Food.. shelter and clothing used to be considered as the basic necessities for a good life.. BUT.. time goes by.. Research and development takes place.. HAPPINESS studies are conducted.. advertising attacks our eyes, noses.. minds and mouths.. and we start wanting things..
We
see our friends family neighbours and colleagues buying things.. and our WANTS
transform (at the speed of light) into NEEDS.. We no longer WANT the latest cellphone..
the latest make up products.. the latest earpods.. the most amazing cheese..
the newest flavour of chocolate.. we NEED it! The truth of the matter is that
AS SOON AS we get what we think we “need”.. it loses it’s value!
When
I sat down to think about what are the things I really WANT and NEED in my
life.. the answers that came up weren’t “things”.. the answers were “people”..
the answers were “positive feelings”.. the answers were “experiences”.. the
answers were “funny jokes”.. the answers were “good friends”.. the answers were
“caring family”.. the answers were “nice neighbours”.. the answers were “great
conversations”.. and all that kind of good stuff!
Who
are the people I need? Everyone who brings positive feelings into my life..
maybe it’s just a smile from my liftman.. or unexpected courtesy from a
shopkeeper.. or an extra big bunch of coriander from my bhajiwallah.. a
compliment on a word well played in online Scrabble.. being served my favourite
breakfast meal without asking for it.. maybe it’s a message from one of my
brevet (unofficially adopted bachhas) just to say “Hi Maasi.. hope you’re
okay.. Love you!”
Experiences..
the “WOW” kind that are once-in-a-lifetime like going skydiving.. swimming with
dolphins.. doing a bungy jump.. holding a newborn baby in my arms.. and more often..
the little everyday experiences of receiving a bouquet of flowers “just because”..
trying a new recipe that turns out to be amazingly delicious.. just sitting
with a good friend and talking about something nothing anything and everything..
getting an opportunity to help those in need and TAKING it..
Funny
jokes.. sometimes the PJs that make me roll my eyes and wonder HOW on earth
anyone would find them funny.. the risqué ones.. the slapstick ones.. the
subtle ones.. the intelligent ones.. the ones that made me laugh till I got a
stitch in my side.. Yes.. sometimes my mobile Gallery gets filled to
overflowing with jokes.. but am truly thankful that someone loves me enough to
want to make me smile and laugh.. and shares jokes with me..
Good
friends.. if you’re reading this blog.. it’s because you are a GOOD friend.. and
you know that I don’t use the word FRIEND lightly! You are much more than an
acquaintance.. and we share some wonderful memories and are committed to “be
there” for each other through thick and thin ( and also through sick and sin!!)
In the present scenario.. there are friends.. there is family.. and then there
are friends who become family.. and I am blessed to have so many of those in my
life!
Caring
family.. families care.. it’s just what they do.. it doesn’t mean that you talk
to each other daily.. or even regularly.. but they are the people who will call
or message just to check on me.. see if I’m okay.. and ask if I need anything..
and vice versa.. Families are people who are connected by the bonds of blood..
caring.. and sharing..
Nice
neighbours.. are an irreplaceable part of your life! Having a doctor
neighbour-friend is wonderful.. and having neighbours with whom you share
meals.. chats.. recipes.. important telephone numbers.. interests like sports
music and movies.. run errands for each other.. play cards or board games
with.. is a GREAT thing! I’m never all alone.. These are very special
relationships always to be nurtured and treasured on a daily basis!
Great
conversations.. like the one we’re having right now.. Am so lucky to have
wonderful people who I can share everything in my life with.. the good bad ugly
crazy funny scary weird sad special.. everything from start to finish – without
the fear of being JUDGED!
To
be accepted for what and who I am.. to be trusted and loved unconditionally.. no
matter whatever be the case..
That’s
really all that I truly want and need.. and ..what about you?
Indeed we need more than the basics. Well put Pallu!
ReplyDeleteManisha Desai
ReplyDeleteAm sure most of us want and wish for the same just as you mentioned.... unconditional love of all and for all. Beautifully and very simply expressed in thoughts and then in words !! Was filled with joy whilst reading it!! Thanks for sharing these very basic but positive thoughts.
Wow 🥰
ReplyDeleteA very well scripted peice not only honesty but with felt experiences.
ReplyDeleteLoved it.
Sudhir
" the good bad ugly crazy funny scary weird sad special.. everything from start to finish"
ReplyDeleteLet's create some more such moments again 😊
Well said! Rather apt as well, given the current situation... It is the person to person bond that will get us through this mind-numbingly trying time!
ReplyDeleteThe pandemic has truly been a wake up call about what one wants and what one truly needs, as you rightly pointed out. A lot of this time has gone into prioritizing our friendships and relationships with friends and family. New bonds have been created with helpful neighbours and friends. Families have been able to spend quality time as a unit. As much as the pain that this time has brought us, it has also taught us patience and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteKANAN NAIR
ReplyDeleteThis write up radiates tremendous positivity, encouragement and zeal in these difficult and trying times!It is dexterous and aptly written for it not only cheers us up but lifts our spirits as well! Bang on Pallu! You nailed it!
This was something I needed to read at this moment n something like this I want to read in future.always waiting for ur blogs...Anu
ReplyDeleteNavaz Master
ReplyDeleteIt's as we mature in life, that the products of monetary value get left behind, and those of emotional value take center stage.
Good friends are the best blessings and we should nurture them with care.
So well penned. True what we all need, money can't buy. It is how we keep ourselves contented with what we have that matters.
ReplyDeleteWow ! Very written and explained the real meaning of “ need” and “want “
ReplyDeleteLife is really full of simple pleasures snd we as human beings make it complicated by thinking that what we need is what we want !!
We just need to be thankful for the wonderful friends and neighbours we have - Thank you for being the Pallavi Angel - Amita
You nailed it, Pallu. Khui
ReplyDeleteSo true. The last few months have reset so many "wants" and "needs"!
ReplyDeletePallu, what an amazing writeup written and expressed in your inimitable, simple style straight from the heart. It leaves one with a feeling of warmth and positivity. Pls keep on at it.
ReplyDeleteHuman's have a weakness of being greedy...they always want more. Those who want what your list says are saints. pallu...ur amazing with words. How simply you convey what matters... looking fwd to your next
ReplyDelete