500th Post Celebration – A Big Free Unique iPod Giveaway
Today marks a special occasion as this post is number 500 on my blog. I launched the blog in December 2005 which basically means that I’ve written, on average, just over 100 blog posts each year since I began. I still remember clearly installing wordpress 1.5 and that it took me about 3 days overall to get the first version of the blog up and running. I had no clue how to do it, the benefits of blogging, or the joy it would bring me. One of my earliest articles – Free Will Vs Destiny/Fate/Karma is still one of my most popular to date.
When I first launched, I launched under my nickname URL which was www.donraja.com. After a month or so, I realised I wanted a name that reached out to people so I decided to try and get www.thepowerofchoice.com but all variations of that had gone. I looked into other URL’s and nothing quite fit the bill. One day I just typed in ‘unlimitedchoice’. It was available and it just seemed right. So I purchased that and have never looked back since. Shortly afterwards, to my amazement, I realised that Amit means ‘unlimited’ and of course ‘choice’ being my core philosophy, that I’d chosen the perfect URL.
I remember that it was two very close friends of mine who first suggested that I enter the world of life coaching and that I also begin a blog. We were sitting around playing poker and had this long discussion about blogging. It wasn’t really until about 6 months after I began that I realised the scope and the potential of what a blog could accomplish. It took time to develop my writing style and even to this day it’s still constantly evolving but I feel like my style and knowledge are a unique gift to the world.
From my most popular piece – Perception Vs Reality to my 100 Days of Wisdom series (which will soon be turned into an e-book) to my most commented piece on having a kick-ass day or, to my most controversial piece on Universtiy Education; there is something on this blog for everyone. There are even some business ideas which you are more than welcome to steal.
I am feeling quite emotional right now beause, regarless of what others think about me and my work, I’ve dedicated an enormous amount of time and creative energy to each and every article, to the design, to selecting the right pictures, etc. I would hazzard a guess that I’ve spent in the region of 20,000 hours on the blog or the equivalent of four straight months.
Since this is a momentus occasion for me I wanted to do something special and I decided to give something away! I realised that I had a sexy black 80Gb iPod 4G sitting at home doing nothing and then it hit me; why not give that away! Understand this folks; this is no ordinary iPod! No, no! This is a one-of-a-kind you will not find anywhere else in the world. What makes this iPod so unique? Engraved on the back is ‘The Power of Choice’. So not only will you be able to listen to your favorite tunes but you will also be reminded of your power to choose your life and your destiny. Ok, it has my name engraved on it too, but hey, I could be famous one day, and then it’ll just be worth even more! 😆
No doubt there’s going to be a mad rush to win this iPod so I devised a two step process to enter:
1. On the top right you’ll see the ‘Smart Subscription’ box where you can enter your email address to get the latest post in your inbox when it’s published. So step one is to become a subscriber.
2. Leave a comment with a pearl of wisdom or some other powerful thought. Get creative and share your own brand of wisdom that will stay will stay on this blog forever.
3. (Optional) Look through my articles – stumble & tweet your favorite.
I will judge and the comment with the most poignant wisdom will get the iPod. It can cover any area of life like; physical, spiritual, vocational, family, personal growth, relationships. etc. The winner will also get to submit a guest post. The closing date to submit your comment will be Sunday the 11th of April.
Good luck and here’s to the next 500 articles!
Update – The competition is now closed. The winner was Zeenat Syal. – Congratulations!
Congratulations on reaching this phenomenal landmark Amit!
I vividly remember the day when I saw my first post up there on the wordpress blog that I created as part of the coach certification course at ICA. (http://nucoach.wordpress.com) Wow! it felt great….kinda warm, happy n fuzzy. Ever since blogging has only added joy to my life!
Having been a regular reader of your posts, I can vouch for the value that you have added to people’s lives. Keep writing dude! Coz You’re Good! 🙂
Pearl of wisdom : People don’t care if you know untill they know that you care – John Maxwell
Hey Shalini, I never knew you were a blogger too! LOL shows how much I pay attention! It’s a great feeling to know you’ve created something which is all your own and it’s almost like, your baby!
