About Me

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Archana Kapoor Nagpal is an internationally published author of four books. She often participates in the short story competitions, and her winning stories are now part of international anthologies. She has seen her short stories, poems and Haiku published in other anthologies as well She has also been actively involved in the editing, proofreading and book designing of various anthologies. You can read more about her writing career at the below link: https://www.facebook.com/archanaknagpal/

Monday, December 31, 2012

A Cake for Last Day of 2012!

I baked a chocolate cake as a surprise for my husband. The last day of the year should end with sweetness. Not much in mood of party but want to spend some good time with my family. 

A simple home-made dinner of pasta, wine and a cake. I enjoyed listening to LMFAO (I'm sexy and I know it)...LOL!!

I want to end this day with a feeling that this was a year of turning point in my life. I loved every day as it was a learning for me.

I thank God for his blessings. I dedicate a piece of this cake to my all readers who made me feel so special all 365 days of 2012.



I wish all my readers - a great year ahead.

My resolution for 2013 is to write more and much better. Honestly, a thought to came to my mind - I enjoy being a housewife more than a writer BUT I want to write to be a good housewife. I think - I am first a wife than anything else but 2013 should be a year to balance both the roles.

2012 has given me lot of contentment as a writer. I think, I have achieved what I wanted to as a writer/blogger. 2013 looks like a year of leisure, I want to spend time with myself and my family now.

So grab a piece of cake and have a great evening!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

R.I.P Nirbhaya!

Nirbhaya's journey of pain might have come to an end but the revolution that she started will not end here.

I am sad for the fact that she wanted to live and none of us could save her. Her indomitable will to live could only keep her alive for 13 days but Nirbaya will always live in our hearts. She will be remembered in the history of Indian Revolution for Women. A world of safety that we women demand.

Yesterday, we had a candle march at Whitefields and I was a part of it. I got a chance to express my views publicly. I saw a change in people's attitude of accepting a woman's voice. More than 100 people and majorly men were calmly listening to me. My only thought to Nirbhaya's case is - 'Change of mindset of a man' and I was happy that all the men were somewhere able to relate to it. I spoke about Aruna's case, the most painful journey of a woman who is still lying on the bed of a hospital in a vegetable state of mind.

I had and have only one appeal to every person in India - respect women!

It is easy to ne judgemental like wearing a skirt can lead to such social crimes. Strange, eh?

Even if we will stop wearing skirts and skimmpy clothes but what about our MPs who watch porn sitting in the Assembly. We are drifting from the main issue of 'safety of women and srtict law for raping a women'

Do not travel late at night. Again it is not feasible as we need to work and most of the jobs in India are as per US or UK shifts. Is it possible?

Can government create safe jobs for women in India?

Much above all of this we are taught to paint and dent ourselves. We are a democratic country and I think we have the right to live our lives the way we want.

Law will take lot of time as report will be submitted in 3 months. It will take months to get approved and by that time, 1000 more Nirbhaya(s) would have been raped(:

Yes, we can look at the fact of educating people but it is a slow process. We demand an immediate action against all 6 rapists. A strict punishment so that we do not have one more Nirbhaya in India.

A SINCERE REQUEST TO PEOPLE - If you see your female friend being harrassed or abused, stop it ! Raise a voice publicly to eveteasing. Change your mindset towards a woman. Any woman walking on the roads is like your friend, sister or mother.

I remember a comment that prompted me to scold a guy. I was in school and some teased me on the road saying 'Kya maal ja raha'.

It is a shameful statement as women is not a piece of flesh. She is the one who brings you in this world. So do not let Nirbhaya's death and pain go waste

I wish Nirbhaya gets JUSTICE!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Dedicated to Nirbhaya - 'Everything Will Be Perfect'!


