December, a month of reflection, time for let go of the past and look forward to the future. It is time for some deep thinking. I was thinking on, what is the one single most profound advice I received from my family and close friends that resonates with me? I share some of my thoughts here.
Of course like everyone else, there is no denial that I am influenced by my immediate family. “Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet”, says a Vietnamese Proverb, which is true. I happen to have some special affection for my third brother, I feel close to him. The one universal advice I took from him is “take it easy”. It is his formula for happiness. Every time I have an issue in front of me, I go to my imaginary council for answers and advice. It is obvious that I first refer to my brother and the answer would be “Take it easy Radhika”, take things easy. Do what need to be done. Sounds simple and easy, you have heard it before, easier said than done. It is not easy as it sounds. But if we do it, we are almost free of stress and are happy. It is unbelievable how many times I have heard the same from him, growing up. I love his advice. This is my number one trick for happiness in day-to-day life. I can’t believe how many times I say this to my older son. I almost sound and feel like my third brother, each time I repeat myself, while I say this to my son…
There’s no other love like the love for a brother. There’s no other love like the love from a brother. ~Astrid Alauda.
Radhika Bauerle Radhika Puranam 