#363: SPOTLIGHT: Neeru Garg
SUPER CHANGE! WEEK #6:
Question for Neeru:
The Serenity Prayer offers: “Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference…”. With this thought, does something come to mind that you couldn’t change but had (or are having) trouble accepting ?
Neeru's Response:
While growing up, I was always reminded of this prayer in school and at home. It quickly became my guiding principal, and helped me be more open and accepting in different situations.
Adapting and accepting change was much easier when I was young, as I was able to reach out to my parents for guidance and trusted their experiences to guide me through the difficult situations. Suddenly, I realize that the roles are reversing. With them aging and struggling through the challenges related to that, they seem to need me more often. It is somewhat intimidating and saddening at the same time.
I do understand the circle of life and how change is constant. And although I have the wisdom to accept those changes, I have so much trouble "accepting" my parents getting old. Maybe this acceptance is made harder as it makes me realize that I myself am getting older.
I have started speaking to my children that I will one day be asking them to help me make decisions. I am hoping these conversations will make it easier for them to accept the changes that are coming. Perhaps, by speaking with my children, is to help me accept this change, though with sadness.
Amanda’s thought…
I suspect Neeru would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Neeru's email… pip
Neeru, your piece resonated with me for a variety of reasons. It made me think more deeply about how it truly does help me to vocalize the things I fear or worry about because I suppress those feelings or ignore them they tend to gain more influence over me. So, I admire that you have such an open dialogue with your children about the future and the inevitable changes that come with it. Your writing served as a reminder for me to also give more "self-grace", as even if I handle difficult changes in life with care, thoughtfulness, and acceptance, it is still okay for me to feel the sadness that I may have in those transitions. Thank you, Neeru. I admire you greatly as a mother, and I am SO thankful to have you in my life as a dear friend :)
- AP
