That thing which nearly killed my life…

lust for life happinessI am Jaguar Paw. This is my forest. And I am not afraid– Apocalypto

On some night before leaving for Thailand last week, Rati and I went for a long drive for the first time in our lives. We were tense and a little jumpy but it was still fun. We stopped for some coffee at a petrol station and one of the IMBB readers even walked up to us to say hello. Rati told her shyly that I was driving for the first time. I am in my thirties right now. I hadn’t touched a car before. Until that night.

A small town boy believes in a lot of horseshit. Fed to him by his friends, elders, and general hogwash mongers. One of the mumbo jumbo that I believed in, and got into deeply, was palmistry and astrology. My maternal home is still full of countless palmistry books that I had bought and devoured. Chiero, Comte C. De Saint-Germain, Narayan Dutt Shrimali,… you name it and I had read it. Life line, heart line, sun line, health line, crosses, triangles, squares, mount of Jupiter, Luna, Mercury, … blah blah and blah. I found it very logical and very intriguing. I had this craze for years. Had a few successes also; for example, when I came to IIT Delhi later, I saw my senior’s hand and told him in a trice that one of his parents was no more. He was so astounded (he had lost his father in his childhood) that he forgot about ragging me and sat down to show me his palm. Oh well. Every shotgun scores once in a while. But I believed in palmistry then. And very strongly also. And like every trainee palmist, the first palm that I examined was mine. And I could see that I had an accident written over there. And because of that prediction of accident I delved deeper in palmistry to learn about it more. Not surprisingly, I slowly found a few like-minded astrologers and palmists who also made their own predictions. Ever given your date of birth, time of birth, place of birth to someone who would solemnly do some mental calculation and then rattle out predictions? I can’t even count how many times I did that. Not surprisingly, I would run into this ‘accident’ thing time and again. After all, these guys were doing the same study as I was. One of the older ones even told me that I would havw an automobile accident and I should not buy cars of such and such color. Oh well, the belief and knowledge turned into an arrow that pierced deep and turned into an ice cold splinter of fear. For years, I did not buy a car or even learnt driving. Until now. One day I just cleaned up the old attic of my heart and stepped out into the sunshine. ‘Let’s go for a drive’- I told my wife. If I was going to die, I was going to die. That was that. But I wasn’t going to be scared and die every day. We have been regularly going on long drives in the night since then. It’s our favorite time together in the whole day. 🙂

I did not become courageous overnight. Courage is like a muscle in your arms. It grows by practising every day. And like many types of muscles in your arms, there are many types of courage. You may be courageous in some areas and not-so-courageous in others. You got to strengthen every weak muscle one by one. But every type of courage contains one common element- risk. I had a lot of practice for taking risks as an entrepreneur. I have talked about some of the risks we took in TathaGat HERE. Let me fast forward from there. In early 2009, when IMBB was 2- 3 months old, I decided to work with Rati on IMBB. It was clear to us that we needed more writers on IMBB. We were doing well because of TathaGat at that time. It was a time when a typical upwardly mobile family buys a house, invests in mutual funds and insurance plans, and saves for rainy days. But I told Rati that if we bring in other writers and pay them we should forget about buying a house, or a car, or any investment/ savings that we were thinking about. My wife had as big an appetite for risks as I did. She let go all these dreams in order to build IMBB. We put all our money in IMBB. Every penny that we had. And in return IMBB gave us a family. It gave us friends. It gave us admirers. It gave us a strong community that is thriving and growing. And we kept on building. We still do not have a house or a savings plan. Every extra penny that we earn from IMBB goes back into IMBB. Our writers today enjoy better and more expensive products than Rati did four years ago. And we can feel their excitement and happiness in their emails and their posts. This makes us awesomely happy too. And happiness, my friends, is the flip side of fear on the coin of life.

