DHURANDHAR.. it’s about the choices we make..

There is a movie that Bollywood has brought us called “Dhurandhar” recently.. it translates to something “intensely powerful.. and that’s exactly what this movie WAS.. intense and powerful in addition to being extremely gory violent and chock a block full of foul language..

I didn’t go in expecting a fairytale.. and was told that I should just close my eyes during the gory scenes so I went mentally prepared (or so I thought).. The movie basically traces a trail of terror attacks launched by Pakistan on India beginning with the Kandahar hijacking..

The movie started and very soon the violene started and then the gore and it just kept getting more and more intense until it got to a point where one of the heroes (?) picks up a 5 kg weight from a vegetable cart and smashes someone’s head to a bloody pulpy mess with it! That was the point at which my friend and I walked out of the theatre and came home.. it took a good twenty minutes of sitting quietly holding hands and waiting for our heartbeats to slow down and our pulses to normalize before we could affirm to ourselves that “NOW.. all is well.. all is well”..

When I spent some time reflecting on the experience.. I realized that the film disturbed me perhaps a little disproportionately (because of my close call on 26/11) but also for other reasons.. I would just like to share my reasons here and of course I would welcome other opinions as well but this is a sort of catharsis for me..

First and foremost.. I go to a movie to be entertained.. The way I see it is that we all have stress in our lives.. so why would we want to spend money and go to be frightened out of our wits and be disturbed out of our minds? My idea of entertainment is a nice “happy-clappy chick flick” that has a happy ever after ending.. or else smething truly inspirational that brings me a message..

I am truly amazed at the number of people who have loved the movie.. the special effects and cinematography may be wonderful but SO GORY.. is it possible to walk out of the theatre unmoved and unaffected when it ends? Am told on good authority that the sequel to this movie which is expected to release early next year (2026) is ten times more intense than this one.. that that is scary!

I know it’s a very “guy thing” to enjoy watching violence and action.. but who enjoys gore and bloodshed? It was shocking for me to see the absolute depths of cruelty that human beings are capable of inflicting on each other! Maybe I am too much of a “softie” but I want to know what makes us choose to watch films like these..

We are pleading stress at home.. pressure at the workplace and challenges in relationships.. shouldn’t we be watching reading and listening to things that inspire us.. enlighten us and uplift us? Somewhere along the way.. these scenes and dialogues stay in our minds and play on our minds too.. and pulling ourselves out of those feelings becomes difficult!

Life is full of choices.. and all I want to say is that I choose gratitude.. kindness.. compassion and “karuna” over anger greed violence and cruelty every time! That is my “mantra and I believe in it so strongly that I have had it tattooed on my forearm so it’s an unspoken gentle reminder every time I look at it and am reassured that “all is well”.. The choices we make are what define us as human beings.. and that’s very important food for thought..

Thank you as always for reading and do please share your name along with the comment (if you should choose to write one).. Feedback is always welcome too and once again I reiterate.. these are simply MY thoughts!

 

 

A MAGICAL DAY.. is made of this..

 A MAGICAL DAY.. is made of this..

Daydreaming is always a fun thing to do.. and it's very interesting to know what people like to daydream about.. a big house in the mountains.. getting an unexpected windfall of 1 crore rupees and wondering where to spend it.. giving to charity etc.. Basically most of us daydream about things that would bring us joy and make us happy..

I believe that daydreaming is something truly magical and perhaps we manifest much longed for and cherished hopes and wishes.. wants dreams and desires when we do this! 

Today was a wonderful day that I would love to share with you.. I am in Shimla (at the legendary and much sought after Wildflower Hall in Mashobra actually) with a dear friend from Mumbai.. 

Almost everyone who comes to Shimla definitely goes to Kasauli for one of two very lovely experiences.. either a 14 course tasting menu at the much acclaimed fine dine restaurant NAAR.. or then shopping for heavily discounted bedlinen at the equally well known and loved Kasauli Export House..

Kasauli Export House is owned by the very friendly Sahil Sood's family! Knowing my default Girl Guide nature of "Be Prepared" I had spoken with Sahil from Mumbai to let him know I was planning to visit and he said to me "You can only come to the shop on one condition.. you have to eat lunch with me! Ghar ka asli Punjabi khana aayega.. bata do aap kya khaoge!" We agreed mutually on Rajma Chawal and Aloo Parathas and that was it!

We reached the shop at 1 pm and were given the warmest welcome with glasses of the MOST DELICIOUS fresh orange juice we have ever tasted.. in true Punjabi style with a dash of the much loved ""kaala namak"! Super refreshing and just what we needed after the 3.5 hour drive from Mashobra.. 

His band of boys overwhelmed us with a seemingly endless stream of dohars bedspreads bedsheets tablecloths and whatnot! They were extremely patient and smiled laughed and joked gently with us which was such fun!

After more than an hour and a half we met Sahil's wife Nishi and their son Shaurya both of whom were charming and very nice! We were mentally finished by the time bills were made.. addresses were given and bags were weighed and filled to be dispatched by courier.. and all of this was done super efficiently and quickly!

We were then escorted to a very small and clean restaurant for lunch and washed our hands in what felt like literally liquid ice water from the tap! Hey presto! almost like a magician.. Nishi and Sahil both served us hot Aloo Parathas with piping hot Rajma Chawal.. Boondi Raita.. homemade Mirchi ka Achaar and a scrumptious secret recipe Onion Salad with a farm fresh salad of white radish beetroot and tomatoes! Dessert was a decadent Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream.. of which 2 portions were shared between the 5 of us!

There was warm cozy chatter at the table.. lots of smiles and laughter and sharing of stories.. absolutely family vibes! What made it even more special was that I have met Sahil only ONCE in my life before today and he and his family were so warm  hospitable and loving! Tell me honestly.. who DOES this?? 

We came away overwhelmed with gratitude for the warmth and simple joy we had experienced! People have no time for their own friends and families these days and to take so much trouble for just a customer.. all I can say is that both of us felt very lucky and completely blessed!

We had a very nice drive from Mashobra to Kasauli and back with a very patient driver called Kishan in a super comfy Innova Crysta and even the Shimla traffic wasn't a dampener on our wonderful spirits! 

What I'm wanting to say is that there are magical moments that fill our days.. and if we stop day dreaming and see them.. acknowledge them and are grateful for what they are.. life will be magical and our day dreams will come true too!

Sahil Nishi and Shaurya.. thank you so much for being the magical blessings of today and wishing you the very best for your hotel.. can't wait to come and stay jaldi-jaldi! Always stay the warm generous and caring family you are today! ❤�

ARE WE STILL CAPABLE OF FEELING.. genuine emotions?

 Today has been a day of very mixed emotions for me.. and the rollercoaster really set me thinking.. There was the good.. the not so good.. the comfortable and the awkward.. the touchingly beautiful and the absolutely heartbreaking.. It reminded me of what my (brevet) niece who was studying medicine in Belgaum used to tell me – they could get sunny windy rainy misty warm and cold weather.. all in the same day sometimes!

All these feelings happening pretty much one after the other.. kinda of throws you off balance right? You bet! But what choice do we really have? We just get through the day the best we can.. and think we have shown sympathy empathy kindness compassion and whatever else the situation may have “called for”.. but have we done that? Have we actually been able to do that?

