We never have to look far for inspiration in life. The people I see around me, especially the women, who go about their routine patiently and always show up at work, never fail to inspire me to take a deep breath and remember to slow down. They lead nomadic lives, going from site to site where their work takes them with their families, but they carry on with life cheerfully, smiling, enjoying the little things.
I always laugh when I see someone from a bungalow arguing with the street vendors over the price of a few flowers, when these worker women joyfully pay the asking price and keep moving on. There's a life lesson there, eh?
For the last two months, construction work has been in progress in our area, with the sidewalks being broken down, pipework repaired and subsequently, the old sidewalk was replaced with a new one. The surface of slabs of stone was chipped to prevent slipping during rains, and fitted in the gaps. All day long the workers would toil, in the hot sun, manually chiseling away the rock surface, with nary a care for flying sharpnel.
Of course there were heavy rains to deter them in their work, but they didn't bother with that small detail. They simply continued their job, thanks to the thirsty sun that hungrily dried out the puddles.
While the men worked, the women helped them by carrying away the rubble and other debris, and then, ferrying the cement to and fro to seal the joints. They also cooked and looked after their kids. Their main role came later, after the sidewalk was built. The women had to make sure that the cemented portion was watered well, so that it could set firmly.
The water tank was parked in one of the street corners and a group of women carried plastic pots filled with water on their hip, watering the sidewalk as they walked along it. Once the pot was empty, they walked back to the tank for a refill. They were at this all day, to water the entire length of the road.
I wondered why the tanker couldn't just cruise along and water the sidewalk with a tube or sprinkler, but apparently that wouldn't work. According to them, it was important to trickle the water slowly, all day long, in the scorching sun. Unperturbed, the women just swayed up and down the road, mechanically doing their job. Here they are. Always ready with a smile for the passerby who cares to notice.
Chatting amicably with each other.
They enjoy their lunch breaks
Their little helpers work alongside them.
And as always, these inspiring women at work find time for love!
Linking up with Parul at Happiness and Food for the WomenAtWork bloghop, which happens on the first Sunday every month. ♥ Join us!
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My dear friends, the book titled The Life Changing Power of No! by my dear friend is FREE on Amazon till Thursday. Please download and read! ♥
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
