Reasons to Love Colbie Caillat and 'Try'

'You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try'.......

Seven years after her debut with the hit song “Bubbly,” Caillat is still so bubbly and Infectious and Beautiful. She’s different. She seems to understand where we’re at. As a girl from Malibu, she’s a girl after my own heart. She’s seen, like I have, the skinny girls we ogle at the pool or at clubs, one part awe of how perfect they look, one part jealous because you don’t look like that. She’s witnessed, like we all have, the double standards society places on body image. Caillat just knows how to make the listener feel good.

Every song by Caillat is so positive. It’s not prudish or naive, it is clean. It is happy. She seems like a woman who isn’t bogged down by people’s perceptions of her, she stands up for herself and for what is right. Her music speaks just that.

She is someone who has a Universal appeal. Her songs skew females for sure, but so many of my guy friends sing her songs, Bubbly for instance. Her concerts are full of people of all ages, right from kids to the youth to young married couples, middle-aged couples, crazy jamming women in their 40s, also old people. What other pop artists can say the same about their shows?

She has a steadily rising stock. She delivers slowly and steadily, like a good investment and puts a lot of thought into her work. For example, Caillat recently came out with the song “Try”, it reminds us that beauty comes from within and radiates out through our being.

She repeatedly asks the question Do you like you?

Because, that is what is important. If your answer is a Yes, Congratulations; you've achieved Self-Acceptance.

However, for most of us, however, it doesn't come as easily. We wish that our boobs were bigger, or that our butt were rounder, our stomach flatter, our legs longer, our skin clearer… the list goes on and on. It’s so easy to it is so easy to long for what we do not have and ignore what we have. And that’s only the physical aspects. We may also wish we sang well, had more talents, had more likable qualities…

But ultimately, we’re not perfect. Even the girl in the magazine doesn't look like the girl in the magazine

 The song ends with, 'Take your make-up off/Let your hair down/Take a breath/Look into the mirror, at yourself/Don’t you like you?/Cause I like you.' This sums up the whole song. We need to be happy with ourselves and not do things just so that we can be accepted in society or so that you can impress a certain someone. There is so much pressure to be perfect. There are so many diets, makeup, hair products etc to “help girls out”. REALLY NOW ?!  

The music video is also great because it starts out with people of all ages with makeup and hair done but then as the song goes on they start taking off their makeup and undoing their hair and are just happy with themselves.

If you guys haven't watched it, you should. 

Always remember, you're beautiful.

Lots of Love,

Alisha.

❤️

Listen to the song in you.

Listen
To the song in you.
It's there
In whatever puts stars
In your eyes
And makes your heart sing.
Listen
To your feelings
And you will hear
Who you are
And what you must do.
Listen
To your needs
And you will know
Where to find
What you are looking for.
Listen
To the wisdom within.
It is trying to lead you
To your destiny.
Listen
To the song in you
And your life
Will be one of harmony.
You will be
Who you were meant to be,
You will be complete
And at peace
And happier than you've ever been,
If only you will
Listen
To the song in you . . .

- Nancye Sims

The dead talk ...

The top 10 things dead people want to tell living people are:

1. They're not dead.

2. They're sorry for any pain they caused.

3. There's no such thing as a devil or hell.

4. They were ready to go when they went.


5. You're not ready.

6. They finally understand what they were missing.


7. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the moment you arrive.


8. Don't try to understand this now, but life is exceedingly fair.

9. Your pets are as crazy, brilliant and loving, here, as they were there.


10. Life really is all about love, but not just loving those who love you...



In their own words,

The Universe

I loved this Note that I received from The Universe, and thought of sharing it with you.



Have a Nice Day.
Alisha ❤️

Self Love :)

                                                  

Do you think you’re fat, dark, ugly, good for nothing or the worst person who has ever existed? Do you think you’re not worth love and that nobody loves you or will love you?

You are not alone.

In a day & age where nothing is ever good enough; fast enough; advanced enough or perfect enough, it's extremely hard to accept and acknowledge that who you are - inside & out - right now, is the best version of yourself that you can be. And that that person is amazing, worthy of love, care and respect..

In this world, being able to love who you are is tough. Many times, society ingrains in us a sense of never being good enough and that the only way to be great is to be like everyone else.

There have been times I’ve hated the way I looked, the way I acted, the person I thought I was - I've spent years criticising myself due to this imaginary idea of perfection. An idea implanted and passed down by the media, editing software’s and peer pressure. 

Yesterday was one of those days.

Just then I came across this quote on We Heart It:

I think it’s so breathtakingly beautiful and true.

