August Gratitude 2023

“Living in a state of gratitude is gateway to grace” Arianna huffington

I dedicate the month of August to all my friends, who were part of my journey once upon a time- grateful for them, some who continue to remain my friends, others have moved on leaving the country to pursue their own life’s goals, still remain in touch, the present one’s who are there in touch all the time, and still some new friends I keep meeting as I move on to pursue learning and working.

I am glad to be reconnect to my school friends, the college friends who meet on regular basis, my colleagues and some of them who are involved in the field of mental health, who meet professionally and we become good companions, knowledge partners, and who willingly share their resources and together we collaborate, network and find meaning in our work.

The best therapy I have learnt over the years is to spend time with my friends – it’s a blessing to have friends from school, college, workplace, parish and neighborhood too. I am grateful for all these people who have enriched my life.

The eight month of the year has just passed and we are moved into another 9^th brand new month of September; I am back counting my blessings, which brings me so much pleasure noting down everything reliving all the moments once again. So highlighting some of the blessings of this month; here goes  my gratitude list:

I am grateful for  the gift of  Aparna Adhikari a  friend who is full of enthusiasm and loves to keep working on various issues, it’s been great to be associated with her as together we have implemented so many projects together through the  #YWCA of Secunderabad.

I am grateful for all the celebrations, as there were too many this month at different times –glad to be enjoying a variety of food, in different joints, with different groups of friends and come back refilled with energy and enthusiasm to continue with my daily routine.

I am grateful that I could watch a couple of movies (Hindi) once with my daughter and at another time with my friend- the movie was  entertaining and a good break for me. I liked the theatre and viewing experience, it was comfortable and relaxing to be out for few hours.

I am grateful for the doctor who is always available and meets us at home whenever we need, whether for David or myself –It’s a blessing to have doctor who can look at alternatives and suggest small dietary and life style changes to help people live a healthy life. .

I am glad to take a session for the Little Flower Degree College students on “Knowing our Emotions” opportunities like these keeps me grounded while I keep researching and prepare my sessions I learn so much more than I teach, grateful for all the interactions I had with the youngsters, there were so many questions and I was happy to address them.

I am grateful for interacting with the high school students at Modern Mission School – this was a session organized by the #YWCA of Secunderabad for the 8&9^th class on “Gender Sensitization” It was a pleasure to speak to these students, and get their responses on this topic and the management felt that this session should be repeated for class 10. I am glad for the feedback I get for every session as it builds my confidence.

This month I am grateful that David could attend an alumni meet of the 4 Para Special forces of Andhra and Telangana Veteran’s Meet. He was so happy to travel to Vijayawada, that’s where the meet was – and he could connect with his army batch after almost more than 3 decades, they had a whatsapp group and every day he was busy connecting with two or three of his friends, that he picked up his old albums and carried it along with him to show them- their experiences in the army at Leh Ladak, the Srilankan war and sharing their experiences as to how they survived, grieved for the soldiers who lost their lives and others who are with families.  It was a two day meet and he came back refreshed and memorable moments.

This month Dorothy was busy attending her practical classes- and enjoying learning, she made some new friends in the University and they were helping one another in the completing their record work. I am grateful that she is managing her academics independently and she is completing her first year PG course. By next July she will complete her two year Post Graduation. She continues to be active in the Parish Choir and enjoys singing with her small group of youngsters who sing for the 10. 30a.m mass.

The end of this month was meeting my school friends who had been planning for over 2 months to celebrate completion of my PhD. Finally we could meet the last Sunday afternoon – I am happy and blessed to receive so much love, respect and attention from my school gang. We enjoyed a sumptuous  meal and tried making some reels which was fun, we took pictures as a group and made fun of each other, laughing and teasing one another and updating the happenings in our lives, planning ahead for all the upcoming occasions.  

This month I was regular at work, grateful for my good health, took one day off for a retreat at a retreat house and spent some quiet time listening to the reflections from the bible and taking inspiration from the parables. I am glad for this small one day break as I was dealing with difficult counseling cases at my centre and it was very draining and I was getting depleted.  This break helped me  by diverting my attention towards my own self.

I am grateful that there is always something to keep me busy. I started going through my second year syllabus and started making notes for western philosophy.  Whenever I am a bit free I turn to my philosophy books and continue to read and then I log in utube and Google for collecting a little more information,

I am grateful for everything life offers. I continue to count my blessings every day of my life I encourage every student whom I meet for counseling

·         To practice gratitude. I keep sharing multiple ways to practice gratitude in our daily lives,

·         To maintain gratitude journal & write down deliberately and note 3 things to be grateful for everyday.

·         If Possible to create a gratitude jar and every day write short notes of gratitude and put it in the jar.

·         I motivate them to collect gratitude quotes

·         Write the gratitude quotes on a chart, put it on mirror, cupboard  as a reminder

·         To draw, paint, color and use creativity to constantly remind oneself to practice gratitude.

·         To express gratitude by texting a thank you note, by sending a GIF, or  whatsapp message, or to give a call and appreciate the people who have been kind and generous with us.

·         To make a gratitude card, a collage, an Instagram post/Face book post, etc

Thank you for reading my post;– 

Do you practice gratitude? Would love to hear your thoughts

May you be Happy & Blessed.