Gratitude for Gratitude's sake

16/01/2012

2012-01-16T10:32:00.001+05:30

Happy and content.

When people talk ill of me

2011-12-13T13:10:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, I heard from one of my friends that one of our colleagues was badmouthing me to the students. My instant reaction was anger but after I cooled down, I realised that if someone tries badmouthing me, then there is something about me that irks them. Well, I see this point as something to rejoice. Grateful that I was able to see beyond anger. Sometimes negatives show the way (if seen positively).

Joy always :)

Image: Internet

Household chores

2011-12-09T13:00:00.001+05:30

Managing a home, teaching, marking examination papers and also finding time for being idle is definitely a cumbersome task. I didn't know that I would manage the same. I'm grateful to the Almighty for giving me the strength, energy, enthusiasm and vigour to pass each day.

Image: Internet

5/12/2011

2011-12-05T12:03:00.001+05:30

Another conference was successfully organised by us. Glad.

After two years, I wrote a paper and it was well received. Grateful for the addition of another paper. If not for his grace, I wouldn't have managed the same. Joyous.

Image: Internet

The first day of the last month

2011-12-01T17:05:00.001+05:30

Today is the first day of the last month and looking back it seems that I have crossed another milestone in the passage of life. Looking forward to a lovely month of December and 2012.

Cheerio!

26/11/2011

2011-11-26T15:20:00.001+05:30

A surprise visitor has featured this blog in his Sites To See. Now, isn't that a lovely surprise? Yes it was, for me. Sometimes small surprises like this are enough to be grateful about life.

So, hearty thanks to FishHawk.

Joy always :)

Yesterday is forgotten

2011-11-25T08:52:00.001+05:30

I'm glad for today morning. Yesterday was a rough day but while in the middle of a rough day, one does not pay heed to the next day. But I'm glad that the cloud has lifted today.

The rain coupled with the coolness is definitely refreshing and I can't be more grateful for today. Filled with joy.

Image: Internet

beautiful day

2011-11-16T09:43:00.001+05:30

living in a place with tropical climate, i always envy those who dwell in the temperate ones. but today is a lovely day where the weather is quite pleasant: cool air, dark clouds and fragrant smell. i'm enjoying my day thus far and i'm grateful for this pleasant weather and day.

Image: Internet

Nov 1, 2011

2011-11-01T10:54:00.001+05:30

Ten months gone by.

New experience. New thoughts. New relations. New aspirations.

It has been a bittersweet ten months. I thank the Almighty for being there with me, sustaining, comforting, strengthening and nourishing me. If not for faith, I would have been lost and tired.

Image: Internet

Today and You

2011-10-11T10:26:00.000+05:30

Waking up this morning, I was quite tired and didn't want to do anything. My husband volunteered to prepare lunch, which gave me some time to just sit and spend effortless moments. I am thankful for him today.

Image: Internet

32 . . .

2011-10-03T12:28:00.003+05:30

The new year has begun. It has been an eventful 31 years. Filled with gratitude and joy.

Image: Internet

As September ends . . .

2011-09-30T10:36:00.001+05:30

The ending of every month is a signal to feel gratitude for the bygone month and months. As I stand at the threshold of a new month and a new year, I cannot but be thankful for everything.

The cup of joy is brimming.

Image: Internet

Today, 18/09/2011

2011-09-18T11:43:00.001+05:30

Time runs by and I am grateful that I am aware of that. Today is a beautiful day and I'm immensely thankful for this day and NOW.

Joy always :)

Image: Internet

1st August, 2011

2011-08-01T09:56:00.001+05:30

Seven months have passed by. The first half of this year has been quite eventful: thesis submission, chicken-pox, my wedding and moving into a new house. Well, I cannot be more thankful for the seven months which have gone by. In spite of small desires in my heart which remain unfulfilled, I am glad for the first half of this year.

Joy always :)

Image: Internet

For today

2011-07-25T10:20:00.000+05:30

I am thankful for today as I have been given another day in my life. The joys of a new home are beautiful and exciting.

