Mrs Funnybones: She's just like You and a lot like Me

by Twinkle Khanna

We always give our best when our back is against the wall. We will write a superlative essay when pushing hard against a deadline, make the most innovative presentation when our job is in jeopardy, and study the hardest when the exam is the next day. I wonder why most of us can only perform to our utmost when circumstances drive us, and then I realize that the few who push themselves are the ones who succeed. The driven, passionate ones give their best on ordinary days and that is why they are extraordinary.

Life is full of contradictions. We crave security and independence in equal measures.

Love in any relationship, family or an intimate friendship, is only about putting the other person’s needs ahead of your own, and that, my friend, is just as simple and as complex as you make it.

We teach our children to study hard, to strive to succeed, but do we teach them that it’s okay to fail? That life is about accepting yourself? That there is no stigma in seeking help? Our Indian culture is based on worshipping our parents. We grow up listening to words like ‘respect’, ‘obedience’ and ‘tradition’. Can we not add the

words ‘communication’, ‘unconditional love’ and ‘support’ to this list?

just like flying a kite. Sometimes you have to leave it loose, sometimes you have to hold on tight, sometimes your kite will fly effortlessly, sometimes you will not be able to control it, but even when you are struggling to keep it afloat and the string is cutting into your fingers, don’t let go.