happiness and food

Sitting on my table writing this post, I see that this is the first conversation with you all in 2025. It has been four months since we spoke last. As much as I want to share and talk, I am still not able to carve out time. But if you know me, you also know that I do not give up quickly. So I am determined to have more than six conversations over chai with you in 2025 and share more than I did in 2024.

If we were having chai together, I would tell that I have started 2025 with a focus on better health. I have cut down on sugar, introduced more greens and fruits and I have also started running. I am building strength and endurance. My goal is to run long even if I go slow.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that Bangalore was cold this last winter. I pulled out all my jackets, sweatshirts and socks. So much so that folks in office (read MS) asked me on where had all my Indian wear gone? Living on the 15th floor, we witnessed dense fog and chilli winds. Now that the Sun is travelling North, summer is coming.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I am loving salads for dinner. I make 3-4 different ones and both VT and I enjoy them. I usually take them with a side of protein but the fresh veggies make all the difference. I am grateful we get good stuff delivered in our apartment complex and it doesn’t burn a hole in pocket. Also grateful to have UM who teaches me about food and combinations. God bless good friends and neighbors.

If we were having chai together, I would say that let food be thy medicine. It’s not my quote but it’s true. If we embrace food, movement, sleep and relaxation in the right way, good health will become easy to gain. Again, not my words but Dr Rangan Chatterjee. Look him up and listen to his podcasts. There is so much to there to learn about human body and the many things we can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I watched Anne with an E on Netflix and it’s a show that I absolutely loved. As much as I loved Schitt’s Creek and After Life. All these three are different genres but Anne with an E is a show I have been recommending to everyone I meet. The show is an adaptation of the classic Anne of Green Gables. This show has inspiration, hope, purpose, duty and the spark of feminism of the early 20th century.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that Bangalore is currently hosting its biannual Aero Show. Sitting at my table, every time I hear a thunderous echo, I run to my balcony to try my luck and spot a fighter plane or something big. It’s a show worth going if aerial acrobatics by planes is your thing.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I am crocheting an open jacket for my friend’s daughter S. It’s her 5th birthday in two days and I wanted to make something for this little smart girl. I hope it fits and she wears it for as long as she can.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I had a top talent attrition in my household. While my friend NS would say that I am the top talent in my house, this particular talent was the best I ever hired. She was the help at my place who would come every morning to clean and get the house in order. She was punctual, organized, focussed and exceeded outcomes. One may say that top talent anyways leaves but this particular exit hurt me. I see it as burn out but I also see that she did not talk to me. Else I would made things easy for her. This makes me wonder why we don’t talk about what we are going through. Whether it’s burn out, mental struggles or anything else. Every situation has a solution but one has to be open to share, listen and make amends.

If we were having chai together, what would you tell me?

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Conversations over chai is my take on sharing a bit of life, reflections, learnings and gratitude with you. By now, you all know that chai is my favorite beverage and I hope we get to have chai together one day.

So join me by sharing something that you can and let’s talk.