A quiet reflection on the space where we truly live

Have you ever stopped for a moment and asked yourself, what is life, really?

Life begins long before we even understand it. Before we are born, our journey has already started. From that moment on, life becomes something like a rollercoaster. Sometimes it moves slowly, giving us time to breathe. Other times it rushes so fast that we barely have a chance to hold on.

For some people, life feels ordinary and quiet. For others, it is full of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Every person's journey is different, and that is what makes life so beautiful.

There are days when we wish time would stop. Maybe we are experiencing a perfect moment with the people we love. Maybe we are finally happy after a long struggle. At the same time, there are people who carry so much pain that they wish their journey would end. Life can hold both joy and sadness, hope, and disappointment, all at once.

Between life and death, there is a quiet space. That space is where we truly live.

Sometimes I think that the real purpose of life is not to become perfect or to have everything. Maybe it is simply to always have something to look forward to. It can be a dream, a goal, a new place to visit, a person to meet, a favorite meal, a sunrise, or even tomorrow itself. Hope gives life its meaning.

So, many people wonder, what if we knew the exact date of our death?

Some may think it would be helpful. They might believe they would use their time more wisely. But I see it differently.

If we knew exactly when our story would end, life would lose some of its mystery. It would be like watching a movie after someone has already told you the ending. You may still enjoy it, but the surprise, curiosity, and excitement are no longer the same.

Every birthday, every ordinary morning, every goodbye, and every new beginning would carry the weight of a countdown. Instead of living freely, we might spend our days counting how much time is left.

So, I would rather not know.

I want to discover the ending only when I finally reach it.

Until then, I want to live.

I want to follow the things that make my heart feel alive. I want to spend time with people who make me smile. I want to learn, make mistakes, grow, forgive, and keep moving forward. I want to enjoy the little moments that often pass unnoticed-the smell of rain, a late-night conversation, a warm cup of tea, a beautiful sunset, or hearing someone laugh because of something I said.

Life is not only about reaching the biggest goals. It is also about the small moments in between.

Whether you are in school, at university, building your career, falling in love, healing from heartbreak, or simply trying to figure out yourself, remember that these moments matter too. They are not just the waiting room before "real life." They are life.

Take care of yourself. Eat well. Rest when you need to. Be kind to people because everyone is carrying something you cannot see. Be honest. Help when you can. Keep building yourself until the day you can quietly smile and say,

“I am a good person.”

You do not have to be the richest, the smartest, or the most successful person in the world. A life filled with kindness, love, and peace is already a meaningful one.

And one more thing...

Don't overthink every step.

Not every question needs an answer today itself. Not every path needs to be perfectly planned. Sometimes life unfolds in ways we could never imagine. Trust that it is okay not to know everything.

Life and death are two ends of the same journey.

But the space in between-that is where memories are made, friendships grow, dreams begin, love finds us, lessons shape us, and ordinary days become the stories we will remember one day.

If you're new to Rotaract, this is for you.

You may have just attended your first meeting, signed up for your first project, or perhaps you're still wondering whether you truly belong here. You might look at the Board of Officials or experienced members and think they have everything figured out.

A few years ago, I thought the same.

When I first became a part of the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa, I didn't join because I wanted to become a leader. I didn't have a grand plan or a checklist of positions I wanted to hold. I simply wanted to be involved, meet new people, and contribute whenever I could.

Looking back now, I realize that Rotaract Mora had a completely different plan for me.

The beautiful thing about Rotaract Mora is that it doesn't ask you to be extraordinary from the beginning. It simply asks you to show up.

Show up for meetings.

Show up for projects.

Show up for your teammates.

And little by little, without even realizing it, you begin to grow.

People often think Rotaract is about organising community service projects, professional events, fundraising campaigns, or awareness programs. While those are certainly part of what we do, I believe the real project is ourselves.

Every event quietly shapes the person behind the organizer.

Every responsibility teaches something a classroom never could.

Every challenge leave behind a lesson.

There were moments when I questioned myself. Could I really handle this responsibility? Would everything go according to plan? What if I made a mistake?

The truth is mistakes happened.

Plans changed.

Unexpected problems appeared.

Deadlines felt impossible.

But every single challenge became another step forward.

One lesson I learned is that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about willing to learn, to listen, and to stand beside your team even when things become difficult.

The photos we post after an event often capture smiling faces and successful moments. What they don't show, are the late-night discussions, the countless phone calls, the brainstorming sessions, the backup plans, and the moments when a team encourages one another to keep going.

Those unseen moments became some of my favourite memories.

Rotaract Mora also introduced me to people who slowly became more than teammates. We celebrated successes together, solved unexpected problems together, and sometimes laughed at situations that only organizers would understand. Somewhere between planning meetings and event days, strangers became friends.

If someone asked me what Rotaract has given to me, I wouldn't start by listing the projects I have worked on.

I would talk about confidence.

The confidence to speak when I was once hesitant.

The confidence to take responsibility when opportunities came on my way.

The confidence to trust others and, just as importantly, to trust myself.

I would talk about resilience.

Because not every project unfolds perfectly.

Not every idea succeeds immediately.

Not every plan goes exactly as expected.

Yet every experience teaches you something valuable if you're willing to learn from it.

Most importantly, I would talk about people.

