2025 - The Passionpreneur's Journey

 

Photo Credit: #ReadReflectRejoice

Some people savor what they do, finding joy in each task. Others endure their work, living for the weekend. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle, trapped by the gravitational pull of present circumstances. But as AA Milne so beautifully phrased it through Winnie the Pooh:

“I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.”

In 2024, I stumbled upon a new word: Passionpreneur.
What’s a passionpreneur, you ask?

The dictionary defines it as someone who discovers their passion, transforms it into a profitable business, and in doing so, positively impacts others' lives. Inspiring, isn’t it?

Yet, embarking on such a journey isn’t always simple. Like a spacecraft breaking free from Earth’s gravity, stepping into a new realm requires its own form of escape velocity. This metaphorical velocity propels us away from unhappiness, self-doubt, and the fear of the unknown.

So, how does one generate this escape velocity?

Experts suggest a combination of strategies:

1. Shift Your Focus: Embrace positivity and practice gratitude to break the cycle of negative thinking.

2. Invest in Self-Care: Your energy is your fuel—nurture it with good food, exercise, and rest.

3. Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Reframe self-doubt by reflecting on your past successes.

4. Set Goals That Inspire: Break them into achievable steps; every small win builds momentum.

5. Seek Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who uplift you, cheer you on, and remind you of your potential.

As we step into 2025, my wish for everyone is this: May you find the strength to break free from what holds you back, discover your passion, and embark on a journey of purpose and fulfillment. Whether or not you choose to become a passionpreneur, I hope you unlock the vast universe of opportunity that awaits.

Here’s to a year of boundless possibilities! Have  blessed New Year 2025

Note: This post is posted simultaneously in my LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-passionpreneurs-journey-suman-deb-ray-msc-mciob-ymmxf/

Believe in Yourself: The Key to Life's Autumn

 

Photo credit: Shivansh Sharma@pexels

As we approach the autumn of life, what do we find waiting for us? A time of decline, or a season of transformation and growth? The "autumn of life" offers a unique moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the wisdom we’ve gathered along life’s journey.

In early civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, life was distinctly divided into Chatur Ashramas, or the four stages of life:

• Brahmacharya (celibacy): A period dedicated to acquiring knowledge.

• Grihastha (married life): Focused on family responsibilities and building a livelihood.

• Vanaprastha (retired life): A retreat to the forest, leaving household duties behind.

• Sannyasa (renunciation): A life of asceticism and spiritual pursuit.

These stages reflect the natural rhythm of life, with the latter two—Vanaprastha and Sannyasa—mirroring the reflective phase of autumn. The Vanaprastha phase, akin to this metaphorical autumn, signaled a shift in priorities and purpose. Individuals handed over household responsibilities to the next generation and adopted solitude—a period often associated with wisdom, reflection, and personal transformation. Confidence in one’s abilities was intrinsic to embracing this transition with grace and purpose.

Preparing for Life's Autumn

At its core, the autumn of life signifies maturity and acceptance. It’s a time to confront the reality that life inevitably changes:

• Children and grandchildren will become busy with their own lives, leaving little time for older generations.

• There’s a 50% chance that one’s spouse or partner will pass away first, altering the structure of daily life.

• Friends, too, will leave this world, shrinking social circles over time.

• Physical vigor will wane, and the body will require greater care and attention.

• The mind’s ability to retain new information or recall memories will weaken.

As culture evolved, solitude shifted from a physical retreat to an emotional one. Instead of leaving our homes to seek quietude, it is now often our children who move away, pursuing their own destinies. For those of us who grasp this reality while still in our spring, there is an opportunity to learn contentment in our own company.

Self-assurance becomes essential in navigating these transitions. It allows us to adapt, reflect, and find purpose, even amidst changing circumstances. Early preparation for a life where self-sufficiency anchors well-being is akin to discovering life’s elixir. It’s not about aging but embracing the profound psychological, emotional, and spiritual shifts that define this stage.

