Home Gratitude I Just Received A Gift

I Just Received A Gift

by Vidya Sury January 29, 2013 35 comments
Sankey tank Sadashivnagar

The gift of life. I often consider myself blessed to be alive and feel a deep gratitude for seemingly weird situations turning into the best ones. But what happened yesterday shook me up a bit.

You see, on Sunday evening I leisurely settled down to upload photos for my Sundays In My City post, after I returned from my usual walk at Sankey Tank Sadashivnagar. I uploaded the photos, I wrote the post and before publishing, saved draft. Imagine my shock when I found a blank post come up. I quickly checked the drafts tab but found nary a sign of the post I had taken a couple of hours to complete, with pleasant interruptions, of course.  Anyway, it was past midnight and I decided to deal with it the next morning. It wouldn’t be the first time I did a Sunday post on Monday or Tuesday. Postponing joy!

Monday morning arrived. I went about my morning routine, starting with prayers and set out to drop Vidur off at school, as I had some grocery shopping to do on the way back.  Happily anticipating a pleasant yet busy day with a long list of things to do, I was riding back home on my scooter when someone jumped the red lights and shot across. I used to be a speed demon in a previous life, but now, I am a sedate 20 kmph type. Still, I had to jam brakes and stop abruptly.

What happened next is a bit of a blur. My scooter skidded.  The next thing I knew was – I was on my right side on the road. Yes, I had a fall.  Weird sight with the scooter’s wheels kinda turning and me trapped under it. My first reaction was to switch it off – because it would be really ridiculous to pick up the scooter to find it still running. Anyway, I slowly picked myself up and felt multiple pains. I prayed everything was intact. I picked up my bike off the road and sat on it. I turned the handlebar this way and that to see if it was stuck. I switched on the scooter and very slowly moved forward, to find it was almost okay. Very gently, I went a little distance and then stopped at the side of the road. I felt some sort of wetness on my thigh and then, discovered my right forearm bleeding. Freshly laid tar roads can have quite an impact on skin. Ugh. As I rested my right foot on the road, I found that it, too, was bleeding.  A little annoyed that my grocery shopping would have to wait, I just headed home.

I washed my wounds. Caked blood is a pain to wash you know? By the time I was done, I was tired. My right knee was excruciatingly painful and just moving it felt like minor deaths. Then I applied some betadine ointment on the various scratches and scrapes. Oh, but they were smarting, like how! Howl! Then I got myself breakfast. I considered working after this, but decided to lay down instead. I could feel the swellings in various places.

Later in the evening, I managed to get myself to the doc to get an Anti Tetanus Shot. Can you believe this: we had a long power cut so I had to climb down and up three floors. Talk about troubles not coming in singles!

Anyway, I am on an effective heavy dose of painkillers. Funny thing is, yesterday morning, I unusually cleared up the washing. I generally tackle this in the afternoon as the water is warm at that time. So I didn’t have any housework to tackle, and could enjoy guilt-free rest time.

This morning, I could feel that the painkillers were doing their job – as I managed to hobble out of bed and get the coffee going and cook.

Would you say I am lucky? I would.

a gift of life

I am grateful for the gift of

  •  life
  • caring friends who sent me loving messages of speedy recovery
  • love of my friends and family
  • an absolutely long and lovely weekend filled with laughter

I am grateful that when I had my fall,

  • There was no traffic
  • No broken bones
  • I can use my hands
  • My glasses were intact
  • I was able to get up and come back home
  • There are no major repairs on my scooter

I am grateful that I am

  • healthy
  • looking forward to a friend’s visit
  • have the use of my hands

Well, there’s always a “but” eh? My family is considering banning the use of the scooter. Needless to say,  I don’t agree.

So let’s move on to pleasanter things, like my walk and let me show you the pictures I clicked. Sankey Tank Sadashivnagar has an inviting walking rink with paved walkways, landscaped parks and a nursery. It is an extremely pleasant place to visit and I am lucky to have it so close to my place.  I can’t think of a better fitness regimen in my routine than a walk to this lovely place every evening with Sury and Vidur. We have a great time while taking care of our health.  Of course, I annoy them from time to time by stopping to take pictures. They can’t figure out what I could possibly photograph every day. But in my eyes, I see something new in the same things every day.

Here we go with today’s sights. I had a tough time choosing just a bunch from the entire album. Enjoy!

We pass these trees every day en route to Sankey Tank Sadashivnagar. They’ve been there forever it seems. There is a row of them. I keep thinking they have a lot of stories to tell.

