Ok, I reveal that I am a middle aged woman now through this post. But, that's ok. I am enjoying my middle age more than my teenage :-)
20 years ago, I was a teenager. As expected, I was a rebel, more confident or Over-confident and was a dreamer. I was studious, had a specific goal unlike other teenagers though.
I think, in those days my focus was only on studies. Not on friends or fun. I regret those days now. I wasted my precious teenage years by only studying. How bad is that?
I was studious and got good marks always. Had been among the top 5 performers in the class but, you know the Indian Education system, right? It won't prepare you well enough for any job. I might have worked smarter than harder.
In the middle of my studies, after completing my 10th standard, I got more free time before joining Intermediate. That's when I started reading the Sherlock Holmes Series suggested by a friend. Till then, I didn't read any novel in my life except the English subject books.
Sherlock Holmes' stories were like a portal for me to an another world. I enjoyed thoroughly and tried searching for similar thrillers after that.
Anyways, I joined my college by that time and again my book reading hobby went to the background. But, I remember that year as the foundation to my love for books.
I used to respect my Parents and always followed their instructions. But, something changed in teenage.
I rebelled for the first time against the period taboos and traditions. I used to face severe cramps every month and my frustration used to double when I was not allowed to sleep on mattress or not allowed to touch anything at our home as per the custom.Here is my opinion on the taboo about period talk.
I felt, I needed luxury and comfort especially during that time which was not possible due to some traditions followed at home.
Those were a few memories 20 years ago. For many, teenage years are precious and they want to relive them if possible. But, for me, present is more beautiful than past.
I neither hate my past nor wish to relive it. Past is a foundation of whatever we are now. Every lesson, every failure in the past is contributed to our current success, right? What do you think?
Until next time,
This post is written as part of #WordsMatter blog hop hosted by Corinne, Parul and Shalini.
I received this tag from Holly Jahangiri at https://jahangiri.us/2017/. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Shalz at https://www.shalzmojo.in/. There are 29 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 1st, 2nd and 3rd November 2019. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
20 years ago, I was a teenager. As expected, I was a rebel, more confident or Over-confident and was a dreamer. I was studious, had a specific goal unlike other teenagers though.
Academics :
I think, in those days my focus was only on studies. Not on friends or fun. I regret those days now. I wasted my precious teenage years by only studying. How bad is that?
I was studious and got good marks always. Had been among the top 5 performers in the class but, you know the Indian Education system, right? It won't prepare you well enough for any job. I might have worked smarter than harder.
Books :
In the middle of my studies, after completing my 10th standard, I got more free time before joining Intermediate. That's when I started reading the Sherlock Holmes Series suggested by a friend. Till then, I didn't read any novel in my life except the English subject books.
Sherlock Holmes' stories were like a portal for me to an another world. I enjoyed thoroughly and tried searching for similar thrillers after that.
Anyways, I joined my college by that time and again my book reading hobby went to the background. But, I remember that year as the foundation to my love for books.
Rebellion :
I used to respect my Parents and always followed their instructions. But, something changed in teenage.
I rebelled for the first time against the period taboos and traditions. I used to face severe cramps every month and my frustration used to double when I was not allowed to sleep on mattress or not allowed to touch anything at our home as per the custom.Here is my opinion on the taboo about period talk.
I felt, I needed luxury and comfort especially during that time which was not possible due to some traditions followed at home.
Those were a few memories 20 years ago. For many, teenage years are precious and they want to relive them if possible. But, for me, present is more beautiful than past.
I neither hate my past nor wish to relive it. Past is a foundation of whatever we are now. Every lesson, every failure in the past is contributed to our current success, right? What do you think?
Until next time,
This post is written as part of #WordsMatter blog hop hosted by Corinne, Parul and Shalini.
