What Brought You Here, Won't Take You There

Dear Ethan,

As your summer vacation began a week ago, I've had the joy of seeing you back home, indulging in your favorite activities: playing with your toys, engaging in animated conversations with yourself, filling the house with the sound of your laughter, footsteps, and noise.? This year, due to a water shortage, we couldn't facilitate your learning of swimming—a disappointment for both of us.

Reflecting on your last year, your first day in school, I recall the tears streaming down the cheeks at the pick-up point, a stark contrast to the beaming smile and lively chatter that now accompany your daily bus rides with your friends. It's remarkable how swiftly you've transitioned from apprehension to enjoyment. I can't help but reminisce about the day you hesitated to perform on stage despite weeks of rehearsal. We were crestfallen. However, you defied expectations with your spectacular dance performance of "Dil Main Mars Hai" at the year-end event. Everyone clapped for your lively performance, you received so much appreciation from others parents too. What changed between these two performances? TIME. You allowed yourself to adapt to the new environment. You exhibited confidence in both instances, yet the outcome differed because you gave yourself the time to acclimate.

We live in a world that craves instant results, from 10-minute food deliveries to fast food to fast relationship etc. Nobody seems to have time and patience. We run endlessly and get tired very easily. However, in life, true growth takes time. It took you 11 months to master counting beyond 20 and to learn the names of all your classmates. Today without any further huffing and puffing you go beyond 100. The journey from knowing just a few names to recognizing them all required patience and dedication—qualities you possess in abundance.

As you grow older and delve into subjects like mathematics, you'll encounter the concept of compounded growth: the idea that consistent effort yields significant results over time. Remember, making an impact doesn't happen overnight. It necessitates understanding the nuances, establishing connections, and grasping the fundamentals of any ecosystem you find yourself in. Hence it is important to know the purpose.

As you prepare to transition to a higher grade, remember that growth means continually striving to know more and do better. If at the age of 5, you could name the eight planets of the solar system, then this year, aim to deepen your understanding of celestial bodies.

In all your endeavors, prioritize learning and focus. Understand the purpose behind your actions and pour your heart and mind into everything you do. Soon, you'll embark on another academic year, and I have no doubt that you'll approach it with the same enthusiasm and determination.

Stay focussed, work hard, make winning a habit and leave a trail behind. Trust, it all takes time.?

With boundless love and unwavering pride,

Papa