I just spent a 122 rupees on myself. Five, nine rupee staedlar pencils which were a luxury over the 3 rupee Natraj ones, a large chocobar, 100 gms of milkcake, 100 gms of chocolate barfi for my maids kids (since I was at the sweet shop). I had a sudden sweet craving, but sustained one. I am poor enough for the nine rupee pencils to feel special. Spendthrift enough to do it anyway. Before this I spent two hours with an incoming Teach for India Fellow, discussing Mirambika (an open curriculum school in Delhi) and meeting her two sons. I also spent sometime on the school campus soaking in the ashram, the open spaces and the happy vibes the space has. Seeing kids happy to be in school, another one messing about with lego, teachers invested in kids, parents fully involved is a far cry from my day to day teaching reality. The focus on children and learning and making people cared for. And the ability to afford simple joys reminded me that fancy dinners do feel good but the little things matter. Off late with there's been a lot of chaff floating around. With opinions on work after Fellowship and pressures seeing friends and family getting married. I've wondered if I'll have to end up settling for something to make ends meet or tick a box. But if I keep in touch with what makes me happy or what inspires me, like today - I might make another good decision after all. Here's to being incredible in the present and not worrying too much about life and the future.
