Every Life is a Tapestry.

Threads of memory, growth, and becoming — woven into words.

Category: Sojourner

  • Outpouring love!

    Daily writing prompt
    When are you most happy?
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    “I am a gracious young lady, appreciating the joy that small compliments, smiles, gifts, and, of course, love and concern bring into my life. Today, I was pleasantly surprised by an outpouring of love from my students. Not only did they express their well-wishes, but they also presented me with a thoughtful gift that reflected their care and affection. This unexpected gesture truly made my day, and I never anticipated receiving such warmth from individuals I met just a month ago. It is undoubtedly a blessing in disguise, and I am immensely grateful for their goodwill.

    Reflecting on my past, I vividly recall the days when I was younger. I would find immense excitement and happiness whenever I caught a glimpse of those men I secretly admired. It was a little mischievous secret I indulged in when I should have been focusing on my studies. Those innocent crushes added a delightful touch to my younger years.

  • Is it Truly as Simple as ABC?

    Is it truly as simple as ABC, as the saying goes? I distinctly remember struggling immensely to learn how to write the ABCs. It’s not just my own experience; observing young children grappling with the task underscores the difficulty of mastering the English alphabet. This challenge persists even among educated individuals well-versed in literature. So, why do we say “as easy as ABC” and not “as tough as ABC” or “as complicated as ABC”? The bias in this world, from the beginning to the end, is a perplexing aspect.

    As one of my college professors, particularly from the Political Science department, used to emphasize, “We are born with politics, live in politics, and carry it until our last day.” These words echo a truth about the omnipresence of politics in our lives.

    Allow me to express a few lines in my dialect, “Khipana khipali machong mei manem mei mana kachi li khipana ya chi paira? Ringkapha mirin wui shongza khangakhui hili kachipana kachangkhat eina ngakhui zatli doh? ” This underscores the challenges and intricacies embedded in existence.

    Indeed, it’s a competitive world where survival of the fittest reigns. Among billions, a handful live seemingly indifferent to the value of life. Half the population believes money is everything. Meanwhile, billions struggle tirelessly to bring sustenance home, while some grapple with the pressure of overcoming debts, and others rest beneath the weight of debts accumulated from people.

    Life, in its essence, is both unfair and just. The promises of truth prevailing, peace reigning, and justice being rewarded sound comforting, envisioning better days. Yet, are these promises mere notions one must patiently await to manifest in their lives?

    Unanswerable questions loom large, a shared uncertainty. Above all, the beacon that people ardently pursue is that of HOPE. It conquers the atrocities of life, washing away the bitterness of endless tears. I hope, one day, a brighter future will dawn.

  • Life Today: Navigating Unseen Paths

    Daily writing prompt
    Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?
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    Is your life today the canvas you painted a year ago?
    Envisioning one path, God’s plan unfolds, a different flow.
    Opting for right turns, He guides left, unexplored,
    Places unseen, His divine design restored.

    Difficult, it is, to align plans with the divine,
    Accepting God’s will, a challenge in each line.
    Hope and faith, unseen hands to trust,
    Invisible, yet omnipresent, God is just.

    In the shadows, doubts linger, hard to bear,
    Through family troubles, a continuous affair.
    Failures stack up, a questioning mind,
    Am I doing right? Is God truly aligned?

    In the silence, where He seems afar,
    Trust wavers, like a dimming star.
    The hardships, the family strife,
    Is God present in this complex life?

    Yet, as the day concludes, a truth unfolds,
    A purpose for all, a story He molds.
    In the maze, I search for my way,
    Confident my time to shine will sway.

    For now, I dwell in a healing space,
    Reflecting on life, its every trace.
    A time to mend, a moment to heal,
    In the brokenness, a purpose to reveal.

  • How to start your Journey to self-love

    Daily writing prompt
    What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
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    In life’s vast classroom, lessons unfold,
    Teaching wisdom, precious and gold.
    A recent chapter, a poignant tale,
    Of self-love learned, a ship set to sail.

    To love oneself before others we guide,
    A truth to embrace, not to let slide.
    For in our pain, our loved ones feel,
    Hurting them deeply, wounds that don’t heal.

    To heal oneself, a skill to acquire,
    Time, the gentle mender, the heart’s desire.
    Kindness and generosity, virtues profound,
    Give healing its time, on gentle ground.

    In this journey of self-discovery,
    No guide but self, a lone odyssey.
    Yet, in the quiet, a voice I find,
    Jesus, my solace, in whom I confide.

    So, let the lessons of life unfold,
    A symphony of growth, a story told.
    To love oneself, the foundation firm,
    In this sacred journey, a lifelong term.

  • How to unfolds life through first experiences

    Daily writing prompt
    Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
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    Every living being undergoes first-time experiences, ranging from birth and the journey into maturity to eventual demise. Life unfolds through a series of inaugural moments, shaping our perceptions and understanding.

    The first time, for me, isn’t always pleasant; at times, it’s embarrassingly uncomfortable, prompting a desire to escape and hide from the world. However, some initial experiences are profoundly touching, etching themselves into my memory like a photo stored not only in the gallery but also in the cloud.

