Blooming Again: A Story of Inner Strength

 Thursday, 5/22/25 – 6:30 PM

It was just another evening. Me, my little sunshine Dhingu, and my mother-in-law were sitting in the parking lot, enjoying the breeze. Suddenly, the sky changed. A strong storm started building up. The wind picked up speed. It felt like a sandstorm scene straight out of the movie Dune.

One of my neighbors called out, asking me to move the flowerpots from my balcony. The wind was wild. I rushed upstairs and began pulling the pots inside one by one.

As I finished, my eyes caught something — two small, beautiful orange flowers quietly blooming in one of the pots.

In that moment, time stood still. My heart went back — to a day two years ago, when someone close had taken me to a nursery. I still remember choosing that plant, full of joy, full of hope. I’ve always loved plants, especially flowers. And this one — this little orange-flowered plant — it had been through everything with me.

It bloomed happily at first. But then I had to leave home for 15 days. When I returned, the plant was dry and burnt by the sun. Still, I watered it again, gave it love — and it bloomed.

Then came the monsoon. Thunderstorms destroyed many branches. But it didn’t give up. It stood there — a little shaken, but still standing.

Later, when it stopped flowering, we trimmed it completely. It looked lifeless… but again, it bloomed. Even more beautiful than before.

And I realized… I wasn’t just looking at a plant.

I was looking at myself.

That orange flower?

That’s me.

I’ve seen storms too.

I’ve faced betrayal.

I’ve lost my self-respect, my identity, and my peace.

People tried to break me. They blamed me for their own actions.

They twisted my words, highlighted my reaction, but ignored what caused it.

They almost broke me — but they didn’t.

Because my roots are strong.

I didn’t rise again just for my daughter.

Not just for my family.

I rose for me — for the version of me who brings light into a room, who speaks truth even when it hurts, who loves deeply and stands strong even when she’s alone.

In every storm, I kept my head high.

Not because I was untouched — but because I know how much strength it takes to stay kind, honest, and true.

Yes — I am that orange flower.

Bent, but not broken.

Cut down, but never gone.

Ignored, blamed, but never defeated.

And like always — I bloom again.

This is her. The orange flower who reminded me who I truly am.

The Butterfly and Me

 

That evening, I killed a butterfly.  

Or at least, that’s how it felt.  

I was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, when I stepped outside to pluck some fresh curry leaves. The air smelled of wet earth, and a soft breeze rustled through the plants. That’s when I saw her—lying in the watery mud, her delicate wings weighed down by dirt.  

She was struggling. Desperately.  

Every few seconds, she tried to lift herself, but the mud clung to her like chains, pulling her back. She was exhausted, her tiny legs trembling. If she stayed there any longer, she would suffer even more.  

I froze.  

I wanted to help, but I knew how fragile butterflies were. One wrong touch, and I could crush her completely. I thought about walking away, telling myself, It’s just nature taking its course.  

But that wasn’t who I was.  

If I left now, I would carry this regret forever.  

I quickly grabbed an empty plastic bottle lying in the garden and placed its open end near her tiny legs. She latched onto it immediately, as if she had been waiting for someone to help.  

And in that moment, something strange happened.  

She looked at me.  

Not like an insect looks at a human. But like a soul looks at another soul.  

For a split second, I was afraid. What if she thought I was harming her instead of saving her? What if, in trying to help, I made things worse?  

She trembled, her shivers running through the bottle into my hands. She was in pain—so much pain. She couldn’t fly. She could barely even hold on.  

I didn’t know what to do.  

If I left her there, she would suffer for hours, maybe longer. I couldn’t bear to watch that. But I also couldn’t heal her.  

And so, with a heavy heart, I made the hardest decision.  

I turned on the tap.  

As the cold water washed over her, I watched her body relax. She didn’t fight. She didn’t resist. She simply let go.  

And then, she was still.  

Tears blurred my vision as I set the bottle down. The butterfly was gone. And yet, I felt an odd sense of relief. I had freed a soul from suffering.  

But deep down, I knew I wasn’t just crying for her.  

I was crying for myself.  

For a long time, I had been drowning in my own struggles—fighting against something that was breaking me. I had been holding on to pain, refusing to let go, just like that butterfly had fought against the mud.  

That night, I prayed.  

Not just for the butterfly, but for my own soul.  

I asked God for forgiveness—not because I had taken a life, but because I had spent so long refusing to save my own.  

I cried until my body ached. Until my breath came in gasps. Until there was nothing left inside me but emptiness. And then, for the first time in forever… I let go.  

I washed my face. I hugged myself. I kissed my hands. Then I turned and kissed my daughter, who was sleeping peacefully beside me. And as I watched her, I whispered a silent promise:  

No more suffering.  

Today, I am at peace.  

I live each moment as a blessing. I love freely, without fear. I no longer hold on to things that hurt me. Because sometimes, the kindest thing we can do—for others and for ourselves—is to simply let go.  

Who knew that something as small as a butterfly could change my life forever?