Nirbhaya's case made me think, what would be an ideal life that she would be dreaming, as of now. I have pen down my feelings in the form of this poem to welcome new year with a thought - 'One Fine Day, Everything will be Perfect'. With this poem, I pray Nirbhaya comes out of all this and hope 'Everything will be perfect for her'. I pray to God. She is a strong woman! Nirbhaya wants to live and this poem makes me feel that - 'life is really beautiful'. Do not let your hope die!

Everything Will Be Perfect

Let us all pray for Nirbhaya!

Hope she gets better.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sixth Article in Friday Gurgaon:)

Out of vacation mood and back to work. I need to complete the pending work. But I submitted my work to Friday Gurgaon before I left for Thailand.

I am sharing the link to the article that got published last week. Here are the links:



http://www.fridaygurgaon.com/news/2662-Silent-Workers.html

or


http://issuu.com/fridaygurgaon/docs/friday_gurgaon_dec_21-27__2012?mode=window&pageNumber=16


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

My Second Book with 11 others- 12 Facets of a Crystal

Santa left a gift for me and I share that gift with all my readers – 12 Facets of a Crystal.

12 Facets of a Crystal is a collection of short stories written by 12 internationally published authors from different parts of the world. 12 Facets of a Crystal is an end result of a short story writing contest. 12 authors contributed their stories to participate in the short story writing contest, published as 12 chapters in this book.



I cannot share the links of this book – my second book in collaboration with 11 internationally published authors, as we are yet to get the links, once it is live in January, 2013. But the project is approved and the cover page of the book is right here with a title suggested by my author friend Frank Valentyn Van Oostveen. The book is edited and compiled by my author friend Daren Despot.

I have written the ‘Foreword’, ‘Contents’ and ‘Blurb’ for this international project. 12 Facets of a Crystal is an anthology wherein each story is woven around an interesting plot. A reader’s mind will oscillate between the real life experiences and world of fantasy, as presented through 12 short stories, formulated by 12 authors of different age groups and literary experience.

A picture of all 12 authors that will be remembered!



I stood sixth in the competition though my story entry could not be judged by few members as I lost my old FB account. I am happy to be first among the three Indian authors who have sent their stories as a part of participation. I always believe – there are no losers in a competition; there are only learners!

I look forward to share all the links of this international project in both the formats – paperback and kindle.

Thanks to JustFiction Edition for publishing this book for all 12 of us. It adds one more book to my bucket of writing.

Thanks to all who read me so far!

Merry ChristmasJ

Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas Carol....

Every Christmas Carol has a wish and this is one I thought to blog. I had a good day. I am a sea lover and I love to spend my time at places where I can swim in the sea. I love to experience life under the water and just be with myself with my Heineken:)...

Most of the Indians are not sea lovers and this gives me a benefit as I can get into my swim wear at places far from the crowd and swim. I made many friends from different parts of the world and they are all sea lovers  like me. I loved swimming at an Island far from the crowd, nobody from my country to check on me and being among hundreds of fishes while snorkeling. Thanks Santa for this Christmas gift!

Let There Be Peace On Earth


Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
WIth every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live
each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me


Thursday, December 20, 2012

No Mercy for all 6 rapists!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9755913/Gang-rape-of-Indian-woman-sparks-mass-protests.html


Time for Chief Minister of Delhi to do something more than her words of safety. I am ashamed of being a Delhite after reading this news. I feel very bad for the victim as she is suffering for something that she could not have imagined would happen to her. Far from India but I pray for her, and we really need to take a firm stand, when it comes to safety of women in Delhi. 

She could have been a bright future for India and who are those uneducated people to teach a lesson for travelling late at night. Guys, we are living in 2012 and every women has the right to live a life of her choice. To Watch a movie with a male friend at night is not a crime!

I appreciate all those who have come forward to protest against this shameful act that has given India a platform to showcase, how women are treated in our country. 

Delhi is the most unsafe city of the world.

