Little Hearts 💗

When I was little, every time my mummy would return after doing the monthly grocery shopping, she would give me a 5 rs Coin in hand and tell me to go buy something for myself.

It used to be my most awaited time of the month, because spending money on "junk" food  was never encouraged at home and so, whenever we got that chance to indulge, we really relished it.

With my 5 rs. Coin tightly held in hand I would go the the store across the street from my house and then started the most stressful test of my life back- then                 

Which chips to buy?

Should i go for delicious peppy cheeseballs ? Or picnic? Or the Orange lays? Or maybe Cheetos?

Do they still give out tazos? I would wonder. Or should I just buy a Perk today?                                   

And then my eyes would fall on the little Gold and Red packet of "Little Hearts"... The perfect name for cute little heart biscuits perfectly coated with some sugar granules. How did they make them look so pretty?  That's what I brought that day.                                                                                                                                             

And that's the memory I relive whenever I see the packet till date. (it's a rare sighting)

I mean, I think we really learnt to appreciate life in a better way because not everything was made easily available to us as kids. I really think it made a difference.

And if this little snack has taught me anything in life. It's this: All you need is a little heart 💗

 

Being Happy

Today’s thought is a story narrated to me by my professor in college, which was his favorite story also the one I believe he lived it in his daily life.

The story is from a Marathi book called ‘Savitri’ by the famous author Purshotam Rege.

It goes like this: There was an old woman who stayed in the outskirts of a village almost near a forest with her granddaughter called Lacchi. Now they were so poor that they could hardly make their ends meet. Now Lacchi was a young girl and she longed for company. So, she would often sulk, feel sad that she had no friends and would often sit in her little garden that was outside her house. One day there came a peacock, and he started dancing in front of her. Now looking at the peacock Lacchi was so happy that she started dancing and singing along with him. By the time the peacock had to leave Lacchi insisted that the peacock had to stay with her here because that made her really happy. Now the peacock said, “I will come here every day, but you have got to promise me one thing.” So, she said “Okay! I am ready to promise you anything.” He said, “Every time I come here you have to dance, you have to be happy, and you have to sing and all three have to be really genuine, so you can’t fake it, you have to be genuinely happy and singing.” She readily agreed and so every time the peacock came, she would be very happy singing and dancing with him. After a week the peacock stopped coming. But she did not realize that the peacock had not come because by then she was very happy singing, dancing and being happy for her own self.

When my professor narrated this story, he said there is a difference between being happy and searching for happiness. Because when you search for happiness, there are times that you end up in grief. But being happy is a state of mind. And when you are in that state of mind you are happy no matter what happens around you, whether it is happiness, success failure whatever is the situation around you, you still exercise optimism. And that’s the state of mind we need to strive for.

On my part it’s an ongoing practice an attempt to inch closer to get mastery on this. But the story stayed with me, and it touched the core of my heart so thought of putting it into words this Teacher’s Day as I remember my teacher.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Today, on my Father’s 68th BirthDay, I’m reflecting on some of the many lessons I’ve learned through the life stories of my great father. After all, life is not about the fancy pictures and success stories, but the journey of the self to the self through the self.

1.       It’s never too late.
Papa learnt English after high school, travel the world after he turned 58. 

2.       Write your own story.
My Papa's parents were extremely poor and barely survived hand to mouth and his dad had 8 mouths to feed with barely minimum income. He was born and raised in poverty. Had he sulked over it Papa he wouldn't  have a fair chance to the great man he is today. He knew he wanted more out of life and even more the selflessness in him he knew he had to give to the society. He decided to become a priest serve God's people, touch people's life and rewrite his destiny as God called him to be the Chosen one.

3.       Be courageous and keep learning.
With barely enough money for food, Papa's primary education was in the local Maharashtrian language in government-run schools for the “lower class”. He did not speak English when he joined the seminary, where the entire curriculum would be taught in English. Imagine learning a new subject in a foreign language - it takes courage, perseverance and grit to succeed.

