happiness and food

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I like February. It’s the last month before the Sun shows up strong and summers set in. This year, I did not like the month. While I am glad it’s over, I also want March to be better. By better, I mean way better.

You know what is the hardest part about life? That sometimes, you have to hope against hope and put up a brave face when you are crumbling within. When appetite goes for a toss and when you don’t know what will happen the next moment. When such a situation comes, it is extremely hard to be grateful. I tried and failed many times but I kept trying. I still am.

This ongoing episode has made me grateful for every breath I take. Trust me, every single time our lungs create that pressure to inhale and exhale effortlessly, that’s a blessing. And not every one has the privilege.

Without dwelling into all that, let’s talk about some pink things for the month. Those little moments that made me happy and grateful.

Working out: As much as possible and the days of the month I was in Bangalore, I was able to workout. Getting up at 5 in the morning to get to a class at 6 am isn’t very easy. A pat on my back for 13 classes this month and I mixed up yoga, interval training, functional training, zumba and prowl. A sore body is a happy body.

Work: Amidst the chaos, good things happened at work. I feel good about the recognition and responsibilities at work. The fact that my work is appreciated and valued is very important to me. So this month, I am moving to support a new team and with a level up. I received a lot of notes from people I have worked with and one that touched me was from SC. She said, “You are amazing. Never forget that.” The other messages from the group of women I know from work filled my heart with a lot of pride. These women became my cheerleaders and shared some lovely words over a chat. Thank you CS Women team! You made my year!

Self-care: As simple as it may sound, some times doing mundane tasks are a great way to divert mind. I cleaned, cooked, arranged, got a hair cut and did many other little things to stay busy.

People and friends: For 3 weeks that I was alone, my friends and family ensured that I did not feel alone. GK offered to stay with me and SK wanted me to stay with her. Not just that, the apartment guard asked me to call him anytime I felt an odd knock at the door. Parents and people at work took care of a lot of things. I can’t be more grateful and I have been telling VT that I feel blessed with the people I have around me.

My in-laws: My in-laws are two people I have begun to admire so much. They are strong and simple. They value relationships and people. Tough times teach us a lot of things and even if I am half as strong as them at their age, I would be happy.

Faith: When every thing fails, we head to faith. In Mohali, we found a gurudwara and I loved being there. The chants calmed my heart and mind. One day, I also went to the kitchen and made chapattis for the langar. All I looked for were prayers for the family and blessings from up above.

Rides to and from work: I am sure you know that I QuickRide to work. It’s the best way to save the environment and money. Through carpooling I have met a lot of good folks over the year. Last week, I had a long work day and was supposed to finish at 9:30 pm. VT had offered to pick me and there was an option of the usual cabs that I could have taken. I messaged AD to check his schedule and though I have only known him over one ride, he was kind enough to deviate his route and give me a drop home that night. I feel good to know that people are kind and willing to help. It was an act of kindness that I would love to pass on some day.

Looking up: In a lot of ways, we looked up. One thing that I loved was looking up to airplanes that flew so close. I clicked and got many shots over days. For the brief moment, the sky and the plane felt like taking away time.

ThursdayTreeLove: My blogging community has showered a lot of love on tree love. This month there were 19-20 participants and I am happy to see the community join from many corners of the world. I am grateful for all the love and you guys who have been encouraging.

One person who I am blessed to have in life and I had intentionally left for the last is VT. This last month has been hard and I am so proud of him for taking care of his family. From everything little to big, he handled it all and alone. I was with him for 9 days but the rest 20 days, he was on his own. He shuttled between cities and hospital to hotel in a harsh weather. I have a new found love and respect for him. It is amazing how life gives us many opportunities to know each other better. And trust me, the true mettle of a person shows up in bad times.

I know this Gratitude List hasn’t been very uplifting but this blog is also about food for thought. So take this one on that theme. Love life, enjoy the time cos no one knows what will happen next.

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Linking up with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle for February 2019.