Fare Ye Well 2011

Four hours from now 2011 comes to an end. Like all it's predecessors, it flew by. It gave us something to look forward to every month, every week. It showed me dizzying highs and tremendous lows. Fortunately God gave me enough of support and strength to deal with all the blows that had to come my way. 

2012 from a distance seems like an unwrapped gift. You never know what you will find in there for yourself.  

The destination is still far away, but the journey has been truly enjoyable so far. With milestones on our self created maps to look forward to, and the company of angels we call friends and family, each week passes by turning into months and finally a year. With the passage of time, you don't even look forward to the destination. You are too busy enjoying the journey and living each moment to the fullest.

All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed and you'll never feel stranded. Sure there will be moments of tremendous doubt, but when He sees it's becoming unbearable, He does step in and relieve us of a few burdens. Even in a world where things are going horribly wrong, He still watches over us. He does not sleep in peace knowing His creations are in such agony. You just need to send him a prayer through an extremely pure heart. He listens. Been there, done that. 

I had started this year with loads of hopes and I end this year on an extremely peaceful note.  Even if He wishes to end my journey this minute, I will go contented at having lived my life to the fullest. To the best of my abilities. And for everything that remains, there's always the life after. There's always another chance. Another chance to get it right. 

I wish you health, happiness and peace for the year 2012. Let's grab this chance and get it right this time. See you on the other side of this year.

Not much to write about

When I started blogging, I was so regular here. I would painstakingly proof read the entire piece before hitting publish. Any idea - big or small gave enough matter for an entire post. The ideas have all evaporated since. Everytime I visit this place now, it's to read what you all have written. Seldom is it, to write myself. I am not busy. Just lazy. 

Reconnecting with this place is akin to reconnecting with an old friend. One you've grown up with.One who has been an integral part of your tears and laughter.  And because you didn't invest enough time, the two of you have drifted apart. Found other interests while your friendship's been put on the sidelines. Then one special moment, and you call your friend. And discover each other, all over again. Connect to a part of yourself, you had lost touch with. And this happens again and again.

Alrighty. Enough of the sobby stuff. You can put the tissues away.

I recently finished reading this gem of a book- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gibert.

It's been around for so long, and a movie was made on it too. Only someone like me can remain oblivious to the truly fantastic. It was truly calming through. Truly adored the section on India. If only she'd revealed which Ashram she went to, I'd put it up on my list of places to visit before I die!

It must feel so exhilarating to let go of all your worries, sorrows and unhappiness and truly make room for real happiness. One day I'll learn to do that too. We live our lives at such a microscopic level. The tiniest of things seem unsightly and huge. The gnawing inner demons felt so familiar. No amount of reasoning or consoling easily puts them to rest. The human mind sure needs a tremendous amount of taming. The monkeys need some disciplining. 

With some positive and envigorating aroma to drive away the blues- I shall sign off. May God keep you healthy, happy and peaceful.

64 years of a Free India

Today my country celebrates 64 years of freedom. A lot has been written about in world media about the challenges that India faces, and how several impediments like corruption, poverty and unemployment are holding it back from achieving it's true potential. When you injure yourself, or develop an infection, you tend to the ailing part of you and heal yourself. You don't cut it out and discard it. I am glad that we as a nation are patient and are doing our bit to heal the ailing parts of ourselves. And we will continue to do so relentlessly until the destination is reached. I am sure this holds true for every nation. Big and small. A superpower, or a third world country.

They say that you can take an Indian out of India, but not India out of an Indian. I couldn't agree more with it. I love it with all it's imperfections. You fight with your family, your argue with them, but the love you have for them, makes you forgive and forget and embrace each other once again.

Hmm. Shouldn't I be writing Independence day speeches for our Prime Minister. I shall quit being jingoistic.

This is a song I listen to (and see the video of) religiously every Independence Day. It's not our national anthem, but it gives me goosebumps and I am so in awe of it.

Vande Mataram

I wish my nation prosperity, peace and happiness in the years to come.