My cup is overflowing :)

Image: Internet

28/06/2011

2011-06-28T10:18:00.000+05:30

A month since I got married. It has been beautiful and promising.

Grateful and happy.

Image: Internet

For all that is to come

2011-05-23T14:33:00.000+05:30

While I stand on the threshold of a new phase in life, I cannot but be thankful for everything till now.

Image: Internet

Today 04/04/2011

2011-04-04T20:35:00.000+05:30

Some days are quite different from the others in a way that surprises you. Today, I realised many things about myself I had hitherto not thought of. These thoughts are valuable as they help me to see me in a different light. I tried to confront the not so popular aspects of me. I'm glad that life is enabling me to know more of myself.

As always, grateful and pensive.

Image: Internet

10 March, 2011

2011-03-10T18:30:00.000+05:30

For the first time, I organised a workshop on something I did not know anything of - Classical dance to educate and empower. The two day workshop concluded today. Everything went on well. I am extremely grateful and joyous that grace was abounding throughout. Praise god :0

Joy always :)

Image: Internet

Overflowing happiness automatically leads to gratitude

2011-02-28T21:31:00.000+05:30

I often complain that I don't do justice to this space here.

Today, I am here to place on record that the recent days have been glowing for me. There have been many happenings for which I am grateful and joyous.

Soon, I don't know how soon, I shall be writing about a certain thing I would be grateful for.

Life is beautiful . . . it has always been.

“I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom.”
Anonymous

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”
Jean Baptiste Massieu

Image: Internet

2011, 2nd Jan

2011-01-02T18:01:00.000+05:30

My cup overflows as I enter another year with promises ringing in my ears and high-spirits awaiting to raze to the ground any oncoming challenges.

I could not have got this spirit without my fellow travellers in the real as well as in the virtual world. I am glad that you are walking along with me, maybe ahead or behind or by my side. But the assurance that you are there somewhere strengthens me.

I thank the sacred for enveloping me and giving me the grace and courage to keep moving on. What more do I need.

Image: Internet

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T15:32:00.000+05:30

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

2010-12-11T13:17:00.000+05:30

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

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

And then we sang . . .

2010-11-19T11:06:00.000+05:30

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

2010-11-09T21:26:00.000+05:30

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

Image: Internet

Fruit of the work of my hands

2010-09-29T14:44:00.000+05:30

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

2010-09-22T17:50:00.000+05:30

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.

Image courtesy: Internet

When trials teach

2010-09-10T19:59:00.001+05:30

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 . . .

2010-08-12T19:04:00.000+05:30

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

2010-08-12T00:07:00.000+05:30

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 :)

2010-08-01T23:55:00.000+05:30

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

2010-07-20T23:38:00.000+05:30

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 . . .

Image courtesy: Internet

Writing to the hum of rain outside

2010-07-17T00:35:00.000+05:30

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.

Image courtesy: Internet

The rains are here again

2010-06-26T18:15:00.000+05:30

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

2010-06-12T19:55:00.002+05:30

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

2010-06-05T20:31:00.000+05:30

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!

2010-05-20T06:24:00.001+05:30

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 . . .

2010-05-15T21:47:00.000+05:30

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 . . .

2010-04-22T02:56:00.004+05:30

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

2010-04-13T00:29:00.000+05:30

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

2010-03-31T17:20:00.001+05:30

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

2010-03-22T07:44:00.000+05:30

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

2010-03-13T19:41:00.001+05:30

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 . . .

2010-03-07T17:41:00.000+05:30

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

2010-02-27T09:21:00.000+05:30

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 . . .

2010-02-24T17:46:00.000+05:30

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

--Cynthia Ozick

Standing a few minutes from 20th Feb 2010

2010-02-19T23:26:00.001+05:30

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

2010-02-09T17:31:00.001+05:30

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

2010-02-05T22:45:00.001+05:30

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

Image courtesy: Photobucket

We are here! Wow!

