Christmas Eve

It's unbelievable that I have traversed this far.

I am overflowing with gratitude for everything that this year has bestowed me with. This year has been the busiest of my life till now.

Love fills me.

Image: Internet

Life

I woke up smiling and happy. Did my long pending washing clothes and off to invigilate students. I am glad that my life is going on well.

Many many unfinished tasks but hope remains. I am indeed joyous and grateful for HOPE.

And then we sang . . .

yesterday after a very long time, i sang to an audience. ofcourse, it wasn't a solo but nevertheless it filled my insides with so much joy. the song was una paloma blanca from the george baker selection. loved the way it went on.

yesterday was also a day of celebration commemorating a year of the inception of our department.

lovely moments.

grateful.

overwhelmed.

happy.

Three to end my day

It is 9: 14 pm now. When I started this blog, I thought I will make a daily entry for the things I am grateful for. I couldn't do it. It is today that I realised that it is more than a month since I even stepped here. If I said there weren't anything to be grateful for, I'd be lying. I would also be lying if I said that I was a bit too busy. I just let it go.

I am glad that I chose to record my gratitude for today. I am grateful for:

* being able to play badminton regularly again
* trying to make some resolutions work
*today! The whole day passed without any grudge, trouble, pain and complain

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Fruit of the work of my hands

                                                        

Money cannot buy love

or

Money cannot buy happiness

but

I did find happiness when I held my first paycheck in hand.

I earned it.

I am thankful for the money as it paves way for so many things.

Happy Happy.

Image: Internet

Strength and Energy

Inspite of loving to travel, certain journeys are not quite welcome to me. But I am grateful that I have the strength and energy to climb up and down into buses and trains. I can sustain the whole night's journey with little or barely no sleep. And I can manage it all alone. Isn't that a reason enough to be filled with gratitude and joy.

Small mercies have to be coaxed from within.

As I give thanks, I am silently imploring for contentment, joy and peace always.

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When trials teach

Writing gratitude for repeated failings is not an easy task but still I strive. I don't know how to keep the spirit going except by feeling that "All is for the good." The past weeks have seen me correcting, writing and re-correcting my drafts. I know I am being fine-tuned by my Supervisor but sometimes it just seems cumbersome.

For the first time, I am venturing to be thankful for what is to come. I know all shall be well. If I am not reprimanded now, then opportunities might not come that easily. Better now.

So here I am, being thankful for the corrections and shortcomings. I shall move beyond everything.

Image: Internet

Thankful for . . .

Today after a long long time I did some yoga. I have been postponing this for long. I felt like it and so just DID IT.

And for a greater part of the day, I just relaxed to two movies: flipping channels when one had a break. It was fun and less demanding than the thesis writing.

Just a bit of the writing is left. I am glad that it ending slowly but surely.

Only grace

Many things today prompted me to think about how life is a gift and one needs to treasure it. Time seems to be fleeting and being alive is a blessing.

Sometimes when motivating oneself becomes  slightly mundane and colourless, the higher power always plods me on. 

There are times when I want something so desperately but then I know it is not for me. Letting go is difficult but not impossible.

Reassured promises and loving sweet-nothings are lovely to hear when unexpected and I am thankful for such wonderful surprises.

Life goes on and gets even better with gratitude.

Picture courtesy: Internet

A glowing 80th :)

On 13th March, I had blogged about how my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and was fighting a battle. Many of your comments in the form of prayers, best wishes and encouragement was lovely. I was touched and grateful for all your words.

Now after four months, the medicines are working well and he is fine. On the 30th we celebrated his 80th and how joyful were we in that ocassion!

Sometimes miracles happen. Rather, it always happens. We only have to keep our eyes open.

Our entire family was broken when we got the news of his cancer and how faithless we were. We only thought of death and all that. But then he has lived through it and how! Hale and healthy to see the 80th on the 30th.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all of you who wished me well. The higher power looks and never disappoints :)

Gratitude about the blog next door

Funny, that I chose to express my gratitude for Meanderings and Reflections over here. When I started M & R, it was a way to relieve my pain. Going through a rough patch, I needed solace and a place where I could let the pent-up emotions spill. I started writing and I wrote only of my pain. I would always pour out my angst and my rants in my blog.