One for the Road Ahead

By planning intentionally and nurturing self-assurance, one can navigate this phase with grace and purpose. Like most things in life, success is achieved through discipline and dedication. Here are a few essential practices to help navigate this phase with strength and purpose:

• Maintain consistent sleep patterns and a nutritious, balanced diet.

• Engage in restorative exercises such as yoga, walking, or tai chi.

• Schedule regular health check-ups to address evolving needs proactively.

• Practice mindfulness through meditation, gratitude journaling, or deep breathing exercises.

• Surround yourself with positive influences and cultivate meaningful relationships.

These practices not only nurture physical and emotional well-being but also reinforce the inner strength needed to thrive in this phase.

Conclusion

The autumn of life, like the season itself, is not a time of decline. Rather, it is a time of transformation, renewal, and growth. By embracing this phase with intention, resilience, and inner strength, we can transform it into a gateway to a life rich with purpose and contentment.

Finding Purpose: A New Year’s Reflection for a Meaningful Life

 

Photo curtsey: Yunus Tug@ Pexels

Many years ago, I received some wonderful advice that has guided me, albeit imperfectly, in shaping my life. Today, as we approach 2025, I feel inspired to share it with the hope that it might encourage others to adopt these thoughts in their own journey.

“Finding your purpose in life can be transformative. It’s not just about work, routines, or chasing success—it’s about discovering what truly makes you come alive and finding ways to share that with the world. Maybe it’s helping others, inspiring change, exploring new cultures, or simply brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture.

Life isn’t just about avoiding the wrong path; it’s about choosing the right one and walking it with intention. Each of us has something unique to contribute, no matter how small it might seem.

Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand, all-encompassing idea. It’s in the small moments, the acts of kindness, and the courage to strive for something more. When you lean into what truly matters to you, life becomes less about getting through the day and more about creating days worth living.”

Because at the end of the day, life is about finding purpose and striving for good.

Why read a newspaper

 

Photo by Lina Kivaka_Pexel

Who still reads a newspaper every morning? Maybe not many, as today's fast-paced lifestyle leaves little room for such a luxury. Most people would probably trade that time for an extra 15 minutes of sleep, preferring to catch up on the latest news on their smartphones instead. While this shift is evident, it's worth noting the rich history of newspapers, which you'll find explored at the end of this article.

 

The Thirst for News is Eternal. 

Human beings have always craved news, likely since the dawn of civilization. In ancient times, people would gather in town squares or marketplaces to learn what was happening in their communities. With the advent of newspapers, news became more accessible, delivered directly to people's doorsteps. However, in our current era, how many readers take the time to delve beyond the headlines, especially when the stories are about celebrations where everything went as planned? The real draw often seems to be the bad and sad news that dominates the prime real estate of the paper.

 

The Dark Allure of Tragic News attracts like magnets. 

Newspapers excel at packing the world's tragedies onto their front pages, prioritizing the most gruesome stories while often relegating more positive or local news to the sidelines. Yet, even with this focus, newspapers are losing out—to the visuals of equally tragic events on social media. Today's common person seems to value the views and opinions of fellow citizens more than those of journalists or editors. Editorials, often with clear bias and designed to polarize, do little to bridge the divides within our society.

 

The Advertisements can be exciting but when it's repeated it is an Annoyance. 

Another bothersome trend is the increasing number of full-page adverts on both the front and back covers of newspapers, which readers are forced to pay for. In contrast, social media platforms, while not without their own drawbacks, offer news at no extra cost, and ads can be skipped after a few seconds.

 

The Future of News Consumption is uncertain. 

The thirst for news will never go away. If people don't find it in newspapers, they'll seek it elsewhere. We are in a period of disruption, and in a decade or two, the dust will settle, and a new, more permanent source of news will evolve.

 

The Decline of Print media has started. 

Change is the only constant in the universe, and the same holds true for human habits. It’s not surprising that the circulation of printed newspapers, tabloids, and magazines is declining. Perhaps in the next decade, only limited editions of paper versions will be available, and those too will be highly embellished, catering to a niche audience—people with a taste for gold nib fountain pens, mechanical watches, and cars with manual drives. But who knows?

