Behind the Blog # 2! [Parental Influences...]

Behind the Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The hosts, Faye, Kathe, and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or other media they find interesting!


This week, because of the recent celebration of Mother’s Day, we’re looking at parents. Be free with it: Maybe write a good memory you have with them. Or ponder something like: How did your parents affect your life? What do you feel about other people’s parents? What’s it like being a parent yourself? Take it and make it your own!

I so love the topic this week!!! I’ll talk about my parents of course, but also people who’ve inspired me to go forward with whatever thing that took my fancy, who were there with me as parent figures, some for a lifetime and some for a while; those who cared and wanted nothing but the best for me, those whose faces I found whenever I saw trouble and looked up for help.

The person who’s been the centre of my own personal universe is my very dearest grandmom. With both parents working, I and my brother spent a lot of time with her and I attribute all the values, morals, ethics, love and kindness I might have, to her and her wonderful persona. She was more than anyone to me, and still is. Coming from school and finding her waiting with arms open for a hug, the always smiling face, the politeness, the way she could make every single person love her, her thoughts, her belief in religion, her confidence in me and the never ending encouragement she gave, I thought I could do anything in the world! She was the only one who, never for a second doubted my ability when I shared my secret dream with her. Losing her was never an option, never possible and when it came, it broke me. My whole family. It’s been just over a year and I sometimes hate it like this, like living alone, but sometimes I don’t even feel she’s not present. Every single thing about me, about our home, about the things we talk, belongs to her, was initiated by her. She’s there and always will be. She’s made sure I’m never alone. : )

Though Mom’s always been working as a teacher, she’s been an amazing mother too. ‘Nothing but the best’, is something she follows religiously, especially when it comes to her kids and I’ll be forever grateful for that. As I’ve said before, she’s been the one who helped spark my interest in reading, never said ‘No’ when I picked up a book and asked her if I could have it, even kept up with my bookish ramblings when she would be busy. She’s the one to accompany me wherever I want to go, on days when she’s on leave and I want to spend time with her. She’s so kind, I sometimes feel she should have been a social worker, what with all the things she does, going out of her way to help people. That’s one of the qualities I admire the most in her and I wish I could be somewhat like that. It seriously would be a worthwhile achievement! She’s also overly protective of us. It feels good sometimes when I think about the hundred things I’ve been saved from, thanks to her, but sometimes it bugs me no end. Since we can’t change anyone as a person, I guess I could live with that. :P

My relation with Dad is totally cool, the best thing being he’s unlike dads of my friends, or the general view of a dad. He isn’t strict, is always game for any kind of fun we demand, doesn’t get angry if we sleep in late or stay dishevelled all day long. He’ll still hug us and will leave no opportunity to tell us how much we’re loved. That’s one amay-zing thing I’ve noticed is actually rare. I may be wrong, people don’t generally show affection in front of others, but I’ve a hunch that he’s a unique person and I also know I’m not wrong on that part. Like Mom, he’s loving, caring, kind and most of all, totally honest. He believes in the ‘what-you-do-your-kids-do’ philosophy and he’s bent on making us learn that way, by acting the good part himself. The even better thing is, he’s got a super cool sense of humor! You can’t be staying with him for a few minutes and not laughing over something! He really makes sure his loved ones never lose their smiles. : )
The badge is so cool! I want one!

One of his philosophies (and the one I follow with full dedication!) is ‘spend a little extra, live an above average life’. I know, it sounds cool, right? You bet, it’s even better in practice! From my own observations, I’ve seen people ditching a high quality thing for something not-so-great in quality, just because it saves a few bucks. I’m not an ardent supporter of high or lavish spending, I don’t do that. It’s just that I spend more on things I like, slightly higher priced than other stuff and not spend on useless things at all. I’m not a fan of eating out regularly (once in a while is fun), or buying things that won’t last long. I see it as a waste and so the amount saved from there goes to the better things. I guess it balances it out evenly. Anyway, the point is, try it out. The feel one gets out of having/using better stuff is so good, it even makes you more confident! I know it’s a funny thing, but it’s true! I’ve learned it firsthand. :D

Just like in every family, the elders in mine have had an impact and a bearing on how I’ve turned out to be and I don’t regret a single thing. The faults are my own, from my own thinking and choices. I’m just glad they’ve all always been supportive and encouraging!