Thanks for the compliment and for contributing your pear for the day! You’re in the fun competition! 🙂
Hi Amit,
i have been to Westside radio many times as i did a radio course there with Sone Palda which i found very interesting and i got to learn alot of things.
At the age of 17 i want to continue with my studies in 6th Form and wish to make something out of nothing!! Im not a usual blogger person. But, recieving this email from BackChat got me interested in entering myself and i hope to win.
My thought of the day is..: Wealth Is In The Heart And Mind Not Just The Pocket.
Hey Bhavesh, I learned under Yoda, sorry I meant Sone too and that’s how I first got into radio! Love the entry! Very poignant! Nice one! 🙂
Seek not happiness, but contentment.
James Earl Jones
Hey Anil, glad to see you’ve entered and thanks for the wisdom! 🙂
I remember those days Amit; the old design of your website. IPod or not, I enjoy my stay here. Will think of some comment though.
And I already share your stories on the web. Congratulations on 500 mate.
.-= New at Kartikey’s blog ..Hypocrisy of Art Films =-.
Thank you Kartikey, you’re almost like part of the furniture now, I’m used to you commenting and when I don’t get them, I’m like, where’d he go??
Dang! You’re old! :))))
Congrats man. 500 posts is a lot of valuable content.
I’m like a grand-daddy in the world of personal development blogging! LOL
Average people look to get off. Successful people look to get on with it.
Thanks for the contribution JJ! 🙂
Woah, 500! That is just brilliant. You are one of my favourite bloggers, and I look forward to reading more pearls of wisdom 🙂
The one point I think you have not covered (and one which is close to my heart) is: where IS the best soya hot chocolate in London?
.-= New at Marianne Cantwell’s blog ..BREAKING NEWS: Richard Branson announces retirement =-.
Hey Marianne, ooooh now that’s a tough question! I think what we should go free-range exploring together to find the best one! 🙂
“Life finds its purpose and fulfillment in the expansion of happiness”
in other words:
“The purpose of life is the expansion of happiness”
-Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
This quotation is the solution to any and every problem that I have ever had. Every touch decision, every difficult situation, and every awkward moment.
Nice quote and I can understand why it’s always been you beacon of hope in your hour of need!
Thanks for the contribution Mehul!
Hi Amit.
I think one of my favorite of your topics is “challenges”…quite inspiring!
I love challenges. It’s from them that i have come to a real self discovery by looking through a glass of “possibility and positivity” in the environment of “negativity and defeat”. Appreciating the experience by learning and not complaining during challenging moments.
Pearl of Wisdom:
I lost many things many times in my life. But in that “loss,” today i aspire for the value of “gain,” because it is always possible to fight for that which we love; and because there is always time to start all over again.
We always wonder as to “where do i go or where do i start from”?
Look higher, dream higher, desire the best!
Life brings us what we aspire…it all lies in the Power Of Choice 🙂
Tasha, you sure know how to appeal to my ego! 😛 LOL thanks for sharing your thoughts about the power of choice and what you do in your tough times or times of challenges! Thanks for entering! 🙂 xx
Up for the grabs! 😀
Thanks 🙂
Hey Amit, I messaged you already so I don’t want to inflate your ego again, so soon 😉 ……Well Done on the 500th landmark though.
Its great to see and read positivity prevails….in difficult times.
My contribution to your collections of pearls:
“If you want to achieve and things are not working out, its like putting your hand in a bucket of water as a clenched fist. If you change the shape of your hand the water around it adjusts accordingly.”
Someone wise said this to me recently and it resonated within me…..so I am using this as my mantra to get me through some challenging days….
Hear from you soon…..love and best wishes, Pragna.
That is a cool mantra Pragna, I like it. Who said it to you? I got your message and I’m definitely up for meeting soon!
Thanks you for your lovely message!
Congratulations on your 500th post!
I’m sure you’re proud of your achievement, I am!
It’s only your own fears that limit you…that’s your gift, walking head held high, never letting yourself be your own limitation xxx
(ps I don’t want the ipod…just wanted to share x)
That’s great advice Swati…thank you! 🙂 xxx
P.S. you are more than welcome to enter! xx
I know, thank you, but I already have the black 80G ipod!!
And that is YOUR gift!
