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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