 

Your Choice: Ink or Digital?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can embrace the ink-stained pages with their depth and analysis, or dive into the digital ocean, navigating its currents with a discerning mind. Either way, in this new era of information, the responsibility lies with us, the readers, to become informed citizens, sifting truth from fiction and shaping our own understanding of the world, byte by byte or page by page.

 

A Brief History of Newspapers

Rudimentary newspapers appeared in many European countries in the 17th century, and broadsheets with social news were published in Japan during the Tokugawa period (1603–1867). The first English corantos appeared in London in 1621. By the 1640s, the news book had evolved into the newspaper, with the title page being dropped. Sweden passed the first law guaranteeing freedom of the press in 1766.

In the early 19th century, newspaper circulation was in the low thousands. Rising literacy rates and technological advances in mechanical typesetting, high-speed printing (rotary press), communications (telegraph and telephone), and transport (railway) enabled newspapers to broaden their appeal and reduce prices. For example, The Times increased its circulation from 5,000 in 1815 (at a price of seven pence) to 50,000 by the mid-19th century (at five pence).

 

Architecture: Balancing Idealism with Real-World Demands

Nothing can be more inspiring for a budding architect than listening to a successful designer explaining designing as “an opportunity for magical realism, where things are at once familiar but different. Where arches bow, and the door handles reach out to shake your hand as you approach the space.”

As the architecture students progress through their semesters, they are eager to join the world of professional designers and deliver something unique, something mesmerising. They want to believe that “architecture isn’t just methodology and science; it’s a chance to invent another reality.” However, the reality that awaits them on the other side of university can be quite different from what they have been dreaming of for the past five years.

The idealist will argue that “architecture can’t always be practised as a formula. It’s also an art form that can be infused with personality and emotion.” But in the real world, where project abundance lies, the personality and emotion in question belong to the people who call the shots—the developers!

In the world of development, there are no “seamless blends of fantasy and reality.” The only things that blend seamlessly are demand and supply, and the focus is on who can place the right product in the market before others. What sells most, matters most and what sells today at a premium might have to sell at a discount tomorrow! Drenched in romanticism, the young architect dreams to mingle the “whiffs of once upon a time with hints of tomorrow,” but the market wants the scent of today with the assurance of the day after tomorrow.

Being in the industry for some time now, this is what I have observed. Developers like the master chefs want to maintain the core recipe of a successful or signature dish. If they were fortunate to discover the magic sauce, why mess with that except for a very high level variation.  Here are the five cardinal rules any successful developer adopts for their commercial residential market offerings:

1. Unit Size & mix: Study the target audience and establish the ticket price to arrive at the right unit sizes. Maintain the mix that sells. Typically Studio: 5%; 1 Bedroom: 40%;   2 Bedrooms: 45%; and 3-4 Bedrooms/ penthouses etc: 10%; 

2. Design repetition: Retain the core of a successful design, making only minimal adjustments.

3. Prime views: If one room can face the sea, it must be the living room.

4. Maximise typical floors: More typical floors mean more efficient construction, easy for the sales team.

5. Minimise variation: Less variation in unit types simplifies the construction process, joinery & modular units and appeals to a broader market.

Understanding of each of these rules is crucial for meeting market demands and striking the right balance to ensure commercial success of a project. Details could be the subject for another post and for another day.

While this practical approach may seem disheartening to young architects, it’s essential to understand that creativity and market demands can coexist. Balancing the artistic vision of architecture with the practical demands of the market is a challenging yet essential skill for evolution as a successful professional. By understanding both perspectives, young architects can navigate their careers more effectively and find ways to infuse creativity within the boundaries of reality.

I also post in the LinkedIn page below:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/architecture-balancing-idealism-real-world-demands-suman-2njif

Art in My Room: A Journey Beyond Matching Curtains

Art is a profound form of expression, a medium through which artists convey emotions, stories, and perspectives. It’s not merely an aesthetic addition to our living spaces; it’s meant to resonate with our innermost feelings and spark reflection. When we buy a piece of art from an artist, we're not just purchasing a decorative item; we’re investing in a journey filled with experimentation, failures, and triumphs. By looking deeper into the art, we can appreciate that path.

