Life is short. Make every hair flip count. All we have is now. The profound truth that life is short and all we have is now is oddly heart-breaking-to think that this moment we have will never come back makes me feel a bit lost. Does it make you feel that way, too?
This week, the world lost a wonderful human being in Kobe Bryant, who was just 41. It was overwhelming to see how much he is loved. Life is short.
And then, there are the personal losses of those who didn't make it to the news. Unexpected losses that hit them from nowhere right in the middle of their routine.
It got me thinking.
- I can never afford to take anything for granted.
- I cannot complain about anything because when I stand back to look at it, it seems insignificant compared to what's going on around us.
- I must constantly appreciate everything I've got right now.
Because life is short. All we have is now.
We do not know when tragedy will hit us. We do not know how long this happy moment will last. What we can do is cherish every little thing and fully live in the moment.
I tried my best to do that this month.
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January 2020 began with travel. I was off to Chennai to attend my Uncle's 80 th birthday celebrations. It was a lovely experience. He is much loved in the family and the event was well attended. I got to meet cousins I hadn't seen in decades. It felt good.
I wanted to wear a silk saree but didn't have a matching blouse that fit. I didn't allow that to deter me, though. I pulled it off with a crop top for a blouse. And was told it looked great. I am glad I had the guts to do it. I am so grateful for my Uncle, who was my pillar during my childhood. I would not be the person I am today had it not been for his loving nurturing, especially after my Mom returned home to her cup of peace.
I sometimes feel sad that he's the only one still around among my Mom's seven siblings. But I am also grateful that I have nice memories to treasure. And I can't believe that in a week, it will be ten years since my Mom passed away.
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On 7 Jan, I accompanied my son back to college, as I've done every year for the past five years. It was bitterly cold and rainy but I didn't want to miss the trip, as this is his final semester there. It is lovely to spend time there. I stay in a hostel room and eat at the mess with the students. I walk around on the campus, enjoying nature and especially the poplar trees, watch the puppies and the peacocks wandering around and my heart fills with joy.
I meet friends there who welcome me with bear hugs and have a pleasant time. I returned home, very conscious that all we have is now. This time next year, we have no idea where my son will be-so we intend to make the most of every minute we have with him.
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I am grateful to the wonderful guy who home-delivered hoodies for my son for the winter. I had shopped at his outlet two years ago but was sad to see the shop was no longer there. Managed to track him down and was thrilled when he offered to drop off what we wanted. Grateful for that. He is a wonderful person and supplies quality stuff. If you are looking for t-shirts, hoodies, corporate clothing, etc. he's the man. Let me know if you need his contact details.
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By the way, we started a tiny meditation practice at home. At 6 p.m. we set the alarm for 11 minutes and sit with our eyes closed. It's a wonderful feeling. Of course, I sometimes doze off. When the alarm went off after 11 minutes my husband and son burst out laughing. When I asked them why, they said I was snoring. Ah well. Sleep is meditation too, right? Yup.
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After excruciating pain in my feet - heels to be precise, I finally went to the doc to check it out. Turns out it is plantar fasciitis, which is very common. Got cushioned footwear and have started doing some specific exercises that are supposed to help. The pain is worst when I get up after I sit for a while. Hoping it slowly eases off. Grateful I am able to do something about it.
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Sticking with the theme that life is short, I finally bought a new phone. It seems nice. Has a good camera, I believe. Hoping to catch some good photos when I travel with it. It feels strange when all the apps open quickly after my super-slow old phone. Funny how we get used to things, complain about them and put up with them for as long as we can!
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On the crazy side, we are going through the rounds of fridge going on the blink, plumbing work dragging on and a bunch of other things. Life goes on. I am consciously holding the thought that all we have is now as my mantra as I tackle everything, trying not to get too annoyed. Waiting on a plumber or technician? Most irritating thing. Sigh.
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January seems to have gone by too fast, or is it that I've been running around a lot? Whatever. Grateful for all that was, is, and will be. For the things that didn't work out as I anticipated, I am grateful for the learning. For the things that did, I am grateful. The biggest lesson this month is that life is short.
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I felt thrilled with some of the kind messages and responses I received on social media. Feels so good when people acknowledge my work and tell me that it helps them.
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I am grateful to my friends and family for being my support system.
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Well. I am looking forward to February.
All we have is now! How was January for you?Remember, life is short. Make every hair flip count!
Join me for the January 2020 Gratitude Circle blog hop.
Write your post. Add your link to the linky below.
How to participate: To join the Gratitude Circle blog hop, you can write about anything that made you feel good. It is not mandatory to write about your personal life. Or list personal things you are grateful for. You have the freedom to share anything that made you feel good. A happy event. Something you saw. An experience. A place. Something that brought you happiness. A lovely book you read that filled you with joy. Anything. I repeat, it need not be personal at all.
- Write your posts.
- Add the badge.
- Link to my post. ♥ (to validate your entry to the linky)
- Add your post link to the linky below.
