Preeti Shenoy's Blog, page 11

Hello. Are you doing okay? Let me know.

Hi beautiful person,

How are you doing today on day 9 of #LockdownIndia? 

I was just thinking about human adaptability. We're all hard-wired to adapt to situations. It is thousands of years of evolution, coded into our genes. I think all of us have kind of resigned to the lockdown now, and have settled into a pattern. At least  I have.




If you have got into a slightly sad frame of mind, do pull yourself up, before you slip further down. it is a slippery slope, with a quick fall. Try and do something new every day.


Today I shared a video of how to grow mint plants from the pudina that you buy from the vegetable vendor. You can view it by clicking HERE.

Apart from this, I had an intensely good homeworkout.
I cannot emphasise enought the need for fitness in times like these. When you are physically fit, you feel good mentally too.

I have to go now as I want to do my portrait for today.

Tell me how your day went, what you did and most importantly how you are feeling. Also please share any tips and tricks for coping through the lockdown so that everyone can benefit.

If you are reading this in your inbox, you know where to leave your comment. On my blog, in ,my comment box.

This picture of me was clicked this morning, as I sat in my garden, having my coffee.
I shall be back tomorrow.
Till then I look forward to hearing from you, in my comment box.
Lots of love
Preeti
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Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash


Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

Failure is a test of how badly you want something

Hello there wonderful person,

How was your day 8 of lockdown? 

Mine was a very productive day.

I made the above art  which is a part of an art challenge, Sktchy's #30faces30days, which is an international commmunity of artists. We get a muse in our inbox every day, and all of us draw the same muse. I decided to add the words to mine. I used an ordinary ink pen to make this one. I have posted the process of making it in my Instagram stories, which you can check out if you like.


I completed  reading a book (Murakami's Dance Dance Dance); I have posted a review on my instagram in my stories, and also added it to the 'highlights'  Books 1 and  Books 2, where you can see my reviews of over 60 books.

I also did an intense work out. Check out my friend's page for daily home workouts for losing  weight and belly fat which you can do without any equipment. (Especially check today's post)

If you have ever failed, then you know the sharp sting of failure. The feeling of inadequacy that washes over you. Don't give up.
If I had given up after my second book ( Life is What You Make it) was rejected over 40 times, I would not have been where I am today. Today the book has sold over a million copies and has been translated into so many Indian languages and also Turkish. (My other books have been tranlated too)

Use the pain of rejection and channel it into something productive. Try a different avenue. Let it rest for a while. Then knock on a different door.
Bottle up that pain and plough through. Even after all of that, if it doesn't happen, then it means that your path was different, you learnt the lessons you were meant to and it is time to move on.

Leave me a comment, here in my comment box,(head over to  my blog if you are reading this in your inbox) and I will definitely try and reply.

Chin up. Smile! We're all isolated--together :)
Come back tomorrow and leave me a comemnt today!
Lots of love
Preeti
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

Big players versus the small ones. Inviting your thoughts.

Hi again!

What's up my wonderful people? How was today, day 7  of #lockdownindia for you? This morning,  I demonstrated a unique method of wiping the floor on my instagram stories.  Did you see it? If not please do watch. It's sure to delight and suprise you :)




A little while back, I received this message on Whatsapp.




I have always supported the local businesses.

But I  have also supported the small sellers on Amazon and Flipkart. E-commerce has indeed benefitted so many people by expanding the reach of their market. The fact is Amazon is market place---a large collection of sellers. So, when you say you won't support amazon, you are also saying you will boycott hundreds of small entrepreneurs who use amazon and flipkart to extend the range of their reach.

I strongly support local bookstores. Whenever I go to a bookstore, I always end up buying stuff for at least rupees thousand to two thousand. I don't want bookstores to close down. But I do read my books on Kindle too, as there are innumerable benefits to it.


I think both should co-exist: The small seller as well as the big e-commerce players.

What do you think?
Do you think the big players will eventually wipe out the small kirana stores dotted all  over? (They have already killed the business of many bookstores).

I would love to hear your views.Kindly leave me a comment in my comment box, telling me what you think about the above whatsapp  message which  I shared. If you are reading this in your inbox please head over to my blog and leave me a message there.



Till tomorrow, stay cheerful. We're in this together.
Lots of love
Preeti
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Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

Three happy things that happened to me on day 6 of #lockdownindia

Hello there,

 How are you holding up on Day 6 of #Lockdownindia ? Chances are the lockdown will get extended. Let's be prepared for the long haul, and let's not fixate on April 15th (when it is supposed to end). Because this way we won't be disappointed and are prepared! My father used to say 'prepare for the worst and hope for the best', a line I have used in my book Wake Up, Life is Calling .