What started like that two years ago has become something vital now. The pain has left but the blog remains and how! I just cannot imagine 176 posts and 100 followers. I am grateful and joyous. The journey has been worthwhile.

At this instance, I would like to thank all my followers and the regular commenters on M & R. They have encouraged, loved, motivated, kindled and enabled me to flower. All of them are one in a million.

Lovely, isn't it. Let us go then you and I . . .

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Writing to the hum of rain outside

It has been long since words nurtured this gratitude blog of mine. Everyday I find serene moments worth of thanksgiving but never jot it down. There is a bombardment of words these days -- my thesis needs me to fill in page after page which exhausts and turns my insides out!

Today, I thought let there be an abundance of words as the rains have come again. It gives a special feeling to be writing my thesis as it's raining outside. I was complaining that this room is quite hot and stuffy and after a few minutes, it started raining. I consider myself special as the Universe listens. It probably wanted to keep me going with my writing and so it began to pour to Cool Me you know.

I can't be more thankful. It's half past 12 at night. The new day has already began. I am glad. I am happy.

A fresh perspective, here I come.

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The rains are here again

They always come unexpected. Our monsoon is usually during October-November but they always surprise us. This untimely arrival makes us happy and happier.

Sometimes unexpected wonders make us so grateful.

There you come again and cool my senses.

I am happy for the windows which show me wonderful pictures when it rains outside.

I can smell the earth now as I am typing this note of thanks.

Picture courtesy: Internet

sometimes sometimes

Last night I felt my being swell with gratefulness

It seemed like a automated response

It was strange because I did not initiate it

I was lying in my bed and being lifted up

to incidents and places that I was happy and proud about

I felt like the characters in 'Eternal Sunshine of A Spotless Mind' but reversed

They were erasing memories

I was carefully noting them down and feeling happy and thankful

to life

to the higher power

to the Universe

but

there is still a lot to do and experience

I offered a silent thanks

for everything yet to come

for I know

they will come

Picture courtesy: Internet

All is well that ends well

A lovely trip

Bucketful of memories

Manifold experiences

Collage of people

And I am thankful

Grateful

Gratitude swells

Life happens

Oh yes! The 19th came and how!

Our long awaited presentation got over today. I am quite happy that it went on well. I would have loved it if it was more challenging but nevertheless the experience was lovely.

I am more than thankful that confidence and a smile are always my allies.

Wow and whoa!

The meal at the wee Italian place was wonderful. Tiramisu finally!

Glad . . .

Gratitude and glad are sometimes synonymous for me and today it's one such day!


Overwhelmed


Grateful


Happy


In spite of deadlines to succumb and papers to write!

Just a few hours before . . .

It's been some time since I last wrote an entry. But I had to share this so that you can join me in being thankful to the higher power. Our trip to Belfast was scheduled for the 15th but due to inavailability of tickets, we advanced our travel to the 14th of April. We landed and then we hear of the infamous Icelandic volcano. Everyone marveled at our perfect timing. We landed in Belfast just hours before the ash started disturbing flights. Now that is truly a miracle!

But this miracle has a lot of history. Right from the time our trip was planned, every single aspect of the proceedings were something beyond our comprehension. I am truly thankful to the Almighty for everything.

Great is thy faithfulness!!!

Leaving on a jet plane

It's been quite hectic. Proves that there is something resourceful to keep me going on. It gladdens my being. Finally the time has come to leave on a journey. I'm quite overwhelmed by so many things that if I start listing them, this page will pale with tears and love.

Thanks is but a cliche but I cannot but feel gratitude towards all of you for everything you have done.

Joy always.

Picture courtesy: Internet

When there seems no way out, miracles happen

It's unbelievable that the events happening in my life so far are with a BANG. The past week was quite a tension filled one with an assortment of issues. Our impending travel to a different country was all rosy but the process involved seemed mammoth. I can't be grateful enough to my god for his grace and assurance.

Finally all is well and we are flying soon.

It's so easy to feel threatened by the situation around us. Like Peter many times I look all around when all I need to do is look at him and be assured.