So living happily ever after? Not yet. In December, 2012, I woke up in cold sweat at night. I was terribly scared. IMBB was going well. TathaGat was doing awesome. So what was wrong. For an Indian guy in his thirties I had done quite well. But had I? All my life I had but one dream- to travel and see the world. I have never been charmed by cars, or houses, or great wealth. A coffee and a novel is still the biggest luxury for me in life. But one thing I have always wanted in my bones was to travel. See places, hear different sounds, see the streets full of people of different nations, roam through bazaars, see the sun, the snow, the mountains, and the glaciers, fly, swim, sail, walk, ride, do horse riding, see cockfights, misty mornings, rainy drizzle, well lit showrooms, have dinners on sidewalks, admire skylines and confusing alleys, airports, train stations, sand and beaches. Oh I had dreamed of travel off an on. And what had happened? I had got so busy fulfilling my responsibilities, so entrenched in earning money, that my dream had got lost somewhere. And I was scared like shit that night. I felt my life was passing by year after year and my dream was slipping away slowly. Soon we would have to plan a baby and then there would be another responsibility to take away my time. And then I would die like this and my life would be gone and wasted. The end. I saw this happening in a lot of people around me. It did not hit me like that until then.

The next day Rati and I had a talk. Her dream was to be fit, do makeup and fashion, and travel. Mine was to travel and learn languages (I can still speak a little Italian and have cleared three levels of German, and a level of French). I told Rati to fulfill her dream. She is younger to me and I didn’t want her to wake up one night and feel that she hadn’t lived her life. And I would fulfill my dream too. We would again be penniless but oh well, I had been penniless before also. It did not scare me. And fortunately I am also blessed with a partner who is completely in sync with me. Rati threw herself into fashion (I am sure you all have seen her dream bags and shoes and dresses) and we started to travel. We were scared at first. To those who have sat in front of their laptops for the most part of their lives, venturing out into unknown places and meet strangers does not come easy. It is scary. The mind plays tricks and you think about a thousand things that can go wrong. But we kept traveling. From one place to another. And slowly it has become an addiction. Sometimes, Rati and I flip through posts of our travels on Faux Pas and relive our fond memories. And this year we have some exciting trips lined up. We are on a roller coaster ride that is not stopping. And all of you are going to be a part of it. 🙂

And yes, it’s risky living like this. But you know what I always say?

It’s better to live your life than live in regret for not having lived it at all.

And I’m not gonna be afraid because I am Jaguar Paw and this is my forest…

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117 thoughts on “That thing which nearly killed my life…

  1. “If I was going to die, I was going to die. That was that. But I wasn’t going to be scared and die every day.”

    Totally Agree 🙂

  2. WOW! You both are so lucky Sanjeev, to have found your soulmate in each other – someone who takes off time to understand what dreams the other one nurtures. And we are so thankful to be part of a community created by you both! Coz the love starts from there and flows from there.

    By giving light to your dreams, you both have made the dreams of so many of us come true and we cannot thank you enough for that. IMBB is family for us too. Something without which life truly seems incomplete now.

    Wish you all the best for all your endeavours! Be it driving a car or riding a horse! More power to you!

  3. Wow!! 🙂 Well written Sanjeev ji !!! *clap* *clap* I have realised what my dream is thanks to IMBB 🙂 Yes I took up engineering but what my strength actually lies in is what I discovered on IMBB 🙂 Thank you for inspiring us all . You and Rati are an epitome of courage, risk, inspiration and love. All the best for all your endeavours! 😀

  4. We all are so engrossed in our daily chores dat v forget our original dreams…wat v remember instead r the means that v have to achieve those forgotten dreams…after all our jobs, studies n all r means only right?..inspiration, realization n time go hand in hand..even if one of these factors is nt ther in our favour..our dreams just remain that…a long lost dream with regrets..well i must say, i got my inspiration thru this article today which made me realize i will nt let go of my dreams..time is wat i hav in ripe…thanks..this truly is inspiring n refreshing self realisation article..wish u both gud luck fr many many more years of love, travel, fashion n passion 🙂 🙂