I did a plank challenge today which I found to be very easy and fun! Here's the video.
I had so much fun that I shot it thrice :)
Do give it a try and do it to the music!



I also read a LOT today, and did an elaborate and exhausting home workout.

Here are three unusual things that happened to me today:

1. I found two beautiful feathers


2. I made two  rainbows while watering my plants. :)






3. When the coffee spilled from my cup, it formed a heart shape!


Some of my readers messaged me saying these are blessings from the Universe. I indeed believe so.

I am a Tarot card reader too, and I have done eerily accurate readings for many of my close friends and my family. As a Tarot card reader (and as an artist) I always find symbolism and meanings even in small things which many people dismiss as mundane or inconsequential.
If you wish to know more about Tarot, here's the wiki link. 


Have you ever had a Tarot card reading?  Do you believe in signs and symbols from  the Universe?
Have you ever had a prediction where whatever the person said came true ?

Tell me your experiences in comments, I would love to know!
Will  try and reply to all comments in my comment box. (so if you are reading this in your mail, head over to my blog).


Till tomorrow, ruminate, ponder, reflect on all the happy memories life has gifted you.
Lots of love
Preeti

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Photo by Fadi Xd on Unsplash
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

Kickstart your reading habit with short stories!

Hello there,

If you are counting days like me, you know this is day 5 of #lockdownindia. This is the time when we start getting restless, especially it being the weekend. Most of us associate weeekends with 'going out' and 'having fun' and let's admit it, it sucks to not hav a choice!

As much as we try to focus on the positives, sometimes it just feels good to say  F*%&nG He%% and let some steam out :)

I let out steam  either through exercise or through art.

View this post on Instagram
This is a lot harder than it looks ! At the end of all this, you can emerge fitter, stronger, happier or you can moan , groan and feel miserable. The choice is something you make. . . . . . #homeworkout #trx #lockdownindia #stayhomestaysafe #staypositive #fitnessmotivation #lifeiswhatyoumakeitA post shared by Preeti Shenoy (@preeti.shenoy) on Mar 26, 2020 at 1:44am PDT

It helps me cope with this insanity and focus on getting fitter.

Many of you  have been asking me about Kindle as I read a lot on Kindle.
You can downlaod the free kindle app on any device.
 Once you download the app, you can buy ebooks. I have four short stories currently as ebooks. My short stories are availble *ONLY* as ebooks, not in the physical form. Each one is a short read not more than 45 mins.
Of course my novels are also there.
My short stories are
1. Poker Face
3.The Frogs
4.The Obsession
If you are looking to kickstart your reading habit, I highly recommend starting with short stories.


I have linked all the stories abobt and clicking on the names will take you to the stories.

That's all from me for today. I am off to make some art.
Leave me comments, people! I love hearing from you and it's nice to interact rather than this being a onesided monologue!
If you are reading this in your mail, do head over to my blog to leave me a comment.
I try and reply to all comments :)

See you tomorrow here! Till then, let off steam in whatever way suits you!

Lots of love
Preeti
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Photo by Nicole Wolf on Unsplash






Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

What I did on day 4 of #lockdownIndia . Hang in there, people!

Hi there,

Those of you who  have  joined in, after watching my live or seeing my post on Instagram, welcome!

In of my books, I had written 'We don't realise the value of something, till we have lost it.' How prophetic those words have turned out to be when viewed against this #lockdownindia that we're all stuck in.

I don't know about you, but I tune out of all the 'gloom and doom' and panic messages floating around on WhatsApp groups. It seems as though some people feel better after they blurt out their fears and 'warn others'. I immerse myself in my book, in my art and my workouts.

Today was a deep cleaning day for me. Oh, the satisfaction of a bright, spotless, sparkling clean house! No wonder Marie Kondo continues to be a multi million copy bestseller.
When it comes to cleaning, I am also not too frightened of doing all the heavy housework, which many Indians dread. For many in India, if the househelp or the maid does not turn up it is a disaster of epic proportions. However, for me, it's not that big a deal, as as when I lived in the UK, I used to do all the housework myself.

I think its a good exercise to sweep and mop the floors :) (Don't kill me for saying that; It is true!)

