Make a STATEMENT with a NECKLACE

We all have some outfits which we tend to wear often. A particular dress for a cocktail party. A suit for job interview. We tend to wear these outfits again and again when these right occasions pop up. But I get bored of wearing the same outfit. And when that happens I do not buy a new outfit always ( seldom I do - being honest ). Instead  I end up adding an accessory . Instantly there is a whole new look.

A statement necklace creates that drastic transformation. Just the perfect finishing touch to my outfit. I think statement necklaces make such a lasting impression. They speak so much about you. They portray confidence and boost self esteem. These necklaces add sparkle to any outfit instantly. If I had to pick one accessory , I would go for a statement necklace without a doubt. Statement necklaces are so in fashion right now. I think they are a must have. Check my previous blog post here.

Statement necklaces come in all colors, sizes, shapes, lengths and designs. The options are endless. The ones in unusual patterns and materials are certainly an eye catcher. The best part is they are available at affordable prices. I don't have to spend the big bucks to look stylish. I can achieve maximum impact by spending minimum money (win win situation ). I think it is almost impossible to go unnoticed  if you are wearing one of these necklaces. No wonder someone aptly named them  STATEMENT necklaces .

A statement necklace is such a versatile accessory. I am sharing some ideas to wear a statement necklace-

1.Getting ready for work? You can wear it around your dress shirt collar. 

2.Too flashy you think ? You may wear it peeping out under the collar for that understated interest . 

3.Going out on a date? Wear the necklace and you will be a head turner. 

4. Its winter time and you are wearing a polo neck sweater ? Add a playful twist to the classic sweater using a statement necklace. 

5. For a cohesive look tie in colors from a printed skirt/trousers with the necklace. Keep the top/blouse plain to show off your necklace. 

A statement necklace is just the perfect accessory to add  "pop of color" . It will  instantly brighten up any outfit . For work or for weekend, you can never go wrong with a statement necklace. 

Here is a picture of a shop literally flooded with statement necklaces. So would you wear a statement necklace ? Are you ready to go from boring to bold  - instantly ?

My Hospital Gift Shop Experience

My training and profession imply that I am in the hospital numerous hours a day. While in residency I walked through and across the whole hospital, visiting different floors. I took care of patients admitted in various units. Sometimes I had to run to the other end of the hospital in need of some caffeine ( to visit Starbucks ). I passed by the hospital gift shop numerous times but never visited the store.

Years ago I was shocked  when I spotted a gift shop in a hospital for the first time. I had a hard time seeing the necessity of having a gift shop in a hospital. But after my niece was born, the gift shop suddenly seemed a perfect idea. We were able to buy balloons as soon as she was born. We also had some visitors who brought flowers from the shop as they visited my newborn niece. And now years later I have completely embraced the idea of having a gift store in a hospital. These stores usually have everything. May be the selection is limited but they have everything. And by everything I mean balloons and cards, fresh flowers and pottery, candies and chocolates, books and magazines, stuffed animals and baby clothes. An exhausting list indeed.

Recently on my away rotation I finally visited the hospital gift shop. I had reached work 15 minutes before time. I never run late ( don't judge me !) but I never arrive before the scheduled time either. To conclude  I am always on time!  So to utilize those 15 minutes wisely I decided to visit the hospital gift shop before my shift began. As I glanced through the shop this is what caught my eye.

How aptly a simple mug was able to convey how I felt. I thought it was more than coincidence. I decided to buy it.  But as I made up my mind to purchase the mug I spotted this one ( below ) on the other side of the display pillar.

Now I was so confused. But this yellow smiley mug brought an instant cheer. It made me smile. It served as a boost to uplift my mood. I was suddenly better. I felt energetic. So I decided to buy the yellow mug instead of the green one. 

But when I walked to the register there were three people in line for checkout. I had only couple of minutes left before the shift started. Since I didn't want to be late I decided to not buy the mug . As I left the shop I was actually happy. My spirits were elevated and I had saved some bucks by skipping a purchase. Not a single penny spent but so much gained.   A win win situation for me indeed ! 

Fear of Being Judged and 3 Ways to Overcome it

We all fear about being judged at some point in our lives. Don't we? I sure do.

I also am aware that sometimes I do form opinions about others too suddenly. Without knowing a person and all the real facts I judge people too. I realize that people will be judgemental. I have no control over that. 

But I find it hard to get over it. I wish I could live in a world where we should not justify ourselves. I don't mind being honest about myself and voicing what I feel. But I think no one should judge me for that. In fact people should respect my opinions/thoughts.

This is however too good to be true. All of this is too realistic, idealistic. 

I started thinking as to how to overcome all this. So I came up with these three mental exercises. I will try to practice these three things gradually and daily.

1. Believe in yourself

I want to be strong mentally and have complete faith in myself. I have decided to never doubt myself and my abilities. But having said that I will be open to constructive criticism. 

2. Maintain positive energy

I plan to consciously avoid negative thoughts. I easily keep playing the same scenario in my mind again and again. That disturbs me and makes me angry. This negative energy affects not only me but also people around me. Hence maintaining a positive attitude will help nourish a good environment in my mind and around me. 

3. Forgive others

Despite of all the above there will be people who will question my integrity, directly or indirectly. Through actions or words people with limited vision will disapprove sometimes. But to be kind, forgive others and see above all this is the ultimate goal.

Life as a Teacher - 3 lessons learnt

I was reflecting on my past three years of  residency training. I was thinking of the tough times I went through. There were varying degrees of hardships and experiences ranging from sudden death of a co-worker, loss of loved ones to unexpected health problems .

These experiences were life changing. At times I was fragile but then learnt to stand strong and emerged as a confident person. I grew stronger personally and developed a  deep respect for life. I learnt to be mindful and developed gratitude.

Today I want to share some lessons that I learnt along the way -

1. Take a step back

At times you feel it is the end of the world. It is easy to think that way. But once you step back and give it sometime things becomes less hazy. May be you won't find the solution immediately but you start seeing hope.

2. Let it go

I am a person who liked to keep things in control. The things that I did not have a control over made me nervous and anxious. But I have realized that letting it go makes life so simple and easy. Sometimes we tend to complicate a situation when letting it go actually resolves it on its own.
( I am sure you all have heard the song" Let it go, let it go " from the movie Frozen )

3. Ask for help

I always try to be a superwoman. I am tough and strive to be tougher. There is nothing wrong in it. But  people called "friends" exist for a reason. Friends are always just a phone call away. Yes! Even if they live across the globe in another continent( Asia in my case ).The web of friendship that you have built over years will never let you down. Sometimes opening up about a problem to your beloved ones gives you the strength.

                                       
                                 " Life isn't waiting for the storm to pass,
                                    it's about learning to dance in the rain " - Vivian Greene