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

One of the things I love about this lake is the bunches of geese gliding across the water or just chilling around in groups.

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

I find them lovely to gaze at. And infinitely soothing is the water rippling around them and the gentle rays of the sun.

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

We walk past walls kissed with foliage

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

Pretty flower beds….

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

……Of multiple hues….

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

We take a short detour around a mini pond as we walk and see birds – mostly pigeons and crows hanging around there

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

When we peer over the railing around the lake, we can see geese taking a break from their aquatic activities

A gift of life sankey tank

Like life, nothing is perfect and I am shocked to see this “hand” in the rubble along the path. Spooky!

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

Like life, this too shall pass and the day comes to a peaceful end.

gift of life sankey tank sadashivnagar

My only regret now is that I won’t be able to go walking for a few days until my injuries heal.  I find it interesting that I thought to share photos of Sankey Tank this Sunday, even though I go there every day!  The Universe is a sneaky thing.

Now let’s check in at Unknown Mami’s place,  for she is the gorgeous Claudya who hosts this fascinating link up. From there, we can travel the world together.

Love, Vidya

Wonderful posts I enjoyed this week

11 ways to feel better when you are overwhelmed

The healing power of forgiveness and release

9 ways to live in the moment

Question for you:

How are you celebrating the privilege called life?

Inspiration

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35 comments

Ben January 29, 2013 at 5:29 am

Glad that your okay Vidya. It says alot about you that you can show gratitude for life after this as alot of people would take it as ‘bad luck’ or something which isn’t neccessarily true.

-Ben
Ben recently posted…A Fallacy In The Law Of Attraction.

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Vidya Sury February 1, 2013 at 12:17 pm

Thank you Ben! I realized I am going to be okay…and decided it was best to speed up the process with a happy mind 😀 I am so very glad to see you here!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Paradise Found

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timethief January 29, 2013 at 5:36 am

Oh my! I’m so glad you are okay Vidya. Now I can go back and read your post fully. I just skimmed it. May you heal quickly.

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Vidya Sury February 1, 2013 at 5:27 pm

Hugs! I know the feeling 🙂 I would have done the same thing! Blessed to see you here!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Paradise Found

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Elle January 29, 2013 at 12:32 pm

So sorry for you mishap Vidya and so happy you were able to turn it into this wonderful post on gratitude and lovely things. You are an amazing One.

Love Elle
xoxo
Elle recently posted…How To Start Over.

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Harleena Singh January 29, 2013 at 2:12 pm

Gosh Vidya!

That sure was a narrow escape, and yes, one really feels at such times that anything could have happened! So, this is a gift of life for sure!

I remember the time we had our car accident and our car somersaulted 5-6 times before landing on the other far off side of the road, and I had flown right off to the other side, while everyone else was safe inside the car except for a small fracture. I had a head injury and lots of bruises and it took me 5-6 months to heal fully – but I know…there was someone up there who took care that night. That was a gift of life for all of us.

Take care, and you shouldn’t have exerted and written as yet, or perhaps you are feeling better now? Thanks for sharing more of you with us. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…Will You Stop Overeating

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Sandi Amorim January 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

So glad you’re ok Vidya! And as always, I love these glimpses into your life, and the phrases you use, ie: walls kissed with foliage. You remind me of my husband and how he notices so much more than I do when we go for walks.

And I’m celebrating the gift of life by doing my best to be more present and aware. Thank you for asking. xoS
Sandi Amorim recently posted…How to Reflect the Energy Within

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Suzie Cheel January 29, 2013 at 11:52 am

Thanks you for sharing all the gifts you were able to see and feel from you scooter fall. I know only to well the gift of life and each day i give thanks for my life.
Suzie Cheel recently posted…How To Make Organic Coconut Yoghurt

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My Inner Chick January 29, 2013 at 5:49 pm

—Vidya,
Glad you are okay after your fall.

I don’t believe in “luck.” I believe in destiny.

You are a blessing in many people’s lives.

I love that old tree w/ the old man roots! ROOTS run deep and for eternity.

Love you more than old man roots. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…Distractions, Green Pastures, & Still Waters

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Vidya Sury January 29, 2013 at 6:15 pm

Kim, Thanks. I am so grateful. I have a date with that tree almost every day! It is so beautiful. I love you more than my words can say, right now! Hugs!

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Hajra January 29, 2013 at 6:06 pm

I finally made it here!

And I am so glad you are okay. And yes, it is indeed lucky!
Hajra recently posted…I don’t need you

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Vidya Sury January 29, 2013 at 6:14 pm

Yay! Welcome! 😀 I am very glad you’re here. Hugs!