I received this tag from Holly Jahangiri at https://jahangiri.us/2017/. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Shalz at https://www.shalzmojo.in/. There are 29 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 1st, 2nd and 3rd November 2019. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
Its great to see that you are living in the present and not dwelling on the past gone by Ramya - thats the best way to tackle all the hardships and pain of yesteryears.
ReplyDeleteThat's right Shalz. No one can change past but present is ours.
DeleteHey Ramya, I believe along the same lines. I don't regret my past but am enjoying my present in a better way.
ReplyDeleteIam glass you agree Geethica.
DeleteEvery experience leaves us richer with experience and knowledge. I am glad you enjoy your present more than your past. That is the best way to live.
ReplyDeleteRight Jyothi. Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteLife as a continuous learning experience. Each experience makes us who we are. Good to know that you believe in living in the present. Way to to, Mahathi!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shilpa. I believe that the past is our foundation to our happy present.
DeleteIt is a good thing that you stay in the present and don't dwell in the past. Staying in the present is indeed a good way to stay!
ReplyDeleteRight Shubra. Iam glad that you agree.
DeleteSherlock homes used to e my favorite too, I used to read Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew files, me and my friends used to love crime and detective stories, we were 4 of us, reading racoons, always reading something or other. I also remember the irritation I used to feel when my mom would advice me.. rebellll
ReplyDeleteI couldn't read all of Agatha Christie yet Menaka. Have to do that, I know hers are amazing.
DeleteI too am of the opinion that the present is far better than those past times. All the past experiences have contributed to making us who we are today - the good ones and the fights and the rebellions. I share the same sentiment with respect to the huge focus on academics in the teenage years and having no time for leisure reading. I actually began reading when I started working.
ReplyDeleteIam glad you can relate to it Anamika. I hope, I got introduced to good books earlier in my life.
DeletePast is once enjoyed and lived. Those experiences shaped us into who we are today. I like today better than 20 years ago. You are right, Mahathi, we studied a lot during those school days, but none of those exams equipped us better for real-life exams.
ReplyDeleteTrue! Most of what we learned in academics didn't help in our lives.
DeleteGood to know that you were a crusader against period shaming even back in the day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pragya.
DeleteOh I have a huge grudge against the Indian education system - it just doesn't teach you to think and reason or to meet the real world. I am glad you discovered Sherlock Holmes - what a wonderful way to be introduced to books and reading!
ReplyDeleteAlso, cheers on rebelling against the rubbish traditions regarding periods. It's cruel to do this to young girls already scared and uncomfortable.
Ya Tulika, it seems cruel to me to make girls uncomfortable during periods.
DeleteTeen years are the time you really find yourself and begin the fascinating journey into the real world. thanks for sharing your story
ReplyDeleteThanks Sunita.
DeleteI was not a rebellious teen but if anybody would have asked me to do prejudiced things during my periods then I would have certainly rebelled. I absolutely love the last line. Yes, we should use the past as a foundation to grow in future.
ReplyDeleteThanks Balaka.
DeleteAs I read the posts in this blog hop, I realise how young some of the bloggers really are! And all of you are managing to do so much! Manage kids and jobs and still find time to blog!And all of you are so open to learning life's lessons!
ReplyDeleteWe are trying to manage all Sunita.
DeleteAbsolutely agree with you - there are lessons in whatever we go through. We take take the lessons and move on, we grow. There is no point in regretting whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteRight Jyothi. No regrets but take only lessons.
DeleteI remember being rebel from a very young age and questioned every tradition. I hear you and understand what you went through at that age regarding the period taboo. I am thankful to my dad for standing up by me and not allowing my family to impose such restrictions on me. He was very clear about me and my sister getting all the comforts as usual even during periods. It was such a relief really.
ReplyDeleteThat's fortunate of you to have a family member supporting during periods.
DeleteThanks for giving us a peek into our teenage years. You are right that the past is our foundations. What you did not like, you now have the choice to change. To me, that's what being an adult means.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us on #WordsMatter, Ramya.