead of you. I know this is just a very small start as compared to what your actual potential is. You can think and do much more than this, and the world awaits you.
-Sarita
Dated - 1st July 2015
I got up, freshened up, put on my headset, played Linkin Park and set off to jog in the nearby park. My mind started rolling the days back by an year.
Last year, July, I get an email from this friend saying he is finally quitting his job to chase his dreams. He was like he will not join back until he doesn't have even a single penny left in his pocket. It always is a big decision for anyone of us, to leave something that's paying for our bread and butter for something unknown. And when the person has a family to support, the risk just increases exponentially. I was happily surprised back then. I just have 2 friends who are restless as I am, when it comes to life as-is. I understand the feeling when they say, that's it, I quit; I need to do something I love.
He had his share of downs and downs (pun intended). He had started with developing an app for iPhone, although not a great revenue generating thing, it was something and a start. More difficult was to chart an idea on what he wanted to do; but he knew his area - Web technology. All this was when he was on the job. Once he knew what his area was, he decided that he needs to think and invest his full time and energy in it; which could not have happened with a job in hand. And so he quit! Then began the trials with ideas, new start up hiccups, hiring employees who would leave the next day without notice, running around doing all the errands, maintenance expense without any incoming revenue, long day and night, and adding to all this was limited emotional/moral support from the surroundings. (this is all from the conversations we used to have once in a while. I am sure it took more than all this for him to get to where he is now)
He finally had this idea to materialize; an online book club that allows one to Borrow/Lend/Discuss Books with Book Readers in one's Neighborhood - http://Lenro.co. He did a lot of research to get to the point of implementing it last month. And he has a start now.
So what was the Facebook post that woke me up - this friend had posted an article from a known national newspaper; article dedicated to his new venture; his dream.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/meet-india-s-friendly-neighbourhood-book-match-maker/article1-1363642.aspx
I finished jogging one round around the park, came and sat on a bench at my favorite point. I was happy for Hooda no doubt. Although I cannot say I know the feeling, but I definitely can imagine how one would feel, when you see return on your investment. When you invested your time, energy, emotions in your dream, and if not the entire world, a small part of it starts recognizing it - It does make a huge elated difference.
I kept wondering where does that leave me. I have been trying to figure out what the heck is that one thing I might end up investing my life in; and I am still figuring it out. I did have to take a break of an year due to family commitments, but now coming to think of it, such things will keep coming in; there will always be something or someone to take care of which will keep stopping you from breaking the routine.
Quite a few of my friends have gone down the path of their dreams, quit the job to become an actor, start a business and so on. But this friend of mine; Hooda, we have always been talking about it; so am kind of very happy to see him getting his dreams unravel. I hope, me and another friend of mine, discover each of our path soon and start walking down that lane.
Hooda my friend, I wish you all the best for everything that lies ahead of you. I know this is just a very small start as compared to what your actual potential is. You can think and do much more than this, and the world awaits you.
-Sarita
Dated - 1st July 2015
Article in newspaper did give me a kick, but this post brought me SO much happiness :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarita for writing this. Now I've something to read when things are not working and I need some motivation :)
I hope that you and your friend start the journey that you are thinking of soon. All the very best for that.
PS: Linkin Park to start the day :D :D