June was an interesting month for me. Interesting in a very different way though. There was a lot of new territory that I had to tread through – at home, at work, even with my blogs. And to be honest, it made me really really anxious at first, but (somehow, miraculously) I managed to keep my calm. And it turned out to be a great thing, because as it often does, everything worked itself out in the end.
And if anything, the challenges made me even more acutely aware of how blessed I am on many fronts. Because every single struggle was really insignificant when compared to the privileges I enjoyed. And I know it is easy to take the privileges for granted, and crib about the smallest speed bump one comes across. I know because that’s exactly what I used to do.
But writing a gratitude journal (and this post) on a regular basis has changed all that for me. I mean it’s not like I no longer get worked up over small issues, I still very much do. But these days every time I find myself in a situation that bothers me, I also make sure to sit down and write down things I am grateful for, and it makes all the difference when it comes to my attitude while dealing with things I have to deal with.
So now without further ado, let me share with you all the things I was thankful for this past month-
- In June, my parents came over from India to live with us for 6 months. They have been visiting us almost every year now for the past some years, and even though I don’t express it often enough, it is something I am incredibly grateful for. Because it’s thanks to these regular visits that I get to spend time with them on a consistent basis, and my son gets to have a real relationship with his grandparents, who otherwise live on the other end of the planet. Which is why, when I count my blessings, this one is pretty high on the list. 🙂
- Moreover, every single time my mom visits us, she brings along with her a new learning project for D. I believe this year it involves her teaching him to write Hindi and speak Sanskrit. And honestly, even though I would be happy just to have her spend time with him, I am really grateful for these projects she takes on, because it broadens his horizons, while keeping him productively occupied.
- And this is something that has become increasingly important to me, because a couple of weeks back, I banned TV for D, when I noticed him emulating some really disturbing behavior patterns from the shows he watched. Of-course this is not a lifetime ban, but one thing is for sure that going forward his TV time is going to be drastically reduced, and strictly monitored when allowed. Which is why, I am really grateful that for now mom’s learning projects are keeping him constructively occupied.
- Also, this TV ban forced me to proactively look for non-TV alternatives to keep D occupied, and so I did some online research and also reached out to family and friends asking for suggestions and advice. And boy did they deliver! I mean sure the internet research was helpful too, but it could not compare with the tried and tested practical advice from other mommies. I’m truly grateful for these ladies and their friendship.
- And finally, even though the whole TV ban discussion/decision caused a lot of friction between me and D, I am glad it all played out the way it did. Because I feel like we now understand each other better and definitely communicate a whole lot better. Moreover I guess sometimes we all need a rude awakening of sorts to open our eyes and get moving in the right direction. I am just grateful I got mine at the right time and it helped me course-correct.
- Now changing gears, in June I also finally found my fitness groove. Now don’t get me wrong, I haven’t all of a sudden become some fitness ninja. But over the past month, I have managed to get really consistent with going to the gym. And I don’t have a rigid schedule yet, because well as of now my gym is fairly new too, and they keep moving things around as well. But I’ve been experimenting with a lot of group classes, and really enjoying the ones I’ve been taking. I especially love the Zumba/Dance workouts, as well as the strength training sessions.
- Oh and in June I also started going to Yoga classes in the gym, even though I was more than a little intimidated, considering I was a total newbie. But thankfully the yoga instructor at my gym was really great and super patient, and made Yoga seem approachable and doable for even someone as clueless as me. And I am truly grateful for having found her.
- Finally, as far as Blogging was concerned, in June I believe I cracked the code, and managed to figure out how to work on my blog(s) at a steady pace, without driving myself nuts, which I have to admit was a MAJOR win for me. Because in the past, I have been known to go at breakneck speed for a while, then get overwhelmed, and then eventually breakdown. It was a terrible pattern, and a really vicious cycle. So I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I am now that I have finally managed to break free of that. Also, have you heard that saying – The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time? – It’s what I keep reminding myself these days, whenever I even feel like I am probably headed to overwhelm city again, and it works like a charm – for now anyway. 🙂
- That being said, in-spite of taking it slow (and steady), I did manage to publish a new post on the food blog, which now finally has its second post! And yes, I know, I know, I have been going at snail’s pace (even slower actually) with that blog, but trust me, there was a lot going on in the back-end, and I promise soon it will show up on the blog as well. As far as I am concerned, for now I am focusing on doing as much as I can and when I can, without losing my mind. Steady solid work without overwhelm.
- In-fact that has been my mantra since June – to avoid overwhelm at all costs. Balance is key, and somehow in the past month I have managed to find it. And so you can count on it, that so long as I can help it, I plan on keeping it, and staying in this happy place. Of-course this meant I had to do some lifestyle changes (which I will need to stick to in the future), like not having a ridiculously long to-do list, and saying no where it needed to be said. But I’ve done those things now (and will do going forward too). Because I have come to accept that on any given day I can only do so much. I can only juggle so many balls, and in this process some are bound to fall. And I just have to be okay with that, so long as I don’t drop the important balls.
