Gratitude List for 2015 + Linking Gratitude Circle

courtesy Google images

A few hours more and then we move into the next year 2016. For me this is a time to just review the year 2015 and lift up my heart with Gratitude to God and to family and friends who have enabled me and accompanied me throughout this year; 

I can never underestimate the power of family and friends, they are my strength, my support system and very basic foundation wherein all the other accomplishments of my life rests. They have been my greatest blessings, my energy and my driving and motivating factor in not only bringing meaning into my life, but also helping me to stay active, healthy and balanced. 

With these sentiments in my heart, here goes my gratitude list for the year 2015:

The privilege to be involved in evolving and presenting two research papers in the International Seminar one held at Madurai and another one at Hyderabad. Both the papers were action oriented and it reflected my involvement and my work with women and Youth. Glad for the publication in the International Journal for Human Rights.

My trips to the Horsley Hills in Madanapally, a hill station surrounded with beautiful trees, and known for fascinating sun rise and sun set points and the experience of walking in the real forest of Talakona caves in Andhra Pradesh. The other trip was to Pondicherry in Tamilnadu, a dream comes true for me to visit Aurobindo Ashram and Matru Mandir meditation centre, the visit was a pleasant and memorable one.

A quiet place for meditaton - at Pillar in Madurai

Gratitude for the trust placed on me by the members of YWCA and giving me an opportunity to serve as the President which is both a privilege and responsibility in giving my best to enhance the capacity of myself and the other women members who are part of this journey towards empowerment process.

I have been able to consistently be thankful throughout this year 2015 despite all challenges; some moments when I was physically unwell; other moments when I had to take a series of tests and visits to the doctor; and all the physical discomforts that can easily sap my energy leading towards pessimism and negative about everything. Gratitude to so many bloggers who have inspired me and constantly reminded me to list gratitude, link up gratitude and motivated me to be kind.

I am also grateful for the attempt I made to read a couple of books; even though I wanted to read more, hopefully this New Year one of my goal will definitely be to invest in few good books and reinvent my reading habits.

Courtesy Google images

I am grateful for the ability to always look at alternatives to be healthy; which has helped me to consciously choose healthy foods and bring in some very minor changes, move towards alternative systems of medicine and explore possibilities of resolving all health issues only through diet, exercise, meditation, yoga and practising affirmations and gratitude to stay healthy.

There were persons in my extended family and friend circle who were alive in the beginning of 2015 but are no more in this world as the year ends, some journeys end before time; and some so sudden I wonder how could this happen. Some more have brought their life to an abrupt end due to depression and road accident… these are sad moments and painful for their families left behind.  I feel disheartened to think of these events; on the other side I am grateful to have been alive and to see the year end to begin with a new dawn, a brand new start of another year 2016.

As I embark upon this journey with faith and gratitude, I allow myself to flow in the direction life wants me to in empowering myself and empowering my companions.  May this New Year bring in a fresh and new zeal of energy transforming self  and everyone around me.. would love to read your gratitude list ?

Happy New Year 2016!!  Wishing all of you God’s abundant blessings J

A Birthday Letter to Myself!!!

Hi me!

Happy birthday to I, me and myself J

chocolate cake

I am glad to wake up alive today and can’t believe that I am here on this planet for the last 53 years. Happy to enjoy good health of mind and body, glad that I can still smile, with a cheerfulness and bright outlook in life.

I began my day with thanksgiving; attended the church service; quite delighted as I had a surprise birthday cake which I cut at midnight 12 o clock with family and few close friends. Then I had so many messages, greetings, calls filling me with love, laughter and gratitude overflowing throughout the day and still continues…..

Today I am content and at peace with myself. I have no regrets to what has gone by; I look back at the past with a heart full of gratitude and marvel at the way I have reached every milestone in life. I continue to trust God and thank Him for his unconditional love, acceptance and belief in me. I have experienced God at every turn of my life and feel so much privileged for the faith shared by my parents to me; I have always held on to faith in all moments of my life; and have seen the best and the worst times of my life; I am grateful for plenty of learnings that I have had and with a variety of experiences, today I feel confident, competent and better equipped to deal with any issue that can challenge me.

I am also grateful for all the opportunities I had to grow in knowledge making me academically sound. I am lucky to have found  persons who have lighted my path towards finding meaningful work; and still continue to push me to  learn and making learning a lifelong affair.

