Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
The 'what do you do' question usually refers to one's occupation, but in this case, became a moment to reflect on one's deepest beliefs about life.
The ‘what do you do’ question usually refers to one’s occupation, but in this case, became a moment to reflect on one’s deepest beliefs about life.
“What do you do?,” asked my co-passenger on a flight from Mumbai to Delhi. We had come much farther from what is usually just an exchange of amiable glances between strangers and were amidst a conversation which had moved from monosyllables to well-formed sentences about details of our lives, interspersed with occasional laughter. Rather inquisitive, my co-passenger was a charming 40-something woman who was going to Delhi for receiving an award for her work on women empowerment.
“I eat, pray and love”, I said with a reflexive smile.
“Well, I mean, like, are you working or stay- at- home?” Confounded, she rephrased the question.
I reiterated matter- of -factly, “I eat, love and pray. I eat to survive, love to revive, and pray to thrive. I also write and translate books. But my brief for each day is to be human, the identity I am born with. I seek my ‘hygge‘ through living upto this identity.”
For me the word ‘Eat’ encompasses fulfillment of needs for survival and a restrained indulgence. I am definitely not an ascetic but surely austere. I prefer frugality to vanity, and try to exercise self-control and discipline. Isn’t gluttony one of the seven sins? A consciousness about when a handful changes into sinful is what I seek to acquire.
‘Love’ for me is an action verb. It is not just a feeling but a decision, a response and a choice. A smattering of humour and laughter, a bias towards impeccable words, a heart of compassion and endurance, are an absolute source of love. It lightens the situation and diffuses the steam from a possible altercation. Every single day, I choose to love against clear cues to blow my top. So when my helper allowed the milk to overflow while boiling, I chose my response, (it was hard) as “Don’t cry over spilt milk.” We had a hearty laugh and I added, “Next time,better luck.” I choose to be temperate over temperamental!
‘Pray’ for me is action plus state of mind which I seek to possess amidst the vagaries of a rough day. It is a place where my movements and interactions are marked by thankfulness, gratitude and non-complaining attitude. Each adversity is an opportunity to count one’s blessings.
A place where – bitter is not bad, simple is not sad and the mind is not mad!
From human being to being human is what I do!
Top image via Unsplash
read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Menopause is a reality in women's lives, so Indian workplaces need to gear up and address women's menopausal needs.
Picture this: A seasoned executive at the peak of her career suddenly grapples with hot flashes and sleep disturbances during important meetings. She also battles mood swings and cognitive changes, affecting her productivity and confidence. Eventually, she resigns from her job.
Fiction? Not really. The scenario above is a reality many women face as they navigate menopause while meeting their work responsibilities.
Menopause is the time when a woman stops menstruating. This natural condition marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The transition brings unique physical, emotional, and psychological changes for women.
Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia.
It is amazing when a person turns personal adversity into a calling, and extends empathy to make a significant impact in the lives of other people. This has been the life’s journey of Dr Nalini Parthasarathi.
April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.
Hemophilia is a condition where one or more clotting factor is absent leading to bleeding. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Please enter your email address