Thirty-three used to be a favourite number back in school. I used to be terrible in Maths and I loved such simple uncomplicated numbers in sums. Thirty-three is eleven times three-simple and humble. Easy to add, subtract, multiply and divide. So cool! But now that it stands for my age, I don't find it so cool. In fact, from the time I turned thirty, I am not so fond of birthdays.
But I guess I cannot run away from imminent old age for much longer. Half of my hair is already white. Children call me auntie and to top it even my maid calls me auntie. I cannot understand more than half of the commonly used chat lingo that my niece flaunts. I strongly suspect that I am growing old. So let me do what oldies are supposed to do-offer pearls of wisdom that too free of cost! Jokes apart, I have been through enough experiences in life to warrant one blog post. Putting down what I have learnt so far will be the best tribute to my birthday.
Lesson no.1: Life is not fair and it is not meant to be either. You might put your heart and soul into something that takes you nowhere. And then happiness will be delivered to your door step from the most unexpected sources. So unless you are foolish enough to not answer the doorbell when this home delivery is being made, you will find that life is still beautiful, even if a bit unfair.
Lesson no 2: Friends are the best investments in life. Your life may be full- a good marriage, children, happening career, hobbies etc etc. But it is still incomplete without those special people whom you can ring up right after a fight with your bitter-half and let off some steam. They add colors to our mundane lives. You may not have time to connect with them like you used to when you were single and that is fair enough. But never let go of the connection completely.
Lesson no. 3: Save money. Be financially independent. I cannot stress more on this. I have heard a lot of crap about money not bringing happiness and I completely agree that money should not be the first priority in life or the basis of the choices you make in life. But being financially independent gives you the confidence to face a lot of unpleasant situations and people in life.
Lesson no 4: We all play different roles in life-son, daughter, husband, wife, employee, mother, father. But these are just roles you play and not the real you. Never let these roles take over your life. Take some time out for yourself-the real self. Once in a while, be selfish. Pamper yourself, do something you like. It will definitely help you recharge your batteries and feel good about yourself.
Lesson no 5: Take time to celebrate the little 'events' in life. Even if it is a mundane birthday that comes every year and reminds you that you are getting older. We are not movie stars or high profile businessmen. Our lives may not exactly have ground-breaking impact on the world. Still, these simple milestones call for something special. If we don't make ourselves feel special, who will?
Lesson no 6: Contribute to some social causes, irrespective of how less you earn or how little you can spare. Money need not be the only way you contribute-you can even share your time. You will be surprised at the difference this will bring to your life. When things around you are going wrong, and nothing seems to work, and you are totally completely lost, do something for others and you will see how things change in your life.
I guess that is enough gyaan for my thirty-third birthday. Will save some thoughts for the next birthday!