The day began and I received a beautiful warm and loving message from a dear friend who calls herself “emotionally challenged”.. she just wanted to thank me for always “being there and being a one-woman rehab spot”! To be honest.. I was overwhelmed and speechless.. and that’s very rare for me.. most of the time I have plenty to say!

Spent a fun morning at the club in the pool with my friends.. lots of banter and joking and such amazing camaraderie that I actually said a little prayer of gratitude right then and there! To meet almost the same bunch of people five days a week who are always joking smiling and laughing is like a “daily dose” of positivity.. and I am so lucky to get it without even having to ask! Whatever my mood may be when I reach the pool.. I know I will always come away smiling and feeling genuinely blessed..

This afternoon went for a condolence visit and this is something that always makes me (and a number of people) feel extremely awkward.. One is aware and somewhere obliged to maintain a serious and sombre demeanor.. and that isn’t always the easiest thing for me.. To me, death is something that reminds me of the impermanence and fragility of life and teaches me what the deepest level of acceptance really is.. If the person has passed away at a ripe old age, I believe that rather than mourn their death, we should celebrate their life! Am sure that there were people in the family who must have been devastated.. but life has made us very “matter of fact” about it and it has become almost like something we just take in our stride..

Having eaten a very sketchy lunch I was starving by the evening and my favourite roadside sandwichwalla said it would be a 20 minute wait so I went in search of something “nice” to eat.. Called one of my best friends and she promised (and came through too!!) something yummy which were scrumptious “dal ki tikki” and baked spring rolls! Greedy me and generous her.. she is always happy to feed people and also the only friend who I call “hakk se” and say I’m hungry please feed me.. and land up uninvited and so shamelessly! Wouldn’t you call her a blessing? I certainly DO!!

Got home after a super long and tiring day.. and my phone beeped.. it was one of my closest friends (and someone I love dearly).. He sent an emotional voice message telling me he had lost his favourite uncle in Pune.. his voice broke a couple of times and especially in his subsequent messages where it got overwhelming for him.. Finally we spoke with each other and I told him to be grateful that he still HAS the capacity to FEEL so deeply!

There are frequent times and occasions when I think we have become like automatons.. we don’t feel and even if we do.. we don’t show it.. Why are we so “backward about coming forward” and showing our true emotions? Are we scared of being judged or mocked.. or worried that if we show we are vulnerable, people will take advantage?

It’s time to get back in touch with your REAL side.. your AUTHENTIC self.. so feel it like you feel it.. say it like you feel it.. and show it like you feel it! You owe this much honesty to the people who matter most to you so stop trying to be the “Superman” or “Superwoman” all the time! Confession being good for the soul.. I feel very awkward accepting gratitude praise and compliments.. but am learning to do so with some amount of grace!

Please take some time to identify what is holding you back from being “real”.. accept it.. and work on it! We are all “works in progress” but what a wonderful world it would be if we were brave enough to be completely REAL!

THE ART OF RELAXING.. am learning it now!

 We are all different people.. with deifferent personalities.. different moods and different perceptions.. and that is what makes life so interesting!

Confession being good for the soul I must admit to being a hyper personality.. always living life in slightly "fast forward" mode and constantly planning ahead to try and make it all as perfect and seamless as possible!

Guess what? Realization dawned that living like this isn't necessarily the best way to be.. because by focusing on the next moment I'm not enjoying the present moment fully.. and that is a mini tragedy in itself.. 

Life being as unpredictable as it is these days.. moments of joy and happiness are fleeting and ephemeral.. and must be grabbed and held on to for the short time that we have them!

A very dear friend has been telling me for the longest time how it's super important to relax.. slow down and "learn to chill" and "just be".. I agreed in principle but never really put it in practice until he and his family (lovely wife and two wonderful children) brought me to the most gorgeous resort and spa for a three day staycation.. 

I was gently but firmly told to now learn the "art of being" instead of my default "art of doing" to which I vowed to try my best! One would imagine that to relax would be the easiest thing in the world right? Not for me..  

I had to tell myself that it was OKAY not to be doing something all the time.. or planning something all the time.. or talking to someone or making plans to meet or work on my "to do" list and stop being a slave to the clock! 

I became an honorary member of their family for these three days and have done absolutely nothing.. Have learned the art of relaxing and must say I find it very enjoyable! The highlights of this holiday have been the gentle teasing.. the deep discussions.. the sharing and caring.. the freely shared laughter and love that are such an integral part of family life and for these I am grateful from the depths of my soul..

This is the first time anyone has ever taken me away for a holiday and it has been a time I will cherish for always! Because all of them are so private I won't name any names but everlasting and etwrnal gratitude to all four of you PKT and N for adopting me as family.. Lots of love and God bless always!

I return to Mumbai wrapped in an invisible cloak of pampering acceptance love and warmth! It's not the amount of money that has been spent.. the room to suite upgrade.. the exceptional service and delicious food that made it special and an experience to be cherished.. it is the intention with which this invitation was given.. and the joy with which it was received.. One short life to live and what matters more than sharing time receiving and giving love? 

Gifting someone an opportunity and relax is much more than relaxation.. it is also a chance for rejuvenation refreshment rewiring resetting and realignment..

Overwhelming gratitude to you my soul family.. am truly blessed way beyond what mere words can even begin to express.. Who thinks so much and does so much in today's day and age?! God bless all of you and much love always!

Thank you as always for reading and do please remember to share your name at the beginning or end of your comment!

HEARTBREAKING & “HEARTMAKING” at the same time!!

Life throws all kinds of situations and experiences at us all the time.. and we are left with no option but to respond.. Most of the time it’s good stuff like a promotion at work.. maybe a financial windfall.. meeting a special person.. eating a surprisingly delicious meal at a new restaurant etc..

On the other side there is sometimes a plethora of stress with situations like major health problems.. death of a loved one.. financial losses in business or investments.. betrayal by a loved one.. emergency hospitalizations etc.. and so many other situations that I’m not mentioning here..

Am sharing something incredibly stressful that happened to me earlier this week (although sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago).. I was at my house in Lonavala having a super fun relaxed weekend with a few close friends and recovering from a rocking Diwali party.. Had gone to Poona to meet a dear friend and her family who were celebrating a birthday to which I was especially invited..

It was a lovely day but quite tiring and since I had skipped my afternoon siesta, I got into bed on Saturday night looking forward to a nice peaceful night.. Be careful what you wish for.. the fates had something completely to the contrary in store for me that night!

There was a knock at the door (which I slept through) and then my friend insistently waking me up saying there was an emergency! My driver came up with his mobile and Man Friday (Kishore to most of you) telling me calmly but urgently (don’t know how he did that) that Girl Friday (Savita) was throwing up blood and couldn’t breathe and what should he do?! We agreed that he should take her to Bombay Hospital (because it was the closest) Emergency and that I would ask someone to meet him there!

My family doctor (incidentally also best friend) them absolute gem that he is.. rushed there immediately and my driver-cum-right-hand Dinesh and I left for Mumbai at 2 AM.. The drive was harrowing to say the least because everything on the road except us was (seemingly) either a container truck or tanker.. We had to drive slow to make sure that the patient count remained at just one!

Doc spoke with me at least eleven times during that 1 hour 45 minute ride to ask for personal details of Savita.. choice of room and so on.. When someone has been a part of your family and lived with you for 35 years it’s a no-brainer right? I just said it had to be the best room.. the best doctor and the best medical care that money could possibly buy!