  5. Sanjeevji….. what an awesome read *jai ho* *jai ho* you should def think of writing books, the reader never hurriedly scrolls down to see whats written in the end. Its like a story with lots of positivity, lesson, and hope. Imbb has given me a lot and continues to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. Another biggest blessing is to have positve people who believe in doing and playing it right, the honest way. Both rati and u r people I admire for honesty and correct ethics. I have always been taught to do right and stand up for right, and the people I am working for and with hold the same values.

    sanjeevji I too had driving phobia, recurring dreams of getting crushed under wheels, but I overcame, cannot live without my bike now *jalwa* can drive even on the moon *jalwa*

    This post made me immensly happy, it ends on such a positve note, hurray *happydance* *happydance*

    1. And Sanjeevji……you have give me the luxury of using stuff that I never ever thought I could buy. Gold and stuff was okay, but I was never allowed to indulge in buying cosmetics which made me the happiest. Both Rati and you have indulged me so much, I can’t really believe it happened to me. *cry* *cry* *cry*

      I have always believed that good things happen to good people, and with all the things that have been happening in my life, I now know that I am an extremely good person *pigtail* *pigtail* *toothpaste* *toothpaste*

      1. Err… that means your neighbours are also good people Jomol ji, cuz you happened to them. 😀

        You deserve the goodies Jomol ji. This was the least we could do. 🙂

        1. Sanjeevji……..”Err… that means your neighbours are also good people Jomol ji, cuz you happened to them. ”

          is line mein koosh gadbad hai….I am gonna analyze whether it is a compliment or not *waiting* *waiting*

  6. Oh my God after ages!
    Sanjeev ji I think you and Rati are capable of anything together, this is a big driving force to try so many new things..
    Who knew IMBB will be created and..now is rest is history!
    Wish u both loads of good luck.

  7. This was one of the best pieces I ever came across. …. You have really inspired me to live my life the way I want without worrying about what next!

  8. Thank you for sharing ur story.
    Its been 1 and a half year to my marriage and after marriage, things changed so drastically around me, that I was feeling that I had lost myself.. its just been now that I am searching myself back. N reading this, now I’ll also say “I’m not gonna be afraid because I am Jaguar Paw and this is my forest…”
    *thankyou* Sanjeevji.

  9. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this Sanjeev…..most of us are not able to take risks in life, m sure your words will inspire a lot like us to gather strength and march forward.
    IMBB is truly a family and thanks to you and Rati for creating this wonderful world for all of us and allowing us to be part of it.

  10. Really inspiring article by you sanjeevji….
    Life is running on its standard speed only its on us how to synchronise with it….or else we may miss many big or small things to enjoy…

  11. WOW!!!! awesome Sanjeevji. *thankyou* *thankyou* *jai ho* . well said..i am gonna show this to my husband.. we both are also alike i all ways but i keep onsaving money and he just want to indulge in all fun.. it might consist of buying all electronic gadgets, shoes, cloths, fitness equipments, Pool table.. whatever you ask and we have it at our home!!! sometimes i scold him as well but that is what he loves.. after reading your post i am surely gonna give him more space and let him enjoy his lyf…… *jai ho* *jai ho* *jai ho* *jai ho*
    I want to be designer and blogger; indulge in some creative activity.. somtimes i try to design cloths for my realtives but purse that further.. i get motivated whenever you write something but next dat i have to be back to my boring IT job… Hope i can gather courage like you and do something which i enjoy rather than working as a labour *haan ji* *haan ji* *haan ji*
    *puchhi*
    to Rati obviously 😛
    lol

  12. Love love love your words 🙂 Life would never be the same without IMBB. May you keep making your own adventures and giving us a glimpse of life’s possibilities 🙂

