 It is that time of the year when the whole world indulges in a little introspection. A little look back at the year we have had, if you will. What was new, what remained the same? Were there any favourite memories? Or were there horrible incidents we would rather forget?
As I look back and indulge in a little introspection of my own, I realise that 2015 was a year of learnings for me. Parenting brought with it its own share of teachings and hopefully I have imbibed most of the lessons!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more information.
1. I realised it is alright to mess up. There were so many times I messed up badly this year. Each and every one of them had a lesson to learn and I realised messing up doesn’t make me an incompetent mother.
2. Learn to forgive like children. They don’t hold onto a grudge. They just let go. Probably the reason they are so much happier than we are. Which one of wouldn’t want a little more happiness?
3. I am not scared to fall or dive in the deep sea. So until 2 months ago I couldn’t swim. It isn’t because I was afraid of the water but I just never got around to it. So last year when my older daughter started learning, I decided I needed to take the plunge too, instead of spending hours watching her and chatting with others on the sidelines. So I dove right in, and I now know how to swim! The biggest learning from this exercise? You are never too old to learn and there is nothing you need to be afraid of.
4. The other big lesson this year was to fall and rise and fall and keep learning. I love yoga and it is a huge part of me. When people ask me if I am scared to fall or fear failure, I think of yoga, where you will fall only when you lose focus. Similarly I have realised you will fall if you lose focus in life too. Â
5. When it comes to your children, make sure you are punctual. They hate it and realise it when you are late for a pickup or a dropoff. The hurt look on their faces is not something you want to see.
6. Love selflessly like your children do. Despite everything we do our kids know to love us only one way – selflessly, without restrictions. I will practice more of that in 2016.
7. Learn how to be creative from your children. Watching them play with empty boxes or listening to them come up with a story is a daily inspiration for me to be more creative and think out of the box. We could all use a bit more of that.
8. Get back to reading! If you feel like you are only reading books for your children, realise that once you are done with their books you can pick up one of your own. It forms a habit that sticks for life. And children learn from watching their parents.
9. My children teach me daily to love myself. They love playing dress up and are constantly copying the way I dress and they even shower me with compliments when they see me dress up. It is a huge ego boost and it taught me to love myself no matter how I look.
10. They teach me daily to relax and unwind. I can get pretty wound up when it comes to planning a holiday or if there are errands to be run. My children teach me to relax and adopt a pace that works for the whole family.
Above all, the most important thing my family and my children have taught me is the need to love myself a little more this year. I have decided to not feel fat or thin, but just fitter or unhealthy. To do things that nourish my soul. To eat well, spend hours with kids doing nothing, or doing things they love. I am going to travel to new countries, and eat foods that feeds my soul and makes me feel good.
For all these lessons and more, I can safely say I loved you 2015 and I am happy to have known you. Now, I can’t wait for 2016.
Parul Gupta
KSP Promotions
Shruti Divecha