Reached the hospital at 3:45 am and crept quietly into the ICU to see her wide awake but exhausted.. on oxygen.. the monitors pipes and tubes completely dwarfing her fairly small being,, She apologized for causing me so much trouble and I told her she would be fine.. sat with her for a while and came back home to get some rest..

I went back in a couple of hours and met the treating specialist Dr. Avya Bansal.. an outstanding pulmonologist and more importantly.. a wonderful human being! He very patiently explained the situation to me in great detail illustrating it with a simple drawing! He was also kind enough to speak with my doctor and explain the situation to him as well.. Which specialist gives you this much time anymore?

We have been truly blessed to have Dr. Bansal looking after her.. his bedside manner is exemplary and he is a very positive and reassuring presence. He is both approachable and immediately responsive.. and it’s such a blessing to meet a doctor who genuinely CARES about his patients! God bless him, Dr. Vishwesh and his team!

Savita spent two days in the ICU and was beautifully looked after and shifted to a private room yesterday (can’t risk any cross infections)! She was grouchy and that irritated me and I was walking around looking (and feeling) like a thundercloud but a long talk with my bestie made me realize that I should calm down.. and I did..

She was nice and cheerful this morning and not grumbling about anything and that gave me the 180 degree turnaround in my mood that I needed as well.. Learning how to stay calm is the most important super power we all need! I went to the pool for a swim (after three days) and felt normal which was such a lovely feeling!

When I say “heartbreaking and heartmaking” I refer to two people.. Savita who was seriously unwell (possibly critical) which was heartbreaking (she’s my little sister) who is now making excellent progress which is heartmaking! My rock star Kishore said something very special to me a short while ago which I would like to share..

He came to my room (ostensibly to make the bed) and said in a very conversational tone“Do you know.. when I go to the village and meet my family, I feel like I am a guest and count the days until I come back HOME and to my FAMILY.. and that is here and you! For all that you do for us (even though we all get cranky sometimes!) and for being such a blessing in our lives (and I am saying this for both of us) I thank you from my heart and know that I am very fortunate to have gotten to work in this house and for your parents and you! Aap ko tahe dil se bahut bahut shukriya!

If that isn’t “heartmaking” tell me what is!! I am blessed and grateful for every joy great and small.. and always will be! Thank you all for your prayers and support for Savita.. it means much more to me than words can express! All going well.. she ought to be home on Saturday!

God is truly great and may His hand always remain on the heads of all those I love especially!

Thank you as always for reading and please add your name at the beginning or end of the comment (should you choose to write one)!!

TECHNOLOGY CAN BE A LIFESAVER.. and was today!!

 I’ve never been a techno buff.. and am actually pretty technophobic but I pulled off a major achievement today (by my standards) and want to share it! So there we were.. my friend Vaishali and I just walking into WINK at the President when all of a sudden.. my sandal broke!

Diwali evening.. most people at home celebrating with their families (including the local cobblers) and me with a broken sandal.. The staff were very helpful and tried to find a cobbler but there wasn’t anyone.. As all of you know.. I can be Humpty Dumpty at the most inopportune times and the last thing I wanted today (or ever) was to fall down!

Walking out of the hotel wasn’t an option.. too dangerous for me to attempt walking with my sandal almost in 2 parts! What to do? The young generation of today is so resourceful.. suddenly Vaishali said to me “Just call home and tell your helper to send your shoes down in a bag.. leave it with security and then use the UBER Courier service to bring your shoes here to the hotel!” How brilliant.. God bless her!

Sounds easy-peasy right? Not so for the technophobic yours truly.. but today I decided that I WOULD do this on my own.. It was a bit of a struggle but I managed and am super proud of myself! Today was a new feather in my cap of technological abilities and achievements! As senior citizens it is imperative in today’s world to have basic++ tech abilities because it’s not fun to be dependent on others to do these silly (but sometimes essential) things for us!

This was a lesson in more ways than one..

1)   1) Make friends with younger people because there will always be times when their different         (not better or worse, just different) skill sets will help you!

2)   2) Always have faith in yourself and your abilities.. if you think you can.. you will definitely be     able to..

3)   3) Be open to accepting offers of help or suggestions from other people.. you’re not always the     sharpest pencil in the drawer or the brightest star in the firmament for that matter!

4)   4) Know and believe that in the technology boom.. that almost every problem (with very few         exceptions) has a fairly simple solution!

5)  5) Embrace technology instead of fearing it.. empower yourself enough to be able to manage         simple things like ordering groceries and meals online.. calling an Uber.. and celebrate             every little victory (it’s NOT little)!Rereading the above list reminds me that this is a pretty         cool message and advice for the new year (tomorrow is Bestu Varas or New Year’s Day             Samvat year 2082..

Re-reading the above list reminds me that this is a pretty cool message and advice for the new year (tomorrow is Bestu Varas or New Year’s Day Samvat year 2082..

Wishing all those of you who celebrate a truly magical and magnificent new year and “Saal Mubaarak”. May it be a perfect day and one that heralds a year filled with faith friendship fortune laughter love and light!

 Thank you (as always) for reading and please add your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

 

RAINY DAYS & SUNDAYS.. how to spend them..

This blog is especially for my fellow Bombayites (sounds so much nicer than saying Mumbaikars.. right?) We’re having a super wet spell and that can be debilitating in the city where most people love to go out and party!

Are you feeling “rained out” and restless being “stuck” at home? How about you shift your perspective just a little bit? You have quiet peaceful time at home with minimal (if any) interruptions.. and there is so much you can do (if you’re so inclined that is)..

The first option that comes to mind is (because I am borderline OCD) to tidy up your cupboard and give away the clothes you haven’t worn in the last six months.. Victims of the floods in both Punjab and Uttaranchal would be overwhelmingly grateful.. and should you not want to extend yourself that far.. the helpers at home would probably be equally if not more grateful..

Another idea is to clean up the photog gallery on your cell phone.. we keep postponing it and then get stressed when the pop up pings saying we have used 92% of the space available! Chances are dim and slim that we will EVER (if at all) watch ALL the videos that come to us on WhatsApp! Most of them go to the Recycle Bin unopened!

How about you decide to step into the kitchen to finally make that salad or dessert or amazing paneer recipe that you’ve been wanting to try for the longest time? As my Dad used to say “No time like the present” so roll up those sleeves.. get out that shopping board.. and get to it now! There is every possibility that you will create a mini (or maxi) culinary masterpiece! It’s also the perfect opportunity for you nitpicky tea and coffee drinkers to get up and LEARN how to make yourself the perfect cup of your favourite brew!

In the event that any of the above options are too much of an effort.. you could sit back and create a few of your favourite playlists on Spotify (which you’ve been planning to to do since God only knows when)! Once you finish that you could also do the same and create a personal list of “to be watched” movies and series on Netflix.. Amazon etc..

Alternatively lie on your bed.. close your eyes and listen to songs about rain.. and be lulled into a state of somnolence to the strains of songs like “Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein” “Rimjhim Gire Saawan” “Ghanan Ghanan” or those of you who prefer English melodies like “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” “It’s Raining Men” or the all time favourite “Rainy Days and Mondays”! What an incredible way to do not very much at all.. and so enjoyably at that!

You could choose to be conventional and make garma garam masala chai and mixed vegetable bhajias.. or be adventurous and go for a walk especially to get soaked in the rain (better to stay home and dry).. or be clever (like me!!) and invite friends over for a fun time of chit-chat.. yummy food and maybe some board games thrown in.. or be a good “planner” and get your “to do list” for the week ready!