    Some infinities are bigger than other infinities. – John Green

  13. rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl True that!!!! Maybe you should add that in a post script 😛 coz u know it’s her forest too *whistle* *whistle* *whistle* *whistle*

  14. Well said Sanjeev, your writings are always a pleasure to read. Like someone had suggested earlier you should consider putting more of your thoughts into writings. You have that gift of indulging your reader which is quite rare to find these days. So do give a chance to your writing skills too along with your driving skills 🙂

    1. Thankies Pinky 🙂 I have the kind of belief that people should be busy living their lives than talking or writing about it. I may not write often but Rati and I are sharing the lives that we are living through photos and posts. 🙂

  15. It’s better to live your life than live in regret for not having lived it at all. *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*
    But is it possible to not have any dreams and still living a happy life? Just a thought 🙂

  16. Hi Sanjeev ji,
    Whenever you write , you pen down thoughts from the core of your hearts and ur honest words never fail to touch chords with the readers. I have read earlier about your TathaGat times and believe me u r an epitome of courage and positivity. Keep up the good work and God bless you and Rati!

  17. Vow Sanjeevji…! Amazing post.

    your posts are always comes in the language of heart with both feelings and logic in them.

    And Rati’s travel posts always takes me to the places,i have never been visited..

    Lots of love and prayers to both of you for all your ventures,let every day of your life bring the fulfillment.

  18. Wwwoooooowwwwwww!!!!! awesome post!!! seriously i needed sumthng lyk dis to read!!! Nd i just love d way u write!! Always motivating!! IMBB hs been an important part of our lives.. n its bcuz of u ppl!! Thanking u from the bottom of my heart for IMBB and all the efforts u took!! 🙂

  19. This morning a friend sent me a fun questionnaire and there was a question ” what motivates you?”. My answer was “people on my blog. Sometimes I feel I am working for them. “. It is true. There isn’t a day when I am not sharing things with you all. When I am reviewing stuff I always have people in mind ..would it work for them, is it going to help someone? someone might pick this up during travel? it might be a dream product for someone..all these thoughts come to my mind. IMBB is such a big part of all of us. We celebrate both good and bad days together. Touchwood, i hope it stays like that. 🙂 And no matter how many thank yous I’d ever say it would always be less. Because IMBB and IMBB team (Jomol, Neha, Era, Sanjeev) did change my life for good.

    Well about the travel part I think I am more addicted to it than Sanjeev is. But mine also includes good clothes and makeup. 😛 Sometimes I do get scared seeing other people around who properly manage their lives. And we are like wild childs. But that thought vanishes after a few minutes. We have seen both good and bad days. We’d see what happens as we go along. 🙂

    Btw I was sh*t scared when Sanjeev drove for the first time but you know that’s what partners are for. You are partners in both good and bad times.So if we were going to bang into someone / something I was so prepared for it. 🙂 I am glad I was part of his first steps. :))

    1. Rati…… *puchhi* *puchhi* you changed my life, totally upside down – made so many of my dreams come true *cry* *cry* Both of you would never bang into anything *hunterwali* *hunterwali*

      and here’s to more long drives *happy dance* *happy dance*

    2. rati you have always been a part of my life..thestory you both share is incredible. today i have miserably failed but one day I will be back. you guysare true motivators for me.

  20. Well sai Sanjeev ji. *haan ji*
    It’s always about quality than quantity whether regarding life or anything in life.

    All the best to Rati and you. *clap* *clap*
    IMBB is and will always be special. *hifive*

  21. Seems like these are flashes from my life. Me & my husband are avid travelers too. I can feel the happiness that you get by exploring new places, people and cultures.

  22. you know what sanjeev ji,this article popped in at the time I needed it the most. today I had my cs final results and I had big plans of clearing my exams and talking to my family about the man of my life but unfortunately I did not clear. you know what now I have lost my courage to talk about all this because I have given up my life for this exam and now I am left nowhere. it a damm thing. this is the first time I am sharing this thing on an online platform but I really needed this success.. I can feel my watery eyes. but still I wont give up atleast so easily.. I really need to move and make my life..

