happiness and food

March did not march along with me. It marched on its own beat and I was on my own. There were positive things about the month but it also disturbed the apple cart at my end of the world. A weird shoulder pain, some misunderstanding and confusion, and some health scares from extended family. But like they say, we can never value good times enough unless we face the not-so-good times. I am glad I was able to sail through.

Not just that, I also discovered a few things here and there about myself and people around. Some things made me cautious and some opened my eyes and mind. Truth be told, I could not wait until the 31st day of March to write this list of things I am grateful for.

We fly out today for our first vacation of 2018 so I wanted to look forward to better days in April. After all, officially spring is here.

So here is a list of things that made March madness bearable.

♥ We celebrated Holi this month and I took half a day off from work to cook gujhiyas. GK came home and I did not have to cook all alone. I am glad to have friends who are family and that we were all able to have a good time together. This has been one tradition that I have followed and it feels good.

♥ GK and SK are two friends here in Bangalore where I can go and ask for what I want. Whether it is dal chawal or chai – knowing that these two will be around in our thick and thin is a happy and comforting feeling. 

♥ SJ went out of her way this month to drop me home. She even offered to do that more often and I am grateful that I have found a good friend in her. We talk about things that matter to us and it’s a great feeling to see our friendship mature. 

♥ Spending less on shopping excites me. I like steals and this month I grabbed a few. I am grateful for the many online options that we have these days. It’s so convenient and most stuff online is cheaper. Two wins, isn’t it?

♥ RP is an expert at all beauty and makeup stuff. What new lotion to try to what lip color will look good? What is CTM and crimping? She is so cool that I love it. Sometimes I also feel too ignorant but it’s still fun. I am grateful to her for her beauty tips this month. 

♥ VT and I are not big movie buffs. We  prefer watching movies at the comfort of our homes. Hollywood over Bollywood and story over star cast is our priority. If it’s a true story or book adaptation, we will leave everything and go for it. This month we watched some good ones and I am glad they were all on TV.  If you get a chance, don’t miss The Birth of a Nation, Alive, A Mighty Heart, Hidden Figures and Tumhari Sulu. 

♥ Laughter and giggles are good for heart and brain. As a team, we laugh on hashtags, processes that are our bread and butter and many such things. The best part is that these jokes are all in good spirit. I am grateful for a team that makes me laugh and enjoy even when days are loaded with work.  

♥ I am enjoying rides to work and talking to people. There is always something unique I learn and know about India.  Car pooling makes it easy on the pocket and there is no discomfort of travelling alone. I am grateful to have options to explore.   

♥ Have you tried ACT II’s diet popcorn? Not sure how healthy it is but with a cup of ginger tea, it is delicious and perfect evening snack. I am grateful for the choices we have in life. It’s not easy but know that it is possible to maintain a healthy (nut-free) diet.

♥ I was able to work out a lot this month. The slight shoulder pain prevented me from the functional training but I stayed regular at yoga. On the days that I don’t work out, I am not at peace. I am grateful that there are two centers nearby and I get to choose my workout of the day. 

Impromptu plans, things that looked bad but turned out good and a lot of thoughts also occupied a large part of this month. When things can go wrong, sometimes they don’t. I am grateful to realize that it is only with people when experiences become better. Whether it is stopping by a road side stall for tea and snacks or going shopping with a Brit. Life’s all about people.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

                                                                                                                              – John F. Kennedy

What is that one thing that made you happy this month?

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Linking with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle for March 2018.