2010-02-01T23:30:00.000+05:30

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

2010-01-31T23:38:00.001+05:30

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

2010-01-28T23:10:00.000+05:30

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

2010-01-26T23:55:00.000+05:30

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 . . .

2010-01-25T20:39:00.000+05:30

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance;

the wise grows it under his feet.

16th Jan 2010

2010-01-16T22:27:00.000+05:30

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

2010-01-13T22:38:00.000+05:30

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

2010-01-10T23:34:00.001+05:30

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

2010-01-02T23:39:00.000+05:30

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

2010-01-01T13:14:00.001+05:30

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

As I move on . . .

2009-12-22T10:00:00.000+05:30

As I slowly trudge on the last few days of the year, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who walked along with me. I dedicate this prayer to you from the depths of my heart. May the season's joy and peace fill and keep you in the days and years to come.

Earth Teach Me to Remember by John Yellow Lark

Earth teach me stillness
as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering
as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility
as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth Teach me caring
as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage
as the tree which stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation
as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom
as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation
as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration
as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness
as dry fields weep in the rain.

Ute, North American

Sunday, 20 December 2009

2009-12-20T23:28:00.001+05:30

Today I am filled with gratitude for:

1. Being my usual self in spite of the restlessness in my mind
2. Opening my self to someone I love
3. Not allowing guilt to colour my emotional well-being
4. For the lovely rich plum cake
5. Sitting by the window and marveling at the snapshots passing by
6. Having met some nice bloggies in the by gone week
7. Learning to understand people for what they are and not restricting them according to my personality.

All the above points are related except for 4 and 6. Its difficult to allow people to let them be as they are for many-a-times I try to objectify them from my perspective. Today gradually I accepted how to respect the other person's personality. It seems ages since I first learnt this and the present -- the actual time of implementing the learnt. I am grateful for this and I hope that I learn to master this truth.

Knowledge . . .

2009-12-09T15:16:00.001+05:30

You know sometimes I come across people who say: "I wish I knew how to read and write . . ." It saddens me that they are deprived of the most important aspect that liberates - The ability to read and write. Today I am thankful that I am in a position to read, write and also think. Certain things in life are taken so much for granted that seldom we pause to think that we would be different individuals if we did not have the priveleges we so enjoy. Stopping by to relish and be grateful makes life worth living.

The weather now . . .

2009-11-28T19:14:00.000+05:30

The last post was about feeling under the weather but today am feeling on top of the world, rather. I am so grateful for the lovely weather. Its a relief to feel the chilly breeze and the balmy air. Finally we have respite from the heat and sweat of the summer season. The seasons, their cycles never fail to amuse and amaze me.

I am so happy for winter is here and I am grateful to be able to feel and experience it.

Under the weather

2009-11-25T19:57:00.000+05:30

I came back home this morning after a hectic two day field work for my research. I am so glad for the home I have where I can return after a tired and excruciating journey. I arrived here sore, drained and with fever. I have been lying down the whole day and my lovely sister is taking so much care of me. I cannot tell this to her because we all presume its natural to be taken care of while we are sick but then I am filled with gratitude as she heats the water at regular intervals, massages my back and makes food for me. My mom, who is a working woman has entrusted me with my sister till she comes back home. I am indeed blessed to have people like my sis and mom to sustain and care.

Home is a place of comfort, nourishment and security and for me its the most vital part of my survival.

Signs

2009-11-16T11:30:00.000+05:30

Sometimes we know that doing certain things are not very good for you. But yet we do it on various pretexts like emotional attachment, impulsiveness, boredom, etc. I am no different. I tend to do certain things but then eventually realise that I should not have done them.

But then there are the signs which at every point tell us that we ought to steer clear of things that bring us down. Today this post is written in gratitude to the signs that are given to me at every point of my life. I am glad that I am not immune to these signs which never cease to warn me. I thank my Lord for these signs through which he speaks to me - they are either by his words, people, incidents and instincts.