4.       Anger and resentment are never justified.
Papa has come to the realization that his resentment may have not served him well in life. Let’s remember that we make mistakes, and mistakes don’t make us. Let’s take care of our mental health and heal those emotional scars.

5.       Be kind, grateful and helpful.
Although they faced a million struggles, many supported my my Papa to succeed, including his classmates, people he met on the journey, some friends who stood by him come what may. Being kind, grateful and helpful may not cost you much, but it could make all the difference for another person.

Happy Birthday Papa! Cheers to another year of awesome, positivity and happiness.

To my Papa - You weren't the first man I called 'Dad', But you were the only one to earn it

First of all I want to say I Love you, because I feel I do not say it enough.

Papa, you weren't the first man I called "Dad", but you were the first one to Earn it.

Thank you for always having an open listening ear, for all the late night conversations, where I could talk to you about anything and everything happening in my life - from all the juicy gossips to my hopes and dreams. Although you do not get enough credit for all that you do I really appreciate you, Papa.

Thank you for loving me as your own: I understand how hard it can be to love and accept someone else's child, and thank you for never making me feel like I didn't belong.

Thank you for teaching me that I am worth something: Thank you for always putting my happiness and well being before yours throughout the time. Thank you for making sure I never went to bed sad, for sacrificing sleep just to stay up talking to me about the things that were bothering me. Thank you for giving me the most honest advice you could possible give, and for giving me the strength to face life head on .

Thank you for being so forgiving. For all those times I lied, the arguments we would have over whether or not my point was acceptable. Throughout it all you never left. You never made me feel like I was a failure and you always, apologized for making me feel belittled or upset.

But most of thank you for stepping up and taking the place of a father: You showed me that a man could be kind and a father could stay. You picked up all of the broken pieces and filled the void in my heart. For that I cannot thank you enough. Any man can be a Father but it takes a special person to be a Dad. At times I struggled to bond, I pushed and pull your love away. But you remained steady. It's taken me time to realize that when a parent abandon's a child, it shows that child that they aren't worth knowing. But Papa, you never left. You knew how important it was for me to encounter a father figure that would never leave or forsake me. And that was the greatest gift you could have ever given me. And that is more precious than having a biological relationship in picture. For that, I can never thank you enough.

Love you Papa.

The Resting Of Change

I love fall. I love the change of colors, smells and definitely the change of temperature! I love snuggling into a warm sweater and hearing the leaves crunch under shoes. I can relate to the squirrels saving up for winter. I’m all about the change of seasons, but changes in the seasons of life…not so much.

I hate change. I’m what some would call boring. I’d rather say I’m stable. I like routine. I like vanilla ice cream, if I’m feeling particularly daring I’ll add chocolate sauce. I take the same route every time I go to the station, grocery store, church or the mall. I like consistency, stability and certainty. Period. Change?

Not a fan.

I just turned thirty. but, I will tell you, on my twentieth, the BIG 2-0, I struggled. A lot. I knew this would be a decade of enormous change and I dreaded it. Honestly, I was mad and terrified. At twenty, several huge changes were staring down (or should I say up?) the hill, at me and I wanted to run and hide.

These changes included being a  responsible daughter. Facing grave life issues, Worries at home- work- relationships, the decision to marry an unknown person, change of home It’s really hard! Who knew?! Finally, I knew this decade meant starting to go through “the change”. Don’t even get me started! Unexpected facial hair and hormone flairs, really?!

Well, as you can tell I panicked at twenty. FYI, panicking never helps. As I threw myself down on my house floor (yes, I actually did) I was reminded and have had to remind myself over and over again. He never changes. Life was changing in big emotionally exhausting ways all the time and yet. He doesn’t change. Over the course of the last seven years, still in the midst of these changes, He speaks in a still quiet voice through His Word.