Passing everyday is a miracle. I am so glad that faith keeps me going. What I would do without you.

I am truly grateful for all of them who gave me the good courage and told me that they will remember me in their prayers. Their words reverberate as I write this post. There have been many people who did different things for me so that I can have a truly smooth sailing. Thanks from the depths  of my being.

Be still and know that I am god.

Image: Internet

Joy of a new day

Yesterday was not a very pleasant day. But today I am glad that I woke up with new promises and a song. Every time man lets me down, I realise that my faith holds me still and keeps me from jumping into the wreck. Sometimes I imagine what I would have been if there was no faith . . .

Joy always.

For my grandfather

Today we got the news that my grandfather has got cancer. He does not know it. Just the thought that he does not know and is cheerful brings tears to all of us.

I am grateful today that I as his eldest granddaughter was able to share so many lovely stories and moments with him. There have been times when I did not like many of the things he did. Well, all of us have grouses like that.

He is the last connection that I have with the older generation of my mother's family. He is quite important to all of us. Its strange to know that he does not know that he is dying but is hoping for the medicines to make him all right.

He has enabled me to see so much of life when I had not yet come into this world. He was born when India was not free and was under the British regime. Stories of life in the barracks, fire-schools, exotic places and people engaged us thoroughly and by now we know all the stories by heart and yet we would love our grandfather to narrate it to us.

I love him. I am thankful that he was there for us with lots of stories.

Please do pray for him.

Finally . . .

After a lot of meanderings and U-turns, I will be submitting my thesis this summer. This would not have been possible without many who stood by me and supported me. I thank all of them and am glad that they are around.

Working hard and glad that i am at it.

Joy and more joy.

Picture courtesy: Internet

A lovely lunch and soulful conversation

 

Yesterday was indeed a lovely day. I had been to lunch with two lovely women and it made all the difference. Apart from the food which coerced us to indulge all our senses, the conversation was one where my being was strengthened and invigorated. Sometimes certain people fill one with an abundance of positivity and warmth that one thinks that come what may, I CAN DO IT. 

The strong aura of positive vibrations and words of practical wisdom by Swarna ma'am was lovely. I am filled with gratitude for having met and known her. 

Thanks for believing in me.

Photo courtesy: Internet

Isn't it true . . .

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. 

--Cynthia Ozick

Standing a few minutes from 20th Feb 2010

Today I am grateful for:

The joy of walking without my head phones. Though a tad strange, I managed to get into the groove

The thoughts of a journey to cold climes

R who fills me with love and peace

Reading Psalm 91

The daily meditation in Our Daily Bread which nourishes and invigorates me

Scott's blog which always strengthens me


The lovely piece on Temptation by Awareness and the message it conveyed


Attempting to work and giving up but never totally restraining

The season of Lent which is an awareness into the interior landscape


The joy of sight, sound and smell

Being able to write

9/2/10

Today was indeed a lovely day. I am filled with gratitude:

* The third workshop went on very well. We received laurels that we thought we did not deserve

* Practical strangers being very receptive

* Experienced academicians asking for our numbers in order to connect with us

* A wonderful interaction with the students

* That communication and interaction is vital and essential

Picture courtesy: dreamthisday.com

05. 02. 10

I am grateful today for the following:

* the workshop in Good Earth School went on very well with students involving themselves in the whole course of action

* the Study Circle had many participants and that the discussion after the talk was quite engaging focusing on different interdisciplinary aspects

* we were able to interact with scholars from different places

* for nice conversation after the Study Circle

* for having planned many things

* for feeling content and overwhelmed

* for a nice meal

* for the assurance that I need not worry

* the feeling that I am indeed happy and joyful

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We are here! Wow!

The title is a bit vague but that was what came to my mind when I started writing. I am so glad for today. A lovely dinner and the grand MOU between MCC and Queens was signed.

Everything went on well and I am flying . . .

It feels good after a warm connection with lovely people.

Raintree is a lovely place to hang out.

I am so very grateful and happy for today!!!

