When I was a dreamy teenager, 30 used to be a big number, that was still far far away. Imagination and things around led me to believe that at 30 one had a home, bubbly children plus a car and a fantastic husband! Well, I couldn't have blamed my teenage fanciful mind! And what did I wish for - the same aforementioned things. I was not one of those teenagers who had dreams to have a high-flying career or to explore an untrodden path - all I knew and wished was for a happy family complete with a dog and car! I didn't see beyond the usual. I wasn't even exposed to anything else.
And, today, standing at 34, I realise that life has so much to offer. A family and a dog are also happiness factors but there are other things that one can aspire for. I blame it on education. I was all sane and meek, but engaging minds and wise teachers shook my aspirations and beliefs. I can't be more thankful to them today. My paths slowly started walking in a slightly different trajectory. I learnt that there are other uncharted paths that are more interesting and adventurous and I chose to get lost. I am happy that those paths showed me sights and thoughts that were challenging and offbeat. I explored ideas that were safely hidden from me and was able to flirt with things that were hitherto unaccustomed to my small mind.
I learnt to lose myself in books and tread along the lines of the character in the tomes I read and loved. Thinking with the author, my mind opened to different worldviews. I was weaned out of prejudice, gender fixations, mainstream hogwash and media's appropriation of the mind. Education liberates and forces oneself to leave the comfort zone and walk out and that is what precisely happened to me. Inspite of that, there are some issues which I have not come to terms with!
I am also thankful and grateful to the wonderful virtual and offline friends that Providence enabled me to meet. They have enriched and educated me in ways that I cannot imagine. I have also realised that friends are friends, offline or online - They affect me the same way and teach me important lessons which I otherwise could be deprived of. And along the journey, I have come to know that each age has its own charm and inspite of growing old, I grow richer and bolder in experience.
Here's raising a toast to 34!
Thanks for the company, dear reader. I cherish and treasure you and the lessons that you have willingly imparted.
Image 1, 2 and 3: Internet
And, today, standing at 34, I realise that life has so much to offer. A family and a dog are also happiness factors but there are other things that one can aspire for. I blame it on education. I was all sane and meek, but engaging minds and wise teachers shook my aspirations and beliefs. I can't be more thankful to them today. My paths slowly started walking in a slightly different trajectory. I learnt that there are other uncharted paths that are more interesting and adventurous and I chose to get lost. I am happy that those paths showed me sights and thoughts that were challenging and offbeat. I explored ideas that were safely hidden from me and was able to flirt with things that were hitherto unaccustomed to my small mind.
I learnt to lose myself in books and tread along the lines of the character in the tomes I read and loved. Thinking with the author, my mind opened to different worldviews. I was weaned out of prejudice, gender fixations, mainstream hogwash and media's appropriation of the mind. Education liberates and forces oneself to leave the comfort zone and walk out and that is what precisely happened to me. Inspite of that, there are some issues which I have not come to terms with!
I am also thankful and grateful to the wonderful virtual and offline friends that Providence enabled me to meet. They have enriched and educated me in ways that I cannot imagine. I have also realised that friends are friends, offline or online - They affect me the same way and teach me important lessons which I otherwise could be deprived of. And along the journey, I have come to know that each age has its own charm and inspite of growing old, I grow richer and bolder in experience.
Here's raising a toast to 34!
Thanks for the company, dear reader. I cherish and treasure you and the lessons that you have willingly imparted.
Image 1, 2 and 3: Internet
Mrs Sus, you are a decade YOUNGER than I am! :) I love how you have grown though - you "chose to get lost." We'd never find until we're lost. I wish I was this self-assured when I was 34. You almost have it all, except for the kids and the dog, right?
ReplyDeleteI would love to give you a warm birthday hug, my little sister, but for now let's settle for this: >:D<
xoxo always,
AJ
Ouch, you broke my heart by calling me little sister, AJ. Little is okay but sister?!?! (Eyes rolling and mouth gasping)
DeleteBig hugs and lots of love, Age. You have also been a wonderful part of the journey.
xoxox always :)
Here's raising a toast to the girl with a sunshine smile, to some one who spreads joy even through her comments. Yes, life has a way of upsetting all the well laid plans. But then there is excitement in doing what the heart desires. I wish that you tread every new path with happiness and abandon. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachna. Those teenage years seem hazy and dreamy but reality is so very different and surprising. I'm glad it turned out that way. Your wishes are much appreciated. Lots of love and joy to you.