"Nanu, I don’t change."

"I don’t get tired"

"I don’t get overwhelmed."

"I don’t freak out with hormonal changes."

"I don’t grow weary and deplete."

"I don’t change."

"I am safe."

"I am full."

"I am complete."

"I am Who you need."

"I AM."

I have often camped in Isaiah 40: 28-31 Reminding myself of what is true, because it is true. I remind myself it doesn’t have to feel true to be true. Truth is true.

Happy Birthday Paa

Dear Paa,

I know you don’t really like celebrating birthday, so I won’t embarrass you with a very public “Happy Birthday” or “How Old Are You Now?” or "What great plans dis year?" — don’t worry. I know you’re sick of me doing that.)

Every year, you find new ways to amaze me, just as I think I’ve got you all figured out. You’ve never failed to show me what a true gentleman looks like and have always shown love and kindness everyone you meet, no matter the circumstance. Even if your day is tough, you make it your mission to make someone else laugh in an act of pure selflessness. Your care and concern for all people, especially those you love, is so inspiring and doesn’t go unnoticed.

I know things haven’t always been easy, but you have shown me time and time again how to walk through the storm and come out on the other side stronger, more compassionate, and still with a great sense of humour. This is one of the greatest lessons I could've learned, and I'm proud to say I got to learn that from you.

Thank you for teaching me to not take myself too seriously. Thank you for showing me how to stand up for myself. Thank you for showing me how to be compassionate and to stand firm in my decisions. Thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t.

You’ve always been my biggest fan, cheering me on in every season of life and on every whim of mine—Just know I’m your biggest fan, too, and that I cherish every phone call, text message, lunch date, shopping spree and all the rest with you. I’m one of the lucky ones who got a “two-for-one” deal: a dad and a best friend.

Thank you for holding my hand through everything—and also knowing when to let go. I know you’re never far behind me.

If I grow up to be at least half the person you are, I will have done something right.

I love you endlessly, on your birthday and always,

P.S. This is taking place of a card this year, love you!!

What do you treasure most in life?”

 This question was casually asked one evening during a get-together with friends.  Love and support from family, friends who have been through thick and thin, some special gifts, love notes during the dating days, drawings, good health… were some of the responses that we heard that evening. These are priceless treasures indeed.

I couldn’t share my thought that day, as I was needed in the kitchen for something. If I were to answer that question today, well… a loved one, friends, books, some accomplishments would feature in my list of what I treasure.

But if I delve a bit deeper, my answer would be a bit different. Treasure I am a sentimental woman and have always been like that. I hold close the moments and memories that touch me or bring me joy. I cherish the moment when I met a friend and we chatted away to glory, conversations with a cousin overseas, a long walk with my mom or the regular things Paa and I do together. All these are not spectacular or something profound but moments like these are stored in my heart as great treasures.

Today, I’d like to share two of my all time favourite treasured moments and memories…

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Some years ago, I was thinking about the troubles that were never ending just like the bus ride back home. So lost I was in complaining to God about my life and my circumstances that I was unaware of the tears that were streaming down my face. When a warm hand touched my hand, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned to look into the compassionate eyes of my co-passenger. Before my brain could process a reaction, the lady said, “I don’t know what’s troubling you. But I want you to know that you’ll get through it. Whatever ‘it’ is!”

Her words were exactly what I needed to hear. Those few simple words comforted me. Her words filled me with optimism and hope. And this memory is something that I treasure the most and is close to my heart.

Conversation Over Coffee

It was 2007, and I was meeting a friend that day in Bandra for something that we had to buy.

My friend texted me that she will be late by an hour. So I decided to have my favourite Chicken Burger from Hearshe Bakery at Hill road. I got myself a burger and Coke and sat under the tree on one of the Stones. On the next stone sat a man with some drink and I can’t remember what he was eating. I don’t remember how it started, but we got chatting. We talked about so many things and laughed so much.

