“The Sun Tarot card is the Major Arcana card of positivity, optimism, freedom and fun.
You will find that people are drawn to the happy vibes and positive energy you are giving out.
You will bring light and joy to everyone and everything you come into contact with.”
Aww… I wanted to hug the sun so tight! What a sweet message!
To those medium minds, that didn’t ring a bell:
A few days back, I wrote a post about how I found my passion. In that article, I had mentioned:
Writing to touch peoples’ lives with love, kindness, hope, and laughter will enable me to live a fulfilled life.
And I can do it forever with nothing but intense joy and love.
You see what I mean?
It felt like, the sun had been following me through the last few nights, waiting for me to pick the card today, to appear in front of me and re-affirm the truth.
What a wonderful way to start the day! The excitement didn’t last long.
The feeling of Elation was short lived when my memories drifted to the fresh memories from this morning. [Yeah the one I had before I picked up the tarot card.]
I had just delivered another baby boy. It was a home birth. The tired mommy mind was clueless about surviving with a newborn in addition to the high energy toddler and a little woman who just turned 8.
I froze in my dream when my husband shook me up to inform: “It is 6.15am. Final wake up call.”
When I got up, I felt like new. Just knowing that there was no baby in the house was enough to add spring to my steps for the rest of my days.
So far, So good.
Until I picked the card, and scrolled further down to find this.
Love & Relationships: The Sun is one of the main pregnancy indicators in the Tarot deck.
Oh wait, WTH?! Is this some kind of a cosmos joke?!
You are kidding the freak out of me, I said to the sun face in the card staring at me precisely!
I got up from the couch, headed to the gym, and finished my workout.
Something got into my eyes and I found an eyelash stuck in the wall of my eyelids.
I picked it gently and held it on my fist. With my eyes closed, I whispered: “I don’t ever want to be pregnant again! Ever!” and blew my lungs out.
When I opened my eyes, the lash was found nowhere.
It was my daughter’s 6th birthday party. My husband and I made the party arrangements all week. When we finished decorating the party hall in the unicorn theme, it was already 11 pm.
The following morning, I woke up and surprised myself by making my signature sandwiches to all the 30+ guests in addition to my husband’s southwest chipotle salad and Domino’s pizza. It was a brunch event.
The celebration began, and guests were coming in one by one. I was busy shaking hands, hugging, catching up, and conversing from where we last left.
Can you guess what mommies make best in addition to babies? Mommy jokes 😉
I was so in the moment having a ball when my husband interrupted to talk to me in private.
He said in a rather casual tone: “Hey, looks like everyone is having a great time. Can you please continue to entertain the guests while I take care of serving food, organising the stuff, and taking pictures? You know I can’t do the talks, and you are best at it.”
My mind interpreted: “Please be yourself and do what you do best. Do not stop having fun. The mundane tasks are all on me.”
Something clicked inside me. It was my moment of truth.
I felt amazed to be recognised for my inherent skills. To know that being myself was enough! Even to others.
You are enough. You are so enough, it is unbelievable how enough you are — Sierra Boggess.
The quest to find my passion revealed my wishlist
In the last few years, the recurring haunting question in my mind was: “How do I find my passion?”
The question inevitably branched out to several others like:
What can I do for the rest of my life without getting bored?
What can keep me in “my zone” and let the energy flow within me non-stop?
What do I naturally do well? What do people around me notice about me?
What keeps me awake at night?
What can I do for free because it is so important to me? What is the problem I want to solve for good?
My primary roadblock was not having an answer. But, having more than one to the questions above.
For starters, I applied the “Elimination” method to get rid of what I didn’t want in my life. To my surprise, this exercise also revealed my wishlist.
I can’t continue living in a foreign country. I yearned to go back home and live close to family.
I was afraid of becoming a victim of the monotonous routine. I wanted more vigour and zeal in my day-to-day living.
I couldn’t imagine working on my IT job until retirement. I wished to switch directions in my career and become my boss.
The thought of limiting my life to my family and friends shrunk my living potential. I wanted to give back a part of my heart and soul to the community, whatever I decided to do.
I figured I got stuck at the “Self Actualization” phase of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. where he points out, “What a man can be, he must be.”
If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life -Abraham Maslow.
I wanted to unlock my fullest potential and live a life with greater meaning.
The Serendipity of my passion
Six months back, I started to read and write again on Medium. I shared my life experiences in words.
I was amazed how writing has the added advantage of expressing free-flowing thoughts with no interruptions.
