What is the ultimate aim of our existence? Not money, not that car, not that job, and not the material possessions or meeting societal expectations. Instead, it centers on a pursuit deeper and more profound: happiness. Yet, we often overlook an invaluable source of inspiration—the world's happiest individuals. I am happy and filled with gratitude to the realization that one of the fundamental routes to lasting happiness lies in being grounded.
I believe I am still striving to become the kindest version of myself that I aspire to be, but, I am making progress. While there is plenty of discussion about kindness on the internet, in this page I aim to concentrate on the combination of being grounded and kind.
In the past few months, I found myself feeling unhappy without really knowing why. Even though I was going to gatherics and meeting friends, I just couldn't seem to connect with anyone. It was like I was putting on a front, especially since people around me were praising me for some achievements I made in college. While I was grateful for the recognition, it started affecting me negatively. I felt like I wasn't allowed to be happy, and I couldn't figure out why. I think the problem was that I wasn't as grounded as I used to be. With all the compliments and attention, my head got a bit inflated, and I lost touch with the simple joy of connecting with others. Instead of just being myself and enjoying the company of friends, I was too caught up in feeling like I had to live up to some high standard. This made it hard for me to really engage in conversations and just relax. It was when I realized that I needed to get back to basics. You are just a regular person, and it's okay to hang out with friends without any pressure. You don't need all the fancy stuff to feel happy and loved. You just need to be grounded and appreciate the simple moments with the people who care about You. That's where true happiness lies.
By being Grounded I mean is stability, being mentally and emotionally balanced, and connected to the present moment. Being self-aware and rooted in reality, being able to handle life's challenges with clarity and calmness. It includes understanding emotions, finding inner peace, and having a realistic view of life. It's like having a strong base that keeps you steady and focused, even in chaotic or uncertain times.
This is where I knew, there is something that demands a change...
What I did to bring the change
That is when, I made some changes in my life that have had a big impact on my happiness, not sure how temporary or permanent it is, but I definitely see a profound change.
Gratitude
It all started with a simple practice I picked up from "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Each morning, I began by waking up and expressing gratitude to the Almighty for everything in my life. This practice, known as daily gratitude, helped me shift my focus to the positive aspects of my life and feel more grounded and content.
In Islam, there's a beautiful verse, Alhamdulillah (Arabic: لْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ, al-Ḥamdu lillāh) which translates to "Praise be to Allah." It's about expressing gratitude to the almighty for all the blessings, big and small, in our lives. Inspired by this, after each prayer, I started taking a few moments to thank the almighty for the things I have. It's amazing how this simple act of gratitude has brought me a sense of stability, calmness, and composure.
By acknowledging the beauty of the little things in life, I've found myself more centered and at peace with myself. It's a reminder to appreciate the blessings around us, whether it's the warmth of the sun on a chilly morning or the laughter of loved ones. This practice has become a cornerstone of my daily routine, helping me stay positive and grounded irrespective of life's ups and downs.
Diverse connections
Another change I made was to broaden my circle of influence. Now, I didn't mean giving up my current friends and family; it was more about gaining perspective from people who've achieved remarkable things in life yet remain down-to-earth. These aren't necessarily celebrities; they're just individuals who inspire me with their humility and achievements.
By surrounding myself with such people, I've gained valuable insights and reminders that there's always room for growth. It's not about comparing myself to them or feeling inferior, but rather about learning from their experiences and embodying their groundedness. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in keeping me grounded and motivated to strive for personal growth while staying humble along the way.
Connect with nature
One tip that really made a difference for me was connecting with nature. My best friend suggested it, and I'm really grateful. Just spending time outdoors, whether it's taking a stroll in the park early morning, sitting by a river, or going for a hike in the mountains, has a calming effect. It helps me feel more grounded and centered, especially when life gets hectic.
Get creative
One thing that made a big difference for me was getting back into creative expression. I used to draw and paint, but when I got busy with my career, I put those hobbies aside, thinking they were just a waste of time. But I was wrong. Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music helped me express myself and connect with my emotions. It's been a powerful tool for self-discovery and grounding, reminding me of the importance of nurturing my creative side.
Let it go
Another practice that has been really beneficial for me is practicing acceptance and letting go. Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes things don't go the way we planned. But instead of dwelling on what we can't control, it's important to accept the situation and let go of unnecessary stressors.
