Things learned from life so far:

Today was on of those days when I had an angst in me, an uncomfortable feeling for no reason. For a long time now I have been able to maintain a stable mind, a happy go luck attitude free of unnecessary thinking and a general involvement with life just enough not to make me suicidal.

I think the impending change is rocking my ship that is the mind on the sea that is existence. I need to remind myself of a few things I have learned in life.

1) Living in the moment. Past and Future are not under my control. While I waste time reminiscing or worrying, I miss th chance to 'live' the moment.

This also encompasses studying the beauty around, the beauty of everyday scenes and living with involvement or so called 'mindfully'. In the moment apparently is also a stress reducer (MBSR)

2) Ego: most unpleasant feelings vanish once you learn to see that they stem from your ego. And ego is quite a useless concept.

So when someone makes fun of you, instead of trying to come back with a retort, make fun of yourself more and you'll enjoy it.

3) Obsession about anything should be avoided. Identify your obsessions and watch out for them. Identify patterns of behavior and get rid of unwanted patterns.

4) Dharma - Artha - Kama - Moksha

5) Health: Being healthy keeps you feeling light and fit and happy. Exercise gets rid of lethargy and boredom and stress and depression. As a bonus you get a good looking body and a pimple free face. :)

6) Doing whatever you do to the best of your ability. This I learned from my college days and I hope to always remember. Even if you think doing something is useless and meaningless, now that you have to do it, doing it half heartedly is even more meaningless and wasteful of your own time and effort (and the cribbing about it is a bad choice you see)

7) Do not judge people. And behave with people the way you want them to behave with you. Yet expect nothing from others. And never place your happiness in someone else's hands. Be wary of emotions that others' behavior provokes in you. Its often unwanted.

As I prepare for my stint in London, I am sure I will learn much more. I need to remember not to get caught up in my old bad patterns of behavior. Change is not my best friend but I hope wih the above, I will be better prepared for it.

Above all a smile and positive thoughts! :)