David and Dorothy

I am also thankful for the family that stands by me; David and Dorothy have been a strong support in every decision I take; for their love, care, concern and for always reaching out to me whenever I needed; I cherish them in my life, and thank God a million times for them.

Today I want to acknowledge and thank God for Neomi, who has always been a great support, guide and mentor in empowering me, and  giving me opportunities to serve at YWCA; Nymphea, for her commitment to the task and for her smart swift and prompt style of functioning and being so very generous with herself in offering her services whenever required; and  Aparna for her understanding of my strengths, complimenting me in planning, strategizing, and encouraging me to stay update with the current issues and get into need based work in the community.

 YWCA Christmas Carnival

 I am glad to be associated with YWCA (Young Women Christian Association) for the commitment of so many women who give their time, energy, talent to make the world a better, safer and secure place for girls and women.

I am also grateful to my college friends, – Indra, subhandra, Subashini, Saroj who have now reconnected with me and it’s such a pleasure and fun to stay in touch almost daily.

College mates

It’s a blessings to have groups that is constantly motivating me with quotes, thoughts, inspiring messages, stories and give regular updates on the current issues, am happy there are three groups in my life: am  thankful for them : Christian connect (CC) and AOU (Ambedkar Open University)  and V5

I am glad for both sunny and Sam two of my nephews who never forget my birthday, and they are there for me with their constant love, care and support. It’s a joy to have them in my life and I feel so proud that once upon a time I carried them in my arms and today they have grown wonderfully in faith.

My thanks to all my friends on face book and  whatsapp… I appreciate all of you for your kind words and best wishes…..

The day is ending and I come home to see both David and Dorothy ready for me with delicious dinner ready to serve; cake to cut, and some cards and gifts waiting for me. My brother Francis has come from work to wish me and we had a small chat for a while and then I have surprise calls from few of my friends who will stop by to wish me and spend a little time. 

Free image from Google

What more could I ask for in life J just GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER YEAR ADDED TO MY LIFE!

Thanks to you my friend who is reading my post; I am glad to connect with you and wish you the very best in life!

Merry Christmas! + Gratitude List for December 2015

I am back again to write my gratitude list today that is Christmas; as the day ends and before I retire to bed, I just want to write my gratitude list; Christmas is a beautiful season and I just love and like to celebrate this festival with joy and happiness;

I wish you a Merry Christmas!! and am so glad for all that I was able to accomplish not just today but for the last one week; cleaning, clearing the clutter; giving away, sharing and making a conscious decision to keep the spirit of Christmas intact in my heart and in my life.

So glad to be with the family and watch my husband and daughter decorate the tree and also put a small crib for the first time at home. It was a pleasure to watch them putting all the effort to make it look grand. I look at everything I was able to do in the last week, with a grateful heart; so here goes my list:

Glad to do the annual report for my psychological counseling centre; it’s like reliving everything that has happened in this academic year; and it brings smile on my face and makes me realize how much of work we have done together as a team; and fills me with immense gratitude for my head and my colleagues who are supportive throughout the year. It also motivates me to continue in this helping service wherein I meet so students interact with them and journey with them in their tough times and their progress is my success and the smile that returns on their face is a fulfilling experience I cherish with gratitude.

I am also grateful to have a very good advisory board for the counselling centre; the members are so very positive and encouraging. It gives me a boost to keep doing my part and give my best to this centre; as long as I am here, as I am clear that the purpose is not work here forever; but to create systems that will go a long way in helping students who have nowhere to go.

I am also thankful to continue sorting, cleaning, putting the house in order for Christmas and giving away all those things to the less privileged; all  the clutter that is occupying space in my house; some of the things I do not use and it’s there that I may someday use.

I am grateful for attending a thanksgiving prayer service nearer to my residence; they are relatives of David and it was meaningful to join them as they celebrated birthday of one of their son and it was a quiet, peaceful prayer with fellowship meal.

I was happy to join in for another celebration last week; it was an invitation for a psychiatry specialty hospital. The psychiatrist is on our advisory board and has been extremely kind and generous especially with the students who are economically backward. I often recommend students who have serious psychological issues and require a doctor to treat them. This psychiatrist is a busy doctor and always helps poor students by not charging them for consultation fee and also provides free medications, sometimes he will connect to institutions that give free medications for the students who cannot afford.  I am grateful to have persons like this doctor who are so very generous and committed to their work.

Last but not the least today  was a great day for all of us at home; wherein we went for the very first time midnight service along with two other families; cut a cake at midnight, sang carols and even danced for while. Today morning myself and David did the cooking together and shared what we made with my neighbours and friends. David packed lunch for his mother; and we had his sister and her little daughter with us.

