Reflective Writing

A change in perspective
It was when I turned eight, I realized that my mother was not accepted by her in-laws. She was a young,
beautiful and a wise girl belonging to a well to do family. Regardless of her young age she was mature
enough to handle any situation in the best possible manner. She can cook delish, is loyal to her husband,
caring for her two children and loves her in-laws equally as her own parents. She was also thrifty enough
to build her own house at just twenty eight. Moreover, she always finds a way to earn money. The
above mentioned traits are what many people want in their daughter in-law but it was not the case for
my paternal grandparents. They never liked her. It was in 2012 when I was studying in the second grade.
We had our annual ritual and hundreds of people gathered. My mother in front of everyone was chased
from the house that she had built with her own effort. Unlike other young women who are given
impressive care during pregnancy she had to milk the cows, cook for the family and perform all the
house chores as she normally would.

As a kid I held my mother in high regard for my comfort and as my role model. I perceived her strong
both emotionally and physically. I took trust in her for every small decision prior to the incident.

It was at that time I resented my grandparents' action and for some reason I resented my mother more.
She trusted people easily and even when people behaved belligerently towards her, she was fast to
forgive. I was aggrieved about her traits. This made me think I will never be like her. I thought to myself I
will always prioritize my comfort and fight for it. People are important in life but not more than
ourselves. Not everyone we meet can be part of our life, not everyone can be trusted. This particular
event shaped me to become who I am today.

Growing up I chose my circle of friends carefully. I observed people inside out before dealing with them,
I lost trust in people. I imagined the worst possible outcome for any relationship. This helped me thrive
independently and was able to avoid getting hurt but at the same time I grew pessimist, doubtful and
never had a peace of mind.

I have learnt that balancing our emotions is a salient feature in leading a contented life. We should not
thoroughly be pessimistic and avoid interactions instead a person should be fun and interactive. That
being said one should be bounded by rationality and always be on guard against destructive
interrelations.