            1. ahem…jomol “ji” rofl rofl actually ca/cs/cwa me 1 failure to bacchon ki cheez…4 5 to mazak mazak me lag jate *hunterwali* *hunterwali*

          1. ahem…sweet heart..i can definitely understand…now analyse dis…m n my my bf both r in ca final (hell u know!! nt clearing)..v both r frm different religions (bigger hell!!)…n my pops will eat him up alive if i introduce him one level up as my hone wala pati widout CA before his name (till now hes my BFF family walon k liye)..v r studying like mad dis time…u do the same…gud luck…v will soon b sendin out wishes to each other in our coming marriages respectively..then re read these comments n smile..life is full of ups n downs..dun worry 🙂 *puchhi*

                1. v have become besharam rofl …its just an exam..give ur best n trust me..when u will receive ur degree then all dis will b dwarfed in comparison..gud luck *puchhi*

  23. I could relate to every word in this article. I am also going through a phase where I have to chose my dream or what I am doing right now. I know it is very difficult to get out of your so called comfort zone and start walking toward something which is uncertain. But I know if I will remain longer in the current place, I will regret it always. and I loved your quote at the end.
    Your article has motivated me to let go of all the shackles and to take my step toward my dream. Thanks Sanjeev ji.. I owe this to you 🙂

  24. Woooow this was sooo beautifulll *woot* *woot* *woot* i really got very emotional reading all of this *cry* *cry* this was soo inspiring … inspiring even more than the books that i have gone through *happy dance* *happy dance* we are seriously really lucky to work for people like you who look after us so much and consider us as the tiny hearts in a big family *puchhi* amazing and touchwood that you both met and lead such a lovey dovey blissfull life *happy dance* *happy dance*

  25. I think like everybody else I also ended up say wooooooow after ur post Sanjeev .. U both are such an inspiring couple in so many ways… Touch wood…. Soooo proud to be a member of this happy family…

  26. I am a fan of yours, first your photography and now your writing *jai ho* , would love to read more from your side. I love your down to earth spirit and also the way you admit it which is quite difficult for some people esp in today’s world of so called show off.
    You and Rati undoubtedly make the best couple, cheers to you. As far as driving goes, when I was first learning I too had given up thinking I will definitely hit something or someone, but now here I am I can drive endlessly and love every bit of it. You people have been very inspiring for all of us here. Rati definitely has a big and pure heart to give such a lovely oppurtunity to each one of us which ,I do not think any one including me can ever sacrifice this much. There is no doubt IMBB is and always will hold a very special place in my heart. I many times feel that I am always dreaming and not doing what I actually should, and you have truly motivated me to act on that right now !!!

  27. Rati is too lucky you both compliment each other like hand and gloves *pompom* *pompom* *pompom* *pompom* *pompom* *pompom* *pompom* *pompom* *pompom*

  28. You know Sanjeev.. u r very lucky…not because you have been successful but because you, in fact both you, know exactly where your dreams are… for most of us, including me, we are still searching.
    IMBB is an addiction & I love the way YOU write. Wishing you luck 🙂

  29. Sanjeevji,
    You wrote straight from the heart. I felt I can see all the moments like a movie in front of me.
    Your story ( Yours and Rati’s) is truly inspiring.This is what a made for each other couple means.
    Its been one and half years of my marriage and I know taking small risks means alot for a couple. *puchhi*
    You guys chased a dream and we got IMBB. You know even my mom , my aunt are a big fan of IMBB. Before that they were clueless that there is something which can give honest reviews about makeup products. Whether its a small makeup brush or high end product you have it all on IMBB. One can get all the answers for makeup and beauty here.I wish you both many long drives.And yes I hope to see ‘ The IMBB Story ‘ in future. *happy dance* *happy dance* *happy dance* *happy dance* *happy dance* *happy dance* I promise I will be the first one to get it . *thankyou*

  30. In addition to what everyone said here, I think you write really well, Sanjeev ji 🙂
    Why don’t you add that to your bucket list? I’m sure you’d be great at it!