Because Rotaract has shown me that meaningful change is never created by one individual. It is built by teams, who choose to support one another, encourage one another, and work towards something greater than themselves.

To every new member reading this, let me tell you something I wish someone had told me when I first joined.

You don't have to know everything.

You don't have to be the loudest person in the room.

You don't have to be the most experienced person.

You don't even have to feel ready.

Just begin.

Volunteer for that project you've been thinking about.

Join that organizing committee.

Say "yes" to opportunities that seem slightly beyond your comfort zone.

Ask questions.

Make mistakes.

Learn.

Grow.

One day, you'll realize that the person who once hesitated to volunteer is now encouraging someone else to take that same first step.

And that is the magic of Rotaract.

When I look back, I don't remember every meeting agenda or every project timeline. I remember the people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. I remember the friendships that made hard work enjoyable. I remember the lessons that quietly shaped my perspective. And I remember discovering strengths I never knew I had.

None of this was part of carefully planned journey.

It happened because I chose to say yes.

Yes, to opportunities.

Yes, to challenges.

Yes, to learning.

Yes, to serving.

That simple decision transformed me in ways I never expected.

As I continue this journey, I know there is still much to learn. Every new project is another opportunity to improve, every new team is another opportunity to grow, and every new member is a reminder of where I once started.

So, if you're standing at the beginning of your own Rotaract journey, wondering whether one project can really make a difference, let me assure you, it can.

Not only in the community you serve.

But in the person, you become.

Because sometimes, the greatest impact isn't the one you create around you.

It's the growth you never planned within yourself.

The “Silent Patient” by Alex Michaeledes - Review and unimaginable plot twist.

So, if you google the top 5 books with the best twists The Silent Patient is one of them. As someone who has read many thrillers, I did not have any high expectations.

What is it about? No worries I am not spoiling it for you.

An artist Alicia Berenson shoots her husband 5 times and decides to go mute ending up in an asylum. Years later a criminal psychotherapist named “Theo” does every possible trick to make her talk and unravel what had happened. Pretty basic.

Things that I found impressive.

The book was like 300 pages and after each page you just want to know what happened. Like I couldn’t sleep without completing it.

The author included parts of Alicia’s diary entries helping the audience to understand her background, like her childhood traumas and how it gets triggered.

Also, like why was this random psychotherapist so interested in getting her to talk when multiple other therapists have given up?

Things that you might find boring.

Well, there’s some therapy slow talk in between that you may find boring and some side stories on characters not related to the main plot.

I rate it like 9/10, if you liked this, I would recommend Agatha Christie’s books which would make you think about what you just read.

“Five Little Pigs” by Agatha Christie (No spoiling)

Well, when it’s written by the QUEEN OF CRIME of course it’s going to be a good one. This thrilling twist made me think about this book for some days.

It’s about…

A famous artist Amyas is murdered, and his wife Caroline is sentenced to jail as the main suspect of murdering him where she too passes away in 3 months. 19 years later their daughter convinced that her mom did not murder her dad and asks help from the famous detective Hercule Poirot for the case. With 5 lead witnesses referred to as little pigs, this case is solved solely on deductions and 5 different perspectives of the incident.

Talking about the things I loved...

This feels more like a psychological thriller, cause what evidence can you find in a scene after 19 years right?

So, these 5 witnesses had to say 5 different stories about the same thing that happened on that day which shows how people’s perspective changes with how they feel about the other person.

Guessing the murderer is nearly impossible because there were zero loopholes throughout the story. Pretty cool not going to lie.

Honestly no slow talks or boring parts here, this went on in a fast pace and there’s this “five little pigs” poems that the author included in between, making the story feel like a riddle.

I rate it like 9.8/10. My favorite is Agatha Christie’s book so far. If you want your brain broken, I recommend this and if you want to suspect everything you’ve ever read, ‘Silent Patient’ is the best way. The choice is yours indeed.

They told her to sit properly, dress decently, and not walk alone at night.

To be ambitious but not intimidating.

To speak up, but not too loudly.

To be independent, but not so independent that she no longer “needed” anyone.

They told her to be beautiful, intelligent, kind, successful, modest, confident, and perfect, all at the same time.

And when she grew tired of trying to be everything society expected her to be, they told her she was being too sensitive.

That is why feminism matters.

What Is Feminism?

Feminism is the belief that men and women should have equal rights, opportunities, power, and freedom.

It is not about female dominance. It is about questioning a society that has historically favored one gender over another.

Feminism asks: Why is a woman considered too emotional to lead? Why must she constantly prove her intelligence and abilities? Why is a woman's appearance scrutinized more than a man? Why is a man's anger seen as powerful, while a woman's anger is dismissed as irrational?

These are not questions about making women superior.

They are questions about equality.

Women’s Rights Are Human Rights

The right to vote, receive an education, work, own property, and live independently were not simply handed to women. Women had to fight for them. They protested, organized, wrote, spoke, resisted, and challenged systems designed to keep them subordinate.

Although progress has been made, inequality still exists. Legal equality does not automatically create social equality.

That is why women’s rights are not merely women’s issues.

They are human rights.

Misogyny Is Not Always Obvious

Misogyny does not always appear as open hatred. Sometimes it hides behind jokes, assumptions, and double standards.

A successful man is called a leader. A successful woman is called bossy.

A confident man is admired. A confident woman is judged.

