Blissful Break - Part I

 All of us look forward to taking breaks every now and then. It is quite natural to humans to take these intermittent pauses. Fortunately, we are a blessed species that we don’t have to hunt for our meals everyday, well many of us! 

So, 2021 turned out to be the year of sabbatical, giving me that ‘much needed’ break. Having worked for more than two decades already, I needed that time off which is not prescribed by a holiday destination or a life event. That period of ‘lull’, of ‘Do Nothing’, of ‘Sitting quietly and watching the world go by’! And I did manage to take a generous break of about five months from the workplace. 

Now, given my ‘living by the clock’ lifestyle, I am very used to planning things. It comes so naturally that at times I get stressed by impromptu situations. Some people call it OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) 😀 But, this is how I was brought up seeing my parents planning things and executing it to perfection. And there I go with my first mistake…I started to plan things for my sabbatical as well. One takes a break to remove ‘those’ constants from the daily churn. But I ended up adding some new ones 😈😈 So what were my grand plans? And how well did I execute them? Did I visit some quiet place and meditate? Did I acquire a new skill or pursue an art form? Has it changed my outlook towards life? Am I fueled up to do something big?

Well, the answer is - it was just a perfect break! Interestingly, what makes it a perfect one is all the imperfections around me. Few years from now, I will look at 2021 very fondly. It was the year which allowed me to do all sorts of things that any ordinary woman would like to do. No prejudices, no pre-conceptions and no judgements! Despite no big achievements, it still was special.

I have been living in a joint family throughout my life. But given the pace we have of these times, we do ‘stay’ together, not really live together. After about a decade and half, I found some true inspiration within the four walls of my home,,,,in my family! Sounds profound, isn’t it?

My father in law - his sheer grit to live longer and healthier is so admirable. Combine that with his disciplined lifestyle and strong value system, I suddenly see him in a tall demeanour. Living with him for more than 45 years is a woman who has seen life very closely and stood with him through thick and thin. Her presence makes this house a ‘home’ 😇😇 Through our candid chats during this break, I realised that my so-called independence is due to her determination - her determination to liberate daughters and daughter in laws from our social patriarchy. Now, that makes her a cool woman, isn’t it?   

Many times, we look for mentors and guides from the outside and rightly so! Having yet another perspective from someone very knowledgeable is alway of a positive value. But what I really call blissful is finding a friend, a companion and a guide in your life partner.💗💗 Last few months gave me an opportunity to break my prejudices and experience the real man who supports me ardently. His words are so calming, his advice is so practical and most importantly, we complement each other. This is a great milestone as my indifferences and complaints now stand hollow. Marriages are indeed made in heaven 💑

With all these rejoicing relationships around, my most treasured one is being a Mom. My smart and outspoken princess is my looking glass to the world of tomorrow. Mindful, undogmatic and articulate - that’s what defines her. While I am so proud to be parenting her, this break allowed me to stay closer to her for a really good time. Isn’t it a delight to cook for your children, care for them, enable them to learn and face their tantrums? I just loved it all. For the first time, I was always around her, round the clock, without having to look at my calendar. And now, my heart is full of joy and gratitude 🙏🙏🙏 

Last but not the least, a special call out to my extended family, friends and helps - a true discovery of beautiful hearts and unique personalities which inspire me in their own ways. Some Voracious readers, others committed wives and mothers, some diligent and hardworking folks, some pursuant to their hobbies and this list can go on! 

Dear Readers, we all reckon that our lives are fast paced and digitally dominant. But it just takes a moment to find a positive in the same person you have been living or working with for years. Can we all afford to take a break to see good in them? Probably not! So why not spend a few moments everyday to recognise these fine people, their unique personalities, their fine habits and thank them for what they are! I have very consciously tried this and it’s magical✨✨

I am so carried away with sharing my experience of this break, that it requires another chapter 🤩🤩 And, I promise to share it soon! Blissful break continues….

Thanking my lovely daughter Jiya, who helped me stand firm on my stance of breaking away from the obvious (Read my previous blog (In)security - A Friend or a Foe) and inspiring me to be more receptive and agile from a personal standpoint. I’d like to quote one of her recent creations - an acrostic poem penned down by her:

Moonlight hits on the

Ocean floor taking an

Oath, making this

Night, the most

Loving one

It's time to

Gather up some

Hope and Courage. It is

Time for the sun to rise and engulf the moonlight.

Image Credit: istockphoto.com