Starting Fresh
Now that we’ve bid 2014 farewell, we all have a year’s worth of losses and gains under our belts. Though the year has ended, the experiences remain. For those who’ve had a great year, they welcome the next with high hopes. However, many (if not most) are not on the same page. A lot of us are dreading another year of discontent and heartache. Whether it is the loss of a loved one or simply getting fired from a job – it is never too late to turn over a new leaf and start from scratch. The famed author of the Harry Potter series J.K. Rowling once said, “Rock bottom is the solid foundation on which I built my life.”
Having a distressing year is neither a requirement nor a reason to start over. Anybody can opt to get a fresh start if they are willing. The following life hacks will help initiate a fresh start.
• Acceptance. Accepting losses and failures is a big step. Once you’ve accepted that whatever happened has happened you are ready to start moving on with your life. Yes, certain bad choices may have led you to where you are at life now. Yet, it is important to keep in mind that many things are beyond our control. Acceptance is the key.
• Have a goal. Once you’ve come to terms with past failures, you will need to have at least an idea of what you want from the change. It is close to impossible to bring about a change in your life without an aim. For example, you live in Banani but it isn’t working out for you. So now you want to move out of that area and you do. But where to? Chances are that you will face the same difficulties in the new area of residence as well. The point is that to start fresh you will need an aim. Set a goal and strive to reach it.
• Take the leap. It is incredibly easy to feel ‘stuck’. There can be many a reason to feel that way. Doubt. Debts. And even a fear of change. You’re wrong if you think you’re stuck with a job that makes you unhappy. Definitely, there is something better. Stuck in a relationship that’s driving you crazy? Well, without a doubt, there is someone better suited for you. Sometimes you just have to give in to faith and take the leap. You are never stuck, there’s always a way.
DIY: Plastic bag – Bottle neck hybrid containment for grains
1. Cut the upper part of a plastic soda bottle.
2. Unscrew the bottle cap. Insert the open part of the plastic bag through the bottom segment of the bottle you just cut and pull it out through the bottle’s opening.
3. Screw the bottle cap back on and Eureka! You have made yourself a disposable container for your grains using items deemed as waste.
Designing an Indoor Garden
Constructing a garden within an apartment, is a more complicated task than you’d think. Complicated yes, but not impossible. There are two general styles of indoor gardening –container gardening and hydroponic gardening. Container gardening, as the name suggests, is a series of pots or planters that use traditional gardening soil and techniques to grow your plants. Hydroponic gardening, on the other hand uses fertilised water and a non soil starter for your plants. Each has their own unique advantages but for Bangladeshis, the container gardening method is more practical. Whatever your reason is to start the garden, the following tips will guide you through the procedure.
• Choose the right space. For your indoor garden to be successful it is important that the perfect space is chosen. Choose an area with lots of windows ensuring heat and sunlight. Avoid rooms that have cold temperatures or an area near the AC.
• Choose the right plants. Like the standard outdoor garden, a huge variety of plants can be grown indoors. These include vegetables, berries, herbs and decorative flowers. Vegetables under this category include tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, mushrooms, etc. While flowers will include marigold, peace lily, begonia, cactus, etc. So before you start buying attractive plants randomly, find out which ones are a good fit for your garden. Some plants struggle indoors while others thrive.
• Choose your containers and place the right soil. You can go with the traditional pots or use old vases. Whichever you choose, make sure that your container has holes in the bottom
to allow for drainage. Happy Gardening!