The first month of the new year has whizzed past. All the euphoria and excitement of bringing in the new year vanished as I struggled through this month. This month I clutched at straws as I battled with disappointments personal and professional. But let’s not dwell too much on what did not go as per my wishes.
Here is my first gratitude post for this year. Let’s make it count.
First things first. I had my tooth extraction and root canal treatment this month. The tooth extraction was worse than I had imagined. The pain was stiff and lasted for close to 10-11 days. I was constantly on pain killers and very irritable. There were days when I just wanted to sit and weep so bad and constant was the pain. But there were a few people who stopped me from going to pieces. My dear friend, KS, she hand held me all through. She called me when I was really down in the dumps and gave me some much needed pep talk along with medicine suggestions that helped. Don’t worry she is a doctor. My sis-in-law sent me some homoeopathy to help expedite healing. And the family kept up its motivation, tolerating my terrible moods and also helping out with chores to help me rest.
Kids and husband rally around giving me maximum rest while they take care of chores. Feeling irritable. Thank God for families.
— Rachna says (@rachnaparmar) January 13, 2017
So the worst is over though I have a couple of sittings left for the crown measurement and some such details. It wasn’t pleasant but it is over.
I also had a run-in with a client. It frustrates me when people know very little and push their way through. Especially when it comes to content, every TDH thinks that they are writers and yes they do have a bunch of suggestions about content. Well, I almost quit this project but took a few days off to sulk. I will still continue but cut back on my commitment. One has to safeguard one’s sanity especially when you are working with less competent folks. Was ranting to the husband who listened patiently (what choice does he have :)) and then asked me to go easy on myself.
January has been a good month in terms of exercise. Despite my pain, I have been more or less regular getting back into the groove with both my walks and strength training. I have also been taking regular supplements to help with the various deficiencies.
There are many other changes that are currently ongoing. If all goes well, will surely share.
The kids are going to have their 4th unit tests in February and that is never good for my blood pressure. Bracing myself for that.
Since last November, I have been actively cutting back on my social media time. Yes, it drives me mad at times. It works negatively on my moods and eats into my productivity. Three months down the line and I am happy with the balance I now have. Perhaps that will be another post. But suffice it to say, I am in control of what I do on social media now. I am much calmer and almost feel a detachment to it. That is not to say that there are not days when I love the banter. But most days, it is just scroll the TL and leave.
I also finally posted all the books from my blog’s 8th Anniversary giveaway. I sent out handwritten letters and felt such a rush of happiness when I posted them on the day of my tooth extraction. The messages that I received from all the people really made me happy.
January was also a good month for reading. I managed to finish reading 3 books which felt quite energising especially after the lull in reading that I was suffering from. Hope to keep that going. All that time wasted on social media was diverted to reading. How truly lovely!
To wind up, I will just share this heartwarming conversation with the younger son as he and I were walking last evening.
He: “Mum, you are very kind!”
Me: “Really?” ( I had just warned him that I will take away his gadget time if he did not study what we had decided he ought to)
He: “Yes, you are!”
Me: “Thank you. Even if I take out your time?”
He: “Yes! Because I know that I deserve the punishment.”
I looked at him in astonishment and smiled. He looked quite serious. Heart melting moment that.
I will hold on to that beautiful thought. Always grateful for my boys. All four of them.
How was your January?
Do join me with Vidya on #GratitudeCircle every month.
Images courtesy: Gustavo Frazao on Shutterstock
Hugs, Rachna. I cannot even imagine the discomfort with the dental work and the client. I have had my share of the latter and it really pisses me off. Anyways, I hope your February is better. So nice to know that you have the time you spend on social media under control. I’m working on it and I think I’m also getting better at it. January has been a month when M and I have been under the weather. I just hope February is better at least in that aspect. And yes, G is so adorable. I think he knew you needed that 🙂
Thanks, Naba. Hope you and M feel better. I have noticed how you’ve cut down your time on social media. Really applaud you for it. We both saw some nastiness from twitter. I think it is best to just stay detached to maintain our own piece of mind.
You are right about kids. I think they perceive when we need a little pep talk.
Always love your comments.
Hey, what’s going on with your health (hope it is nothing beyond the tooth issue). Hope you are on the mend.