    Both of you are truly soulmates, and deserve all the happiness together. Rarely have I seen couples that are so understanding of their partners.
    Wish you all the best! 🙂 🙂

  31. Hi,

    It’s such a motivating post and you guys just rock..:)
    All the best..You shall travel more and more.
    Just loved reading! Though I dont know you guys..but yes U both ROCK!
    Monika Bhadauria

  32. HI Sanjeev,

    This is my first comment on IMBB and after reading this post I could not stop myself from praising you for every single word that you have written. This is a highly motivating article and I am so happy to be a part of this family. You both are just awesome and truly made for each other.

    Lots of love,
    Ekta

  33. Sir,
    This post has blown my mind.. I read it like an hour ago and i still remember each and every word.. I believe i am going to remember it for the rest of my life.. I wonder how you and rati mam always manage to inspire me so deeply.. And its pfcoyrse because you guys have such beautiful soul.. Only a pure heart and soul can touch you soo deeply like u guys do.. I dont know you guys.. Like personally but i believe whenever i will come across u guys iam going to meet you guys like youre my long lost friends..
    I always thought till now that im too young and i have my whole life ahead of me to fulfill my dreams and its just time for me to have fun and enjoy it .. But now ithis post is forcing me think about what have i achieved till now.. Nothing it is.. Thamkyou for doing this post.. I will start working on my dreams from this fine moment so that when i wake up after 10 years i will thankyou .. And i wish all the very best to you and Rati.. I feel im always going to admire you both.. Forever!❤️

  34. every time i read your posts i always feel encouraged to lead a better life! wonderful thank you so much for inspiring me! 🙂

  35. You are such a gifted writer, Sanjeev! Although, gifted may not be the right compliment because it’s a skill you must have honed over the years. You’re extremely talented! I’ve always admired your precise use of language and your wit! I loved this piece because it felt like you’re speaking to me (as did many others), you made me laugh, dig deep, and feel motivated all within 5 minutes! Your car may as well be a metaphor for my life; for too long I’ve been scared to get behind the wheels and drive to places unknown. My journey started about 8 months back and although I’ve hit quite a few bumps, I drive on!
    Hope to read more from you soon!
    PS I think you’ll make a great motivational speaker : ))

    1. Hehe thank you Devie 🙂

      You know, last year we took workshops in TathaGat, and I did speak in some of them. And the whole hall of nearly 500 students laughed and clapped. 🙂 But don’t get deluded. In real life, I am not an impressive speaker till there is something inside me that I have to speak about. Like all normal persons, all the great conversations ‘I could have made’ come to me after the moments to make them have passed. 😀

      But as for writing, yes ‘gifted’ might be a good word. I have been writing for as long as I remember. And I was always fine with my writing because I only wrote when the ‘feeling’ to write overcame me. If I try to write forcefully, I clam up. It’s when I want to talk about something that the words just flow. Hence, as you can see, I don’t write very often.

      I have learnt that biggest problem with us in life is that we do not want to accept and enjoy change when change is such a big constant in life. We seek stability and constancy but in every metaphorical sense we should enjoy to be ‘on the move.’ Even relationship of Rati and me has changed over the years. From a stormy love, big talks, flirtations, to quiet acceptance of each other, and a very cosy bonding with each other. And we both accept the change and keep working at it in our favour. Even in business, no single month goes the same as the previous month. In essence, everything changes. You need to accept it and keep moving and adjusting your compass.

