Have you seen the stunning gold rim of a cloud when the sun shines upon them at dusk? The absolutely beautiful, lucky side of it. But few see its other side, the darker more heavy one.
It’s just like how we see other people living their lives – the golden side. Oh trust me there’s so much we won’t know of a person’s life. No matter how close you are. The world needs loads of kindness, to give and take.
Let’s give what we little we can 🫰🏼
A silent night in my balcony, a book and some tea to go with it. That’s my idea of peace. At the moment, this is a luxury too.
To me, success isn’t about fame and money. People, most likely all adults, have tasted success at some point in their life. But I see truly successful people as those with a healthy mind, that radiates happiness and positivity. To me, they’ve mastered the truth of success.
A genuine smile, a bright ‘Good morning’ (even if theirs wasn’t good) is all I ask. We are in common ground (literally!) and this simple gesture affirms the trust we share.
I never take risks. I guess I’ve been wired that way, from a very young age. I’ve always taken the safe route, right from my high school.
Let me give you some background. In my country there were three choices before you when you reach the 11th grade. Three groups namely Computer science, Math-Bio and Economics. Economics led to finance related jobs and computer science led to IT sector kind of jobs. Though my interest piqued toward Computer science, my parents wanted me to take the Math-Bio, so I could go on to become a doctor, an engineer or a scientist!
“You got more options!”, they would say. And understandably, it had the hardest lessons. I powered through it all and ended up working in a bank, without a financial background.
Clearly, that didn’t matter.
Now, I don’t blame my parents. It was me who went through with it. My passion from a very young age has been writing. I believe I’m creative. I sit down to write something in my diary, every chance I get. Even now I could drop it all and explore freelance writing. I am hesitant to, but I hope someday I’m brave enough to.
My life has been all about changes and how I chose to adapt to it. Finding solid ground is a luxury, which I’m yet to have.
Let me tell you about my most recent change. Living in a foreign land, we try to build our comfort zone bit by bit. We cultivate friendships and relationships that take shape slow and strong. Then bam! came the job relocation that took me by surprise. Brand new city, brand new people. People who were already in a tight knit group and you were the new person on the sidelines. That’s when I felt out of place. I took lessons from my experience and prepared myself for the worst. But even then it is challenging. I try.
A change is always hard and of course we need good relationships around. But it’s good to always keep our priorities clear. Being nice and initiating new friendships is all good, but don’t forget to keep yourself happy even if it doesn’t go the way you expect. Take care of yourself, explore new places, destress and unwind doing things you love. Because in the end, you are all you have.
My phone pinged at my bedside table. I had just begun dozing off and my brain barked at me to forget it. My hand must have got the wrong signal though, as it reached out and grabbed the phone. Tapping on the notification that said ‘Bro Jio’, my half open eyes caught an image. Within a second, I had half a million memories flooding my mind.
Those dirty floors and walls were my luxury once.
Yeah, maybe not what you expected, but those windows and door frames have seen so much that I believe they are alive and have countless memories stored in them.
The year was 2004 when we moved in to our very own house – me, my kid brother, mom and dad. We were sifting through cities and metros, relocating constantly until then. It wasn’t a readily built one. It was only a clean piece of land when we first met. Then the workers came, the digging and the fixing began. I distinctly remember when the ceiling was made and scaffolded out to dry. It was then the 10 year old me had exclaimed, “Wow, it’s a house!”. It was all done within the next month and the house dazzled, the morning of our housewarming. Decorated doorways, mango leaves and lemon strings, rows of string lights and one huge rangoli sent out incredible vibes all over. We performed the auspicious ‘griha pravesh’ puja and settled in. The house became a home. We planted various trees in the garden and they stood through it all, tall and unwavering. I fondly remember all the countless number of times we took shelter under them, rain or sun. When cousins come over, we would run berserk around the house, playing catch. On weekend nights, the open terrace was our own private rooftop candlelight restaurant. Every inch of our home, we loved.
Ten whole years rolled by, and we all had to move out for various reasons. Fast forward another ten years, my parents are now set to move back in. My brother helps them with the renovation and I yearn to be back, in my childhood haven.
What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail.
I would do a major career change and start a jewelry business. I’ve been learning jewelry making but haven’t been successful in selling anything so far. But it’s my passion and I continue to do it, even if it’s only me who wears them! 🙂
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?
To lose all the weight I gained during and after pregnancy. I’m nowhere near it right now, but I’m trying.
What are your daily habits?
A steaming cup of tea, ☕️
A brisk morning walk,
Work, a little workout,
Wind down, nestle in my couch,
A fulfilling dinner, good sleep.
This is an ideal day for me!
Thrum 