The Real Break
The year 2020 began with me resigning from my full-time IT job. This time it was unexpected, and not easy, but the only way ahead for me. Broadly, the thought was to improve my health and upskill for wider job opportunities or explore alternate careers. Specifically, there was no plan; my leap of faith into hopefully a better future!
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| The Career Jump to the unknown, March 2020 |
Covid Lockdown
Within a week of my break, the covid lockdown was imposed. Like many Indian ladies, for the first time, I was without a “Bai”. The day revolved around cooking, household chores, keeping daughter engaged, talking over the phone with other frustrated family members, and resting with hot water packs for the aches and pains.
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| Covid Lockdown, March 2020 onwards |
My adventure hardly began. Every Indian woman is afraid of taking a career break due to the fear of getting stuck with endless jobs at home. I was living my nightmare in that aspect. Soon enough, I was deep into self-pity and depression.
Sri Sri, Art of Living
As suggested by my husband, I joined the AOL happiness program and learnt Sudarshan Kriya. Few emotional outbursts, nightmares, and insomniac episodes later, the breathing started showing its magic. It removed a fog from my brain and I snapped out of the miserable state.
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| Happiness Program, Art of living, June 2020 |
Mobile photography workshop
With my mind open now, a photography workshop for beginners crossed my way. I have never enjoyed being on whichever side of the camera, but I like to put healthy food pictures on my Insta. Thanks to the workshop, my Insta pictures now look presentable.
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| Mobile photography workshop during lockdown |
Taichi
Meanwhile, my autoimmune pains had been increasing. Even yoga was not able to release the stress and tension I felt on my face. Due to covid, everything was online now. That's how I found a Taichi class and learnt Shibashi. It helps to destress and even improved my yoga, meditation, and pranayama.
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| Taichi, August 2020 |
Mom's place
By September, I missed my parents a lot and we went to visit them. As my daughter was having online classes, we stayed there for 2.5 months. It was lovely to connect with parents, celebrate my daughter’s bday together, eat mom's food, relax and read a few books. They also took me to a Sri Sri Naadi doctor whose medicines started reducing my pains. In 2020, Sri Sri played a big role in many of my important milestones.
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| Mom's tea powder compost, Mysuru, September 2020 |
Dreaded Covid
We were back home by November. Fully rejuvenated and filled with enthusiasm to work towards my goals. During college days, before exam prep, I always cleaned my room. Similarly, I set out to clean my house. But before that could be wound up, we all contracted covid.
The next 14 days saw me thinking that it cannot get worse, and watching worse happen. By the end of it, I was humbled and transformed. After going through hardships, we learn to count blessings more. I am now thankful for all that we have.
More healthy habits
Since we faced side effects of covid, my healthy food habits went to a new level. The month of December saw me learn chemical-free cookies, wholewheat bread, the addition of millets. Hard work but worth it all. There ended my 2020 with freshly baked homemade Pav and hot spicy bhaji.
All's well that ends well
The year 2020 was painfully slow at times and then speeding at breakneck velocity. Nothing short of a roller coaster ride. I did not get back to earning a living, however, life taught me how to live better.
Hoping that humanity gets relief from covid and normalcy returns in 2021!
They say, the trees in Ashokavan whispered to captive Seetha, "Be calm, Stay Still, This shall pass too"