And stop caring about bad clients – just not worth it!
Things here and there. Hopefully all will be sorted soon. Thanks.
Aww! Loved your conversation with G. He is so mature and understanding for his age. Hope you are feeling better now and all the dental pain has gone.
Good luck to you for the kids’ exams. A has his boards this year and I am going nuts while he is as cool as a cucumber!!
He shows these flashes of maturity only once in a while. Mostly he is a brat. ? Thanks. I know l get more hyper than them.
Hey! I absolutely did not know about you bad health. Sorry to hear that you were going through a lot of pain.
And about the client – well, less said the better, I reckon.
Stay strong, Rachna. This too will pass 🙂
Here’s wishing you a better Feb and even better remaining part of the year.
Thanks a lot, Sid. I guess January was tough but I am ready to spring back in Feb. 🙂
Rough start, darling! I hear the gratitude, I hear the vent too, and that’s ok – I am grateful that you dare to share everyday life in its natural colors 🙂 Chin up! January is almost over, the best is yet to come! Hug!
Thanks Iliana. You heard everything that l had written and implied. Some days are rough but then we manage. Life!
Root canals! Ugh! I’ve so far been lucky with mine (what with a good looking AND competent surgeon and all) So much pain to bear to kill a tooth, no? I’m sure the crown phase will go well. Just don’t stress over it–that makes things worse.
Good luck for the boys’ exams–this will probably go easier than you imagine 🙂
Yay! for the social media cut back! I’ve been doing it too and the peace is immense! I am mainly focusing on mentions and responding – usually once a day or once in two days.
Please give your sons a hug from me–they’re both fine young “men” and not surprising–because they have a fantastic Mom!
Hugs and thank you for being part of my Gratitude Circle. ♥ I always look forward to reading your posts! I have a feeling the rest of the year is going to be just great! Amazing how horrible experiences leave us with valuable lessons, especially on the client front!
P.S.: (Am I the only one who adds a PS to a comment?) what is TDH? Not Tall Dark Handsome, no?
TDH is Tom, Dick and Harry. Just some venting from me. ☺️ Thank you for the gratitude circle. I love writing these posts and they have made a difference to my life. Hoping things will look up in Feb.
Life is a roller coaster ride and has ups and downs, but you nailed it that we need to have the sense of gratitude for everything we have:) Wishing you more ups!
True that, Rahul. Never losing focus on the beautiful things we have helps us tide over the rough times.
That ‘suffering optional’ part rings a bell. Thanks for sharing this Rachana, and I hope you have a great February ahead 🙂
Thanks, Damyanti.
First of all, hugs for the dental pain you had to endure. I know so well how it can sap us of our energy and patience! It can drive us up the wall! Also, for the client – they do come in all kinds, don’t they?
Good to hear about your book-reading and your staying away from social media. You know, it’s just what I have been doing since the past two months. Reading good books and staying away from FB. What an utter waste of time it can be!
Your little boy is a sweetheart, Rachna! God bless the cutie!
And, lastly, thank god for families!
May you have a happier and a pain-free February!
Love!
Thank you, my dear, for all your love and support. I know you have been doing a great job of staying away from social media. Kudos!
Thank God for families. Amen to that beautiful thought.
Glad that your dental pain is gone. After reading your monthly gratitude posts, I also feel like writing them sometimes 🙂 I hope the year ahead will be much brighter and happier than the beginning. What a wisdom from the lil one 🙂 Kids surprise with their maturity when we least expect it.
Arre you should write, actually start right away. I would love to read yours too. You are right, kids do surprise with maturity.
So loved our talk last night!
Rachna, I dread going to the dentist and postpone my visit till the pain becomes unbearable ?Good to know that your month went great in spite of the setbacks. Life is a roller coaster and we ride it enthusiastically, there is no other way. Your son is a fine young man, kudos to you.
I am in the same boat, Sulekha. I delay as much as possible. Thank you for your kind words.
Ouch… just the thought of root canal is painful. Glad that it’s finally getting over. Yes, all that pain can really make one feel all kinds of emotions. Glad to see how understanding your boys are 😀
And yet you managed to keep your fitness routine… that’s applaudable.