I am also grateful for the two of my friends who chose to spend time with our family for Christmas; and it was fun to be surrounded by the loved ones. Today was a celebration of joy – there was carol singing, music, dance, sharing, wine, cake, good friends, visitors, Christmas goodies, delicious meals, fun and laughter.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas ! 

My Gratitude List! December, 2015

free images from Google

The last few days has been busy and last week was extremely difficult to do any post; and I realized there is something missing in my life, I have not made the gratitude list for this week; neither did I get any reminders. So I decided to do a small list as this is an important exercise that keeps me happy and I do not want to give it up; so here goes my gratitude list:

• Grateful for every activity that has gone well in the last week, being part of a group that was planning and implementing the Christmas carnival. For the volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to help out in the carnival. For all those members who worked very hard to make it a successful event.

• For the good health and mind and body and the ability to do all the work both at home and at my counseling centre.

• Meaningful interactions with family and friends who are so much part of my life; and the energy that I draw in being happy and active.

• Grateful for the tailor who stitched my blouse and delivered on time; and went an extra mile to call me up and find out if it’s fine or is there any alterations.

• Grateful for the mechanic who took care of my bike and sorted some issues of replacement of a tube, the break shoe, changed oil and got my batteries recharged so that I have a smooth and safe ride on the roads.

• Grateful for having found a new helper for my mother in law; in helping her to manage herself and her requirements.

• Grateful for persons who visit my mother in law and pray in her house; and spend some time listening to her.

• Grateful for the good neighbours surrounding her house; who are watchful and also very helpful especially during power cuts; and to fill drinking water from the taps for storage.

• Grateful for the season of advent, a time to spread the message of hope and also a beautiful season for sharing; I sorted out a lot of my clothes, junk jewellery and my daughter’s dresses which are in good condition to give away to the needy.

• Grateful for having found an interesting book for reading by Carl Rogers “On Becoming a Person” A therapist view of psychotherapy.

 

free images from Google

Be Blessed & Be Happy

Make your gratitude list and see the difference J

Birthday of Mario Emmanuel!

Today we celebrate the 12^th Birthday remembrance of my beloved son Emmanuel with love and gratitude; he was born on the 8 December, 2003 and lived till January 2^nd 2011. I celebrate this day because an angel came into my life and our family; and in a gentle way taught us how to love, and what matters most in life.

I look upon him as an angel because he was pure love, never harmed anyone and was with us ever smiling and bringing in a lot of joy. He was simple, sweet and laughed loud at the smallest joke, ever ready to embrace, hug and communicated gratitude with kisses in an most unexpected ways.

He showed love to everyone who visited our home; was very protective about his sister and would wait to jump the moment he heard my vehicle sound entering the compound. He loved to take ride on his dad’s bike and would stand proud and tall waving all of us, giggling away with happiness and sometimes even dancing with his own tunes.

Today 5 years have gone by but the memory is still fresh in our minds; whenever I close my eyes for a brief while; I still find him very close to me, resting on my lap, smiling, hugging, embracing and putting his hands around my neck. They say people who die do not depart from us but they are there walking closely everyday in everything we do. 

Emmanuel's 6th Birthday

Emmanuel was an experience that I can never forget in my life; after his departure my heart has become so sensitive that I keep looking for opportunities in wanting to help children with special needs. Very recently I found boy Emmanuel’s age and coincidently celebrates his birthday on the 7^th December and lives a little away from my residence.

So this year we as a family got in touch with him to join in for  his birthday; so we bought a cake and some gift to cheer him up and spend the evening with him. It was as if my son was alive and Mahesh (that’s his name) was so excited he clapped, jumped, laughed loudly as we cut the cake, he folded both his hands and thanked me, my husband and my daughter. He also touched David’s feet and came to touch mine…. it was too much for me to handle; I embraced him with joy. Mahesh coming from a traditional Tamil family has been well trained to respect and articulate in his own simple style.

We were so happy to spend our evening in his company; and we never missed our son. Mahesh was so much like Emmanuel and he was glad to interact with us; we hope to continue to stay in touch with him and do what we can to help him reach his potential. In the brief interaction with his family, we came to know that Mahesh is the elder child and has one small sister; he has been very attached to his aunt who looked after him and also used to take him to school, stay with him and bring him back home. Recently his aunt had a paralytic attack and there is no one to take him to school now.

