Independence Day   2025 marks India's 79th year of Independence—79 years since she was freed from the shackles of colonial rule. It’s a holiday that everyone looks forward to, especially with a long weekend like this year. I am proud of all that my country has achieved in these past 79 years. She has come into her own. As flag-hoisting ceremonies are held and the national anthem, along with patriotic songs, are sung, I pray to God to bless her people with a stronger civic sense. - I pray that her children maintain her secular fabric and that all live in harmony. - That women are given the freedom and justice they deserve. - That education and literacy reach even her most distant corners. - May all her children learn to speak the language of love. - That justice prevails and corruption is thwarted. That the hard-earned freedom be used wisely. May our beautiful motherland continue to rise from strength to strength, and may God be with her always. Jai Hind! This post is par...

Blue skies turn to grey, The heavens open wide, Streaks of light Dance in the darkened skies.   Blobs of silver begin to fa Kissing the parched earth,  Filling every river and bay. Children frolic in the rain And watch paper boats sail away.   The mighty tree sways in glee The grass is green  The thirsty earth Now begins to breathe. . Man rejoices In the petrichor so sweet, While bird and beast Are still and calm. Savouring nature’s balm.   It’s time to don your wellies and open your brollies And sip on some warm broth, too Do you love the rain As much as I do? Thank you, Lord For your showers of blessing. This post is part of the weekly blogchatter prompt challenge. Image Credit : Freepik  

  Gratitude and simplicity: The joys of simple living.   Gratitude originated from the Latin word ‘gratus’, meaning thankful or pleasing, and in the hurly–burly of today’s life, we are repeatedly reminded to express our gratitude for the small blessings bestowed on us. I can gripe about the weather, the traffic jams, the maid, and Oh! I’m spoiled for choice. I could be chasing success, career, money, or glamour or be weighed down by challenges. There are these picture-perfect images on social media that can leave me discontented and dissatisfied with my own life.  It doesn’t strike me that despite the chase and challenges, I’m still richly blessed, even if they are things that I usually take for granted.  It is these precious moments that make life worth living, especially when life gets overwhelming. . I’m so caught up with the business of living, I rarely take time to reflect on what I have. When I practice gratitude, I clear my mind of clutter and of neg...