Stepping Back to Step Forward — Counting my Blessings!
I am thankful for so many things in my life and today an incident forced me to step back and appreciate all that. In day-to-day life, I tend to get wound up on things to be done, tasks to be completed, next milestones and due date and just running with blinders on. Yes — blinders — that make me blind of high-level picture.
This weekend I decided to take a break. And I realized that I truly have million things to be thankful for. Some are normal things like our families who support us unconditionally. And my family has done above and beyond of what they had to. Today I’m also in awe of strangers who came as angels. And I got a renewed sense of accomplishment and confidence. I have got people! I can do anything I put my mind to.
I’m thankful for my parents, who made me strong like steel. Both my mom and dad set amazing examples of women equity, women leadership and simple grit and resilience. And even now, at 70+ age, my dad is working as a lawyer, and both mom and dad are directors of my company in India.
I’m thankful to my younger sister who is the son to my parents they never had. She is settled in the same town with her husband and kids. Her whole family rushes to my parents in case of any emergencies. Whether it was my mom getting a pacemaker or putting Diwali lights, they are there. I’m impressed, proud and in awe of my sister who earned her law degree at age 39 and now has been practicing with my dad. I’m thankful to her for being the heir of my dad’s practice, his massive law library that he is so proud of and taking care of his old cases.
I’m thankful for my older sister who has been coming to receive me at the airport for last 25 year — no matter what time — 2 am, 4 am — whatever. I’m thankful for her as she has sheltered me and took care of me very early on as I launched my career in a big city, away from hometown. I’m thankful for her as even today she shops for me and my kids all year long as she finds things in the market, she knows we’ll love, even though she has to store them for few years till we meet again.
I’m thankful for my youngest sister in Denver, who is more of a friend to my daughters than aunt. I’m thankful for her being the bridge between US and India for us — whether it’s technology like a new sim card I need every time I travel or finding an international calling plan from her. I’m thankful that she visits us at least once a year to be with us — either its’ July 4th or winter holidays. She has made it her duty.
I’m thankful for my AMAZING husband who has supported my crazy dreams and aspirations. My older daughter who has been there for me both as a work helper and emotional support as I go through my journey as an entrepreneur. My younger daughter who is so independent that I don’t have to worry about her at all. Both kids being smart brings pride to me as a parent too. And our dog — Pluto — the sweetest boy on the planet, who gives me company at my home office.
I’m so thankful for so many people in my tribe who have gone above and way beyond of what was expected of them. I’m lucky to get that both in professional and personal life. Sometimes complete strangers have stepped up and completely amazed me. Of course, it’ll take me some time to think about everyone but here are two recent examples.
Recently an investor decided to not only invest but help us in fund raising. He took the ownership of not only making every possible intro he could but also started a syndicate to collect checks for us. My jaw is still dropped.
Today two stranger moms delivered three bags full of food, including home cooked meal, cold and flu supplies to my daughter in her dorm room in OH as she couldn’t come home for thanksgiving. I can not tell you how big my heart is today. They even thought of adding a cup to make soup! They wrote a card for her! How can I every repay that? This is ultimate humanity and selflessness.
I’m in complete debt of this universe for all I have gotten. I hope that I can repay this debt in some shape or form.
And I have a whole tribe to support me in my life mission.