Innocent Teacher

Whenever I see a cute baby, I can't help but wish I had a bunch of them! 😆 😁

I have always been fond of kids and have always tried to gain some experience from their positive behavior and traits. The most evident thing about kids is their innocence. They are like 24-carat gold – no impurities, no adulteration, just pure soul. Watching their innocent gestures and behaviors makes me wonder and think, if only we could retain the innocence we had as kids, the world would be a lot different. I strongly believe in this thought.

A few days back, we were at our relatives' farmhouse. They are very friendly and good-hearted. They had a girl, and she was very good, just like her parents. At that moment I realized i want to have a girl.

playing with children is not just about entertaining them; it's also about rediscovering the joy and wonder that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of adult life. As we engaged in simple games and watched the little one's gleeful reactions, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer simplicity of their happiness.

Children have this remarkable ability to find joy in the smallest of things - a butterfly fluttering by, a puddle to splash in, or even just a warm hug. It's a reminder that happiness isn't necessarily found in material possessions or grand achievements; rather, it's often found in the moments of connection and contentment that come from being fully present in the here and now.

Moreover, interacting with children teaches us invaluable lessons about patience, empathy, and creativity. Whether it's patiently teaching them a new skill, empathizing with their emotions, or marveling at their boundless imagination, every moment spent with children is an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment.

In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, spending time with children offers a refreshing perspective and a much-needed reminder of what truly matters in life. They remind us to slow down, embrace the beauty of simplicity, and cherish the moments of joy and wonder that surround us each day.

So, the next time you see a cute baby or have the chance to spend time with children, take a moment to pause and appreciate the magic they bring into our lives. For in their innocent smiles and playful giggles, lies the true essence of happiness and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

10 things I wouldn't do as a decent human being and why.

You don’t have to be a saint to do good, usually all that’s required are small thoughtful gestures you can easily incorporate in your daily life – being polite, helping others, greeting people or just smiling more – let’s be honest some of this stuff is pretty obvious.

1. Lie- Decency is akin to honesty. I have caught people lying to me – at work and in my personal life – and to be honest, I can never forget it! Even with friends and family, the episode remains at the back of my mind - always. I don’t want to be someone whom people distrust and catch lying (because liars always get caught).

 

2. Hold on to my money too tightly -We have come into this world naked and will go out the same way. Miserly behavior is very off-putting and is a guaranteed way to lose your friends. No one ever became poor by helping others, and I plan to practice giving what I can comfortably part with.

 

3. Being Impatient-I finish people’s sentences, roll my eyes and fidget – all the time. I find slow people boring. It’s not nice and my behavior is not only very rude but also limits me from making new friends. Imagine what interesting nuggets I might have heard if only I had listened patiently.

 

4. Staying silent when something wrong is happening-Half the problems in the world grow big when we don’t nip them in the bud. Standing aside and letting something wrong happen makes us complicit in the act. I have done this in the past – walked by and put it out of my mind. Now I have pledged to stop and help.

 

5. Playing politics at work-I am not a political person, but I don’t like conflict. So, I have been guilty of going with the flow in the past. Aligned my self with groups in office politics, even when it was wrong. I always told myself - its work, you have to be a bit cunning. I am wrong! I might have a fewer friends, and I might have to eat lunch alone – but like I said earlier, its work, not school.   

 

6. Steal-Decent people do not steal. Period. For me personally, I am not talking about holding up a bank or shoplifting; stealing someone’s work or ideas is also stealing; inflating your office cab bill is stealing and spreading gossip to take someone’s friends and reputation is also stealing.

7. Complaining and cribbing-Not sure if not complaining makes you more decent, but it certainly makes you a happier person to be around. I am not saying stick a smile on your face when you are down, but try to cultivate a more positive outlook. It takes time and practice to change how your mind is wired and practicing positivity will certainly make you a better person.

8. Being a people pleaser-When you try to do things to make someone else (like your boss) happy you are essentially doing something you don’t want to do. This is OK for small stuff like ordering Chinese instead or Italian. But if the urge to be the good guy in the room becomes uncontrollable, it might lead you down paths that could be hurtful for you and others and maybe even downright illegal.

 

9. Refusing to help others-Never pass by a beggar without helping!

We are conditioned to look the other way and to leave someone hungry and cold without help is not only indecent it’s not even human.

But it doesn’t just have to be someone in dire need, small acts of helpfulness are equally important!

 

10. Being Unkind -Lastly, be kind. The world is a harsh place; everyone is dealing with their own problems and demons. A kind word, a smile or a small helpful gesture will certainly help them – even if it's just for a few minutes.

 

Does all this seem too complicated to practice? Or maybe it’s just too simplistic? After all, my list doesn’t include anything you don’t already know.

Forget all this, if you have to keep one thing in mind then just remember these words - Treat others as you would want them to treat you! That’s really all you need to keep you on the straight road to heaven. 

Quote of the day

“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they are going to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”  - Will Smith

Quote of the Day

"Warmer the Hug Calmer the Soul" - Khyati Savaliya

Quote of the day

"Handsome is what handsome does" - Khyati Savaliya