Life tapestries

Category: Sojourner

  • The Timid girl’s hustle

    A reflection that I had for almost 6 months 🙂

  • That year …

    Share what you know about the year you were born.

    The year I landed on Earth, two great women left the world. Mother Teresa and Princess Diana departed for their eternal abode. The year the world lost these beautiful souls, I happened to arrive on Earth, albeit in the most stressful way.

  • The Man

    Lo and behold, when the universe conspired to intersect our paths on that fateful day, on that day. Never could I have imagined that my forsaken chambers would tremble so, an involuntary shake that lasted for nearly a decade. It lies hidden, buried deep within, never once daring to stir or whisper. No matter how hard I try to escape or forget, the universe always guides me back to the same starting point.

    I have tried so many times to rid myself of it, but it seems to have imprinted itself deeper within me. I know he is not from my world and that our paths were never meant to cross. Despite being fully aware of his devotion to another, I still cannot… Thousands of times, I wonder if he will ever dream of me, as I’ve always longed for.

    Is this obsession? Is it love? Is it admiration? How can I understand the mischief of my own heart? If only I had the courage to let go…

  • From Hills to Hustle

    In the serene embrace of the hills, life flowed gently, a blend of tranquility and simple joys. Yet for Phoebe, those comforting mountains couldn’t contain her dreams. With aspirations soaring beyond her surroundings, she bravely left the lush greens for the bustling city—a place where the sky often wore a dark grey, the humidity was relentless, and salty air hinted at a life far removed from her own.

    As Phoebe stepped onto the city pavement, she was met with a rush of emotions—excitement intertwined with trepidation. The vibrant chaos was intoxicating yet daunting. She soon realized that the city thrived on energy and ambition, often unforgiving to those unprepared to hustle. The busy streets echoed with life, each honk and shout a reminder of the challenges ahead.
    Finding Her Path
    The transition was anything but easy. Phoebe struggled to find her footing in the fast-paced environment, the saline taste of the city’s water mirroring her tumultuous emotions. Every day, she juggled her office responsibilities with managing her home, fueled by the hope of supporting her family back in the hills.

    In those moments of struggle, Phoebe discovered her resilience. She adapted and embraced the hustle. With each setback, she grew stronger, finding purpose in her daily grind. The humid sun became a badge of honor, symbolizing her hard work and determination.
    The Power of Community
    As she navigated her new life, Phoebe found solace in friendships with fellow dreamers, each with their own stories of hardship. Together, they formed a support system, sharing laughter and tears. They celebrated small victories—each job secured, every project completed—reminding one another that every step forward mattered.
    Embracing the Journey
    Through dark clouds and sweltering heat, Phoebe’s spirit remained unbroken. She learned that thriving wasn’t solely about financial success; it was about personal growth and resilience. Each challenge became a stepping stone, guiding her closer to her goals.
    Over time, Phoebe not only found stability but also discovered a passion for empowering others like her. She began mentoring young girls from the hills, sharing her journey, and reminding them that their dreams were valid, no matter how distant they seemed.
    A Message of Hope
    Phoebe’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance. It teaches us that even amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, hope can shine through. She reminds us that every journey starts with a single step and that the strength to thrive lies within us all.
    So, whether you’re navigating the streets of a bustling city or the paths of your own life, remember Phoebe’s story. Embrace your struggles, seek support, and let your dreams guide you. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are immeasurable. Keep pushing forward—your hills await you on the other side of the hustle.

  • Timid little girl! Part 2

    Growing up, her parents nurtured her with love and kindness, teaching her the will of God and imparting the bountiful love of Jesus Christ for mankind. They instilled in her the strength and independence to face any circumstances. At the age of four, she took on the responsibility of being a big sister when her second younger sister was born. She cared for her first younger sister, as her mother was occupied with the newborn.

    At home, she was known to be naughty, stubborn, and short-tempered, yet outside, she was as timid as a kitten. (Psst—she was even caught once by her classmates shouting at her younger siblings at the top of her lungs.) She was allowed to pave the way for her younger siblings and set an ideal example for them. This responsibility grew when she and her brother were sent to boarding school to study in the 5th and 3rd standards, respectively.

    Throughout her academic journey, she exhibited neither exceptional brilliance nor notable dullness. Her abilities in sports and extracurricular activities were limited, and she struggled to engage in these areas actively. The only domain where she excelled was in earning the trust and sympathy of her teachers and the proprietor, thanks to her ostensibly timid demeanour, which was often interpreted as obedience. In reality, she harboured a deep-seated fear of being reprimanded by her teachers. Her peers usually accused her of favouritism, yet she was frequently used as a model student to exemplify obedience, humility, and respectfulness. She found solace in these accolades, relishing the praise and recognition.