    Despite the varying nature of these experiences, they collectively contribute to our growth and evolution, propelling us to become better versions of ourselves. It’s crucial to recognize that the fear of new experiences can hinder our personal development and prosperity. Embracing the unfamiliar is a catalyst for learning and self-improvement.

    Moreover, it’s essential to discern when to face challenges head-on and when to exercise caution. Making informed choices requires the wisdom gained from lessons learned during our initial experiences. These lessons equip us with the knowledge needed to navigate life’s complexities and make sound decisions.

  • Childhood Cartoon

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s your favorite cartoon?
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    When we were young, we didn’t have a TV, so we rarely got to watch it, let alone a TV series. Even when we did watch, it was from the CD player, as the villagers didn’t have a signal to connect or a place to subscribe to channels. The one channel I remember was Tom and Jerry. We would run to our neighbors’ places to watch it and sometimes even had to contend with the elders for the channel, as they were uninterested in watching it. We were teenagers back then. I vividly remember the joy and laughter we shared with our cousins and talked about it after the show.

    Gone are the days when we’d watch over three rupees dried Mattar and 50 paise sweets. We would quarrel about eating too much and too fast, not sharing with the others. We would also trick the younger ones into eating more than them—haha. Reminiscing about it gives me nostalgia. Thanks for this daily prompt topic.

  • How ‘One Day at a Time’ approach keeps me going

    If you had been reading my expressions daily, you would have understood me more or less to some extent. You might have a slight understanding of how I live my life, what I do, or my way of thinking. Today, like any other day, I had an insignificant yet blessed day. As I undertake the marathon journey of better living, I seem to have stuck at one point in time where the world stops revolving around me. I have faced numerous setbacks until now. I know I am seriously not in a position to relax and take one step at a time. Nevertheless, I am slowing down my pace and am looking forward to keep going instead of quitting or never moving forward. I am blessed that I am surrounded by wonderful people every single day who make my world a hundred times brighter. The simple question of “Ma’am, how are you? Are you okay?” makes my heart melt. If only I were in a better position, I would have no hesitation to stay longer.

  • Benefits from partaking a month-long wholesome trip

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
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    One of the best places I’ve visited so far is Leh Ladakh, India. Initially, I wasn’t familiar with the location and had limited knowledge about it. Formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir, it was known for its apples, snow, and share disputed borders with Pakistan and China (That was what I knew before visiting Leh Ladakh).

    I traveled there with a group of young people for a leadership training program that included international students. Proudly representing India and the Northeast, we embarked on this journey. Upon arrival, we had to acclimate to the climatic conditions and high altitude at the airport before proceeding to our destination.

    Adapting to the altitude was challenging for me, especially due to my sinusitis. As someone who often breathes through my mouth rather than my nose, I was bedridden for a week, missing out on opportunities to explore and play in the snow.

    Despite the initial setback, our experience in Leh Ladakh was filled with exciting activities. We hiked, rode camels, kayaked downstream, visited monuments and stupas, savored Ladakhi cuisine, immersed ourselves in Ladakhi culture, and learned about their lifestyles. We spent time at the SECMOL campus, listened to inspiring speakers, and even had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, gaining enlightenment from his wisdom.

    The trip provided a comprehensive package of new friendships, cultural insights, navigating through young adult life, and most importantly, an understanding of the impact of global warming and environmental changes on glaciers, the natural habitat of the snow leopard, and the local vegetation. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hope to return one day to relive it, of course, in good health. That was a wholesome trip, and the memories are truly cherished.

  • Space for my cultural attire

    I am the kind of person who loves to wear the same dress repeatedly. I have this peculiar obsession with getting the most wear out of my favorite dress, even though I have other outfits in my wardrobe. Due to this preference, I’ve cut down my expenses on dresses, as I find myself rarely wearing the ones I own.

    While I don’t own any limited edition, branded, or expensive clothing, I take great joy in wearing my traditional dresses whenever the opportunity arises. I love flaunting them and taking pride in showcasing my cultural attire. Even though I don’t get many chances to wear them, I still make a point to carry them with me wherever I go. I’m more than willing to allocate space for them in my packed luggage bag. Hehe!

  • A parrot in a cage

    Have you ever felt the paradox of being free to fly on your own while being bound within certain constraints? It may sound absurd, but I’ve been there. Despite being aware that I could be anything I wanted and had the right to make my own decisions, I often felt confined to a small, protected zone. It was akin to being a parrot in a cage (if you catch my drift)– a situation where every step and action seemed to be scrutinized from an observer’s perspective rather than that of a fellow individual.

    In this stifling environment, unable to grow or move forward, overwhelmed by the circumstances around me. I won’t lie; I fell into depression, experiencing the worst nightmare of my life. That’s when I realized I needed to break free.

    It takes a lot of courage to come to terms with the fact that I matter before anyone else, especially considering the responsibility I had in supporting my family with the little resources I had. Nevertheless, I decided to bite the bullet and free myself, albeit with skepticism. The journey out of that situation was challenging, requiring me to shield myself from various obstacles.

    It has taken almost a year for me to recover from the ordeal, and I am still on the path of self-discovery. It has been a recent rollercoaster ride with many demands on my service, thanks to being the eldest child in a middle-class family. Anyway, I am happy, though not entirely satisfied. Wish me luck in achieving a contented life. Peace!