Thought of the Day: International Women’s Day

Women Supporting Women is the definition of Feminism.

In this day and age, it’s really easy to claim that you’re not a feminist. This International Women’s Day, I want to remind you all to support the women in your life this year…

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Thought of the Day: Random Act Of Kindness

“Mind the closing doors” is a phrase that commuters are sick to death of hearing. Its also a phrase that most people adhere to, save a few that we immediately roll our eyes and tut at. But that’s because they barge on for themselves, getting their arms or bags caught, just to save an extra few minutes waiting for the next tin can stuffed to the brim. But today, reader, I was that person. Or, rather, someone else was that person for me.

As I approached the platform, through the network of tunnels, I saw the tube waiting, with its doors open. I broke into a half-run, expecting to catch it, but alas, I heard the warning beeps of the closing doors, just as I reached the dreaded yellow line. But then, oh but then. A foot stuck itself out from where the doors slide out, and a kind stranger stopped the door, giving me time to board and promoting the message “please stand clear of the doors”.

Now, I wasn’t too bothered if I missed the train; the bakerloo line runs every couple of minutes so it made no real difference to me. But it was an act of kindness, from a man who owed me nothing, expected nothing in return, and that I would never see again. It’s prompted me to look again at my commute, at every aspect of my life, and think about how I could use small, random acts of kindness, just to keep the cycle of goodwill alive. Giving up my seat without hesitation (come on, you know we all think twice before offering it up); buying a round of coffee in the morning to help the day along for my teammates; smiling at strangers; all small acts that could really go a long way to improving someone’s day.

So, thank you, kind stranger, for keeping that door open for me. Please do mind the closing doors though. The delays can be a real inconvenience…

Punjabi Weddings: FAQs

Wedding Season is officially over! This year alone has been crazy, wedding-wise. Since January I have been invited to 6 weddings taking place this year, and it’s only August! The majority of these are Punjabi weddings, which typically results in me taking around 3-4 days of annual leave per wedding, which often causes eyebrow raises and questioning glances from friends and co-workers alike. I get it, a 3-day wedding isn’t something experienced by everyone…

Thought of the Day: Travelling Terriers and Commuting Corgis

The sky is grey, the rain is threatening, but life is good. Why? Because today I saw a dog on the tube.

Dogs on the tube are the most precious of all dogs. They are well behaved, they are (usually) quite quiet, and all they want is to be friends with everyone. There, on a hot, stuffy tin can jostling through the tube network, was the sweetest creature who just wanted to be petted and loved, and who are we to deny them that?

Of course, not everyone is a dog-person but I’m sure everyone can appreciate how a sweet and fluffy creature can have a calming effect on the road-rage of public transport. The tube network is hot, it’s cramped, it’s loud and uncomfortable, but whenever someone brings a dog on board, I can’t help but smile.

So, an entirely selfish plea to all you dog-owners out there: please bring your dogs on the tube. Take them for walks throughout London’s parks and bring them home on our tube network. Bring a smile to someone’s dull commute.

The Adventures of Graduate Life: Holding My Space

Imagine commanding the attention of 200 people in 5 seconds. I recently learned how to do just that.

My Pole Journey: Chapter 3

Pole fitness is pretty hard work. The most difficult move that I’ve accomplished, so far, is a layback. Now, it sounds pretty simple; just lie vertically against the pole and hope that gravity doesn’t catch you out, right? Yeah, okay, it doesn’t sound easy, and for good reason – it isn’t.

The Adventures of Graduate Life: Post-Grad Dinner Parties

Inspired by a recent Guardian article, I’ve started to examine my own experiences of dinner parties and how they present themselves, both at university and after graduation. There are some key differences about the expectations of both guests and hosts at these dinner dates, so to avoid you committing a faux pas and becoming a social pariah, here’s a handy guide to navigating adult dinner parties.

NY Fold: Pizzas Made of Gold

The most irritating answer to the question “what do you want to eat?” is “I don’t mind”. It’s non-committal. It’s indecisive. It’s weak. And it’s exactly the answer my sister gave when we were on our way to the London Coliseum last Winter.

Trending Now: Ombré Lips

Spring-time is coming up and what better way to celebrate the transition from those dark and cold nights to bright, cool evenings than looking at the ombré trend sweeping through 2018.

My Pole Journey: Chapter 2

I touched the ceiling today! And it wasn’t a low ceiling. I’m talking about a good old Victorian ceiling, at least a 12 foot climb, probably more. And I learnt something; I am strong as heck.