Everything is Theoretically Impossible, until…
This week, my teenage daughters bought their first concert tickets of Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour, for over the $1000. For first minute or two, it was excitement and thrill of securing the tickets but few minutes later it was a whole another feeling. I was overwhelmed with strong emotions. I had a tsunami of emotions and I had trouble breathing. Then I cried. These were the tears of joy.
Suddenly I went back few decades to my teenager self, and I told her
I DID IT.
I did it, even though I didn’t know I could.
I did it, even though it was very hard.
And I DID IT!
I looked at my younger self and remembered that the money my daughters spent in literally 5 minutes in buying these concert tickets, was the same money both my parents made in one year and supported a family of six.
At the conversation rate of that time, and taking inflation into consideration, my parents made less than $1,000 a year. My mom started and ran an elementary school in our home and my dad was an upcoming lawyer. Lawyers in India don’t make very much money even today. They both worked very very hard- almost non-stop. We all pitched in running the school.
We had our very basic necessities (which can be subjective) met and not much beyond that. We were lucky to have a 2-room house for all of us and three meals a day. And we had each other with extremely strong bond that has only gotten stronger over years.
We didn’t even have a TV or fridge or anything nice. I remember my older sister and I saved money for three years and then we bought a fridge for $125, and we were beyond thrilled to have homemade ice. There was no concept of toys or snacks. If you get hungry between meals, you eat any left-over rice or bread. If no leftovers, you just wait for the next meal.
From that life to this moment is the ultimate example of social mobility. I like to say education got me here. Today I have everything and some more, that I need and want. Today my parents are doing well and they are proud that all four of their daughters moved up in Maslow’s pyramid. We all got education and have made great lives for ourselves and our next generation. Sometimes it feels surreal.
I want to take a moment to thank my younger self for dreaming big, doing big and not giving up.
I recently read a quote “Everything is theoretically impossible, until it’s done”
So We did the impossible! And I’m thankful to the Universe for helping me.
Go DREAM IT and DO IT!