26/11.. and why I survived it!!

 I woke up this morning all bright and chirpy and then looked at the calendar.. saw that it is 26/11.. said to myself "Hmmm.. so today's the day to be thankful and celebrate.." 

26/11 has been a remarkable day in my life.. it was the first time I saw imminent death at the closest quarters.. As most of you know.. I was sitting at Cafe Leopold with two close friends when the terrorists opened fire.. and we literally froze.. understood what was happening.. and ran for our lives.. all in the space of less than a minute! We were both lucky and blessed to find shelter and were holed up all night in a little room 8'x10' just opposite Bade Miyan the kababwalla.. actually SAW a terrorist running through the lane towards the Taj firing his AK-47 enthusiastically as he went..

Needless to state.. we all survived and got home safe and sound the next morning.. safe for sure.. but SOUND? Not really.. I was glued to the tv for the next two days.. went through tremendous survivor guilt.. was traumatized by what I had seen and heard.. but I survived.. unlike so many others.. It was then that I saw to WHAT extreme the human spirit can be driven.. that so much aggression violence and hatred could be unleashed so very mercilessly on so many..

Many years have elapsed since that dark night and I have asked myself time and again why I was one of those who survived? I wouldn't have left behind a heartbroken spouse.. significant other.. or children.. whether dependent or independent! 

Introspection about this has convinced me that I survived because there were still lessons I had to learn.. things I needed to do.. elderly parents I was responsible for.. friends I hadn't met yet.. people that needed my help.. and a lot of sharing I still had to do.. whether it was social intellectual emotional or financial..

Realization dawned and I started taking life one day at a time.. stopped taking my blessings for granted.. practising gratitude actively.. I nursed both my parents through several major illnesses both physical and mental.. There were days that were frustrating and exhausting but my inner core resilience came to the fore and life went on.. as it always does..

When I lost Daddy in 2017 it was as if my world had come to an end with no light at the end of the tunnel.. but that was when I got a tremendous amount of support from very close friends who "carried me through" and allowed me to grieve.. and gather myself once more!

The pandemic was a blessing for me because that gave me quality time with myself and with a very dear friend who shared some truly inspiring conversations thoughts and discussions with me.. I began looking within and questioning my own thoughts and actions.. it gave me a lot of clarity and put me firmly on the spiritual path and convinced me to try and be the best version of myself that I could..

My Dad had some incredible qualities like being disciplined.. organized.. particular.. generous

and practical.. which I always admired! He was a very special person and my main aim in life is to be someone that he would respect and admire too! 

I KNOW that I survived 26/11 because I have determination.. faith.. integrity.. generosity.. and a deep desire to reach out to and help people.. inspire them.. and try to make this world a better kinder and nicer place for everyone!

God bless and much love to everyone reading this! Stay happy.. stay well.. stay safe.. and be kind..

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Happy Children's Day!!

 Happy Children’s Day.. today and always!!

Children are our greatest teachers.. they inculcate in us the wonderful qualities of patience determination kindness trust resilience and curiosity.. Most importantly they demonstrate simply just by being.. the pure joy that comes from giving and receiving unconditional love!

When I decided to do my Post-Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, a number of people said to me “Oh, so you’re a nursery school teacher? You must really love children!” That really set me thinking as to WHY I opted for this particular profession.. and I realized that I love children pretty much as much as the next person.. BUT.. what fascinates me is how each one is so different and the process by which they learn!

Some children are visual learners while others are auditory and yet others are tactile or sensory.. some are calm while others are boisterous.. some are independent while others are a little less so.. When I look back after spending 25 years in the classroom.. I realize that children taught me what life is all about.. and how it needs to be lived..

They taught me to accept that everyone is different and unique and needs to be accepted just the way they are.. that every day we live should be filled with “Ohmigod” moments of amazement wonder and excitement.. that a nice warm hug from someone you love is the most immediate and effective first aid for any hurt..

I learned that all of us are creative in some way.. that smiling and laughing often make you happy and healthy in the head and heart.. that it’s magical to be happy for no reason.. and to ASK properly when you really need something!

Children make us happy elated frustrated exhausted impatient and drive us mad at times.. but on the flip side they awaken pure joy acceptance kindness compassion patience and unconditional love as well..

They teach us that we all need boundaries.. because they give us a sense of security.. that consistency in thought word and deed is essential to build character.. and that manners and morals can never be taught but must be “caught”.. because children learn what they live with!

As we go through life it’s important to remember that “growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional” so remain childlike.. Make a conscious effort to seek the magic.. to stay lighthearted.. celebrate everything.. SHARE.. and most of all.. be kind to others and ourselves!

Today being November 14^th, we celebrate Children’s Day which is super special.. we appreciate children for the happiness they bring to our lives and for making our world a happier more positive place.. and in the immortal words of Henry Ward Beecher “Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven”..

Happy Children’s Day to the child that’s still alive in you!