My story
Have you wondered why we seem to live largely in the past or worry about the future when all we have is today? Often, our lives seem at the mercy of an external forces we seem to have no control over. We allow our thoughts and emotions to take over and feel like life sucks. Then we discover that what bothered us yesterday means nothing today. Besides, you can’t go back to yesterday, which is frustrating.
I’m Sukanya Venkataraman (Suki for short), a communications professional, and I’ve written for as long as I can remember. I turn to it when I’m happy, sad, sick, pensive… any time, actually. I find writing cathartic. That, books, and the outdoors. And friends. I cherish my friendships.
This blog is an attempt to share what inspires me and what I’ve discovered so far. Each day flows by without us actually living or experiencing it in a more conscious way. If you love simple or thoughts that will help you better live in the present, you’ll feel right at home here. I’ll also be sharing my drabbles, bite-sized stories of 100 words. I’m a work in progress and this is a continuing journey. My blog will evolve as I grow and move forward.
Like everyone else, I’ve received a few knocks in life. In 2013, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a non-malignant brain tumor that had to removed before it grew big enough to cause serious neurological issues. Since my facial nerve was damaged during the surgery in 2014, the left side of my face was completely paralyzed. My vision, hearing and normal functions on that side of my face were affected. One eye was permanently open and had to be taped shut so I could rest it. And I became deaf in one ear.
By far, the worst, at least from my perception, was the loss of my smile and ability to show normal facial expressions. My face wasn’t obeying me and I looked permanently sulky, which must have been rather hard on those who saw me everyday. Recovery is counted in years, not months, and mine is ongoing. My vision has vastly improved and I’m still learning to smile, but I’m getting there! Overall, I’m recovering well and immensely grateful for that.
I believe that the quality of our lives are determined by how we choose to live each day and absorb the experiences it offers. We are all walking on our own paths, with uncharted twists and turns that we must learn to navigate every day. We can choose to take these in our stride or allow them to overwhelm us. A sense of humor helps–you can practice laughing for the future in the present.
We are creating our unique life maps as we continue on this journey – one size doesn’t fit all and there’s no mantra that can magically transform our lives. We must each find our way, drawing our maps in real-time. We can choose to see this as exciting (hey, what’s going to happen next?) or retreat in fear. No one can have it all, but we can choose to enjoy what our lives offer.
Yesterday’s gone, tomorrow is a mirage. All we have is this moment. Now. Today. And the clock ticks away (whoa, nearly managed a poem there!) Will you join me in making today and its moments happen? After all, it is the only place we can live in at any time in our lives.
I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to share your thoughts. Please subscribe to my blog for monthly updates on posts and drabbles.