Be

Dear Vidur,

Can you believe I got so stuck with too many words for B that it suddenly occurred to me that “be” would be just fine!

“Be” lends itself as a prefix to so many qualities and possibilities, but I won’t go into all those right now. What I will emphasize, though is this:

Be Yourself

Remember one thing only: that it’s you… nobody else… who determines your destiny and decides your fate. Nobody else can be alive for you, nor can you be alive for anyone else. E.E. Cummings

“Is it original?” is something we are all used to asking just before we acquire something. Yet, when it comes to ourselves, we always tend towards that herd mentality, or strive to be “like” someone. Sing like Kishore Kumar. Dress like James Bond. Smile like Madhubala. Okay, I am backing off! Mind you, I named people I really like, but don’t ever do that. It is great to be like someone when it comes to being kind and compassionate – but stop right there. Never use someone else as a yardstick to judge yourself; you would be doing yourself a great injustice. I know you will understand what I am saying.

Comparison is the thief of joy. When we became parents, your Dad and I resolved we would never compare you to someone else or scold you in the presence of others. Or tell you to perform like someone. Okay so we didn’t have to, since you did pretty well! But we wouldn’t have anyway, you know!

I am also smiling right now, when I think about how you function under self-pressure, just like I do. Even during your school years, which – sigh – will soon be behind you, you did not compete with anyone but yourself. You simply did the best you could and you’ve done well so far. I am sure you’ll continue to approach life with the same attitude.

One of my proudest moments was when the results of a competitive exam were out and we found out that you did not get through. Looking up the list showed that your classmate had qualified and you immediately phoned him to congratulate him.

That is the “self” I admire about you.

Always be your gentle, generous self. I love the serenity with which you accept feedback and act on it when you can. I also like the fact that you stand firm by what you believe in.

Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you’ve always imagined. Unknown

Life will throw you some curve balls when you least expect them, but when you believe in yourself, you’ll find that you can tackle any challenge confidently.

As Lady Gaga says,

Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses.

“Be your own best friend” is something your Grandma loved to tell me often. Today, I am happy to pass on her advice to you.

As you go through life, be present in every moment, everything you do.

Sometimes, just be!

The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live only as you can.

Here is a beautiful poster I admire – you’ll remember that I had it for a long time as my desktop image. I find it very inspiring and I trust you will, too!

“This above all To thine own self be true”

Your future is waiting to embrace you!

Love and hugs, Blessed to be your Mom

Letters To My Son
April A to Z Challenge 2015: B for Be

B is for Be the change in #LifeHacksForHappiness

B is for Burn 100 in #LifeHacksForDiabetics

BlogHer’s NaBloPoMo April 2015 Theme: Grow