Me and David with mahesh

We are now exploring ways to find as to how he can be helped in continuing his education; and we take this as our privilege for all the support we have received in bringing up Emmanuel; we want to show gratitude and pay forward to whatever we have received. We thank God for the gift of Emmanuel to us and for all the learning’s we had; Emmanuel made us richer, mature and helped us in our own growth. The season of advent is a fitting time for us to bring hope to many more Emmanuel’s who touch our lives.

My daughter Maria Dorothy with Mahesh

Happy Birthday Emmanuel!!  we move on with gratitude in our lives !! Thanks for being a part of our lives, bringing in meaning and purpose to our existence here on earth.

December’s Gratitude List +Gratitude Link up

courtesy Google images

Here goes my list:

Glad to connect with an old friend and the long chat was so refreshing and energizing as we shared our old stories, laughed at all the funny moments and cracked jokes and decided to meet some time for lunch.

Grateful for David who helped me sell some raffle tickets for the carnival that is scheduled for the 12 December 2015 at the Young Women Christian Association, Secunderabad; this carnival is to raise money for implementing programmes in empowering girls and women in the community.  I am glad to be associated in this organization and do my bit and connect with so many other underprivileged women.

I am thankful to have interacted with the HIV+ve women to motivate and encourage them to adhere to the medicines and also have positive outlook towards life.

I am grateful for a lot of volunteers who responded so well when our neighbouring state was flooded with heavy rains killing so many people. It’s a beautiful sight to see so many willing to distribute food, blankets, provide them batteries to connect with loved ones, giving their contact numbers for emergency, offering their vehicles to pick and drop and it’s still going on… even today I saw so many whatsapp messages reaching out to this state.. there is so much of kindness and generosity coming from everywhere around the state.

I am thankful to for the opportunity I got to take a short break and watch an interesting Hindi movie called Tamasha…. which was entertaining in the beginning with lovely scenes from Corsica with songs and dances and  the second part has some very serious message for the youngsters.  I and my daughter both enjoyed the movie and were happy to see it in new multiplex which is closer to my residence.

me and my daughter at the theatre

The new care taker has left due to some emergency; so we are back with no one to take care of my mother in law; and David is truly a blessing to step in and help her out both in the morning before he leaves for work and in the evening hours, after he returns from work., while I manage both our home, my daughter’s studies and attend to outside work. We are grateful for the capacity the Lord has given us to complement each other and manage our loads.

There is also some chaos in the campus which is more political than academic related; we are hoping and praying that peace may prevail. I am grateful for my Head who is in the process of evolving peace programmes in the campus to inculcate peace and harmony in oneself and also in the environment.

I am grateful for bloggers who are constant source of inspiration and motivation for me: glad to read Kathy’s blog http://smartliving365.com/the-problem-is-not-the-problem and another post on 8 smart lessons from Santa and a few posts from Kind Spring.org which also helped me to share some of my personal inspirations for the gratitude challenge; though I have not been able to keep to the day’s post; learning to manage at least whenever possible to post something positive.

I am grateful for all those who affirm me personally; when I meet them or they meet me; and still others who stay in touch on email, whatsapp and face book.  I feel a sense of gratitude to be surrounded by people who care and who influence me with their positivity. I appreciate and thank Susan Scott http://www.gardenofedenblog.com

I am also glad to read Eli’s post http://aglobalfusionista.blogspot.in A candle for joy; a few of other bloggers who were very inspiring; I need to make a note of them …. I did comment on their posts with gratitude, thankful for so many who are always there to help me live my life with gratitude.

Be Blessed & Be Happy!

Inspirations from Chennai!

This whole week I have been consistently reading about the Chennai disaster; and so many lives lost, watching the videos captured on the cell phone and observing how so many people are just jumping into the situation to respond to this crisis.

I was getting numerous messages on whatsapp to pass on information with regard to cells numbers, persons and addresses available for help for the people who were struggling in the rain. I even watched the videos in circulation how complete strangers and onlookers broke open the window to save a family from getting drowned in the water; and they succeeded amidst gushing waters breaking open the grills of the windows. Here is a message I received from one of my friends that says” In the wake of the calamity, Chennai is “one” It has only one religion, “Humanity” and it has only one enemy ”Water” and there is only one aim “Help” and they did it on grounds of being human.