I just expect this is not taken as a usual rape case in the history of many such records. Indeed, all the six rapists should be punished with the severe punishment that sets an example for future. Till the time we do not punish them, we will not be able to curb such shameful acts.

Just a prayer and wish for the victim. But a request to all Indians - make your daughters learn activities to defend themselves rather than anything else. We need to learn how to kick than to cook!

God shall bless her!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

My Life Completes - Eat Pray Love!

Today, I am happy as I could actually complete the dream of my life after I read - Eat Pray Love.
 
I read this book and it is one of my favourite. The very first chapter was like reading my life. The author's conversation with God in the restroom was my reflection - my interaction to my God. After reading the book - I watched the movie.

I thought to myself - I want to visit Thailand as I am an Indian and stayed in Italy, so the only missing part was 'Thailand'.
 
I could relate to the first section of 'Italy' around 'Eat'. It was like visiting - my favoutite Cafe on via Nationazale. Lots of memories that I could remember.
 
India, my home and definitely, 'art of living' could connect me to the significance of 'meditation' and 'how to meditate'. Here it was again easy for me to relate to the author and her concept around 'Pray'.
 
Visiting Thailand and being here for last 18 hours has been little different from my expectations but somehow I could relate to 'Love'.
 
So, lot of interesting things to post. As of now, I always read the book 'Eat Pray Love' as author's autobiography, but somewhere it reflected my life. I am happy to reach the third section of the book in real life too.
 
I have done some of the amazing things since last evening. I will blog, as and when I get time. Until then have fun and enjoy Christmas Celebrations.
 
Buona Notte!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Christmas Cards For My Readers!

Christmas is my favourite festival as everything around me is 'red; Christmas trees beautifully decorated with gifts and lights, brighten my day. I always make my list for Santa and I believe it will come true:).

I looked for the best cards to be shared on my blog. I am posting two links to wish my readers - Merry Christmas, 2012.

You can share these links to wish your family and loved ones. Litte early to wish, but 'sooner the better':)


Start the week of celebration by sharing these links for a wonderful Christmas with your family and loved ones.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Christmas Cheer by Thomas Tusser

I am ready to be in vacation mood. Starting a new week and time to celebrate by sharing a poem - 
Christmas Cheer a Christmas poem by Thomas Tusser


Good husband and housewife, now chiefly be glad, 

Things handsome to have, as they ought to be had. 
They both do provide, against Christmas do come, 
To welcome their neighbors, good cheer to have some.

Good bread and good drink, a good fire in the hall, 
Brawn, pudding, and souse, and good mustard withal. 
Beef, mutton, and pork, and good pies of the best, 
Pig, veal, goose, and capon, and turkey well drest, 
Cheese, apples and nuts, and good carols to hear, 
As then in the country is counted good cheer.

What cost to good husband, is any of this? 
Good household provision only it is: 
Of other the like, I do leave out a many, 
That costeth the husband never a penny. 

:)

Friday, December 14, 2012

Yaadein:)


I took a short break from work and thought to blog. I was listening to a very sweet song. Here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aso9wOCrPtM

A song around  a thought - I am sure life is living with sweet and bitter memories. One makes you laugh and other makes you cry. But both are the two sides of the same coin - "Memories". This is the purpose of life and 'So You Think You Are Living'.

Live with your memories. There is a reason whatever happens in life:)

Happy Weekend!

Story Published in Friday Gurgaon!

Inundated with work!

Phew!

Christmas Vacation starts for me. I am packed with things to complete and get into the vacation mood. But for me, there is no vacation without work. Both go hand in hand. During the day I enjoy and have fun. Night is the time for me - to write and work:)

First day after the second birthday of 'So You Think You Are Living' starts with an article published in Friday Gurgaon. My readers can read the story at the link below:


One of my story around Christmas. 

Have fun. Shop for Christmas. I will keep posting interesting content during my vacation as well:)

Happy Weekend!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Happy Birthday to 'So You Think You Are Living'

In 2010, a thought turned into a blog - 'So You Think You Are Living'.