First of all, congratulations man! I just found your blog and now have the opportunity to enter a contest. Here goes my powerful thought:
Find what motivates you within. Go after your passion and never look back. If you need external motivation to keep doing what you’re doing, then it may be time to find something you truly want to do – something that is self-motivating!
.-= New at Alex Monroe’s blog ..Keep On Hustling! =-.
Hey Alex, glad to have you onboard! Wonderful entry dude and thanks for submitting! 🙂
Congratulations for your achievement. I am glad that we crossed paths … in a short time; I have learnt from you what it means to be a human being. And that is what we are here to do. We are NOT here to do anything special … Just being human and getting better at it; nothing special; NO special mystical purpose; just experiencing human-ness.
Your blog is a place where HUMOR BEGINS TO INSPIRE something that I find very rare. The kind of humor that just doesn’t leave you laughing you lungs out; it leaves you changed.
What would I offer as a piece of wisdom to anyone reading my comment?
As a person who loves to share my thoughts about Life and Truth, I have come to find that Truth only dwells in one place and that place is NOT the dictionary or anything “writtenâ€.
By design, truth only dwells in the heart and soul of man (male and female). And isn’t it surprising that THAT PLACE IS WHERE LIFE DWELS ALSO?
This is precisely the reason why we have UNLIMITED CHOICE. Our choice is not limited to the 26 letters of the English alphabet or the 10 digits of arithmetic computation. No.
Our choice is limited by WHAT WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN, and that is the truth that dwells inside of us.
How do you know that you have found this truth? I don’t claim to know.
But for me, here is a good sign: When you become self-secure enough to give other people, unlimited freedom to follow their own truth … That is what UNLIMITED CHOICE IS ALL ABOUT.
If I were to give a “summary” of Life, Business, Truth, Religion, Belief, Meaning and Everything, I would use the words of Carlyle, words I have come to cherish with all my soul:
“But the thing a man does practically believe (and this is often enough without asserting it even to himself, much less to others); the thing a man does practically lay to heart, and know for certain, concerning his vital relations to this mysterious Universe, and his duty and destiny there, that is in all cases the primary thing for him, and creatively determines all the rest.”
Every time I read these words, I feel like setting everyone free so they can follow their UNLIMITED CHOICE. But then I realize that they are already free… free enough to even keep themselves in bondage. THAT, my friends is the extent to which this UNLIMITED CHOICE is willing to go. It is truly UNLIMITED.
Life ~ Passion ~ Simplicity
😀
.-= New at Christopher Kabamba’s blog ..My 5 Life Lessons at Toastmasters =-.
Wow thank you for the very Kind words Chris and sharing your amazing words with everyone. I love that quote and you and I and kindred spirits in that we wish to be able to set everyone free and think in an unlimited way! In the short time I’ve known you I’ve come to respect your writing and your wisdom and I truly believe that you will be an icon in this world in the future who will be a beacon of inspiration to all. 🙂
Why oh why do I have to go after Christopher…
I’m just going to keep it simple. We all have choices in life. It’s our responsibility to make the right ones if we want to make our dreams come true.
It’s great to see you doing this Amit. Congratulations on the 500th post!
.-= New at Hulbert’s blog ..Mark Cuban and Grit =-.
LOL yep Chris is definitely a tough act to follow! Thank you Hulbert and thank you for sharing your simple and yet profound message! 🙂
By the way Christopher, I was just kidding around. 🙂
Hey, Hulbert!
It depends where we start counting from. Excluding this comment, when we start to count from the BottomUp I come AFTER you 😀
I love your comment on choices. For sure, “we all have choices in life”. This does not in any way mean those choices are easy. No. Many are difficult but they are choices non-the-less.
Thanks, man and continue helping us rise from the “bottom up”.
.-= New at Christopher Kabamba’s blog ..My 5 Life Lessons at Toastmasters =-.
I think I should give you the iPod just for that! 😆
Hi Amit,
Congratulations on the 500 post mark! WOO HOO! 🙂 That is awesome, my friend.
My words of wisdom…hmm….there are so many (just kidding). Well, here is what comes to mind at the moment:
Every single person in the world experiences pain and suffering. No one is immune from it. To think that it is possible to have an existence without pain and suffering is unrealistic.