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Terri Sonoda January 29, 2013 at 7:11 pm

OH my Gosh! I’m so glad you are okay, my friend! And of course you find the positives in it all. That’s the way you are. Wishing you a swift recovery. Sending love! Thanks for sharing with us. I always always look forward to your Sunday posts! XOXOs
Terri Sonoda recently posted…Monday Listicles – Stuff I wanted to be when I grew up

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Joy January 29, 2013 at 9:08 pm

Oh, Vidya…I am smiling as I read. Your scooter reminds me of my daughter learning to barrel race horses. While I rode and trained horses, I felt barrel racing too risky for me…and here is my daughter learning..and now needing to wear knee pads because the horse kept bamming her into the barrels…we can’t take away our loved ones adventures, even if we want to protect them…so yes, please to your scooter adventures!

And, I smile that your family “humors” your photo taking–my children do the same during our sunset walks *grin*

I *love* your photos–I am so glad when you share them!

Here is a huge “feel better” hug for you!
Joy recently posted…Mignon Supnet: Spirit 101

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Pattu January 29, 2013 at 3:57 pm

Vidya, Thank God, you are ok. Everyday is a gift of God. This is my morning prayer, and the nightly one too. Please take care.

The mistake was of someone else, but it was you who got hurt. This is the eternal problem in our cities. Someone does an idiotic selfish act, and someone else gets hurt. Please switch over to a small car!

Loved this nice report and photographs of the Sankey tank. Crossed this place many times, but did not find enough chance to get down and look. 🙁
Pattu recently posted…The Hyderabad Horti cultural show 2013

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Cathy Taughinbaugh January 29, 2013 at 11:02 pm

So sorry to read about your fall, Vidya. Glad that you are on the mend and that you were able to show us your lovely pictures from your walk.

Thank you for the mention of my post! You are too kind!

Hugs, Cathy

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Sandra Pawula January 29, 2013 at 7:20 pm

I’m so happy you are safe, Vidya! And, I’m so sorry for all your scraps, pains, and the shock of it all. Our life is tenuous at best. We never know what will come next, tomorrow or the next life! Thank you for sharing your story and your gratitude to help us all remember to appreciate life in this moment. Lovely photos too!
Sandra Pawula recently posted…Is It Always Smart to Follow Your Heart?

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Victor January 29, 2013 at 7:22 pm

Glad to hear you’re on the mend, Vidya. The betadine ointment brings back memories – I remember my mom putting that stuff on my injuries. Ouch is the word. 🙂

You bring up a good point — even when we encounter problems that seem to build up and build up (they don’t come as singles), we can look to the things we are grateful for, and appreciate what we do have and the blessings we enjoy.

While I am unhappy that you are in pain and discomfort, I am glad you were able to share the positives from the experience. Get well soon.
Victor recently posted…Let’s Talk Vera Claritas today! | VictorSchueller.com

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Angela Artemis|Powered by Intuition January 30, 2013 at 1:03 am

Dear Vidya,
I’m so glad you are alive too!
xoxo,
Angela
Angela Artemis|Powered by Intuition recently posted…Intuitive Guidance: 8 Tips to Help You Get Through a Crisis of the Soul

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Carmen's Chronicles January 29, 2013 at 8:33 pm

Vidya, I am so grateful that your injuries were not for serious. I have always hated motor scooters and motorcycles. As a nurse for 45 years, I have seen such serious injuries because of them. It always concerns me, in India, that despite helmet laws, so few people w wear them and, if they do, they leave the
chin strap hanging loosely around her neck. The chin strap has to be fastened tightly and helmets have to be worn even on short journeys. This is especially true in your country, where traffic is so horrendous.

Indeed, it is a blessing to all of us, that you suffered only scrapes and bruises. We need your wonderful writing and photography. Much love and best wishes to you.
Carmen’s Chronicles recently posted…Ruby Tuesday 2 – Mel’s Diner, San Francisco, California, January 29, 2013

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Jodi @ Heal Now January 30, 2013 at 2:09 am

Vidya! I am so glad you are OK. I am so worried and wish you a quick recovery. You are a beautiful gentle light producing soul. Love to you, my dear friend!
Jodi @ Heal Now recently posted…Goodbye, Fear. Good Riddance.

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Hiten January 30, 2013 at 11:37 am

Hi Vidya,

I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and I’m very glad to hear you’re getting better. Wow, it does sound like a shocking experience. Your attitude and gratitude for what you have after it though, is amazing. Such events really put life into perspective, don’t they?

