A Learning a Day

As I’m trying my best to reach out to a friend who has suffered a bereavement in her family. I went back to a time 8 years ago when I was going through a similar situation of losing a loved one. It was obviously a rather tough period with a few unsavoury incidents on here and there. At that time, I had 2 very special people – our next door neighbors, a family of 4 out of which we had brothers. These 2, who were much much older to me, took time out to spend the immediate 2-3 days with me. They spent a lot of time by my side and took up the unofficial role of being like my Chief Smile Officers..

All they did was keep cracking these jokes that made me want to crack up, but atleast resulted in a watery smile. It was all really fun jokes. The younger brother in this case was much bigger made and stronger than the younger brother and as a result, the usual dynamics were reversed. I still remembered an incident when they were playing a game of cricket and our older bro had gotten the younger bro out. When told to move out since he was out, the younger bro stood in front of him, took out his bat and said – Out? really?… and guess who continued batting.. haha..

I guess this is one of those stories that is very contextual and obviously hearing it from them is a 100 times better than reading it off a blog post. But, my word, I remember them telling me this story on my terrace so clearly..

The point is that, with time, the seriousness, sorrow of the situation has all died but I clearly remember this humor, and their effort to reach out and make me smile during those times. They made a difference.. today, they are in places across the world but they taught me a huge lesson – when you reach out during a tough time, with all good intentions, and try and make sure you just attempt to achieve a simple thing – be a positive influence, you can make a difference that would last decades.

Today, they are scattered across the globe but even after almost a decade, I know for a fact that I won’t forget the difference they made in a lifetime. :)

I guess its them that inspired me to make sure I keep trying to reach out to this friend who is a good few 1000 miles away via phone. It is so difficult to communicate what you would like to communicate but learning from them, I guess I’m trying.. and I hope she will let me know if I get too annoying.. haha..

Thank you, Chintu and Mintu Bhaiya.. for everything! You taught me what it means to be there for a person.. :)

Its funny when Mom was talking about her experiences in the US about space. There’s been a lot of discussion about space in her program and she was telling me what a relief she found the culture because it is the exact opposite of Indian culture where space is never ever afforded to a person.. :)

Maybe I have a bit of the Western inside me. I like periods when I’m isolated especially when I wake up in the morning. I can be very annoying when I wake up and I don’t have the space to do my morning mojo and I think people have felt the ire before.

Space also brings forth tougher dilemmas. Is it you who are being overly paranoid about wanting space? Why can’t you just adjust and shut up and think from the other person’s point of view? Well.. I’ve realized by now that doing that only results in an explosion at a later time.

So, express when you need space. Take a break.. and it’ll come naturally when you start thinking in boxes.. like I do(a bit) these days.. haha :D

Its funny. I’ve been left with a feeling of directionless. A rather lazy ‘Do I want to get out of bed’ for the first time this semester. And I guess it was bound to happen. Even our energy needs to be used in moderation. I’m not doing anything extra to make up though..

Yeah, there is work to be done but I think I’d rather take it easy while I can. Maybe should think of watching some movies, reading more books.. It’s been a while since I’ve chilled.

to be who you might have been. – George Eliot

you make a DIFFERENCE! :)

If a man keeps thinking of something, he will develop a love for it.. if he develops too much attachment, it starts playing tricks on his mind and destroys his mind..

Advice from Bhagavad Gita

is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” – Dale Carnegie..

A close friend lost her mom today. I am glad I spoke to Mom who gave me the courage to speak to her and was lucky she took my call and it was one of those times when I just wished I could just be there with her instead of having only words to say over the distance.. words feel so meaningless.

I realized that time changes very little. I liked her a lot, still do – and always associated her with a bubble of a joy and laughter and it was tough telling her to stay strong and support her dad. It’s really hard – losing a parent, feels like losing some of the ground we stand on and suddenly all we feel is the regret for all those things which were left unsaid..

It’s just been a strong reminder to me – who has been complaining so much about things like jobs, tough modules and the like.. of the more important things. These small troubles.. time takes care of them leaving the big holes looking larger… I’m more thankful than ever that I have Mom. I just hope we can take this moment to tell our parents how much we love them, show all the people we love how much we care because time passes by faster than we realize..

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and helped me learn and grow. A big part of who I am today is because of all of you taking the trouble to teach and mould me.
You have a very special place in my heart..

with the time we have rushed through life trying to save :)

why shouldn’t we?’ – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Let’s remember to sing after every tough accomplishment! :)