Each month, I keep a little track of things that bring me joy, things that remind me that even though sometimes, I may be feeling low, I am fortunate to have been blessed with many things that mean so much to me.
Maintaining a gratitude list is not just a monthly routine but slowly becoming a way of life. Mundane things, and all those that we take for granted are a blessing and only in their absence we realize what’s missing.
August had its own ups and downs. If I objectively look at it, every month will have some sunny days and some days when getting up from the bed would be difficult. But finding the ray of hope is more important than sulking about what’s missing from life. So, here’s is my Gratitude list for August in no particular order.
- Food. There is food on the plate, home cooked or bought from a restaurant. Knowing that no one at home and extended homes sleeps hungry is a blessing. I got a chance to listen to a conversation between an electrician and a security guard and that made me think how easy we go about that ten bucks in our pocket but it is of so much value to someone else. Saving that little sum of money means buying a pack of biscuit for children.
- Weekend Drive. VT and I had been long planning to visit this sports store called Decathlon but many things kept us back. This month it we drove down and the experience was wonderful. On the outskirts of the city, spread over huge area, I liked the concept of the store. It was You-name-it-You-get-it kind of sports equipment retail outlet and super impressive.
- Plants. I added a little more green to my balcony garden this month. I bought 3 plants and one was on the way back from Yoga. So imagine riding a cycle with a plant hanging on the handle. Funny but I safely got the new baby home. Its yellow flowers are spreading joy and mornings are now colorful. The other two are succulents and plants I never had. So I am loving the variety they have brought to my mini collection.
- Shopping – My new tops and sarees. This month it rained sarees. Shhh.. Will disclose more as I wear but Triveni was one joyous experience and the other were three sarees that my friend SS sent me all the way from Ghaziabad. More than a gift, the warmth was visible on the notes that she had hand written. When there are emotions attached to a gift, they become even more valuable.
- Blog readers. One Monday as I was writing a micro blog, I had a question for my readers. I asked, Why do you come here? I loved every single response and I am encouraged by the support I have. I am still learning and there may be many mistakes that I make when I write but when readers say they love to read what I write, I know deep in my heart that I should go on and on.
- Self-Courage. I am grateful that I gathered the courage to start learning to drive. I am no way set to hit the road all alone but fighting fear and shutting off the apprehensions was important to me. I am taking it step by step and I am making an attempt.
- Husband. It’s not easy trying to stop people on the road from honking and letting me have my way when I am practicing. He does that and then he pushes me to drive whenever there is a little chance. He is determined more than I am and that is showing up. His support has been immense and if not him, this wasn’t possible. Blessed to have him as a rock besides me every single day.
- Friends. Good time with friends is a blessing. You can be yourself, laugh out loud and needn’t worry a thing. Add to it some clicks and good food – it’s the perfect combination for me. August was kind to get me that chance. Look at the pictures and you will know.
- Rakhi. I have a fabulous younger brother and cousins. Rakhi this year was different cos I wrote personal letters to all of them and sent it instead of going the online way. It took time and effort but I was pleased with the outcome. All my cousins loved it and it made my day!
As I wrap up August, imagine four more remaining months to the year and it is the most festive time around in India. I am looking forward to the slightly chilly winds and festive food and lights all around. May we all have many more happy days. Be grateful and keep smiling!
Linking this post at the Gratitude Circle and Alphabet Salad’s August link up.
happiness and food 
I always try to put my spending in persecptive by comparing it to the salaries of maids and drivers. At first, I would feel guilty, but now I try to make a difference instead, by finding ways to help as many as we can.
Decatholon is lovely, isn’t it? We’re blessed to have two stores here and both within striking distance.
I missed your driving post. Can you believe I’m learning too at 50? 🙂
I’ll be smiling through my day imagining you cycling home with plants!
Thank you for joining our Gratitude Circle!
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You are right – instead of feeling guilty, we should try to support.
