In fact, mindset determines how we respond to anything that happens to us, wouldn't you agree? I have experienced that more than ever over the years as seemingly impossible events occurred. I mean, if someone had told me these things happened to them, I would have thought it was downright bizarre. But you know what they say-truth is stranger than fiction.
(Irrelevant here, but my husband's version of this is truce is stranger than friction-which is very true of current times!)But nothing is permanent, you know? Things change, moods change and like it or not, we move on most of the time.
Mindset is everything.
And my default mindset state is gratitude.
So let me present to you the mixed bag that was November!
As is typical of life, we get the rough with the smooth and I firmly believe that the smooth feels way smoother thanks to the rough.
Here we go!Let me start off with a weird happening. My faithful 15-year-old laptop table decided to break. Yes, break! This is a mini computer table with wheels that I roll to whichever spot I like to park myself at home. So that fine morning, I wheeled it as usual into the part of the house that's filled with sunlight. Halfway through, I felt a strange thing - the table seemed to swing from side to side. I hurriedly cleared it, removing the laptop and other stuff in the pull-out under it and carefully almost lifted it into the room. Turned out the part where the top is fixed to the sides had splintered a little. Thinking I was being clever, I thought why not remove the top and use the pull out as the surface. Well who knew the top was the thing holding the entire thing together? Yep, you guessed it. The table almost collapsed. I've now placed it against a wall where it wont hurt anyone for the time being until I decide what to do with it. Sigh.
So I thought I need a new table. After looking around, it suddenly occurred to me - why buy one? Why not manage without one? Because I can. I use my son's desk. And all's well with the world. Grateful to have a ready-made solution, even if I didn't see it right away! Especially when I am keen on purging, right? I am glad I changed my mindset. See?
So yes, I've been clearing out stuff as well. It's an amazing feeling when people receive happily. And let me tell you, it isn't always easy to give away stuff. As the giver we might think, wow, I am giving away this fabulous thing. But there's no rule the recipient should feel the same. Case in point: when I moved out of Hyderabad, I had three trunks full of books to give away and no takers during that time frame. Can you believe that? Truth. Grateful I have happy recipients. It means a lot to me!
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Grateful for samosas. Seriously! I am crazy about them and was delighted when my husband unexpectedly bought a couple on his way home from his meeting. This place from where he bought it is one of my favorites. I was having a rather exasperating day and this simply snapped me out of it. I sat and enjoyed every tiny bite! This happy feeling will tide me over until my next samosa which may or may not be next month. I can hope, right?
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Oh, by the way, my desktop computer crashed again. Raise your hand if you missed reading this during the last two months! Turned out this time the RAM was faulty and the OS would not load. Sigh. So, got that fixed. Grateful to have found someone nearby to do it.
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Saw a movie! Big deal, right? But no. I don't go to the movies often but this one, I was eagerly waiting for it! Bohemian Rhapsody was everything I had hoped for. A biopic on the legendary Freddie Mercury, whose fan I've been since the 70s, it was brilliantly played by Rami Malek. I loved it.
I felt so happy! Are you a fan of Queen? Did you see the movie?
On the work front, I connected with an old associate and we will be working together again. So happy about this. And very grateful to be blessed with clients who are appreciative. I was just wishing for regular writing work and the Universe listened!
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I continue to enjoy working with my publishers and feel privileged to work with wonderful authors. Such a blessing! It isn't always easy but nothing ever is, right? In the big picture, all is good!
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Oh yes, on the reading front, I am systematically checking off Allison Brennan's books. I love it when an author creates series with the same character - and as I move from book to book, these characters feel like family. How fortunate am I to have more books than I could possibly read in this life time! Happiness definitely is a good book and coffee!
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During the days when my system took time off, I simply stepped out and had a good time with my friend. We enjoyed wonderful lunches together and then roamed around an area in the city that neither of us had been to. Then we put the finishing touch to it by checking out an exports surplus sale where we simply had to get some retail therapy. Happy memories. I am so grateful to have friends who like doing similar stuff.
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In the meantime, Bonusapp wrote to me saying they had featured my health blog Be Healthy, Be Happy in their list of top ten Indian fitness blogs. What a nice feeling to be noticed!
By the way, I light lemon lamps every Friday when I pray for everyone's health and happiness. My friends believe in this so implicitly they actually send in specific requests. I am not religious or anything but I do have a couple of practices that make me feel good. So, when I posted a pic of it one Friday on Instagram, I received a few messages requesting me to post a pic every week. I thought that was so sweet! And lest I forget, someone actually messaged me to remind me today.
And, the biggest happening of November was *drum-roll* my son turning 21.
21!!! It seems like we brought him home just the other day and were nervous about handling this delicate little baby. Then we blinked three times and voila! He's 21. I am grateful to be his Mom. I think he has helped me be a good parent as much as I've tried my best to raise him in the best way I can. It is heart-warming to see how much he is loved where he lives now. I can't wait for him to come home for his break-which is from next Friday. Yay!
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There's lots more to feel grateful for - you know how the little things build up into the great stuff!
One thing is certain, when things look bleak, I've learned to look at the silver linings because there's always something good in even the darkest situation. Focusing on the good bits helps me keep my spirits up and yes, my mindset in a positive place.
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I am grateful for my life, my family, my friends, my work.
How was November for you? ♥
Please join me for the November 2018 Gratitude Circle. My loving thanks to all those who link up every month. Grab the badge, write your post and add the post URL to the linky below.
