"Life is Beautiful: Reflecting on the Gift of Life and Giving Advice to Our Younger Selves"
Date:-10th December 2022
Dear Friend,
Hi! How have you been? I hope you had a good week. Last week I spent most of my time listening to Mahabharat, narrated by Sadguru. I have already heard Mahabharat in Sadugur's voice twice, and this is the 3rd time. I have explored the story many times and read multiple versions, but I find Sadguru's version the most effective and Authentic. More close to the source. Listening to Mahabharat has become a routine or a habitat; whenever I feel low, my usual resort is Mahabharat. No matter how many times I listen to the story, there is always something new to learn, Every time, and it feels as if I am going through an emotional roller coaster along with the characters in the story. If you have never experienced Mahabharat, listen to it on Spotify for sure; it will add value to your life.
Coming to the letter, I am writing to you this week about life—about the beauty of life and what a wonderful gift it is. I was talking to one of my friends, Dinesh, the other day. In that conversation, suddenly, a question popped into my mind, and I asked him, "Hypothetically, if a five year younger Dinesh, Dinesh from 2017, comes to you for advice, what do you have to say? Dinesh became introspective, told me what advice he would have given, and then asked me the same question.
I took my time and said I would tell him to spend some more time with mom and start working on small projects. Tell him that you will find immense joy in work, this and that. But I would tell myself, to Anirudh from 2017, that "life is beautiful, the gift of life itself is the most wonderful thing, and that he should be grateful for that to his parents and god.
Don't get me wrong, and I am not someone who only had to face first-world problems in his life. I had to face my share of difficulties and bitter experiences too. Three months back, I lost my mother; It took me two years to land a job I love. I know how difficult it is to reach any point, big or small. Despite this, I still love my life because it is the same life that gave me a chance to spend time with my mom, made me fall in love with work, and introduced me to the joy of learning. Thought me about the pride and satisfaction we would have when we resolve our issues.
I would tell my younger self this much, not revealing anything about his future, "that it will not be a bed of roses in which you will only have to make first-world choices. Life will always find ways to surprise you both positively and negatively; knowing you, this very nature of life will keep you hooked and allow you to grow internally as a better human being". That's all I have for my younger self. Now it's your turn. What advice will you give to your younger self? Do write to me !! I'll catch up with you next week! Until then, Bye !! Stay Happy !!
yours Lovingly
D.S.S.R.Anirudh
(11/12/2022)