I am inspired by all these good Samaritans who were helping people to reach safe places; there were groups of people going through the streets with neck deep water asking people whether they needed any help; distributing food and essentials, cell phone batteries for 5 minutes for anybody who wanted to talk; the neighbours who never interacted with anybody in the neighbourhood opened the gates of their huge houses. It was heartening to see the theatres, marriage function halls, Institutions, gurudwaras that opened the doors for anyone who needed shelter, and also serving food packets. 

I have been trying to contact my friends in Chennai; but there was no connectivity, and I managed to stay in touch with their son through whatsapp and could do my bit my interacting with him regularly and updating him as he was not able to connect with his family. He has gone on work and alone needed someone to stay in touch.

There was also another student who was desperately trying to contact her father in Chennai; and was unable to do so…. I stayed in touch on whatsapp providing her the current information that I was getting from the Chennai group which also went on silent mode due to power failure; thank God it’s resumed and things are settling slowly.

 Despite all the efforts some lives are lost; a lot of damage has happened and it will take a long time for the city to get back to normal.  Every disaster reminds us that we are nothing against nature and we can only help ourselves when we are together.

 So let us be kind to one another; treat people with kindness and respect; am also happy and learning to participate in the KindSpring 21-Day Gratitude Challenge in order to practice gratefulness together as a community, which has been a positive decision to join; despite all the issues with the power and computer I have managed to write a few posts. You can get more information at www.KindSpring.org

Let us continue to be grateful for all those who have survived in Chennai, my prayers for deceased souls to rest in peace and may the Lord Grant courage for the families who have lost their loved ones, so that they are able to cope with the loss. 

Wishing you a great weekend !

 

World AIDS Day !

December 1, 2015 was World AIDS Day! It’s a day to spread awareness and communicate hope to all those who are living in fear and facing stigma and discrimination in their family and community. 

As there are lot of myths and misconception about the modes of transmission; stigma and discrimination is still high, despite all the efforts from the government and voluntary organizations.

There still a lot more to do in the area of spreading knowledge and awareness which can only happen when we work collectively joining hands together to bring down the infections. The theme this year 2015 is Getting to zero; end AIDS by 2030. “The time to act is now.

I recall and remember counseling a lady who came to the counseling centre. Saritha (name changed) was found  HIV positive;  she was very angry, upset, and felt cheated by her husband.  When the husband was called for testing; he refused to come, instead fought with saritha; argued and blamed her for the status, stating that it’s her problem and she needs to deal with it;

Saritha was devastated and with great difficulty and courage fought with him and his family, but did not succeed; her husband left her to her fate and moved on with another women. She was thrown out of the house, because she was found HIV positive; and nobody was willing to take her even from her family side. Being an orphan and brought up by the aunt and uncle, she did not know what to do, as she loved children, she chose to continue her pregnancy till the ninth month, unfortunately saritha gave birth to a still born child.

The death of the child caused severe distress…. despite all these problems, she never gave up; she is full of optimism and cheerfulness and visits the ART regularly for medicines. (Anti retroviral Treatment), she visits the counsellor  regularly at the Government hospital.  The last time I saw her, she was full of enthusiasm saying that she wants to move ahead in life, and does not want to live in the past.

I salute saritha for her determination to fight facing discrimination and humiliation only because she is HIV positive, and that too which is not her fault. She works hard as a domestic help and makes a living; there are so many saritha’s who become victims without their faults. when I thought of this lady and the kind of problems she was facing, my problems appeared so small and insignificant.

I appreciated saritha for touching my life, showing me that no matter how broken we are; we can always start afresh, leaving the past behind and focussing on the present, and taking charge of our lives....

"HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it." – Princess Diana

So what can we do:

• Speak about it boldly and spread the message to everyone around you
• Be part of positive people network
• Volunteer yourself to be part of the awareness programme in your city
• Make posters and orient youngsters on prevention of HIV
• Organize a free testing for youth – you can contact the nearest primary health centre and collaborate with them requesting them for a mobile testing van.
• Join hands with others in spreading information and knowledge about HIV&AIDS there are plenty of organizations who have the Information and Education materials which are freely available.
• Be compassionate and do not judge; offer support and encourage the victims to the Government hospitals for counseling and free treatment.
• Orient yourself and offer yourself to share in the community
• Write about it; talk about it and even blog about this issue..

I am glad to do my bit, how about you? Do share your ideas to zero HIV
"We live in a completely interdependent world, which simply means we cannot escape each other. How we respond to Aids depends, in part, on whether we understand this interdependence. It is not someone else's problem. This is everybody's problem." – Bill Clinton

May this post  inspire you !