Last day of Jan 2010

It feels wonderful to think about the passing January. I know that I have had many resolutions gone awry but in spite of that it feels great to have been alive, healthy, warm, friendly and useful. I realise that I continue falling down but then I rise to know that I keep falling over and over. But I also know that I fall to rise again - with renewed energy and vitality. This month saw me meeting different people from many parts of the world and connecting to them. More than anything else, the human connection goes beyond any cultural conditioning.

I am quite happy with the way my work is progressing - slow and steady and I am burning with a zeal to overtake my present time limits when it comes to reading and writing on my thesis. The very desire fills me with a positivity of moving forward. I am glad and grateful for that.

When times were tiring, I am glad that I found sustainability in the word. I know that come what may, my God will always be there for me. I am filled with happiness and gratitude when I realise this power.

Many blogs have comforted, encouraged and sustained me when I needed something to make the race worthwhile.

I look forward to February and anticipate lovelier aspects. Here I come . . .

28 Jan 2010

I am thankful today for:

* the visit to the graveyard in Kilpauk. This was my first visit there and I liked walking through rows and rows of the dead.

* the strength in spite of feeling a bit tired

* lovely hugs from friends

* reading Scott's blog post and feeling contemplative

* my transcription that I intended to complete

* the lovely thoughts of an impending journey

* the assuring thought that all shall be well

26 Jan 2010

Today I am happy and grateful for:

* A long cherished dream is finally coming to pass
* I have lovely people around to make me feel happy
* I don't resent any thing that has not made me feel happy
* There is so much work and I feel resourceful
* R for always being there
* The lovely students from Queens with whom its fun and joy to be with
* Lovely food that was made by my mom
* Getting something when I needed it the most but never thought would come
* Being alive, healthy, happy and cheerful
* ME

Wondering . . .

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; 

the wise grows it under his feet.

16th Jan 2010

Reading Scott's blog posts always enliven me. Today I am grateful that I found his blog in the multitude of blogs in the world wide web.

* For the breeze that hit my face as I was pillion riding

* For meeting my professor and having a good conversation

*  Not possessing many talents but recognising the ones I do have

* For people who admonish me to show that they care

* For perseverance that sometimes amazes me

* Solitude that comforts me

Bhogi day - 13th Jan 2010

In the Tamil Year calender, today is the day where the old is done away with and the new is invited into the lives and homes of people. I am glad to be penning down my gratitude for today.

* The talk which was arranged by me went off quite well
* Chaks for making this day special
* Getting into a hall meant for only guys
* For understanding many things about the human species
* For the simple truth that I am alive and super
* For the power of speech that proves to be my gift
* For life and the great blogs that I visited today

Today's due

The year began on a lovely note. I have many things to be grateful for:

1. Today I am glad that I was able to go to church and listen to the word. It nourished, encouraged and stimulated me to look forward to a victorious life.

2. I was able to take some decisions for the coming days.

3. For the ability to see my weakness and not allowing it to drain me but enabling me to improve on them.

4. For a stimulating talk about my thesis with my closest friend.

5. For the ideas that crop during lazing hours.

6. Arranging a talk on cinema with an eminent person who is only known to me as 'Chaks' sans the glory and glitz.

7. For the workshop on 9th which went on well and left us breathless with the response received.

8. The songs which give me a vision and allow me to feel that nothing is impossible.

9. For the message 'we are more than conquerors.'

Jan 2nd 2010

My gratitude today:

* Today my sister turned 26 and I'm grateful that she had a lovely evening with friends and family

* I managed to eat a lot and also decide that from tomorrow I shall return to the old system of cutting down on food

* For the warm feeling that passed through me when I thought about the bygone year

* For knowing that I am fearfully and wonderfully made

A wellspent year

Thinking of the passing year, I feel an assortment of emotions - loss, joy, triumphs, lessons, experience. If I had to list the things I am grateful for, I am afraid this post shall be way too long.

As I have entered the new year, I am grateful that I am alive, happy, possess a sound mind in a sound body, have people around me who cherish my presence and love me, bloggers who encourage me, my pastor who teaches and guides me, the word which sustains me and above all my Lord who never ever leaves me despite the fact that I have not been very faithful.

New year always brings new challenges, hopes, dreams and expectations. I just pray that this year, I shall be better than the last.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day
~Edith Lovejoy Pierce