This mindset shift has helped me cultivate a greater sense of peace and contentment, even in uncertainty. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement. As humans, we can never stop venting less XD.
Inspiring Figures in My Journey
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention some of the truly wonderful and inspiring people in my life. While much of my focus lately has been on the tech world, I want to start by highlighting someone who I believe is the most grounded person I've ever known—my mother.
It is actually something remarkable and something I've admired since I was young. I've often wondered how she manages to stay so level-headed and composed in every situation. I won't delve into personal stories, but there have been countless instances where I've witnessed my mother's groundedness. Whether she's interacting with a street vendor, a shopkeeper, our society's staff, or even with relatives I might not get along with, her demeanor remains consistent and kind.
Growing up, I was always amazed by her ability to stay so centered and composed in any situation. While I won't delve much into personal stories, but there have been countless moments where I've witnessed this, and her example continues to inspire me, showing me that it is possible to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and humility. I've even jokingly told her that it seems impossible for me to ever reach the level of groundedness she has!
Now, I want to talk about some incredible people I've had the privilege to know, especially in the tech world where I spend most of my time these days.
Let me start with one of the most amazing, Priyanka Saggu. She's incredibly grounded, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who reaches out to her. One such moments, I remember feeling unsure about attending a conference in Paris, but her motivation and guidance encouraged me to go for it. Her support and belief in me pushed me to overcome my doubts and exhaustion, and I'm so grateful for her guidance. Her dedication to helping others and her genuine desire for everyone's success are truly inspiring. She to me embodies the beauty of self-love and positivity, showing how being grounded can lead to incredible growth and fulfillment.
Madhav Jivrajani, has been a constant source of support and guidance for me, also during times of doubt. He goes above and beyond to help and support me as if it were his own personal mission. Despite all the incredible things he's accomplished, he remains incredibly appreciative and grounded. What sets him apart is his proactive approach to helping others. He doesn't wait to be asked for assistance; instead, he advocates for me, refers me to opportunities, and genuinely believes in lending a helping hand whenever possible. His selfless and grounded demeanor is truly inspiring, reminding me of the importance of humility and generosity in achieving happiness.
Nitish Kumar, a very nice friend of mine has this exceptional groundedness. He exemplifies the best qualities of our generation Z, always remaining steady, sharing, and ready to lend a helping hand. It is noticeable that his calm presence shows stability, and it's clear he is kind and always ready to help others.
Nikhita Raghunathan deserves all the praise she gets and more. Beyond her tech accomplishments, what shines the most is her down-to-earth nature. She truly inspires me to succeed by staying humble and friendly. What impresses me the most about her is her willingness to extend a helping hand, even to someone like me—a third-year student just beginning to navigate the world of tech. I continue to learn from her example each day.
Dims is remarkable not only for his tech expertise but also for his kindness and down-to-earth personality. While he's known for mentoring and knowledge, what's often overlooked is his real humility and readiness to connect with others personally. Despite his busy schedule and many other things, he always finds time to listen, support, and encourage those around him. This quality of Dims' character makes him stand out and someone I'm excited to learn from. His blend of technical skill and empathy is a strong reminder of the value of staying humble and connected, regardless of our career success.
These people shows success isn't just about achieving milestones; it's also about staying true to oneself and lifting others along the way.
I've shared these shoutouts not only to express my gratitude towards the remarkable individuals who have influenced my life but also to highlight the importance of kindness and groundedness in our journey. These individuals have inspired me to strive for personal growth while staying rooted in humility and compassion. While I've mentioned a few names here, there are countless others out there who embody these qualities and serve as sources of inspiration. It's time you find these people around you too!
Ending remarks
"Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything"
I truly believe that being grounded and being kind go hand in hand. When I speak of these individuals' groundedness, I also mean to highlight their kindness. I hope I've successfully advocated for groundedness in this blog. If you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a like. And if you're eager to learn more about practices that contribute to a happy life—like being grounded, kind, empathetic, and mindful—stay tuned for more in my series, Advocate.
In this series, I explore the beautiful aspects of life that have brought stability and joy into my world, beyond just tech. I'm not perfect, so feel free to reach out to me on Twitter with any feedback or corrections. Peace and love 🤍