Whilst in the midst of unrefined architecture, dirt strewn streets, unpretentious dress-codes and the hustle bustle of what can only be associated with millions of Indians walking on the side-walks of the streets of India as if they have no other obligation except to oil their ligaments I discovered a simple (and most-often true) theory.

The peacock theory.

Having booked ourselves with a tour group meant that we had the opportunity to see a lot of India in our 2 weeks stay than we would otherwise have. This, unfortunately, also meant that we never really stayed more than a day or 2 at any of the places we toured. Eventually we became accustomed to our hotel room phones ringing at 4:00 in the morning and a heavy Indian accent reminding us that he was duly calling for our wake up call as per requested.

It proved possible after all.

Moving from hotel to hotel lugging luggage which, with each days shopping trip that passed, proved heavier and eventually became tiresome. However, with all the goings on, we did not once complain. This was our chance to explore a city(every nook and cranny of it) and we weren’t going to let our ’complaints’ get the better of us. Ours was a rather fearsome group.

During our stay in Mumbai my cousin and I were reallocated rooms. Whilst our previous room was stunning our newly allocated room proved a little dull in comparison. Yet, I wasn’t one to complain. All the hotels that we stayed in far exceeded any of my expectations. Hot steaming showers, freshly designed bathrooms, clean sheets. Bliss.

The slight peeling of the paint on the walls? The loud beating of the fan each time we switched on our aircons? The musty smell that sometimes emanated the room? None of it bothered me.

Until my cousin made mention of it. And that is how the peacock theory was born.

Many a times we are placed in a situation. Like the peacocks feathers, we see the beauty in it. We marvel at how wonderful things are working out. We complain less, not because we have no reason to complain but because we choose to see the positive aspects of our lives instead of dwelling on the negative.

On the other hand, sometimes we are reminded either by someone else or even by our own realization that at the bottom of those turquoise colored feathers lies a darkened and seemingly ugly pair of feet.

The thing is, we need not avoid that realization. It is essential for our own personal growth to understand and accept that not all is glorious. There are the feathers yes, but there is also the feet. What we gather from both of them is up to us. Question is: What do you choose to focus on? The positive or the negative aspects of our lives both ultimately influence the way we perceive the world around us and more importantly the way we perceive ourselves.

The feathers of a peacock by far exceed the size of it’s feet. It all depends of whether you choose to dwell on the things you are grateful for. Or not.