The iconic movie "The Sound of Music" with the charming song "These are a few of my favourite things" is pretty much on everyone's "most liked songs" list.. right? It's definitely been on mine too.. ever since I was a little girl who watched the movie enraptured and was immediately whisked away (metaphorically speaking of course) to Salzburg with the Von Trapp family children! Listening to this song a little while ago, the realization dawned on me that this song contains a hidden mantra for happiness.. "I simply remember my favourite things.. and then I don't feel.. so sad".. How wonderful are the magical musicians and lyricists that allow us to heal ourselves with their words and music.. if only we take the time to LISTEN.. properly..
Things have been a little topsy-turvy in my life lately.. I had a bad fall on Dussehra and have been in considerable pain ever since! It looked like a badly scraped knee and some impact injury on the lip (since I fell flat on my face) which was ok but as the days passed, my hand started hurting and so did my ribs and all this "shadow pain" started! Cherry on the cake (?!) was that I got some redness indicating an infection on the injured leg.. just below the knee.. so am taking an antibiotic for ten days.. definitely NOT fun! Good thing is.. today's the last day of the antibiotic.. Yippeee!!
More than a few people have been telling me "What's wrong with you? You're getting angry so quickly and completely out of sorts.. this is so not like you.. What's going on?" Found myself also feeling listless.. worthless.. and as far away from my usual sunny (?) self as it's possible to be! Clear screaming in my face signal that it was time for some serious introspection.. so I went into a virtual "vanvaas" and sorted out some of the clutter in my head.. went through a mini meltdown with my bestie Parul (who's always my voice of reason and good sense)! She heard me out.. sat me down and gave me some incredible advice.. and now I am well on the way to becoming my usual self very soon!
When realization dawned on me, it was made up of a number of factors.. this meltdown and fall apart wasn't triggered by one single incident.. but a culmination of a number of small things! As my friend Porus laughingly and frequently admonishes me, I am an "empath" to a high level and THAT is a major reason.. if and when people I care deeply about are going through stress.. and share it with me.. I tend to internalize it (almost subconsciously).. it builds up over a length of time.. and then I start feeling overwhelmed! Detach.. look at it objectively.. don't get emotionally involved.. don't take ownership of someone else's problem, etc..etc.. Yes.. I know all that is great advice.. BUT.. actually putting it into practice.. much easier said than done!
Friendship is the most important relationship in the world to me.. and I feel completely blessed that there are friends who play the different roles of friend philosopher guide critic mentor etc.. so willingly and happily for me! It is such a comfortable and comforting feeling to have people with whom we can be our "best" and "worst" selves knowing that they will love us no matter what and will NOT judge us! The gifts of acceptance understanding sympathy empathy support faith confidence loyalty affection and love are infinitely precious and lifetime gifts that cannot be bought with all the wealth in the world!
It's been over two weeks since the fall and last night was the FIRST time that I slept well and uninterrupted thanks to a strong painkiller.. God bless whoever invented Myospaz Forte! A good night's sleep is actually miraculous - I woke up feeling rested happy at peace positive and full of energy.. after 15 nights of tossing turning restlessness and pain.. Resuming my walking in the house from today as well.. my knee just wouldn't allow it until today! These past two weeks have given me a little glimpse of how it can to be OLD with constant aches and pains.. and am very clear I want to avoid that as far as possible! Walking the straight and narrow and trying to be as good as possible!
With Diwali almost upon us, this is just my way of reaching out and letting all you wonderful people know I'm okay.. happy and pretty much back to myself! Thank you all for the wisdom and clarity I get from you.. the faith and trust you have in me.. the sunshine and smiles you bring to my life.. the laughter and positivity you bring to my days.. .. the love you give to my blog.. and.. to ME! Thank you all for being very important and special in my life.. and making it special and exceptionally meaningful with your presence! On the rare occasions that I am sad.. I simply have to think of ANY.. or ALL of you.. and there's instantly a sense of pure joy and upliftment.. and this is the absolute TRUTH.. Love you all so much!!
Wishing you the radiance of smiles.. happy times.. joyous meetings.. get-togethers with friends and family.. funny stories and laughter.. and most of all.. above all else..
Wishing you abiding peace and contentment.. and light and love at Diwali (and always)!!