When a woman is harassed or assaulted, society often asks what she was wearing, where she went, or why she trusted someone.

This is one of the cruelest forms of misogyny: Teaching women to protect themselves and their reputations instead of teaching “people” not to harm them.

The Invisible Patriarchy

Patriarchy is a social system built on the idea of male dominance and female subordination. It tells women to nurture and men to provide, women to be supportive and men to be dominant, women to be gentle and men to be strong.

Feminism challenges these limitations.

Women can nurture and provide. They can be soft and strong. They can lead, study, work, speak, leave, return, make mistakes, and choose how to live their lives.

Men, too, should be free to express emotions without being told that vulnerability makes them weak.

She Was Never Meant to Be Small

Feminism does not seek to make women bigger than men.

It seeks to make everyone freer.

A girl should not need permission to become an engineer, doctor, athlete, artist, or leader. A boy should not be ashamed to cry. Women should be believed when they speak about harassment and abuse.

Women are not asking to be treated better than men.

They are asking to be treated equally.

The world has spent centuries telling women to be quiet.

But they are no longer silent.

A woman who speaks out is not too sensitive.

A woman who demands her rights is not rude.

A woman who knows her worth is not a threat.

She was never meant to be small.

Society simply benefited from convincing her that she was.

University life can be an amazing experience, yet it can also feel like a crazy puzzle with new challenges, opportunities and discissions awaiting you, which can make it challenging to piece everything together.

In university your main focus is often getting good grades. However, if you also want to develop your soft skills, you'll probably find yourself taking on leadership roles, joining clubs and societies, participating in extracurricular activities, and making time to enjoy your social life.

But here comes the real question: “How are you going to balance it all together without feeling overwhelmed?”

Unlike in school, university doesn’t come with a clear manual to guide you through each and every step, you’ll have to figure everything out on your own.

But the good news is that with a few realistic habits, you can balance both, your academics and your social life without burning yourself out. And here's how.

1.    Prioritize your tasks effectively

There will be times when your to-do list feels overwhelming and giving up might seem like the easiest option. But the solution isn't to give up. It lies in realizing that not every task is equally important.

To get a clearer picture, you can try ranking your to-do list each morning. Once you do, you'll realize that studying for a major midterm should take priority over designing a flyer for next week's club meeting. This doesn't mean that your leadership responsibilities aren't important, they absolutely are.

However, it's important to remember that the main reason you're at university is to focus on your studies. What we're doing here is simply identifying what needs your attention the most and what can wait until tomorrow. Prioritizing your tasks will reduce your stress and will make your to-do list fee much more manageable.

1. Keep your tasks organized

When you are stressed, your memory is the first thing to fail. You simply cannot keep track of every deadline, board meeting, and group project in your head. To stay organized and to make sure nothing slips through, keep track of everything you have to do using a planner, a notebook, a calendar or even a task management app. Having all your tasks in one place gives you a clear picture of what needs your attention and helps you in planning your days more effectively.

2. The magic of saying “No”

One of the hardest but most valuable skills you'll learn at university is knowing when to say “No”. You might feel like saying “Yes” to each and every opportunity matters a lot. Whether it's joining another club, taking on another project, or lending a hand to help someone in need. And yes, those are all great opportunities. But it's equally important to know your limits and recognize the point you shouldn't cross.

Remember, every time you say “Yes” to one commitment, you're also saying no to another. It could be your study time, your rest, or your personal well-being. So before piling up another responsibility on to your plate, ask yourself if you genuinely have the time and energy to give it your best.

On the other hand, saying “No” doesn't make you unhelpful or less committed. It simply means you're protecting your priorities and making room for the things that matter the most.

3. Remember that you’re not a robot

It's easy to get caught up in deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities, but don't forget that you're a human too. Your mind and body need time to rest and recharge. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and making time for yourself doesn’t mean that you’re lazy. They're essentials for staying productive, motivated, and avoiding burnout and it’s absolutely essential for your long-term success.

Balancing academics, leadership roles, and your social life isn't about being perfect and it definitely is a learning curve. Some days will feel messy, while others will go exactly as planned. But if you learn to prioritize, plan out your days, set healthy boundaries, and protect your energy, you will walk across the graduation stage with an amazing degree and a fantastic resume.

Life is not merely a journey through places. It is a journey through people. Around each of us exists an invisible arrangement of circles, carefully formed by love, trust, care, and all attachments. At the very center of these circles stands the self, our quiet and vulnerable core. The closer a person is placed to that center, the greater their influence becomes, and the stronger the force they hold over our hearts.

Distance, in this geometry of relationships, is not measured in miles but in emotions. The nearest circle belongs to those whose laughter feels like home and whose silence can wound more deeply than words. Their opinions become mirrors in which we search for ourselves. Their approval comforts us, while their disappointment unsettles us. As the circles expand outward, their influence gradually weakens, until strangers become nothing more than passing faces in the story of our lives.

But what happens when the strongest thread holding the closest circle together suddenly breaks?

I believe that thread is trust. Love may survive distance. Care may endure silence. Attachment may linger despite absence. Yet when trust disappears, the entire architecture begins to collapse. Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” Ironically, the very act that builds our closest circles also makes us most vulnerable. Once trust crumbles, love slowly loses its warmth, care becomes an obligation, and attachment transforms into nothing but a fading memory. What once felt like a sanctuary, slowly becomes a place filled with echoes of what used to exist.

