Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

It was not a whim that I decided to change my FB profile photo at the end of the year. I set the picture as a reminder to myself that the soul never ages and there are still a lot of things I have to do that I had wanted to and continue to want to do. And I had completely forgotten that when a person changes their profile picture, FB religiously sends the news about your latest move to all your friends and probably others too. So while I was taken aback when I first received a message of appreciation, soon I started feeling sheepish and awkward at the response this folly of mine has generated.

The girl in the picture reminds me of all the dreams and idealistic views that she had held, the sudden spurts of humour that spewed from a ‘nerdy’ frame and the abundance of positivity and optimism she possessed, her fighting spirit and the seething anger in her bosom at seeing injustice being meted out to any living being. Years have flown by, times have changed, and dreams have shattered and were replaced with new vistas that took me to destinations I did not even imagine as a young girl!

Now as I look back, my indignation seems validated by the open-minded, enterprising and inclusive generation of today. That I became piqued when someone or even I was ridiculed and bullied seems justified to me today as the world, in all its complexities and home to a resurgence of discrimination in some quarters, has birthed many young and radical thinkers who voice their views on fair and just treatment of humans, other living creatures and the earth, in the global corridors and the social media. Outspoken women even today are branded as snobs, or as being arrogant or difficult. But speak we must… women and persons belonging to other genders and those with any ?sexual orientation… to create a kinder world, where everyone has a place to live and make a difference to the world we exist in.

The girl in the mirror may be still reposing within my bosom. But she has also changed in many ways and she understands that! The greatest lesson that life has taught is that physical appearance does not matter, and it was learned at the prime of youth when a life-threatening situation placed a choice – die or choose to live with a mangled face! Growing up with a mother who could not smile (physically) and had a face that was not ‘normal’, and watching a true gentleman respect and love that woman, taught my children to respect humans and never look at any individual’s appearance and make a remark or judge them, the way it is normalised today. Being comfortable with a fellow being, irrespective of how they look and what beliefs they hold is a priceless value that people in the world must possess.

The girl in the mirror has become more accepting, more understanding and has opened the windows of her mind wide to change. She has learned to overlook disrespect and toxicity, which has been the most difficult change for her to make as she was hugely sensitive. ?That sensitivity has gained an unfathomable depth in her life today, towards those that are suffering, those in grief and those that need succour and respect.

She has become patient, especially with outcomes, as she knows that several extraneous factors impact outcomes. She has learned to tolerate bigoted minds, those harbouring prejudices, are manipulative and resort to machinations to manoeuver others to gain advantage. That does not mean she remains quiet. She will speak, she will write and continue to campaign to make a difference for the better. And she has embraced peace. Where there is no bitterness, or resentment or fear, where there is complete acceptance and at the same time the mind is thrown open to accepting or making changes…. ‘Where the mind is without fear’ and is liberated. The journey continues… on a surer footing but with peace and serenity!

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