Lessons from the time spent with my grandfather
I sit by a window overlooking the hills, with events from the Olympics 2021 running in the background, on the television.
While I’ve always enjoyed watching the Olympics, (I always say it brings out the Indian in me), this particular time was even more special - My company was the principal sponsor for the Olympics contingent and we had worked on a very exciting marketing campaign, running in parallel.
Since we were on a WFH schedule, I had come over to stay with my granddad.
We had a fixed routine; watching the early morning game(s) together – usually archery or hockey - followed by an early breakfast, post which I would retire to my room and laze around a little before starting work.
Around 12 pm, he would send someone to call me for the wrestling matches. We would watch it together, occasionally fighting over the ongoing game In his opinion, blue wins more than red. (The outfit colors).
Both of us (with no technical expertise) would confidently debate who's winning.
He is my grandfather by being my mom’s uncle, (my grandmom’s brother), but relationships don’t need ID cards. He is my biggest cheerleader and critic, both. I have been truly blessed with grandparents .
After work, I usually sit with him for dinner, and discuss all things life. Politics, life, my work, people, technology. He would love to hear about my work and often asked me for details about what I do. Still does.
Having been in the armed forces (he retired as Air Commodore), losing a child, wife and brother very early in life, becoming one of the philanthropic figures that everyone looks up to, his experiences can be summed up in a book.
One such day, in the middle of a conversation, I looked up at him and asked, “Now looking back at your life, what are some learnings that you want us to know about?"
He looked at me from across the room, removed his glasses and set them on the table beside him and smiled. In his heavy booming voice, he then imparted to me (what I can only describe as) a lifetime of wisdom.
- Laugh at yourself
- No point in always chasing goals
- Destiny plays a very important role in life
- Life gives 1, takes 1
- Learn the art of detachment
- Be yourself
- Adjust, adapt, adopt
- Always Be thankful to the universe
With time, each of these nuggets of wisdom is becoming clearer and relevant. We may think we know it all, but sometimes you need to hear it from someone who has seen it all. Whenever life gets chaotic, this keeps me grounded.
I have written these down safely in my diary and someday, my kids will inherit their great grandfather's wisdom.💫
Over my lifetime, I’ve probably taken 18783 pictures like the last one, and somehow each one of them is different . : ‘)
This is a compilation of pictures from that trip, particularly. 🧡
Weekly Recommendation :
“100% commitment is easier than 98% commitment. Because you can avoid decision fatigue”
It’s not a clickbait heading, but rather a very succinct, powerful and logical talk on mindset shift. I am a big fan of Behavioural psychology, so end up reading a lot on this subject. However, this is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time.
Highly recommend. 💙
If possible, ask your grandparents for their nuggets of wisdom and share with me ? I’ll pass it on to the readers, I promise. : )
Best Sumedha
The takeaways are so apt and like you said you do need someone telling you things you may know to really believe them... all of the wisdom that he gives you is actually something one gains through experiences and no book or talk can impart that! So lucky you are... keep sharing...
Beautiful storytelling, Sumedha. My grandfather paased away when I was 3 years old but I inherited his love for reading, animals, gardening, and sometimes I think his intelligence too : D
I love the takeaway that life gives 1 takes 1. Its real. Loved the pictures. Enjoy your time.