It’s number 38! In less than 4 hours, I will be 38 years old. It feels like Number 37 just happened yesterday. They say age is just a number however, I am not entirely sure if that’s true. When you prefer quiet whisky bar over a noisy pub, you are ageing. Its friday evening and I am sitting with a drink and thinking — How do I feel about 38 years of life I’ve lived.
And the only feeling — is Gratefulness.
My wife asked — “What would you like on your birthday”? I literally could not think of anything! I have a job, roof over my head, fancy car to drive, nice clothes to wear and food on my plate. On material level, nothing is lacking.
But above all of these, I feel most grateful for my family and friends. When I see my daughter, I feel blessed. I feel immensely grateful to the family for allowing me to lead my life the way I want. Never once they have questioned my crazy and unconventional way of thinking. Not once they have opposed my unusual experiments with life. They have always happily lived with my decisions, no matter how stupid they may sound or how bad they turned out. Not everyone can live in such a way with complete freedom, especially when living a typical shared family life. If you’re a monk, it’s a different story. You can do whatever you like, when and wherever you like.
To be able to live your life exactly how you wish to live is the ultimate luxury and often, it doesn’t happen that easily. It needs a lot of support and sacrifices from other people in your life. I am glad I have those people around me.
I am grateful to my friends too. This year has been crazy and I have been in some deep shitty situations. My friends came and rescued me. Again and again, every time! Trouble in your life is the true litmus test of your friends. The layers peel off and true color shines underneath. When help is offered before you even ask, you know you have the right people around you.
I am 38 and I am good.