There are certain people who enter your life, make it glow and leave a lasting impression on you. You learn something so valuable from them, that you can’t seem (or dare) to forget them in a million years! They may have been a teacher you loved (in my case, my high school English teacher. We didn’t have personal talks, but I knew when it was that she deliberately picked me for certain tasks because she knew my weaknesses and worked to help me get over them. How can I not love anyone like that? And English, too, my favourite subject ever! :P) or ............ the newspaper columnist/writer whose inspiring writing you’ve been reading since for-ever! Ms. Sonal Kalra, Editor, HT City (author of the book ‘A Calmer You’), has been one such influence. Her weekly column on calmness tips for the worries in life is something you-can’t-just-miss! I was already in love with her and her writings and one day (at a time when I was broken from the inside), I got the opportunity to actually meet her!!! That was THE best day of my life so far (I know I’ve said this many times; there are so many best days!), when, waiting in the conference room of the HT building, heart pounding in anticipation, not bothering with anyone else who was present, the door opened and in walked the person who’s made me so positive as an individual. I was, literally, star struck. I guess I couldn’t have been bothered even if some movie star would have dropped by, I was so happy to see her in reality! And she’s so charming, humble and sweeeet! Thanks to that meeting and her Facebook fan page (where she interacts with all her fans, you know), I’ve got to know her even more (and hey! She knows me too. :P). She’s continued to encourage, inspire and return the love or loved more, if that’s possible, and I think she’s pretty awesome! :D

There are a few more people who’ve been incredible to me, but since the theme’s ‘parents’, I will leave it at that, with people who’ve had parental influence on me and whom I love so very much. : )
Thank you, Kathe, Melissa, Faye, for such a topic that made me even more grateful for the wonderful people in my life! : )

Comments

  1. Hi Ashna,

    I'm so glad you enjoyed the topic this week! I loved reading your post and I really enjoyed how you extended the topic out to how your grandmother helped to instill values and morals that you still carry with you today. I'm sorry to read of her passing. I know how hard that must have been for you and your family.

    You mom and dad sound wonderful as well, and I'm happy to meet another bibliophile whose parents encouraged them to read all the time. :D

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    1. Hey thanks for the comment Melissa! Parents somehow have the magical powers to give you something you would cherish forever! :)

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  2. I have a thing, a habit. I leave pieces of writing which I know are different and are going to be amazing for a better time to read, when I have a little more peace of mind.
    I am just glad that I did it with this one. Believe me or not, this is THE best of all your posts for me. It was beautiful, emotional and totally heart-touching post.

    It was so great to read about the wonderful people who you have as family. I now see where all the positivity and optimism is coming from. Indeed you are a lucky girl and deservedly so.

    I can't say more right now apart from 'I got a big smile reading this post'.

    P.S: I too was awestruck by her mere presence when I walked in that boardroom. She is just amazing. And that day was one of the very best days of my life too. I have a little story too about that day, but maybe some other time. This comment is already threatening the length of the post itself. :P

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    1. Haha! You can make the comment as big as you can! And I DO want to hear your story. :)
      Thanks for the wonderful comment, again. They always bring a big smile on my face, mainly because your words are so pure. :)

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  3. Ashna, this was such a lovely post! I love finding about not only the people who raised you, who affected your life but those who inspired you too. I love that you made this topic your own and I love that you loved the topic so much.

    You can really see how much alike your parents you are and how much you love them and your grandmother - i am sure she was very thankful to have you as a granddaughter! - and she will be in your heart (and personality) forever.

