What would I do and what would I not do?
For one thing, I would not waste a moment doing what I didn’t like. I would spend every minute of my day in service of what my heart desires.
I would spend time and effort on really getting to know myself, peeling the layers of consciousness to know and honor my truest , deepest self.
To start I would dress in a saree more often to honor my Indianness, my brownness. And perhaps journal in Gujarati more often.
I would re-read all the Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott books that helped define my values and make me the woman that I am today. I would also re-read Agatha Christie, Enid Blyton, Mahabharat, Ramayan, Amar Chitra Katha and Tin Tin. These stories hold the thread to my foundational years and are most deeply connected to my core. To revisit them is to make a trip to my childhood.
I wouldn’t color my hair and honor my almost 50 self.
I would spend a lot of time alone and in nature, perhaps at a water front so that it can be reminiscent of the beach where I spent my growing years.
I would picnic alone with a beloved book and my tent in a beautiful park with many trees, sprawling lawns and gentle breezes.
I would go kayaking with my favorite book in a beautiful lazy river.
I would take an RV and drive across the country, stopping at places that appeal to me.
I would organize a girls weekend getaway.
I would take a train journey across long distances, with my books, music and journals for company.
I would speak to and meet up with my cousins, aunts ,uncles, and those friends that I lost touch with.
In life, often I have not allowed myself to be me – unapologetically me. I would want to correct that. Speak my mind, do what I like, how I like and be myself knowing that I am deeply loved for being me.
I would cook and eat the traditional Gujarati meals that I grew up with – painstakingly prepared and lovingly served.
I would listen to vividh bharti songs and watch Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt and Dev Anand in black and white classics.
All the creative pursuits that so appeal to me – gardening, knitting, embroidery, tailoring, rangoli, painting, poetry, and writing. They would all become front and center of my life.
I would spend time meeting people whose thoughts I am interested to hear, who are good listeners to mine so that together we refine each other’s thoughts. I would do a lot of casual entertaining – simple food, impromptu gatherings and satisfying interactions would be the hallmarks of my social life.
Kathak, yoga, pranayam, meditation, and daily walks would be a big part of my life.
What if today was the last day of your life. What would you do and what would you not do?
Airak 