Soon, it was time to leave and we just bid goodbye to each other. We didn’t ask for each other’s names or exchanged any personal details for that matter. It was one of the best conversations I had had with a stranger and this is when I don’t talk to strangers as a rule. This is another memory that I cherish a lot.

There are a lot more moments and memories like these, which I love and treasure. There are times when I don’t think about these moments for a long time, but a small hint or another memory brings them right back in the forefront and envelope me in that warm fuzzy feeling.

What do you treasure most in life?

A Stranger who made me Blush :-)

On Certain days I like to have my coffee alone, with no one barging in on my thoughts. For a minute in peace, I can draw a mental list of all things good and bad in my life. That Saturday was one of those times. I ordered my usual latte in a  coffee shop  bit far from the one where I usually go, to avoid the usual faces.

It felt nice. Just to sit outside, not worried about exchanging a hello to a known person or acquaintance. I watched the sun as it drowned in a sea of amber clouds and was happy to enjoy a clear weather which was of course a rarity during monsoons in Mumbai. It was that rainy day when the roads didn't seem flooded and I could finally manage to wear my new pair of shoes. Leaning over the glass table, I stole a look at them. I was impressed with myself momentarily for finding such a pair at the Sale for straight fifty percent off. I smiled ear to ear fiddling with the napkin holder.

A sudden thud on my table broke my self-appreciation half way. Another cup of coffee found its place along with mine. I looked up confused, only to find a tired apologetic face staring back at me. A tall man dressed in formals towered over me and my coffee.

"All the tables are full. I was hoping, since you are alone, I could borrow a chair." His voice was cracked as his eyes narrated the tale of a treacherous day. He needed his coffee time more than me. I nodded my head approvingly and slid my chair a little backwards since we were now sharing the same table.

"Thank you!" He sighed taking a sip.

"No issues." I mumbled picking up my cup from the table.

I watched him as he completed his coffee in silence. He looked miserable. Tie a bit undone, shirt a bit crumbled and an old black leather bag sitting on his lap. I wondered what struck him so hard. Getting fired and a cheating girlfriend were the first thoughts that crossed my mind.

I stared at him from the corner of my eye. He asked for a paper napkin and gestured for a pen. The next second, he started writing something on it. I wondered what could he be writing. His number for that waitress? A service note maybe?

I realized I was more of gossip monger when I was alone. So I scolded myself to mind my own business and decided to leave before it got dark.

 I could still see him standing at the counter, scribbling something. And when he was done, he pinned the napkin on the message board with all the other notes. I found it a bit strange. As he left, I got up to foot my bill.

Searching for my card inside the never ending pouched of my bag, my eyes fell on the note he pinned.

"Today was a crappy day. Actually the last couple of days have been the same. First my bike gets stolen, then I get kicked out as I couldn't keep up with my apartment rent and today my boss cancels my promotion. Well, the only good thing that happened today was a coffee at this place and the girl sitting in front of me.-KS"

I let off a chuckle reading it, not at his constant luck with misery, but at his ability to look and think beyond it. I walked out of the cafe, smiling unknowingly.

I too have been a part of a ruthless tryst with bad luck. Almost everyone has. And such encounters do leave a mark like every storm leaves a trail. But when to think about it, a few storms are necessary in our lives. To root out the unwanted and week thoughts cropping up in our minds. To settle the dust that was clouding the vision. The trace that storms like these will leave on our window panes, will eventually dry out in the sun. I wish I could have hinted him that in person.

But I did a leave a note of mine besides his on the board. It was like a story lost amongst hundreds of those messages, an encounter that found a small place. Just to let him know that there always be other survivors in the storm.

"Hey there 'KS'. I hope all your troubles die down soon. And I am flattered by your remark. Thank you! - 'the girl sitting in front of you.' "

Happy Father's Day Papa

I've never been great about sending cards, but I'm told I'm pretty good at this blogging thing.

