As usual, March has been busy with various things – visits, travel, work and more. It seems to have gone by faster than expected and I am shocked to find that we’re at the end of the month.
No regrets though–considering life always has her ups and downs. I didn’t spend much time online–which is a good thing since I was busy focusing on decluttering and cleaning up. The stuff that accumulates over years and years and years is not easy to clear out quickly! There’s also the unique problem of giving away, sometimes, you know. I left a perfectly good pair of shoes outside my house – and not where we tend to take them off. I mean, it was obvious that they were there for the taking–yet they just sat there. Finally, a week later, I asked one of the delivery persons if they’d like it and the shoes found a happy new owner.
Not easy 🙂
I remember, after I got married and had to move to another city, my Mom and I pretty much donated most of our things. Believe it or not, I had three huge trunks full of books and no takers. Suitcases full of clothes, and no takers. Can you imagine? I was willing to give them away.
So remember, my friends, giving away is not always as easy as we assume. My grandma was right.
Anyway, resuming the March musings, here’s what I am grateful for.
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The month started with travel. We went to Chennai. Sury had work at the IIT and I tagged along on a whim. I wanted to visit my uncle and in-laws and I am so glad I did. It was pleasant meeting both. While Sury was busy with his work, I roamed the IIT campus and it was wonderful to soak in the sun’s heat, watch deer gamboling around and oh, the trees.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvF_t1LlzZf/
Banyan trees galore – so much that there’s actually a Banyan tree avenue there. I love trees and it was two days of spending time in nature to my heart’s content–my only connection to technology being the phone camera and using Google maps. Utter bliss.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BulJWaIlqNT/
And oh, we were still running after cancelled flight refunds which only got settled last week. How sad that brands react only when you call them out on social media! Really sad!
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Once we got back home, it was back to the grind as usual. Work and other stuff. I also got busy gathering toys and books for my friend’s preschool and had an absolutely lovely time reminiscing over the times my son enjoyed them, and we, with him. So heart-warming to think that other kids will enjoy these as much as we did. Now, I am looking forward to a visit to the school to meet the kids as my friend said she wont open the bags until I get there!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvEZifblCKd/
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I got my new spectacles finally from the optician. Couldn’t find a frame exactly like the one I had and had to pick a different one. So difficult to choose frames! But I am proud of myself for not lingering over it. And it is nice to have my eyes back! Grateful for this. I cannot imagine not being able to see/read.
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Of course March is a beautiful month because we were anticipating our son’s visit for his short mid-semester break. He was here for five days and we cherished each moment. Always grateful for the wonderful relationship we share. All too soon, it was time for him to leave but I am grateful we will see him again soon for the summer vacation.
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Last week, I had this sudden urge to revamp this blog’s look and installed a new theme that didn’t sit well with it. It crashed. It refused to load. So I did the sensible thing by simply restoring it back to what it was and felt happy. Grateful to have Vanita on my side to help me through it. Her patience, her expertise, her humor – what would I do without her? I am glad I’ll never have to find out!
I did add an about me and a photo to the sidebar > > > check it out! > > >
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Health wise, I’ve been feeling slightly low. I have started a new diabetes medication and it is agreeing with me so far. I’ve been walking regularly. But there’s a lethargy and I am blaming the hot weather for it. It is already quite warm and the fan is not enough. Our city is known for it’s pleasant weather but over the last few years, it has been steadily getting worse, what with cutting down trees, constructions, etc. We’re dreading the next three months. Still, so grateful to be fortunate to work from home and slack off when I feel like!
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I did something very uncharacteristic! I actually planned my A to Z Challenge posts for four blogs and I can’t stop laughing at myself! I am the kind of person who plans what to write the previous evening while walking. But well – it felt good to plan. Now for the writing bit! I just have a feeling I will end up writing away from the plan, as usual! Happy for the joy it brought. Feels good.
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Oh, I got approved as an #AmazonInfluencer. I’ve been an Amazon Associate for years now and it was nice to spend all of five minutes applying for the Influencer program and getting approved. Was seeing their ads everywhere and finally gave in and applied. Now I have a storefront on Amazon–so much fun creating lists and adding products! Check it out: Amazon India and Amazon International. Do feel free to shop! Any commissions I earn will be donated. Grateful to have another source with possibilities to make a difference in lives.
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And now, I am Marching Ahead Gratefully!
Here’s a 5 minute gratitude meditation for you:
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, take deep breaths
Now complete the following
I am grateful for
3 people I know
3 things I’ve learned
3 gifts I’ve received
Enjoy the feeling!
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How was March for you?
Year ending busy?
Gearing up for the A to Z Challenge? Let me know if you’d like to buddy up.
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Join me for the March 2019 Gratitude Circle blog hop.
You know what to do: write your post, add the badge and link up with your post URL below.
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I wish you a wonderful April ahead!
Vidya, how do you manage to do so much? I am in awe of your awesomeness.Your month was a happy and fulfilling one, wish you more of the same. The trees look amazing, lucky you. Nothing is more precious than the child coming home from out of town. I am glad your son was home to give you a chance to pamper him. May you remain as happy and lovely always. Congratulations on becoming an Amazon Influencer. Loved your 5 minute meditation tips. Thank you.