Thank you for sharing the lovely photos. In particular, I really liked the ones with the geese in them.
Hiten recently posted…NLP Presuppositions Part 3

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Bobbi Emel January 30, 2013 at 7:10 pm

Vidya, I’m glad you’re okay! I slid my scooter sideways when I was younger and the abrasions and bruises were extremely painful! It took a long time to heal, so be careful and don’t rush things!
Bobbi Emel recently posted…Why suffering is unnecessary

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Lori Gosselin January 30, 2013 at 3:59 pm

Ah Vidya, Talk about getting back up on the horse! You get yourself home and cleaned up and wrote a post!?!? You are amazing!
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted…Do You Want it All?

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Karen January 30, 2013 at 5:27 pm

Vidya, we’re so sorry about your spill! As you say, it could have been much worse, but we hate to think of you being in pain. I agree, no point banning the scooter (you could just as well have been hit while walking, right?) but still. I wish we lived a bit closer, so we could send you flowers.
Karen
Karen recently posted…Awesome Advice Central: Taking care of business

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Julie | A Clear Sign January 31, 2013 at 1:42 am

Vidya, Insult to injury, those three flights! Only you would keep such a positive attitude, and thank you for it 🙂 That tree is magnificent. I always think,”I wonder what stories (that inanimate object) could tell??” so I have no problem imagining a living tree could be QUITE the talker. Many blessings and healing thoughts your way. xo

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Unknown Mami January 30, 2013 at 9:03 pm

The pictures are beautiful, but the real beauty in this post is that you are well enough to write it. I’m sorry you were in an accident, but I am beyond thrilled that you are okay-ish given the circumstances. Be a little extra kind to yourself in the days to come.
Unknown Mami recently posted…The Riddle of the Sphinx

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Property in NCR January 31, 2013 at 9:34 am

Great Posting , Very interesting………..

Thanks

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vanita January 31, 2013 at 3:44 pm

my heart dropped in my stomach while i read this. i am so sorry sis but i am happy and feel blessed that you are safe and on the mend. what would i do without you?
vanita recently posted…Shed Negativity From Your Life (And Your Blog)

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Carolyn Hughes January 31, 2013 at 11:06 am

I love how you can always find the good in a situation Vidya. Counting our blessings is such a help when we are faced with a trial.
I do hope you are healing well and I’m so glad that it wasn’t more serious. Take care 🙂
Carolyn Hughes recently posted…No regrets.

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Kaarina Dillabough January 31, 2013 at 5:45 pm

Oh my goodness Vidya, I’ve been absent from your posts, and look what I find as I arrive today…yikes! I’m so glad you are OK: it must have been frightening and painful, so I wish you a speedy recovery. Take good care, my friend. Even when I’m absent from here, you are not far from my thoughts and prayers. Keep well. Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted…7 Gems from Daniel Pink’s book “To Sell Is Human”

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Barbara January 31, 2013 at 8:56 pm

Oh, Vidya, you gave me quite some fright and trust you to go home by yourself, cleaning up and sitting down to write a post! You are amazing! And very courageous!

Wishing you speedy recovery, some lazy days well spent spoling yourself and some careful (so as not to hurt you!) bear hugs from me!
Barbara recently posted…YOUR TURN! Lori’s Winter Tabbouleh!

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Betsy/Zen Mama February 2, 2013 at 12:07 am

Vidya,
Your pictures are lovely but you are much, much more lovely! So glad you are ok! I have fallen as an adult and realized how different is from one you’re a kids. It really shakes you up!
xoxo
Betsy

And, thanks for linking up to my post! So appreciated.
Betsy/Zen Mama recently posted…The Future Is Now… 9 Ways To Live In the Moment

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Debbie February 14, 2013 at 9:01 pm

So glad that you are ok Vidya. I too love the tree. All the picture are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them and your story.

I always tell myself when things start going down hill, there is a reason. i just have to wait to understand the reason.

We all have blessing to be grateful for and sometimes we get caught up in the ‘why is this happening to me’ that we can’t see the forest through the trees and we miss all the beauty.

You Vidya found the beauty. I thought i had already made a comment, how I missed this I am not sure. Sorry to be so slow.
Debbie
Debbie recently posted…The Shocking Truth About Violence in Today’s Society.

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Make Every Moment Count - Vidya Sury March 4, 2014 at 10:14 pm

[…] anyway, the whole point is, what I have learned is this: Life is a gift. Each day we receive is a present, and we should be fully present to truly enjoy every […]

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