    As time passed, she grappled with the perplexity of why some students faced punishment for their excessive mischief. Gradually, she began to improve academically and started to engage more with her peers. However, despite her newfound involvement, she remained distinct from her friends in that she was never one to partake in mischief behind the wardens’ backs. It was well-known that students in boarding schools, convents, or hostels were often inclined to mischievous behaviour, typically driven by a desire for food. Unfortunately, whenever she attempted to join in, she would inevitably be caught, dragging her entire group into trouble. Consequently, she earned the nickname “the angel who cannot steal but enjoys the food.”

    Her life was characterized by a strict adherence to responsibilities and rules, whether at home or school. This structured existence seemed normal to her until she embarked on her first job. It was then that she encountered the complexities of the real world, which vastly differed from her sheltered experiences. Overwhelmed by the intricacies of life, she faced significant challenges. One crucial realization was her difficulty in generating ideas independently without guidance from supervisors or mentors, a reflection of her upbringing that had emphasized conformity and compliance.

    Despite these challenges, she resolved to move forward without looking back. The journey was arduous, but her determination to adapt and overcome the obstacles she faced marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

    To be continued____

  • The Yumyum Kitchen

    The authentic local cuisine I experienced years ago was undoubtedly the best I have ever had. This came after almost a year of posting in the outskirts of the state, where accessing daily necessities was a challenge, let alone finding cafes, restaurants, or even decent hotels. After such a long and exhausting period, dining out and enjoying a good meal was truly a pleasure.

    My friend (who is like a sister to me) and I decided to explore nearby restaurants/ cafes or kitchens after discovering one on Instagram. It was a cozy yet authentic eatery offering both traditional local dishes and Westernized versions of regional cuisine. Upon entering, we were greeted with warm hospitality, despite our casual attire.

    We ordered with a mix of skepticism and excitement. When the food arrived and we began to Savor it, we were overjoyed—it was perfectly to our taste, prompting us to order another round. Unlike the sophisticated, high-end restaurants or hotels found in metropolitan areas, this was a charming, homestyle restaurant reminiscent of a mother’s kitchen, serving food straight from the pot. 

    We enjoyed a local-style chicken broth or stew (I called it) with sesame seeds and pork cooked with regional chili powder unique to the community. Although the dishes might seem simple, they require much patience and care, as they are simmered over low heat for hours. The meals were enhanced with local herbs and spices that tantalized our taste buds with their aromatic scent. We also had a bowl of King chili chutney with Ngari (fermented fish native to our home state), boiled vegetables with a pinch of salt, a bottle of Lager for her, and a soda for me.

    It was an incredibly satisfying brunch after what felt like an eternity. We longed to return to this place and became regular customers whenever we were in town.

    Yumyum Tangkhul Kitchen If you ever are in my town do visit them.

  • Drifting mind

    Aimless wandering without a clear destination is rarely an adventurous journey. Personally, I prefer being engaged in something meaningful rather than drifting without purpose. However, there are days when I feel so lethargic that even getting up to use the restroom seems like a challenge. It’s fascinating how mood swings can make a day rich with various shades of experience—gloomy, cloudy, sunny, and pleasant.

    At 27, I realized that mood swings extend beyond the typical PMS cycle and can affect both men and women, including those going through menopause. This insight has made me more aware of the range of personalities I can exhibit, from introverted to extroverted, from shy and quiet to loud and active, and many others that I have recently discovered.

    Do you believe that mood swings are not exclusive to women experiencing PMS but are common to almost everyone, including animals? How do you manage your own mood swings?

  • Confidence

    What do you think gets better with age?

    Through age comes wisdom, shaped by experiences, lessons, learnings, and ideas that lead to accepting life as it is and not being too harsh on oneself. Through all the ups and downs, I master self-discovery and look forward to what life has to offer. We become a better version of ourselves every day, and with this, we build confidence in what we are doing. The most difficult tasks become part of our everyday routine. I know I am not wrong in saying that through age I gain confidence, because that’s exactly how I am living my life now. The curiosity to try and take action makes everything different. So, I am grounding myself to take action and give it a try. If it works, it works; if not, I can always go to plan B.

  • Don’t quite like the ME of this digital era.

    How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?

    Adapting to the quantum of change hasn’t been easy; initially challenging, over time, many have adjusted to the new lifestyle. However, for me, it’s been a roller coaster. I’ve noticed a decrease in efficiency, activity levels, and an alarming amount of hair loss, alongside a decline in memory sharpness. Moreover, I find myself increasingly reliant on digital over manual tasks, which, while convenient, fosters a sense of dependency and addiction. Overall, I’m not entirely comfortable with how seamlessly I’ve integrated into this new way of life.

  • A woman rushing through each task

    What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

    My mornings are undeniably busy. I wake up around 6:30 AM, and with school starting at 8:00 AM, I have just an hour and a half to prepare breakfast, get ready for class, tidy up the house, and feed the pets. Despite my best efforts, I often find myself running behind schedule, feeling like a woman on a mission, rushing through each task as if my life depended on it.