So, if I thought last month was a big wake up call, this month brought an even greater jolt. I mentally beat myself up and felt a lot better. It also helped to rant to my friend. I know life is all about balance – yet, I am only human and I go through the whole gamut of feelings before I get my mind to settle down.
I thought trying to act normal as I struggled to get things back together would keep me grounded. It did, in a sense, because after all, a good part of my day is spent doing housework, client work, and blogging. I thought the A to Z Challenge would keep me busy. It did. But in spite of working on post drafts afresh, I managed to miss posting, partly due to travel and partly because of focusing on other priorities. The good part is, there is no sense of guilt.
I am taking things as they come and trying to appreciate every little thing. At the end of the day, one has to focus on what really matters, what makes one happy, right?
Here are some highlights from my gratitude journal:
I am grateful for . . .
- The mornings spent in my balcony, enjoying my coffee, and getting my dose of vitamin D
- An impromptu trip to Mumbai for a two-day event including a visit to the Johnson’s Mulund plant. I even did a Facebook live with them. See it here.
- My somewhat lazy laptop that has been a champion, if a bit slow. Still, until I get my desktop computer up, she’s my shero.
- Work I enjoy, from home. No commute. Which is a huge thing in this heat. Blessing.
- My ability to stay calm in a crisis. I’ve lost all my data and I am trying my best to cope, and so far, I am doing okay. I am even thinking in terms of: what if I didn’t bother to get it all back? (a radical thought planted in my head by my son).
- A lovely discovery when I was out for a walk with my young friend last week. Got a number of bits and pieces from this little shop: assorted cushion covers, little bags, doormats: for a song at an amazing clearance sale. I am not the sort who is particular about “sets” and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of rummaging through a pile for mismatched pieces. Small things, big joy!
- Dark chocolate, which my husband considerately bought when he returned home from his travels. So yummy. So soothing. Therapeutic, really!
- An empty sink, and a hot meal waiting for me when I returned home from my trip.
- I go to bed early these days and feel very proud of myself.
- A peaceful visit with my doctor. I admit I was scared to see her with my report, which had additional problems besides the unacceptable blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Totally fueled by guilt, of course! She was kind to me and I came home feeling a wee bit better. Of course, the real work lies ahead, and it is a lifelong process. I have smiles to go before I sleep.
- My neighbors who are family to me. Without their love and the gift of their time spent with me, life would be very different.
- The heat. Our city is really warm this year, but I am grateful we live in a comfortable home. When I think of all the people who have to work outside in the heat, I am humbled.
- The strength to make lifestyle changes and following through with them.
- Friends who always stand by me, no matter what. And always bully trick me into looking after myself.
- Books. Books. Books. My best friends, after my best friends!
And of course, the biggest thing I am excited about is my son coming home in ten days! So thrilled.
Project Inner Peace
I am working towards sustained inner peace. Do you want to join me?
Here are the symptoms of inner peace to watch out for:
1) Frequent attacks of smiling
2) Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation
3) Loss of interest in judging other people
4) Loss of ability to worry
5) Tendency to act based on hope rather than on fear
6) Ability to enjoy each moment
7) Ready to give and receive love
8) Sharing whatever little you have with people having less in life
If symptoms persist, just be grateful!
Nice, no? I’ll bet you expected something else. But then again, knowing me . . .
♥
Join me for the April Gratitude Circle blog hop.
You know what to do. Write your post, add the badge, link up, celebrate gratitude.
Hats off to your cheery nature in the face of everything that can go wrong! Of course we all rant and wrong our hands – how soon we get over it is what distinguishes us. 🙂
You are a shining example of how to enjoy life and not let the rough spots get you down, Vidya. It does help to have a friendly shoulder to lean on and to turn negatives into positives. Losing that sense of guilt is wonderful, too. Rock on! 🙂
Nice to be afflicted by this disease 🙂
Don’t you love the symptoms? Hugs, Asha!
Loved the main image. How lovely 🙂 You mentioned heat also in gratitude list? I didn’t expect this much positivity in summer :p
By the way, I also started going to bed early. It’s good to have more sleep 🙂
I’m happy to join you in Project Inner Peace! 🙂
Hugs, Sandra! I’m in great company then! ?
I was smiling all the way as I read this (except for the part about your report, and lemme be one of the ones that bullies you into taking care of yourself). Your post is so full of warmth and happiness. I can’t find all the words I wanna say about it.
Also, same pinch, just got a few mismatched cushion covers myself two days ago 😀
Hugs and kisses :*
I’m grateful for the bullying offer, Sreesha ❤ it seems like I need more of it these days. Yay on the cushion covers! Show me!hugs and kisses right back atcha! ☕
Anytime, love!
Oooh, I have to buy more, but for now, I got a red/green, a blue/green, and three purple/white. I’m on a refurnishing spree, and all this while I was strict about matching/color-coordinated pieces. I’ve recently realized mismatching pieces are so much better! Will send you pics in the evening 😀
Noice! I love assorted–so much more fun! My mug collection is a multiple-mongrel type! Waiting to see the photos!
Loved reading your posts vidya, you are a courageous lady and the way you handle yourself without losing balance is noteworthy. I am always motivated and inspired by your posts. Thanks for sharing and I pray that all be well with your health. Thanks for sharing the project peace, its a pleasure to connect with you. Celebrate yourself 🙂 for being a great blogger despite setbacks and hardships. Love and hugs to you.
I am happy to announce that I am showing the symptoms these days.
That is so wonderful!
I love your posts in my inbox daily though it’s the gratitude ones which I comment on specifcally 🙂 It’s quite amazing how you have reconciled to the setbacks and carrying on with next steps…lots to learn from that. Inner peace project is something I should be working on too.
Thank you for your lovely comment! Hugs! You made my day, you know! The inner peace project: take one step at a time. That’s easy to do.
I love your project inner peace and all the things that you are grateful for. That trip to Bombay was just so wonderful. Dark chocolate — now that’s a thoughtful choice. And Yay to Vidur coming home. Hope you always get your steaming cup of coffee and continue to collet smiles. Just put up my post. 🙂
Love that Inner Peace project. I hope you are well, Vidya. Let me know if you need any help. I can be a bully too. On a serious note, we are all work in progress so let’s keep at it. Good to know Vidur is coming home – exciting days ahead.
I love your IG posts and that mix-match-pick stuff looks great. Btw – it rained this month so I have been pretty happy about it.
Have a lovely and happy May, Vidya.
Thank you, Parul! Yes, the more bullies as I can get behind me to push, the better. I really have to get my health act together–it is an uphill task with multiple things. 🙂
Yeah, almost everyday the past week there’s been thunder and lightning. The weather is definitely better today. Hugs! Thank you for being part of my Gratitude Circle!
I love the assorted pieces you picked up, Vidya! Especially the one with the birds on it:)
Signing up with you for Project Inner Peace, let’s do it!
Wishing you better health soonest. * hugs *
Linking up my post for this month:)
A comfortable home is a big thing to be thankful for.Why would your doctor not be kind to you.Tell her how much good you spread with your posts , and she will understand .Take care of your health a,I ma sure your laptop will get better or you will be gifted a new one soon.
How positive and refreshing it was to read about someone thanking for the little blessings, rather than ranting at everything that is wrong with this world. Your post made me smile and reflect on all thats good happening to me and I made a note of it to blog a post on this by tonight!
Love your project Inner peace – the symptoms are super cute!!! 🙂
Cheers!!
lovely post.. its filled with lot of positivity and smiles.
happy to read your gratitude list. Little things add colors to our life.