Thank you Sulekha! Indeed we live for the moments when we’re all together at home! Precious moments. Glad you came by!
I am actually not doing the A to Z this year because I just felt too overwhelmed. I love trees and have even hugged them and it felt good. Right now it is still just brown and grey here but soon we shall see spring. My health has also been getting the best of me. March has been a Birthday month but all in one week. I am hoping I will do more in April
Hugs, Birgit! It would be great to read about your Mom, whenever you write about her. Hope you had a good birthday! I’ve heard the weather’s been quite harsh there. I wish you a much much better April! And hope to see you around more!
Those 5 minute meditation tips might just save my life! My mind has been all over the place these days.
You said it right, hottie, giving things away is never easy. We had a whole load of clothes, vessels and books and yet we found no takers. Finally we drove all over the city to find an orphanage that would take it.
You look more saxxxy in the new picture you know <3
Lots of love!
Thank you, Soumya! Happy that you are part of the Gratitude Circle!
These days I find it best to give away to the folks around us – workers, sometimes even friends who can use stuff, and of course, welfare homes. My favorites are the ongoing construction sites- they can always use things as the wear and tear is high.
It isn’t a new pic. It’s the same pic, except I didn’t crop it. Thank you!
Wow the trees and deer was such a balm for the eyes – looks like an awesome vacay time for you Vidya!! Love the meditation tip at the end of the post – its really something worth doing and I am going to practice from tonight! Thank you for sharing that.
For donations try Goonj – they are always looking for stuff for their many projects run in the villages and disaster struck areas- I have always found them eager to take it all.
Writing my post and linking up on Monday!!
Thank you Shalini! I freaked out clicking photos of the trees and deer! And many other things, of course!
Glad you like the meditation tip. I’ve decided to post one with every gratitude post now.
Goonj is great, but is almost a day trip from my place as they have a collection center pretty far off from where I live. Anyway, the issue with giving was more than 20 years ago. Now I have a long list of locals around my area where I can donate. So no problem. I wish you a marvelous April!
Such beautiful sights to wake up to. Good to know March brought you happiness, Vidya. A to Z on 4 blogs sounds amazing. I am sitting back this year too like last year. I will cheer for you and read. You are right that giving away isn’t easy. Finding people to give stuff gets hard on my side too. But I keep trying.
I noticed the new picture and loved it. You look great.
Love that mediation tip. Works anywhere 🙂 Wishing you a happy summer season. With Vidur around the heat in Bangalore would turn to love and warmth. Have a good April!
[…] Linking up with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle for March 2019. […]
I am so happy to read your post vidya, I wrote a draft and kept it to post last week – my mil became very serious and she expired last week – which threw everything out of order … today I came to work and started looking at my draft and hopefully will complete today also signed up for A-Z challenge and am thinking of combining the two. Congrats for becoming Amazon influencer and I like your generosity of donating for a cause. You are always inspiring and i never cease to be tired of reading your posts – I just loved the tree images and your new profile is lovely and there is so much to learn from you. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful posts, and also encouraging the readers to practice gratitude – those tips are great.
Hugs, Angela. I am sorry for your loss. May your MIL’s soul rest in peace.
I look forward to your comments filled with kindness and love. Thank you so much.
All the best for the AtoZ! I am sure you will ace it. Love and hugs to you!
Hello, Vidya! I came across your blog via the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge. I have to say that I LOVE your blog and all that it encompasses. I’m now following you!
I was curious whether you would still have the Gratitude Circle for April given that you’re also doing A-to-Z. I would love to participate, if you are.
So glad to have come across you here. <3
Welcome, Dawna! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ve “filed” your comment in my “happy place”.
Oh yes, the Gratitude Circle blog hop will always be there regardless of what’s going on. That and the Wednesday Wisdom posts 🙂 on Wednesdays. April’s Gratitude Circle will go live on 25th April. So happy that you’ll be joining me! (I love your domain name!).
Absolutely loved those nature photos. Adorable deers! Glad to know that your glasses are fixed, Vidya. I call my glasses my eyes. It’s difficult without them.
Noticed the new photo and bio. Your smile <3
What a nice idea for a quick meditation and gratitude feel! I found out that I have more people in my life I am grateful for. Blessed!
Wishing you a fantastic April. <3
4 blogs!! you always amaze me. I cannot even imagine the amount of effort and dedication needed to take part with 4 blogs. Congratulations on being an Amazon influencer. I have applied too. Fingers crossed!
Ah! the deers are still there. I was surprised to find them when I went there for the first time. Deers in the middle of a city! 🙂
Take care of your health.
Lovely to read about your March, Vidya. Spontaneous trips are great. And it’s lovely you got to spend time with your son. I’m sorry to hear about your health and hopefully, it will improve soon. Here’s to a fantastic April for you!
That 5-minute gratitude prayer is a great way to reflect on the things for the day. Thanks
Your pictures always make me happy. Loved that banyan tree and the deer. It must have been good to have Vidur home. I hope you’re feeling better. The heat is a killer. We’re already hovering at 40 degrees that when Pune is supposed to have a moderate climate.
Also, I hope your tech troubles have been resolved and that April brings in good things only.
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March was busy with my dance practice but one performance is over successfully for which iam happy. Getting approved as Amazon influencer is great. Have a happy April Vidya 🙂