Whatever you decide to do.. just remember that this is probably the last Sunday of the year so don’t waste it sleeping all day.. but do whatever makes you happy and brings you joy!! There is not right or wrong way to spend days like these so.. make those calls.. send those messages.. tell those stories.. just stop thinking about it and DO IT!!

As always, thank you so much for reading and have a fantastic rest of the day!!

 

GENEROSITY.. is so easy to build..

We are all born with certain specific personality traits.. and tend to thank or blame our parents for them (depending on what they are)! 

Having been a student of Psychology and lived for 62 years it is obvious that character traits like anger  can get passed down from parents and children.. but then again so can patience.. a love for food can be hereditary while a love for alcohol is not quite as commonly seen!

We often inherit physical characteristics from our parents like the colour of our eyes.. the shape of our noses and even their body structure.. which can be both.. a good and a not so good thing! 

I am personally fascinated by how every human being in the world is a distinctly unique individual.. and that too.. in every way possible - physical mental intellectual social emotional and spiritual..

The diversity in quirks flaws and perceptions is especially very interesting.. I like to believe that we are all "works in progress" and always have the option of working on ourselves to grow learn and evolve into better human beings..

Something interesting happened last week and I would like to share it as it was a major learning for me.. I hosted some friends for a music show and thereafter to dinner at one of my favourite restaurants.. When the bill came to the table.. one friend tried to ask if we could go "Dutch" to which I gave my standard cheesy reply of "We'll go Dutch when we go to Holland"! And that was the end of it.. or so I thought..

Somewhere it bothered me that she felt the need to even ask.. and it made me feel like the friendship became almost but not quite.. transactional.. I had invited them knowing they would love the show and the dinner.. so why did she ask at all.. We spoke about it and cleared it which was great but set me thinking..

My realization was that I have for the longest time had a problem accepting (because I am by default a "giver") be it with presents compliments credit or anything! "Giving" is actually my "love language" and everyone is not like me! 

Generosity is a wonderful virtue and especially when it is paired with gratitude.. and no one's keeping score! There doesn't have to be a rupee spent in order to be generous! Generosity can be inviting someone over for a nice home cooked  meal.. spending time sitting with a sick friend in hospital.. sending flowers for no particular reason.. visiting an elderly relative just to spend time.. sharing something beautiful you have read with someone who would enjoy it..

Generosity can and should be expressed through kindness and concern.. through food.. hugs.. handwritten notes.. surprise messages and relaxed conversations.. It can be shown in so many ways.. and you can keep finding new and interesting ways to do it!

In today's world we all have enough space in our hearts for a little more understanding.. care.. support.. time to spend with special people.. laughter.. light and most of all.. LOVE!!

Whatever you have to give.. go out there and give it to the people who need it.. want it.. are open to receive it and are truly grateful for it! Give freely and generously and be prepared for the tsunami that will come your way in return!

Thank you so much (as always) for reading and if you choose to write a comment.. please share your name before or after you write it! God bless always!!

HOSPITALITY.. to the highest level..

There are times and occasions in life when you just know that the powers that be are smiling down on you.. and that you are blessed beyond measure.. I have been overwhelmingly blessed to have felt that way for the last 50 days!

Yes.. it has been truly magical.. the last 50 days of my life! I was on holiday with friends.. we travelled out of their city.. came back home.. travelled again out of their country.. and came back home again.. and now I'm finally on my way back home!

Family (theirs.. whom I have pretty adopted as mine too) came to visit.. The house was full of family.. friendship.. food and fun and it was truly fabulous.. we were all together.. and then each of us did our own thing as well whenever we felt like it..

It's kind of incredible when you think of ten (yes.. TEN) different ages and temperaments all having fun under the same roof.. but that is exactly how it was..

The hostess with the MOSTEST.. the lady of the house.. is the most relaxed person.. she is Superwoman (as I think most women who live in the Western world are).. everyone wakes up when they want.. everyone eats when they want.. everyone is free to do whatever they like! 

She is a phenomenal cook and her kitchen and larder are wide open.. just help yourself to whatever you like from an extensive variety of nuts.. fruit.. dessert.. chocolate.. ice cream.. bread.. cheese.. juice.. soft drinks.. and I could go on and on! 

The host and head of the family is warm friendly and a great conversationalist in addition to being a devout Buddhist who loves reading and then discussing spirituality.. we had some amazing conversations which I will cherish for always!

The daughter of the house is gorgeous both outside and in.. a masterchef herself she is charming helpful and has a hysterical sense of humour! She is extremely creative (like her mother) and has a definite flair for the dramatic which makes for an entertaining atmosphere!

The son of the house studies at University but I got to spend some time with him since he was on a short break after finishing his summer internship.. Quiet for the most part but extremely bright and a phenomenal Taboo and Rummikub player.. really put me under pressure to do my best!

And that brings me to the last (but by no means the least) two most precious members of the family.. the puppies! Adorable is an understatement.. playful frisky gentle and always hungry or else up to something.. they are the heart of the house and rightly so! 

We did just about everything.. shopping.. faffing.. going for massages.. pampering sessions at the salon and nail spa.. lolling around chatting.. sharing life experiences and giving each other life lessons.. really!!

Their home is a space of caring.. sharing.. warmth.. laughter.. gentle teasing.. silly jokes.. and full of positive energy! It was such a privilege and blessing to have spent seven weeks with them (which is also my longest holiday ever)! 

Bonds have strengthened.. mutual respect has been cemented and the love and affection have only grown! At no point did I ever feel the tiniest bit homesick.. but am obviously delighted to finally be going home to my own little bed now!

Am not naming names but this level of hospitality is rare and you have to be really lucky to experience it! Of course I am super impressed that they could cope with me and all my masti and incessant giggles and crazy jokes for seven weeks and have issued an open invitation to go and stay whenever I like as well! (some people like to give themselves grief!!)

Thank you my wonderful family.. so very much.. and remain blessed because thats exactly what you deserve.. today tomorrow and always! Missing the energy and positivity and puppies and all of you so very much already.. but I carry you all with me in my heart! God bless and much love always!! ❤️ 

Thank you for reading (as always) and do remember tonadd your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

FRIENDSHIP DAY.. is a wonderful opportunity!

So today is another one of those very special red letter days in the year for me! For most people it is Friendship Day while for me.. it is a wonderful opportunity!

It is an opportunity to acknowledge and be grateful for the blessing of pure clean and solid friendships in my life! 

Being single and having lost both my parents for many years now.. life could have gotten very lonely and depressing.. had it not been for my friends..

Genuine friends are the people I can't imagine my world without.. the ones who always show up.. and just know when I need them!

Real friends are the people whose souls are connected inextricably to mine.. and that's the way I want to keep them..

Solid friends aren't the ones who say good things to my face.. they are the ones who won't believe the bad things said about me behind my back!

Pure friendships are the ones where there are no expectations from each other.. but integrity to for and with each other is a "default setting"..

Clean friendships are the ones where every conversation is rooted in love care and mutual respect..

True friendships are the ones where you are "partners in crime" and keep each other on the "straight and narrow" simultaneously! 

We don't need a multitude of friends to navigate life happily but we do need a few for sure..

We need them to keep our spirits upbeat and buoyant especially during difficult times.. 

We need them to help us keep our faith in ourselves strong.. especially at the times we don't feel so confident..