DeleteTo the lady who has just turned thirty four
ReplyDeleteyou have reached the right age to lift off and soar
may the future have better and brighter things in store
I pray for happier returns of the day more and more.
Belated Birthday wishes Sus. Just did a calculation, I am one and a half time your age and yet I am not half the person you are. :)
Ah, Govind, you're being too kind. Don't believe all that I write.
DeleteAnd, loved loved your poem. Been long since I received your comments in verse! Happy and joyous.
Susan, I can relate to all the 'teenage dreams', 'safely hidden' ideas and exploring them later in life and more precisely choosing to get lost! You will find more of them when you are fifty. You will still blog about them, but the post will be slightly different.. 'the dreams of the 30s' and still hidden ideas in your 30s and 40s and continue to choose to get lost! Wish you many more lovely years!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Revathi
Dear Ma'am, thanks for taking time to stop by and leaving your insights. I hope that even at 50, blogging holds my interest. Every age comes with its own pleasure and pains and perhaps at 50, I might reminisce my 30s and wonder. Fingers crossed. Thanks for your wishes. I treasure and cherish them fondly.
Deletehappy birthday! 34 ....i remember those days..hahaha
ReplyDeletei learned much from books as well...they open the mind to other perspectives quite often......
Thanks Brian. Learning to live and love. Life is indeed a great teacher.
Deletehow to beat aging? just refuse to grow up.......sorry coudnt resist
ReplyDeleteYes life often has a different script in mind for us than the one we imagined. Have a wonderful Birthday Susan. Keep learning and I wish you lots of fun, good times, peace, love - everything good.
ReplyDeleteMyrna, I like how you use the word, "script." And yes, life is one grand script. Thanks for your kind wishes, dear Myrna. I guess even you will celebrate your birthday, right? Love and joy to you as well.
DeleteWhat a lovely positive birthday note! Here's to many more :). And btw, i rofled at the quote on marrying before 25. I did that :D. (But, I agree to that :P)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI don't even remember how I thought about my future when I was a teenager. All I can say now, decades later, is that it just keeps getting better. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteIt does get better, Galen and it's always better to see it so. Thanks for stopping by and writing your insights, Galen. Much appreciated.
DeleteHello, favorite Indian Princess (married!)...I have reached my "NEW 30 two more times, since the first. Even now, it just DOES NOT OCCUR to me...those nearly 50 years of time separating us.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that is because I strongly believe each moment IS Eternity, that we are so-Creators of everything and ourselves. Maybe it sound blasphemous, but I don't mean it that way...anyway...LIFE IS TO BE LIVED, not LIVID (HA! that just rolled out onto the keys!) Bye for now, lovely Susan Deborah!
Ah, Steve, the names you call me is just so lovely to read! 50 years is just a number . . . we are all fellow travellers in the same road of life and I'm glad we met along the way.
DeleteLivid!! ha Ha. Good sense of rhyme, you've got, Steve.
Thanks a ton for stopping by and writing beautiful lines. Much appreciated, Steve.
Happy thirty four
ReplyDeleteWish you many many more
It's a pleasure to read your blog
For sure!
Hey Alka, how nice to see you here. Thanks for the beautiful verse - I'm smiling from ear to ear. Thanks again.
DeleteTeenage years were fun days - but life turns out quite different from those dreams. Wish you many joys and blessings.
ReplyDeleteTeenage days were heady and unsteady full of passionate dreams and desires. They were fun, though. No much worries or responsibilities - just falling in love and studying. Life turns out quite different, yes. And thanks Suzy for stopping by today and wishing me. Much appreciated.
DeleteHappy Birthday, Dear Susan.You spread so much happiness through your words. It gives an insight to your heart. May you always remain happy, healthy and prosperous!!
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton for these lovely words, Usha. Your wishes are most welcome and I will cherish and treasure them fondly. Lots of love back to you :)
DeleteYou have spoken much truth. happy b-day you youngster
ReplyDeleteYoung and bold and silly! GQ, where have you been all these days? have you become a millionaire best-selling author with your book?
DeleteHappy 34!! Belated wishes coming your way...hope you keep writing and spreading such joy! Life happens doesn't it...and it's beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI think u are awesome, woman :) mwaaaahs
ReplyDeleteI an reate to the first paragraph in entirety. I imagined myself married at 27 and kids soon after. Well, things didn't quie turn out that way. But at 34...I see things so differently. I am truly blessed for sure- I couldn't have asked for a better life and a more wonderful life partner :)
ReplyDelete