Women’s Day

 A very happy women’s day to all! We all are surrounded by women playing roles of mother, sisters, friends, teachers, manager, mentor, a businesswoman and many more. In my surrounding, I feel surprised at the extent to which they are able to plan and execute without single crease of tension on their forehead. They will care for you, love you and guide you. When I see them smiling, it gives me a sense of satisfaction and drives me further so that we can provide them with better opportunities. They become a guiding example for their acquaintances. Just like my mother became for me and Nani was for her. The next generation would always take this journey ahead. 

I know you must be saying that it’s a women’s day and let’s talk about their achievements. Or this article is coming because it’s 8th of March. Well, no & yes. I have been thinking about it for a very long time. Even though women are aware of the fact that they can do so many things, they felt a sense of emptiness for a long time. As if waiting for a moment to arrive. What was that moment? And why was there any sense of helplessness? 

While we are moving forward towards our goals. What is it that slows down the pace? What does truly holds a woman back? Health- yes. Fear- yes. Lack of opportunities- no because people who have will and talent will create opportunities. There are many things but let’s talk about these two for now.

As a child who observed her mother neglecting her health, there’s a high possibility that I would also have similar health patterns. And it is not easy to break those patterns. What you see, is what you will follow. We all have been ingrained with thought that girls must be educated and become financially independent. Girls have achieved it to some extent. But health has been neglected in most of the roles that women are playing. We all are aware of following idiom in Hindi: 

पहला सुख निरोगी काया, दूजा सुख घर में हो माया।

This means health is the first sign of happiness and wealth is the second. Without health, everything takes a second seat in life. Health is bigger spectrum that takes mental well being also into picture. As JL Moreno said, “the body remembers what mind forgets”. The emotions that you neglect today can show up in some form of health issues in future.

Similarly, when it comes to fear, it stops us from becoming better version of us. It protects us but also manipulates us at the same time. Preventing us from future possibilities. Anxiety is another form of it. Not asking right questions when required. Sometimes taking a risk or leap of faith as I would like to term it also becomes difficult. Not realising that it can actually turn into a beautiful opportunity in future. 

There’s a quote in Bhagvadgita which I always keep in mind:

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् | 

आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ||

Meaning, we can rise through our actions and power of mind. For we can be our own friend and our own enemy.

In a nutshell, what we can do for women around us? Be a better example. Getting their health check up done regularly. Keeping a check on their nutritional intakes. Discussing their mental well-beings. Talking about their aspirations. Let us try to build a place where women are fearless and in a good physical and mental space. For mothers who take care of their health and emotions gift their children better physical and emotional fitness. Let me know your thoughts around this in comments!