Logical lekhika

  Media and newspapers often publish lists of the biggest events, milestones, and headlines of the year gone by. I thought of doing something similar — but for myself. A quiet reflection on the year that passed. January began with an emotional hangover. I was still affected by being ghosted by someone I had once felt hopeful about. February continued much the same, layered with another kind of hurt — feeling ignored by someone I considered my best friend. March only deepened that emotional heaviness. April brought a professional blow. My super boss decided not to promote me — with no clear reason, just “like that.” What followed was a long conversation… or argument… or debate — call it what you will. I’m still dealing with some of its after-effects even now. From May to August, I decided to attempt the FRM exam. I tried to prepare sincerely, though I didn’t succeed. I overthought a lot, questioned myself even more, but I know I did put in genuine effort — limited by time, m...

  What bothers us — and what doesn’t — depends largely on our personality, our mood, and the situation we are in at that moment. If I speak for myself, I’m not hyper-reactive, but I am fairly charged up emotionally. Not everything affects me, but some things definitely do. I’ve noticed this more clearly when I observe my mom and sister. They tend to get bothered by almost everything — whether something is done right or wrong. And if nothing is happening in the present, past incidents somehow make a comeback and get replayed effortlessly. Watching this has made me reflect on myself. I’m trying to work on letting go of things that don’t really matter. And even when something does matter, I trying to pause before reacting — or sometimes choose not to react at all. Interestingly, in this process, I find their reactions a bit amusing at times… and my calm (or silence) seems to irritate them just as much 🙂 So yes, I’m stuck in a bit of a funny tussle. On one side is my own inter...

  I feel connected to this festival not because I celebrate it in the traditional sense, but because of the memories associated with it from my childhood. Coming from a convent school — a large one with a beautiful chapel within the premises — Christmas always had a special place in my growing-up years. As a child, more than the Christmas vacation itself, I would eagerly look forward to Santa Claus. One of our teachers — tall, plump, and extremely warm — would dress up as Santa. To us, he was the real one. We would receive chocolates, stickers, and small takeaway gifts, and the joy of that moment was unmatched. Even though we knew what was coming every year, the excitement never reduced. At one point, I even started kneeling and praying like a Catholic child, which worried my mother a bit. She would gently remind me that it was okay to admire and respect other faiths, but that I should follow our own way of praying. She was convinced I might end up converting someday 🙂 ...

  Some people believe deeply in small deeds and quiet expressions. Others barely notice them. Then there’s a third category — those who value even the smallest of their own actions, while paying little attention to what others do. This difference alone creates a huge expectation mismatch. And this holds true across all relationships — personal or professional. Often, people bring in a gender angle, saying women get more affected. I don’t really agree. I think it depends more on one’s own vantage point — how much meaning you attach to expressions, words, or actions. The irony is, while you’re the one expecting, you’re labelled as: “Cribbing” “Overthinking” “Making a mountain out of a molehill” And yet, expectations don’t disappear just because they are dismissed. Beyond a point, the only way to protect your peace seems to be to stop expecting altogether. Simple advice. Hard execution. Easier said than done… right?

  This topic goes back to the underlying issue of insecure bosses, something I’ve touched upon in an earlier blog. https://logicallekh.blogspot.com/2025/12/insecure-bosses.html Over my career, I’ve worked in highly competitive environments. But surprisingly, my most consistent full-time competitor has often been my own supervisor. Sounds weird, right? It’s not an open challenge. No verbal competition. No “let’s see who wins” conversation. It’s a silent cold war — one you often don’t even realise you’re part of, until you’re already deep into it Some common signs to watch out for: Ignoring what you say, even when it’s relevant or data-backed Dismissive expressions or body language Acknowledging your presence only when a scapegoat is needed Actively promoting or engaging more with “yes-sir” team members Zero appreciation — achievements quietly swept under the carpet The expressions may vary based on personality, but the intent feels familiar. What happens as an outcom...

  My family and close friends care for me — I know that. They love me and, in their own ways, are there for me. practically speaking, we are all so different. For some, checking in once in a while — asking how I am or where I am — feels more than enough. And maybe, for them, it genuinely is. What often goes unnoticed is that this care also depends on their mood, their availability, and their convenience at that point in time. And I sometimes wonder — Why do people expect others to show up exactly as per their moods, wishes, availability, or convenience? Or rather, expect their way of expression to be understood and accepted always. One honest answer is simple: Because we allow them to. We stretch ourselves, adjust, and stay silent — only to later feel hurt that someone did or did not do “enough.” This happens very often, even with the people we love the most. At the core of it all lies expectation — from both sides. One person feels, “You should understand me ...

  I recently met a school friend after almost 25 years — completely unplanned. During the Ganpati festival, I landed at her place with another friend, uninvited :) She had the deity at home and had invited friends and family. That’s when I realised something even more surprising — her office is right opposite mine. After that, we met a couple of times. What struck me most about her was her calmness — with a hint of naughtiness. In one word, she felt sorted. During one of our conversations, she casually mentioned a course she teaches. She’s a certified Art of Living (AOL) teacher. Honestly, I had never imagined I would sign up for something like this — not even a passing thought. Yet, there I was, slowly persuaded by her gentle persistence. Somewhere deep down, I’ve always prayed for physical and mental well-being. About a year ago, I started making a conscious effort towards physical fitness. But mental well-being? I largely ignored it. I’ve always been a positive ...