Pain and suffering is what helps us to grow. The key to having a happy life is to learn from our experiences and move forward. There is nothing that we cannot learn or do. There is no such thing as impossible. Something only becomes impossible when we are not willing to give it a try.
We are more powerful than we know. The world is our oyster so why not take our pain and suffering and turn it into a beautiful pearl.
A truly amazing sentiment and one I definitely resonate with Nadia! 🙂
Amit,
Congratulations on 500th post, it must feel so great!
P.S. I am not entering for iPod, I do not need it. Just wanted to congratulate you on your big milestone.
.-= New at Zengirl @ heart and mind’s blog ..Are you happy with your heart and mind? =-.
Hey Zengirl, it feels amazing, a great sense of achievement that I’ve really put something out there that will help transform the lives of many people. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Amit.
This is a big point you have hit. I was quite glad to point out things in my recent 200th post, so it links back to my thoughts from that when I see this.
It is cool how your domain name matched up with your actual name. The time and thought put into a domain name is usually well worth it. I went through many ideas before selecting the one I use.
I would join the running for the iPod, but I use Google Reader to read sites, so I shall refrain from taking part.
I have an idea of what it means to have 500 posts, and the effort involved, so I applaud your continuity.
.-= New at Armen Shirvanian’s blog ..A Discussion About Reverse Psychology =-.
Hey Armen, thanks for the kind words and by the way, congrats on your milestone too!
Congratulations Amit re your 500th post! It seems only yesterday that 3 years ago we reconnected after finding each other’s blogs.
Here’s my pearls of wisdom:-
“Remember that your life counts – and make it count.
You are unique. There is no one like you on this planet. Never has been and never will be.
Do not sell your self short. Do not sell the world short.
This is your life – love it, live it. One life, one chance – grab it.
Get the life you love – and live it.”
I wrote these words 3 years ago:-)
Thanks again Amit for all your inspiration and support.
.-= New at Arvind Devalia’s blog ..How to Master the Art of Saying Thank You =-.
Hey Arvind, amazing contribution as always. Thanks for all your encouragement over the last few months and your input into transforming the blog into what everyone sees today. If it wasn’t for you I’d still be using that old purple theme with a bazillion links in the sidebar! LOL
Amit, you deserve all success!
I am happy to have been part of your journey – and I am always delighted to help you.
I have lots more up my sleeve for you and your blog – so watch this space:-)
.-= New at Arvind Devalia’s blog ..How to Master the Art of Saying Thank You =-.
HAHAHA I can’t wait….I have lots in mind too! 😉
Hey you Blogging Mogul!
Seriously 500 posts! Awesome! I just completed a year and 100 posts and turned the best 50 into an ebook…and am pretty happy with myself…but you my dear…seriously…get out a book already! I would certainly get it 🙂
Ahhh..and that enticing ipod….yummy yummy 😉
But mr.mogul….I am in india…am I entitled to enter??? Even if I am not..i will still share my wisdom…;) hehehhe
——
“Each human being is born as someone new, someone that never existed before. Each is born with the capacity to make success of his or her life. Each person has a unique way of seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and thinking.
Each has his/her own unique potentials, capabilities and limitations. Each and every one of us can be a significant, thinking, aware and creative being – a productive person having the will and the ability of finding fulfillment, joy and happiness for himself/herself.
Don’t let your limitations rule your life, rather make your uniqueness your true potential. Don’t be afraid to be different. It’s what makes you YOU!”
Big hug and lots of love and best wishes….so that you may write 500,000 more posts and become a raging success!YAY….waiting for your ebook now…
Z~
p.s. already subscribed thru rss..but am now @ing…;)
Zeenat of course you’re entitled to enter! I didn’t realise you were in India. I just spent a month there!
Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement, I will definitely get that ebook out soon.
Big love for sharing your words of wisdom too! 🙂 I believe you’ve captured the essense of what many of believe to be the core beliefs and principles of life!
My dear friend Amit, you are an inspiration. And I just love learning about the serendipitous way your blog name matched the meaning of your given name.