That’s all from my end, folks. How was your June? What do you look forward to in July? I’d love to hear from you. So please do share!
P.S. If you haven’t already, please do check out my new post on the food blog. I’ve shared the recipe of my go-to Indian Green Chutney Dip that I pair with Tandoori Chicken.
*Linking this with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle.
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Eliza
I love this post!
Gratitude journals are so important… I usually forget.. Thanks for the reminder:)
Shanaya Tales
Thank you for stopping by to read. I am glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Movie Vs The Book
Jenny @ Reading the End
I’m so glad the decision to lessen TV consumption worked with your son, and that he has a learning project with his grandmother to keep him occupied. It’s wonderful that your parents are able to be such a huge part of his life — I know he’ll treasure those memories forever.
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes, definitely. It’s also the reason why I count it really high on my list of blessings. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Shalzmojo
Oh my that sounds like a tough battle and am glad to read mom and sonny boy got around it with flying colours. Awesome of your mom to bring projects for your son- it’s amazing effort n her part and his too as he would need to get interested in it.
Kudos on the blog number 2 – I know I enjoyed your green chutney post and made some the next day too. Looking forward to reading more interesting recipes on it soon.
Gosh yoga is my fav work out mode and I can so relate with you finding a good instructor- a big high five on that.
Keep on the blessed track and wishing more happiness in July for you Shantala
Shanaya Tales
Yay, I am glad you liked the post and tried it out too. Thank you so much!
And yes, girl I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my yoga instructor. She is such a blessing for me, because before her, I used to find Yoga really intimidating, and now she has made it approachable as well as amazingly rewarding.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Nanditha
Loved reading this, especially your gratitude list! How fun with family visiting. ? Thanks for sharing.
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I am so blessed to have them visit and spend time with us, Nanditha. It has taken my biggest worry away – of my son not getting enough time with grandparents and the extended family.
Thank you for stopping by. I am glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Ramya Abhinand
You know Shantala the best thing you can gift your child is time with grandparents. grandparents bring in a balanced approach to parenting , which we as parents most often fail. The TV ban is a good thing, cause often the content can have some drastic effect on kids. With regards to blogging I have been in similar situations earlier. But here is a mantra that I follow, rather a philosophy. You dont bake a cake in 5 minutes. It takes that 40 minutes of time and care, and then you get the most desired result. Blogging is like this. You bake it with care, giving it the much needed time so that it reaps the benefits desired in the long run.
Ramya Abhinand recently posted…There is a Sick Mom in the Home!
Shanaya Tales
I completely agree. This blogging thing is not a race, it’s a marathon. And the only person you are competing against is yourself. Loved your cake analogy, it’s perfect!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Sid
Ah! I feel like I haven’t been here for ages. Okay, I haven’t. But it’s really good to hear about you finally being able to crack that code of balance, Shantala. It’s something that will keep you going, and something I need to desperately figure out too. Especially given the fact that I almost shut down my blog.
Sorry to hear about D, and I think I probably missed your crowd-sourced ideas. I know exactly how that feels.
In fact, R has been frequently using the word ‘sexual’ (although he says it as a sexy’all) – and he picked it from a song on the radio. We can try and shield them, but eventually, we will need to sit down and talk to them about it too.
Good luck with your food blog, health and generally everything else.
I hope to read you more often too.
Sid recently posted…This is me
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Sid. I am so glad to have you back here, but even happier to see you back on I Wrote Those. Please stay, and show up on there more often. I’ve really missed reading you, I’m sure others have too. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Anagha Yatin
Between a mother and a son there has to be a war of “TV”! As a thumb rule, as I could see not only at my end, but at the houses of my friends and relatives, its a common staple. Though these are minor storms in the tea cup, they do eat up a lot of energy and send tremors in the emotional world of a mother. I happy to know that you have your mother to your rescue on this front!
Going by the activities on various fronts, I can see that life kept you busy all through out the 30 days. Having sailed successfully and now equipped with new mantra of “balance”, I am sure your ship sail the high seas effortlessly!
Coincidentally, my #WordForTheYear2018 is “Lagom”. Its a Swedish word meaning ‘Not too little, not too much. Just right’. (https://canvaswithrainbow.com/dear-zindagi-woty-2018/)
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Anagha. And yes, it’s a struggle, but it’s been getting easier with each passing day, and I can already see the change in him, so I’m glad that I decided to take a proactive approach with the TV thing.
Thank you for stopping by to read. Really glad to have you on here. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
BellyBytes
I’m surprised you find it hard to do so much. Because you come across as a very organised and systematic person . But I suppose in the US where you are literally a one man show it can be overwhelming. In that respect having family with you is a great boon . Apart from the physical help, the fact that you are not solely responsible for everything helps in dealing with stress . I know this for sure because my daughter who is also in the US finds even a week’s visit from me a great boon .