We need them to make sure we get to double the joys and halve the troubles..

We need them so that they have us as sounding boards.. sheet anchors and anchors during the storms of life..

We need them so thatour faith in the essential goodness of human nature remains intact!

We need them so we can be witness to the events of their lives and they are witnesses to the events of ours..

Best friends are the ones you can call and say "I'm hungry and coming over.. what is there to eat?" or "Life feels crappy today.. come over" or "No one understands my words.. how do you understand my silence"? or simply "My life is so much better because you're in it"

And then there are the friends who you HAVE to talk to everyday.. because your day doesnt feel complete otherwise!

All those of you who qualify in any or all of the above categories know who you are.. so for a change I won't add your namrs here and embarrass you.. but Happy Friendship Day to you all and to all those of you reading!

Know that you are truly loved appreciated and cherished for being who you are in my life.. and that I am so blessed and grateful to know count and love you as a special friend! 

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to share my life..time.. thoughts.. words.. feelings.. love and life with you!

Thank you as always for reading and do please add your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

WITH HEARTFELT GRATITUDE.. to every one of you!!

As a schoolgirl.. English was my favourite subject.. I loved the magic of words.. learning new words.. what they meant.. the context in which they could and should be used and so on..

My father was a wordsmith as well and encouraged my huge love for words.. and seeing that the apple never falls too far from the tree.. here I am writing yet another blog to you.. but this one's for me!

All of you who read my blogs also read my "morning magic" and you know that gratitude kindness and compassion are the essential core components of my life.. right? 

RIGHT!! 

So let me share something special with you.. it's my birthday soon.. on Friday the 25th of July! Growing up it was always a big deal and there was always a big birthday party with great food (I can see some of you smiling and wondering.. so what's the big deal? It's still like that!) 

This time it's not about what I want.. but about what I have received and am grateful for.. 

This time it is to express my gratitude to you all for indulging me and reading what I write..

This time it is to say it is such a privilege and honour when any of you trust me enough to write in to say "Thank you.. I really need to read this today" or "Your message helped me cope with something tough" or "It gave me another perspective"..

This time it is to let you know that I am so grateful for the reader base of almost 225 family.. friends.. and friends who are more than family where I had started writing with perhaps 5 to 7 people..

This time it is to say that there are no more "Monday morning blues" in my life.. because I look forward to starting the week by hoping for inspiration and sharing some "words of wisdom" with you..

This time it is to say thank you for allowing me into your phones and days and lives just to "share the sunshine" for those few minutes daily!

This time it is to say thank you for sharing your stories struggles challenges joys and triumphs.. it touches my heart in a special way to be a part of your story..

This time it is to share that I feel incredibly blessed to have the gift of expressing my thoughts  feelings and emotions which enables me to connect with the people who matter to me at a meaningful level..

This blog is especially close to my heart because it is the landmark 100th blog I have written! Every blog has been inspired by something that moved me deeply.. and today I would like to know your thoughts.. Should I stop or should I continue writing? 

And saving the best for last.. thank you all for being my most wonderful birthday presents!!

Thank you as always for writing and please remember to share your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

GURU PURNIMA.. the best day in the year!!

Everyone who knows me knows that the 25th of July is a very important date on my calendar.. actually.. birthdays are special for everyone..

Celebrating the anniversary of your date of birth is when you feel like king or queen for a day.. everyone pampers you and makes you feel special and important.. and it is truly a wonderful feeling!

I like to believe that we who are exceedingly fortunate and blessed get to celebrate another birthday in life that is even more important and special.. the day we meet the person who is meant to become our guru..

That is the day of the most beautiful beginning.. the tiniest opening of the tightest bud of our soul which is meant to awaken and bloom as we embark upon our spiritual journey.. 

A guru is someone who comes into our lives when we are ready to be "awakened" and brought onto the path of spirituality to learn soul lessons.. to face our true selves.. to work on building our inner strength.. 

It is someone who explains to us the significance of kindness and compassion.. and how to integrate them into our daily lives.. our guide on how to live the highest quality spiritual life while vibrating at the highest frequency..

A true guru doesn't force us to change.. but they embody the qualities that we should aspire to achieve.. unshakeable faith.. internal purity.. unconditional acceptance of circumstances and selfless love to the Almighty God and Great Master..

Our lives are never the same after we find a true guru.. we are empowered to let go of fear and worry.. and encouraged to build strength and resilience.. We know that we are in divine protection and no matter whatever challenges come our way.. we will always be safe! 

Meeting my guru has been unquestionably the greatest blessing of my life and although a day late.. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you and say how very grateful I am for your presence in my life GKG..

Thank you for helping and guiding me.. inspiring me to think and introspect.. to learn and grow.. and for all the gifts of trust kindness protection and love.. I am truly blessed!

Happy Guru Purnima also to P2 and to all those who lead by example.. teach me.. share your knowledge.. and shine your light to illuminate my world with your light and wisdom!

Wishing you all the joy of finding a true guru as you navigate through life with all it's highs & lows!

Heartfelt gratitude as always and thank you so much for reading!

WHY DO WE COMPLICATE THINGS.. and overreact?!

Most of the time.. I consider myself to be a fairly practical and calm person.. There are however.. times and occasions that are the exception to the rule.. and one of them occured just a couple of days ago..

I had had a pretty much non-stop day.. the kind my closest friends often teasingly refer to as a "Pallu day" and one that didn't allow me to get my little "horizontal" time and by 10:30 pm I was totally exhausted! 

It was an extremely wet and humid evening so I put the airconditioner on 22° and medium  speed.. my head on the pillow.. and in less than two shakes of a puppy dog's tail I was fast asleep! About four hours later.. I woke up because I was FREEZING.. picked up the remote to raise the temperature and the whole screen was filled with funny symbols numbers and whatnot! 

The bloody remote wouldn't let me raise the temperature.. lower the temperature.. adjust the flaps or the direction of airflow.. and it wouldn't even let me switch the airconditioner OFF! There in my (no longer) sleep befuddled state was me.. desperately pressing every button on the remote to get absolutely NO response to anything.. AND my bedroom was still freezing cold and it was driving me crazy!

Finally after a number of abortive attempts I succumbed and switched off the main switch.. and managed to fall back asleep under the steady and comfortable whirring of the ceiling fan! 

First thing in the morning I called the service company people and launched into a litany of the woes of my night and they promised to send a technician to check.. I even went to the extent of asking if the remote was a genuine one or fake.. imagine my face when they later confirmed that it was indeed fake! 

The guys came in the afternoon and checked the remote only to find that ALL four of my airconditioner remotes had batteries that were on the brink of dying and in a matter of literally a minute each in their hands.. worked perfectly normally! 

These are the times when you feel dumb and sheepish and I was not an exception! I apologized and remunerated them for their efforts generously and was in return given a piece of advice.. ac remote batteries MUST be changed every 3 months or else the battery liquid leaks out.. as it had done in my case!

It set me thinking and made me wonder why we (assuming I'm not the only one) rarely think of the simplest solution to a problem! There was a perfectly ready and comfortable bedroom I could have gone to sleep in (with a properly functioning ac remote) but I didn't take that option.. Probably because my Gujarati baniya genes wouldn't allow me to run two airconditioners all night for just one person!

My learning from this episode has been to stay calm and try to find the simplest solution to the problem and call in the professionals if and when all simple options fail.. I started looking at the worst case scenario thinking maybe the ac was dying and needed to be replaced etc..etc.. 