I wonder what I would be doing without these signs which so wonderfully lead me in unsure times.

Thank-You

2009-11-09T11:30:00.000+05:30

I admit its difficult to find titles for the blog posts which expresses my gratefulness for life's numerous acts of kindness. The title for today's post is again from the heart. Today I am thinking of various people without whom life's daily passage would be incomplete.

The man who presses my clothes
The vegetable-seller
The people who collect our garbage
The woman who helps us at home with the clothes
The milk-seller
The lady who sells fruits
The people from the electricity, civil department who attend to whenever we call
The newspaper boy

All these people carry on with the tasks assigned to them and most of the times we take them for granted but only when they don't come, we realise how indispensable they are to us and our smooth living. When these people help us in the fringes, we can carry on with life gladly. I am glad that they are there for us.

For the song . . .

2009-11-06T11:03:00.001+05:30

In one of the blogs I'd visited, I came across the song 'You needed me,' and immediately went to Youtube to listen to the version of Anne Murray. To my surprise I had known this song from a very long time but did not know the lyrics nor the history behind the song. When I listened to the song, there was a vague stirring within me. The song touches the innermost being and gives an assurance that is unparalleled.

The song writer Randy Goodrum says of this song:

"It was sort of an unconditional undeserved love. How could you love me as if I'm perfect, when I'm not? It was a disclaimer, sort of, for the other person. How could you need me? It's not exactly the same premise as 'I wouldn't belong to a club who'd have me as a member,' but it's a small sliver of unconditional love, which to me is a broad piece of pizza that you can take a lot of minute slivers from along the way. I've always thought that songs, even positive songs, needed to have a certain amount of shadow in them for the light to be significant. And I think too many songwriters are afraid to offend the world, and they never write anything dramatic. They never put anything negative. But to me, you can have negative in a song, as long as there's a ray of hope somewhere. Maybe a way out. Not a saccharine, syrupy way out. It's like in a movie where you see somebody locked in a cave, and suddenly they see a rock fall away and they see a little piece of light come in, they say, 'Ah, maybe if I work really hard I can get out that way.'"

Unconditional love is something that all of us strive for. This song just talks about that. I guess no one can give this sort of an assurance except for god who seems to be there always.

I am grateful for the person who wrote about this song in the blog.
I am grateful that I have someone to believe in who shall not let me down.

Great is thy faithfulness

2009-10-31T18:58:00.001+05:30

There is a lovely Christian hymn that goes like this:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

This song was penned by Thomas O. Chisholm. The excerpt above is not the entire song but one stanza alone. Whenever I hum this song or sing it, it fills me immense joy as I know that whatever might change or go wrong, there is someone who is the same. Critics may argue whatever but the personal faith that has been with me sustains, envelops and consoles me in dire straits.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The beauty of this hymn lies in the manifold ways it can assure me. When in sorrow, this song strengthens me; when happy, this song uplifts me; when doubtful, this song kindles my faith and above all it enables me to feel the presence of my Lord with me.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

This blog is exclusively for gratitude and this song encompasses all gratefulness.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

I guess no one else can provide this kind of a faithfulness. EVER.

Thanks for standing by me

2009-10-21T13:16:00.003+05:30

November to August gave me sleepless nights and unstable emotional fluctuations. I sailed through them but I could not have if some of these people weren't there. Mind you, this support was not only from friends whom I knew well but they were also from my many online friends who in spite of not having met me took time for me. These lovely people spent their most precious asset on me - TIME. I am so glad that the sacred enabled me to know these people both real time and online. They gave me the courage to go on, stand up and above all -BELIEVE in myself.

