It's was the time when as every year the current batch of students were leaving the Professional college and enter the big world of corporate to start off their careers. At the commencement of farewell function, a few selected speakers will soon partake words of wisdom with the batch of Engineering graduates. Some lessons shared will be profound, and others quite simple.
What would I share with them, if invited? Things I learned during my graduate days, principles proven in my consulting career, or titbits picked up from my own mistakes? I kept pondering for long, then decided that I'd share lessons I've learned from my pets during my growing days.
Play the hand you're dealt. Some of us are born into the lap of opulence; others are not. Some of us come programmed for delight, and others less so. Some of us are nurtured resplendently, and others are nearly unheeded. Caesar out pet dog, was given up, before he was found on the streets by my mother. You might think he'd be sullen, unable to trust, or stuck with a bit of a chip on his canine shoulder. Not so. He's a happy little fellow who seems to show that it's not what you've been given that counts-it's who you become and what you do with what you've got!
Be Your Self. When we adopted Meetu, We almost forgot to ask her name from the lady from whom Meetu was adopted. The Lady rolled her eyes and said, "It is Zooni, but I'd change it to Alisha, if I were you." We soon learned that this little Green Parrot was anything but a Parrot. She's acrobatic, amusing, social, and uninhibited. Possibly, she's not even a decent bred parrot. The name Meetu suited her well and she features an all-over feathery cut rather than a traditional parrot clipping and parroting the words "Meetu Pappi De" most of the day to all those who passed the cage. No matter what others think you should be like, it's always best, to be your true self.
Master the basics. Eat, sleep, exercise, and connect with your pack. Meenu is never too busy to eat, too distracted to sleep, or too tired for a walk. Nor does she ever turn down an chance to connect. Her Meow Meow greetings, sloppy kisses, and ability to land smack in the middle of the nearest lap are all powerful messages of just how basic the need to connect really is. And yet, in today's 24/7 world, it is often easy to forget that family and friends are actually nourishment, and a major contributor to prosperity.
Explore, explore, explore. Ever curious, and smart as ship, always seems ready to explore new territory. They will happily learn a new "trick," check out new feeds, climb new hills, or try new toys or the fresh air bubbles. In life, the choice is yours: play it safe and embrace the status quo, or face the unknown and continue to grow. Angel, Bob, Jaws, Irena, Queenie, Rags would all "Swim" all day around to discover a whole new world of the Aquarium.
Each of these make each day great by simply watching them around the home. Spontaneously, Ceaser will tear through the house, barrelling at a breakneck speed to chance the Meenu. Or, Meenu might unexpectedly drop her woollen ball at my mother feet feet, signalling it's time for end of the game and to feed her. When Meetu chirps continuously, she is impatiently, "asking" for her treat. And the Angel, Bob, Jaws, Irena, Queenie, Rags do great synchronized swimming to catch the fish meal.
Do what you love, ask for what you want, and seize opportunities as they appear. Don't wait for joy to come to you; instead, seek it out every day just as these pets do.
So do You have any pets and have you learned anything from them? If not, Do it Now!!!
