Time to Re-Invent Ourselves

Today when I woke up at 6, my heart was full of uncertainty, anxiety and tinge of worry. 21 days lock down, I have lots to do to take care of my home, my family, my work and my study. How will I manage with no maid, no cook, no driver? Will I be able to strike a balance? Amongst all these, will I have ample time for my ten-year-old son, his holidays should not get spoiled because I have ample to do.

With a mindful of puzzles and indecision, I walked to my balcony and sipped my coffee. I saw a very beautiful morning, roads were empty and tree were greener. And to my surprise, I saw a very elderly uncle in my society, sweeping the society garden. After few minutes, he got tired and sat on nearby bench, when he saw me starring at him and he called out “Beta, Happy Ugadi!!! Today shutdown starts, most of the workers will not come, so I thought I will clean this garden on a festival day.” I was taken aback. My despair evaporated. I crept inside from balcony with a new charge circling me. What am I worried of?

I dusted my home, sweeped and mopped (I don’t remember, in last 20 years, I ever dared mopping). I cooked and cleaned the vessels. Meanwhile my son and my husband woke up. To my surprise, I saw them already involved with me to complete household chores. It was a surprise cause it’s difficult for me to get them involved in normal days. We did puja and then our breakfast. The house looks cleaner to me today, am I better than my maid? Paorothas in breakfast are too yummy for my son, am I cooking better than my cook? I mean, I assumed I can’t cook. At 9:30 AM again, I was in balcony with my coffee and working on my laptop to complete some office assignment. My son was sitting next to me busy with his new oil pastel painting. I checked my mobile, WhatsApp was full of lovely wishes for the festival from my family, my office team and my friends. The roads were empty, trees were greener and this moment I had a very happy heart.

This is my time of introspection and self-discipline. When love and passion walks out of the door, then surely we find new hope. This is a perfect time to review myself, there will be peak of observations, many perfect date with my family; opportunities to undo all preconceptions. I pack my bag to unpack all burdens. I should have good preparation about expecting the unexpected. World is striking a new balanced after getting hit by pandemic. While much of the world’s output is grinding to a halt, I am starting an inward journey to re-energize.