I was so stoked, when I found an unexpected mail, informing that I had been nominated for the Liebster Award! It was no less than a privilege to be coming from Debbie from Traveler Wows. She’s an amazing blogger and do check her out.

What is The Liebster Award?

The Liebster Award (Liebster is a German word that means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome) provides new bloggers with the opportunity of discovery, as well as to support and connect with the community of bloggers. Bloggers nominate fellow bloggers with this recognition. Just taking the first step and blogging makes you a winner in my opinion.

Also Read: So, I’ve been Nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award this year !

The Rules of Liebster Award

• Thank the person who nominated you and put a link to their blog on your blog.
• Display the award on your blog.
• For the Liebster Award 2018, write a small post about what makes you passionate about blogging.
• Provide 10 random facts about yourself (optional).
• Nominate 5 – 11 blogs.
• List these rules in your post.
• Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post or The Global Aussie.
• Create new questions for your nominees to answer.

What keeps me passionate about blogging?

Self-expression is one of the most important things for me. I have tried a lot of ways to express myself (Sketching, Photography, Speaking) and I believe I can truly be myself when I write. I tried writing poems but I was surprised by how naturally blogging came to me. Writing just clicked with me, it is the form of self-expression I chose. Maybe Vlogging or Photography is your thing. You won’t know unless you try and keep experimenting till you find your form of self-expression; something that’s like second nature to you.

But, if you don’t appreciate the art form for what it is or are just in it for money- I’m sorry but I think you’d be better off finding consistent high paying jobs. Ask yourself this question- Would you be willing to do this without any kind of monetary benefits? I truly enjoy blogging now, it’s become more of a lifestyle than a chore. To be consistent with your work, you need to stop seeing it as a chore and start embracing and loving every bit of it (even the horrible ones).

10 Random Facts About Me

• I love learning: I’m learning Spanish, I love singing Latin American songs and dancing.
• I am a trained classical singer: I’ve learnt Carnatic and Hindustani styles (two types of Indian Classical Music) and now I’m learning Western Classical.
• I am a mother of two cats: Cereal and Cornflakes.
• I am pretty good at sketching, it is the only reason I have aptitude for the field of Architecture (alright, you can email me for a commissioned portrait now).
• The only reason I haven’t turned vegan yet, is the fact that I love cheese too much. But I try to live as sustainably as possible in other areas.
• I hate the fast paced city life- I cherished living in the outskirts (with a forest adjacent to my house) and choose the countryside more often than not.
• I am terrified of heights (or was); I hike every chance I get to overcome my acrophobia (even though I make others miserable in the process :P).
• My leg hasn’t fully healed yet (my knee is weak and doesn’t bend completely; I travel with this same leg (to show there are no barriers when you really want to do something) and have to go through physiotherapy regularly. 
• I recently discovered how effective weight training is and I love working out everyday and I’m absolutely addicted to how good it makes me feel (mind and body).
• I know it’s hard to see that this chirpy, happy and positive person I am today as sad, but I was under depression and miserable for a good part of 2016 and still struggle with the aftermath to this day. 

These are the question I was asked by Debbie

If you have the chance to do whatever you want in this world what would you do?

Over time, I’ve realised that it’s not the lack of chance rather the refusal to take the chance that is the problem with our society. We can be whoever we want to be- cross the seven seas, climb the highest peaks or meet and learn about the most unique of cultures. Though we can do what we please, more often than not, we choose not to because of our refusal to be a little uncomfortable. It’s a tragedy really, that we are ready to give away everything this world has to offer, tempted by the comfort of living in one place, same house, same friends, and same old routine: maybe start a family right where we are.

But, I’ve decided to grab my chance to witness this wondrous world of ours. To get a first-hand experience of things that may never come back. Just knowing that life is unpredictable with no one having an actual measure of how long it may last or what might happen in this short duration inspires me to break away (not get caught up by society’s idealism) and actually live it.
Place the following in order of preference and explain why you chose that order: Career, Family, Love, and Religion/Spiritual Views.
The world, in the present day, has turned rough, selfish and cruel. We have forgotten how to love (other lives but most importantly ourselves). I have believed for a long time that the only thing that can change the world are people, and the only thing that can change the people is mercy, kindness and hope essentially in adversity but it holds good otherwise as well.

