Dear Vidur
I actually wanted to pick the word "Do" but after Attempt, I thought "Dream" would be a better idea.
You know, when I was around your age, I was almost conditioned to accept my lot and be content with what I had. While that is not such a bad notion in itself, since it was not unusual for women to restrain themselves from being ambitious, from dreaming, it irked me that I had to follow the herd. Our family, with good intentions, believed that I would be lucky to complete that Bachelor of Science before I got married and settled down. That's not the life I had in mind, though. I wanted to do a lot more, achieve great things. I had to rebel to do what I wanted because I couldn't bear to let my dreams die, such as they were.
I was fortunate to have your Grandmother who always stood by me, supporting me in whatever way she could. Today, I am lucky to have your Dad in my life, who encourages me to go ahead and do the things I want to do. Little did I know, 15 years ago, that I would be living my dream today doing what I love!
Today, here is my message to you, Vidur:
A dream is a wish your heart makes. You have a duty to yourself to fulfill it.
Unless we dream, we don't get the impetus to go after it. When we are passionate about what we want, we put in our best effort. You've heard me saying this so many times - how much we want something is directly proportional to the effort we put into getting it. We humans are like that. We work harder for the things we want than the things we need. But that's okay.
I encourage you to dream. It doesn't matter how impossible it seems now. You'll be surprised how easy it is to sometimes get what you want. Most people are too afraid to want something badly assuming they don't deserve it. For others it is the fear that stops them.
Look at Saina Nehwal! She had a dream and she got there sooner than she expected. Did Daddy tell you about how he met her on a train journey Bangalore to Hyderabad in October 2003 when he was traveling to deliver some lectures in a nurture program meant for talented mathematics students? In his compartment, there were 4 kids traveling alone. There were three very young girls - all around 13 - and one boy who was slightly older - around 16. From their conversation, he guessed that they were returning to Hyderabad after a badminton training camp in Bangalore. They were talking about the pathetic conditions and the "politics played" by the coaches and hardships that they experienced. To encourage them, he told them that in a couple of years, the conditions were bound to improve, and that they would represent the country one day. He also added that when that moment arrived, they would feel so proud that all their hardships would have been worth it. I remember he said he wasn't sure if he himself believed it at the time! They must have thought, "here is another middle-aged bore spouting inanities". Your Dad asked them their names. The boy said `Kashyap' and a very serious-looking 13 year old girl said `Saina'. Today, he feels as though his meaningless words may have had something to do with Saina becoming world number 1 and he regrets that he forgot to ask for their autographs!
See? No dream too big!
During my childhood, my dream was to finish an entire pack of 10 biscuits.
And no dream too small!
Point is, regardless of size every single dream is worth chasing. Why? Because it makes us happy. The amusing thing is, at every stage we think it is tough to get close to that dream, until we decide to go after it. And oh, how enjoyable the process is! You know that better than anyone else!
I fondly remember, when you were around 6 years old, we would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up. And you would answer "Illustrator, artist, editor, writer, publisher, musician..." and the list would go on. Do you know I still have that cassette tape where you recorded a mock interview with a reporter, talking about your upcoming illustrated book Hanuman? You were 5 years old! And yes, I do have your "manuscript"!
I am proud of you for holding on to those dreams and I know you are going to do it!
So, I dare you to dream. And do what you have to, to make it come true.
We are right behind you to cheer you on!
Love and hugs, Blessed to be your Mom.
P.S.: If you ask me what I am dreaming of, I'd say I hope to meet the Dalai Lama one day! A to Z Challenge 2015 - Day 4D is for Dream
D is for aDiet Tip at Life Hacks For Diabetics
D is for at Life Hacks for Happiness
