More Than a Blessing

Hello hello, Today is a good day, so I thought I’d start this letter a little differently. I’m even promising not to make a single self-deprecating joke about how inconsistent I’ve been with writing these letters… (Wait, isn’t that exactly what I said I wouldn’t do?)

Anyways, let’s start with the good things.

Today is Krishna’s birthday! (For those who aren’t familiar, Krishna is one of the most beloved gods in Hinduism.)

When I was kid, my grandparents used to tell stories from the Mahabharat and the Ramayan.

I used to listen to those stories with starry eyes, completely captivated by different characters, their adventure, their values, the impossible decisions they had to make, and the reassuring belief that somehow, goodness always found a way in the end.

I especially remember bedtime. My siblings and I would practically beg our grandparents for “just one more story” before going to sleep. We couldn’t get enough of them. And while some people might call them mythology, I’ve never really seen them that way. To me, they were stories that felt alive.

Looking back now, I realize how much those bedtime stories shaped us.

The way we think, the values we carry, the choices we make, and even how we show up in the world are often influenced by the stories we hear when we’re young.

I think it’s because long before we learn from our own experiences, we learn through other people’s stories. And I believe a little piece of our moral compass is built lying on the bed beside our grandparents and parents, listening to such stories before bedtime.

And maybe that’s why, even today, whenever I hear a story about Krishna, something in me pauses and listens.

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Heart Note

Some notes might make you smile, some might spark a thought, and some might just make you pause for a moment. Either way, this section is all about finding a little hope in the everyday.

I came across a reel today where Krishna was playfully saying, “It’s my birthday, why are you asking me for things?” and it made me smile.

Isn’t that so true?

Krishna just wanted cake, dance, and celebrations on his birthday and we as humans are out here submitting our wish lists like he is Amazon Prime while praying.

But then I thought, if He’s divine, like a father to the universe, then how can we not ask? Isn’t it natural for a child to turn to their parents when they need something?

Maybe asking doesn’t mean “grant me a car, a job, a vacation.” It could be… “Help me live with more clarity, strength, and love.” That’s like asking your dad not for toys, but for the kind of values that shape you for life.

In a dharma yuddh, when Arjun dropped his weapon and said to Krishna, “Those are my family members, how can I fight them?”, Krishna told him, “Don’t run from the battle. I’ll give you the wisdom and courage to face it.”

And to me that’s divine parenting, not handing you powerful weapons or solving everything for you but building you up so you can stand strong in your karma and dharma.

When you think about it, one is temporary fix, the other stays with you forever.

And it hit me that praying isn’t about asking for things.

It’s about having a conversation.

Sometimes with Krishna, sometimes with your own self, and sometimes with the souls who came before us, living on through the stories they left behind.

And today, on Krishna’s birthday, realizing that those stories are still alive somewhere within me feels like a pretty good blessing.

A blessing from Krishna.

And maybe, in a way, a blessing from my grandparents and parents too.

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The little things

Life can be overwhelming, but it’s also full of tiny moments that make it beautiful. A song that speaks to your heart, a quote that moves you, a movie that warms you, a conversation that feels like home, and so on. Here, I gather them before they fade.

• I went to a pottery workshop last week and made a cute little vase. Now I’m convinced my dream house needs a pottery studio.
• Saw a giraffe at African Lion Safari (which, despite the name, is conveniently located in Ontario). If I could be an animal, I’d be a giraffe. They’re tall, dramatic, and always look like they’re minding their business while judging everyone else.
• R&B is growing on me lately. My current obsession is Giveon. This man is clearly heartbroken, but he’s making some incredible music because of it.
• Went to the CNE for the first time and did not win a giant stuffed animal. Maybe it’s finally time to get back into dating world and find someone who can win one for me.
• Came across this quote recently: “You have to overshare to find your people.” Honestly, I think that’s true, being a little open, a little vulnerable, and a little too honest is exactly how you find the people who get you.

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back soon with more musings. Until then, take care, cheer for the right voices, and be ridiculously kind.