Vishal Ostwal

“Ah! a real masterpiece. Excellent!,” you might have uttered involuntarily, and then marked it as something special.

Some things are such. They instantly catch our attention and make us adore them. Also, we can’t resist their loveliness and feel an instant yearning to pass a compliment about them.

Those things are what we call the masterpieces.

Whether it be your favorite song, book, or movie – you prefer to see it as a masterpiece because you love it, and so do others. All people have their own choices which they think of as masterpieces, which really are masterpieces, in their own ways.

However, your favorite artists or people don’t always create masterpieces. Sometimes they create all nonsense, and you know it too. They can’t always be great, neither can anyone else be.

But can’t one always be great? Why can’t one always create masterpieces?

After all, what’s the big deal in putting in a little bit of much effort, setting some things the right way, and “TaDa! A masterpiece!”

No, it cannot be that way, and neither will it ever be. There’s a truth behind it.

Some simple truths about creating masterpieces

• Each time someone creates something, he wants it to be a masterpiece. Don’t you feel the same way?
• Everyone is always ready to give in a little extra effort to his work, and then he almost does it every time.
• We can always create a masterpiece from our side, but it isn’t the same thing for everyone. There are several choices, several opinions, several demands and several people who judge what we create.
• Sometimes, masterpieces made by us can surprise us too. Because they are usually created unexpectedly, and sometimes unknowingly. Our reaction can be like,”Really?..I did that?…Wow!”
• Some masterpieces are created because their base are good ideas which are born from thoughts, many thoughts.

Then how are masterpieces created?

So, as you see, masterpieces aren’t always made with a lot of planning and doing the task perfectly. Instead, they’re made because of something else. A very common thing.

And that thing is – work.

That’s it. Work. A lot of it.

No one can ever imagine a perfect thing of his choice and just bring it in existence with his desire of creating it. One can always try to do it perfect, but in the end there are many things that matter, which cannot make a thing universally perfect.

But when we do a lot of work, we create a lot of things too.

This is how it works

We can always try to create masterpieces. But what matters more than it is trying.

Doing a lot of work surely increases our probability of creating rubbish junk. And making that junk is a success. Because, out of that masterpieces are created junk.

A painter tries his best to paint a masterpiece. But in the process, he has to learn. He learns by experimenting with colors, trying new ideas, spoiling the canvas, starting over again, changing the shades and going on in spite of all failures.

What if he’d sit in front of the canvas with his brush and a color palette in his hands, staring at it, and rubbing his brush keenly on the canvas? Will it help him create masterpieces? Not at all. He’ll have to learn the proper way of doing it, which he can learn only by painting a lot.

The same is applicable in all professions, arts and work.

The more you do it, the better you learn it, and the better you do it. You may say that old proverb, practice makes a man perfect.

The more a person creates, the more chances he’ll have to show up his creativity, irrespective of how much messy it is. Because in that junk, he’ll surely have created a masterpiece.

Don’t worry about creating masterpieces. Dare to create nonsense instead

Conclusion

Masterpieces aren’t created because of keen effort or perfection, but due to a lot of work and after a lot of nonsense. Focus on creating and keeping up your good work, as it will surely work and help you become better. That’s how you create masterpieces.

A long time ago, I decided to come up with a tiny yet meaningful short story which could send a message to everyone. That’s how The Wishful Stone was born.

“Everyone is born with a purpose,” is the message I wish to convey through this story. I expect it to leave a smile on your face.

The Wishful Stone

“Oh! Being a stone, life seems so boring,” said the annoyed gravel to the other pebbles and rocks. They were all lying on a playground beside the village, while the evening sunlight fell on them and the bright red and saffron canvas of sky reflected its colors on them.

“So right you are my tiny friend! Look at those children who can laugh, run and play all day,” said the biggest rock among them profoundly. “And here are we, lying uselessly. Sometimes I wonder that why the hell on earth God created us,” it added. All other stones listened to it attentively since it was the most dominant one.

“Don’t say so. God is kind. He created everything for a reason. Maybe we too have a good reason for our existence,” said the medium sized oddest rock which barely spoke at times and was shy. Usually it was cursed and taunted by the fellow rocks for being odd, and nobody was ever concerned either to listen to what it said.

“Nobody asked for your philosophy you retard. And talk about things only as much as of your size,” said the biggest rock.

All the big rocks laughed as they found the joke funny. However the pebbles and gravels felt offended but didn’t protest.

“Okay” said the poor odd rock insecurely, swallowing the words which it wanted to speak.

