Skip to main content

Crossing forty is fun and now I'm loving it!

As I battle winter's blues with cozy blankets and warm sweaters, I can't help saying that during my teenage years, I always dreaded turning forty years old. Two years ago, I panicked as my health took a bit of a real hit and my stress levels soared. Now in fact, I am loving it! [READ: Say a Little Prayer for Me!]

                                                                    [Image: Reshot.com]

I no longer feel the need to prove anything to myself or to others. I am at peace with the person I am. Every day, I feel that the whole Universe is opening up to embrace me, watch me grow into a being that is constantly evolving. 


                         [FOLLOW MY BOARDS ON PINTEREST] 

Turning older has made me very cautious about the kind of people I spend my time and conversations with. I stay away from "energy vampires" - sometimes we all run into people who are so full of complaints and negative energy that once they leave, their vibes drain our positive energy! Nowadays I keep a safe distance from 'energy vampires' simply because I want to protect my energy.

The past few years have taught me that every interaction and relationship is based on a valuable exchange of energy. Now I value my energy and that of others more than ever before. The truth is that I enjoy more freedom today in my personal space than I ever did as a teenager. I don't have to worry about what "friends say about me" because it no longer defines me. I make my own choices and I am always ready to face the consequences. Wish I had gone through this phase during my teenage years instead! 

When I step into the sun lit path, I send a prayer of gratitude to Swami for the light that warms my skin and the joy it brings my heart. On evening walks, I send love energy to the moon, the stars and the night sky. 

The faces of the people I love and respect swim like a blur of moonshine before my eyes and I say a prayer of gratitude for all of them. 

The best part is that I can live the life of my dreams.  Today, I have matured emotionally and spiritually. The self-critical, self mocking voice in my head has mellowed to one that embraces self-love and self-nurturing.

Whatever I do, I remind myself of Swami's beautiful teaching, "Be simple, be sincere. " [READ: Lost someone you loved?]

                            [FOLLOW MY BOARDS ON PINTEREST] 

The best gift we can give ourselves and our loved ones is authenticity in everything we say and do.  [The Wisest Lesson I learned in 2018] 
                    

                           [FOLLOW MY BOARDS ON PINTEREST] 

I'd love to know what phase you are going through at your age! Do write in!

If I may, let me just tell you this: The present is precious, so I pray that you are enjoying every moment with your Self. And if you love to read real-life inspirational stories, here's one that you shouldn't miss! DO READ: The Amazing Story of Peddabottu

Never thought I would love crossing the age of forty. But now I'm loving it!

Comments

Aravind Balasubramanya said…
This is so beautiful to read. I felt calm and serene within and am actually looking fwd to my 40s now. Thank you so much sister.
January 27, 2019 at 2:33 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Dear brother @AravindBalasubramanya, it's great to know that you found this post beautiful to read. It is what I had hoped for based on my own roller coaster ride with the 40s.
February 14, 2019 at 2:15 AM
Vishnu said…
Welcome to the 4 0 club Swapna. I appreciate the wisdom and calmness here. Also, the older we get, the more we know what we want out of our lives and are more able to live in alignment with our truth. Peace and regards - Vishnu
February 25, 2019 at 10:28 AM
Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up. Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally. Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own. Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any h...
33 comments
Read more

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. When lighting diyas on Fridays, it is better to use ghee than oil, if possible. [ Connect with Svara on Facebook ] [Read: Vidyarambham - The Labyrinth Within] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. An ideal time would be to light the diya at least half an hour before sunset. Can we light diya after 12 PM? In Hindu homes, the diya is lit early morning at around sunrise and towards evening sunset. Can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Things That Make me Cry

 1. Memories (some hurt, some soothe and some teach in a way it can never be replicated) 2. Demise of a specially loved one. [Read: Old Souls, Going Back Home] 3. Being away from my parents. 4. A truly bliss filled moment. 5. Listening to my favorite songs by my dearest Dasettan. (Dr. K.J Yeshudas). [READ: Remembering Ammumma and Watch Padmarajan's Films ] I've shared mine. Tell me yours .
20 comments
Read more

Thank You for the Kreativ Award

Lord, thank you for your love and grace in every moment of my life and for finding me worthy of this award.  A big thanks to Nivedita for this Award. I don't know if I deserve it but you make me feel that I do. You, the reader, helped me improve through every post. Your feedback and suggestions motivated me to write in the only manner that I know: from the heart. Thank you all for the love and patience. A big thanks to all my Twitter friends who have placed their trust in me and humbled me with their overwhelming support, friendship and acts of kindness. As the rules for accepting this blog award make it necessary for me to share 7 facts about myself, here we go: 1. Kochi is my favorite city. It's in my soul 24X7. 2. I dislike certain traits in people such as dishonesty/corruption, boasting, constantly finding fault or being judgmental about others to camouflage their own faults, leading purposeless but extravagant lifestyles and taking advantage of friendships for wrong...
21 comments
Read more