Tell the story once and share it with everyone else in the world.
No wonder my love for talking has taken a back seat by my insatiable appetite to write.
Writing kicks me to my zone in no time, and I only find love everywhere I see.
There is no drop in my energy or enthusiasm in my need to bring life to the words in me.
The appreciation and comments, I receive on my stories keep me going. It helps me realise my potential to keep entertaining the readers with my unique ideas and perspectives through my true stories.
I feel immensely grateful to bring my natural ability to the spotlight.
It is fascinating to unlock the readers’ hearts and minds to new possibilities. Through my writing!
I am so blessed to have found my village of like-minded writer souls who support me wholeheartedly. There is no greater force than the power of community, I admit.
The story of My newsletter
My passion finally dawned on my sparkling mind in a dimly lit room as I wrote a guest post to the coffee times newsletter.
I wondered what-if I could create a weekly newsletter targeted to my specific audience. My whole heart lit up in an instant.
It was the answer to all my questions!
When you find your purpose, it is like your heart has been set alight with passion. You know it absolutely, without any doubt -Rhonda Byrne.
Writing to touch peoples’ lives with love, kindness, hope, and laughter will enable me to live a fulfilled life. And I can do it forever with nothing but intense joy and love.
I can never have enough of writing. It is the path I choose to give back to the world, a part of my heart and soul!
Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you -Oprah Winfrey.
What is your passion? How did you find it?
Please share it in the comments.
This post will be incomplete without the special mention of Coffee Challenge 3, which kickstarted my newsletter journey.
Although I knew it, I couldn’t do anything about it.
If I only had the power to fast forward and skip tomorrow, I wondered.
My sister interrupted my deep thinking mode asking, What’s wrong?
I said, “My name is going to be called out in front of the whole school tomorrow morning. My teacher is planning to award the five toppers of the class.”
She didn’t get it, shook her head: “So?”
I continued, “Well, I am in fifth place. I can’t imagine showing up in the assembly with such embarrassment. Anyway, who even cares about the 5th position?”
She laughed so hard. Is this all you have been thinking? Try this instead: “You are not the 5th. You are the first of the remaining 50 students.”
Now, that flip in the context was enough for a sixth-grader to look forward to the next day with excitement.
When the morning arrived, I waited eagerly for the moment. When it was my turn, the entire school cheered for me through the walk to the stage until I received the prize.
The principal was confused for a moment. She even reconfirmed the winners called were not in the descended ranking order.
This story was written in response to the prompt “Celebrating the quiet moments of love.”
There are only two ways to live your life: Nothing is a miracle, or Everything is a miracle -Albert Einstein.
I believe in the second option. This enables me to spot wonders in the most ordinary moments.
After all, life is about creating beautiful memories from the tiny moments of love. Every day.
It was 11 pm. As Dad sat down to have his dinner, he noticed me sitting on the couch checking my phone. Before taking his first bite, he deliberately asked me if I would like some.
Although I was in no mood, I nodded YES. My Dad immediately stood up from the chair to feed me without spilling it. I jolted back to the reality of being a middle-aged grown-up woman.
In the profound quietness that followed, he made me realize that I was his princess. And will always be!
The overflowing Joy escaped my full-blown heart through the happy tears 💗
A couple of days later…
After twisting and turning in her bed for a while, she diligently said: “Mommy, I can’t sleep yet. Is it ok if I talk to you for a few more minutes?”
I confidently rolled my eyes in the dark and replied: “of course!”
Her excitement grew leaps and bounds as she continued: “Tell me, mommy, how was your day?”
Her kindness put my solitude to shame. Even in her sleepless moment, she cares to ask about me first.
It never stops to amaze me how kids are so natural at loving unconditionally. The gift of having my own princess!
I secretly wished that moment to last forever!! 😇
Where there is great love, there are always miracles -Willa Cather.
How and where do you find the hidden treasures in your daily life? Please share it in the comments.
The hard part of this challenge is getting 100 likes for the contest article. I bet Winston knew this was coming when he set it as a criterion to progress to the next phase [insert evil smile from Winston].
A couple of days back, I had only 36 likes for my contest article. That is, after trying everything I could.
Every like took forever to get.
I honestly thought my story would max out at 50 likes.
I dreaded abandoning the challenge mid-way.
I am NOT a quitter. And I don’t fear failure. I kept repeating them to myself in a loop.