I was disappointed this morning, when I started getting messages from my readers saying that Amazon is cancelling the orders of my latest book. I felt bad for a brief while, but then reminded myself that at the end of all this, a beautiful book #whenlovecamecalling, still awaits. I also worked  out and that helped me feel really good, banished the sad mood.

It's very easy to slip into a neagtive thinking rut, being cooped up in the house. Also, everyone is probably irritated, being stuck together. If someone in your family, or home snaps or is annoyed, give them their space. Don't try and argue with them, or try to make them see your point. Walk away and give them time to cool down. Also, let it go!

These are hard times, but hey--everywhere, all around the world, we are all in it together.

I almost forgot to mention: I will be live on Facebook tomorrow  at 10.30 am (Sunday,29 march)  for an online summit along with Tisca Chopra and Kiran Manral.


It is being organised by shethepeople.tv and it is a discussion on Womens writing. Do join me on
by CLICKING HERE

What was the most productive thing you did today?  Do you think being cooped up together makes people irritable?
Tell me in comments ; I'd love to know what you think.

I will try and reply to each and every comment left in my comment box. If you are reading this in your inbox, please head over to my blog and comment as I may not be able to reply to a mail dashed off.



I shall see you again tomorrow.
Till then, take a deep breath, hydrate by drinking water,  lose yourself in a good book, and go off to sleep.
This shall pass soon my friend!  Life is beautiful my friend. Stay strong!
Lots of love
Preeti
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Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

Don't fret. Get fit!

Hey there,

Today is day 3 of #Lockdownindia. I feel fortunate to be living in a place where I am surrounded with nature, greenery and I am blessed  to have lots of garden space. Every morning when I wake up, I feel so grateful for my life . Check out my Instagram stories where I post these videos of my surroundings.  For those of you new to Instagram click on the pink circle around my profile picture to view the stories. (The stories stay for 24 hours after which they disappear)


 This morning  when I was walking my dog (yes, walking dogs is allowed during lockdown. The Government has clarified this) I saw an incredible sight.  I stood open mouthed, gaped and a shiver went down my spine. I had my dog's leash in one hand and the poopscoop in my other hand, and hence I couldn't whip out my phone to click a picture. Also I was too shaken, too awestruck  that it was only when the moment passed that I felt I missed a chance.  What I saw was this: an eagle swooped down before my very eyes, and picked up a snake and flew upto a tree with the snake writhing in its claws. Two smaller birds tried to peck at the snake. The eagle was having none of it, and soared higher and faster, on to another tree to enjoy its breakfast in peace. The other birds couldn't catch up or follow. They accepted defeat, resigned to the fact that they would have to look for worms after all. :)

What a brilliant and astonishing sight this was. I have goosebumps now as I descibe what I witnessed.




Are you guys working out at home? How are you getting your exercise? I am. I have posted a few snippets  of me working out on my instagram page. If you are looking for a good home workout, you can check my friend's page. He is a fitness manager and  has started a 21 day homeworkout programme, free of cost and you are most welcome to join in!


Lockdown is a time when you need exercise, more than ordinary times. I find that on the days that I have a really good workout, I feel happy because of all the  feel-good endorphins that have been released. Today was my rest day (rest days are important for your body to recover) and I am already waiting for tomorrow so I can work out! Exercise is so addictive that way.  Also, I find that on the days when I exercise I have more energy than on the days when I don't!

The picture on my left was clicked after a  home workout session, and you can see my dog joins in. She watches me and tries to give me personal training :)



How was your day ?
Tell me in comments what you did. I shall try and reply to each and every comment left here. If you are reading this in your inbox, please do head over to my blog and leave me a comment there. I wont be able to reply to individual mails.

Lets all go to bed, thinking of one good thing about our day today, and one happy thing you look forward to tomorrow!
Lots of love
Preeti

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Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

3 ways to take your mind off Corona !

 Hi there,

Here I am, back again on day 2 of #21daysof positivity.

How are you holding up?


Yesterday,  I asked on my instagram, how you guys are feeling and coping. I observed a curious thing : everyone who is reading, said they are feeling positive and relaxed. Everyone who is not reading seemed to be feeling stressed.

I think those who have accepted the lockdown, are looking for ways to make this time useful. They are picking up neglected  hobbies, feeling happier.

Extreoverts are having it harder. They are missing meeting their friends, going out, going to restaurants etc.  If you are feeling boxed in, indoors here are my top three suggestions to take your mind off corona.

