Gratitude List – October 2017

Posted on by Parul Thakur

Looks like being late for my gratitude lists is becoming the norm. But, they are always on the cards and in my heart. It’s the writing that I keep at the bay sometimes. I am working on it.

I digress.

October this year was exactly as expected and planned. The Diwali month brought family time and love for both VT and me. We decided to travel to our respective parents and it was a change from the usual. The best part of the decision was that none of the sides of parents were alone. So a win-win.

There is also now a nip in the air and the weather is getting better. Winter is coming. What ever little Bangalore experiences, it only gets better from here.

Here are a few things I am grateful for the month of October.

Family time: It started with Hyderabad early in the month. Then Varanasi and New Delhi. I met my cousins who I hadn’t seen for a long time. It was a great feeling meeting them after decades. How times change but then relationships never. Though the visits were short, they were memorable. I am grateful that some took a day off and some carved out time from their schedules to ensure we all met. 

A visit to Sankat Mochan: I am not a religious person. My beliefs start and end at acknowledging the presence of God. His kindness and how he runs the world. I am not the one to observe rituals, pray regularly or fast. So, when I was planning the trip to Azamgarh, I shared with my parents that I wanted to visit Sankat Mochan in Varanasi. To reach my home town, I have to stop at Varanasi so it was not off my route. The last few times, I have planned, things never happen but this time it worked. After 18 years, I stepped into my favorite temple. The one I visited many times when I was preparing for the IITs. Like you can guess, I have many memories from that place. I am grateful that Varanasi opened it doors to me once again. 

Parents on both the sides: Parents know us the best. For three days that I was in Azamgarh, Mum and Papa ensured that I get all that I love. Be it kebabs, fish or poori-mutton. I ate like that was no tomorrow and slept like a baby. In Kurukshetra then, no stone was left unturned to get me Makke ki Roti and Sarso ka saag, the kadi-chawal and paneer. The food- contrast on both sides was suddenly evident but the love was the same. MIL made me laddoos without sugar and nuts and added jaggery powder and raisins. Mum packed me spices that will last a year and Papa got me some jaggery. I am grateful that they love us unconditionally.

Health: VT had some big tests early this month for his hypertension. We spent a day at the hospital and it was scary. So many people with so many big health concerns that it made me reflect on our lives. How transitory they are. The test came out fine and though he has to lose a lot of weight, I am grateful that things are in our hands. If there was one wish that God would grant me, I would ask that my loved ones never have to go to a hospital.  Never. 

Workouts and eating healthy: I am changing a lot of things on the workout and food front. Can you believe that I have started doing other forms of exercises too? The Strength and Conditioning and HRX are two more that I am experimenting at Cult and liking them. I don’t like Zumba much but with these two additions, I am feeling good. I was able to work out 17 days this month in spite of being out for a week. Not bad I say. I am also not in favor of diets so I am trying to balance my food. Proteins, whole grains, salads and carbs. Everything in modulation. I am grateful that I get the help and things I need to stay healthy.  

Typing this on the 7th day of November, I am looking forward to two more months remaining in this year. VT and I want to travel but are still deciding on things. Christmas and the holiday season will sure bring cheer. Work has also been good and I am glad it is keeping me happy. How was October for you? What is that one thing you are grateful for this month?

Linking with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle this month.  

 

46 thoughts on “Gratitude List – October 2017”

  2. I love how you always keep your life so full. You and this one other blogger have been inspiring me to pack my own life with so much more than just work-home-work-sleep routine and this has made a 360 degree change in my perspective in the best possible way ❤

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    1. So sweet of you to say that. Means a lot to me. Thank you! I consider work to be a part of my life that I love and that is what it is. Nothing more. That approach works to get more in the time I have.

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  4. I’ve been following your October on Insta and I know how eventful it has been. How did you manage to pack in so much in a single month? For me, it was all about slowing down and letting go of things and here you have had such a packed month!

    I hope VT is better now. It is a good thing that atleast health is in our own hands and we can mend our ways.