It has completed two years with the love and blessings of many readers who read this blog. It started as a place for a woman to vent out but with time things have changed. Now, it as a place to read and be inspired. A place to learn and share knowledge, to bring awareness for social causes and to celebrate many happy moments!

From 200 + hits in 2010 to 900+ hits in 2012, I feel proud as a blogger. No achievement is appreciated if we do not share the credit with our loved ones. Thanks to my family and my children at Sphoorti. Thanks to my friends and readers:)

I blog few lines written by Smile Henry - 'Thanks'....
Thanks for this and thanks for that
Thanks for the known and thanks for the unknown
Thanks for the things loved
Thanks for the unloved
Thanks thanks thanks

Thanks for people of all shapes and sizes
Thanks for the hearts small and large
Thanks for the talents and gifts of every soul
Thanks Thanks Thanks

Even when life deals us lemons, we give thanks and make lemonade.
Even when the dark clouds loom ever so close to our person, we give thanks.
Nothing or no one can stop us from giving thanks. So in this, we give thanks for the wisdom and grace in being able to give thanks. 
God blesses!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Luna - My Wonder Bird!

Luna primarily refers to the Latin name for the Moon. She is a named after a personal memory around the word - 'Moon'. Anyways, it is not to write about past but present. She is a wonder bird, and I clicked a very affectionate pose of her. She is three months old now!

She sits here and there. She finds comfort in my hands. She is a symbol of true love - unconditional. selfless feeling!


12.12.12...My Video on My New Channel!

What an interesting date - 12.12.12.....:)


I have uploaded my first video on this channel - a funny one. Do watch it till the end to know what happens?

Here is the link to the video - Irritating - A Monkey!


A day left to complete two years of blogging. On this interesting day as '12.12.12' at 12 AM, I share a link as a anniversary gift of my blog.

I have launched my another 'You Tube Channel' that will have all kinds of videos - fun and learning:).

The new channel is linked to the old channel - Dolce Vita as well.

Link to my New You Tube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/archanakapoornagpal

This channel will also be available under the label 'Video'.

Have fun and keep watching!!


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Desiderata - Words for Life by Max Ehrmann

I believe, my dreams are my desires. I can only fulfill them, if I AM HAPPY. A poem that I read and has to be on my blog, in this anniversary celebration month:). I try to follow each line in my life. I fail many times but I do not stop trying. For my readers, a poem worth reading - Desiderata - Words for Life by Max Ehrmann


Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

I am 5th!!

There was a story contest in which all the authors of JFE participated. I have stood fifth in that contest. I feel 'good', but at the same time 'bad'.

My contribution to the 'story contest' was sent via my FB account. Once you delete the account, everything vanishes. Due to this deletion, my story could not be rated by few members of the group,  as they kept searching for my contest entry. Now, when I am back in the group and results are declared, I lost the third or fourth position, as my contest entry could not be judged by two other members. I have learned a lesson!

But if I look at the best part of it, as an Indian, I could grab the fifth position. I was the only one with a non-fiction entry. Writing reality vs fantasy is a challenge in itself. I promised myself, to do much better next time.

I watched Life of Pi, and a poem that reminds me of the word, 'survival'.

The Will To Survive by By Rosemarie E. Bishop 

Reaching, stretching towards the sun,
the weed thinks its the only one

 that feels the need to exist and go on
even though the world around it has changed
between the destruction of cities
where all that remains
are the piles of rubble, concrete and beams,
and the air that's so much sweeter and clean.

 Reaching, stretching towards the sky,
without the sense to question why

 it has to survive and continue to grow
when its tired and beaten,
ripped and torn,
not knowing or caring when or if
it was born, like the other trees
standing close by,
all doing their best to touch the sky.