Great to know you are leaving too – let me know how it goes. We can inspire each other.
I am loving writing Gratitude Lists. I started in May and it is helping me be at peace with myself. Thank you for stopping by!
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Your note on the 10 rs struck a deep chord. It really makes us think on the value for denomination of currency depends on your income/status in society. Sad but true.
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It is a sad reality that there is so disparity in income. Thank you for stopping by!
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Do tell Mam , what are the resolutions for the next month on first of every month . Hope your Resolutions are not made to be broken . Remember the Book you Reviewed & the story forming part of this Book : Journey from Guwahati to Machhiwara .
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I don’t make resolutions. I promise myself to smile every day, eat healthy and do good. Living life each day as it come is my way 🙂 Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
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Awesome post in so many ways. Those lil’ things makes your life worth living right? And yellow flowers? I love them!! It instantly makes me smile ❤ Hope you have a great month ahead!
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Thank you so much dear! 🙂
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Have heard a lot about Decathlon. Though I am not a sports enthusiast (at all), I still wanna check the place out.
Good that you’re learning to drive! For me, at least in this janam, I don’t see that happening. In fact, I met with an accident last year while crossing the road and now I am too afraid to do even that!
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Check out Decathlon. I bought clothes from there are they are smart 🙂
Driving – try that. I am as scared as you are but giving up before trying is unfair. Hai na?
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I liked the way you have put your gratitude for different things 🙂 Its a nice way to feel that you value each and every thing in your life 🙂 I like the idea of writing personal letter to your brother and cousins 🙂 I too do that 🙂 even for my parents I write a letter in Hindi especially for my mom 🙂 as she is not quite comfortable in English 🙂 So yes these letters make you think of all the good times and how much you miss them 🙂 And a remarkable mention of our spending through the example of rs 10 🙂 Have good September 😉 I always look forward to this month as its my and my hubby’s birthday month 😀
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Thank you so much Neerja. I started writing Gratitude Lists in May and haven’t stopped since then. It’s a great feeling to acknowledge what’s going well in life. Letters to parents – awesome thing girl. I am sure they must be cherishing them.
Happy Birthday month to you both. It’s VT’s too this month 🙂
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🙂 Keep going I will check your old posts for same 🙂 Yes my mom always cry while reading them 🙂 Its for her only that I write Hindi poetry 🙂 ..And thank you for wishes 🙂 and wow great ..Happy bday to VT :)so you can give me some suprise bday planning tips 😛
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Wow! Hindi Poetry is too good yaar 🙂
Surprise to VT? well, let’s not talk about it 😉
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ha ha 😀 oh lets keep it a secret than 😉
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The last 4 or 5 months have been chaos for me.. I have got myself into serious trouble. . My planning went out of the window.. so struggling :).. I need to take ur advice.
Plants where where put some pics.. I can’t see them up..
I am not making any resolutions mine always Get broken and never materialise. .
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Sure – will share more pictures of my plants! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by! May things get better for you and your planning works!
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Cannot believe there are just four more months to go for the year. A lot on your list is on my to-do list. A visit to Decathalon (we have one too) and learning to drive…. Gosh I’m so scared I’ll kill someone. But I do do need to. Wonder when I’ll drum up the courage to move from a two-wheeler to a four wheeler. I need to get to a gratitude list too.
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Trust me Tulika, if you drive a 2 wheeler, you are already there. I haven’t touch a thing other than a cycle. Decathlon, you will love it. It’s a fun place 🙂 And what can I say about Gratitude lists – they are awesome!
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So much indeed to be grateful for. Thanks for reminding how blessed we really are. And how easy it is to forget our blessings and keep on complaining about the lack of this or that. I find such happiness in the way you write these posts. Keep it up.
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Thank you Beloo. I am glad you feel the happiness. The intent is that 🙂
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Your list is impressive. You have so many more blessings than I do. Of your list of ten, I can only relate to two of them. But, at least I have two blessings. Some people have none. Life is so diverse.
