Every Life is a Tapestry.

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

Category: Youth Development

  • That one not-so-funny jokes road trip

    Bloganuary writing prompt
    Think back on your most memorable road trip.
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    I have embarked on numerous road trips, primarily due to work commitments. Many times, I found myself relishing the journey more than the final destination. There are specific journeys that I’ve deemed worthy of preserving in my cloud for future reference. One such memorable journey involved two work colleagues and me, accompanied by one of my colleague’s uncles. Although it was a relatively short trip, lasting about an hour and a half, the late evening journey offered a much-needed respite.

    During our journey, we didn’t engage in extraordinary activities. The sole constant was the tape recorder, seamlessly transitioning between local pop, classical, Bollywood, English, Bengali music, and Manipuri. Lost in our individual worlds, we absorbed every nuance of the sunset views amidst the bustling highway traffic. We marveled at the backdrop, ranging from mountains and valleys to clouds, factories, and the vibrant life of bustling cities.

    Amidst the journey’s hustle, there were sporadic bursts of laughter, sparked by the only man in the car, who also happened to be the owner of the car, injecting some color with his not-so-funny jokes LOL. Although the journey seemed short, we reached our destination in no time. Nevertheless, I relished every moment, as it provided a brief escape from the hectic life of a 21st-century working woman. Upon reaching our destination, we unwound with delectable street food, cherishing the night after enduring weeks and months of hectic schedules.

  • What I eat …

    Daily writing prompt
    What snack would you eat right now?
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    I usually avoid snacks or fruits and prefer sustaining myself throughout the day with water and substantial meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a habit of mine to enjoy meals comprising rice paired with either vegetable or non-vegetarian curries. Occasionally, I do indulge in cravings, especially for sinju, a Manipuri mixed vegetable salad with fermented fish, or some occasional treats like chips or churros. However, I am a big fan of chicken-based dishes, particularly those from popular establishments like KFC and Chicking.

    So, right now I would not like to eat anything, Or may be I may like to eat some sinju if my friends are with me. Else I don’t crave for anything right now.

  • Why do I build dream castle?

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
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    Building a dream castle is the best dream I can ever have. I consistently dream about my future self and envision how it would unfold. Rarely do I reflect on the past, especially when it doesn’t seem to contribute to my future growth. I revisit the past only when I want to reminisce about joyful memories or extract lessons and experiences that can guide me in life.

    My focus on the future makes me resilient and positive. I might shed tears today and work hard, all in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. This positive outlook fuels my determination to endure challenges in the present for the promise of a better future.

    I’m confident that many people share the dream of a better future and are eagerly anticipating a more fulfilling life. However, I recognize that some individuals find it difficult to forget the past and let go of its hold on them. My heart goes out to them, even though I may not fully comprehend their struggles. I sincerely hope that they find solace and peace soon.

  • What kind of gift I received from people?

    I have received thousands of gifts from others, whether in the form of kind gestures or cash. Some were given out of sheer generosity, while others were presented with the expectation of a return favor. However, above all these gifts, the most precious one I have ever received is a laptop.

    I never imagined that I would receive such a valuable gift, especially from someone I recently came to know – a distant uncle who happens to be married to my first cousin. I had not known him since childhood, and it never crossed my mind that I would receive such a generous present from him.

    This laptop stands out as the best gift I’ve ever received, and I am truly cherishing it. I am well aware of the obligation to return the favor, and I have a clear understanding of what I am supposed to do. However, it seems that returning the favor will take longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances.

    As of now, my sincere prayers and hopes are for the good health and well-being of the generous and kind-hearted person who bestowed this precious gift upon me. I am grateful for their generosity and look forward to expressing my gratitude in a meaningful way when the time is right.

  • The College that shaped who I am today

    Daily writing prompt
    What colleges have you attended?
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    The college that I initially perceived as a jail now holds the fondest memories for me. Every single memory I have from that time is cherished, making it the best college in the state. The institution has rules and regulations governing every activity, and adherence to these rules is mandatory. Though the rules are strict and unyielding, I have come to realize their immense value in shaping my life.

    I confess that I had expressed frustration and resentment, particularly towards the law enforcement personnel in the college and hostel. However, in retrospect, I acknowledge that these rules have proven to be incredibly advantageous for my personal growth. Each rule was in place for a specific reason, and I now understand the wisdom behind them.

    My college experience was not just about theoretical studies; it laid the foundation for my life, and I am profoundly grateful for it. Engaging in Social Work studies provided me with maximum opportunities, and I have no regrets about the discipline enforced in my college, where non-compliance came with consequences.

    Looking back, I appreciate the seemingly silly mischiefs, the competitive spirits, and the laughter over trivial matters that collectively defined my college life. I owe a debt of gratitude to the college for shaping me into the person I am today.

  • What I pray for 2024

    Daily writing prompt
    What are your biggest challenges?
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    The biggest challenges include not being able to have full faith in God, succumbing to the temptation of anger, hesitating to take risks, and more. I acknowledge that not all individuals face similar challenges; what might be significant for some could be inconsequential for others, and vice versa. One of the major challenges for this year is whether I will be able to save up some money or if I will be in a better financial position. As we grow older, it becomes challenging to sustain a hand-to-mouth existence indefinitely, as time seems to show no mercy to anyone. Therefore, I pray for growth in terms of wealth. Haha!