Take care, wish you a great month ahead 😀
I tell you, just the thought of going to a dentist fills me with fear. But yes, the boys were a huge pillar of support.
Thanks. I guess, workout helps me cope with pain. Wish you a great Feb too.
Hope you are doing well now.. your blessed to have such people in life who helped you through out the process. We also started cutting down our social media time. It’s a bit tough to do it but we are happy with the progress.
Glad to hear that, Shilpa. Welcome to my space. I think moderating social media time helps us all.
Uff root canals! I’ve had some done. They’re a real pain. I hope you’re fine now.
Stubborn clients can be a pain. I have learnt to let them go. Though of course if the TDH stands for Tall Dark and Handsome I’d much rather not let them go. But I suspect you mean Tom Dick and Harry in which case my first option stands ;-).
Through all of this if you could stick to your fitness routine it is absolutely creditable. For me that’s the first thing to go for a toss.
You have the nicest, most sensible kids Rachna and that’s something to be truly grateful for.
Still not done with the tooth work. Some other complication came up and the crown bit got delayed. Let’s hope for the best.
Yep TDH is Tom, Dick and Harry as you guessed right. 🙂 I somehow take solace in working out. It floods me with happy hormones so I guess workout is not really stressful for me.
Yes, I do feel grateful for my kids, Tulika. I think somewhere I did something right, not to take away from their inherent goodness though. But yes, as we grow older, I see them slip into the role of friends and even caregivers sometimes. It’s a bittersweet feeling to experience that.
Oh God! Sorry, January was so rough. Hope you are feeling better now. But I’m sure G made everything all well. He is such a treasure. Bless him!
Thanks, Aditi. Yes, that was a beautiful spot.
Hey ups and downs are part of life and glad that January was good for you overall. I started on an average note however since 26th January life has changed and for worse. As a private person I didnt discuss this on Social Media .Hope the bad times end.
I know. But January was rough. Like you there are parts I haven’t shared. Sorry to hear that things are not going well, Anindya. I hope they get better. I guess we have to keep our chin up during testing times.
Such a beautiful and heartwarming post 🙂
I’m sorry January was not that good, but I’m so proud of you for holding on strong and thinking of the better things ahead. January wasn’t very great for me either, but somehow I managed to come out strong.
I’m so happy for you that you have people to help you get past the small glitches. I’m blessed to have some angels in my life too for this.
Here’s to a better February for both you and me.
Thanks, Soumya. I am glad that you learnt to let go of expectations for yourself and also kept it together under so much work pressure.
Indeed, what would we do without our loved ones. Wishing for a better Feb for both of us.
Lovely, warm post.
Tooth issues are such a thing. I know. 🙁 But yes, family keeps us going.
January was okay this side. I packed much more than I had thought which included a travel up North in near 2 degrees. But as long I am not asked to cook, I am happy 😉
Sometimes, when loved ones tell us things we don’t expect to hear from them – it’s just like a dream. The one full of love. Isn’t it? 🙂
I followed your trip pictures. They were lovely. Glad that your January was quite decent.
Oh yes, our loved ones keep us sane and fulfilled. Thanks, Parul.
Yikes i can imagine what a tooth extract could pain like.. hope u do feel better now. Loved your initiative of sending handwritten letters along with your give aways. Nothing like a personal touch surely. My jan was quite a lonely month .. But spent time reading a whole lot of books
Thanks, Ramya. The tooth saga continues. Lonely month? Book reading sounds good though.
I have always shied away from writing gratitude posts even though I love reading them. I don’t know why that is.
But your post reminds me why I love reading these posts. You had a difficult January, and in-spite of that wrote such a positive, heartwarming post about it.
This makes me want to join in too. So, in-spite of the fact that I am travelling to India around that time, I will try my best to participate in the Feb Gratitude Circle.
You should, Shantala. I look forward to reading your February post.
Happy to read your gratitude list. January was more fun and lovely for me.
That’s good to know, Vasantha.
Anything to do with the teeth can be such a pain! Thank God your struggles in that department are over. Wishing you and your family good health and happiness. What a heartwarming conversation with your son! Indeed so much to be grateful for in life, every type of toothache can be borne and forgotten when we recall such loving and kind moments spent with our loved ones.