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16 years of Collecting Smiles

by Vidya Sury July 9, 2019 14 comments
Celebrating 16 years of Vidya Sury Collecting Smiles

When I wrote my first post on 8 July 2003, little did I realize that blogging would become one of my most enjoyable activities and help me grow as a writer, connect me with amazing people, take me virtually across the world into the hearts of so many people. It’s been a joy collecting smiles.

July is an auspicious month for me, in terms of new beginningsβ€”all my job changes during my corporate career have happened in July.

Incidentally, my health blog also turns 11 years young. And who doesn’t want to share their birthday with the Dalai Lama, eh?

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July also happens to be the birth anniversary of one of my uncles (my Mom’s brother)β€”someone who was seen as THE good Samaritan by all who had the privilege to know him. Of course, he would argue that the privilege was all his–because he was that kind of person. Generous, always helping others, fantastic sense of humor, suave, well-dressed, and an absolute pleasure to be with.

Sundays during my childhood were especially fun for the whole family because of him–there was music and delicious food and family time that’s all so preciously memorable. I remember when I woke up in the morning, there would be a tray next to my pillow with postage stamps for my collection–he worked in international purchases and brought me the stamps from the envelopes. He is also almost wholly responsible for my love for chocolates and limericks.

He passed away when he was exactly 60 and was mourned by far more people than just our family–people whose lives he had touched, people he had raised, supported financially simply because he could, people for whom he had made the time to sit and listen.

Even if it is pure serendipity, I feel proud today to think that I began this blog on my uncle’s birthday. He was certainly someone to look up to and aspire to be like. He gifted me my first Dr Wayne Dyer book and also my set of Rugby jokes books.

He lived to be of service to others and certainly collected smiles all the way.

I cannot say I am anywhere near that, but I like to think I am a work in progress.

Since this is a time for reflection, words cannot express how wonderful it feels to be doing what I enjoyβ€”writing, editing, blogging. It is true what is said about not having to work a single day in your life when you are passionate about what you do.

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I am often asked what my blogging goals are. I have two goals.

One: my aim is collecting smiles

By creating a positive space that people enjoy visiting and reading, and leaving with a smileβ€”hopefully with the intention of coming back.

Two: to change the world, a word at a time.

I donate all my blogging income to charity which includes supporting our local welfare homes, bearing the educational and medical expenses of children who can’t afford it and doing what we can for people in our community.

It is an honor to say that I have been accomplishing my goals of giving back, paying it forward. My Mom showed me by example that we must always try to make the world a better place in our own small way.Β We don’t need an audienceΒ for every good deed we do, do we?

Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are. Vidya Sury Collecting Smiles_Fotor

While I’ve personally and professionally grown over the years, the rules I set myself have remained constant. Of course, I add a new one that’s in sync with these every now and then, but let me share the basic list here.

  1. I will always treat others with kindness. No shaming anyone.
  2. No negative vibesβ€”no ranting. I am better off collecting smiles.
  3. I will treat my friends like photographsβ€”show them in the best light.
  4. I will focus on those who love me.
  5. I will always be open to learning.
  6. My actions will be consistent with my goals.
  7. I will always strive to offer value through my writing.
  8. I will spend my time online wisely.
  9. I will raise others whenever I can.
  10. I will not waste time comparing myself to othersβ€”because I know my path is different.
  11. I will not hold grudges or keep scoreβ€”I have better things to do.
  12. I believe that no work goes unnoticed, no effort goes unrewarded.
  13. My health, family and friends will always come first.
  14. I will not stress over social media stuff. No FOMO for me.
  15. I will never be forced into writing about something I don’t believe in.
  16. I will live by this quote:

β€œDo things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” – Harold S. KushnerΒ 

The list is longer, because I am a work in progress. I have smiles to go before I sleep.

I will always be grateful for my family’s constant encouragement in everything I do. Super special thanks to Vanita Cyril–friend, sister, mentor all rolled into one–I am not at all sure I’d be where I am without her unwavering support and always having my back. She rocks!

And of course, as long as I am blogging, I’ll be collecting smiles. Here’s what I want to know from you:

β€œDid you smile today?”

