Thanksgiving - Food For Thought !

    Today,  when I was feeling a little low, I started watching some TED talks. It wasn't to cheer me up, motivate or inspire me. It was just something to watch because I was bored. Bored, is an emotion I feel more frequently than any others. I cannot handle mundane and monotonous life. Hence, my need to constantly seek variety. 

     I wanted to try and get myself into a better mood and no one can do it besides myself . I like to think of myself as the blend of logic, emotions and practicality (not a perfect blend ) Alas! , perfection doesn't exist . I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, but I don't shut my emotions either. I decided that I am going to celebrate thanksgiving earlier this year. In fact, why should thanksgiving be the only time we are thankful for anything. I am going to break the tradition and do it today. Counting my blessings will probably help lift my spirits up:)

     When we think about things we are grateful for. There are very generic things we think of, family , good health , money , etc.. This is  My list.. Now is the time to stop reading before you nod off . :P    When I woke up this morning the first few minutes awakened most of my senses that I am thankful for and take so much for granted. I open my eyes, the blinds are open and see the sun shining on the roof of the building , the blue skies and the green tress, good morning! I am thankful for my sight. I hear the birds chirping, I am thankful for my sense of hearing ( to all the lovely music my life would have been empty without ).  I feel the warmth my comforter has to offer, shielding me from the chill. I can feel heat and cold. For those who think its not a big deal ask people who have had their brain or spinal cord affected and cannot feel it. I can smile knowing it's Saturday and I can sleep longer . I dig into the covers moving my arms and legs into a more comfortable position. I am thankful for my sense of touch and movement in my body, without pain. I smell my air freshener - ocean breeze(sense of smell). I am thankful for my mind, that is alert and lets me know the day , date  and time of the day without having to look at my cellphone. I think about a hot cup of coffee . I thank my taste buds that can differentiate between Starbucks coffee from the instant coffee made in a hurry. Those first few mins sum up my whole system turning on to let me know I am good, healthy and mobile.

     I am grateful to my family for being supportive and catering to my needs, constantly thinking of my well being. I almost always take them for granted. Because, I know they will always love me  for me and be there for me, no matter what I do. My friends, who over the years since elementary school, have been by my side , some more in spirit than in body. Some have seen me through rough times , wished me well , celebrated my success or lent me a shoulder to cry or a sounding board to vent,  or even  to throw around ideas.    I am thankful for my education for making me not just literate but opening up the whole world to me , expanding my horizons . The ability to read, write and speak , the gift of language , to help understand people and their thoughts or to pen down my own. I am grateful for a having a job , which doesn't just put a roof over my head , food in my fridge , clothes in my closet but also pays for my hobbies. It also helps me appreciate everything I have, looking through  the eyes of my patients. Even on days when going gets tough at job, my colleagues and I love to remind each other that we are lucky to have ONE.

    I am thankful for being born in a  democratic and secular country and raised in a city where I learnt to accept people speaking different languages and following different religions as not any different from me. For giving me the opportunity to study and pursue my destiny, to shape my identity and making me who I am today. I am glad to not be raised in some war torn zone ,having to run away and seek refuge. Or countries where women don't have equal rights as men or are treated like slaves. I am grateful to be in my second home , my adopted country ,which has helped me grow personally and professionally and become a global citizen, grateful for all those who welcomed me and accepted me into their lives here, without prejudice .

 The Bryan Adams's  song  " Here I am , this is me, there is no where else on earth I would rather be " It's not about the city or country , for those in India who were frowning at that . It's about my place in  the life , Every time I forget,  I need to remind myself of the struggle and sacrifices made to get to here.  I am most of all grateful for each day that I get to start over again with a clean slate , erase or learn from my mistakes , seek missed opportunities , make right choices , work harder , love and laugh more , give back to society ,  be kind and generous , make a difference in someone's life. To cherish every blessing that I have - Me ! 

   TO ALL THOSE IN MY LIFE WHO INFLUENCE ME, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY  - THANK YOU !!