 Reaching, stretching towards the light,
the rose just won't give up the fight

 to bloom just once, maybe more,
so God and man can be graced
with its form and beauty,
and calmed by its scent,
none of which would ever have been
without the intervention of both.


By Rosemarie E. Bishop         

Friday, December 7, 2012

Highlights of Best Moments - 2012


Few highlights of my best moments on my blog in 2012. This is the anniversary month of my blog, and I will complete my two years of blogging on December, 13. I am sharing links to few posts that made me feel proud as a blogger:)

Best Video of 2012

Scott Dinsmore -

Best Moment on my Blog in 2012

My Book Got Published –

Best Emotional Post on my Blog 2012

Healing with Seasons

Special Launch of this Year

My Art Blog

My Best Farewell Message on my Blog in 2012

Good Bye Message to Hyderabad

Best Moment Shared as a Mother on my Blog in 2012


Highest Stats of the Year


:




Another Article in Friday Gurgaon!


I was quite unwell but I feel better after seeing my article in today's issue of FG (Friday Gurgaon).

This is a story inspired by my real life incident. I have updated my google+ with the link as well. -

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108980877216677105725/posts

My readers can read my write-up at any of the following links

http://issuu.com/fridaygurgaon/docs/friday_gurgaon_dec_7-13__2012/19.
or
http://www.fridaygurgaon.com/news/2588-The-Real-Sixth-Sense.html

Happy Weekend:)

Thursday, December 6, 2012

It Touched My Heart!


I read this story. It touched my heart. I am posting it for all my readers. Good Night:)

A doctor entered the hospital in hurry after being called in for an urgent surgery. He answered the call asap, changed his clothes & went directly to the surgery block. He found the boy’s father pacing in the hall waiting for the doctor. On seeing him, the dad yelled:

“Why did U take all this time to come? Don’t U know that my son’s life is in danger? Don’t U have any sense of responsibility?”

The doctor smiled & said:

“I am sorry, I wasn’t in the hospital & I came as fast as I could after receiving the call…… And now, I wish you’d calm down so that I can do my work”

“Calm down?! What if your son was in this room right now, would U calm down? If your own son dies now what will U do??” said the father angrily

The doctor smiled again & replied: “I will say what Job said in the Holy Book “From dust we came & to dust we return, blessed be the name of God”. Doctors cannot prolong lives. Go & intercede for your son, we will do our best by God’s grace”

“Giving advises when we’re not concerned is so easy” Murmured the father.

The surgery took some hours after which the doctor went out happy,
“Thank goodness!, your son is saved!” And without waiting for the father’s reply he carried on his way running. “If U have any question, ask the nurse!!”

“Why is he so arrogant? He couldn’t wait some minutes so that I ask about my son’s state” Commented the father when seeing the nurse minutes after the doctor left.

The nurse answered, tears coming down her face: “His son died yesterday in a road accident, he was in the burial when we called him for your son’s surgery. And now that he saved your son’s life, he left running to finish his son’s burial.”

Moral-

Never judge anyone because you never know how their life is & what they’re going through”


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A Day of Wish - Amen!!


A day with lot of work at my end, and I take a break to blog this post. I want this day to be a day of wish.

Most of the time, I have been blamed that I am unhappy, so I do not want others to be happy J. In short, people think I am jealous like a ‘witch’J.

I look up to God and think to ask ‘Why’? But I do not depend on this word, ‘Why’. If I ask ‘why’ that means my conscience is not clear. It means I doubt myself. The word ‘why’ is completely out of my dictionary, as it gives you confusion and leaves you hurt. So, bye-bye to ‘whys’….

If I was not concerned about people around me, I would have never blogged for two years. I read some of the emails in my inbox, where people have sent me wishes, and thanks for inspiring them. I myself go through pain, but I try to leave a positive post for my readers J

Trust me, other than these emails, I am not getting anything. BUT a feeling that someone had a good day after reading my post J and that makes me happy J.