Soon the sun hid behind the mountains followed by darkness. In the village the lights were turned on. The stars started twinkling, the moonlight covered the sky and brightened the ground. All the stones slept silently under the open sky, tired of doing nothing.

But the oddest one among them gazed at the sky, wondering about God and his creations. Suddenly it saw a shooting star. Unable to control the excitement, it shouted, “Look! There’s a shooting star. Wish for something, wish!” All stones got disturbed and saw up carelessly.

“You must be a fool to talk such nonsense. Now go to sleep and let us sleep,” said a rock half asleep as he yawned, and all the stones went back to sleep. The oddest stone fainted. But not minding what the other stone told, it made a wish to the star. “May I be used up for a good purpose and be blessed by my almighty to justify my existence,” it whispered slowly and closed its eyes.

Next day at early dawn, when the sun was about to rise, birds were chirping and the morning breeze flowed. The ground, on which the stones slept, started shaking slightly. The place filled with harsh sounds.

“What is it? Is it an Earthquake or some disaster,” Screamed a big rock filled with terror and waking up as fast as it could. They all saw a gigantic machine marching towards them.

“Here! Bring the bulldozer and tractor here,” they heard a man wearing a yellow helmet say.

“They have brought two giants named bulldozer and tractor here. God knows what these humans want from us now,” cried the largest rock with fear.

“Those are machines they brought to take us, and not giants. They are taking us somewhere,” Giggled the oddest stone happily.

“I know, I know. I was just jesting,” clarified the big rock, so as not to be regarded as a coward and an idiot. “By the way, they won’t take a useless fellow like you with us anyway,” it mocked at the oddest stone.

Soon the huge machines began their work. The enormous fist of bulldozer grabbed away mass of stones at once and filled them in the trailer of the tractor and then repeated again. Stones waited eagerly for their turn to be picked up. It was after hundreds of years that they were being taken to a new place. The oddest stone too waited for its turn. Slowly, the machines took stones, one after the other. They first picked up the massive ones, and then a bit smaller ones and the gravels at last. It took much time to load the biggest rock on trailer.

“Sir, this rock won’t be of any use to us. What to do with it?” asked the man with notepad in his hand to an old man standing at a distance.

The old man came near and observed the stone. “Leave it to me,” he said, smiling and placing his hands on the stone.

All the stones were taken away, leaving the oddest stone behind alone. The oddest stone wondered like a child about the reason why it wasn’t taken away along with the other stones. The untainted stone had no heart but was heartbroken. It wanted to cry but couldn’t, as it was just a stone. “Is this what you give to those who believe in you God?” it wept bitterly.

Few days later, all stones were gathered on a site. They were sorted on the basis of their size. The little ones were used up to make concrete and the ample ones were left in the safe hands of sculptors who carved exceptional designs on them. Larger rocks were turned to gorgeous pillars. The biggest rock got special attention and it was turned into a marvelous platform. Now all the stones together formed a magnificent monument. It was adored by the people who passed by it and everyone sang its praises. Its grandeur surprised everyone who entered.

“That retard was right, that we all are made for a reason,” said aloud the biggest stone which was now a beautiful platform. All other stones agreed with him and didn’t object.

“But where would he be now?” questioned a puzzled little gravel stuck to the concrete on a wall which was not tiled.

“He must be still lying there alone, wishing to the shooting stars,” joked one of the stone pillars and started laughing hardly at its own joke.

Next morning, the whole monument was royally decorated. Garlands of roses, marigold and mango leaves were hung everywhere and all the corners were decorated with lanterns. A graceful rangoli was drawn at the entrance and the delighting fragrance of incense added brilliance to its aura.

“Why is this place so crowded today?” asked the biggest stone to a pillar, as it observed the bare footed people all around.

“They call this place a ‘temple’ and today is its inauguration,” it answered, staring irritated at the child who was trying to climb on it.

Stones observed the people around who had gathered for some reason. An old person entered the temple with something which was wrapped in a red velvet cloth and tied with threads. He kept it on the platform with assistance of some people.

“Brothers and sisters, it’s my pleasure to present to you the idol of lord Krishna without which this place couldn’t be called a temple,” he announced joyously.

“Hey! Hey! He’s the same old man who had come to bring us here with the other person,” shouted the pebble trapped in the roof peeking out an uncovered corner. “Shut up! You are disturbing us,” said another pebble to silence it.

The old man untied the threads, removed the red cloth and revealed the idol he had made. The pleasant idol caught a glance of everyone. Whole temple echoed with the sounds of claps. Everyone desired to get a look of it.

