Season to be Hopeful

Recently, I got to know that Prof. Aditi Simha, a faculty at the Department of Physics, IIT Madras passed away. I had worked in the same department and seen her many times in the corridors, but never had the chance to talk to her. Still the news was shocking as she was young. It is being said that she committed suicide by consuming some poisonous fruits taken from the campus. I am reading online that Prof. Aditi Simha was depressed related to personal problems, which might have prompted her to take her own life. However, I am unaware for how long she was battling depression. 

Life can indeed be harsh and hard. In the current times, what with Facebook and Instagram, everyone's life seems to be an open book. It looks like all our friends are always travelling, eating great food, and having fun. This facade would make anyone going through a low point in his/her life feel hesitant to approach even someone they have known since childhood. 

When things are troublesome, we must remind ourselves that no one can say that he or she has never had to struggle. Even for stepping into this world we have to wriggle our way out. How many times babies push themselves up when first learning to simply raise their bodies. As I watch my son grow, I see how in a desire to walk, run, and jump there is no fear of falling and he is willing to repeat the same exercise countless times with the same level of excitement and without tiredness. 

If you will simply look around, then you will find someone facing a greater ordeal than you. I travel by local train sometimes to get to my office. Indeed I only have to step on to the railway station to see poverty and the sorry state of some people's lives to know how much more I have. At the same time, I also come across men and women trying to make an honest living despite their unfortunate circumstances. When a blind man in return for buying only ten rupees of chikki (a sweet made of peanuts and jaggery) says "God bless you", I realize how much more I should be thankful. 

Our God is full of mercy and grace. From the time of our birth He has given us the inner strength to face our life's challenges. The proof of God's love for us is His great sacrifice of sending His only begotten Son to save us. Let this Christmas season be not only about being joyful but also hopeful. Believe that however difficult the times may be, He will hear us. Know that He is always with us, even if  no one else is. So hold on and do not let go.

(Photo source: www.angels-ad-pbb.com)

My Comeback

There is something about year endings that pushes me to want to make a change. Way back in 2012 when I was in the US, it got me to start this blog. Now that 2018 is coming to a close, I am once again in contemplation mode.

Looking back, although it was not a deliberate move, I stopped writing some time beginning of September 2015 when I found I was pregnant. From then on life became quite different. I would become tired, emotional, irritated, and absentminded (occasionally). After a point, sleeping comfortably was a challenge. Amidst all this, our house was flooded twice during the heavy Chennai rains in 2015. In the last three months before the due date, the focus was on keeping active and preparing for the new member of the family.

My little bundle of joy arrived in April 2016. Since then things got busier in a way that I hadn't imagined despite all the "What to Expect" series of books that I had read. However, the craziness is worth it because it comes with these countless moments of joy.

My days are quite tied up as I am also working in a company. We have a six day week, and Sunday just flies away doing some household chores. My me time is now limited to watching videos at night for a couple of hours if I have the energy, but it is not satisfying. The movies, serials, and reality shows are all just too predictable or have disappointing endings.

I am feeling the need to do something that will make me more happy and the time spent more meaningful. Having refreshed my memories by going through some of my older posts, I am hoping that writing will do this for me.

Therefore, just as it is said for film actresses returning to the screen after a long hiatus, here I am, making a "comeback". So wish me good luck.



(Photo source: steemit.com)