So you think you can sing? I believe you are right!

There are many people in the world who realise the talents that they have been gifted with. But, at the same time, there are many who don’t know their blessings as yet. Some are aware and blame time for not being able to make the best use of their abilities; while some fear public opinion.

Understand the fact that people who live their passion invest time in it. This is what makes them do well. You don't really have to wait around for an aha moment to recognise your love for music. If you can’t resist yourself from humming the latest song that you heard in the morning and if you really can’t keep music out of your mind during most of the hours, then you probably do have a lot more to your personality than just being a casual music lover. I think one out of every four people have the capability to sing well, it is only the lack of confidence and training which holds them back.

No matter which one of these categories you fall in, if you think you can sing, then one thing that you surely need to do is – hone your singing talent. To realise the power of music, you have to give your heart and soul to it.

Take it from someone like me who has to devote time to his work, family, friends and passion – without compromising on any one of them. I know its tough at the beginning to juggle things up, but the happiness that you experience, once you get right on track, is profound. For more tips on time management follow my blog, I will be sharing lots of tricks to help you do that.

Classical training helps tune your vocal cords. Find a Guruji / Ustadji to train you on the ragas. Sooner the better! Listen to Arijit Singh of SaReGaMa and compare with his voice texture now. It took him 14 years of rigorous training to achieve it. Practice (riyaz) everyday to keep your voice in prime condition. Even 30 minutes everyday is good. It won’t outrightly change your style, but will help you have better control on your voice.

To quote the Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald – "The only thing better than singing is more singing."

So, for those of you who have still not recognised the power of music, it’s time to do so!

Just get going and polish your singing skills! After all, the world needs your music! Right, huh?

Wish you Happy Singing!

My Mantras for a Happy Life

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.”

This famous quote, by the beautiful British actress Audrey Hepburn, rightly defines the way your life should be lived.

When you do what you love and you do it by all your heart, life becomes blissful. But, it’s not that easy always! You come across several obstacles on your way to happiness and this is when you need to learn the simple art of overcoming stress and difficulties.

Here I am sharing with you all the mantras that I follow to lead a happy life. Hope you will find them inspiring! So, go ahead and conquer the world with your happiness.

     1. Love simplicity

Enjoy the simple things in your life. Aspiring for bigger goals is important to keep you motivated. But, in this pursuit to make it large, don’t forget that there are simple things which are joyous than anything else. Go out with your loved ones on a road trip nearby, enjoy the sunset, stare at the stars in the night sky, dance in the rain, catch an old movie with your parents, pour your heart out to someone you trust –all these small things will give you much more contentment than riding that Porsche could ever bring. Sometimes in our pursuit of success, we forget to be happy. We are in a hurry to utilize each moment and in the process we forget to feel happy. Keep reminding yourself to be happy!

      2. Be easy on yourself

On several occasions, you will find yourself stressed and frustrated. But the key to life long happiness lies in the fact that you have to take things easy. Cut that stress, and let things unfold gradually. Do your best, but don’t overthink on issues that are not under your control – you have God to take care of those things. Isn’t it? And there will be a tomorrow, probably better. Also remember that no one lives forever. No one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. Try to enjoy each day like it’s your last ( easier said than done…but atleast a part of it !). Utilize the opportunity to bring happiness to yourself as well as the ones who matter to you. Tell them your true feelings, so that you may carry no regrets.

     3. Pursue your passion

It’s never too late to learn new things, no matter what your age is. Learn how to play that musical instrument you have wanted to, ever since you were a child, or a foreign language that always fascinated you. Take some time out from your busy schedule and take a step towards your dream. Even if you don’t excel at it, you will not live with the regret that you didn’t try. Don’t complain that you are tied down by your schedule or responsibilities. Where there is a will, there is a way. Pursuing your dream will keep you adrenalized.

     4. Stay healthy

It’s truly said that Health is happiness. No matter how busy you are, take out atleast 90 minutes for your health everyday. If not everyday, four times a week. Jog, walk, cycle, skate, play a sport, swim, garden, do whatever it takes to make you sweat like it rained. Fast half a day once or twice a week, if not full. Eat healthy. Monitor your weight. Laugh your heart out whenever you get a chance. Diabetes, blood pressure, fatty liver and other chronic illnesses will happen when they have to. Learn to manage your health. Try to find out what foods suit your metabolism and which one causes problems. Meditate or take a powernap everyday. The amount of happiness is proportional to your lifespan, so take care of your health.

     5. Make others happy

There is no bigger happiness than giving back. God has been benevolent with you and given you a lot. If not financially, then maybe in other ways! If you have all limbs intact, you are more fortunate that a lot of other people. There is no bigger happiness than making others happy. You have to get used to it. Try to bring some good to this world, to your fellow human beings. Don’t wait for the right time when you have loads of money or free time. Start today with little things such as teaching underprivileged children from the locality for half an hour. By visiting a hospital and distributing some fruits to the needy. Do whatever you can!

More to follow…Sumit Agarwal