Isn’t New Year quite like a festival in itself? And, a vibrant cum colourful one at that? It sure is.
On a different, yet connected note, I always feel that rejoicing during these ‘festive’ times, even at workplace, is something crucial. In fact, a bit of unofficial fun within the official setup adds a magical spark to everyone’s life. Joy and laughter are the elixirs for both mental and physical health. And this joy and bonding are precisely what all occasions, festivals, and celebrations – irrespective of faith/ religion/ place, aim at.
Thankfully, I’m blessed with a bubbly and beautiful workplace companionship. So, when spicy, hot, and crisp pakorey were served during the new year tea party on 1st January 2025, the staff at college merrily dug into it. Indeed, why miss any opportunity of creating and indulging in joy? Why let go of any happiness and connection-elevating opportunity?
Don’t they say, ‘khushi baantaney se barhti hai, dukh baantaney se ghatata hai’…
Though, I am myself learning along the way about mechanisms for ‘creating;’ joy, apart from making events to celebrate even out of little things and making the most of these celebrations, I feel that one thing that does work for everyone is finding joy by developing meaningful connections. I have realized that purposely, consciously putting in efforts in that direction always pay off. Though some friendships do fall easily into place, but such instances are lesser in present times. Nurturing relationships, whether at home, workplace, or anywhere else, is the need of the hour for triggering joie de vivre. We need to intentionally look for, cultivate and maintain emotional bonds.
Here are some pointers one can utilize in this quest of finding one’s tribe and resultant joy (irrespective of location, caste or creed):
1. Everyone has unique gifts: A sole individual is never equipped to fulfil all the needs of another. We all are meant to bring our different contributions forward and different people will always complement each other differently. Honour this uniqueness and be your authentic self.
2. It feels good to be trusted: For the fear of appearing vulnerable, we create shells around us. At times it’s absolutely okay to be messy and to need others. Think about it: if you receive a call from a friend who needs a shoulder to lean on, won’t you like it that s/he counted on you? Choose carefully whom you confide in, but don’t altogether abstain from sharing your real self.
3. Be open to possibilities: Friendships can begin anywhere, and in any manner. Your co-passenger in the flight. The person who gave you change at the supermarket. A childhood classmate. So, to invite such instances and make space for relations to start and thrive, smile more, and be yourself – a little more.
4. Prepare: It is natural to sometimes feel at a loss of topics to talk about upon meeting people. But, since this can mar connection and lead to feelings of isolation, counter it by reading/ watching something beforehand and share your thoughts about it upon meeting. Such preparedness can provide a good starting point for conversations.
Lastly, know that whomsoever, and wheresoever one dedicates one’s time, a sense of belongingness is bound to emerge there. So, choosing people, and ensuring that you spend time with them is a sure shot (and in fact, crucial) step to develop inter-connectedness. Hence, do not hesitate if you are planning to invite a co-worker over for a cup of evening tea at home this weekend; remember that anything that can go wrong can also go correct – rather very very correct!
(The author of the above article is Ms. Reema Bansal, assistant professor of psychology at Rajiv Gandhi Govt College, Saha, Ambala)
(Image designed by Freepik)
