The past few months have given me time to reflect over life, my priorities and my value system. Having witnessed death from close quarters has not been easy. Theoretically, we all know that man is mortal. Yet, experiencing that reality can be hard-hitting.
The pandemic has terrorized people, leaving them helpless and also in a state of confusion and indecisiveness. To seek an escape route from this bleak reality, many have engaged themselves in the blame game----let’s blame the system, let’s blame the government, let’s blame the medical personnel and so on. However, this strategy fails to ease out the pain of losing a loved one in death.
Life has its own unique way of teaching us lessons. It all depends on us as to how well are we willing to learn. The attack of the covid virus made me realize that all the wealth and all the knowledge cannot guarantee the miracle called ‘LIFE. All I have is nothing! Never ever felt like that before! It was a moment of enlightenment indeed!
We are racing against time. So the best action in this tribulation can be defined as the act of meaningful existence----- making each and every moment count. It’s not about seeking glory or desiring to be in the limelight. It’s about being the best version of ourselves, even when it does not bring fame or recognition.
I know people who are workaholics, seeking comfort and satisfaction in their professional life. They are the ones who are always willing to tread outside their comfort zone and set a new benchmark. They are assets for their organization. Yes, human resources make all the difference!
That brings me to the domestic scenario of every household. Let’s value our near and dear ones. Never commit the blunder of taking your family for granted. Every smile, every conversation, every morsel of food, every cup of tea makes the difference!
Tea time can really evolve as the perfect time to bond with your family. With the lockdown hanging over our heads as a dagger with its unpredictability and uncertainty, most of us are confined in our homes, maybe working online. Why not transform this opportunity to savour in the goodness of life?
Many people don’t feel like frequenting the kitchen. For others, receiving home delivery food is like a boon. I know quite a number of individuals for whom stepping inside the kitchen is like entering a war zone. Well, what we forget easily is that somebody, maybe or parents or spouse, gained victory in the arena of kitchen to provide us with tasty and nutritious meals for years. It was not easy for them, yet they did it for us. No salary , no reward, no recognition, yet brilliantly executed!
Yes, it’s time to appreciate the gift of having a family. The best gift is not the most expensive one. It is invaluable ---it’s your time. Take a break from your laptop or mobile. Enter the kitchen with a sense of gratitude and love. Allow the water in the kettle or pan to come to a boil. Add tea leaves. As the brewing continues, add ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, star anise and any other favourite spice of your choice. The decoction has its unique flavour, not to mention the captivating aroma. It’s your choice to add milk or sugar, depending on your mood. But, most importantly, serve it with love, in a cup and saucer that is generally stored in the cabinet to welcome our guests of honour. Surprise that special person in your life who works tirelessly to see you safe and happy. It can be your parents, your spouse, your in-laws, your children, anyone, even your domestic help. An accompaniment could be pakoras or the humble Marie biscuit! It will work wonders when you sit together, take a sip and savour the delightful tea.
Tea time can bring hearts closer as we gaze at the skies together, believing in our limitless potential to encounter any challenge as a team. Yes, family time should be quality time spent together, engaging in conversation ranging from any trivial to any significant topic, without restraint or inhibition. Let’s have a hearty laugh together, hold each other’s hands with warmth and enjoy our cuppa together.
Life is fleeting and so is time. Don’t wait for the right moment. Create moments of happiness. It won’t be a burden on your purse for sure. A cup of tea can heal a heart, bring a smile and make your life rich with memories of a lifetime. Kal ho na ho? Who knows? All I know is that I will not wait for birthdays and wedding anniversaries to say ‘I LOVE YOU’ to my family. It’s now or never.
I will not miss my chance to express my emotions to my loved ones. The kitchen beckons me to use my culinary skill to act like a therapy. I am ready for the magic of CHAI to cast a spell on my family. What about you?