Art’s primary purpose is to connect with us on a deeper level. It’s not confined to the limitations of matching our home decor or blending seamlessly with our furniture. Instead, it should provoke thought, evoke emotions, and speak to our soul. Whether it’s a vibrant painting, a poignant sculpture, or an intricate piece of digital art, its value lies in its ability to communicate beyond words.

Every brushstroke, every chisel mark, and every pixel represents hours of dedication, experimentation, and, often, failure. Artists pour their hearts into their work, and each piece is a culmination of their experiences, skills, and emotions. When we commission an artist to create an art piece for us, it brings together pieces of two hearts, and magic happens. By acquiring art, we’re supporting this creative process and valuing the unique narrative each artist brings to their craft. It also ensures that they will continue their passion and contribute to the cultural tapestry of our society.

While it’s tempting to choose art that complements our home decor, we should consider the stories and emotions that each piece holds. Art can transform a space by adding depth and character that goes beyond color coordination. It can inspire conversations, evoke nostalgia, and even challenge our perceptions. The true beauty of art lies in its ability to transcend the visual and tap into the emotional and intellectual realms.

The next time we consider purchasing a piece of art, let’s look beyond its aesthetic appeal and appreciate the story, effort, and emotions embedded within. Let our spaces be a reflection of the profound connections that art can foster and celebrate the creativity and dedication of the artists who bring these pieces to life.

A Nostalgic Journey: My Brush with Reader's Digest Fame

Growing up in a small town in 1970s India, I, like many other boys, harbored dreams of a bit of fame. Not excelling in studies, sports, or the arts meant the odds were heavily stacked against me. If I were to hear my name on the radio, it would likely be through a "request-a-song" program. As for seeing my name in print, it would only happen if an editor appreciated my contributions.

Reader's Digest was our popular window to the outside world. Each edition brought us inspirational stories of perseverance, fascinating information, and humor from the Western Hemisphere. It introduced us to the world of subtle humor. I remember one particular story where someone was advised to apply grease on his car bonnet when their town faced a sudden onslaught of flies. The next time he took the car for service, the mechanic asked if he had a tight garage. This type of humor was fresh and delightful to us.

We were particularly captivated by the letters from readers, sharing life experiences or humor, which the editor chose to publish. We thought, "If only one of our letters could be selected," it would be like hitting the jackpot.

Although my letters never made it into Reader's Digest, I did have my wish fulfilled elsewhere. Recently, I picked up the latest issue at the airport, and those old aspirations resurfaced. So, here I am, writing to you once again, hoping to check off this item on my bucket list.

Why Reader's Digest?

Reader's Digest has long been a staple in households worldwide, known for its engaging and diverse content. For many, it was more than just a magazine—it was a portal to stories that inspired, informed, and entertained. Its ability to connect with readers through real-life experiences and humor made it a beloved publication.

The Impact of Reader's Digest

For my friends and me, Reader's Digest wasn't just about reading; it was about dreaming. Each story we read added a little more to our understanding of the world beyond our small town. The humor, often subtle and witty, provided a refreshing break from our daily routines.

My Personal Connection

The aspiration to have a letter published in Reader's Digest may seem small, but for us, it was monumental. It represented recognition and a connection to a larger world. The memory of those days and the joy of reading each issue still linger.

A New Attempt

As I picked up that recent issue at the airport, the old dream came alive again. Writing this blog post feels like a step towards fulfilling that long-held wish. Whether or not this gets published, the journey of recalling and sharing these memories is satisfying in itself.

Conclusion

Reader's Digest played a significant role in my childhood, shaping my aspirations and providing countless hours of joy and inspiration. Here's to hoping that this post finds its way to an appreciative editor and that the dream of seeing my words in print, just like those many years ago, finally comes true.