Am I usually a "drama queen"? Not really but this just reinforced that I NEED my little siesta or "horizontal time" to be able to function at optimum and take these little niggles of life "in my stride"!

So now the mantra is.. calm down.. take a few deep breaths.. think of a solution.. and most of all.. don't take it personally and remember there is almost always a simple solution.. if we just stop to think of it and look for it! 

Just a fun little sharing before the weekend starts.. so thank you as always for reading!

Do please remember to add your name at the beginning or end of the comment (if you should choose to write one)!

THE IRONIES OF LIFE.. can be so tragic..

 THE IRONIES OF LIFE.. can be so tragic..

A lot of sad and bad things have been happening in the world lately and it really makes me wonder.. WHY do these things happen?

How does a happy picnic spot become a graveyard all of a sudden? Why does a wife on her honeymoon give a contract for husband to be killed? How does a Dreamliner crash and erupt into a ball of fire almost immediately after takeoff with everyone (except one person) dying?

What makes that same Dreamliner collapse on top of a medical college mess where young "soon to be doctors" were enjoying a short break from their arduous duties to have lunch? Why were those who are actually "life savers" killed? Are there any answers? Not really..

BOEING as a company will be taken to task.. inquiries will be made.. AIR INDIA will come under the scanner for questionable security measures (or rather.. the lack of them).. Ministers will mouth platitudes and give lengthy speeches.. families will be compensated with money.. and it will become an old story soon..

I just want to share my feelings about this horrific episode.. because I believe that in everything that happens.. there is a lesson and a takeaway..

Through my life of almost 62 years I have lost no less than SEVEN family members to air disasters.. having said that, I never think of that while boarding a flight! 

As I sit to think of those that have perished.. I wonder what their last thoughts were before the crash.. unrealized dreams.. goals that would never be achieved.. people they would never meet again.. promotions earned but never to be received.. vacation plans that would never see the light of day.. proposals that wont be made.. the baby that won't complete the family.. it was just too late..

And when I sit to pray for the families and friends of those who have been lost.. so many possible scenarious run riot in my head.. Are they regretting something nasty they may have said.. Did they fight about something trivial? Were they rude or unkind in their words or actions? Was there a secret they wanted to share? An apology that should have been made in person? Is there a planned celebration that won't take place? A family holiday that will remain as a dream.. It is just too late now..

We really need to count our blessings and be grateful that it's not TOO LATE YET.. to say thank you.. to tell the people we love that we love them (in so many words).. to send those flowers.. to make that call.. to write that email.. to say that prayer.. 

What an incredible lesson there is to be learned from this tragedy.. watch your thoughts.. choose your words carefully and no matter what happens.. be kind.. At the end of the day.. no one should ever live with regrets for what they "could have and should have done".. for others as well as for themselves..

The difference between life and death is one breath.. just ONE breath.. If you have been at all affected by the crash of AI 171.. please stop taking your life and the people you love for granted! 

Make time for people.. meet them.. TALK to them.. about your hopes and dreams.. whims  fancies and desires.. Celebrate your birthday with your friends and family.. it is a blessing to be surrounded by love!! Realize and give thanks for waking up every morning and simply being alive.. for it is a privilege denied to so many! LIVE every day of your life the fullest happiest and most beautiful way you can.. 

Do it simply because.. in the truly immportal words of the brilliant poet Javed Akhtar..

Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi

Chaanv hai kabhi, kabhi

hai dhoop zindagi

Har pal yahan

Jee bhar jiyo jo hai samaa

Kal ho naa ho

Har pal yahan

Jee bhar jiyo jo hai samaa

Kal ho naa ho

Thank you as always for reading and do remember to please add tour name at the end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

CREATE THIS DOCUMENT TODAY.. it’s really important!!

I’ve never said it before but please read this blog very carefully and do the needful at the earliest (if what is written resonates with you)..

There are days when I stare into space.. reflect on the day week and month that’s gone by and occasional flashes of insight (am not being conceited enough to call it brilliance) come to me.. This happened to me one evening last week and it seemed important enough to warrant a blog and so here I am wanting to share it!

A dear friend had come over for dinner and he happened to mention that he was travelling to Goa tomorrow.. Amit is one of my “bubble friends” – my name for friendships where we only know each other but no one else in each other’s lives..

These are precious friendships but not always the most practical kind.. whether it’s the fact that Operation Sindoor happened.. whether war broke out or not.. it suddenly hit me that God forbid.. if there was to be a crisis situation, neither one of us had any means of getting an update about each other! Life is unpredictable (to say the least) and we discussed and decided that we should do something about it for sure and at the soonest!

For starters.. we are both single (and happy) but we agreed that whenever either one of us is travelling.. tickets and itineraries have to be shared! Upon safe arrival at destination, a WhatsApp message must be sent as well so that other is at peace.. especially considering the frequency of flight delays and cancellations nowadays..

Once we agreed on this, another thought followed in quick succession.. and it was like this.. Oftentimes even for people who live with complete families.. nobody really knows ALL your details.. What if you need to be rushed to hospital or you are stranded (horrors!!) without wi-fi.. someone needs to know important information about you so that they can help you out! Right? You bet!

Am sure everyone has that one person (bestie.. family.. really close friend or an ICE (in case of emergency) who you trust completely.. if you do, you need to create a document with all the most important information about you and share it with them! Am going to try and make this easier for you by sharing the details I think should be shared..

·       Passport copy

·       Medical insurance policy copy, insurance agent name and contact number

·       Car/s insurance copies

·       Bank account number, name and branch

·       Bank locker number

·       Credit card/s details with pin/s

·       Email ID/s with password/s

·       List of medications taken with a brief medical history

·       Family doctor & specialist names with mobile numbers

·       Staff names and mobile numbers

·       Close friends and family names & numbers to be contacted (in case of an emergency)

 

Do feel free to add whatever you’d like to this list and please do it at the earliest.. am sure it will come in very helpful and handy some day!

As always, thank you so much for reading and do please add your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)..

WE ALL NEED TO DO THIS.. go that extra mile!!

Last Sunday I went (with a couple of friends) to Matunga for a nice South Indian Breakfast/brunch.. We were chatting and laughing in the car and moving smoothly until we reached the Matunga market which was crowded as usual and to be expected on a Sunday..

As we got to the corner where we had to turn left for Arya Bhavan (my all-time favourite South Indian restaurant) we stopped.. just stopped.. because there wasn’t an empty square inch of road to drive on!

Everywhere we looked.. we saw visually impaired people tapping their white sticks and trying to negotiate their way.. and I’m talking about over a hundred people! We were obviously crawling through the narrow lane taking extreme care not to even lightly brush against a single person.

As we were sitting in the car, a young girl tapped on my window and when I lowered the glass, she told me “Please be very careful and drive slowly.. there’s very little space to move and these blind people can’t see you”! She was probably still in her teens and I promised to do as she requested and we moved ahead..

Further ahead we saw a banner that announced that it was “Andha Ann Din” which meant some kindhearted soul/s were donating foodstuff and grains to these people.. so finally we understood the reason for the hordes of people. Somehow that gesture of the young girl really touched me.. she didn’t HAVE to tap on my window with her words of caution.. but.. she genuinely cared about the people and went out of her way and “walked the extra mile” to do so!