Life is entirely too short to hate the skin you're in. To feel bound by non-existent rules and ideals. It's time to love yourself, be kind to yourself and to shine from the inside out. Never be afraid to be who you are. Embrace your quirks, flaws and all. Without them, you're just another copy and paste. Without them, you wouldn't be YOU, and there's far more value in that then you realise. Be your own superhero. Make your rules. BE YOURSELF. There's no-one else like you on this planet we call home and that in itself is a truly awesome thing. 

Let’s face the facts and realize that we are not perfect. No one is perfect! And that is definitely something to be celebrated! As hard as you try, you can never be perfect. And I personally think that that is awesome! Imperfection is pure beauty. Why would you want to change that? So love who you are and every flaw that comes with you!

Here are a few other quotes I love :

                                                                         Alisha❤️
                                                                       

The Laughing Heart - Charles Bukowski

your life is your life

don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.

be on the watch.

there are ways out.

there is a light somewhere.

it may not be much light but

it beats the darkness.

be on the watch.

the gods will offer you chances.

know them.

take them.

you can’t beat death but

you can beat death in life, sometimes.

and the more often you learn to do it,

the more light there will be.

your life is your life.

know it while you have it.

you are marvelous

the gods wait to delight

in you.

- Charles Bukowski

The Invitation - Oriah Mountain Dreamer

I came across this poem a few days back. And I think this is the most inspiring and motivating poem I have ever read. I absolutely loved the poem. The best part of it is, each time I read this; it says something new to me. I’m sure it will touch you too.  Do read it and let me know how you liked it.

                                       The Invitation

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.  If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, 'Yes.'

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

You're Beautiful

I’m sure all of you have been through situations where you hate yourself, when insecurity grips on to you. When you look at yourself in the mirror, and all you can see is you being overweight or underweight, crazy hair, puffy eyes, dry skin, oily skin, etc. Those times when you feel rejected, when you feel like you've failed. When darkness surrounds you, when you feel like the ugliest of the lot, when you feel you’re worth nothing and your existence means nothing.

I’m just here to tell you, that you’re not alone. All of us feel that way. The purpose of this post is simply to remind you, of life's pure magic, how beautiful, powerful, wonderful you are, and how far you have reached.

You've helped more than you know, you've done better than you realize and you’re closer than you think. And therefore each time you look into the mirror, you need to believe that you are more than that. Look beyond just your face or appearance, you’re not what the world or your friends think of you. You are not even what you think of yourself. YOU, my friend are beyond just labels or stereotypes; you are uniquely created, perfectly made. And therefore it goes beyond just your makeup or hairdo or the clothes you wear. Your age, or weight, eye colour, skin colour, hair colour doesn't define you. And hence, you do not need to live up to some ridiculous and unobtainable idea.

Yes, you are not perfect. But neither is anyone else. People might find you weird, being normal is boring anyway. You have been to hell and back, your resilience is beautiful. You’re beautiful because you take risks. You’re an inspiration and you’re real.

It’s normal to ask yourself “where am I going?”… “What am I to do with my life?”… “Where do I belong?” …“Who am I as a person?”  It’s okay to have angry outbursts, or to be confused about the future or about yourself and the world. Your night-time unvoiced fears, sudden tears, the sweeping highs, and rocky lows are not what define you.

You’re the most trustworthy friend, the best child to you parents, even though they might not think so. Remember, time is on your side and ‘no’ is never forever. Sit back and think of all your dreams that have already come true, I’m sure they are a lot. There, you are a legend already.

You know what is right and you know what is wrong.  You know what makes you sad and hurtful, as well as what makes you happy and fulfilled.  What a wonder it is to be you…

You are who you are. You are potential and you can truly be whatever you wish to. You are possibility, hope and ability. You can do whatever you want, accomplish things greater than you can ever think of.  You are beautiful and special. Nothing that happens in your entire life can stop your thoughts from becoming things and your words from giving you wings. Have faith; forget what everything around you tells you to be. If they don’t notice your good looks, strengths and your sashay, I feel sorry for them, because, you are beautiful.

You’re beautiful because you believe in things. Even when it’s easier to be cynical, skeptical, hyper-rational, you keep believing because you know believing in things is what makes them real. You’re beautiful for that reason, because you can do something lots of people can’t. You have been through things most people haven’t. You have been hurt, troubled and you still stay strong. You are happiness and you give people happiness.

You’re beautiful and you shouldn't wait for someone else to tell you that. You already know it, just see it. Only if you’re able to love and believe in yourself with people love and believe in you.

You are in your journey, writing the story of your precious life.  Each day of your life you write a new paragraph.  Make it a wondrous story, the most exciting and joyous adventure it can possibly become. And always remember, you’re loved.

You are beautiful!

I Love you guys.

xoxo

- Alisha.

HAS REPUBLIC DAY REALLY LOST IT’S SIGNIFICANCE ?