I don’t even fear the unknown. So, what’s the name of this feeling trying to eat me? What am I trying to avoid? I pondered. For all I knew, it was a familiar emotion.
After dissecting the thoughts in my mind, I figured:
It was the grand feeling of not being enough for those who may read my story. And its byproduct: The Fear of SHAME.
This realization freed me from lingering self-doubts and insecurities.
I decided to show up to the battle. Only this time, I knew the weakness of my enemy: the ugly face of shame [wicked smile 😈]
Somewhere in the middle of the challenge, the actual game has begun!
Everything is possible for believers
The idea of self-marketing made me feel uncomfortable. Because this would mean reaching out to my friends, extended family, co-workers, and acquaintances who had no clue that I have a secret writer life. So, I saved this strategy for doomsday.
First, I posted my story on LinkedIn and prayed nobody read it. I got 2 likes on the story and a comment from a dear friend who lives in a faraway land.
Not bad at all! [2>0?!]
I reached out to my friends on Medium through my promotional article.
Kristina God, my boot camper coach, was very kind to write an article for me. The best thing about Kristina is that she is always waiting for an opportunity to lend her helping hand!
I reached out to my creative friend Adelina Vasile who brainstormed some beautiful ideas over email and Twitter. She told me to stay active, comment, and endorse others’ work on Substack, and they may reciprocate. This was GOLD!
I read a similar strategy from Substack about how sending cold emails worked to get more subscribers for their newsletters. So I told myself, why not?!
I searched for Substack newsletters with the same niche as mine: Magicbytes. Reached out to them one by one in my comments to their story. I invited them to check out mine.
To my surprise, the responses from the Substack community were great! I was able to make some real connections.
I still had halfway to go. So I dived in headfirst to reach out to extended families, friends, friends of friends, and co-workers.
What happened after that was nothing short of amazing. I received texts with loads of encouragement and support! Too much to blast my gratitude journal and keep me writing for the rest of my life! 🤩
I felt like a brand new person! Being recognized and appreciated by people wanted me to do more! I realized I had a lovely support network, I never noticed.
My fear of shame was washed away by multitudes of praise!
I wrote this article inspired by Marilyn Flower’s story where she points out that “If Tamil can, I can.” And I thought, why not share my experience?!!
In 2022, I will continue to thrive and attract energy from like-minded souls to find my purpose. And help them find theirs.
Within two weeks of writing this story, Winston launched Coffee Challenge 3 which pumped me up to start my first newsletter ever on substack! Something I had been wanting to do but didn’t know where to start.
As I defined the niche for the newsletter, I realized my soul work lies in touching people’s lives with love, laughter, and hope. Through my empowering words!
Something I have done all my life, effortlessly! With only good intentions and best interests!
My inspiration for writing comes from my passion to connect with people and share my life experiences without holding back.
The good news is, I only share what I have personally experienced. My stories are designed to reflect my authentic self with brutal honesty. And a tad of light humor.
The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them — Elizabeth Gilbert.
I think I have found some of mine. And I can’t wait to share them with you and help you find yours.
Are you ready for this new collaboration?
Disclaimer:
In all honesty, I don’t claim to have figured it out all. But, I am open to learning something new about life every day. From my kids, the newborn in our block, the plants, and the bluebirds. Sometimes the lesson comes from my husband too 🤪
I have had bitter experiences with pains, failures, rejections, that are not limited to Family, work, love, or career.
But in hindsight, every hurdle had always presented itself with an opportunity.
A chance for me to fix it for good. A possibility to emerge as a new person. Or simply a sign to stop trying harder.
I understand what it means to be left out and lonely. But it is in that quietness, I found myself.
Time and again, the solutions to my life’s biggest problems have been from the most unexpected places.
Credit goes to my out-of-the-box thinking in difficult times. And the ability to pause and rethink the entire situation differently.
When everything else fails in my life, I get up and Run. I run in the park hard and fast that my mind is so tired to think about anything else. Just kidding!
Running steer clears my mind of all unwanted emotions retaining only what matters the most!
It has helped me be grateful for simple things in life: like breathing!
I plan to write about
How the biggest fortunes in my life humbled me as a person.
How doing simplest help to a stranger makes me feel the most peaceful.
How I almost lost everything I had.
How I manage to be an amazing wife or better than a perfect mom, while embracing the imperfect me!
How we started over in a foreign country with no house to stay.
Oh, the stories are endless…
Life is not meant to be lived perfectly…but merely to be lived. Boldly, wildly, beautifully, uncertainly, imperfectly, magically lived -Mandy Hale.
