A life-changing moment

Sometimes life hands you an unexpected moment....totally out of the blue...it hits you out of nowhere. And when that moment has passed, it has changed you and your perspective on life.

Many years ago, when I was in Mumbai, I had to take the local train to get to work. The journey from my home to my place of work took me about an hour. As most people know, there are a few unique things about Mumbai's local trains. There are separate compartments for ladies and gents...most ladies travel by the ladies compartment. Another unique thing is the vendors (usually children) who come to sell small items like bangles, earrings, etc. Some children also come and sing songs and in return ask for some money. These children are very poor and these are some of the ways they try to make a living.

One Saturday afternoon, when I took the train back home, the train was not very crowded. There was no place to sit though and so I stood at the entrance feeling the wind on my face as the train rolled on. A few stations later, a small boy got in and he sat down near the entrance opposite to me. He was about 10 or 11 years old and had a box in his hand. As the train left the station, he started drumming on the box and singing a song. He sang really well and I stood there mesmerized by his singing. When the song was done, I took out some money from my purse and handed it to him. He looked stunned and asked...'What is this for?' I said, 'For your song, of course'. He smiled and said, 'Memsaab, I polish shoes...that is what I do for a living. I don't sing songs for money. I sing because it makes me really happy. I can't take money for that.' My turn to look stunned. At that moment, that little boy stood big and tall and in front of of him, I felt small and inconsequential.

It's been 15 years but the memory of that incident is so vivid that when I think back I can even hear the sound of the running train in the background.


That day, that little boy taught me an important life lesson. Some things you do in life for the simple reason that they make YOU happy. Period.


So today, do one thing that makes you happy...read a book (or a chapter from a book), sing a song, listen to a song, call up a friend, write to a friend, play a tune, dance, try out a new recipe, take a walk, exercise, say a prayer...just one thing that makes YOU happy. Me....by writing on my blog...I am already doing my one thing.


Signing off feeling happy and content and these passing thoughts.

Happiness is.....receiving unexpected hugs and kisses from my children.
Happiness is.....talking to a friend and really laughing.
Happiness is.....when all doors have closed and an unexpected one opens.
Happiness is.....sipping my morning tea while listening to a favorite song.
Happiness is.....finding something wonderful that I wasn't even looking for.
Happiness is.....when a random stranger compliments me on my smile.
Happiness is.....feeling truly loved.