Inspiring lives

Some people make such an impact in our lives that we can't resist telling the world about them. I have been touched by two such people in my life. One a very very dear friend whom I've known for quite a while and another a wonderful soul I happened to be acquainted with very recently. I am sharing their stories here because I believe that such people truly inspire those of us who are looking for more meaning in our lives.

Gopi, my dear friend is someone whom I am very proud of and one who has been there in every turn and twist in my life. Though I have never admitted this to him before (because he is such a proud character himself! just kidding;)) I have always been propelled forward in many an endeavor of mine just by reminding myself of his determination and his zest for life. Now, here is what you should know about him to be motivated yourself.

Gopi has polio in both his legs and until a few years ago could not walk a few yards without wearing himself thin. But you can hardly make that out if you talk to him. I for one, never seem to even remotely remember this. And this is because of how much he makes everyone laugh with his sense of humor and his joie de vivre. He finished his schooling through a private tutorial, went on to complete his degree through correspondence and then learnt computers and took up a teaching job with a small computer center close to his home. He later went on to work for Pentasoft(a popular software training centre) for a couple of years, again as a faculty. And mind you, he is not just average at his work; he is outstanding. He did a great job for a couple of years and then decided to take a big risk. He opted to go into surgery to make himself walk without the heavy calipers he was walking with until then. The surgery made him immobile for nearly a year and then it was back breaking time spent in rehabilitation. However, I still remember how cheerful and determined he was in his rough journey throughout those 2-3 years. Unfortunately, he didn't gain as much mobility as he had intended to but is surely better than before. And now, he is into his own business and is also earning name and money through his technically sound blog http://lagopi.blogspot.com. I am so proud of him and always feel gifted to have a friend like him. And when I look at my life compared to his, I feel ashamed about the times when I complained of ill luck or when I was down thinking that God was being unfair to me.

The next person whose story I want to share with you all is that of 28 year old Sanam Karunakar whom I happened to meet in Orkut. I happened to read her profile because she runs a pet sitting business from home in Mumbai. Of course, you all know why that interested me! I was so kicked about the business she was running because she was offering something I have always wanted someone to offer in Chennai. Now, little did I pay attention to her picture until I started reading about her. Sanam is a victim of a horrible car crash that happened 12 years ago, in which she lost both her parents and her dog and was paralyzed chest down. But that didn't stop this cealous lady from pursuing her dreams. She went on to get a Bachelors degree in Commerce for starters. Her dream however was to become a veterinarian, but that was not to be because of the accident. So she chose the next best career that would allow her to be close to the creatures she loves. Sanam also happens to be the first person in India who has a assist dog named Magic. Magic has been trained to assist Sanam in her daily activities like opening and closing doors, picking up things she drops. Magic is also the one who helps her with her pet sitting business, making Sanam's pooch clients feel at home. Sanam's services are very sought after in Mumbai because of the homely atmosphere the pets get in her house. They are not tied and are treated just like her own. That is the secret of her success. Of course, the other reason for her success is out there in the open for all of us to see. Her determination! You can read more about Sanam and her pet sitting business in www.perfectpooch.co.in.

Now, ain't these two inspiring souls, who will put all of us to shame every time we crib about our misfortune or give umpteen number of reasons as to why we haven't achieved what we want in life? At least, I sure am ashamed about all those times when I cried for nothing at all! So, I've learnt and decided that the best approach to life is S.U.M.O. - Shut Up & Move On!

Where is the line?

I am almost 100 per cent sure that all of us have faced this question sometime or the other in our lives. Be it with children or with pets, friends or relatives. Where, when and how do you draw the line between love, affection, care and discipline and control? I have faced this myself a lot before and a week ago I was again faced with this question. This time however it got me thinking a little more.

We all care a lot about some people in our lives. We want them to be happy and try our best to share our life experiences with them so thaat they can have a better shot at their life. But, honestly, there are times when I feel like I am being too judgemental about what a younger sibling or a close friend knows. I feel like I have to teach it all because I don't want them to go through the hardship and heartache that I went through. I try hard to make them see sense in what I am preaching. All this happens quite often and it happened again a couple of weeks ago. But this time, I genuinely let the other person(a close cousin, almost like a younger sister) decide and told myself that I have to let go and let her live her life. So I did not utter a word though I felt uncomfortable about some decisions she had made and was worried she was trying to emulate others rather than choose what she really wants. But then, bang!!! Few weeks after we had all accepted her decision it sort of back fired. And now, it was a question of a lifetime for her, though she had the opportunity to set it right as soon as possible. I, having been close to her and cared a lot for her and feeling a sense of responsibility, try to make her see sense in what is happening. But she refuses and sticks to her guns. I am worried and think all day long as to how I can get her to change her decision. However, contrary to my usual behavior, I don't react too fast. I let it all cool off. That is when I think about the question I just posed to all of you here. Where is the line? The line between caring for someone and controlling their decisions, albeit for their own good.

I decided(after quite a bit of running around in my 'mazedmind') that I have a right to voice my opinion when I am not happy with a loved one's decision. I also have the right to explain the consequences as I see it. But then, the line is drawn there. I can go no futher than that. I have to just feel contended with having done my bit and let him/her walk his/her path. And then accept the person for what he/she is even if his/her decision turns out to be wrong as I had forewarned it would be.

Now, that is a big idea for all of us raising kids. I now understand what it means to be a parent and how well my Mom has raised me! Kudos to you 'My great Mom!'