This raises a difficult question: Are these circles a blessing or a burden?

Perhaps they are both.

Human beings are shaped by the people they allow close. Our minds become landscapes sculpted by conversations, expectations, judgments, and affection. Just as the direction of a sail is determined not only by the sailor but also by the tides beneath and the winds above, our emotional course is often guided by those standing closest to our hearts. Sometimes they become the gentle breeze that carries us toward our dreams. At other times, they become storms that make us question our own worth. The greatest battles we fight are often not against strangers, but against the silent expectations of those we love the most.

As Oscar Wilde wisely observed, “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” Yet remaining ourselves is often the hardest task when our individuality is hidden beneath the weight of opinions that matter to us. We begin to measure our value through borrowed eyes and borrowed standards, forgetting that our identity was never meant to be owned by anyone else.

The answer is not to live without circles, for no soul was created to flourish in complete isolation. Rather, we must remember that circles are never permanent. People need not remain where we first placed them. Some deserve to move closer because they nourish our spirit with honesty, compassion, and understanding. Others must quietly drift further away when they repeatedly disturb our peace or diminish our confidence.

In the end, the greatest act of wisdom is not choosing who enters our life, but choosing where they belong within it. We must protect the center where our individuality resides, for it is the birthplace of our dreams, our values, and our purpose. Let our circles be drawn not by fear of losing people, but by the courage to preserve ourselves. For when the self remains whole, every relationship around it finds its rightful place, and every circle becomes not a prison, but a reflection of the peace we carry within.

Introduction

The digital world has transformed the way businesses communicate, market, and build relationships with customers. Traditional marketing methods such as newspaper advertisements, television commercials, and billboards have evolved into highly personalized and data-driven digital strategies. Today, modern technology has become the driving force behind digital marketing, enabling organizations to reach the right audience at the right time through innovative platforms and intelligent tools. The integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning, and Automation has revolutionized marketing practices. Businesses no longer rely solely on assumptions or broad advertising campaigns. Instead, they use real-time customer insights and predictive analytics to create personalized experiences. As technology continues to advance, digital marketing is becoming smarter, faster, and more effective, making it an essential component of business success in the digital age.

The Evolution of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing has progressed significantly over the past two decades. Initially, businesses focused mainly on websites and email marketing. As internet usage expanded, social media platforms, search engines, and mobile applications became powerful marketing channels. Today, companies leverage sophisticated technologies to analyze customer behavior, optimize advertising campaigns, and improve engagement. Modern digital marketing combines creativity with technology to deliver targeted messages that increase customer satisfaction and business growth.

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Marketing Strategies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most influential technologies in digital marketing. AI-powered tools analyze massive amounts of customer data, identify patterns, and provide valuable insights for marketers.

Some common applications of AI include:

• Personalized product recommendations
• AI-powered chatbots providing 24/7 customer support
• Automated email marketing campaigns
• Predictive customer behavior analysis
• Voice search optimization

For example, streaming platforms recommend movies based on viewing history, while online shopping websites suggest products according to previous purchases. These personalized experiences improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.

Big Data and Customer Insights

Modern businesses collect enormous volumes of customer information from websites, social media, online purchases, and mobile applications. This information, known as Big Data. It enables marketers to better understand customer preferences and behaviors.

By analyzing data, businesses can:

• Identify target audiences
• Measure campaign performance
• Predict future purchasing trends
• Improve customer retention
• Make data-driven marketing decisions

Instead of relying on guesswork, marketers now use accurate information to develop highly effective marketing strategies.

Social Media and Influencer Marketing

Social media platforms have become central to modern marketing strategies. Businesses engage directly with customers through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Modern technology provides advanced analytics that help marketers measure audience engagement, monitor trends, and optimize content performance. Influencer marketing has also become increasingly popular. Brands collaborate with trusted content creators who influence purchasing decisions through authentic product recommendations. Technology helps businesses identify suitable influencers and monitor campaign effectiveness using detailed performance metrics.

Marketing Automation

Marketing automation allows businesses to streamline repetitive marketing tasks using specialized software.

Automated marketing activities include:

• Email newsletters
• Social media scheduling
• Customer follow-up messages
• Lead nurturing campaigns
• Customer segmentation

Automation saves time, reduces operational costs, and ensures customers receive timely and relevant communications throughout their buying journey.

Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future

Several emerging technologies are expected to further reshape digital marketing in the coming years. Augmented Reality (AR) Customers can virtually try products such as clothing, furniture, or cosmetics before purchasing, improving confidence, and reducing product returns. Virtual Reality (VR) Brands create immersive experiences that allow customers to explore products, virtual stores, or travel destinations from anywhere. Internet of Things (IoT) continuously generate valuable customer data, allowing marketers to deliver personalized experiences based on real-world behavior. Blockchain Technology enhances transparency in digital advertising by reducing fraudulent activities and improving trust between advertisers and consumers.