The dear ones who went through the path with me. I wouldn't know how I would have managed without you:
Veena
Seema
Valli
Ann
Brother Francline
My sister Lydi
Johnson

My online friends who were strangers to me but at the same time knew how to comfort, sustain and give courage:
Andrea
Shahid
JD
SJ
SS

The birds and snakes too

2009-10-17T18:35:00.002+05:30

today i went bird-watching with a couple of friends and colleagues. it was a great experience to identify birds, insects, snakes, butterflies and other organisms. when people complain of having no time, i am glad that i could set apart time for looking and observing species i would have never ventured to see at other times. i marvel at the creation with its dappled, speckled and lovely splendour. i am so grateful for this day and the lovely experience that it unfolded.

i also learnt to be patient and quiet while stepping into the habitat of these birds who are very sensitive to intruders. the various calls that signify territory-marking, mating, nesting and others were pointed out to me.

Hopeland i owe this day to you. thanks.

Feel

2009-10-13T17:49:00.003+05:30

I am so glad that I can feel the breeze blowing on to my face, ruffling my hair and giving a sense of joy joy.
I am happy to feel the tingling cold water sting my toes and arouse me of my slumber.
I am overwhelmed to just FEEL and grateful that my senses so amaze me always.

Overwhelmed beyond my capacity and grateful too

2009-10-01T19:36:00.000+05:30

Those wishes, those calls, those messages: They were all indeed a remainder of how thoughtful people are. How much ever I seem to lose hope, I have no reason to.

I am so so so grateful for all of them and to all of them who made my 20s memorable and as I ushered the 30s in, made sure that they gave me the hope, wishes, prayers and joy to move on confidently forward.

Words sure are not sufficient to express my thankfulness (read gratefulness) to my god who has surrounded me with lovely beings.

To all the men I loved before

2009-09-29T16:37:00.000+05:30

The title of this post is not my own. Its an old song by Julio Iglesias, the father of the present day Enrique Iglesias. Well, this post is dedicated to all the men I loved before. How thoughtful of the singer to hold no grudges and dedicate a song to certain aspects of the past that we wish to bury and forget. Today as I stand on the threshold of a new year and while bidding adieu to the passing twenties, I would like to be grateful for all of them that were once part of my life. Maybe it did not work out well, maybe things were bitter, maybe . . . I can list many maybes but then they all helped me in different ways. I learnt many things. Small or meaningful, they sure contributed their part and today as I think back, I would say that 'glad that you came by and at a point made my life beautiful.'

For those who do not know the song, here it is:

To all the girls I loved before - Julio Iglesias

To all the girls I've loved before
Who travelled in and out my door
I'm glad they came along
I dedicate this song
To all the girls I've loved before

To all the girls I once caressed
And may I say I've held the best
For helping me to grow
I owe a lot I know
To all the girls I've loved before

The winds of change are always blowing
And every time I try to stay
The winds of change continue blowing
And they just carry me away

To all the girls who shared my life
Who now are someone else's wives
I'm glad they came along
I dedicate this song
To all the girls I've loved before

To all the girls who cared for me
Who filled my nights with ecstasy
They live within my heart
I'll always be a part
Of all the girls I've loved before

The winds of change are always blowing
And every time I try to stay
The winds of change continue blowing
And they just carry me away

To all the girls we've loved before
Who travelled in and out our doors
We're glad they came along
We dedicate this song
To all the girls we've loved before

To all the girls we've loved before
Who travelled in and out our doors
We're glad they came along
We dedicate this song
To all the girls we've loved before

Two heady days

2009-09-27T18:36:00.000+05:30

The conference just got over. I could not ask for more. My paper went on well and the overall feedback about things were good. Met a lot of new people form different places. Learnt new words and ideas. Critisised like crazy and laughed like there was no tomorrow. I am so very thankful for the opportunity and to my guide who made these things happen.

I am indeed indebted to everyone who were part of this conference.

