" Never say Never" they say! I did not feel the need to write for the past few months and yet today, here I am:)
I cant believe it has been almost a year since, but what better day than today. " A woman is a circle-within her is the ability to create, nurture and transform"
I am grateful for the incredibly strong, sensitive, selfless, giving, nurturing, understanding, forgiving, brave women in my life who led and lead their lives by example, who taught and teach me true understanding of the words above and who inspired and inspire the definitions of the words that are now used to refer to women on woman's day. An ode to them today
My grand aunt: who dedicated her life to the service of others and in the field of education especially education of the girl child. Today, somewhere in Kerala, little girls walking to and from school, perhaps sit under her statue, where I am sure they draw both energy and inspiration to rise and fly towards their dreams, a vision she spent her life towards. Your letters and words to me will be something I will cherish
My great grandmother- the smallest home she lived in but the biggest heart she had. Growing up I was sure her vessels were " akshaya patras", never ending, since every person who visited the home ( and believe me there were plenty at a time), never left without eating and there was always food for everyone. Perhaps she taught me my earliest lessons in selfless giving.
My grandmother ( father's side): I never knew her because she died young but she must have been a remarkable woman to her 12 children who continue to hold her to the highest pedestal. Perhaps her love is what mother's love is the eyes of a child.
My grandmother ( mother's side): " Do justice to what ever is in front of you". Perhaps this is the way I can define her. She believed in giving 100% to whatever you engaged in at the time- cooking, folding clothes, singing, academics, whatever one is doing at the time. It is ironic that today when I read about Living in the moment and doing best what lies in front, her face brings a smile to her mine.
My mother in law: whose life lies within the walls of her home and her family, who is simple and almost apologetic in her own needs and wants.She gives me the invaluable gift of letting me be:) and celebrating our achievements big or small.
And finally the woman who " believed she could and she did"- my mother. Her journey as a woman is inspirational in itself- from where and how she started, through the journey of life and how she chooses to live her life. My first and forever teacher-She teaches me the true meaning of self discovery, love, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, self improvement and living in the moment. I learn there is nothing i cannot do and that age is just a number from her. I did not have to find a teacher- I am born to one.
My cousin sisters, sisters in law, friends , who sprinkle their unique magic in each interaction.
It would be incomplete or rather almost incorrect if I fail to mention that it is the men in my life too who have made ME possible. So a celebration of me as a woman is incomplete without a huge shout out to the men in my life - my kids, husband, brother, father, father in law, grandfathers, uncles .. who are the wind beneath my wings- who perhaps always have and continue to accept me the way I am.
Sometimes an expectation to fit a part or a role has nothing to do with the other- perhaps it is or has been a social conditioning of sorts. The last year or so has been one of tremendous self growth and introspection , a process that helped me find my closest friend-myself;) I am reminded then of this lovely quote:
