A Belgian Summer!!

It is not exactly summer here in Belgium. The temperatures are cool and at around 16-21 degrees celsius. That is hardly any summer temperature in any part of the world.

The length of the day is much longer than before. The light licks the edges of the windows at around 4:30 in the morning. Better yet, the sunlight remains till after 10 in the night.

This is in stark contrast to what used to happen during the winter here. The sun used to come out only after 10 in the morning. Besides, the skies darkened right after 3 in the afternoon. That is a very gloomy time period to be in this country.

Getting up in the morning used to be such an ordeal during the winters. The cold, foggy mornings coupled with the absence of sun forced me to bury into the blankets more.

Now, with the abundance of sunlight peering out through the curtains, the mind is more ready to accept the breaking of dawn. The sun remains well past bedtime these days. Although the longer days are fun, I feel strange going to sleep before the sun sets.

I think the weather influences my emotions a lot. Bright and warm days cheer me up more than the darkness of winter. I also feel the freedom to move around more these days without fearing an impending darkness.

I am just waiting for the chilly winds to subside. Then, I will be able to enjoy the sunshine more than now.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This is a common question faced by children around the world. As a child, I was always perplexed by this query.

I had clear goals for my life during my student days. It was not always constant. However, I always strived for some form of acheivement.

I still have not reached anywhere I had envisioned myself to be. In the process, I have realized that life is very unpredictable. It takes you on a wild ride to unimaginable destinations.

My life is a journey full of surprises. I got many undeserved blessings. I also have many regrets that I am desperately trying to ammend.

I was always the studious type in school. I was a model student in many ways. I was anxious to learn and willing to travel the extra mile.

My diligence was rewarded with good grades and many certificates of academic merit. I travelled to distant locations for my college education. I finished the course with an excellant academic record despite the difficult conditions.

I managed to secure an admission to a specialized course in a very good institution. This institution provided the ideal conditions for relaxed learning.

The teaching was not according to the traditional means. It was more like exploring the frontiers of the field of study. The entire process was a discovery that led to new ways of thinking.

My first job was with a very reputed educational organization operating in a niche area. I was not very happy to do some routine duties. I found it boring and unproductive.

Subsequently, I moved on to one of the metros in India for a new opportunity. I got a job profile which didn't have many boundaries.

It was in tune with my line of specialization. It was exciting to be part of the knowledge centre of the company. Besides, I loved researching the strategic initiatives of an organization that welcomed fresh approaches.

Unfortunately, I could not continue this stint for long due to family pressures. It was disheartening to leave a profile that gave me the most satisfaction.

I know I am still reeling from that shock. I am also in search of a similar profile in my new surroundings.

I know that what I am aiming at is not so easy. It has been a weary journey for me but I am not ready to give up just yet.

The shy, reserved little girl sitting in a corner of the classroom has travelled too far to surrender to destiny. I still have dreams that I keep alive.

I want to do something meaningful in my life. I want my skills to be used and developed. I want a happy and peaceful family life. Above all, I want to be the best human being that I can be.

I am praying for divine intervention in acheiving these small goals. It is going to be a rough pursuit. But, what is life without these goals and challenges?