Ask a simple question

We went out on a birthday treat recently. The birthday girl had turned 30 that day. Generally the silent type with a smile always on her face. We tried to get her to talk a bit that day.
Somewhere in the middle of that I asked her "What sums up your life so far? What are your achievements? What, when you look back makes you proud?"
Before the sentence was complete she said "Nothing"
and that stunned me into silence.
I did not know what to say next.
Now, here's a woman who's an IT Professional with a Master's degree. She succesfully manages home and work and has an adorable daughter who's just started school. That in itself is an achievement isnt it?
We spoke more that day and we got to learn about stuff that made her happy and stuff that she was good at and all that but I barely remember any of that.
If someone asked me the same, I would probably answer it with an awkward joke, saying perhaps "Bangalore is still standing" or "Who has the time to achieve anything with deadlines like those in our project?"
But truth of the matter is there arent too many things I am proud of.
Oh, dont get me wrong, I take pride in being where I am today.I am content with life.
I know that if I push myself harder I will go where I want to reach faster(I will eventually even if I dont and that is my cushion ;))
I am who I am. I know it took my parents support and standing in society to get me to a point but at some point my individuality does seep in.

So, why dont I feel like I have achieved anything.
Because I have never worked hard for anything in life. Ever.
I have a wonderful family(husband included ;))
My health has been fair enough to me.
I have never wanted for money.
I studied because everybody does.
I took up a professional course since I never really wondered where my true 'skills/interest' lie.
I got into the 'working' chapter of life in the 2nd interview.
I have great friends.
I love life and never need to search for a reason to be happy.

So, why dont I feel like I have achieved anything.
Do I feel an achievement is something that happens in rarity? I mean, that above description fits at least 40 girls I know.(yeah, I know 40 girls !! )
Maybe.

So, why dont I feel like I have achieved anything.
Maybe it because I know I am capable of more but I stay satisfied with now and this.

Ask a simple question. Sigh.
Hey R, Happy birthday !

3 comments:

Anonymous August 1, 2008 at 5:57 PM  

R, hope you have a wonderful year.

ahem myths, this is so you,contemplating on things which others would rather sweep under the carpet ;)

wonder what my achievements are...

where is that Lizol when you need it...che che

Shriram August 2, 2008 at 5:15 AM  

Hey, nen car kalthiddu helLe illa. :) Anyway R ge nan kande inda Happy Belated B'day (Belated treat nen kodssu). Yella ok yavaglu question yakke?

Prashanth August 4, 2008 at 3:20 PM  

All modest people would say they've accomplished nothing in life, cos no matter how much they have accomplished they know how much more is there.

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