Conclusion

Digital marketing and modern technology have become inseparable in today's competitive business environment. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Automation, Social Media Analytics, and Augmented Reality are transforming how businesses interact with customers and make marketing decisions. Organizations that successfully integrate these technologies can deliver personalized customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth. However, as digital technologies continue to evolve, businesses must also prioritize ethical practices, data security, and customer privacy. The future of digital marketing lies in embracing innovation while maintaining meaningful human connections. Companies that combine technological excellence with customer-centric strategies will be well-positioned to thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Think about the person you are today. Your favorite song, your happiest childhood memory, your biggest regret, the people you love, and even the mistakes you made have shaped who you are. But what if all those memories suddenly disappeared? If you woke up tomorrow without any memory of your past, would you still be the same person?

At first, the answer might seem obvious. Your appearance wouldn't change. Your fingerprints would remain the same, and the people around you would still recognize you. Legally, you would still be the same individual. However, would that really make you the same person? If you couldn't remember your family, your friends, your dreams, or even your own name what part of your identity would remain?

Our memories are much more than a collection of past events. They shape our personalities, influence our decisions, and teach us how to respond to the world. Every success gives us confidence. Every failure teaches us a lesson. Every friendship, heartbreak, and achievement becomes part of who we are. Without these experiences, we would have no personal history to guide our choices.

Imagine meeting your best friend or your partner but seeing them as a complete stranger. Imagine walking into your childhood home and feeling nothing because you don’t have any memory of growing up there. Even your favorite hobbies might no longer interest you because you wouldn't remember why you loved them. It would feel like you had been placed into someone else's life.

This raises an even deeper question: Is our identity created by our memories or is there something within us that remains unchanged? Some people believe our personality exists independently of our experiences, while others argue that our memories are the foundation of everything, we are. If every memory disappeared, would your qualities remain? Would your fears disappear? Would your dreams change? No one knows the answer for certain.

Interestingly, complete memory loss is extremely rare but imagining it helps us appreciate how much our memories shape our identity, relationships, and everyday lives. We spend so much time creating memories through travel, celebrations, achievements, and time with loved ones because memories are the threads that connect the chapters of our lives. They remind us of where we have been, what we have overcome, and who we have become. Perhaps the most fascinating part of this thought experiment is that there is no single correct answer.

So, what do you think? Would you still be you without your memories or would you become someone who is completely different? Before you answer, take a moment to think about this: If every memory you have ever had vanished overnight, what would be left that truly makes you, you?

“In a world full of highlights, it is easy to forget that everyone has unposted struggles.”

There was a time when people compared their lives only with those around them. Now, with just a scroll, we are exposed to hundreds of carefully curated moments from friends, strangers, and influencers alike. But have you ever stopped to wonder how real these moments really?

Social media has connected the world in ways once unimaginable, yet it has also quietly introduced a subtle pressure: the feeling that everyone else is living a better, more successful, or more fulfilling life. Why does it often feel like we are the only ones falling behind?

This feeling is widely known as FOMO, the “Fear of Missing Out.” While it is often treated lightly, it has a real impact on mental health, self esteem, relationships, and our ability to feel content with our own lives.

What we see online is rarely the full story. People share their best achievements, happiest celebrations, perfect photos, and most exciting experiences. But how often do we see moments of doubt, exhaustion, or failure?

So, are we comparing our everyday reality to someone else’s highlight reel?

A student may feel behind after seeing academic success posts. Someone staying in for the night may suddenly feel lonely after seeing friends out together. Even rest can start to feel unproductive when everyone else appears constantly busy and thriving.

But is it fair to compare our behind-the-scenes with someone else’s edited version?

FOMO does not appear loudly at first. It builds quietly. It creates a constant need to check updates, messages, and notifications, as if something important might be happening without us.

But what are we really afraid of missing?

Over time, this can lead to anxiety, emotional fatigue, and dissatisfaction. People may begin measuring their worth through likes, views, or online validation, slowly shifting attention away from how they actually feel.

And in the process, do we start forgetting to simply live?

Ironically, platforms designed to connect people can sometimes make individuals feel more isolated than ever.

Social media has created an invisible competition. There is pressure to look better, achieve more, travel more, and always appear happy.

But who decided that life must always be visible to be valuable?

Among young people and university students, this pressure is even stronger. Seeing others reach milestones can create the feeling of being left behind, even when personal progress is happening quietly in the background.

Yet, is life truly a race with the same finish line for everyone?

Overcoming FOMO does not necessarily require leaving social media. Instead, it begins with understanding that what we see online is only a fragment of reality.

What if not everything needs to be seen, shared, or validated?

Taking breaks from scrolling, reconnecting with real-life moments, and focusing on personal growth can slowly reduce the habit of comparison. Not every meaningful moment needs to be posted to be real.

Sometimes, the most important experiences are the ones that never make it online.

Social media is powerful, but it quietly shapes the way we see ourselves. The fear of missing out reminds us how easily comparison can take away the joy of our own journey.

So perhaps the real question is not what others are doing but whether we are truly present in our own lives.

In a world full of curated perfection, could peace simply come from choosing to value our own reality?

Sometimes life gives you some moments that you don't expect. It can be either happy or sad. As you never expect that situation, either your joy or sorrow will exceed your limits. That is the moment you need self- control and critical thinking. You may have heard people say "everything that happens in life happens for its own good". Do you think so..?  For me it's just a myth. I do agree that there is a silver lining in every dark cloud, but this is not it. My point is, if something happens in our life, the lessons we get from that is the silver line. But if we fail to learn that lesson the whole incident can be a disaster for our future.

