Gratitude for April 2017

Board Exams for class X is over, my daughter Maria Dorothy has completed 12 years of schooling –we as parents are so happy that she is now moving into college and – which makes me feel not only glad but excited to have a college going daughter now at home. It is such a relief, for a whole month, we never went out for any movies or outing and were waiting for the exam to get over. 

We  as parents are aware of teenage problems, and I don’t expect a smooth transition there will be ups and downs but I am sure that with faith in God and belief in myself we should be able to deal with every  challenge.

Me and my friends

We went for a couple of movies with my daughter and my friends – as my friends  were also waiting for a break from the routine and we had a good time watching a movie which was entertaining and also had message on the need to respect and value a  girl child and women.

I completed another book reinventing yourself, Steve chandelier. This book I purchased at the Calcutta airport but never completely read. I enjoyed reading this book which only reinforced the importance of taking responsibility from being a victim to becoming a decision maker.

Season of lent was very meaningful, as it gave me and our family plenty of opportunities to reflect, pray and get involved in our parish community and we are happy about that – it was also a time for me to reconnect with inner self, to bring in changes that would impact my life.I desire to bring in changes that would make me proactive, enthusiastic and passionate about everything I do in my life.

I was feeling bad that this year I did not take part in the A-z challenge, even though I was making plans to blog on books I have read from A – Z. I found myself torn between my regular work, my health and my daughter’s board exam. So decided to give up this so that I am not very stressed. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading Susan’s and Shilpa’s blog regularly.

Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; its all an experience. Roy T Bennett.

The Easter celebration was quiet- we attended mass, which was a grand celebration in our parish; wherein the priest preached motivating sermon, helping the congregation to reflect on the meaning of Easter. He shared on the importance  and significance of this day, a message that touched my heart – Never to give up, never become discouraged, there is always an Easter after Good Friday. Jesus is the model for us to believe that no matter what we go through in life, we will always grow and find meaning and purpose to everything in life.

Me with Nathu & Tabu, my nephews kids

This month I went out to a resort –I have been wanting to take my daughter and my nephews kids out for a day … one day  I just made a decision  to give a break for myself and my daughter; also beat the heat in spending some time in cool places .

Swimming pool

I did not want to wait for the perfect time and so took a quick decision to spend one whole day swimming in the pool for a little while and playing with the kids in the children’s park and doing nothing. It was a great experience to be away from home and enjoy self.

Alankrita Resort

Children's park

This month the vacation bible camp also began from 25 April to 5 May, 2017. My daughter Maria Dorothy enjoys these camps as she learns new songs, and interacts with young people of the similar age group. This year she will be in young adults groups and it will be a learning experience.

Osmania University, Hyderabad – the place where I work celebrates 100 years of its existence and so there has been a grand celebration for three full days, wherein the president of our country was the chief guest and a lot of academic and cultural programmes is happening. I am glad to be here this part of history to witness the whole community of the campus coming together and taking part in various activities. We have had the media coverage for our centre in one of the local channels, was happy to talk about the centre and the issues we deal with and all the information pertaining to the counseling centre.

There were also reporters coming over from the newspapers wanting to understand and write about the counseling centre – which always gives me happiness to talk about and share this information especially for the students and those who are in need of counseling.

YWCA Day at Secunderabad. Telengana

I am also happy to be involved in the YWCA that celebrated “World YWCA Day” this year the theme was Rise Up: Support and Invest in Young Women’s Rights. There was a session on Women's Rights by a young lawyer Anjana Ramanathan, a very enthusiastic and vibrant speaker who highlighted women’s rights broadly and shared her experiences in dealing with various cases related to property rights, domestic violence and the importance of making a will to avoid conflicts after death. There was also sharing on the new initiatives in the organization in empowering young people with life skills education. The experience was a pleasant, meeting the resource team and also the members; which was followed by a fellow ship meal.

This month too there were two deaths in the friends circle, and there was one suicide of a young 17 year old college student, whose mother works as a staff in the campus. It pained me to see the mother suffering and how she did everything to protect her son; who was a great support to her and was helping her take decision to leave her husband who is an alcoholic addict and fights every day. She wept inconsolably… I had no words to comfort but just allowed her to express herself, gave her a hug and encouraged her to stay in touch.

Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind” Roy T Bennett.

Death and suicides disturbs our minds and makes us sad; but at the same time it also reminds us of how we need to be prepared to face death when it comes to us; hence its all the more important to thank God for the gift of life, and live every moment with gratitude. 

Thank you for reading this post, hope you have a gratitude list for April:)

Be Blessed & Be Happy !!