Coercing to write gratitude

2009-09-20T17:27:00.000+05:30

I just wrote in my other blog a post titled 'Existential Angst.' How can I write something like that when there are so many things in life to be thankful about. This seems like an alter ego in operation. Few minutes after posting that entry, I venture to crawl over here and admonish the other 'me.' Why do I do it? Very human. Perhaps thats why man clings on to god for he never can change. He is the same. The same when we were four and the same when we shall be fifty. There is a strange peace in that thought. He can never change. How wonderful. In spite of everything how does one comprehend such love. I would love to be like that. Same. I know that as a person I should and will evolve but then the basic me. Can I keep it intact? Can I be loving towards my friend who has betrayed me. Can I not curse the person who knew that I was vulnerable and ventured too personal. Can I forgive my fellow being who has been not-so-good with me. If I choose to be non-violent and prove to be a child of my god, I should be like that. Forgiving. Loving. Peace loving.

This is a blog exclusively for gratitude but what am I writing here. I am thankful for many things here. Today morning's paper had Usha Jesudasan's article about the ahimsa way. I am thankful to her for gradually showing me to be peaceful and forgiving. This post also extends a forgiveness to all those who were not-so-good with me in the past. I am no one to hold grudges. I forgive you from the depths - in word, deed and thought. If my life permits that we should meet again, I would be glad to sit down with you and tell you that 'you made a difference.'

Glowing with Gratitude

2009-09-19T12:53:00.001+05:30

Nothing can bring a glowing pride to a teacher than the thought that you have given something invaluable to your student. 2007 saw me teaching in a professional engineering College as a substitute for another teacher. I was supposed to teach there for about a month. I had an assortment of students from different branches of engineering. The month passed by giving me some lovely memories as always.

Yesterday after a tired day I was traveling in the train from Tambaram when I chanced to meet one of the students I taught in that College. We both were very happy to see each other after two years. She shared with me something beautiful that touched me left, right and center. She narrated how in one of my classes i had asked the students to list out their favourite hobbies. She said that hers was poetry-writing and when one of the guys in the class heard this, he told it to one of his friends in the hostel about this girl and in the process a girl and a guy from two different departments absolutely unconnected had become friends and remain friends till date. This revelation makes me happy and grateful. I still can remember the twinkle in her eye when she said: "Ma'am you don't know how much you mean to me. You have given me my best friend."

What more does a teacher want. That the students get something valuable from life through the classes.

The Readers who pause for me

2009-09-16T23:52:00.000+05:30

This blog of mine is a very personal one. I never thought anyone could be remotely interested in a blog where I note my gratitude. But surprises are always pleasant. This post is for the readers who stumble upon this blog, pause to read the small rememberences of mine and linger enough to comment. A cosy hug and a heartfelt thanks for stopping by. You have no idea as to how your one-line comments pep me up and prod me to write. Kadambari, Sameera, Swapna and the others whose names I don't know -- Thank You.

This kind of interaction is a pleasure.

Thank You for the music

2009-09-11T18:08:00.001+05:30

This post is quite a random one but nevertheless a heartfelt one. Down my timeline there have been many wonderful people I met who were friends, aquaintances, boyfriends, lovers, fellow bloggers and others. Even though sometimes the relationship was quite a brief one, these individuals have introduced me to some amazing music for which I can never be thankful enough. There have been artistes whose music I can never get in a 'normal' music store but then the music would have been something that kindled me enough to shed copious tears, love fearlessly, eat shamelessly, fight gracefully, etc. I can go on and on with this but then I stop for fear of being quite explicit (which I can be).

I remember all those individuals today and offer a silent thanks for the music they loved and listened to and in the process of life passed it on to me. I have been doing the same. Passing on the music I like to people. In doing that I pass on a part of myself to them and the knowledge that they still have that music assures me that I am with them -- though not physically and in talking terms, I am with them.

I could mention the names here for I remember each and everyone but it does not matter.

Am I less grateful

2009-09-10T21:30:00.000+05:30

I have not been filling this blog. Does my other blog attract me more? Precisely. All the things that touch us are the ones that are given the least preference. I can list inumerable things on a daily basis but then I succumb to the usual suspets: procrastination, et al.

I got my driving licence today. How I got it and the process makes me feel very humbled. Do I deserve it? I know better. Sometimes the things that the heart wants hapens but are we worthy to be given all that we want? Not always.

