The Real Celebration: Finding Belonging in a World Full of Noise

A loud boom woke me up in the early morning hours.

Diwali celebrations were in full swing in Mumbai, India, with fireworks lighting up the sky and echoing down the narrow streets.

If you had spoken to me just a week ago, I would have still been in Houston, preparing for a quieter version of the festival, where the longing of tradition doesn't quite feel the same as they do in the heart of India.

One weekend before Diwali, my wife and I found ourselves deep in a philosophical discussion: “Have we done enough for our parents?” It’s a question that strikes at the heart. We realized that what they long for isn’t material gifts but our company, our presence—moments that can’t be bought or replaced.

That realization led to a spontaneous decision: I bought a ticket to Mumbai. And what a blessing that trip became. One of the most unforgettable experiences was taking my parents to see The Taj Mahal, a dream they had never fulfilled. Growing up, our summers were spent visiting grandparents, which I still cherish deeply, but exploring India itself always seemed just out of reach.

I’ll write more about our visit to The Taj Mahal in a separate piece because it deserves its own moment. But today, I want to share what being home reminded me about the true meaning of family and culture.

I was treated like royalty. Every day began with a hot breakfast, followed by 11 a.m. snacks, a hearty lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner at night—all homemade and delicious. My mother’s cooking, lovingly prepared, is something I could never take for granted. The TV was either tuned to Discovery Channel or lighthearted local comedy shows, which, while not sophisticated, filled the house with laughter. And that laughter, echoing through our home, felt like healing.

There were also profound conversations—about life, children, and the passing of time. We shed tears over topics that touched us deeply. But being there, present with each other, offering and receiving support, was a gift beyond measure.

In those moments, it became clear:

Being there for one another, feeling seen and supported, is one of life’s greatest gifts.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I think about how similar and yet different these celebrations are. Family will gather, we’ll catch up, some will share their struggles, and some won’t. But what matters is that we show up, because our presence speaks volumes

I usually write about jobs, career strategies, and the industry. But today, I wanted to pause and reflect, and I hope you’ll take a moment to do the same. We are so much more than our job titles. You are a spouse, a friend, a kind stranger, someone who has touched lives simply because you cared.

In the chaos of our daily grind, it’s easy to get upset, anxious, or angry. But we must remind ourselves to come together, support each other, and grow. Even in a world full of critics and harsh comments, we all belong. Let’s forgive fast, lift each other up, and move forward with gratitude.

Take a moment today to reflect on what truly matters. Reach out to a loved one. Check in with a friend. Offer kindness to a stranger. Remember, we all belong to this greater human family, and our worth is so much more than what we do from 9 to 5. Let’s be there for one another, support each other, and never underestimate the power of genuine connection.