True. Once we make up our minds, it is easy to be happy.
Grounded as I am, thanks to the still healing right foot that can’t wear footwear, I’ve turned into a bit of a barefoot travel agent. A close friend is planning to visit Dubai on holiday and I was busy checking out cheap international flights for her family. Browsing permutations and combinations of itineraries for someone who can’t make a decision is freaky work. But it was also a learning experience for me. I found the concept of code sharing very interesting and thought, how the world has truly become small, thanks to these alliances.
I am a bit of an information-junkie and find it so exciting that everything we ever need to know can be accessed from a little keyboard via an internet connection. Did you know that the US based United Airlines is the world’s largest airline by number of destinations and scheduled passenger-kilometer flown? I didn’t.
So anyway, I was looking at Emirates Airlines flights for my friend. I fondly remembered the days, decades ago, when my cousin, who lived in Bahrain, would bring me those little travel kits the airlines gave the passengers. Since he traveled business class, those kits used to be very posh. I remember one in particular – that had a miniature version of everything one could possibly need in a toiletry bag. I still have the lovely zippered pouches which I use to store little things in my closet. Oh, the little things that inspire us to be happy!
What else did I do besides practicing being a travel agent since I took the week off from work? Here is what I did:
I read a couple of books. One is the biography of South India’s Superstar Rajnikanth – The Definitive Biography by Naman Ramachandran. I am a big fan of Rajni’s and the book was simply fantastic.
The other book is Arranged Love by Parul A Mittal, which I started reading rather sceptically, but thoroughly enjoyed it!
I have scheduled reviews of both books over the next two weeks.
I tried a lot of recipes, thanks to receiving a pack of Fortune Rice bran health oil from BlogAdda. I will be posting a review on Feb 27. I just want to make two more things before I post pictures. Burrp!
I cleared out a couple of closets and made some more bags to give away. Feels so good. I always enjoy the feeling of wanting to give away more and more once I get started.
I enjoyed some wonderful time with my son, Vidur who just finished his pre-final exams and had an unexpected two day break thanks to an all India strike on Feb 20 and 21 in protest of rising prices.
I totally had a good time on my living room sofa, napping in the afternoons and watching TV.
I have also been checking out templates for my health blog, Your Medical Guide, which I recently moved to self-hosted WordPress. Gosh, it was mind-boggling. And a big thanks again to Vanita Cyril of The Strategic Mama – the authority on SEO and WordPress for bloggers and entrepreneurs – who patiently humored me through all the changes. But then she rocks.
I went shopping. Thing is, we were totally out of groceries and veg and I got very restless. Oh, I miss the trips to the market. So I got dropped there, enjoyed limping around the aisles and returned home, a happy me.I saw my favorite vegetable businesswoman on the way back and chatted awhile. She sells the freshest veg from her own garden.
I celebrated by making this sweet: out of thickened milk and cashewnuts. Easy. Want the recipe? Let me know in the comments.
So that covers a wonderfully fulfilling week. I am enjoying being a stay-at-home Mom even more now. I am enjoying my meditation practice. Happiness prevails.
Tell me about one exciting thing you did this week!
Be Happy!
Love, Vidya
33 comments
Vidya,
I couldn’t agree more. I know that sometimes getting happy is a little harder than other times. But when you change your thoughts, you make your life.
I’ve had a very happy week! I’m happy it’s snowing outside right now! In fact I’m about to go for a walk in it. I made a yummy zucchini soup. I’m reading a great book. And I’m enjoying my time indoors cleaning drawers and closets before the weather changes. I feel lucky that happiness is an easy place for me to be.
Great post!
Betsy/Zen Mama recently posted…Cherish This Ordinary Day…
Wow, Betsy. I’d like some of that zucchini soup, please! I remember one of your posts with a lot of yum recipes. The way we see it is the way it looks. I once remember, when we lived in Chennai decades ago, there was a horrible storm and my Mom and I suddenly had the urge to go see a movie. Much against the family’s wishes, we set out. That day, most bus routes went via the theater – and we had a safe journey and back. We had just decided to enjoy ourselves and we did.:-) Sometimes we just gotta grab it! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
How I love the glimpses into your life Vidya – and the pics are always great.