Discovering spirituality has been one of the great things in my life. By discovering oneself: our virtues and vices and accepting ourselves for who we are; gives us the power to understand the universe itself. Spirituality gives us the sight of what’s required and enables us to give up materialism. Please note that Religion and Spirituality are two different things. Religion is born from the followers of Spiritual people, where the original wisdom has been corrupted through aeons of blind faith.

If we are to survive in this world, Career is of utmost importance. It provides for the bread and butter, aiding in our continued existence and also give a sense of purpose to our life without which we would all be wandering souls (Empty mind is the devil’s workshop).

The earlier you learn this the better, your family is not the least bit more important than the other 8 billion people in the world. I have known people trying to stay together though abuse and toxicity for a family. They face criticism, hate, inconsiderate remarks and actions and trying to tolerate all sorts of BS in the name of blood. Advice: If anything doesn’t bring you happiness and is constantly tearing down your mental health- it’s not worth it.
You are given the opportunity to go back in time (as far back as you like), what time period would you go back to and why?
More than experiencing life in a certain era or seeing the rise of great empires, I would like to witness the fall of Indus Valley Civilisation. Considered to be one of the most advanced civilizations at that time, the oldest in the world, larger than the Egyptian and Mesopotamia combined; it has piqued my interest since I was a child. I was fascinated (still am) about how well planned their cities were- baked bricks, elaborate water and drainage systems, and great baths. But, one of the mysteries that remain is the sudden decline of this civilisation (though today they are looking at the change in course of rivers like Indus and Ghaghra-Hakkar, I’d still like to find out for myself :P). Ancient history is nothing but mere speculation, where everything is based on the objects left by the long gone. Their way of life, innovations are just some, but one of the most intriguing facts is that their script remains indecipherable to this day!
Which movie can you say relates to your life?
I literally gave a blank stare when I read this question. The truth is, I don’t really watch movies and considering the Eternal “Book Hoe” that I am; I wouldn’t know which to pick from limited I’ve watched. But when it came to visual media, I was always more into Telly Shows and Anime, to begin with. At this juncture; I don’t consume any kind of visual media (Educational Documentaries and Doctor Who will be an exception though). But if compelled to pick one I’d pick this anime called “Scum’ Wish” (you can watch it here) – It is a reminder of the person I used to be. But the present and future me relate more to this book called “The Shooting Star”- Shivya Nath.
Do you prefer hot sunny days; windy rainy days or cold snowy days?
It might interest you to know that I have never experienced snow or snowfall. But winter continues to remain my “least favourite season”. The days are shorter, the hours of the dark longer and the mornings colder. It’ a curious case of my house, which makes it colder than the outside. Hailing from a tropical country; I find the fresh cold air and winds outdoors bearable and refreshing when compared to the indoors- all it makes me want to do is curl up in a blanket and stay there till there’s a sign of warmer days. Personally, cold puts me to sleep and stops me from being the most productive version of myself.

Though hot sunny days a.k.a summer isn’t all that bad; my personal favourite time is the Monsoon- where everything is beautiful and dramatic. One of the happiest and delightful experiences is Petrichor. And who doesn’t love a good Cuppa Coffee and a book in hand (For my Indian friends, how does Garama-garam Bhajjis with Chai sound ;)) as they stare at the pouring heavens and the hazy earth. As a bonus- there are hardly any people in the touristy places as Monsoon is often considered off-season. So, that makes for a very unique travel experience.
Which tree can you say describes you?
A tree that has always captured my attention is the African Baobab. Often dubbed as the “The Tree of Life”- It stands mighty in the Arid Savannah, rendering a unique silhouette to its landscape. With a gigantic trunk which stores almost 12,000 gallons of water; it provided the music needed Shelter, Water and Food to the inhabitants. If I’d be a tree I’d want to quench thirst and give like the Baobab.
If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose to move to and why?
Though people from every country have their own charm, I would feel most at home in Latin America. I’ve had this strange attraction to their culture for a long time no. The dance, the music, the language and clothes- everything just happens to be extremely colourful and vibrant. And the fact that almost every person knows how to dance I amazing, to say the least. I hail from a country where men consider dancing to be something female do and I considered too feminine (Like Waaa?). I would be the happy dancing, singing Prerana out there, Doing what I love and Viviendo la Vida!
If you had the chance to be an animal (domesticated or not) for a day, which would you choose and why?
I would like to swap lives with my cat Cereal for a day because he certainly seems to have it all. He gets food when asked, gets to go out whenever he wishes, enjoys the little things and plays around like a pro and destroys what he likes and sleeps all the time.