I am super excited to share my love for writing and stories with you.
[This article was first published on Coffee times Substack.]
Start living today.
The fun part about me, I take things lightly. I try to live in the moment.
I wake up every morning as if today may be my last opportunity on this beautiful planet. This helps me to stay grounded. And let go of everything that doesn’t feel good for me and others. And breathe freely.
I am incapable of sulking, complaining, or holding grudges.
Even when life throws lemons at me, I make lemonades. With strawberry flavor. Because I like adding colors and flavors. Both to lemonade and life!
Here is the funny part: My unyielding attitude towards life challenges is misinterpreted as escapism and irresponsible behavior by some people.
I used to think, they are tired of me brimming with joy even during the most trying times.
But the truth is that the same people are also the ones who refuse to live in the present. Because they are busy planning for their future.
I can’t help but wonder how they could not render such positivity [their assumption about living longer] towards living now.
Don’t let people who are living their nightmare tell you that you can’t live your dream -Unknown
Here’s what I do every day to fall in love
The first and foremost thing that tremendously helped me with this “NOW” mindset is to stop saving every dime for the future. And start spending some money on what I enjoy doing now.
The money from my paycheck is divided into three different categories: “Spend,” “Share,” and “Save.” My gym membership with a personal trainer, Medium Membership fee, Regular family vacations, Year-end trips with extended families cannot be compromised! I share by giving to people in need and donating to charity. And save the remaining.
I don’t wait until tomorrow to use what I have today! Until a few years back, I saved my special dresses for occasions. Mark my calendar and wait for the day to come. I don’t do it anymore. Now, I pick my special days. The high energy in my days is enough reason to celebrate. On those days, I dress up even though I have nowhere to show up! And click pictures like crazy! Creating delightful memories that can’t wait until tomorrow.
I text random appreciation notes to my friends and family to let them know I care. This alone has done wonders to my relationships. In bridging any gaps and making the bonds stronger than before! ❤️
I can’t wait until tomorrow to let my kids play adults. I involve them in the decision-making process now. The recent conversation with my 7-year-old daughter is something I will proudly wear on my mommy crown. I was in a dilemma about continuing my full-time job in the world pandemic. When asked, My daughter’s re-assuring response made my entire year: “Mommy, you are the best! I think you should continue to work. You can do both!”
Last but not least: Life hides surprises in unexpected places. Sometimes, it shines on me in the form of a rainbow. The bird watching me from my window is a sign, I am being noticed. Every being around me shimmers with so much beauty when I care to look deeply. To unveil the magic around me, I need to live my dreams today like there is no tomorrow!
Like an art, Life gets better when we practice living every day!
Every day is a chance to create meaning in our lives. It is immensely satisfying to spread love and kindness. To know that our existence has a reach beyond us.
To be creative means to be in love with Life -Osho.
I would love to hear from you about how you practice living in the moment. Please share it in the comments.
New to Medium? Become a member using my referral link to get unlimited access to amazing stories for only $5 a month.
A huge shoutout to one of the most beautiful stories, I recently enjoyed by Melissa Marietta. It is about the evergreen topic “Marriage” and how hers is not a fairy tale but even better! A must-read!
And another one by Janet Mary Cobb (she/her) about how she transformed her life with the most beautiful virtues of all: Bravery!! Extremely empowering words !!
It is the unexpected that changes our lives -Unknown.
I count my blessings often. Especially the ones finding their way to me when I never expected it.
Every dawn brings something for each one of us. When we care to pay attention, we can unleash the beauty in everyday things.
My day starts with a visitor or a few staring at me through my kitchen window. The beautiful bluebirds cannot stop staring at me as I brew my coffee. It is the universe affirming me that I am being watched over.
The leaves on a twig moving in the direction of the breeze remind me to not overthink and go with the flow of life.
Birds lined up on my picketed fence yearn to be noticed. But the moment I turn to look, they take off and fly away. Like some kind of a joke?! Nevertheless, they bring back my fluttering thoughts to the present!
Dressed up in vibrant colors, she shows up dazzling along the skyline. Wait, a rainbow without any rains? What better reason can it have than to illuminate my soul?!
The beauty of magic unveils itself only to the seekers. To those who are present in the moment. The ones who wait to welcome the unexpected.
Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life -Rachel Carson.
I wake up every day excited to unwrap the gifts of nature sent directly from above.
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