This post is for all of them who enabled me to go through the process of the whole driving lessons+practice+licence.

Heartfelt thanks.

My sister Lydi

2009-08-24T15:34:00.002+05:30

I cannot be more grateful for having a sibling as Lydi. Even though our existence is punctuated with a lot of squabbles and quarrels, we share a very lovely relationship. Maybe lovely is too grandiose a word but then that's the word that comes to my mind first. She is there when I need to cry, to laugh and to introspect. I don't bare every single thing to her but whatever I do share, I know that she will listen and offer pragmatic insights. She stands in direct contrast with me, the romantic. But then, all of us have shades of different personality types which surface at different times. I thank the sacred for giving me someone as Lydi.

Calm

2009-08-21T19:54:00.002+05:30

Today was a calm day where nothing 'big' or 'small' happened. I woke up late after what seemed ages. Had a late breakfast and waited for someone to come home. The lunch was another leisurely act. Breakfast and lunch was punctuated by a session of channel surfing; For a change, I even watched a bit of telly for a sustained period of ten minutes. I am grateful that today was not one of those hurried days where eating is for the sake of eating and resting is just a name's sake affair. A relaxed pace and restful hours marked my day today. I am glad for that.

A not-very-nice day at the bank

2009-08-19T22:06:00.003+05:30

The morning started off well and I wanted that to sustain but then . . . I had a cheque with me and so had to go to the bank to encash the same. BUT it was not that easy. The signatures were not matching, the manager was hassled and I all the while was silently hoping and praying that I should not leave the bank without the cash for I had a lot of bills to be settled (not mine). The cheque made a few rounds before finally the seal 'Pay Cash' was stamped on it. What relief! I am truly grateful that I was able to leave the bank with the cash and not have wasted another day running around with the cheque and no money.

Waking up to the Sun

2009-08-18T10:07:00.004+05:30

Yesterday's rains had left the spirit damp and the body lethargic. Rain has the wonderful quality of adding laziness to the already lazy persona. I am grateful that the sun has come up today and I can hear the birds and the squirrels run about. Yesterday all these sounds were missing. Rains can be a great in fantasy but in reality they can never match the imagination. They are a poor rendition of the imagined. I hope that many would agree with me on this.

Here comes the sun, there goes the rain . . .

A nice walk with Radio FM for company

2009-08-17T19:41:00.003+05:30

well, i treasure my walks. they are something i look forward to. but alas! time is the constraint and i never get to walk much. today was the second day i managed to walk for one full hour listening to radio fm and swinging my arms away merrily. being out in the open is something that gets me refreshed and alive. i am happy that i made it today. sometimes it seems that being 'busy' is a choice that we make and if we really want to we can set apart time for doing the things we'd rather be doing. today was one such day. a free evening where i could just walk, hop, sing aloud and talk to the dogs on the way. and naturally being able to get an hour today makes me grateful, for tomorrow i do not know whether it shall happen.

so long.

Should I be thankful for this?

2009-08-17T10:14:00.002+05:30

I honestly do not know whether I should jot this down. It seems selfish in a way but I am definitely grateful for this. Swine flu has touched base in my College. The College has closed down till the 27th of August. Fear pervades all minds. That my mind is without fear and that I am sitting cosy at home is something I am happy and thankful for this morning.

Life gives us mundane reasons to be grateful for but do we acknowledge them?

The reason is you

2009-08-17T07:16:00.000+05:30

Long ago, my friend and I started a gratitude journal where we used to pen down all the aspects we were grateful for in our life. We were not very regular with it but then the journal provided us the time to mull and jot down the various things in our life that we were happy for and sometimes take for granted.

This blog is something like that. I want to take time on an everyday basis and jot down something I am grateful for each day. Now I wonder about filling the page everyday but then does not life offer us ample opportunities to do you.

Let me start with this today: I am grateful that I am able to write.

More to come.

I am what I am because of life's myriad gifts to me and I am truly grateful for every single thing.