So, Today India celebrates its 65^th Republic Day. But except that it has fallen on a Sunday so, no extra holiday for us this year or it being a dry day, does it really matter to us?

Honesty, I’m no different!!I was woken up today morning by my 10 year old sister, she had The Indian Flag in her hand and she very sweetly wished me ‘Happy Republic Day’, I got up cribbing about what a waste of a holiday but like a good child wore an Indian outfit and went to church. I thought, since its Republic Day.. That’s the right thing to do, dress all traditional. But to my surprise, it was just like any other day; I didn’t even see a flag around. What’s happening? Has this day reaaallyy lost its significance?

I’m sure we were all taught the significance of Republic Day in Indian History. But the question is whether it actually holds any significance for us beyond passing an 8th Std history examination?

Let me tell you this, If  the midnight of August 15, 1947 marks the day India  gained independence from British rule, it was only on January 26^th, 1950 that the constitution of India was finally adopted, making the country a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. India was functioning under the laws enacted and implemented by the British until this day. The constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949, following several amendments and finally came into force on republic day.

It is a people’s day. On Independence Day, the past is re-called , on Republic Day, the pledge is renewed. The essence behind the celebration of Republic day is not only to celebrate India’s secularism and democracy but also to make us feel proud of our culture, languages, social norms, traditions, customs, religions that make India a wonderful multi-cultural country.

But do we realize this attribute of our National culture?

I think we need to stop cribbing about how we are leading the most miserable life anyone can have or how the political system of our country is going down the drains or how the population and corruption is exponentially increasing and maybe start trying a little harder to change these things that are hampering our society. Like its said,‘Be the change you want to see’.

Are we really playing the part of a true Indian? If you take out just 2 minutes from your daily lives you’ll surely get the answer. Have you ever tried to get your work done through the proper channel? Whether it is following the traffic signals or getting a drivers license, we go through the corrupt way. Up to the extent that we even try to get admission to the best college not on the basis of our ability but on the basis of donation.

Our freedom fighters have sacrificed their life for us. They died dreaming of a Free INDIA, but they never thought that although India will be free from British, it will then be a slave of Corruption, Treachery, Illiteracy, Exploitation and many more such evils.

With the rise of corruption and justice being denied everywhere, it is proved that we still are being governed by the evil forces. Although India is rising in terms of technology and economy, it is getting HOLLOW from within.

On this day, let me end this post by a famous quote by John. F. Kennedy, here keeping India in mind -

‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’

                                 

Happy Republic Day.

-         Alisha D’souza

Don't you worry child :)

One night, while I was sitting and sipping on my green tea, I realised that I was humming the tune of ‘Don’t you worry Child’ by Swedish House Mafia. That song is surely one of my favourites, the tune jumps into my brain and bounces there forever. But for some reason, that night ... I completely zoned out and the song took me to a completely different world. Maybe I was over thinking, but I realised that the song has so much meaning to it.

It made me realise how I was so different as a kid, a little more carefree, little less judgemental, a lot more happy ... and then I grew up and reality hit me. Exactly like the song!!!

Have you ever stopped to think about the words? How the song starts with a ‘happy’ time when, as a young boy, he was the ‘king’ , on a ‘golden throne’. And then he comes back to the present and says that ‘those days are gone’ and they are now just memories. He believes that everything changed.

Isn’t life like that?? When you’re a child, you’re safe, secure, loved, carefree and happy and you suddenly grow up and you’re made to face the world!! At least I feel like that at times. Alone in a crowd! I feel that I have suddenly grown up, all independent, I feel that ... one wrong move and I’m finished, I feel judged and yes, scared !

Coming back to the song, he is surely in despair and he is broken but still finds comfort in his father’s words, ‘Don't you worry, don't you worry, child. See heaven's got a plan for you’.

I think we can all relate to this. The older we get, the more we live, the more likely we are to have our hearts broken, dreams shattered and relationships strained. But, in all these crisis whom do we turn to? A fond memory, parents, a friend?

I’ve realised, that for me as a Christian, this song has a much profound meaning. For we have a heavenly father, who invites us to come to him with all our worries and concerns – Big or Small. He tells us not to worry but to pray and tell him all our problems. Peace is ensured.

And, I am assured that God has a plan for us.

“ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope’’ – Jer 29:11

It’s not just that ‘heaven’ has a plan for you (whatever that actually means). It is God that has a plan for you, to change and become a better person and he can even use the heartbreaks and heartaches of life to make that happen.

But all said and done, a father can have a plan for his sons life but the son can chose to ignore it. So, we cant blame God for everything that happens and all the choices we make. He has given us the gift of free will and we need to exercise it well. For example, in a real life scenario a child does have free will, but a good father exercises control over the child and at the same time, allows the child to mature and make choices. He allows his child to learn by mistakes and failures. In the same way God has a perfect will and plan but also has permissive will, which allows us to learn the hard way.


