She shaped me

“Happy Teachers Day!”

We would hear this a million times and feel the echo long after her students had wished her and gone.

After I got married, there were two teachers in the house and it warmed my heart to see them exchanging greeting cards on this joyous day – Teacher’s Day.

Every year, for as long as my uncle was alive, he would send my Mom a card. I still have those in my precious memory box.

My Mom, my favorite teacher, loved being a school teacher. Her students adored her. Not surprising. She believed in always being kind and treating everyone with love. She never scolded or raised her voice. I smile to recall how she only had to look at me serenely and I would calm down. Saved me a lot of energy that I might have otherwise spent on ranting and on useless discussions.

I always marveled at how she could be so cool. When I was old enough to understand, I discovered her secret. “Think twice before you speak” was her mantra. “Especially to yourself,” she said.

She taught me positive self-talk.

Her golden advice was: Let people remember you for being nice, being positive. Not as someone who says hurtful things.

I feel so fortunate that I am her daughter.

I am filled with gratitude today. She shaped me and made me who I am. The good bits, anyway!

I miss her.

Here’s my tribute.

For My Mom…

Gratitude

Growing up in difficult circumstances was not easy, but love made all the difference, and that I received in abundance, from my Mom.

Reach for the sky, Vidya, she always said, and I did, because I trusted her implicitly

Attitude will be your best friend, so make sure it is positive and proactive, she said, and I listened

Truth usually triumphs, but don’t be impatient if it doesn’t because if nothing else, it will bring you peace, especially when you speak up, she said, and I engraved it on my brain.

Intuition will guide you, if you open your heart and listen to it, she said, and I listened to her

Take things with a pinch of salt and don’t jump to conclusions, she said, and I made it a practice, a habit.

Universe is always listening and is eager to help you achieve what you aspire for, she said, and I have learned she was right.

Dream big, you’ll be surprised what you can do when you focus on the good and work hard, she said, and I followed her advice.

Encouragement was all I needed to bloom and give the world my heart and today, I enjoy collecting smiles.