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Memorable After Life


For a moment, I felt like I was getting into the shoes of our very own Czar of Confusion. Right or Wrong? Yes or No? These questions flooded my mind as I reflected on my past.

 The new year wasn't new to me anymore. None of the good wishes that came by lifted my spirits. Nor did I feel anything 'new' or special about the day. It was the same old routine with probably a few changes here and there that didn't actually matter. For the first time, I did not feel like taking any resolutions, because these gave no 'actual' results, in the positive sense.

 Reflections from my early life flew past, and nothing special remained in my mind, especially when I thought of the new year. As a young adult too, I don't think I've really enjoyed the new year by partying or dancing, as is the culture now. So did I not have any happy or joyous moment all these years? Am I right in inferring that happiness is a passing phase and happy moments are not here to stay forever? 

 Whatever meagre glimpses I got were connected to pain, agony, disappointment, mistrust, anger, suffering, heartbreak, trauma and distress. Though they were not connected to the new year occasion. Have I not enjoyed life so far? No, I have had my special moments of happiness, and they may be as simple as enjoying star gazing at night or watching the birds fly or playing word building with my son during power cuts on moonlit nights or eating a gulab jamoon. Just being with my child when he was a toddler gave me immense happiness and satisfaction. 

 Why all this hype about new year? Should we celebrate new year just for fun? Does it ring in happiness throughout the year? Whether it does or not, it is simply an occasion for many to be happy and forget pain. But happiness is momentary. After a few years, that too will pass. And only memories will remain. Whether you want the memories to give you immense happiness, or to come back and haunt you later in life, it is in your hands.

 Learn to let go. Give the benefit of doubt. Erase malice, hatred, greed and jealousy. Make your After Life happy and peaceful. Forget pain, remember every moment of happiness. Deposit memories of love, sharing, caring, joy and togetherness in your mind bank, make them grow, and let them last forever. 

 Queen of Questions


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