Life never moves according to our plans. One day we may feel like we have everything under control, and the very next day something unexpected can change our emotions completely. Some moments bring happiness that makes us forget our struggles, while some moments break us in ways we never imagined. But both happiness and sadness test the strength of our minds.

Most people only focus on the incident itself. They either celebrate too much during success or suffer too deeply during failure. Very few people stop and ask themselves, “What is this moment trying to teach me?” That question is important because experiences are temporary, but lessons stay with us forever.

For example, failure can teach patience, discipline, and emotional strength. Betrayal can teach us the value of trust and the importance of choosing the right people. Even success teaches lessons. It can teach gratitude, responsibility, and humility. Every situation in life carries a message, but understanding that message depends on us.

Sometimes people become victims of their own emotions because they react without thinking. In moments of extreme anger, sadness, or excitement, people often make decisions that destroy their future. That is why self-control is one of the most powerful qualities a person can have. Critical thinking helps us see beyond temporary emotions and understand the reality of the situation.

I believe life is not about avoiding dark moments. It is about learning how to survive them and grow from them. Pain itself is not beautiful, but the wisdom we gain from pain can shape us into stronger people. If we refuse to learn, we repeat the same mistakes again and again. That is when one bad incident slowly turns into a disaster.

At the end of the day, life will always surprise us. Some surprises will heal us, and some will hurt us. But every moment gives us a choice: either become weaker because of it or become wiser through it. The real silver lining is not the incident itself, but the lesson hidden inside it.

It was the 27th of October 2025.

It was the day we finally created the WhatsApp group for Esport Fiesta. Yes, back then, it was simply Esport Fiesta.

A couple of weeks before that, as the Sports and Special Services Avenue of the Rotaract Club, we had planned to organise Cricket Fiesta. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, and we had to postpone the matches halfway through due to rain.

Naturally, my co-director and I were disappointed. But instead of staying sad for too long, we turned that frustration into motivation. We told ourselves, “Alright then… if cricket got washed away, let’s make this esports project unforgettable.”

And we did not want something small. We wanted something bigger, more exciting, and more memorable.

That was how the idea of making it an inter-university tournament was born.

With that energy, we contacted the Mora Esports Community - people who actually knew what they were doing in the world of esports. They guided us through different possibilities and eventually helped us shape the idea into an inter-university competition.

Then came one of the biggest challenges: finding chairpersons.

We needed passionate people. People who could take responsibility and genuinely enjoy organising the tournament. That was when we sought the help of our unofficial Batch ’24 coordinator, Rtr. Ruwindu. He recommended two of his friends. Those two later brought in the third chairperson as well, and the fact that they were already close friends made the entire experience even more interesting and fun. and from there, the planning officially began.

From my early days of chairing projects, I always believed that leaders should have creative freedom. Following that, we wanted the chairs to truly own the project. We asked them to decide everything - the name, the theme, and the overall vibe.

And I still remember that evening at Sentra Court when they revealed it to us.

Trinity Showdown.

Honestly, the moment we heard it, we knew that was the name.

It sounded bold and competitive in the best way possible, exactly what we wanted. And over time, it proved to be the perfect identity for the project.

Then came the real adventure: planning.

Our first OC meeting was held in November, and not long after that, we ran into several challenges. Due to Ditwah, we had to temporarily pause organising work because there was a lot of uncertainty at the time.

But after a short break, we restarted everything by mid-December.

And from there onwards… chaos.

Good chaos, stressful chaos, budget-related chaos, registration chaos - every possible type of chaos.

There were moments when registrations slowed down. Moments when covering the budget felt impossible. Moments when deadlines arrived faster than our excitement could keep up. But despite all of that, giving up was never really an option.

One by one, we overcame the challenges.

And honestly, one of the most inspiring things throughout the project was the courage and dedication shown by the chairpersons. There were definitely moments when the chairs felt exhausted and overwhelmed with responsibilities and pressure. Even though it was their first time handling a project in Rotaract, they managed everything impressively well. Watching them grow into their roles was both encouraging and rewarding.

Then finally, after months of hard work, stress, meetings, planning, excitement, and probably hundreds of WhatsApp calls, tournament day arrived.

February 1st.

Everything was ready.

The battle had begun.

As the halls filled with participants, the atmosphere completely transformed. Players were focused, and everyone present could feel that this was something special. Honestly, that atmosphere was one of my favourite parts of the event - the competitive vibe, the energy in the halls, and the excitement all around just felt incredibly cool.

Meanwhile, the members of the university esports community worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every match ran smoothly. Match after match, the event flowed beautifully. And beyond the competition itself, one of the sweetest parts was the laughter behind the organising desks, the random jokes, and all the funny little moments shared throughout the day.

Finally, the award ceremony brought the event to a memorable close, leaving participants with an experience that felt far bigger than just a tournament.

Now, more than three months later, whenever I look back at Trinity Showdown, I feel proud to have been part of it. The people I met through this project have become really good friends, and the memories we created together are unforgettable.

In the same way Rotaract made my university life colourful, Trinity Showdown will always hold a place among the greatest and most memorable projects we ever organised.

Not because everything went perfectly.

But because we built something meaningful together - something that added another wonderful memory to our university lives.

Suddenly, your phone rings. You answer the call. After a few minutes, you hang up and go back… but now everything feels slow. Videos keep buffering.

