Happy Birthday

So yup this is baby me. I rarely ever disclose my personal life publicly. In fact, LinkedIn is probably the last place I should be commenting and sharing private and personal information about myself???. But I couldn’t think of a better way to share and express what I’m currently thinking and feeling.

At the end of the day we’re all regular people right? Regular people who use LinkedIn professionally to network, discuss opportunities to collaborate and work together or even at times to support each other emotionally through shared experiences of trials, tribulations, and success.

But on this day in which I was brought into this world, the 7th of February, I wanted to take time to reflect and share my current thoughts and appreciation for life that I would not otherwise normally express.

I hope that my message may bring someone out of solitude or despair and teach them the power of positivity and hope. Full disclosure, I am in no way a guru or spiritual master of any kind despite having the beard to say so (Updated LinkedIn profile pic soon to follow ??) but I am a human being who has encountered many of life’s speed-bumps along the way.

I take every hardship in life as a teaching lesson which will prepare me for the next obstacle during my journey. I may certainly not always welcome or embrace each hardship I face along the way with open arms and without frustration, but what I have come to acknowledge and accept is that everything in life happens for a reason and a purpose albeit whether I truly understand it in the moment or not.

What I have come to understand with the passage of time is that each hurdle we face in life has a particular purpose. Next time you face a challenge, embrace it rather than distance it. Just be patient and take the time to do your own reflecting to make sense of things that have happened in your life.

I could be upset and sad about spending my birthday in isolation as I contracted COVID yesterday, but I’m not. In fact, I’m really grateful for having the opportunity to reflect and still be alive.

Now the intention for this message isn’t meant to focus on COVID but rather show my gratitude for my existence into this world.

With age comes wisdom and because I’m another year younger I really wanted to share some of my life lessons that I have acquired along the way with others who may find some benefit in it.

Lesson 1: Be Humble. It’s so easy to get caught up and entangled in the web of materialism and luxuries of life once you have become successful but that is not the true path to attaining eternal happiness. Remember your beginnings and be thankful to all of the people in your life who made sacrifices to get you to this point.

Lesson 2: Respect Your Elders. I’m sure many people have heard their parents or grandparents say this to them, especially if you’re from an Indian family. Remember with age comes wisdom so ask your elders for advice, guidance and mentorship because they can really help you avoid the pitfalls in life.

Lesson 3: Be Genuine. People are smart. Don’t try to pretend to be something that you are not because people will see right through you. Be yourself and work on being good.

Lesson 4: Be Kind. It’s a lot easier than you think. Kindness goes a long way and if we had more of it in this world we would all be in a happier place. Try to be kind daily.

Lesson 5: Trust The Process. Whether you believe in God or even some other spiritual entity or not, respect that your journey has a purpose and know that it always works out. Keep the faith.

Lesson 6: Be Thankful. Be thankful to your parents, especially your mother who brought you into this world and gave you life. Without her, my father, or even my grandparents my message being shared with you would not exist today.

Lesson 7:?Appreciate Others. Appreciate your friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Show them you care about them. It doesn’t always have to be by gifting them something, but express to them in words of your sincere appreciation and importance of them to you in your life.

Lesson 8: Be Ambitious. Strive for something great and set goals. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve what you want in life.

Lesson 9: Never Give Up. Failure is a necessary component in life to understand what success truly is. If you have a desire to accomplish something than go get it. It’s yours for the taking.

Lesson 10: Appreciate Life. Our sole existence on earth is the most precious gift that we will ever receive. So be thankful for the limited time that we have and try to enjoy it as much as possible.

Dr. Tandon ????