Give & Gratify ~ This week

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SALT ~ This week ~ Give



We meet many interesting people in our life who leave an unforgettable imprint on our lives. Our teachers, classmates, childhood friends, neighbours – they all seem to behold a precious part of our life; our childhood. Meeting them somehow rekindles that spark which seems to have gotten dull due to chaotic pollution around us. But sadly these days we are all so busy in our own lives we simply find time to reconnect with such beautiful aspects of our live. We barely have time for ourselves, leave alone for others.

Time is a created thing. To say "I don't have time" is to say "I don't want to." - Lao Tzu

I had such an opportunity very recently when I went to meet my Veena Teacher. I have learnt instrumental classical music for 8 years from her. And despite moving various cities for studies and jobs I have always tried to keep in touch with her as for me she defines a very beautiful part of my childhood – music. She was the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of music, taught me all the taalams and patiently sat with me as I practiced the fine art of perfection. I also share a wonderful rapport with her daughter as we have grown up together.

Sadly over the last few years her health has deteriorated very badly. Five years ago she got her first Alzheimer’s attack in which she lost her speech. Since then every day has been a new surprise as she continues to forget things. Today she has been reduced to that of a vegetable where she is barely able to do anything on her own. I feel very bad when I see her in this state as I feel helpless. I would actually do anything to hear one word from her, even if it is a scolding. 

One day I was on my usual visit to her, when before leaving I told her daughter, ‘Do let me know in case you need anything. I would be more than happy to be of any help.’

She smiled and said, ‘You know, in life the moment each one of us is blessed with money we feel we are invincible. We tend to value everything in monetary terms. I have had so many people offering me monetary help, giving me free advice as to what is the best to do for my mother, doctors sending me free medicines etc. Each one has something to give me. But little do they realise that money is something that cannot buy everything. By God’s grace we have decent money to take care of Amma’s medical expenses. What she needs is time – which sadly no one has to give. But you give that to her. You see she tries to make noises to get your attention when you come. She is trying to tell you Thanks for giving me your time as that is the most important thing one can give, especially in today’s times. I cannot have asked for anything more from you dear.’

I seriously cannot express what I felt that day. I was doing this with a very selfish motive. I wanted to be in touch with that part of my life. And going in that house, being with them meant that to me. I never realized that my selfish intentions could mean joy for someone else. On one hand I felt bad for having been so selfish but I also felt good knowing my teacher felt my presence.

Lesson Learnt : “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.’ ― Rick Warren


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PEPPER ~ This week ~ Gratify


By nature life is pretty simple. But we tend to add miseries, worries, concerns, jealousy, hatred, ego, anger, revenge and all other malice’s to it to make it complex. To top it all, after doing this we crib about life being tough. 

When I hear somebody sigh’ Life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’  - Sydney J Harris.

We are so busy looking at the bigger picture that we forget the smaller joys that life throws our way. I guess it is high time someone redefined Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and filled it with more relevant things in today’s times. We continue being a part of that rat race and keep running to survive till the time when something untoward happens and wakes us up from the slumber. That is when we realise how selfish we have been till now to not have seen the beauty we have been surrounded with. 

I witnessed something terrible this week which made me question many things including the fragile base of trust that we built our relationships on. Fortunately I just witnessed it and not experienced it. Though I felt bad about the way things had began to become off late, it also made me feel grateful for all the small blessings God had showered me with. I maintain a gratitude journal and this incident touched me deeply enough to make me turn the pages and count my blessings once again today.

So here this week I am sharing with you few entries from my gratitude journal:

I am grateful  

  • When someone read something I had written for a contest on a website, took the pains to find me out and send me a note of appreciation. – as this shows I touched that person’s heart somewhere and that person did the same in return.
  • When someone read my entire blog; (Yes!! From the 1st post to the last one) in a span of 2-3 days and left a comment on each post as a mark of appreciation – as this means my writings are truly appreciated
  • When I am told I don’t sound like a 28 year old at all; rather it seems like someone who is in her 50s and has seen life a lot. – Because this shows I have grown as a person
  • When I receive a text message ‘Knowing you as a person is wonderful but knowing you through your blog is magical :) – because my blog defines the real ME.
  • When I read such lovely comments on my posts – as it means that people are not interested in who I am, what my caste/creed/colour is, but are only interested in knowing what I think. And it matters the most!
  • Many people feel I blog extensively, yes I do because for me this is the only outlet. Kind of a medicine I need very regularly to keep my sanity in control!
The list is lengthier as the feeling of gratitude keeps getting stronger and stronger each day! I am lucky to have been surrounded by such lovely people who keep on gratifying me in some way or other.



Lesson Learnt : Be grateful for all that you are and have. For there are many people out there who would love to be in your place. Learn the art of gratifying people as it will help you spread more smiles & cheer around you.
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