Someone once said we can be as happy as we make up our mind to be and it’s so true in my life. I know I’m blessed being born a happy soul, but ‘stuff’ still happens to us – your foot being a prime example – and then we get to choose whether to find happiness or not.
You, dear One are a very happy blogging sister…which is why your blog is wonderful to visit.
Love Elle
xoxo
Elle recently posted…Be An Imagination Expert And Dream Big.
Hugs Elle! Yes, happy as we want to be. The power of choice! Love you, too!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Gift Of Friendship
What gorgeous veggies, Vidya!!
Keetha recently posted…Sunday at the Birkie
Keetha, that lady is such fun to talk to. She’s a big-built woman who laughs a lot. The veggies seem to speak to us when we go shop – can you believe that? It is a delight for the eyes. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Vidya, I think you have everything in the world in your closet! I am sorry you aren’t mended yet but glad you are resting and getting around a bit. Lots of love to you.
My exciting thing is that I started using phonics to teach the littest guy to read 🙂
Julie Barrett recently posted…Mercury Retrograde Blasts A Perfectly Good New Shiny Post on Soul Groups and Sacred Contracts
Julie, phonics is fun. When my son started school, that’s how they taught them “Hindi” – rather than alphabets, they learned sounds and simple words.
You know, Julie, I discovered long ago that dwelling on something out of our control is a waste of energy, unless it is something positive. I believe I get better faster that way. Mmm. Hugs to you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
I’m finally home after a long travel day and trying to wind down… after reading your words I’m heading to bed now. They are so comforting and filled with quiet… Thank you and enjoy your time on the sofa!
(Just so you know, Denver Dirty Girls design container gardens!)
Sheila Schultz recently posted…Mom-Preneur Market Event
Hi Sheila – thank you for your lovely words. Ah yes, that sofa is cozy.
I yearn for a container garden. I am coming over to check Denver Dirty Girls. The problem is, I had to clear out my balcony because the pigeons are a big nuisance and wont let anything thrive.
🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Glad you’re healing. I took a spill on the bicycle this morning but the 6+ inches of snow we have here provided a cushioned landing. I’d love the recipe for whatever is in that dish. It looks yummy!!
Dorothy recently posted…Frost – Sundays in My City
Thank you, Dorothy. So sorry to hear about your spill! And glad the snow cushioned you! :-)I will email you the recipe!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Hi Vidya,
Happiness to me is a choice. Love the pictures. Wish i was that good at taking picture. Can’t be talented in everything LOL!
Anyway I did have a happy time shoveling some snow. I know that my sound strange, but we haven’t gotten much of it and the exercise is good for you. It is nice to have a cozy kind of day and as Betsy says some good soup to end it.
Debbie
Debbie recently posted…The Shocking Truth About Violence in Today’s Society.
Dear Debbie! I am not surprised about the snow shoveling being a happy time. My cousin says that too! If I lived near you, I would certainly wave you over for a bowl of soup! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…With Love and Gratitude
That would be great. I would come over for the soup TOO! Thanks for the smile.
Debbie
Debbie recently posted…The Shocking Truth About Violence in Today’s Society.
Hi Vidya,
Sorry about your foot but it sounds like it’s not holding you back.
I had to chuckle when you mentioned United Airlines. To be honest, the only reason I know that is because they recently acquired Continental which is where my sister works. It’s been one huge transition so now they’re definitely the largest airline here in the US.
You are an information junkie aren’t you but look how well that turned out for your friend.
I’m pretty darn happy too so telling people how to get that way is kind of hard. It was a transition over a number of years but it was definitely a choice.
Thanks for sharing this and get well soon.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted…Some Anniversaries Are Not Worth Celebrating
Hi Adrienne! Interesting about your sister. I love how, when we look for information, it attracts more!
Thanks for your kind wishes and your comment!