  • Childhood nostalgia!

    Daily writing prompt
    What makes you feel nostalgic?
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    Those childhood memories make me feel nostalgic; gone are the days when we were innocent, finding contentment in half a slice of bread or a piece of candy. Watching movies after end-of-term exams had us eagerly anticipating the day. Engaging in chit-chat about our crushes in class captured all our attention, and nothing could make us happier than gossiping about the seniors’ love stories. Let’s not forget those silly fights and crying profusely over trivial reasons just to seek the attention of our parents or teachers… Ah! those were the days.

  • Four best lesson that 2023 taught me!

    The profound lesson that I gleaned from the tumultuous journey of 2023 is one that instills gratitude and a refusal to complain about life’s adversities. Despite encountering myriad highs and lows, including experiences of humiliation, shame, failures, disapproval, downfall, and the painful loss of loved ones, I find solace in acknowledging the transformative power of this challenging year.

    Regrettably, I confess that I struggled to accept myself during this period and, at times, found it difficult to seek divine intervention through prayer. Moments of questioning my very existence clouded my perspective. However, I realize now that my struggles were not eternal, my failures were not permanent, for 2023 granted me the opportunity to power down my internal engines and initiate a rejuvenating restart. Through this process, I’ve managed to re-focus my life and rediscover the capacity to smile once more.

    Expressing gratitude for the individuals who played pivotal roles in my life, teaching me profound lessons through their presence, I have come to appreciate the diversity of these lessons—some being the harshest, others sweet or bitter. Despite the challenges, I harbor no regrets about embracing these experiences. My earnest prayer extends to each of them, hoping they find or continue to experience the best that life has to offer.

    Allow me to share a few lessons from my 2023 odyssey:

    1. Politely refusing someone in a superior position is not an act of disrespect; rather, it signifies a person of integrity and self-respect.
    2. Recognize that the world extends beyond your limited perspective; embracing the diversity it offers can be a source of invaluable life lessons.
    3. Prioritize your well-being and mental health, even if it means disappointing others. In the grand scheme, it’s your life, not theirs.
    4. Life is ephemeral, and harboring resentment towards undeserving individuals is a futile endeavor. Embrace the wisdom of letting go and moving forward.

    These four insights encapsulate my learning from the past year, and I sincerely hope they prove beneficial to you in times of similar challenges. Take courage, stand up for yourself, for the sands of time do not grant us the luxury of reliving the same year. Seize the moment, act promptly, lest it be too late. Wishing everyone a fulfilling and prosperous 2024.

  • What is it takes to be a daughther of a middle class family?

    Navigating life as a daughter of a middle-class family in the Far East, where stable incomes are elusive, and with four siblings, each eager to broaden their horizons and make a meaningful impact, has proven to be a far more challenging journey than I could have anticipated. Adulting, a term I never thought would encompass such complexities, has forced me to confront the stark realities of financial instability.

    In those days, as I yearned to start earning and contribute to my family’s well-being, some elders dismissed my aspirations with laughter, insisting that life is not as straightforward as I believed. Initially, I felt annoyance and anger, vowing to prove them wrong. However, reality unfolded differently, and I learned the hard way that the wisdom of elders, derived from life experiences, is invaluable. Perhaps I should have heeded their warnings and savored my teenagehood more.

    Despite the challenges, my determination to move forward and face the world head-on persisted. As the eldest child, unexpectedly shouldering responsibilities akin to a second mother, I found myself in a role I had not anticipated. While I acknowledge that complaining is futile, understanding that I am entrusted with this role for a higher purpose keeps me focused.

    Observing friends who effortlessly achieve success and prosper in life leaves me both amazed and bewildered. I marvel at those who seemingly do nothing and yet lead comfortable lives with the support of their parents or siblings. It remains a mystery to me how they navigate life with such ease while I toil daily, not only to overcome hurdles but also to manage the debt incurred in pursuit of my education.

    This surreal life, uncharted and unanticipated, has failed to come with a warning. Nevertheless, the challenges I face and the experiences I endure are shaping me into a better human being. Each trial, each hardship, is a precious gem contributing to my unique journey and making me distinctly different.

  • How I Journey for Healing and Hope

    Self-reflection day! Just when a path seems clear, life introduces even greater stumbling blocks. Success, seemingly within reach, often eludes us, appearing farther away than our hopeful visions. It may seem unjust to many, yet numerous individuals have achieved remarkable feats this year. As the year draws to a close, celebrations abound for those who have conquered milestones, but there exists a handful mourning the year’s end due to debt repayment, personal failures, worries about their children’s education, and more.

    My question today is, have we gleaned valuable lessons from the experiences of this year? Do we harbor any regrets in life? Is there room for improvement that we recognize within ourselves? Are we confident enough to step into a new year with a hopeful heart, or are we still contemplating what lies ahead? I won’t deny that I’ve encountered thousands of setbacks this year, making it a challenging period filled with burdens and trials. However, I can proudly proclaim that amidst these challenges, I’ve learned the art of healing, and for that, I am grateful to God.

    As Christmas approaches, my wish is that Santa brings a better life for me and my family in the coming year. Amen!