    See you soon, to talk about more.

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  6. Wonderful post, Parul. I am so happy for your busy loving life. Speaking of October my inlaws visited us from India and my schedule was super busy. We enjoyed every moment together. Especially my toddler is talking non-stop and it’s all their training I guess.lol

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  7. you seem to have done it right way, true to the spirit of Diwali where it is about being and celebrating with the loved ones. Probably, the downside was choosing one over another, but it is fine considering its been long time since you spent time with your parents! I always enjoy your gratitude series, Parul!

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  8. I love reading your post, its is so much full of positivity and the enthusiasm you have is very fascinating, thank you for spreading so much love and cheer, the photos are lovely, thank you for sharing:)

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  10. After reading this post, the one thing that’s on mind – poori-mutton 😉

    Lovely post! And such happy pics. Family time, esp during festivals is such a high, right? I hope VT is feeling better now, and I’m glad you are doing well with your fitness goals. I can also never diet, but am trying to cook more and eat in moderation.

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  11. All that mention of food is making my mouth water. Parents do go crazy over feeding their kids 😀 it was so nice of you and your husband to spend time with parents. I really need to do that. So awesome that you are trying out different workouts. Do write about it. I would love to read more.
    Here’s to an awesome November

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  12. That’s a lovely month dear, your post is making me miss India.. especially the parents 😒.( I guess my winter ka depression has started once again 😂. )

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  14. Loved your gratitude post, Parul. I have been following your travel updates and so happy that you are enjoying travel. I hate hospital visits too. Really wish that no one has to visit a hospital. Hope you have a great November.

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  15. Really those were the golden days spent with u beta . But 4 days were so less . If it were in my hands I would have established your and VT ‘s company in my city so that I could have prepared good &,tasty food for u ppl
    God bless u .

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  16. Unconditional parental love and good health, nothing can be a bigger blessing than these two. My parents have Hypertension which for them means having less of salt in their food and keeping the pills handy at all times. It is a lifestyle disease which can be managed with Pranayam. Regarding diets, it is good to have a balanced diet with the compulsory inclusion of protein. And you are already doing good.

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  17. I hope VT is feeling much better now, Parul! With our erratic weather, do take care! So nice to see the collage of photos. Must have been great to spend time with parents. ❤ Stay healthy and happy! Here’s wishing your travel plans materialize. Thank you for being part of the Gratitude Circle. You look wonderful in the photos!

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  18. I love how warm this post is. So many things to be grateful for. Despite having left home decades ago, my mom still insists on packing home-made pickles and all kinds of mithais when I leave.
    Glad to hear about your move to a healthier lifestyle and that all is well with VT. Hope these last two months of the year as just as eventful and happy.

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  20. It feels so good when you get time to spend with your parents and get fussed over and pampered silly! Good for you! I hope your hubby feels better soon and you both are able to take that trip you want to.
    All that mention of food had me drooling, and that too after I had had my dinner! 😛

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  21. Poori Mutton… have never heard of this but it surely sounds interesting! It’s wonderful that you had a great time bonding with family and had a great time. Glad that the tests are normal for VT, hospitals scare me these days. Enjoyed reading this heartwarming post and here’s wishing you a great November, Parul.

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  23. I may be repeating myself here, but I’m so glad that you have so many things to grateful for. And that’s how it should be. I wish at times I could look past all these things and be grateful for all the things I have. But sometimes, I guess I have a mental block.
    OH well, not piling on. Just in a very difficult place right now.

    More power to you, Parul. 🙂

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  24. So lovely to hear that October went well for you. ‘How times change but then relationships never.’ This is always an amazing, special feeling, especially when you can meet up with someone you haven’t seen for a long time and you can just talk and talk and have fun with each other. Like CookieCrumbs said, you seem to do a lot in your life, making the most out of your time and motivating yourself. October for me was quiet and I steppe away from blogging and writing. Had so much time to just reflect and think. It was very nice to just be 🙂 Wishing you a good November, or what’s left of it 🙂

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