Why did your internet suddenly become slow — even though it was working perfectly just a moment ago?

And how does your phone stay connected while you’re moving? How do calls, messages, and data all work together without you noticing?

These everyday moments actually reveal how mobile networks really work behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ll break it down — from how your phone connects to a tower, to what happens during calls, movement, and why your connection sometimes slows down.

Basics of Cellular Communication

Imagine the entire mobile network like a giant honeycomb covering the country. Each small section is called a cell, and each cell is managed by a tower.

These towers are responsible for handling:

• Phone calls
• Text messages
• Internet data

One tower cannot cover a large area because signals become weaker as distance increases. That’s why mobile companies build many towers across cities and rural areas.

Your phone always connects to the nearest or strongest tower available. When you see signal bars on your phone, it simply means your phone has a stable communication link with a nearby tower.

How Your Phone Connects to the Network

The moment you turn on your phone, a quick process starts in the background.

Your SIM card works like your identity card. It contains information about your phone number and your mobile network provider.

Your phone searches for nearby towers and selects one with a strong signal. Then it sends a message like:

“Hello, I am here. This is my identity.”

The network checks your SIM details and confirms that your connection is valid. Once approved, your phone becomes part of the network.

The system also keeps track of your general location (not exact GPS location, but area-level tracking). This helps the network find your phone quickly when needed.

All of this happens within seconds.

What Happens When a Call or Message Comes

When someone calls your number, the network needs to find your phone first.

It doesn’t know your exact position, but it knows your last known area. So it sends a signal to towers in that area asking:

“Is this phone here?”

This process is called paging.

Your phone responds, and once the network confirms your location, it sets up a connection path for the call so your voice can travel smoothly.

For messages, the process is simpler. Messages are sent as small data packets and can even be delivered later if your phone was switched off.

What Happens When You Travel

When you are moving — like in a bus or train — your phone is constantly checking signal strength.

As you move away from one tower, the signal becomes weaker. At the same time, your phone detects signals from nearby towers.

The network then smoothly transfers your connection to a stronger tower. This process is called Handoff (Handover).

It happens very quickly and automatically. That’s why:

• Calls usually don’t drop
• Internet continues working

It’s like switching lanes on a highway without stopping.

Data vs Calls vs Messages

Modern mobile networks are advanced, but some limitations still exist.

Technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allow voice calls and internet data to work together on fast 4G networks. This gives better call quality and allows you to use data during calls.

However, in many real-world situations:

• You are watching videos or scrolling
• A call comes in
• Your phone switches from 4G → 3G or 2G

During the call:

• Your internet becomes very slow or may stop

After the call:

• Your phone tries to return to 4G
• This switch may take a few seconds

During this time, your connection may feel slow or unstable.

That’s why videos that were working smoothly before the call suddenly start buffering after you hang up.

Flight Mode — What It Really Does

Flight mode is a simple but powerful feature on your phone.

When you turn it on, it disables all wireless communication:

• Mobile network
• WiFi
• Bluetooth

Your phone completely stops sending and receiving signals.

This feature was originally introduced to avoid possible interference with aircraft systems during flights. Even today, it is used as a safety measure, especially during takeoff and landing.

Why Flight Mode Can Fix Slow Data ?

Sometimes your connection may become weak, unstable, or “stuck” in a poor state.

When you turn on flight mode:

• Your phone disconnects completely from the network

When you turn it off:

• Your phone reconnects from scratch
• It searches for the best available tower again

This is similar to restarting your internet connection.

After reconnecting, your phone may:

• Get a better signal
• Connect to a less congested tower
• Experience improved speed

This is why many people use flight mode as a quick fix when their data feels slow.

Evolution of Cellular Generations

Mobile networks have improved step by step over time:

• 2G → Introduced digital calls and SMS
• 3G → Enabled basic internet and media sharing
• 4G → Brought fast internet, video streaming, and modern apps
• 5G → Offers very high speeds, low delay, and supports many devices at once

Your phone automatically switches to the best available network depending on your location and signal strength.

Conclusion

Every time you make a call, send a message, or watch a video, a powerful system is working quietly behind the scenes.

Your SIM identifies you, towers manage your connection, and the network continuously adjusts to keep everything running.

Sometimes your connection becomes slow — especially after calls or in crowded areas. This is part of how the system manages limited resources across many users.

Now, when your internet slows down or videos start buffering, you won’t feel confused. You’ll understand what is happening behind the scenes.

Your phone may look simple — but it is doing a lot of smart work every single second.

This article was also published on my personal blog on Medium https://medium.com/@aathifmohammed/what-really-happens-when-you-make-a-call-or-use-data-on-your-phone-433382d8184e

I remember that quote from a little while ago. It was said by GM Hikaru Nakamura after his defeat against GM Fabiano Caruana in the FIDE Candidates 2026. At the time, Hikaru was the World No. 2 in the FIDE rankings, and that defeat temporarily threw him into the “loser / no longer a challenger” basket. But don't worry, I’m not here to talk about chess.

Let me get straight to the point.

What does this "life" that Hikaru talked about actually mean?

Life is a chaotic collection of wins, losses, backlashes… everything. Its success is mainly about how we respond to our environment and our inner self. We need to talk about how we handle all of these things.

