To the women in my life…

Yet another Women’s Day rolls around the corner and the world runs around trying to make us feel special about being women. Special offers at gyms, a 50% off sale at the local mall, free makeovers at the cosmetic store…name it and it’s there! But, this blogpost goes out to all the women who have touched my life, one way or the other. I have learnt something from each of them. Some have taught me how to be, and others, how not to be!

From my mother, I learnt to be strong. Even when the world seems to be crashing around my ears, and everything seems to be going wrong, I learnt to smile. I learnt that happiness and sorrow are but two sides of a coin. I learnt that with the power of will, nothing is impossible. I learnt to trust, and I also learnt to recognize those who don’t deserve that trust. She has never yet been wrong about people, and I hope I get there some day.

From my grandmother, I learnt to love. I learnt that if you love unconditionally, you will get it back some day. I learnt never to question her unshakeable belief in God. I learnt to trust that gut feeling and do what I feel is right.

From my friends, I learnt to be there for others. I learnt that some friends are for life, no matter what. To every girl friend who was there to pick me up when I fell, who held my hand when I faltered, who offered words of encouragement, a girls’ night out or a link to my favourite song when I felt down in the dumps,  here is a big thank you. Your video link, your words or just simply your presence made it all worthwhile.

From those who made snide comments about my age, my relationship status and everything else, I learnt to ignore. I learnt that for some people, the sole mission of their lives is to make someone feel guilty or bad. I learnt also to never be like them. All these people, especially the women, have showed me what exactly I do not want to be!

From my best teachers (female almost without exception), I learnt to believe in what I do. I learnt that if you strive for excellence, you will surely be successful. I learnt to ignore people who advise thinking they know best. I learnt to love the work I do.

There are many many more women out there from whom I have learnt something or the other. To all of you who are reading this, a big thank you for making me who I am.