7 … is the number of times i might see my parents…. is the answer i got when i tried this site.1
Last year, i came across 2 things which totally changed they way i see or thought about relations ships with my parents, family, kids et. al. Please read on and it might change yours too.
Having born and bought up in a middle class family in north India, i happily spent first 2 decades of my life in India. The next 2 decades spend in a jiffy to follow the decade old advise or the follow the conditioning of 1. college, 2. higher college, 3. job et. al and u know the drill.
One of the dreams I (we) had, was to see and explore the world.
Now when i was lucky enough to accomplish that, the dream is to go back home.
Since we live in a different part of world(Yeah financial immigrants) then my parents. The number of times we get a chance to meet is average 2-3 times yearly for the last decade.
Here are the 2 things:
- Website – https://seeyourfolks.com/
is a website created by bunch of students under 24 hours and basically takes data from multiple sources among others WHO to calculate life expectancy based on the region you live in and then with help of some inputs calculates a Number which represents the times you will meet your parents before they die.
I came across this website through some blog and loved the simple messaging.
Another tweet2 on the same thought process is so clearly depicted by below graph.
As you can see the amount of time spent with our family, friends, coworkers decline so rapidly vs the time you spent alone with yourself.
- Family time is limited—cherish it.
- Friend time is limited—prioritize real ones.
- Partner time is significant—never settle.
- Children time is precious—be present.
- Coworker time is significant—find energy.
- Alone time is highest—love yourself.
- 3 books i happen to read last year & highly recommend. (if you are looking for some suggestions).
Summary:
We all have approximately 4000 hours in our lives (if you live up to 80 years). One can be either depressed or choose to focus on what matters.
You will never get on top of it all and should not be the goal. In the current era of instant gratification, you will always have something to do… be it work, personal chores etc.
Stop postponing the real life to later.
Summary–
Sadhguru treats death not as the end, the tragedy but a natural and destined process.
He explains how life and death are inseparable and we do both in every breath we take, from sleeping to waking up. We pretend death is far away and miss the depth and urgency of being alive with the people we love today and have chance to spend quality time with.
“Reading Sadhguru’s Death left me with one uncomfortable but liberating thought: if I don’t know how many visits I have left with my folks, I have no business acting like they are infinite.”
Summary:
Just 7 decades ago from today, a whole race, bunch of people were segregated and desire to live another day, another moment was the most important.
Viktor Frankl says we find meaning in three main ways: through work (doing something that matters), through love (someone we care for deeply), and through the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.
Showing up for your people, spending quality time is the most important gift you can give to them and yourself.
End of last year, over xmas and new year i had the chance to travel and see my parents(who live in India).
I am so glad i took that impromptu trip and made so many memories to cherish forever. Here are some pics.
I hope you too will take that trip and make some memories to be cherished forever. :)
Stop postponing the real life to later. Because:
Later Coffee gets cold.
Later kids grow up.
Later you will get old.
Later your loved ones will not be there.
Love & Peace,
//CA
References:
Chakshu Arora | Food for thought, Beyond the NOISE. 
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on this post :) //CA