 

Celebrating 16 years of blogging

That’s me during my recent trip to the Andaman Islands at Kalapathar beach on Havelock Island.

Thank you for your presence here, today.

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14 comments

Debbie L Hampton July 9, 2019 at 2:30 am

Congratulations for all those years, Vidya. I bet you’ve accumulated and caused a bunch of smiles. I have to wonder how many blogs you have amassed over 16 years. I have over 400, and it’s only been nine for me.
Debbie L Hampton recently posted…6 Breathing Techniques That Calm Your Brain and Body Instantly

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Vidya Sury July 9, 2019 at 11:16 am

Thank you so much, Debbie! It has been a wonderful journey so far and I look forward to better things going forward. If you are referring to the number of posts, well, I just checked. This is my 1842nd post here. πŸ™‚ Thank you for being connected.

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Ramya Abhinand July 9, 2019 at 10:44 am

A very happy birthday to the Good Samaritan – your blog. keep collecting more smiles Vidya and spread the happiness around.:))))

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Kala Ravi July 9, 2019 at 11:08 am

Hearty congratulations dear Vidya! A sweet milestone for a beautiful blog. A blog that has been true to its word, collecting smiles. I cherish the positivity and wisdom you share through each of your meaninful posts. Beautiful is as beautiful does. I am sure your mom and uncle will be smiling up there and showering their blessings on you. Love and hugs.
Kala Ravi recently posted…Melon, Almond, Peach or Grape?

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Shilpa Gupte July 9, 2019 at 11:59 am

A very happy blogversary, dear Vidya! Yes, your blog does collect smiles…loads of them..because of how you express your feelings that touch a chord with your readers. Keep going!
Shilpa Gupte recently posted…10 signs your anxiety is reducing.

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Praha July 10, 2019 at 5:38 am

Reading your posts has always been a BREAK for me. It inspires, make me feel grounded and remind me of many good things around us. Keep collecting smiles and we smile as readers internally too. Again loved your 16 quotes..going to print that out too. Wonderful and keep going !

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Vinitha July 10, 2019 at 6:01 am

Happy birthday to your beautiful blog, Vidya. I have never left this space without a smile on my face. Thank you for doing that every single time. Keep inspiring us through your words, Vidya. πŸ™‚ <3
Vinitha recently posted…At last an Author of my book | June Gratitude #GratitudeCircle

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Shailaja Vishwanath July 10, 2019 at 4:19 pm

Many congratulations on the 16-year-milestone, Vidya. You’re truly blessed to do what you love and enjoy. May you continue to write, blog and embrace this blogging journey for many more decades to come. πŸ™‚
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…Six months into my year of depth

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Vidya Sury July 19, 2019 at 12:16 am

Thank you Shailaja!

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How do we know July 11, 2019 at 1:39 am

Congratulations Vidya!! What a lovely milestone!
How do we know recently posted…Achanak

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Sandra Pawula July 11, 2019 at 7:00 am

How amazing – 16 years! I’ definitely smiling because I read this blog post. You’re generosity, kindness, and dedication have always inspired me. I’m so happy to know you. And thanks for giving us a glimpse of your “rules.” They will help us all live a better life!
Sandra Pawula recently posted…How to Heal Your Heart and Mind with the Best “I AM” Affirmations

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Evelyn Lim July 11, 2019 at 9:54 am

I love that you have the title 16 years of collecting smiles πŸ™‚

Happy Sweet 16! Stay fabulous!

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Elle Sommer July 15, 2019 at 1:51 am

What a brilliant 16 years it’s been Vidya. You’ve brought many a smile to my face and I simply can’t imagine how many lives you’ve touched during the time you’ve been blogging. Zillions! I’m glad to have you in my life dearest Vidya and I love the ‘rules’ you live by. πŸ™‚

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Vanita July 22, 2019 at 3:32 pm

Vidya, there are lots of things I can be grateful to blogging for, but the most important thing is that it helped me find you! Thank you for 9 years of sisterhood. Love you bunches!
Vanita recently posted…Why Your Subconscious Impacts Your Business Planning Success

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