So, this year for Father's Day, I dedicate this post to my Papa just to pen down how I feel.

I know I keep saying this, but let me say it again I love my Paa. I love to keep saying that and he finds a bit awkward to say it out loud; I don't know why it's awkward when we both feel that way in our hearts.

Second, he is the best Papa I could ever have and I thank God for him.

I never went without; I've always had the best food to eat, Best of clothes to wear, Best of places to go and an even more luxurious life and even though I know he likely had times that he worried about it, he never projected that worry to me. I had plenty of extras, too

Third, I want to thank him for his advice over the years. There is one specific nugget he gave me that I've always kept close to my heart.

"What you do when you don't have to, will make all the difference when you can no longer do anything about it."

Which means, work hard now, give it your best effort while you still can, because eventually, you run out of time to make it happen, or fix it. This piece of advice helped me be a good student and a fiercely determined individual.

Fourth, I am thankful to him for being the example and setting my standards so high.

Last, my Papa has played a great role for helping to shape me into the woman I am today.

We may not always agree, and we may not have always gotten along too well, but that's because he taught me strength of character, stubbornness, standing strong in my beliefs - even when they're different from other people's, independence, self-reliance and a host of other survival skills. 

Most of all, from life experiences, he taught me to live with no, or few regrets. That was one of the greatest gifts he could have given me.

Instead of feeling that I had to live my life a certain way, I saved some people's lives, I saw things I wish I hadn't, and I made decisions about life that changed me as a person. Even so, may be i have regrets, I did what I'd always wanted to do.

By my Papa’s example, I live my life with decency and honesty, without worrying about what anyone else thinks.

Papa thank you for all of what you gave me. I would not be who I am today without you.

I love you, Papa. Happy Father's Day.

Dear God, Thank You For All The Not so Good Things That Happened To Me

I don’t know if I believed there’s a God out there. But, right-now, I would like to believe that there is. And for now, I would like to believe that there’s more to life than heartbreak, betrayal and loss. I would like to believe that there are far better things than the ones we no longer have. I would like to believe that good in this world always wins. I would like to believe that we’ll find what we are looking for. And that happiness is possible to have and easy to obtain.

Dear God, thank you for the bad people who came into my life. They showed me the kind of person I don’t want to be. They helped me understand how good of a person I really am. Falling in love with people who didn’t deserve my kindness, my forgiveness or my love, made me see my worth. Trusting bad people taught me to forgive myself. Sharing my most vulnerable moments with people who don’t have good intentions taught me that we are always in control even when we don’t believe it.

Dear God, thank you for the grief I experienced too young because it made me resilient. I am not destroyed by the people who leave me because those have left already. I am not broken by unfortunate situations because I have lived moments when I thought I will never survive. I am not changed by what happens to me because I have seen hell and it only cleansed my soul.

Dear God, thank you for making me different. I am thankful that I don’t fit in, that I don’t belong here. I am thankful that wherever I go, I am the outsider. I feel like I’m in a constant battle with the world to simply be who I am. Because in a world of fake perfection, I’m honestly flawed. And in a world of money, status, looks and ego, I’m rich of my realness. It’s sadistic to have no home to go to. But, it’s a blessing in disguise because it sets you free.

Dear God, thank you for making me complicated. Over thinking drives me crazy but it protects me. It helps me predict what will happen, to see things before they come and to feel what’s wrong before I understand it. Being a deep person stole years away from me because it took time for me to heal. But, experiencing every feeling life could offer me, made my life journey magical. My nature of loving too much nearly killed me once too many times, but it allowed me to love someone other than myself, to look at someone and see them for who they are.

Dear God, thank you for all the bad things that happened to me because they gave meaning to my life. They made me see how good life is and how better it can be. The bad things made me humble that when the best things come and I have it all, I will cherish it. Because only then will I know what it is like to have nothing at all