      Which means that I hope that your ride also never ends. You have a great life. 🙂

  36. Sanjeev sir…. u can easily become an author and have a best seller.. what a post.. i agree with every single word that you have written. It is amazzing and inspiring 🙂

  37. u people r awesome….beautiful souls…..b like dis always.god bless u both…lods of love to u both……m touched…stay blessed

  38. What a brilliant piece of work Sanjeevji! Ur posts are so incisive and trenchant that it literally changes my outlook towards life every single time! Ur a true educator, a selfless giver, a role model, a life counsellor and a wonderful partner! Ur a real life hero!! 🙂
    I wish I taken up MBA and would have stayed in Delhi.. I would have atleast got a chance to meet such an amazing couple! !

  39. Hello sanjeevji n rati..u guys write so well that I get lost in those beautiful n motivating lines.u guys are inspiration to all of us..kodus to u ..god bless u ..n its really nice to see how beautifully u guys are living n moving further..

  40. Sanjeev
    I always loved what you write here
    it reminds me to be back in track of my dreaming
    you should surely write more and keep motivating all of us
    Im sure there are many ppl who wishes good for u so nothing will happen to u 🙂
    and keep on dreaming …

  41. I really like reading your posts, Sanjeev. You and Rati make a great team and you’re lucky to have found each other. Please write more insightful posts like these!!

  42. I’m crying while reading this… a few months back when my in-laws were here I was feeling so worthless and crappy that I lost all my self respect. but then as you said.. courage won’t come in a day. I have to built it or they’ll treat me like that my whole life.

    I always always look forward to what you write… it hits me right where it’s supposed to 😀

  43. Hi Rati, Sanjeev.. I have always been a silent reader here… but after reading this post, I couldn’t refrain…. I was confused and worried when I opened IMBB today… like a miracle this post gave me answer for my worries… In my school days, I used to take cards with Bible quotes when I m confused… today ur post did the same charm in my decision… thanks and I really mean it..

    keep going..

  44. Just finished reading this article 15th time or may be 18th…luv this article…it filled me with so many positive vibes..an amazing poece of wonderful writing. Tommorow Iam getting a printout of this article..will put it under the glass top of my table. Thanx Sanjeev ji.
    “I am Jaguar Paw. This is my forest. And I am not afraid” *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*

  45. Hello Sanjeev,
    What a write-up! I have read it 7 to 8 times by now and haven’t had enough of it. I can imagine the courage u took to, from driving the car, to travelling, to risk your money and definitely to pour it all out (even your savings plan) here. Your words are inspiring and making my grey cells tick in several directions. And truly said, there should never be a day when you start regretting and questioning yourself about what have I done to fulfill my dreams.
    I am a fan, reader and follower of IMBB and feel proud to be a part of it.

  46. loved reading this post 🙂 i believe in never repenting any decisions because at some point of time in life I felt they were right for me.. you both are an awesome couple! touch wood.. God bless you both.. 🙂

  47. This is such an eyeopener post for everyone who is living for earning money and forgetting their real dreams, real happiness 🙂 Thank you for such a wonderful and emotional post Sanjeev ji.. *thankyou* 🙂

  48. I can feel everything you said sanjeev ji….. you wrote streight from heart.
    I know how difficult it is to keep your dreams to side and focus only on the responcibilities. Our parents lived that kind of life I feel, or may be they changed their dreams to their responcibilities. But I dont want to do the same.

    I too at times question my self, what I love to do, what my dreams are. and everytime I get the awenser it motivates me more to work towards my dreams.

    Dreams are the driving fource of life, if you have no dreams then you have no life!!

  49. Sanjeev, this post of yours is truly inspiring and touches base so well, I totally admire you and Rati, and my life wouldn’t be the same without Rati and IMBB in it, and this is why you both inspire me so much. You are truly a person who follows his dreams and you really can be an author or motivational speaker. Stay blessed always, both of you. 🙂

  50. You guys always inspire your readers in some way or the other! Well said sanjeev! After all we are here to live life not like really slog it out.
    totally in awe,….