1. Reach out to a positive friend or a family member  via a video call: Make a pact that you will NOT talk about Corona. Discuss a TV show you like, or a movie---or anything! Just don't talk about Corona.Don't complain about maids not being there!  I think as you read  this, you probably  know just the friend to connect  to :)

2. Set up a movie party or a date:  Pick something you and your friend(s) like and watch remotely at the same time! You can pause and discuss (if you like). Keep the chat window open. Make full use of technology.3. Switch on music and clean your room: I did this today.  I listened to one of my favourite radio channles BBC 2, which was plahying some really good music. My room is spotless and sparkling clean and full of positive energy. I am happy I did that.
If you like my posts, please leave me comments and I shall try and respond to every single one. If you are reading this in your inbox, please head over to my blog, and leave me a comment there. I may not be able to reply to mails.
I shall be back tomorrow.Till then, stay happy! Count your blessings. Focus on all the good things.
Lots of love
Preeti********************************************************************Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash
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Here's what I did on day 1 of #LockdownIndia. Stay Cheerful!

Hello there!

As promised, here's my day 1 post of #21daysofpositivity that I started yesterday, after  PM Modi announced #LockdownIndia.

Everywhere we go--online, because we can't go anywhere offline (heh heh)--we are bombarded with death tolls, and exponential numbers (the very word now sends shudders down everyone's spines!).

To preserve sanity, I have decided not to hear or speak any negativity. I find people calling other people morons very moronic :) These are difficult times. To each their own. I find people mocking other people pathetic. Their energetic vibrations  are so low that the only way they feel better about themselves is to pull others down. This happens a lot on Twitter, and I am quick on the block button. There's no point arguing with someone who will never see it the way you do. It is best to protect your energies.

This morning, I introduced Satish (my husband) to TikTok. We had fun scrolling through the utter nonsensical videos together, and laughing at some. He cooked breakfast (upma) and I put together a nice video of it for him, which he posted on his profile.

After that I had a terrific one hour home workout. You can check out my instagram post for a fun video I posted with my new personal trainer :)

Then I read my book Haruki Murakami's Dance Dance Dance, which  I am enjoying a lot. Took a nice snooze with my four legged baby (both the two legged ones have flown the coop, and I miss them a lot) after which it was time to walk her, which I did.

I will be making a portrait in a bit. You can check out my portraits on my Instagram Art account.

This is how I have kept negativity at bay today. By saying a 'No Entry' and creating a lockdown on negativity.

Guard your mind, my friend. Don't allow your mind to wander towards things that can get you down.
Fall into a book!
If you have been out of reading habit for a while, and are looking to get started with something short, may I suggest a very exciting  and unusual short story I wrote?


It's only available as a  e-book.
You can read it on the Kindle app or on the google play store.

Kindle link: Preeti.io/Pokerface
Google play store link: preeti.io/poker






I would love to hear what you did, and how your day one of lockdown went.
Tell me in my comment box. If you are reading this in your mail, please head over to my blog  and comment; I may not be able to reply back on mail. I will try and reply to each and every comment left on my blogpost.


I will be back with a new post tomorrow.
Till then say NO to thoughts that get you down.

Lots of love
Preeti


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Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

New post everyday, starting tomorrow. 21 days of positivity.

 Hi all,

Our PM Modi has just announced a 21 day strict lockdown for the entire nation. He has been very vocal about it and made it clear in no uncertain  terms, why it is needed, quoting statistics. I applaud this, because a country like ours needs it.
We aren't Singapore.
We are a much bigger Nation, with a massive population; Our situation is different. Hence this move was very much needed, so that people do not step out and understand the importance of social distancing. I was shocked to see large crowds beating drums during the janatha curfew.

In times like these it is extremely important to stay positive. Feelings of isolation, fear and panic can set in very fast. I am getting flooded with messages on my Instagram, where people are telling me they are having a hard time staying positive.

Hence I have decided to start #21daysof positivity on my blog, starting tomorrow. Those of you who have been my long term readers know  what a warm, welcoming place this is. Please feel free to share the link to my blog with those who you think need it. Hit  the subscribe button on the top right hand corner of this blog.

Please leave me comments in my comment box , and I will try and reply to every single one. I may not be able to reply to your mail if you are reading this in your inbox and decide to dash me a mail. Hence, please use the comment box on my blog.

 Let's make this interactive, and let's be there for each other, in these difficult times.

This too shall pass my friend!
Smile! :)

I will see you tomorrow, here.
Lots of love
Preeti



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Photo by Chris Lee on Unsplash

Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/