The idol had a rich and minutely engraved golden crown on its head which signified its beauty. It was studded with sparkling red, blue and green crystals which reflected the sunrays like a prism. It had jewellery on it made up of both gold and silver, which seemed to be a sign of finest craftsmanship. In its postured hands was a delicate flute made of sandalwood which had a pair of white pearls tied to its one end. And above all was the glittery peacock feather tucked inside the crown which clearly reflected the religious faithfulness that dwelled inside everyone’s heart. The idol stood grandly over the stone platform in the middle of the temple hall.

“Hey! Hey! That is our…our,” the pebble became speechless. The other stones too identified their friend and became startled.

The oddest stone filled with honor and pride. It realized that it wasn’t odd but special, and recalled how it was turned to an idol out of a useless stone by the old man who admired its beauty, and how he carved it with his delicate hands and antique tools.

Now all the stones realized it’s worth and humans bowed their heads in front of it. It became thankful to God for the highest position given to it while gazing in surprise at the people chanting mantras amid the sound of tinkling bells.

“Thank you God, now my existence is justified,” prayed the stone with the most sincere emotion as it realized the significance of it’s existence which once meant nothing to anyone. But now, it represented God himself on earth. With its belief it became God.

THE END

Finally, I’d be thankful to you if you share this short story on Facebook or somewhere else. Stay connected with me on Facebook and twitter.

Also read:

The Best Way to Make Life Easier

What You Must Know About Starting Out as a Dreamer

The Simplest Way to Find Your Passion in Life

17 Ways to Inspire Others and Add Some Sparkle to Their Lives

Whether it is a hobby, learning a new language, blogging, traveling, or something else. And then you didn’t even start because you thought that what you’re planning to do is just useless, or it doesn’t make sense at all. And then you thought, found reasons to quit that thing, and then you did. So, simple! and wise too. As it shows that you are capable of deciding your priorities.

But what if it was something which actually meant a lot to you, or it was something which you ended even before starting, due to your doubts and fears. 

Many a times, we end the things which we wish to do, not much because of doubts, fears, or critics, but due to the ‘reasonable human’ within us, who  keeps reminding us about our limitations, finds excuses, and asks us to quit – even before we start.

But remember one thing that:

We shall never know what we can do, until we do it

 Believe me you! each time we decide to not do something and find a good reason to quit it, we lose an opportunity to learn something new, and unknowingly close the new doors of success, even before knocking them. Maybe, there is something that you are willing to do. And if you are doing it, great! and if not, then do it. 

Try doing it once, just like we need to jump inside water without knowing to swim, so that we can swim. But will you ever know that can you swim, if you don’t even enter the water?
It is somewhat like that only.

And for some time, focus on:

• Finding excuses to do it, instead of finding excuses to not do it 
• Silencing the ‘reasonable human’ within you for some time, and dare to be unreasonable
• Searching for a few right reasons to hold on and not quit, instead of trying to prove your decisions wrong
• Thinking about its benefits, and ask yourself that why you wanted to do it, even if it seems silly
• Finding time for it from the 24 hours that you get, and try to be consistent.

And in the end:

“Don’t try to quit it after starting it”. Because this is how you should be going on the paths that you pursue, ‘without quitting’ and trusting yourself.
 
 And If you are in the other tribe,
• Who have an urge to start something,
• Know about what they want to do,
• Just need a green signal to be sure about what they want to do,
• Yet, are a bit unsure and don’t believe in themselves,
• Who are thinking too much, 

Then I have only one word for you,

start!

Because,
• You’ll keep thinking for a long time, and won’t do it, until you ultimately do it! but after a long time,
• You won’t know whether you really want to do that ‘thing’,
• You won’t know if you are capable enough, or worth it according to you,
• You will again and again go in circles, and keep thinking about your decisions.

 So, the best way to move on is by learning new things, instead of thinking about ‘why you should not do them’.

Conclusion: If you are thinking about doing something new, then do it! Don’t try to find reasons to not do it, or to quit it.
 You’ll know what you can do, and want to do, only after doing it.

May God bless all!  🙂

Each day, we’re dragged farther from life and closer to death.

The same is happening to everyone else. Time passes too quickly. Sometimes we feel like controlling time, slowing it down, or just bottling it up if we can … but that’s a fantasy.

Do you feel the same? Everybody else does

• It feels like new year was just a week ago or so.

• The children who were once crawling have now started walking.

• The saplings around your house have turned into trees.

• When you see yourself in your old photographs, you’re astounded by how fast you’ve grown up.

• The pages of calendar are turning with the passing days, much like the pages of a book.

• You can recall you childhood but don’t remember how the journey has gone by.

