The hands that lifted me

Have you ever fallen in public?

I have—many times. You see, I’m a pretty clumsy person. If there’s a chance to trip over

something, slip on something,

or bump into something… I’ll probably do it.

One of my most memorable falls happened inside the Valencia building. I was walking

confidently, minding my own business,

when my shoes betrayed me. In an instant, I was on the ground—embarrassed, stunned, and

wishing I could disappear.

But before I could even think about standing up, something amazing happened. The security

guard rushed over, and people

I didn’t even know came running to help me. They lifted me up, checked if I was okay, and

stayed with me until I was steady

on my feet. In that moment, my clumsiness didn’t matter. What mattered was that humanity

showed up.

Body:

That day could have been just another embarrassing story about my clumsy nature and bad

shoes. But what I remember most

isn’t the fall—it’s the kindness. These strangers didn’t know me. They didn’t have to

stop. Yet they did—without hesitation.

They didn’t see “just a clumsy person who fell.” They saw someone who needed help.

That’s the beauty of humanity: it appears in small, unexpected ways—like a hand reaching

out when you least expect it.

This wasn’t the first time I was lifted by others. As a kid, I fell off my bike—scraped

knees, tears flowing—and a neighbor

came to the rescue. Later in life, during challenging times that weren’t physical falls, Iexperienced the same thing:

friends, mentors, even strangers offering support when I needed it most.

These experiences have taught me that humanity isn’t about grand gestures. It’s in the

little things—checking on someone,

offering a kind word, or simply being there.

Conclusion:

My clumsiness has given me more than just bruises—it’s given me lessons. Every fall

reminded me that we’re surrounded

by good people, ready to help.

As I start my Toastmasters journey, I hope to grow not only as a speaker but also as

someone who can lift others—

just like those strangers lifted me in the Valencia building.

Because in the end, it’s not the falls we remember—it’s the hands that help us rise.

God's Own Country

 

🌿 A Serene Escape: My Kerala Vacation with a Houseboat Ride 🚤

Kerala, often called God’s Own Country, truly lives up to its name. From the moment I landed, I was wrapped in a warm embrace of lush greenery, peaceful backwaters, and the kind of calm that city life rarely offers.

The highlight of my trip? Without a doubt — the houseboat ride through the Alleppey backwaters.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

I arrived in Kochi, greeted by coconut trees swaying gently under the sun. After a quick stop to sample some fresh appam and stew, I made my way to Alleppey (Alappuzha), a few hours away. The moment I reached the banks of the backwaters, it felt like time had slowed down. There, waiting for me, was a beautiful kettuvallam — a traditional houseboat made of bamboo and coir, but with all the modern comforts.

Day 2: Floating Through Paradise

Waking up to the gentle rocking of the boat and the sound of birdsong was magical. As the houseboat glided through narrow canals lined with emerald paddy fields, we passed tiny villages, local fishermen casting their nets, and children waving from the shore. It felt like watching a postcard come to life.

I sipped tender coconut water as the chef onboard prepared a mouth-watering Kerala-style lunch — fresh fish curry, rice, and banana fritters. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a home-cooked meal on a floating deck while gazing at water lilies.

By evening, the boat docked near a quiet village. I took a walk along the banks, spoke to a few locals, and even watched the sun dip into the horizon, painting the waters in hues of gold and crimson.

Day 3: Refreshed & Recharged

On my last morning aboard, I sat quietly on the deck with a cup of chai, just listening — to the ripples, the birds, and the whispering wind. There was no rush, no noise, just peace.

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Why You Should Try a Houseboat Stay in Kerala:

• 🛶 It’s a slow travel experience — perfect for unplugging.

• 🍛 Authentic Kerala cuisine is cooked fresh onboard.

• 🌾 You’ll get a glimpse into the life along the backwaters — untouched and authentic.

• 🌅 Sunsets are unforgettable.

• 🌍 The most peaceful place on earth — where time stands still and serenity surrounds you.

Whether you're looking for romance, solitude, or just a breath of fresh air, a houseboat ride in Kerala is something you should experience at least once.

Toastmaster role

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised by my performance being a Toastmaster at our meeting. It was a great experience and I'll cherish the memory for life. The perfectionist in me thought that there were shortcomings and areas to improve. I did get a new mentor in the group to learn more. Looking forward to try newer roles with my new friends.

FitClub and me

My journey through fit club which was started by one of my batchmate who resides in London. This is when I realized that world is such a small space as all my batch mates were getting connected quickly to it and aligning ourselves easily remembering our past fun experiences and also the humor that we used to share during those days. We didn't have any cell phones those days but we are still so connected even today. I moved on from walking daily 10,000 steps to biking in my new bike a townie. I love my bike that I cannot live without today. The best time of the day today for me is me riding my bike through the town and keep myself safe in bike lanes or sidewalks. 

After a ride in the bike I drink coconut water and also give it to my puppy Loki. He recognizes it by the box. I follow the ride with stretch exercises and also taking care of my bike by cleaning it and fixing the bike so it's ready for my next ride.

Different kinds of exercises available in MapMyRide are as follows:-

• Walk
• Run
• Stretch
• HIIT ( High intensity interval training)
• Dance
• Yoga
• Gym
• Meditation 
• Yoga
• Swimming