“Mummy, What Should I be?”

With two young girls aged 12 and 6 years, our days at home are filled with a lot of creativity and fun. A very interesting conversation we’ve been having lately revolves around what they should be when they grow up. Often, one of them comes up to me and asks, “Mummy, what should I be when I grow up?” “Should I be a dancer or a baker? Or, maybe I’ll be a teacher? Can I be a dance teacher?” “You tell me, Mummy, what should I be?”

Invariably, my answer is always the same. “You should become whoever and whatever you’d like to be, my love!”

We celebrated Mother’s Day recently and I found myself thinking about our recent conversation again. I genuinely believe that my girls would do whatever and go wherever their hearts lead them to – their destination will always be one of their own choice and passion. Although I do hope that their journey is as fulfilling as the path they take to achieve their dreams and goals.

Thinking back on our little chats, I penned down a few lines trying to answer this important question for them.

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Mummy, what should I be?

You can be a baker or a doctor,

An artist or a dancer,                                                   

Whatever passion and profession you find,

Remember to be compassionate and kind.

 

Some days may seem sunny and fun,

On others, you simply want to run.

Be honest and strong,

Yet, never side with the wrong.

 

Be determined and act with grit,

Laugh along and show your wit.

 

Yet on some days, if you seem to falter,

Be open minded to be an explorer.

 

Aim high and reach for the stars,

Follow your path, though the goal may seem so far.

Have faith and carry on even when you tumble,

And when you succeed, remember to always stay humble.

 

Be generous to others and show them empathy,

Be loving and patient, with others especially.

Wherever life takes you, whatever your destiny,

Keep smiling and look up - let that be your legacy.

 

Be a pilot and fly high in the skies,

Or be the one who studies the stars.

With all your dreams pursued,

Show some character, show some attitude,

And remember to always express your gratitude.

 

Be mindful, be heartful,

Or simply be joyful!

Be whatever you want to be,

And at times when the world seems too fast,

Pause. Breathe. And simply be!

 

Let’s Be – in Hope, Kindness and Gratitude

Game Changer. Show Stopper. These terms have mostly been said of events and people who transformed something for the better. The COVID-19 pandemic has done just that – changed the game and stopped the show of our lives several times - although for the worst. It has impacted everyone globally without distinguishing between the rich and the poor, the old and the young.

It has reset our lives – forcing us to reimagine our attitudes, priorities and behaviour – the way we work, our relationships, our goals, our value systems, the way we learn and simply, the way we live!

Many of us returned back to our old ways of living after the first wave seemed to subside. But, very soon the unforgiving virus rose again with vengeance, as a deadly show stopper to our new normal. Scores of people are affected, countless families are torn apart, communities are destroyed as humanity is struggling to cope with the enormity of the pandemic this time around.

In my discussions with several individuals from different walks of life, some are able to talk about what they are going through but there are so many who are unable to find the right words and muster the courage to express their feelings.

Yet, I find that there is so much that is being said without them speaking - their fears and anxieties, their hopes and dreams. More than words, it is their silence and the empty look on their faces that narrate their painful stories.

If there is one thing that the COVID-19 virus has taught us, it is that we must live our lives in a way that no external force can disrupt it. As we change our attitudes and behaviour to adapt to the new normal, we must strengthen our value systems to prioritize health and well-being, empathy and kindness, patience and pace, gratitude and giving, hope and faith. Communities and countries can achieve this only if every individual takes up this responsibility. The future of humanity lies, not only on institutions and governments, but on each and every one of us. 

Let us be the Game Changers and Show Stoppers of our own lives!

Let us embrace a new way of living - one with Hope, Kindness and Gratitude.