It has been years, I have not asked God for any wish for myself. I never felt. Today, I make a small wish that everyone in this world should be happy and get what he/she desires J.

A day to wish that everyone keeps smiling and their lives are blessed with love J. It is a day to tell that this blog is not my place to write, but place for my readers to read and feel good about life.

I wish every reader – a happy, healthy life.

Amen!

2 Years: A Big Thank You for 18000 hits!!


I think of a very beautiful emotional song while I blog this post:) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0omEOvIsBDE

If you missed reading my previous post here is the link on my arthritis blog - ''Happy Knees' means 'Happiness'.'

http://livelifearthritisstyle.blogspot.in/2012/12/maybe-it-is-helpful.html

A Big....Big 'Thank You' to all those who read me for the last two years!

Two years, and I see around 18000+ hits on my blog. I have pulled the stats reports of my readers from different parts of the world.  I am happy to see and very excited to share it on my blog. Few days to complete two years, I thank all of you who read me J.  Like, every anniversary of my blog, I share the highest stats and visitors as a part of my celebration week. A Big Thank You!

·         India – 6643
·         North America – 6200
·         Russia – 1399
·         United Kingdom – 374
·         Germany – 246
·         Malaysia - 237
·         Philippines - 172
·         South Africa – 132
·         Japan – 99





Tuesday, December 4, 2012

On my Arthritis Blog!


A useful post for arthritis patients on my blog. Please visit the link below:

http://livelifearthritisstyle.blogspot.in/2012/12/maybe-it-is-helpful.html

'Happy Knees' means 'Happiness'.

Video: Better Than The Best!!


It is cold and I get into my blanket with my cup of black coffee…Jealous!

The best advantage to work from home – work cum leisure!

Watch this video - 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-KIQq-Ly_E

This is a video of an extraordinary girl who was born in a farmer's family. I want my readers to watch the complete video as she is a great dancer and you will love it!

Hats off to the spirit of these children as they did not give up in life.

I climb backwards and at times, people laugh at me. But I do not give up!

Some call me as an inspiration for them, and many call me ‘names’. I still do my duties like a homemaker, a sponsored mother, a blogger and a writer. Month of celebration is incomplete, if I do not write for my readers – Love Yourself and Never Give Up. Always believe in yourself, as that what counts the most in one’s life.

My uncle taught me a lesson - ‘You are better than the best’.

So, I hope my readers think the same about themselves.

A small post but it will make you think – ‘So You Think You Are Living’J

Celebrate Life! 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Start this Month Of Celebration!

This is the month of my blog anniversary and it is month of my favourite festival - Christmas. Firstly, a day to start with a wonderful poem around celebration. Lot more on my blog this month....Yipee!!

A Celebration Of Life'

A celebration of life

Is when your hearts involved.

When you can’t contain the joy going on inside of you

And maybe find yourself… shouting it all out-loud! 



When you celebrate the skin you’re in

Even if it’s…. sagging…dry and frail.

To look at the glass…as half full
And not ever seeing… an empty pail. 



For God has given you everything

From the minutes of day… to the air our lungs do breathe.

He provides us with a heart that beats
Or the one you wear… sometimes upon your sleeve. 



Celebrate…be joyful and appreciative! 

Of all you see and hear around. 

For God is the force behind it all
He is what at the end of it all…. is found. 



By: Linda Winchell

Saturday, December 1, 2012

World Aids Day 2012.....

Today, it is World Aids Day. It is a post to share a thought that let us dedicate a day to reach out some major organisations that help victims with Aids.

Rather than making them feel miserable about their condition, we should give them a ray of hope. At the end of the day, they are one of us. It is easy to call someone's condition or life as miserable, as we are not going through the pain. Let us do something tougher and bigger, let us light a candle of hope to lighten their lives with positivity.

I close my eyes and pray for every person who is struggling with his/ her condition and wish him a bright, beautiful life. 

Amen!