By Jaskirat Singh Gill
Vice President, Marketing – Products & Content, DigiVive
I recently started reading F?@k Knows by Shailendra Singh, CEO, Percept. What drew me to this book was not its author but its title. This book—which, by the way, comes with instructions from the author that it be read slowly one chapter at a time—reminds me of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist and Richard Branson’s Screw it, Let’s Do it. All of them essentially propound the same theory: follow your heart and happiness will follow. So when I was asked to write this article, I thought why not focus on what I enjoy, not as a marketer but as the person who gives in to his heart’s diktat from time to time.
The one thing that really gets me going is off-roading—exploring unchartered territory and off-the-road tracks in a re-furbished 4x4 jeep. Living in Gurgaon provides me with ample opportunity and locations for the occasional off-roading with friends and family. I am a casual off-roader who does this for the adventure, fun and tranquillity if offers. The sheer delight of waking up and hitting the road at the crack of dawn, as the sun spreads its glow over lush green forests and all you hear is the chirping of birds, is unsurpassable. And when you want company all you need to do is make a great happy picnic out of it, with of course the added advantage of getting your kids to connect with nature. It’s as de-stressing and therapeutic as a spa treatment. It helps break the monotony of daily life, and also helps me feel centred.
Considering the way our daily lives tend to be taken over by our work, the gadgets that have us on call 24/7 and the mad frenzy to meet deadlines, it’s imperative for us to take time out. It’s the only way to see the bigger picture, sort our thoughts out and come back rejuvenated.
I would recommend you to try it some time. Just wake up one morning and drive out of the city you live in. A jeep is not a must, a mountain bike (or cycle) is just as good. If trekking is your thing, form a group and head out and explore a new place. It’s not just the destination but the journey that is important too. Many valuable life lessons are learnt along the way. I have friends who just walk to a new place every now and then. The idea is to be together, instead of meeting at a club or sitting at home to chat; do something different.
On that note, I want to ask you a question: when was the last time you did something for the sheer pleasure it gave you? Don’t remember? I thought so. So get up, get out, and go for it, NOW.
Feedback: jaskirat.gill@digivive.com
