When I was a little girl, I really wanted to have a sister. I remember, all the way up until I was 12 years of age, continuously harassing my mom. I was grateful for my older brother but I also wanted a sister. I so craved that close bond and friendship.
But my persistent nagging never really got any action or reaction, for that matter, from my mom. At the time, in India, there was a huge campaign being run by the government to try and control the population. They encouraged all couples to have only two children. (Obviously, wasn’t so successful.) But my parents and many others in their age group certainly followed the “Hum Do, Hamare Do” (meaning the two of us and our two). My dream of having a sister and a built in best friend was sacrificed in the interest of the country.
But I have discovered over the years, when you really want something from the core of your heart, the universe delivers. It may deliver in ways that you could never imagine, but it delivers. As I look at my life, I am humbled by the incredible women I have the privilege of calling my friends. From my two amazing daughters; my beautiful mom; my charming sister-in-law; my village friends; my school friends; college friends; relations turned into friends; met along the journey of life friends; my husband’s friends’ wives turned into friends; my children’s friends’ moms turned into friends; younger friends; older friends; and of course to now the new media friends; they are all amazingly beautiful women.
I have learnt so much from each and everyone of them. Today I feel strong; fearless; courageous; peaceful and whole because they have been my support; my strength; my inspiration; and my courage. I am so thankful for all the love and support I have been given by them through out. Needless to say that void in my life is now overflowing.
I wanted to pen a tribute to the beauty and the extraordinary spirits of these women. Every day they choose to get up, face their fears, work through the challenges, make compromises, endure the difficulties, be there for everyone, stay strong and march on with a smile on their face.
Yet when they look in that mirror (myself included), they fail to see the real beauty that resides within them. They are constantly caught up in trying to measure up to the illusion of perfection so perfectly crafted by society. This false image never fails to reminds them they are not enough. Not smart enough, not pretty enough, not tall enough, not slim enough, not strong enough, etc., etc. This tape plays non-stop and it needs to stop.
As women, we need to remind each other just how beautiful we are in our perfectly imperfect ways. So next time you look in that mirror, my friend, I hope you see what I see.
It’s time to courageously own our beautiful, authentic being and embrace the real inner beauty. It’s time to help each other realize that beauty. The next time you look in the mirror, I hope you see what I see…
This post was inspired by the last post I wrote on The 10 Secret Of Aging Gracefully.
With lots of love,
Devinder 💖
18 Comments
Maninder Grewal
Beautifully expressed my dear friend. Your love and encouragement will boost a morale of any girl friend who ever feel any lesser. Thank you💕
Devinder Maan
That is so sweet my dear friend. Thank you for your unconditional and unwavering support always. Means the world 💖.
Bushra
Awe Devinder, I had the same feelings growing up. I had lost my sister when she was five and I was 6. I never missed her until I was a grown-up girl. All my life I was a tomboy just like my brothers. But when I was pregnant with my first child, I was so hoping that I would get a girl and God blessed us with two gorgeous girls and one little boy. Life couldn’t be better than this. Love your poem. I always admire you.
Devinder Maan
Bushra, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how much you would have missed her growing up with all brothers. Those daughters sure fill that void. God bless you and your beautiful family. I am so glad our paths crossed and I am forever grateful for you support. Lots of love to you 💖.
Annie Mann
So well expressed yes we all need to see these things in ourselves and our sisters and friends. Thank you for all your thought provoking writing and than sharing it with us. Stay blessed always my sister
Devinder Maan
I am so glad you liked the post!! Absolutely, we need to left each other and ourselves up and realize the true inner beauty that makes us all so beautiful and unique. Thank you for your tremendous support always. You know that means the world to me my dear sister. Lots of love always 💖.
Karry
Such a beautiful blog and poem is just priceless ❤️❤️ I’ve never met but it feels like I’ve know you forever! Love you sister😘
Devinder Maan
That is so sweet Karry. I love how social media connects like minded people. I look forward to meeting you in person sometime soon. So glad you liked the blog and the poem. Your support and encouragement means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to read and visit the blog. Sending you lot of love sister 💖.
Pam Chahal
Love to read your blogs n take pride in knowing you as a friend, especially after reading the tribute to friends. You are surely an inspiration to all of us…
Devinder Maan
Thank you so much Pam. I am glad you enjoy reading the blog. I am blessed to have you as a friend and appreciate your encouragement always 💖! Look forward to your support for the blog.
Dollie
Like I said earlier you do weave your words beautifully to Express your thoughts….I can totally relate to this feeling of having a sister,a soulmate and a best friend. Have been fortunate..to have one in my life…and believe me its the best relationship….keep them coming….
Devinder Maan
Thank you so much Dollie for your feedback and kind words. I truly appreciate it and keeps me motivated to keep going. How wonderful that you are blessed with such a beautiful relationship with your sister!! God bless your bond 💖.
Erica
The world needs more people that think & act like you, Devinder! Spreading love, positivity & encouragement ❤️. If heads of state & policymakers behaved in the same way as you, we’d be much better off!
Devinder Maan
You are so kind and sweet Erica!! We went to a “Mindvalley Reunion” last month and one of the speakers was Marianne Williamson (an author and spiritual leader and hopeful for the Presidential race candidate) and that is what she spoke about. People unit for war and hatred but the universe needs to unit in love and peace!
Michelle
What a sweet post! I had a stepsister growing up and I would get so excited when it was time for her to stay with us. Then we would fight and I couldn’t wait for her to leave! We don’t really have a relationship now. I can say that I’ve had better sisters that were not blood related. 🙂
Devinder Maan
I am glad you enjoyed the post Michelle. Relationships can be so complicated especially blood relations. Its a good thing we get to choose our friends and friends can fill any relationship void indeed. Cheers to the wonderful girlfriends 💖.
Rami
As always Lovely post ! I was very fortunate to grow with my two loving sisters who always showed me their love and affection. I was youngest among them and was well looked after. In my life so far I always respect women in all aspects. I cannot express how fortunate I am to have you, my loving sister-in-law, who throughout has been supportive and affectionate to me. I love you for your loyalty!
Devinder Maan
Thank you so much Rami! It must be so playful and wonderful growing up with two caring sisters and then you got one more after getting married. Lucky girl! It is a blessing to have you in the family. Love you always!!