This was my June
http://mumbaionahigh.com/2018/06/coffee-on-a-grey-afternoonthursday-in-june.html
BellyBytes recently posted…Frogs and Monsoon Moments #MondayMusings
Shanaya Tales
I am generally very organized, yes, but I also have a tendency to take on more than I can handle, and it’s been really backfiring over the past few months. It’s the reason why I have cut back now, and have started consciously working towards balance.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
lisa thomson
Lovely list of gratitude for June, Shantala. I’m sorry I haven’t been here of late. I’m not receiving your emails when new posts are updated and thus thought you were on a blog break :(. Wah. Not sure what’s happened but with that new cookie policy, perhaps my subscription wasn’t renewed. Anyway, so I’ve missed ya and so nice to catch up with you today! You had a great month and I admire your tenacity in making the no tv rule for you little guy. That’s a tough one but certainly worthy goal. Your parents sound like amazing grandparents! June was a real mix for me with highs and lows. July is promising to be a little better. I must make a grateful list! You’ve inspired me now.
lisa thomson recently posted…July Goals
Shanaya Tales
No worries, I understand. I am glad you did come to visit anyway. I read your list of July goals. You certainly have your work cut out for yourself. I hope you achieve them all, and have a fabulous July!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Natasha
You’ve managed to keep your priorities and balance intact wonderfully, Shantala and that’s super.
Working out regularly at the gym, giving the kid a time out from screen, spending time with your parents, working on your blog piece by piece, that’s just great. This especially after your bout of illness. Really good to see you up and about and looking forward to reading more of your posts.
https://natashamusing.com/2018/07/seven-things-im-grateful-for-this-june-gratitudecircle/
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Natasha. Balance is something I’ve always worked towards, but earlier it used to feel like it was out of my grasp. Which is why, I can’t tell you how relieved I am that it finally seems achievable for me.
Thank you so much for dropping by. I hope you have a wonderful month ahead. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Soumya
Such a detailed, clean and sorted post, Shantala. Just like your reviews. It reminds me as to why I love visiting this place.
Sorry about D’s behavioral patterns. TV is known to influence kids and it is good that you will now be monitoring it closely. We clearly needs better shows for children these days.
Good luck with the yoga! Patience is a must when it comes to yoga and I’m glad you have accepted it.
Yay on the second post on the food blog. I’m sure you’ll get frequent there quite soon.
Wishing you a fabulous July, Shantala.
Soumya recently posted…#FeministMondays | Lessons From Sulu
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Soumya. Your support and encouragement means a lot. Truly!
I hope you have a fabulous July too!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Mayuri Nidigallu
I have a lot of takeaways from your post, Shantala. My life has been one crazy ride for the past 6 month and writing and blogging is the only thing that kept me sane.
So glad your parents are visiting, it is such a comfort to have them around isn’t it!
Kudos on the exercise and yoga, you will soon be addicted.
I loved this quote you shared, ‘The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time’. It is going to help me look at things in a new way.
So glad I read your post today!
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much for stopping by, Mayuri. I am really glad the post helped you in some way. That is one of the best things any blogger can hope for.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Nabanita Dhar
How do you remember everything that happened in June?
I always give up while doing a gratitude post because I can’t remember for the life of me what I did and if I write I miss out on half the things.
Having said that it’s great that your parents are there with you.
It must be so great.
And I love that your mom brings projects for D, reminds me of my Dida.
I hope you have a great July!
Rachna Parmar
Just jot them down in a journal or online. I do the same. 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Naba, I used to have that same exact difficulty too. It was the reason I shied away from writing gratitude/monthly round up posts in the past. But then from this past Jan, I started jotting down the highlights of the month in the notes section of my phone, all through the month, and started using that as a reference for writing the gratitude/round up post come end of month. You should definitely give it a shot!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was
Rachna Parmar
I can sense the overwhelm and anxiety that you’ve mentioned from the post. The anxiety of making a new parenting decision that is fraught with challenges. Of work and blogs and of able to find more pleasure in the things you do. Happy to hear that on the fitness front, you have been more consistent and regular. Good to know about your parents’ visit and all the constructive things they do with your son. I remember the time when we had banned cartoons for the younger son. I was thoroughly disturbed with the behaviour changes that he was having. There was outright rebellion and tears but finally he went ahead with the decision. Happy to tell you that when we reinstated the right to watch cartoons perhaps a year or two later after banning it, he no longer wanted to watch them. He also picked up the great habit of watching Nat Geo and Discovery regularly that he has till this day. So yes, silver linings may be far but they do come.
Wish you a Happy July, Shantala and more calm and control as well.
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes, it was an extremely difficult decision to make, but once we swallowed that particular bitter pill, it’s been easier than I expected to keep him away from TV. And now after the initial 2 week ban, I have allowed him Nat Geo shows, which btw he used to never enjoy earlier, but loves to watch now. What a difference a 2 week ban makes! 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Finding Balance, And Keeping It | June 2018 – The Month That Was