In honor of your core value choice (which happens to be one of mine, too), I leave you with this:
Whether you choose a path well-traveled, a path less-traveled or a path you carve for yourself, always remember to let love’s light lead your way.
Take care.
Hey Belinda, Truly awesome inspiration and a very powerful and simple to everyone out there! What better way to live life than from that position and intention? 🙂 thank you x
Congratulations on your accomplishment of reaching to 500 posts! This is my first visit to your blog. I enjoyed your energy and enthusiasm and I truly look forward to reading some of those stupendous articles. Here is my pearl of wisdom for today: Whenever you make a wish for yourself, make sure to wish for others too.
Stay well and happy!
.-= New at Sandra Lee’s blog ..The power of one =-.
Hey Sandra, it’s awesome to have you visit and leave you comment with your pearl! You’re in the competition and have a truly awesome day! 🙂
Hi Amit,
Congratulations on achieving your 500th post here. You have great blog and some very interesting articles to read i moght add. Thanks for the opportunity to win a cool prize as an added bonus : )
My contribution is as follows:-
Break the cycle of fear, mistrust and prejudice. Open the door for healing and a new life to begin. Turn your fear, loneliness and hurt into compassion and salvation. Find your humanity, and help others rediscover theirs!
Hi Jay, thanks for entering and sharing your words of wisdom. I’ll be announcing the winner soon! 🙂
I stared reading your posts on accident, poking around and following links, but do enjoy them even though I don’t typically make time to comment in the blogs I read.
My wisdom of the day is for those times when or if you find yourself arguing with someone and you believe they are not being rational, especially if you believe you either are also being irrational or quickly approaching irrationality. Divert the conversation by saying something silly. I use “But elephants don’t take conference calls.” They have to think about it, I get a moment of silence, then I can laugh a little and ask for a time out. There you have it. Good luck with the draw.
.-= New at Khalil’s blog ..Just another busy Saturday =-.
Hey Khalil, very kind of you to comment and thank you for your contribution! 🙂
P.S. that’s a very good piece of advice and I talk about that in my piece about how to deal with negative people! 🙂
Congratulations on your milestone!
It sounds like you found your sustainable pace.
.-= New at J.D. Meier’s blog ..Spring Cleaning Sources of Insight =-.
Indeed JD, I think I’ve slowed down a tiny bit but still here none-the-less! 🙂
Hey All,
It’s time to announce the winner and with so many amazing and powerful entries, it was really difficult to decide. I just want to say thank you for all your kind messages and comments and for everyone for taking part! 🙂
I had four favorites and I really could not choose between them so I decided to put those four in a hat and draw by random selection…My four favorites were:
Chris:
When you become self-secure enough to give other people, unlimited freedom to follow their own truth … That is what UNLIMITED CHOICE IS ALL ABOUT.
Zeenat:
Each human being is born as someone new, someone that never existed before. Each is born with the capacity to make success of his or her life. Each person has a unique way of seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and thinking.
Jay:
Break the cycle of fear, mistrust and prejudice. Open the door for healing and a new life to begin. Turn your fear, loneliness and hurt into compassion and salvation. Find your humanity, and help others rediscover theirs!
Bhavish:
Wealth Is In The Heart And Mind Not Just The Pocket.
My colleague at work saw that I did it fairly and I can confirm the winner is…
**DRUM ROLL**
Zeenat! Congratulations, the ipod will be on the way to you very soon! 😀
Oh WOW!
Seriously….someone pinch me!!!!!!!!!!!…you cant hear me screaming with glee….but thats a good thing….your eardrums would have gone for holiday 😉
This is awesome! I don’t really ever win anything….I always have to work for it. So this is such a pleasant surprise 🙂 Yiippeee….
Thank you gazillions Amit!
Big Hug,
Z~
LOL don’t thank me, you chose to win before this competition even happened! 😉
Congratulations Zeenat!
Great quote and words of inspiration:-)
.-= New at Arvind Devalia’s blog ..10 Ways to Deal with Really Difficult People without Becoming One Yourself =-.
Wow. 500 posts, that is a wonderful accomplishment! That gives me inspiration to continue to write on my blog. Congratulations!
Definitely keep writing Baker, it’s a talent which you need to share with the world…which is in fact what my next blog post is about. 🙂