This is ME!

Two is better than one they often say, or as per the Afghan quote "two are better than one, and three than two." Countless quotes, proverbs and sayings talk about two being better than one and maybe one of my favourites is from Ecclesiastes 4 9:10 in the Bible that says "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up the other." As my countdown starts nearing completion with 2 days to go until I officially celebrate my 40th birthday, it would be remiss of me to not celebrate a very big, important and significant part of my life - my siblings ... I am blessed with not just one, but 6 siblings... how the makeup exists is not important - but I am grateful every day that I am blessed with not just the "two is better than one" scenario or three is better than two.. but 6 - which to me is wayyyyyy better than any of the aforementioned! I came across an awesome article a while back that shares  "How your siblings can make you happier" p...

So as the days get longer here in the southern hemisphere, the hours are certainly getting busier and filled with more activity! October heralds the beginning of the end of the year and the pace at which this month has sped by has still left me breathless... I can't believe that I officially stand 8 days out to my birthday today, and of course my big 4-0 this year 😎😉😊 I've marvelled at how many have come on board and celebrated this countdown journey with me... from those that are watching and following from afar with much added glee and awe of this ability to celebrate life to those closer to home that remind to celebrate to the full! I am so grateful and hope that if anything, my journey has somehow inspired you to embrace and journey through life and it's challenges both big and small in your own special way too... At face value, it may appear that this whole countdown has been one filled only with fun and games and celebrations and the happier side of life... I hope ...

Embrace your YOUness! You are the only one-of-a-kind that the world needs a bit more of every day! Celebrate your UNIQUENESS and let it shine through. ~ Poonam Today I was truly reminded of this.. How awesome that as I get to countdown to my forties, I am surrounded not only by people who find ways to celebrate with me, but embrace the ME of it all as well... So today I was surprised by my first and oldest friend in the whole world who took time out of her busy schedule to help and remind me to "Embrace ALL that is YOU!" So I hope as I celebrate and try to embrace all that is me, that you are able to do the same 🤍☀️💫✨🥳 A little gift and memento kept aside to drop off and pass to me at an appropriate time not only made my busy and not so good day truly awesome, but also gives me an excuse to celebrate and share and hopefully inspire you too... So today, or any other day this week or month or rest of this year, remember to Embrace ALL that is YOU!   Remember that...

Just because I haven't been posting doesn't mean that the countdown hasn't still been pursued 💫🦋🌞 I hope as I share on how to put things into perspective you also take some time out to realise that sharing and "living" for social media is not ideal.. So many out there live for that perfect next shot or share that can be showcased to portray one's "perfect and ideal" life when behind the scenes we all know that life is not just sunshine,  rainbows and unicorns 🌞🌈🦄🙏✨ And so to the crux of my post - today, 30 days to my 40th birthday, I have lost my beloved and amazing Aajima 💕💫🙏 - my 91 year old special maternal grandmother aka Mom's Mom aka Shantibhen Vallabh born 6 August 1932 and passed away today, 3 October 2023. Nothing is as sobering as realising that someone you've known your whole life and so intimately won't live through another sunset yet alone a sunrise or anything else... Death is sobering and something so few talk abo...