It was brave on her part as well because there was always the possibility that I could have been a different kind of person who snapped and said something like “I am not blind and can see.. You don’t need to tell me what to do.. Just mind your business.. Are you trying to be Mother Teresa?” The sad truth is that we Mumbaikars pride ourselves on being “so busy” and think that is a licence to be rude and snappy!

I like to believe that there are times when we want to “walk the extra mile” for others but are a little worried that it may backfire.. or the other person might think we are weird or crazy.. or mistake our intentions as power play or whatever.. but it is SO important to perform small acts of random kindness that are unexpected..

Just think about it.. there are so many opportunities through the day when you can do this.. hold a door open for someone who’s laden with parcels.. try and help sort out a traffic snarl.. offer to share your umbrella with someone who needs it.. carry your neighbour’s courier parcel up and drop it to their door.. send flowers to your bestie “just because”.. hand tetrapacks of “lassi” and “chaash” to traffic policemen doing duty in the sweltering afternoon sun or even order a special meal for your staff the day they’re really tired..

As we go through life.. let’s try and resolve to do something small and thoughtful for another person whenever we can.. going the extra mile isn’t troublesome or difficult.. It just needs a kind and thoughtful heart and a willingness to bring a smile to another person’s face! Kindness costs nothing and what a wonderful habit to pass on to our children and everyone around us.. It will bring you a glow of warmth in the heart and a smile that stretches from ear to ear! With all the exercise gymming yoga Pilates and swimming we do.. let’s make “walking the extra mile” a regular part of our lives too!

As always, thank you for reading and please write your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

SOME MIRACLES ARE JUST GOOD PEOPLE.. with kind hearts!!

As a little girl growing up Daddy always tried to teach me about “the value of money”.. and this was done in various creative ways! Tidiness and neatness were rewarded with pocket money.. I was encouraged to go “door to door” (only in the building) to collect donations for the NAB Lions Home for the Blind (a form was given from school) and when I professed a desire for a pair of “Roman lace up sandals” the money was collected by doing (once again) door to door market research for some washing powder! Persevering in spite of a number or slammed doors and rude people, it was a real thrill to collect the princely sum of Rs.70 to buy my first  very OWN pair of sandals with my very OWN MONEY!!

I was pampered in terms of permissions and friends and going out but kept on a very tight budget.. and remember my mother’s words so clearly “When you start earning your own money.. you can spend it however you like but until then.. you will have t do as we say and decide”.. and that made me want to really hurry up and start earning my own money!

Daddy used to travel abroad a great deal on work.. and by the time I was in senior school I wanted “branded” jeans.. and the only “brands” back then were Wranglers and Levis! He went to Hong Kong and brought me 10 pairs of jeans.. ONE pair of genuine “branded” Wranglers and the rest “wannabe” pairs from Stanley Market which was an absolute haven for “branded” copies back then! I was happy and he was even happier because the he bought the other 9 pairs for a song!

Daddy always liked being the “cool Dad” and managed to find reasonable and acceptable ways of indulging me without saying too many “Nos” and without spoiling me outrageously at the same time! He was earning a comfortable salary and we lived well but he always discouraged me from buying “branded” clothes saying I didn’t NEED them.. However he always insisted on buying good quality footwear because that was a health concern! Totally reasonable and acceptable by any and all standards? Absolutely!

As I was growing up, he told me one day that when my personal wealth reached a certain figure (which he never disclosed to me!) he would allow me to fly “Business Class” and the day THAT happened it was really exciting! That was also the first trip when he gave me a more generous allowance of spending money and said I could buy myself a “branded” watch.. explaining to me that since I was going to London I should claim the VAT Tax-free refund.. and also that since I wore a watch everyday it was an “investment”!

Time went by and I started becoming a discerning shopper and decided to invest in only top branded bags and watches because they would last and were genuinely “value for money”.. In keeping with my new beliefs I bought myself a Cartier Tank watch on my 60^th birthday and was very pleased with myself! I wore it every single day and really loved the watch! And then.. for no particular reason.. one fine day.. it just stopped working!

I took it back to the company I had bought it from.. they checked it and said the battery had failed and would need to be replaced.. The battery had to come from France so I waited patiently for 3 weeks! All was well for another six months or so when it unaccountable stopped again! This time they told me the watch had gotten “demagnetized” so another 3 weeks to fix it! A couple of months went by and two tiny pins fell out of the strap and the watch was perching precariously on my wrist.. Thanks to the house renovation.. shifting and my own carelessness (it must be admitted) the spare links were not to be found so yet another 3 weeks at the workshop!

When it stopped working again a couple of weeks ago I took it to the workshop and gave the team a piece of my mind.. told them I had been given the equivalent of a “lemon” and that it was shameful that a Cartier had to be fixed FOUR times within just two years of purchase.. and if the brand had ANY integrity and concern for their reputation they should give me a replacement!

And THIS is where the miracle called Mr. Karan Vaidya came into my life.. he heard my litany woes and rants patiently.. agreed with me.. took up this matter with the brand.. fought for me.. negotiated for me.. and this evening.. happily handed over to me a spanking brand new Cartier Tank watch.. exactly identical to the one I had bought in 2023!

It is always refreshing and reassuring to meet people who do what they do with passion and integrity and I have been truly blessed to meet this extremely charming personable and thoroughly professional young man! I hope to be able to share this blog with him via email.. and thank him once again for being such a rockstar and amazingly helpful person! Don’t think I will ever be able to wear my watch without thinking of him and blessing him! He has truly been my miracle of a good person with a kind heart! God bless you Karan!

Thank you as always for reading and please write your name at the end of the comment (should you choose to write one).

 

ARE WE TRULY GRATEFUL ENOUGH.. and for the right things? Ask yourself..

As we go through life and navigate from one age and one stage to another.. there are certain “buzz words” and “key phrases” that rule.. When we were very young it was “children are meant to be seen and not heard” and then it changed to “Do as I say don’t do as I do” and so on.. and we as obedient children listened and adhered..

Time went by.. we grew up.. developed our own identities and personalities and the phrases changed to “it’s all about loving your parents” and “nothing is impossible.. the word itself says I M possible”.. and thinking we were invincible.. we were convinced about these truths too..

When we started working we were told things like “TEAM” stands for “together everyone achieves more” and “We’re number 2.. we try harder” and we pushed ourselves to outperform each other and ourselves.. and thought that would result in accolades and awards.. and it did.. BUT..

After giving (almost) our hearts and souls to other people.. friends.. family.. the boss and the office.. we had a “Eureka moment” and realized that something was wrong.. The salary cheque was substantial.. there was recognition and fame.. but there was still something “missing”.. and for the life of us.. we couldn’t put our finger on it!

It was around then that all of a sudden.. buzz words and phrases.. life coaches.. spirituality and “personal growth” became the rage and we got advice and life lessons that went something like this.. “Think positive.. good energy matters.. be thankful.. practice gratitude actively”.. and so.. in our own muddled and confused way.. we tried.. said multiple “thank yous” to God or the universe every time something good happened to us! This was a good thing.. but the question is.. was it good enough?

The answer is very simple.. NO.. no it’s not good enough.. because we need to first identify and acknowledge our blessings before we can be grateful for them! And most of us believe that the time to be grateful is when plans work and good things happen to us and the people we love.. Right? This is actually wrong.. or at best.. just partly right!

