“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” – Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Life is beautiful. We have often heard this phrase, but how true is this? I believe life is beautiful only when you have plenty of experiences that you may sit in your leisure to recall and smile at. Experiences not only brings smile on your face taking you back to the days of joy, but it also teaches you hell lot of things. Don’t let your life be dragged into that monotonous routine of yours – try something new, explore places and learn something! It’s not just your job, it is much more – it should be filled with what you love to do!

This little yet worth reading experience of Rj Aditi from Radio Mirchi Vadodara makes me live life to the fullest. Read to inspire:

It started on paper and ended on paper – from application to certificates – the journey has been incredible!

“Hi, I am Aditi from India. I am a radio jockey at Radio Mirchi and apart from that, I am involved with short films, theatre, music concerts and writing.” This was my introduction to tens of people in the United States.

Let us get back to basics. I have always believed in freedom and self reliance. I was born and brought up in a small town called Jamnagar – it’s been ten years I have quit this town. Hopping between cities, first for my education and then for my career – here I am in Vadodara, doing what I love. I host a three-hour mid-morning show on the radio, besides, I am the co-founder of a music band and have acted in a couple of short films and plays. I also write for a TV show and handle the CSR initiative that involves working for the Visually Challenged, for my radio station. During this journey, I have been fortunate enough to work with different groups of people and add various colorful experiences to my life. The most recent one was being selected as one of the only four Indians representing our country in the US.

It all started in April 2015 when I applied for a Professional Fellows Program. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India has tied up with the University of Oklahoma for a program that sees participants from Bangladesh, Burma and India. Five weeks full of dreams, ideas and friendships. The theme was ‘Economic Empowerment’ and the program included a three-week placement at an American business organization to nurture our talent and prepare us for more responsible roles as we return to our home countries.

“What did you gain out of the program?” – people ask. How do I tell you guys that not every feeling can be described in words! It lend me an extension of everything I have been doing; an exploration of the world beyond images, movies and imaginations! It gave wings to my sense of freedom and accomplishments. And the most important factor is that I got out of my mundane routine and a set comfort zone. I traveled alone to a new land and that was the best part, because I made friends across borders. Let me brag a little! My Facebook has friends from all over the world now! This was possible because the last week of the program was in Washington DC, where fellows from 43 different countries got together to exchange knowledge and some love!

By definition, freedom means “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.” But I believe one has to earn it, always. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that you need to leave your family, friends, jobs, or detach yourself from the world around you. But with more freedom and experiences, I feel more connected to people. It is about making your choices wisely, earning your own experiences instead of living the life of others’ experiences and expectations.

I am back to my routine with more energy and positivism. I am living the life I had imagined. Are you?