Love, Vidya
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Wow! Even at forced leisure you do so much!Loved the sweet, but cant eat. Liked the veggies though a. Are they all organic( maniac organic Gardener 🙂
Pattu recently posted…The Hyderabad Horti cultural show 2013
Hi Pattu! The feeling of being grounded weirdly brings on a need to be hyperactive. 😀 The veggies – the lady lives in a nearby village and brings her produce everyday to sell. I love how she has marked out a nice shaded spot in one of the quieter lanes. 🙂
Your garden is so very charming! One day I’ll visit you and have the pleasure of seeing it for real!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Hi Vidya,
Glad that you are making progress with your ankle. For someone as busy as you, staying home, I’m sure isn’t easy. Thanks for sharing your pictures. Always a pleasure to see them. Hope you are back to 100% soon, and glad that you still manage to smile and be happy! Take care!
Thank you, dearest Cathy! So glad for the internet, you know? Well – if not, I would probably be sketching or stitching or quilting. 😀
Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
My big news is that the family matter that has been so challenging for the last several months was finally resolved in court this last week, at least the legal part. Now we can move forward. I’ve been waaayyyy behind on my blog reading, so I just enjoyed catching up a bit on yours. Sorry that you are still having some health issues. But, as always, you seem to come up smiling and positive. And, as others said already, I always enjoy knowing more about your life. You are a treasure.
Galen Pearl recently posted…Step Away from the Thought
I was glad to hear it, Galen, when you mentioned it in a blog post. Legal tussles of any type are never a happy experience. Hugs! I am always grateful for your nurturing tutorship of the ACIM lessons.
I am now used to the healing taking time. And it is certainly not stopping me from getting on. I miss going out – but soon I’ll be okay. 😀
Hugs to you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Hi Vidya
I hope you are healing nicely. Although too bad you have to have such a downer to take some time off, it sounds like you have been great fun.
Sometimes we just need to take time off from what we do everyday to enjoy life. Sounds like you are cooking up some yummy dishes. That is always fun.
Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted…Do You Ever Wonder?
Hi Mary! 🙂 Initially I was a little cranky about being grounded, in pain. But thinking back over the last month, I think life has been good. The slowing down turned out to be a good thing. Just waiting for the foot to be completely okay. 🙂 Oh, my son is fond of trying out new recipes and we have such great fun doing it together!
Hugs and thanks!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Vidya,
I’m so glad you got to spend some afternoon time napping on the couch. That’s my idea of ecstasy! I’ve been reading quite a lot lately too. Love to you!
Sandra Pawula recently posted…How to Cope with the Suffering of This World
Sandra, I’ve always fantasized dozing in the afternoons, with a book, the tv/radio on low volume and someone home to answer the phone/door. And imagine my delight when it all turned to reality so soon! 😀 The good parts are the most memorable for me, always.
Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Yes, my dear, Vidya…looks like your week was quite productive! I always love your pictures. And I would like that recipe, please ma’am. I have been busy with doctor appointments for my back and knee. I’ve also been reading a couple of books and trying to catch up on some overdue calls to relatives. It’s been pretty busy. I still need to do housework, though…but that can wait. LOL Hugs, my friend!
Terri Sonoda recently posted…Research, wrinkles, lyrics and stuff
Funny thing, Terri, is that it was! 😀 I think I was anxious not to fall behind or slack off. Yet I did find time to nap, read, cook and even put up with my folks joking about my limp.
I do hope your back and knee feel better soon! The knock I received on my knee still hurts like hell. Hugs! Don’t forget your book – your fans are waiting!
Love you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
What a great message. “Once we make up our minds, it’s easy to be happy.” And yes, it is true. We often refuse to see how happy we can be and how blessed we truly are in life. Thanks for this great reminder.
Anne-Sophie recently posted…How to Make Time for Yourself
The wonderful power of choice is very empowering. Compared to the alternative, choosing happiness is more fun! 🙂 So happy to see you here, Anne-Sophie. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Online Shopping @Myntra – Loving It!
Thank you Vidya fir this freat post
for me happines is others there is nothing like helping someone else .
This has been a phenomenal week for me. I’ve had to be patient and been rewarded for my patience.
Unknown Mami recently posted…Perseverance (Fragmented Fridays)