“Finding Gratitude in little things, and your well of Gratitude will never run dry” Antonia Montoya
The month has ended and we have stepped into the last month of the year; and so much has happened. When our minds our stressed it looks for everything that is missing, that is wrong, that which is heavy, but when we practice gratitude our mind returns to what we have already supporting us, and keeping us alive, gratitude softens the heart, calms the nervous system, it lowers the fire of stress inside the body, it reminds us that even on difficult days life is giving us small blessings.
The practice of gratitude every morning in my life has empowered me as I found that as I keep thanking the Lord, anxieties loosen their grip, fears disappear and worry dissolves. Gratitude is not seasonal but it’s a life style and I am glad to practice it daily.
The month of November was challenging, began with all saints day – reminding me of my mom’s death anniversary and all the memories attached with her death was painful experience, followed by all souls day – a day observed by the catholic church in honor of the departed souls in the family – so visiting the graves, spending time in prayers and placing some flowers with gratitude and lighting up the graves with candles with hope that one day we will all meet. I came back home feeling low thinking of all the people in my life who are no more – as the last grave I visited was Emmanuel’s he was so much part of my life, now I am grateful for the experience he gave me adding value to my personality.
There are plenty of small joys captured in this month- wherein I attended a small gathering of our staff as one of our colleagues was visiting us from New Zealand and we were meeting him after 30 years, almost 3 decades and because of him all the other friends gathered for a meal and fellowship, and it was a great experience, we interacted, made fun of each other, and clicked plenty of photos, it was a pleasant experience;
This month there was a wedding to attend to and it was an interesting one, and most of them whom met were from social sector and it’s rare that I get into these kinds of circles, but am grateful that I had a happy time with my daughter and also meeting some of my old friends.
Then my brother John Bosco goes missing suddenly from the hospital – John had gone with my eldest brother to the hospital as the eldest brother needed a health checkup. John went out for a cup of tea and lost his way on the 9th November in the morning hours and does not return for almost 10days.
Police complaint was given and search started in that area and CCTV footage shows him walking out of the hospital and reaching the main road and after that there is no sign of him. The whole family was tensed and worried and prayed for his safety. This is not just scary but disturbing to the mind – we started praying and sent messages for prayer in all the known groups, extended family and friends started praying for him, the police was kind and they were helpful as my younger sister was in touch with them, I connected with all my contacts and everyday we were praying and hoping that he will be found.
On the 11th day he was found and it was a miracle – as I cannot imagine, now Hyderabad is very cold early hours in the morning and later after 6p.m it is getting colder and darker. I am eternally grateful to God for I can never imagine how a person can survive in this weather, with hunger, thirst, no place to rest and walking aimlessly and without sleep and no shelter, despite all of these challenges. I am grateful to the Lord eternally for bringing him back safe and sound. The whole family is happy for he has returned back home and we continue to praise and thank God for His love and mercy.
This month I am glad to meet all of my school mates – one of them had gone abroad to be with her daughter and grandchildren for few months, and she came back this month, we got to celebrate her birthday and it was a stress buster for me after all that I have been through after my brother missing – this was relaxation for me. I felt happy, peaceful and rested well.
I am grateful for all the tele counseling sessions – and felt I was getting better with every session, normally I do not prefer these kinds of sessions face to face, so I am able to pick up the nonverbal cues… but I agreed for these sessions as it was genuine and they were not able to reach our centre due to various reasons. I compliment myself for doing such a great job in the counseling sessions😊.
I am grateful to see Dorothy turning independent and managing herself quite well – this month she had weeks break as she chose to attend a Youth Conclave at Nilshi village, a three-hour journey from Pune, organized by the National YWCA India – being on the National Board as a youth she represented the National YWCA- New Delhi. She took break from her college, completing all her assignment and attended this camp. It was also a good break for her from her academic stress. She came back renewed with enthusiasm and lot of positive energy. She also picked up for me some junk jewelry as she knows I keep changing my earrings everyday and I loved what she picked up carefully, with different colors and some of it with matching chains to wear in the neck. I am grateful for her thoughtfulness and her generosity to get things for me, especially what I like
She was also busy collaborating with the Nutrition Department of the college – organized a field trip for her students to Sahayam Psychological Counseling and wellness centre, Osmania University for the value added course, which made me happy and proud.
November is also the month of Thanksgiving – the YWCA Secunderabad celebrated the thanksgiving by inviting members to share with the less fortunate people in life. This year a girl’s home was chosen within the city – and we collected the basic utility provisions to donate and at the same time we gathered together as a community and celebrated the Thanksgiving Day. It’s always a pleasure to stay in touch with the women who share the common bond and vision to be of service to the ones who are less fortunate.
The last day of the month was another gathering – a friend who has been unwell, wanted to meet all of us for an evening before she goes for a surgery. So, all of us her friends we met at a place and spent time encouraging her, and comforting her that she will be fine with the treatment and she must be courageous to fight and come out of it.
Hyderabad our beautiful city is getting cold day by day – both in the morning as well as in the evening hours, its time to use all the warm clothes -a enjoy eating pakora’s and sipping hot coffee. It’s a challenge to get out of the bed as its very cold in the morning – but when there is something to do every day, there is no choice, but get up and seize the day.
I am grateful for so many things in my life and I keep counting my blessings all the time, even sing and thank God for His unconditional love and mercy. For all the people who I met, and for every experience that I had in this month, I am thankful to God. I continue my journey walking in faith to what the Lord has in store for all of us in 2026. I pray that all of us are healthy, happy, peaceful and in harmony.
Thank you for reading my post!
Wishing you a meaningful Advent !
Be Healthy and Be Happy!
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