Laughter Drops!

I left Mumbai the other day.

I feel joyous about it. Not because of what I am leaving behind. Rather because of what I am taking with me.

 

 I have had my highs.

The feeling of liberation all around the place. The sheer diversity of people you meet. Associated diversity of experiences and perspectives you gain. The 'can do' and 'will do' attitude you come across everyday and that inspires you. Everyone seems to have a dream; and are passionately pursuing it. You tend to realize that if you are always successful then maybe you are not taking enough risks. Successes and failures make you humble; teach you to balance between living in present and planning for future. It also opens up your eyes to the fact that there are so many definitions of success and so you start focusing on what's your dream or goal and stop worrying about running rat race. It makes you take charge of your life. You take decisions and you own consequences. You feel enriched, empowered, responsible, and alive

 

I have had my lows too.

City's super fast paced and till time you can fund a work life balance that works , you can feel really burnt out. You need to consciously focus on your health. With so many opportunities around, you need to make your decisions on affordability. House spaces are small and it takes some time to get used to them. Local trains seemed like a necessary irritant till time I found a solution that worked for me. 3-4 months of monsoons can really get to your nerves & you need to find your own solution to it

 

But whether it be highs or lows, city's basically teaches you invaluable life lesson.

 

The other day I left the city I called home for last 9 years. But I leave a very different person compared to the one of 2005- shaped by a large extent by experiences I have had and people I have met here.

 

During one of my last classes at my dance studio in Mumbai, I became reflective and my eyes filled with emotions. But soon I was feeling joyous and could not stop smiling and performing. For me that was a perfect tribute to my adopted home. Love and celebrate life! My eyes were filled with 'laughter drop'.

 

As I saw sun set for one last time in Mumbai, my heart filled up with gratitude and I heard myself say 'Thank You Mumbai!
 

-

Sourav