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Life is diverse and great that we are blessed in some way or the other. Thank you for stopping by!
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There are definitely ups and downs every month, and sometimes it’s easier to focus on the downs, so gratitude lists really do help to balance things out. Thanks for sharing yours. 🙂
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I agree they provide much needed balance 🙂 Thank you Laurel.
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It’s a wonderful, wonderful list Parul
It’s so important that we find it in us to be thankful for what we have…The blessings that we often tend to take for granted…Being grateful is one step in the direction of being happy…
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I agree with you there. Happiness begins with being grateful. Thanks for stopping by Nabanita 🙂
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It’s great that you can find the little things that lift your spirits and make life worthwhile in spite of the lows that occur. Hope September is a great month! 🙂
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Yes – hoping for September to be better. August had some mental maths that I hated.
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very sweet post . loved it . Hope to get a letter in Hindi from u .
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There’s so much to be thankful for. Loved reading your gratitude list! Decathlon is so impressive, have been to an outlet in Bangalore during one of my trips. Sadly, they dont have one in our city! Oh yes, there is so much of disparity in incomes, a 10 rupee note means a lot to them while we do not blink on spending thousands during an evening at a mall!
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Great list, Parul. Looking forward to reading about Triveni. This month, I too fell in love with my saree cupboard and who knows, might actually end up wearing a few rather than admire them from a distance. A wedding kickstarted one for me.
I grew up in a thrifty household where there were no fans, no refrigerators (bought my first when I was 24), no TV (bought our first when I was 20) – times were tough. Yet we always made sure to feed an extra person who was not from our family. Every month (full moon day pournami pooja) a few things were given away from home. My Mom always carried something to give away each time she stepped out. I am glad that habit has stuck with me. Last July, I pledged to give three things away every day and I am happy to say I am successfully doing it – sometimes more than three.
Gratitude lists are so fulfilling and make life look so much brighter! All the best with your driving. One of these days, I might enroll too. I am just a motorcycle junkie! 🙂 I’ve seen Decathlon but never gone in there. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
Hope to meet up sometime soon – I love this part of the year too!
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Thank you Vidya for stopping by!
Triveni was a good surprise for me and I like reasonable clothing so it clicked for me. I loved your Fuchsia saree and you draped it so well. Yes, just keep pulling them out when ever you get a chance.
My grandparents said that food should be enough so that one extra person can be fed. I don’t waste food and give it away to the lady who cooks at my place. Personally, when ever I buy clothes, I give away the old ones. That helps me not accumulate to much and in turn help somebody who is in need. I like pledge that you mentioned. It’s a sweet thing.
At work, I was telling colleagues about Gratitude Lists and how they are helping me look at life more positively. Motorcycle sounds too smart. I can ride my cycle and now a bit of car. We should meet. May be when I am confident driving, I will drive up to your part of the city 🙂
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Sweet post, Parul and what a great gratitude list you got! I haven’t been writing my gratitude list on my blog, but I write it on my notebook every night. I will join in with this month’s gratitude list. It’s a great way to appreciate what really matters in life. 🙂
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Yes Vinitha. How wonderful that you do everyday. I do it once a month but I keep tracking things. Will look forward to your list 🙂
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These are the little things which bring a smile to our faces :).
I have seen Decathalon stores from outside but haven’t ever been in. Though seeing the size, I am sure they must be one stop shops for all things related to sports. Gardening is such a lovely and relaxing activity, ain’t it? Just to see those flowers and plants blossom. Bliss!
With regards to your driving, keep going with your dedication and determination. And I am sure you will hit the road all alone sooner rather than later.
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Thank you so much! I am getting the car on the road with VT these days. So, it’s a good confidence booster.
Gardening and plants – make me happy! 🙂 Visit Decathlon when you get time, you won’t be disappointed.
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