October has been a truly whirlwind month. Hectic as more than half the month went in frenetic preparations for Diwali and then the culmination and still more hectic activity. Work has been especially heavy this month and balancing that and the work at home has at best been a struggle. But you know, we somehow find some inner reservoir of strength and manage to do it. I did take some time to rest after Diwali.
Introspection
Introspection has been a large part of my life in the past couple of months. I’ve realized as we age, our thoughts and opinions harden. The malleability to listen and adapt reduces, and we become more controlling often at the expense of imposing our thoughts and wishes on others. This is particularly difficult to manage when it comes to close loved ones or close friends. We feel that we are seeing them make mistakes or have a bad habit or behavior and desperately wish to correct that and often just being a presence who is supportive and indeed motivating is a big struggle. Because you wish to wrest control and set the wrong right. But restrain yourself, one must or it gets stifling for the other person. And this perspective came to my via my therapist. Yes, I reach out to counsellors from time to time when I struggle with issues and it is quite useful.
It is also okay to admit to yourself that you are not as strong as you always project or tell yourself. There is no shame in admitting that you require a helping hand or a shoulder from time to time. Also admitting our own fallibility makes us more amenable to help and makes it less taxing for our own selves. Hence, I’ve realized that I can’t keep up with certain habits. I’ve made a list of the priorities (yes again!) with respect to time, and I am not harsh on myself when I miss some deadlines. Social media has fallen off the wagon now. I login once in a while. More importantly, I don’t feel an urge to login. I blog when I feel like and can. And I try my best to read as often as I can. I am grateful that I opened my mind to accepting these changes.
Time Management
Also the past 3 months, I’ve been addicted attached to some television series. They are very long spanning across so many Seasons. As a result, I found myself spending all my spare time catching up with the next episode, next season. My evening time after work was solely dedicated to them. One of the biggest casualties was my reading. And I missed it terribly. So starting October, I decided that I will only watch these serials for half the month and will solely keep the remaining half for reading. It has been working out well so far as I am reading my second book which I plan to finish by the weekend. I am grateful for seeking this balance.
Fitness
If you were following my fitness updates on twitter, you’d know that I completed my #100days challenge around Diwali. It feels swell even though it wasn’t unexpected, as I workout regularly.
Considering that I workout 5-6 days a week barring illnesses etc., this is a good 5-6 months of work. In these months, I have taken to jogging/running. It is tiring but gives a great cardio workout. Also, Coco is now regular with the 5K walks/runs and has shown reduction of weight and increase in stamina. I have been slipping on my strength training and I am looking to get back to it. Let’s see how I squeeze in the time. Overall, grateful that workouts will always be a part of my routine.
The Study Struggles
The kids had their mid-term exams after Dasshera holidays. This time the younger son did all his studies himself. His results just came in and there is scope for improvement. We are going to work on this after taking his inputs. On the wonderful side, he can devour books now. He has just finished his first Harry Potter book. It makes me so happy because after me and his elder brother, he can now partake of this fantastic series. As he was complaining of focus issues, I introduced him to some meditation and mindfulness techniques like deep breathing. I do it with him. Let’s hope we can continue. Overall grateful that he is in a better frame of mind vis-à-vis learning and definitely kicked that he has really taken to reading now.
Health
I have been taking my supplements regularly, and I can see a marked improvement in my stamina and immunity. So much so that I don’t need afternoon naps any more. Extra work has been keeping me very busy, and once again I am very grateful for the wonderful work that I do.
Blogging
My blogs are the source of immense joy and love for me. This month, the husband helped move all the three blogs to https within the hour. I never fail to be awed how effortlessly he manages all the hosting for my blogs and any technical hiccups that I face. Always grateful to have in-house tech support.
I was also kicked to figure in Femina’s Top 50 Bloggers Issue in October. It was really thrilling and joyful. Isn’t it great to be recognized for your work?
When it comes to blogs, I follow the 3 Idiots philosophy: Don’t chase success, chase excellence. Success automatically follows.
Mother-in-law
I am truly grateful for my family but I wish to make a special mention of my mil. One phone call and she is here. I can’t tell you what a big help and moral support she is for me. From helping with Diwali festivities, to cooking, chatting, gossiping, and in general, having my back, I truly thank my lucky stars for having her in my life.
She carried a large bag full of plump, juicy custard apples for us from Hyderabad, mostly because I love them. It is these tiny gestures that we stop investing in or overlooks as relationships grow older. It is these small gestures that make us so grateful and loved. So, yes I feel very grateful for her.
Gorgeous November
November is always special to me as it is my birthday month. As you get older there is no childlike exuberance to celebrate, parties or gifts, but there is anticipation of all the wonderful wishes and phone calls that make up for the feeling of turning one year older. 😉
So how was your October? Do share what you are grateful for.
Also join Gratitude Circle on Vidya’s blog.
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