First, let me bring you some recent news.

GM Javokhir Sindarov won the 2026 Candidates tournament to challenge the current world champion, GM Dommaraju Gukesh, amazing the entire world. He even defeated the tournament favorite, GM Fabiano Caruana. To make things even more incredible, his girlfriend, WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva, took second place in the 2026 Women's Candidates tournament.

Wow!

Everybody is cheering for them. It reminds me of those social media reels playing the song that goes, “The winner takes it all…”

That positive response from people is okay. But the flip side of public reaction is absolutely not okay.

In another part of the world, a man in India tragically committed suicide. This was the result of a viral video shared by a social media influencer who falsely claimed he touched her inappropriately on a train ride. In reality, he hadn't. But the internet mob subjected him to brutal harassment and public shaming, all because an influencer wanted to gain social media reach.

So, what’s the lesson here?

People can say literally anything they think of, whether it’s a truth, a lie, or absolute nonsense. And letting that public nonsense consume you can drive a person to the deepest depths of despair, even to suicide.

I’ve seen a lot of Western psychological frameworks offering solutions like “Take a break” or “Talk to a friend.” I guarantee you, these are temporary band-aids. They do not provide an ultimate, bulletproof solution.

When we look into Theravada Buddhism, however, there is a perfect solution for understanding life and responding to this exact type of nonsense.

Conventionally speaking, a person is defined by two parts: the Mind and the Body. According to social sciences and conventional truth (Sammuti Sacca), this definition works. But people get into deep trouble because they mistake this convention for the absolute reality.

Let’s dig into the ultimate truth (Paramattha Sacca) of the mind and the body.

In Theravada Abhidhamma, the body is called Rūpa (matter). It is primarily made of the Avinibhoga Rūpa, the eight inseparable material qualities found in all matter:

• Pathavī (solidity; hardness/softness)
• Āpo (cohesion; the ability to bind or stick together)
• Vāyo (motion, vibration, or pressure)
• Tejo (heat/temperature)
• Vanṇa (color/visibility)
• Gandha (odor/smell)
• Rasa (taste/flavor)
• Ojā (nutritive essence)

Depending on where it is located in the body, other material qualities are added, such as Cakkhu Prasāda (eye-sensitivity) or Jīvitindriya (physical life-faculty).

Everything we see in the external environment is also made of Rūpa, containing these exact same eight inseparable elements. Buddhism explains that Rūpa is generated by four causes: Karma (Kammaja), Mind (Cittaja), Temperature/Seasonality (Utuja), and Food (Āhāraja).

The lifespan of a single Rūpa unit is incredibly brief—lasting only 17 mind-moments (Citta-vīthi). After those 17 moments, that Rūpa perishes, and a new one arises. Think about the soil under your feet; it is also made of Rūpa that arises and passes away every 17 mind-moments. Ultimately, there is no structural difference between the Rūpa making up your body and the Rūpa in the dirt. The physical body just acts as a temporary, supportive biological infrastructure to continue life until death.

When considering the Mind, it is not a solid "soul," but an unbroken, rapid succession of individual mind-moments (Citta). This stream only stops when a person achieves final liberation (Nirvana). Within this stream, these consciousness-units are causally related, but they are completely distinct. One Citta arises only after the total disappearance of the previous one. Nothing of the old mind-moment remains in the new one.

How does the mind-body interaction happen?

Think of a person speaking to you. First, a series of mind-moments arises in them to formulate a thought. Then, another set of mind-moments triggers the mind-produced matter (Cittaja Rūpa) in their body to physically speak, creating sound waves (Sadda Rūpa).

So, if a person shouts insults at you, understand what is actually happening in ultimate reality: it is just a mechanical collision of Rūpa (sound waves) hitting your Rūpa (ear-sensitivity). Nothing more. Based on their own unwholesome intentions (Kamma), they will inevitably suffer the results of their actions later. But right now, it is just sound vibrations in the air.

The Ultimate Release: It’s Just Paṭiccasamuppāda

When you truly realize this, the entire weight of social anxiety, blame, and public judgment evaporates.

When someone attacks you online or offline, your ego immediately jumps in to say, "He blamed me," or "The public hates me." This "me" and "I" are the illusions that cause your suffering.

Look closer through the lens of the Dhamma. Who is the one blaming? It is just a collection of five aggregates, rapidly changing Citta and Rūpa, acting out of ignorance. And who is the "me" being blamed? Just another passing stream of material elements and mental moments.

There is no permanent "person" inside that train, inside that computer screen, or inside your own head. There is no independent "abuser," and there is no permanent "victim."

It is nothing more than Paṭiccasamuppāda, the Law of Dependent Origination.

When this exists, that comes to be; with the arising of this, that arises. When this does not exist, that does not come to be; with the cessation of this, that ceases.

An ignorant thought arises in someone's mind → sound waves are produced → sound waves hit an ear-drum → auditory consciousness arises → the mind falsely interprets it as "insult" → suffering arises.

It is just a chain reaction of natural causes and conditions. It is a completely impersonal, natural process.

When you fully digest this truth, you realize there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The words "He blamed me" or "The people blame me" lose their power entirely, because you realize there is no "He," there is no "People," and there is no "Me."

It’s just Paṭiccasamuppāda playing itself out. Understand the process, detach from the illusion, and find your peace.