  51. Dear Sanjeevji… that is one motivational post. I have refrained from driving since the first time i drove I banged another car. But your post makes me want to drive again.
    I believe fear is all in the mind and no one but oneself can overcome it. I have learnt it the hard way with the help from my ever supporting husband, my ever innocent son and ever loving family members.
    Thank you again for this wonderful post. May you and Rati live in happiness forever and may you both get to fulfill all your dreams

  52. Hello Sanjeev!
    This is indeed a very inspiring write up that I have read in a long time. Thank you for inspiring each one of us to live the best life that we possibly can. May all your dreams come true and may every risk that you have taken be rewarded. Cheers!!:))

  53. Rati is right when she said whenever you write its epic one……. The article is very motivating…. You are really blessed finding your soulmate and your dream….. Lots of people dont reach this first step even…. 🙂
    I also have a dream to travel around and visit as much places as I can………. and I am going to work through fulfulling it……

  54. Very motivating & inspiring article Sanjeevji.. I have been a silent reader of IMBB and FauxPas. I have read how Rati & you have worked so hard to turn your dreams into reality.. I draw inspiration from both of you.. Feels good to come across & know good people.. *blush*

  55. Wow so touching! I totally admire your thinking…lovely post!!
    Wish you and Rati the best in life..you both surely deserve it. 🙂

  56. Wow.. it is so inspiring.. & u guys are so much like me & my husband. We love travelling & learning about other places & people.. It gives a kind of satisfaction at the end of the day.. Good luck to u guys & beautiful article Sanjeev.. *clap* *clap*

  57. What a post! BEAUTY of this post is …it stoped me at this hr to read ..and am reading at this hr on my phone with zooming in n out . I never missed your post sanjiv ji. You post are full of positive feelings n encouragment. Am happy i read this. U know sume readings gives you inner happiness…n am feeling da same.
    Aaj kuch acha padha. Thank you so much for sharing ..motivating…
    May God grant u more success at every walk of life.

  58. Dear Sanjeev.
    I am very impulsive and do things that knock strongly at my heart, and when I was reading your thoughts (well, I was not reading your thought, I was siting in front of you and hearing you say them to me, one on one) , I couldnt stop my hands from replying back to you.
    You are me in a male body. totally. I absolutely solute you for following your dreams and I love Rati for not only letting you do that, but for living them with you too. We are few of those people who want to be alive every moment and not just live because we have been brought to this world. We would still have fears but that gives thrills and not scare. Everyone dreams but they are scared of paying the price, only few like you , are scared of losing the dreams..at the end you might not end up rich, but you will end up content.
    I am so glad you wrote this and I am so glad I read this. All I wanna say is ‘Thank You’ and I hope this conveys all that I wanna say to you.
    Blessings.

  59. Wow! You totally inspired me! Even I have a dream and I want it to come true so badly!! Thank you so much for sharing such an amazing post! 😀

  60. What a wonderful post!!! “It’s better to live your life than live in regret for not having lived it at all.” This is gonna be my favorite quote from today.Thank you Sanjeev for inspiring me. I love to write but never could prioritize that passion because of other responsibilities. But now, I am gonna invest in my passion.To be honest, whenever I read Rati’s outfit posts, I always thought this girl should be from a filthy rich family to shop like this. But now I know what it means to follow one’s passion.Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts. Love you guys!!!

  61. this article has shown me the right path…… I am going through some bad time…. failure…… but I promise myself from now that I will succeed one…. I will give my 100 %…. sanjeev you and rati are true inspiration for me….. I love you both….

  62. I have found this article by chance and I am so glad I did. This is exactly what I needed. Especially what you said about courage. I still feel like a weak person because I haven’t done so many things that I’ve always wanted to do, or I don’t have the courage to do what is needed. But you’re right, it wouldn’t come overnight. I am getting there, one step at a time. Thank you very much.

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