But something we could all learn from animals is how to live life- in the moment. We spend way too much time in the imaginary domains of the past and the future that we forget to cherish the present- the gift we have right now 🙂 .
If dogs could talk do you think they would still be man’s best friend?
Dogs are known to be dependent, they are clingy, show love way too much and don’t do well when isolated. They have found reason and benefit to stay with humans- their providers. Even if they could talk, it’s highly unlikely that they would suddenly develop hands or the intelligence to take a decision, make sophisticated choices or understand what past, future, time or universe means. So, they would essentially still remain as dependants with a human to provide for them. Hence, I think they will remain our companions for a long time to come.
What would you say was the most difficult time in your life?
It was a difficult time when I had been through a horrible accident in the end of May 2017. I was unable to move or turn; I couldn’t even keep my back straight without support. In those six months, I was surrounded by the same four walls and that was what I had for a view. Yes, as you might have guessed already I was bedridden in that duration. Every waking moment was complete pain and I was unable to do the most basic tasks. I feel experiencing this pain and helplessness turned me into the emphatic person I am today.

Shivya’s blog among many others were my window to the outside world. I decided right that instant that, I would not spend one waking moment doing something that didn’t bring me any kind of happiness or keeps me inspired and being someone who wasn’t true to herself. This decision might keep me hungry, take me away from ever having a stable job/life, but I see a need to fight to keep doing the things I love. The person I was, changed drastically in that phase and this newfound self-awareness enabled to see more of a purpose in travelling than the vacation and getaway we were taught it was from our early childhood.

I spent that time learning quite a bit- topics ranging from bloggng, web design, photography, graphic design, post-processing and heck even a new languages! And right now, I’m on a bigger learning spree than ever before 🙂 .

My Nominees

• Megan from Ish Mom, tall and extroverted mom from central Indiana and is just getting her Ish together.
• Yolanda from Garnering Greatness, a Long Island mom, wife, lover of sweet treats and life. She’s a social worker who is a helper at heart and encourages people
• Colleen from Good Bye Anxiety, Hello Joy, shares her family’s journey of dealing with our daughter’s anxiety and OCD, helping families like hers navigate options and feeling less alone on their journey.
• Michelle from The Perfectly Imperfect Mummy, who enjoy sleeping, going to the toilet alone and occasionally indulging in a Moscato or 6, and is undertaking a course in Professional Writing and Editing.
• Leslie from Lifestyle of Leslie, a mum with a full-time job, who have lived in Winnipeg her whole life and is pretty proud about it! She started her blog to share her love for makeup and beauty.
• Ye Chen from Ye Chen: Freelance/Blogger/Life & Change Enthusiast, who writes about self-improvement, overcoming challenges, reclaiming life, and embracing change, both personally and professionally.
• Glen and Lynn from justabitfurther, who’ve hit the “empty nesters” stage, and are exploring the beauty and wilderness that is found in Ontario and beyond through their outdoor endeavours. 
• Kristine from Kristine’s Blog, a mum reviewing on Parenting, Beauty, Fashion, Travel and Lifestyle.
• Roxane from Teal of Two Stitches, who loves to keep her hands occupied with yarn and enjoys journaling her notes about her crafts.
• Nicole from A Trip With a View, a travel enthusiast with a love of photography and blogs to inspire people to get out of their hometowns and explore the world around them.

Questions for my nominees

• How has blogging helped you evolve as a person?
• What is your fondest memory from childhood?
• If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
• If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
• If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
• What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
• What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
•  Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
• What do you value most in a friendship?
• For what in your life do you feel most grateful?