In Omnia Paratus

I heard this Latin phrase for the first time while I was binge watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix. And oh boy! I fell in love with not only the characters namely Rory Gilmore and Logan Huntzberger, but also with the phrase – In Omnia Paratus. For those of you who haven’t watched the series or don’t know what this phrase means, let me give you some context.

So, the quintessential girl-next-door character Rory in the series Gilmore girls is on a quest to find details about an elite club – The life and death brigade – for the university daily. She attends and partakes in the events of this elite club or society whose motto is ‘In Omnia Paratus’ which means ready for anything. This phrase has been stuck in my head for all the right reasons. Firstly, because I fell in love with Logan for being the guy I have always dreamt about. Second and most importantly, the Latin phrase is so powerful, motivating you to be ready for whatever comes your way.

For someone like me who is scared about everything, right from selecting a new ice cream flavour to try a new sport because what if I don’t like the flavor I choose to experiment with or what if I fall, hurt myself and get scarred? This is applicable in every other aspect of my life, be it personal or professional. I second guess myself a lot and mostly end up playing the role of devil’s advocate, 9 out of 10 times in a day. I’ve never liked taking chances in my life, always looked forward to certainty with regards to everything, right from the people in my life to my career - I like and prefer being certain about everything.

But hey, you cannot always control things. And if there’s something that I’ve learnt from everything I’ve been through, then it’s this – you have to take a chance no matter what, never know who or what might surprise you and sweep you off your feet. And this is when this Latin phrase struck all the right chords with me. I’m not saying that I’m not scared anymore about taking chances, facing uncertainty; but I sure have found strength in me to jump into the unknown, all the while hoping it turns out to be good.

Life isn’t perfect, right? When you’re sad, you look forward to being happy and when you’re finally happy, you worry about how things could possibly go wrong. It’s a vicious cycle that will never stop but I guess, you’ve to live with it and be ready for anything and everything that might come your away. The best and only fool proof plan that you can have is to take everything in your stride, face your difficulties and struggles head on, and emerge a winner. Don’t let anyone or anything pull you down and make you doubt your worth or mettle. Not even your own insecurities, self-doubt or self-pity. 

Every morning, when you wake up say this to yourself and I bet you’ll have a spring in your step and a smile on your face. To all the girlies – It’ll help keep the wrinkles at bay. *Wink* *Wink* 

Worth a try, right? Keep smiling.

No Strings Attached!

We humans are tuned in such a way that we love and care for those who are close to us. We do everything possible in our capacity to keep them happy. We seldom think twice before putting their wish and happiness before ours. Somewhere in our hearts we seek happiness in their joy. And in these times, we are the most ‘selfless’ individuals. We give way more than we have, We do things beyond our capacity. We are ready to cross oceans and move mountains for them. And we expect the same love and care in return.

The problem starts when we expect the same things in return. We expect the opposite person to be like us and do things that we would whole heartedly do for them. And when they do not meet our set standards or expectations, we get hurt. We start to wonder about our importance in their life. We wonder if even they would be willing to cross oceans for us. We wonder if we ever meant anything to them. So to say the least, our ‘love’ comes with  ‘*’ – a terms and conditions apply tag. We often forget that every individual is different. And that is why we try to judge them with parameters that we’ve set for ourselves.

As kids, we were often taught in our ‘moral science class’ that every individual is unique. Obviously, you wouldn’t be happy if someone is your exact copy in any way. We all know this, but we kind of forgot it when we left school. Some of us can express ourselves easily. But some of us just can’t get ourselves to express or convey what we feel. Some of us are outgoing and friendly, but others may take time to be able to express happiness or hurt. So maybe one person may regard something as good, but at the same time someone else might not find it conducive.  But this doesn’t mean that those who can’t get themselves to express their love and care easily don’t feel anything. Of course they do, but they choose not to be so open about their feelings and choices.

We don’t open up to anybody and everybody. Probably we’re scared of being misunderstood, scared of being hurt and alone or maybe just scared of being rejected. Somewhere our own insecurities and doubts hold us back. Maybe we’re too scared of being attached. Someone once told me: “never get attached to anyone or anything, learn to let go”. But my only argument was how do you not get attach to someone or something? Should you like stop and become anti-social? Because maybe if you do nothing you might not end up getting attached to anything or anyone.  (And I know that’s not possible right) Then how do you do it? It is like doing something that has the power to hurt you, but not actually giving it the power to do so. A Metaphor.

There is this universal rule: Everything that comes together falls apart. And we need to understand this. If we deserve something, it will come to you. But of course you need to make efforts to achieve it. And after a point, you need to let things unfold on its own. Ever heard of karma? She has a strange way of coming back and give you what you deserve. So keep sending out love and happiness in the universe, and see how this comes back to you in abundance. Always believe that if its meant for you, it will come back to you sooner or later. So Keep smiling through the confusion and live life by one rule: No strings attached! Stay happy !