Live It!

Most of us are risk takers in life. What I mean by this is that we gamble and bet that someday, we can buy the freedom to do what we really want in life, after we’ve made enough money or pleased enough people. I may be young (hahaha..yeah I am :-P) and for most of my life I didn’t “live it.” I did what everyone wanted me to do. I did what was considered normal and culturally accepted. I feel, most of us do the same thing. We memorize inspirational quotes, give advice (sometimes even when it is not needed or asked for), talk about how everything is possible and sometimes even crib about it. Yet I know for sure that we are only living just a fraction of our capabilities.

“Living it,” might mean different things to different people. For most of us, it means that we find some meaning in life by striving to make a difference, taking chances and being different. However, the truth is that we crave stability, the certainty, the know everything.

In between all this craving and musing, some stuff happens that is life changing! Having been through such a life changing event(s), I know that its very common to feel unsure of oneself and scared most of the time. It is part of life and eventually, we must make the effort to set things right. My father used to tell me that life is not about arriving at the finish line with our well-preserved bodies by avoiding risks and then wondering what could have been. Instead it is all about facing what life throws at you with a smile. We may only live once. But that one time is good enough for us.

Fear

Fear has a way of growing and spreading. It's not good to be a victim of your fear!

Of Kites, Paper Lanterns and Rapunzel

It's amazing how some conversations lead to interesting revelations of times and people we are not too familiar with. Amma (my mom) and I have such conversations around meals or coffee or whenever time permits. Like many conversations among family members, some of them are meant for personal consumption only, some get committed to the memory while others make it here. Some conversations just compel you to write about them.

Even though I detest some of the nonsense that Indian Television regurgitates in the name of content, I inadvertently end up watching some of it, thanks to my Amma and my nieces. On one such occasion, as images of kite flying flashed on the screen, she remarked that kites were invented by the Chinese (Amma loves reading. Not the stories or novels that many of us love, but the more informative kind). A nice conversation ensued over a hot cup of coffee which began with what she had once read in one of the magazines she loves. The story goes like this - A man was so fascinated by the flight of birds that he sought to create something that could mimic them, thus inventing the first kite. It was bulkier and bigger than a full-grown man, so much so that if the winds were favorable, it could probably give flight to the person holding it! The Internet, however, credits the invention of the kite to two Chinese philosophers. Whatever be the truth, flying kites is a favorite past-time of many still. It is still very popular in China which has its own annual kite festival. I would love to witness this elaborate celebration one day. 

Amma told me that several Chinese immigrant families continue this tradition even today and earn a living by making kites, lanterns, paper flowers and decorations. She gave me a refresher course in Chinese kite making and how the elders, irrespective of their geography used to work so hard to give their families a better standard of living. This has renewed my respect for my grandparents and parents who created careers in spite of immense financial and academic handicaps and admirably handled domestic duties as well. Amma often tells me how hard they've worked in their lives shorn of luxuries, and how we the youngsters have it so much easier. We live in a more convenient world where most of our demands are met and barring some roadblocks, we do have a much better life.

As our conversation came to an end, my mind was afire with so many different thoughts and her robust memory! So, if you have an elder at home, talk to them often. Not only will it make them happy, but also teach you so much to fill you with wonder, stories & miles of smiles.

Here's a conversation I actually had with a little girl on one of my train journeys. I got to know from the mother that her daughter's birthday was on Makar Sankranthi/Pongal day.

Me: So, what did you do on your birthday sweetie? 

Girl: We lit some paper lanterns on my birthday. It was so much fun!

Me: Oh! Did you fly kites as well since it was Sankranthi? (she is from that part of India where kites are flown on the day of the festival)

Girl: No! Its also Rapunzel's birthday...We both celebrated it...

Me: Isn't Rapunzel the princess who's hidden in a tower and has long glowing hair? How do you know about her? Did you read somewhere?

Girl: I saw the movie Tangled. On her birthday, her parents light paper lanterns. So I did too.

Me: Ahh...okay! May be I'll watch the movie.

Girl: Why would you watch the movie? It is only for girls like me!

Me: But I want to watch the movie...

Girl: (as if I'd suddenly been dismissed) okay, bye aunty!

Me (to myself): grrr...I still hate it when kids call me aunty :-(