• It seems a kind of miracle to notice how technology has evolved during the years, and how you have witnessed it all.

Do you know what’s the sad part about all this? That time doesn’t slow down.

It will keep hurrying ruthlessly without getting tired. That’s what it has been doing since the ages unmemorable. It has got no brakes.

But we’re mortals.

We’ll die someday. Though we wish to stay alive forever, we know that we’re making a wish that will remain unfulfilled.

Still, we have a whole lifetime. We can live every moment and cherish this life.

Living our life to the fullest in every moment can give us the satisfaction which we have been yearning for.

This is how you can somewhat slow down your life (and start living)

Create

Have a hobby, learn to make art and create something.

Create anything that interests you – whether it’s a sketch, a gallery of photos, a coin collection, a blog, or something else. Creations leave valuable marks on the sands of time which cannot be erased.

When you’ll look back at them, you’ll be easily able to track your hard work and joys. Your creations will be an evidence of your creativity, and remind you of the time you had spent making something that you can proudly call ‘your own.’

Click

Click lots of photos. Make silly videos. Let them rest inside your cellphone or PC, and don’t delete them. You may find out that how big an idiot you were some years ago, but it will feel great to see everyone you know in their old avatars. Also, even if you’ll lose some loved ones, they will be with you forever in the form of those clicks.

Each old photo will tell you a story from your past and help you recollect the memories related to it. It’ll be enough to bring a broad smile on your face. You’ll live more. A lot more.

Be productive

Don’t just rush into whatever you’re doing. Wait, take a pause, and then reflect that why are you doing whatever you’re doing.

Are you doing it the right way?

We spend a huge part of our lives either doing the wrong things, or doing right things the wrong way.

Try to be better at whatever you do, save time by being innovative, change your working habits and invent new ideas. By doing this, you do yourself a great favor and add days to your life by utilizing time properly and learning new habits.

Have a task-schedule

It isn’t necessary at all to have a schedule in which you feel trapped. Make a schedule, not in terms of time but in terms of work. Exercise a bit, meditate, take a walk, or do anything that makes you feel good.

You must be able to decide your priorities, and have some time for the things that you want to do. Even not having a schedule can be your schedule, if you’re comfortable with it and can get everything done.

Keep a to-do list

Make a to-do list. Add anything that you want to do, no matter how useless or awkward it might seem. When you’ll see the checklist shorten, it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

You are free to include your desire of climbing a mountain, purchasing something, visiting a place, meeting a friend, or any interesting idea that strikes your heart. It will make you feel like you have released a burden of responsibilities by fulfilling them.

It’s definitely worth it, and will assist you in accomplishing your goals quickly.

Cherish your likes

If you are planning to watch a movie you’ve been waiting for, to read a book since a long time, or to travel somewhere you’ve been dreaming of, then do it right now. At least, as early as possible. If it makes you happy, you should be doing it.

You need to have some time for yourself. You aren’t meant to act like a robot that doesn’t get tired. Try to live like a human and make some place for yourself, no matter how busy a person you are.

Cutoff

Cut off the useless activities that eat up your time, cutoff the people who you don’t want to be with, cutoff the habits that slow you down, cutoff everything that makes your life a drain.

You already know how you should be doing it according to your preferences.

Quitting useless things matters as much as taking up useful things, as both are capable of directly affecting your life.

Live in the moment

Wait. Listen to the sounds that surround you. Pay attention to what’s happening. This is life while it’s happening.

Life doesn’t happen in imaginary aspirations as much as it does in ordinary chores.

Sometimes we just plainly ignore the beauty of simplicity that exists all around. We become careless and choose to not admire the life that we have, while craving for what we want it to be like.

You’ll be grateful for your now if you decide to give it the attention it deserves and learn to love it. This is life, ordinary yet beautiful.

I hope that these ways help you to live your life to the fullest.

Next time you feel like your life is passing too quickly, just remember that this life is enough. For everything that you want to do, and what you can do.

Although life might seem less, you can still make every moment count.

It will pass anyway, so isn’t it a wise idea to live it instead of merely passing it?

[ctt template=”3″ link=”k2bC7″ via=”no” ]Don’t worry even if you have wasted a lot of time by passing it, because there’s a lot of time waiting for you to live in it. [/ctt]

Conclusion

Live while the time is passing, it will pass anyway. How you think spending it might be right for you is right for you, if it helps you in ascending towards your betterment.

Slow down your life in your own wonderful ways.

Exploit every second, kill every moment, and make life worth living.

Why do you think life seems to pass so quickly? How do you slow down your life? Got something to share? Leave a comment below.