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Action Replay + Gratitude List: August 2018

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As expected, August was a fantastic month. No, not only because I had my birthday this month, but because of a lot of other things. August again, has been a month of learnings and experiences. Once you let go off a few thoughts and focus on newer things, it is amazing how fresh things fall in your lap. One of the most important things that I did this month, was to apologize to my mind and let it breathe. I strive so hard to be a perfectionist and do everything I can that I'm stressed most of the time. This month I had way too many headaches thanks to this. One day, when I was at work and felt like I was almost going to pass-out because of a headache, I knew that I had to do something about it. I was over-worked, over-stressed and over-agitated. I could feel another burn-out approaching and I did not want to go through it again. Gave my mind a short holiday and things seemed better from there.

My birthday was splendid. The husband had planned a beautiful day and like always it was filled with a lot of love and conversations! Gifts too, yes! I stopped worrying about growing old years ago. I turned 32, but I feel more healthier and happier than I did last year. Aging doesn't bother me anymore as long as I'm getting to live the life I want to. Growing old, year after year, and not doing what you want to do seems like torture. Thankfully, I'm blessed that way. I received innumerable birthday wishes and it feels nice that people take out time to wish you and make you feel good. To sum up, I had a fantastic birthday!

The birthday celebrations continued when we took a break and went to the jungles of Bandipur. Both of were craving for a good break ever for a while, and this one turned out to be the perfect one. A beautiful resort in the middle of the jungle, no network or Internet, total greenery around, excellent food, riding cycles in pleasant rain, cups of hot tea and long conversations; it sure was a cherished break! When you realize that you do not have time to relax, that is exactly when you need to take a break. An overworked mind might work well initially, but later it will take you down by shutting down. You cannot afford to do that. I learnt that now.

I even consciously took a break from reading this month. I did not want to give my mind any extra activity. Oh, this wasn't easy, trust me! Especially when I have more than 20 unread books lying on my shelf. I persisted though, for the first three weeks. In the last week, I read 3 books. Short ones, but they made me feel good. I did not do any book reviews this month, because I felt that if I reviewed them, I'll have a terrible urge to read them as well. I went slow with writing as well, but 5 posts a month looks pretty good from where I'm standing.

August was a beautiful month and here are the things I'm thankful for:

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~ Job: I may be over-worked, over-stressed, but I cannot imagine myself without my job. It gives me a sense of being.

~ Good food: I visited a restaurant called Burma Burma for my birthday dinner and it undoubtedly was the best meal I've had in Bangalore. All my life. Being a hardcore non-vegetarian, an all vegetarian meal would not always impress me but this one blew my mind! Burmese cuisine for the win!

~ Friends: I met my girls for dinner this month and had a wonderful time. When you have friends who are as talkative as you are, it is a blessing.

~ Health: I worked out almost every day this month and I'm in much better shape today. Everyone I meet has been telling me that I'm going back to my pre-PCOD body and I feel good that all my effort is paying off. While weight loss is a bonus, feeling healthy and strong is the main motive. I look and feel toned and happy today. The fact that clothes fit me much better now is also a big plus.

~ Distance: For the first time in 7 odd years, my husband and I were away from more than a day. He had to travel to the UK for 4 days and this distance showed me how much I loved him. Thanks to the time difference, I saw how my day would look like without him and that is not how I would want to live.

~ Love: Well, enough said.

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September is the husband's birthday month and my mind is trying to over-work already!

Tell me, how was your August?


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Linking this post to Vidya's Gratitude Circle for this month.


Comments

  1. That sounds like a really lovely August to me. So happy for all the wonderful things that happened in your birthday month. It is beautiful to have a loving partner and I am so happy for you. Was so looking forward to meeting you but well. :( Soon. I am glad that you are taking time and reflecting on how you are overthinking. I think that is a great step to put a focus on your body and its needs. Great work on the fitness front as well. Way to go! August was the birthday month for the husband and we did so many fun things with the family. The younger son makes a quirky card every year and he did this year as well. :) I took him out shopping and patiently waited till he tried all the stuff he wanted to buy. It is such fun doing these silly activities.

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    1. Thank you, Rachna. It sure is a blessing to have a loving partner. Patiently waiting for men to shop us quite something, eh? I would need an award for it :P

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  2. Belated birthday wishes. Glad you had such a fab birthday. You are as young or as old as you want to be. Age is just a number.

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    1. Thank you for your wishes, Suzy. Age sure is just a number.

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  3. This sounds awesome. Glad you had fun... while I would definitely be hesitant to be having an all-veg party as a bday treat, the one thing which would make it a good exception would have been South Asian veg cuisine (or perhaps even Mediterranean!)

    My August? Ugh... less said, the better :)
    Here is hoping September is better.

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    1. Haha, I hear you, Doc! But when the meal is worth it, it becomes more special :)

      I hope you have a much better September.

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  4. Glad to hear August was good for you. You only have more than 20 unread books? I have more than 100! I know, I know...I need to stop buying more books but it's an addiction! Such good news about your health...it feels great when your body is healthy, doesn't it? Hope September is awesome for you!

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    1. Tahnk you, Sanch! 20 unread that I had planned to read for the year. The others are a lost cause now :P

      Once your health feels good, everything else sure does. I know that now.

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  5. Awwie... joys, and pangs of love galore in the month. Birthday months are indeed special and one must indeed be grateful to the wishes showered by loved ones. And as they always say distance brings the hearts closer, a bit of separation does help to bring in feelings of love :)) Not sure what it is in my case, cause the husband is always away :P

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    1. Thank you, Ramya! No no, no more separation for us. I almost lost my mind these 4 days :D

      I hope your husband and you are back together soon.

      Love!

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  6. So happy you had a lovely birthday, Soumya! August seems to have been wonderful, and I hope September is just as good, if not better. It is a blessing to enjoy what you do! And meeting friends, always a welcome break!

    Keep rocking!

    Thank you for being part of the Gratitude Circle!

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    1. Thank you, my darling! I hope to meet you soon :)

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