So the next time your heart is broken, your dreams shattered, you feel rejected or relationships strained, remember :

1.    Don’t worry; you have a father who will take care of it. PRAY. Ask him to help you make the right choice.

2.    He has a plan for you. TRUST IN HIM.

3.    Listen to the lyrics sometimes. It got me writing this post.

Take care :)

xoxo

- Alisha.

New Year Resolutions 2014 :)

Hello,

So, we’ve said goodbye to 2013, all the Christmas eating and drinking and general merriment is left behind us and we are now looking to the next year and making those all-important resolutions, you know, the one's we make and try to keep every year?

So what do I plan on doing (and not doing) in 2014?

( Yes, I know making New year resolutions are a little too mainstream... but anyway ! )

1.EAT FOR HEALTH NOT WEIGHT
I know that one of the most commonly made New Year’s Resolutions is to lose weight. To get skinny is everyone’s favorite resolution.  But I feel a resolution to eat for health instead of weight loss could be a better choice. So, I am going to choose to eat in order to be healthy which will surely give me a side effect of weight loss. Not only will I be a slimmer version of myself but also a healthier one. YAY !

2. GET SLEEP
Yes, That! Get sleep!! I really don’t get enough sleep.

3. DRINK MORE WATER
I struggle with my daily intake of water, but I’m now going to make it a habit and limit the amount of sodas and sugary drinks in the house.

4. SPEND ONE DAY A MONTH ALONE

With the daily hustle-bustle, college, work, projects friends etc. I have forgotten how it is to spend time with myself. We all need alone time. So, I am now going to take time out for myself - Watch a few movies, catch up on my favorite shows, read a little bit, go shopping, or do anything that I enjoy - for myself and by myself

5. LEARN A LANGUAGE
I realised, that this could not only be fun, but really helpful in life. Whether I want to travel somewhere or don’t want to, it’s a great resume builder or just a lot of fun to show off. You never know when a new language will come in handy or what opportunities it will lead to. So, I’m going to continue with French that I left behind in junior college.

6. STOP BUYING JUNK AND SPENDING WISELY

I am so, so guilty of doing this! Buying stuff that I don’t even need just because they appear pretty. If I counted all of the money that I have wasted on useless junk, I'd be rich!

7. SPEND TIME WITH THOSE WHO MATTER
Due to the busy schedule, taking time out for myself has become a task. But coming to think of it, purposing to take time for those who matter is such an important thing in our lives. It is one of those very important things that slips by us if we are not careful. This is a decision I am sure I will never regret.

8. AVOID FRENEMIES
This resolution may sound odd if you’ve never had a frenemy, but if you do have one, then you know how much time and energy they can sap from you. They’re mean, cruel, and worst of all, they pretend to be your friend, and you just can’t seem to cut them loose. Well, this is the New Year, and I am done wasting time on people who don’t deserve me! Blahh ! Bye !

9. PURSUE A HOBBY
I remember how much I loved music and how into my keyboard I used to be. It’s been years I haven’t touched my keyboard. It’s funny how time flies and other things become a priority.

10.  THINK BEFORE I SPEAK
I know this is funny. But I’m sure most of y’all agree with me on this (Especially those who know me well). Haha. Here is an area that I have big trouble with. I know that I don’t really think before I talk most of the time. But I promise to work on it. I am also going to try my best to start listening more and talking less. Happy now?

So, those were my list of resolutions which I am going to try my best to stick to. If you think I need to work on anything else... do let me know.

Take Care.

Have an awesome year ahead :)

Goodbye 2013 :)

2013 has been one of the best years of my life. It taught me so much. I made lifelong friendships and ended some that weren't healthy. Realised that nothing lasts forever, may it be Joys or Sorrows. I have felt the most extreme joy but was also slumped into sadness for a few months time or maybe a couple of weeks. But in my lowest lows I always learn my greatest lessons. I have learned to care less about what people think of me. Their judgements are between them and God. I have learned that I cannot control people's gossip or lies but can only be who I am and prove them wrong. I have learned how to hold my tongue when all I want to do is say ugly things. And I have learned that forgiveness is the key to happiness. There's a reason people hate change and that's because it's completely unknown. I have never walked more blindly in my life but I appreciate the faith that comes with it. There are things I will never know or understand but one thing I do...my quality of life depends on my ability to be vulnerable, forgive, and love. And I have never regretted loving someone. Be kind 2014. I'm looking forward to you.

Here is my year in pictures:

Goodbye 2013,

You shall be missed. :)

I'd like to thank all of you for making my life so beautiful.

Take Care.

And have a Happy New Year !!!