MY DAD’S GIFTS

Yesterday was my late Dad’s Birthday. Like every year, it makes me retrospect and take stock of life so far. Thinking of it I realized the lessons my dad taught me. Some may say that Linkedin is not an appropriate forum for personal thoughts but I genuinely believe that like me you will also have some take-aways from his simple principles, be it professional or personal. 

 First a little bit about the man - Dad. My dad was a simple man. He was neither a man who would take a paisa more than his due nor a minute more too. I hear people advocate contentment; I have seen him live it - so happy and content that even angels would be jealous. My dad was not a rich man and yet in his lifetime a part of his income religiously went to charity. My dad was not highly educated and yet he inculcated in us the importance of education. He was not a talkative man and yet his counsel was sought often. My dad was not particularly gregarious and yet his funeral was one of the largest I have seen. Days later, I have seen grown men cry in public on the news of my dad’s death. My dad was not the friendliest and yet today in the small town of Surat (perhaps not so small anymore) I still come across people who do me a good turn because I am his daughter. His was a life so honest that he got courage out of his righteousness. Indeed a life celebrated every day!!

 These are his Gifts to me :

 STRENGTH:  He taught me to take life in my stride. He taught me to laugh at my strife and failures. Take them in good humour. Not to take life or self too seriously. Pick up the pieces and build a better world. He taught me simple words that console in my darkest hour, "This too shall pass into a bright tomorrow."

 COMMITMENT: He taught me that a person is worth only upto the value of one’s word. Words are not cheap. They can cost you your character and your name. He would say, “There are no options, you commit; you fulfil”

 COURAGE:  He taught me that courage comes from Truth. He taught me an honest heart sleeps a peaceful night. That if one can look oneself in the eye no approvals are needed from anyone else. He often repeated, “Your conscience is your keeper.”

 LOYALTY:  He taught me that time and affection is the most precious; that is the gift one gives to friends and loved ones. Loyalty has to be a one way street. There can be no expectation for returns. His philosophy was, “If one gets faith and friendship back, that's life rewarding you”

 PERSEVERANCE AND LABOUR: He taught me that if one wants something strong enough and one works hard enough, one will get it. He always encouraged, “Your dreams have the power to create destinies, your will has the power to create worlds.”

 GRATITUDE: He taught me that there is so much to thank for everyday. Contentment is the key to happiness. No need to wait till you visit a temple or till you get your prayers answered. Counting one’s blessings makes one realize how bountiful life has been. He often said, “Gratitude keeps you humble.”

 FAITH: He taught me that against adversity or adversaries there is only one answer - Faith! Faith will never let one down. Faith that is pure and complete and not motivated by fear nor cultivated by fanaticism. He taught me to live the faith. His words still ring in my hours of trial, “HE is your only anchor and your only force.”

 I am still trying to be worthy of these gifts .. but I hope by sharing they help someone somewhere.