Happy WOW-men’s Day!

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

I agree with Jim on this. Today is Women’s Day, and I want to celebrate by talking about five wonderful women who have – directly, indirectly – inspired me, motivated me, and helped enrich my life. My lovely mom and aunt are very dear to me, and are my strength and inspiration. But, today I am looking beyond home and family. Each of these five women has an amazing trait, an enviable quality or a wonderful habit. Something that I’ve always admired, marveled at, or secretly wished I had in abundance. I am just an average girl with dreams and aspirations, but I realize more time I spend with them, I turn into a better version of me.

ABHA – She knows how to open up her soul to happiness and freedom.

I feel I’ve known Abha all my life…it’s been 20 years! She lives in New Jersey. Abha, her husband and I studied in the same university, so whenever we meet, it’s a triple bonanza. She is family to me; I feel warm, safe and comfy in her care. Abha and I are intimate phone buddies. We discuss feelings. We discuss pleasure and pain. We discuss job woes. We discuss dilemmas. Sometimes we also discuss recipes. She is an extraordinarily articulate, wise, and a rational person. Plus, a great listener. So most of the time, we don’t talk, we converse.

Every one of us is vulnerable. But, only few can be vulnerable and comfortable. I envy this amazing trait – her emotional honesty. With me, she likes to keep it real. She is not guarded. She doesn’t wear this “Life is great” mask. She tells me when she is sad, angry or feeling helpless. I can let my naked emotions run through my writings. But, it’s the talking part that makes me uncomfortable. I am this flawed, twisted, not-so-strong person who likes to live in her lacquered shell. But now, I have started opening up, at least with few people. And as I’m shedding my emotional burden, I’m becoming lighter and freer.

PRAJAKTA – If she were a juggler, she would be up there!

I met Prajatka in 2011 through one of the meet up groups. What I like the most about our relationship is the “easy”, “breezy” factor. With her, there is never a pause, never an awkward or a dull moment. Somehow we always have a lot of things to talk about, and fortunately, we don’t have to bitch about others to keep our conversations interesting. She is my go-to girl, my Angie’s list, and my source for new discoveries.

Prajakta has a lot on her plate, with family, friends, work, hobbies, fitness, and a bustling social calendar. It is a lot of work but she makes it look all easy. Kudos at her ability to juggle different roles and responsibilities, and also dazzle at the end. What I admire the most about her is, she always makes time for her friends. Whether it is a girl’s night out or a sleepover party or bringing couple of ladies for lunch, she is always cooking up something fun! Full, dynamic, balanced, and pretty satisfying – I think that’s what her life feels like.

RESHAM – This girl sees the glass half full, and more.

Resham used to live in my apartment building before she moved to Tampa. Whenever we, Resham, her husband, my husband and I meet, we literally bring the house down. We drink like a fish. We hog like a pig. Play cards. We swear. We talk sense. We blabber nonsense. Emotions fly. We laugh, and sometimes cry too. There’s mayhem, ecstasy, and total entertainment when we are together.

I am in love with her positive attitude. She (and her husband) has this amazing ability to see sunshine even on cloudy days. There is always hope inside her. There is always a better day, a warmer night, and a brighter future in her head. Even as an H4 wife – the dreaded situation – she was happy, and constructive. She kept busy by reading, honing her technical skills, even helping an acquaintance with his pet project. What I also like is her liberal mind, and her willingness to try new things.

PRIYANKA – Where passion rules the heart!

Priyanka is my dance instructor, and I have been attending her Bollywood classes for two and a half years.

She is a wife, a mother of two, a doctor, and a danseuse. She works at a reputed hospital and also conducts dance classes, three or four times a week, at various locations. Only a superhuman or a human with a maniacal passion can do that! Priyanka is a bundle of energy, and she dances like a wildfire. What I admire is her enthusiasm and determination to continue her passion after having kids and a demanding career. Most married people, especially women, focus so much on the “we” and “us” that they forget the “I” factor. They forget that it’s important to nurture the “I” so that “we” and “us” can be happier.

KALA – Where “yes” is always the first and only choice.

With Kala, it was an instant connection because we had a lot of things in common. Fitness, salads, walks, dance, Maharashtra, and like me, she also liked trying new activities. Soon, she became my friend and my partner in crime. She used to live in Dallas, but now she moved to another city. However, in a short span of time, we have created some long-lasting memories.

Kala is a “Yes” girl, and this is such an enviable quality to have! “Kala, there is a Bollywood party in town, will you come?” Yes, definitely! “Kala, I am going for Hot Yoga tomorrow, will you come?” Oh, Yes! “Kala, I heard about this new fad called Salt Yoga, would you like to try?” Yes! “Kala, can we meet for lunch tomorrow at this new salad place?” Yes, I love salads! “Kala, the weather is gong to be beautiful tomorrow, want go for a hike?” Oh, yes, I’ll pack some sandwiches too. I miss her, my dear Kala. But, whenever she is in town, we meet and continue to create more memories.

I am a better friend, and I value friendship more. I am a positive person, and I keep hope alive. I say, “Yes” to opportunities, and to life in general. I dance like no one is watching me, and pursue my other hobbies with equal gusto. I express myself better, and I’m not hiding anymore. Many thanks to these WOW-men for helping me grow, evolve and become a better person.

Happy Women’s Day!

Is there anyone who motivates and inspires you?