This post is much like a personal journal. In fact it is memoir of a day. A special day, which I whiled away, far from work and responsibilities.
Countless of times it has happened in past that whenever I got a a day off, from busy schedule, I dedicated the entire day to rest or sleep. But this time I resolved to do things a little differently.
Here is how I took a ‘feel good leave’ on my birthday and did some off routine activities. Truth is, this is the probably the first time ever I took leave just for the sake of my birthday.
1. Visiting someshwaraya temple
Sometimes you get so busy performing day to day tasks that you hardly get time to connect to yourself. With that in mind, I started my day with visiting a temple.
My past experiences taught me that though Bengaluru is brimming with scores of temples, yet there is scarcely any temple I knew, which was peaceful. But this myth busted when I visited someshwara swami temple in halasuru.
This shiva temple is the oldest temple that Bangalore has. It was structured around 12th century, by chola dynasty. Its intricate Dravidian style architecture, speaks volumes of our rich history and culture.
This is one of the most serene place out there inside city. I was so much in adoration with its ambience. The calmness and captivating aroma of ghee, dhupa, jhuna is a therapy in itself. It is like you can connect and communicate to your soul, and that too so fluently.
It reminded me of our visit to Sri Sri Ravishankar international centre Bangalore. I felt like spending a whole day here, diving deep into devotion. But had other lineups waiting, for this seemingly special day.
2. It is time for “self gift”
“Self gift” is self care.
We care so much about everyone else. Our whole life is nothing but obsessing about people surrounding us. But sometimes we forget to treat ourselves the same way we treat others.
Some 10 years back, I gifted myself a piece of jewellery. I shopped this, from my first salary. Afterwards other obligations took over my finances. And I almost did not gift myself anything expensive post that.
But, on this day I wished to dedicate myself something special. This decision was not impulsive. I had been ruminating on this idea from quite sometime. And my final thought was “Why not!”
Here is a small piece of jewellery that I bought for myself that was just-right. It was perfectly fitting my imagination as well as budget. Though it is not too pricy, but is precious. It is my way of self care.
3. A lunch with colleagues
Workplace is somewhere you find an entirely different identity of yourself. It is a place which contradicts itself.
Strangely, place of work can be a frustration and be a therapy at the same time. Hear the ruthless of all duties, teach you the most.
Misunderstandings dissolve and new bonds strengthen each passing day. And one day you realize, you got some genuinely great buddies in form of colleagues.
We all workmates had lunch together. Just a casual meal once in a while with colleagues is all you need to have a balance in work life.
After lunch, we routed to an ice-cream parlor. Had shared our share of stories along with ice-cream. Friends are like different flavors of ice-cream, I must say. Each person has his/her own flavor and each person is unique. Each flavor is tasteful.
PS : Never try banana flavour from cold stone. You will find real banana pieces in it.
4. Sweet surprises
Whoever says “Money can’t buy happiness” should rethink. Because money is vital, especially in today’s time. And more so important is how to manage money properly out of whatever sum a person is earning.
But what to do when social media itself is all about consumerism! For instance something on Pinterest catches your sight, and it immediately woes you to have it. Every single social media platform is here to attract consumerism.
I am someone who constantly swing between minimalism and maximalism. But these days mostly I am drawn towards minimalism. As I heard a quote that says –
“Home is a place to live and not to pile up things.”
But once in a while when you get sweet surprise gifts by special someone on your birthday, you can not decline them, right! Being said that women can never say no to jewellery, bags and icecream.
5. Family time matters
At end of a day, you come back to a place called home. Here you are most comfortable in your own skin.
On my way home, I got a small present for my daughter. I don’t know why kids these days, are so crazy about lollipops. I got a big one for her this time. Just by looking at it she screamed in excitement “Wow… round-and-round-lollipop”.
I know it is a junk food. However once in a while, she can munch on her share of cheat food too. Moreover those twinkling eyes and smiling face, mean a lot to me.
Conclusion:
The day ended with “pakhala” with all its traditional side dishes. “Pakhala” is a signature Odia food, that is adored at every Odia household. Healthy and soul satisfying comfort food is what I was craving the entire day. And now the day is just complete.
Calendar turns over. Days pass on, one by one and are somewhere lost over time. So this current day, I wanted to save as a journal. So that I can rewind and relive it as and when I feel like.