    This was just such a lovely post - thank you for joining us this week. I look forward to getting to know you so much more <3

    Faye

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    1. Thanks Faye! Reading your post was a great experience for me, too! I'm glad you liked the way I did this one. :)

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  4. Ashna, I know I'm incredibly late in replying but I have to tell you how much I love your post. It sounds like your grandmother was absolutely amazing: warm, kind, trusting, with absolute faith in you... and I'm sorry that it came to an end. I'm glad you still feel her presence despite the fact that she's not here anymore. (:

    Your parents sound great, too. I know we already spoke about them but it's still great to see a post talking about how important they are to you. Also, I do like how they seem to balance each other out! I guess parents learn to do that upon having kids; both can't be strict since that would make things confusing, so it can be a good cop-bad cop routine, right? I mean, your mom is "overly protective", but your dad wants you to learn on your own!

    I love that philosophy of your dad's, by the way; being in college and being around other people, if you know what I mean, has made me tone down on the prices of the things I buy, but sometimes the quality just isn't there! I'll just high-five you. We're the same!

    Last of all, I love your last paragraph. My high school English teacher definitely had an impact on my life, so I'm glad yours did too... and Sonal Kalra! I see it when you like or comment on posts on her fan page (Blame Facebook's news feed!) and the community seems very welcoming. I'm glad you have such a positive role model, too, and I certainly hope to get links to her articles soon, heehee! (I'll e-mail you this weekend! ♥)

    Thank you so so much for joining us, by the way. I can't thank you enough. Our next theme is "childhood friends", in case you didn't know! I'm excited to learn more! c:

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    1. Never mind the 'lateness', your comment just made my day! :D I'm glad you liked it, thank you! I know what you mean by toning down the prices.. we all do that, I guess. It isn't bad, but sometimes doesn't work for me.

      I'll definitely send you her articles, you HAVE to read them. Just wait for it every Sunday! I'm looking forward to your e-mail! :D

      Thanks for the heads-up for next week's topic. I'll think something :)

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  5. ITS A BEAUTIFUL POST...U WRITE REALLY WELL ( I BECAME A FOLLOWER ON THE VERY FIRST VISIT TO YOUR BLOG ..LOVE THE THEME..BOOKS & BOOKS....:d) M ALSO A BOOK LOVER BUT MY FAMILY IS AGAINST ME BECOMING A BIBLIOPHILE..SO CONGRATS U HAVE SUCH A FAMILY...

    THANKS FOR DROPPING BY MY BLOG AND LEAVE AN ENCOURAGING COMMENT :) :)

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    1. Hey thanks Priya! It's good that you like books, but your family's against it? I cannot understand that. Maybe you got them misunderstood or something? Some parents sometimes don't like it if we spend more time on fiction or novels in general, instead of on our academic books, in which case we should try to make them understand about our love for books and reach a compromise from both sides. My parents, too, didn't encourage much while I was in school, owing to studies and the stupid education system we have here, but don't worry, making them understand is the key. Good luck and stay well :)

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  6. Oooh, Ashna, your Grandmom sounds like an amazing, wonderful woman. What a blessing to have had her in your life. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose my Grandma, but like Kathe said, I'm so glad you feel like she's still with you in a sense, in the things that you've learned from her, and the way she's shaped your family. And your parents too sound great - I loved your comment about your Dad's sense of humour, and how he makes you smile.
    I think I need that button too!

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    1. Totally loved your comment Alexandra! Thanks for such sweet words.. Grandmom's made the most of me, so yes, I'm glad I have traits I could carry forward :) I'm glad you liked reading this post :)

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  7. Oh, this post is SO full of LOVE. Your family sounds amazing, Ashna! I'm sorry to hear bout your Grandma, but seems like the life she had been blessed when she lived. Haha, sometimes I think my Mom can be a social worker too since she's so friendly and ready to help anyone. Actually, both my parents are! I'm happy to hear that you have a loving family around you. Family is the best thing in my life. <3 I love reading about people who inspire you too. <3

    Have a beautiful weekend, Ashna! :)

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    1. Having at least one person who's kind towards others is just amazing, isn't it? It kind of gives others the perspective and inspires them to be kind too. I'm happy to hear both your parents are like that! Thanks for commenting! :)

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  8. Whoa! Just stumbled across your blog and liked this post! :) Keep up the good work, and yes, stay blessed :)

    Love.
    www.inthepourinrain.blogspot.com

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    1. Heyy, thanks for liking it and for the comment! :)

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