My dear friend Navaz sent me a video where it shows a simple down to earth person says gratitude shouldn’t be only for the good things that we receive but.. and get this loud and clear.. it should ALSO be for all the bad things that we don’t want and don’t receive! Let me explain this a little more.. Essentially.. we need to “flip the script” meaning..

Let’s assume that I don’t want a life-threatening illness.. and I don’t have one.. something to be grateful for.. Let’s say I don’t want to be financially or emotionally dependent on anyone.. and I am not.. that’s another thing to be grateful for! We need to understand and accept that not getting what you don’t want is a huge blessing in itself and we should be grateful for it!

Make a list of all the things that you don’t EVER want.. credit card fraud.. broken relationships.. losses in business.. infidelity in marriage.. and THEN sit down and realize how many of them you don’t have.. Understand how blessed you are and how much you really have to be grateful for.. and then thank God.. the universe and whoever else you need to!

Make your own personal list of “buzz words and catch phrases” and make sure to include “peace of mind.. joy in the heart.. solitude.. reflection.. compassion.. soul growth.. kindness and good energy” in it.. and don’t forget to be grateful for NOT getting the things you don’t want!

As always.. thank you for your patience and for reading.. and do add your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)..

Remain blessed and wishing you a wonderful weekend!!

97 YEARS OLD & COUNTING.. You’re rocking it Daddy!

Today is Daddy’s 97^th birthday.. I write “is” and not “would have been” because although his physical presence has moved on.. he’s very much “here” among us and in the nicest possible way even today!

It is thanks to him and his gift for words that I am able to think the way I do.. and string my thoughts together somewhat coherently to be able to write the “morning magic”!

It is thanks to his goodwill and respectful connections that so many doors open easily for me today.. all difficulties and challenges are overcome and managed smoothly.. only because he has extended the same courtesy to so many in his lifetime..

It is thanks to him (and my mother) that I was made to believe that it was good to be “rough and tough and ready for anything” as a child and so able to enjoy a number of adventures! 

It is thanks to his empathy that I was made aware of how lucky I was to belong to a family blessed with abundance.. sensitized and learned to share with and give to the less fortunate..

It is thanks to his firm but loving discipline that I am borderline OCD and my cupboards and drawers are in “apple pie order” (most of the time)!

It is thanks to him and his words of wisdom that I grew up with a fantastic work ethic.. he said “when you are in a position of responsibility and leadership.. you can choose to be efficient or popular.. I hope you choose to be like me – a happy combination of both!” I tried my best..

It is thanks to him that I understood that the staff we have at home leave their spouses children siblings families and friends in the village to come and work for US.. and therefore WE have to be “family” to them.. and always to grant them leave happily!

It is thanks to him that I learned how to talk to the people who serve us at any and every level.. to “connect” with them and speak with them nicely and respect what they do.. cleaners waiters and everyone..

It is thanks to his foresight that I have a support system of FOUR incredibly wise very clever and caring “solid” people he entrusted me to.. Pravin Porus Deepak and Manish! Super blessed to have you guys and thank you for always looking out for me!

It is thanks to him and his careful teaching and explanations that I have an idea about investments and finances.. and am even able to ask some significant questions sometimes!

It is thanks to him that I understood that girls are “as good as smart and as capable.. if not more so” than boys! That really built my confidence in my own capabilities!

And last but definitely not the least.. if I am living alone.. with courage and no fear.. if I am living a good (no.. actually great) life without “needing” anyone to come and take care of me.. If I am making my own decisions with a clean heart and a clear mind.. it is all and only thanks to everything you have taught me.. shown me.. and “led by example!

Just to reiterate.. am so blessed to have been born your daughter and will do everything I can to be the person you always wanted me to be!

Happy birthday with the biggest hugs and all my love to you wherever you are.. and thank you for being with me.. and guiding my footsteps.. always!! Love you hamesha!!

Thank you for reading and do please share your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!

HOW TO BE A REALLY GOOD FRIEND.. the “must dos”..

What are the things that matter most in a friendship? Of course it’s also a matter of “different strokes for different folks” but some fundamentals are constant and don’t ever change.. right? Friendship.. in the deepest and truest sense of the word is a lifelong commitment.. to “be there”.. to care.. and most of all.. to share..

“Friend” is a word I don’t use lightly.. there are people who are casual acquaintances.. there are the people I know and like a little more who are “acquaintance plus”.. there are colleagues.. there are neighbours.. there is family.. and THEN.. there are friends.. who are often more than family!

A real and solid friendship to me doesn’t depend on how much time you spend together.. as long as you spend SOME time together.. quality time without being on your phones.. sharing the big and little details of your lives.. talking yourself hoarse about your feelings.. baring your souls and never being afraid of breaking down and crying.. BUT it is essential to make the effort and spend some time together.. the last thing you want is to feel “taken for granted” by someone you care for so much! Please spend “special time”.

People say with great pride “I don’t talk to my bestie for 6 months at a stretch but when we talk.. we catch up on everything and it feels like we were together just yesterday”! Excuse my language but this is bullshit! Your bestie loves hearing from you.. and waits to hear from you.. How much of an effort is it to drop a text message or a voice message or just make a quick call to say “I’m thinking of you.. love you and miss you.. Hope things are alright with you”.. Do it!

And then there are the people who say “I am just not “made” that way.. I can’t do the calls.. send the messages.. make the plans and keep in touch.. but I care and will talk to you when we meet.. this just doesn’t work for me! If you can receive messages.. you can send them.. and if you can answer calls.. you can bloody well make them too! If you want to be included in the plan.. how about taking the initiative once in a while? How difficult is it? Keep in touch!

When things are hunky dory and all is well.. everyone will be around right in the lines of vision and hearing.. they will dance at your parties with reckless abandon and make merry into the wee hours! What happens when the chips are down and times are tough? We go through an illness.. lose a parent.. suffer a stormy relationship.. navigate a messy divorce.. Who are the friends who just come in and take charge and handle things and handle you? Know them!

A friend is someone with whom you’ve done the craziest things.. shared the silliest and naughtiest jokes.. discussed the biggest problems.. celebrated every success.. had the most fun holidays.. shared your deepest darkest fears.. shared the tightest hugs.. attended the “must go to” weddings.. eaten the worst food and survived.. gotten so drunk you could hardly stand straight.. and felt unconditionally loved accepted and supported and understood no matter what! Have one? You are lucky!

Being a true friend means you have to be Superman or Superwoman.. willingly and happily.. and all the time! You have to hold your friend in your heart.. have their back.. trust them.. believe in them.. defend them when they need it and just give 100% of yourself to them! That means you HAVE to be respected accepted and loved for being exactly who you are.. not 20 kgs lighter.. not 10 crores richer.. not 50 points higher on IQ.. not 5 shades fairer.. and reciprocate the same!

Speaking for myself, I have had the joys of “reason season and lifetime friends”.. and don’t need to name any names here.. everyone reading this knows exactly who they have been and still are to me! Friendship has always been my “go to” and favourite relationship in life.. and of course the definition has evolved over time and continues to do so..

With heartfelt gratitude to all my “friends who are more than family”.. know that every little act of kindness faith and love that you give me is tremendously cherished and treasured.. Thank you for everything you think say do feel and share! Biggest hugs and much love always.. remember that you are special and have a space in my heart that nobody else can ever fill.. and I am truly blessed!

Wishing you all a lifetime of genuine friends and thank you as always for reading.. Please remember to add your name at the end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!!