Rubbing the Lamp

Pratap was a renowned motivational speaker, but more importantly, he was known for his style. He was known for his unconventional way of communicating important things in a very simple and unique way.

His workshops, seminars were simply loved by the people, no wonder his show used to be houseful always. People used to literally wait to get tickets to his workshop.It was said attending his workshops were no less than a life-changing experience for anyone who attends it and there were testimonials from those who have attended the workshop, how this had changed their life.

Today, he was known for his amazing workshops, but this road was not easier for him, he had given and sacrificed a lot to reach where he is today.

His family was definitely big support in this success.

These workshops were not just a source of earning for him, well he considered an opportunity to bring change in someone's life. He considered himself blessed not only to be born in such a beautiful family but the amazing set of people he had met in his journey so far.

Well, things were not like this always, a few years back he worked with an MNC in a high position. He had everything one could ask for, but as they say, everything comes with a price. In spite of everything in his life, he felt a void, an incompleteness, as if everything that he had achieved did not make any sense.

He tried talking to his wife, friends, and finally some experts but all in vain. Though he tried reaching out to all the resources, there was still someone with whom he had not shared this and that was his father. His father knew there was something going on with his son, so he decided to have a chat with him to understand what was troubling him.

So one night when they finally had a talk, after listening to Pratap, his father said, "Son, I may not have a solution to your problems, but I know someone who can help you out. He is one of my dear friends, who might help you to find the answers to your questions.

I don't know if it's a coincidence or destiny that my friend is in town today. If you want I can check with him if he could meet you. He travels a lot and well you may find him mysterious, but my son one thing I can assure you, he'll not disappoint you.

Pratap was doubtful about this meeting but then thought there is no harm in meeting this mysterious person.

Little did he know that his meeting with this person is going to be a life-changer for him.

So that night Pratap went to meet him. His father told him he has to meet him alone since it's about his journey.

Pratap reached the address where the meeting was supposed to happen. When he reached there, he saw a man dressed in a black dress, it was more like he was dressed up as magician. He got confused and was about to leave when that man in black dress said, "Hi, Pratap, How are you? Don't worry you are in the right place.

 I am Keshav by the way. I can see you have a lot of questions in mind, and this is really eating you out.

He was shocked to see this man since he appeared almost his age, in fact, he looked younger, smart and sharp. How could dad be a friend of him? He thought to himself.

Keshav looked at Pratap smiled and said, "Ya, I know I look young, smart and sharp. And you are wondering how could your dad be friends with him. Well, Pratap don't be surprised if I can read your thoughts. But more importantly, I want you to listen very carefully to what I am about to share with you.

Do you like stories Pratap? I know you are grown up. But still do you like it? Keshav asked.

Pratap simply nodded, now he was wondering whether it was the right decision to come and should he make an excuse to leave?

Don't think so much Pratap, Keshav replied. Well, all you wanted was an opportunity from Life to understand what you are going through and Life has presented you with the answer in form of me. So relax and listen to me now.

I came across a great quote that really caught my attention "The Stories we love best, lives in us forever".

You remember the famous " Aladdin and the Magic lamp" story but have you ever thought what if Aladdin had not rubbed the lamp? 

No Genie!Right.

Life is a challenging journey with a beautiful destination, you'll face a lot of hurdles and challenges on your way.

But what if we embrace these challenges and hurdles so that they cease to exist.

What, if we understand these challenges and hurdles are there in our lives, to introduce us to our "Strengths", to show us "What we are capable of"?

What if we accept that "Even though this entire process looks difficult", it's there for a purpose!!

Be Thankful for every problem, challenges you have faced in your life till now because they are the reason "Who" you are "Today".

They have prepared you well!!

So every time you encounter them, smile and tell yourself, "It's going to be okay. These are here to introduce me to my strengths. I am well prepared to handle it. And before they leave, I'll be stronger than I am now."

"When things get rough, remember the rubbing that brings the shine. Enjoy the process, as it brings the best out of You"

Our Thoughts are more powerful than we estimate them

They are like a magic wand in your hand

You can create magic out of it, provided you know how to use it to your best.

Pratap was listening to Keshav very carefully. Pratap was surprised to listen to such deep thoughts from Keshav, he never expected this from him, but more importantly, after listening to him, he felt as if his clouds of doubts, his stress, the void were gone.

How could this happen at the snap of the finger?

He felt so much lighter if felt as if someone has unloaded a piece of heavy luggage from his shoulder.

Pratap was lost in his thoughts when Keshav's voice brought her back to reality.

Keshav smiled ad said, Pratap you know Our Life is often controlled by our thoughts, that's the key

Yet the whole life we continue blaming anything and everything around us for our failure

It's our thoughts that can unlock our full potentials and that leads us one step closer to chasing our dreams

We need to be watchful for our thoughts because it's the thoughts that lead us to believe and finally pave the way to action.

Our thoughts can act as a major instrument to succeed but at the same time, they become the reason for our failure too.

Thoughts are the seeds of happiness. Make sure you select the good kind of seed and take good care of the seeds

Only then the tree of happiness shall grow and bloom.

Even when the circumstances are trying, hold your fort and stay strong Don't let anything shake your confidence in your thoughts

It's your thoughts that shall help you to sail through the storm of testing times It would not let you down, provided you are ready not to give up.

You need to be the master of this magic wand and tame it Let the wand know who the master is before it starts manipulating you.

History has been created by those who got a stronghold on their thoughts This journey would not be an easy one, but as it's been rightly said

Often the bad roads lead to a beautiful destination.

Imagine, how wonderful life would be If all your thoughts lead to happiness and fulfilling your dreams

Looking at Pratap, Keshav said, I can see it in your eyes, you have everything you are looking for. It's just your thoughts that are stopping you. You need to believe in yourself and your positive thoughts. You are ready to achieve what you really want. Just flap your wings, don't hesitate to take the risk and touch the sky.

Now, you can leave. Go home, take sleep and tomorrow morning would be different for you. One more thing you may not remember me, but you'll always remember what I revealed to you.

Pratap got up from his place, touched his feet and said, "Thank you, Master. It seems as If I was searching for you for a long time and finally I met you. For the first time in my life, I know exactly what needs to be done. I am no more afraid, that emptiness, the void has gone. How can I repay you? 

Keshav smiled and said, "Go and follow your dream and help other's to fulfil theirs".I promise I'll be part of it when this happens.

Few years down the line

Pratap was in a workshop, while he was conducting the session, he saw a young man in his batch, dressed in a black dress which that made him appear like a magician 

Post completing the session Pratap went to him and said, What's your name? Do I know you? You look so familiar as if I know you from somewhere.

The young man smiled and said, No, you don't know me. My name is Krish. And I meeting you for the first time. You are doing a wonderful job. Looks like you found the answers you were looking for

And with that the young man left the place, leaving Pratap to wonder "Who was he"?

Pratap went back and asked his assistance to provide him with the list of attendees and the workshop video.

To his surprise, "Krish" name was neither on the attendee list nor he was in the workshop video.

And that time Pratap realised he met none other than his "Master",