Turning 18 - A letter to my daughter

Turning 18 is a big deal indeed. Isn't it ?  It’s your birthday Tanjal!  

As we celebrate your Legal Milestone in New York with your best time ever with us and have a toast of your first drink together, I thought I'd share something with you that could be immortalized on the web so you may read it again and again anytime you want. 

I know you may not like advice any more but trust me everything that I write here for you is not a piece of advice.  As I share many of my experiences with you, treat these as some of those.

Be yourself. - No one is better at being you than you are, so just be yourself. Being a pleasant person to be around will follow you everywhere you go. Think highly of yourself without being haughty. Keep your pride in check. Give it your all.

Recognize Fallibility—Although you should strive to be your best self at all times, it's okay to make mistakes. It goes without saying that no one is flawless and that we all make errors. I have made a lot of those too.  Give yourself a break. No one is immune to worry. Of course, mistakes are inevitable. There will be moments when you are negative, irritable, or cranky. This is true; instead of moping, forgive yourself, and get over it. 

Finding perfection does not lie in existing perfectly, but rather in giving our all in the present moment.

Treat Other People With Kindness—Just as you would like to be treated by yourself. Always act kindly. Be nice even when others aren't or won't return the favour. The finest among us are generous, according to what I read; the way we treat others who can't assist us is a reflection of who we are. Of course, this doesn't imply grovelling; it just means being considerate, sympathetic, and helpful when you can.

I know you always do but just want to reiterate to keep your head held high and stand firmly for what you believe in. Take a stand for justice. Whether it's a big or little decision, always use your best judgment and discretion. Always be ready to do what's right, even if it means being unpopular.

Engage your curiosity and keep an open mind. Investigate. Find out. Gather as much information as you can on a wide range of topics. In addition to enhancing your imagination, this will help you find surprising connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. Fresh eyes will be opened to you. Prepare to be surprised. You can use them to identify the prejudices and preconceptions that you hold.

Actively marvel and maintain a sense of awe. Take in all that you can. The wonders of nature should never cease to astound you. Stay alert and aware.  Appreciate the mundane. 

Express gratitude - Show gratitude. When the smallest things bring you joy, life becomes a joyful adventure. Enjoy the little things in life because someday you'll realize they were the big things.

Always remember How Beautiful You Are—Because you are. Inside and out, you are precisely who you are. There will be moments when you will be aware of your beauty even though you do not feel it.

Do what you love and the money will follow- Find your IKIGAI - 

Put People First - Relationships should always take precedence over material possessions. 

Accept Just Enough - Have grand aspirations and work toward greatness, but always remember that you are sufficient in your own right. You are not obligated to accomplish anything or become anything. 

Put This List Away — Success and pleasure aren't lists of components or formulae, therefore any decent piece of advice is worth ignoring. 

Being a school topper in board, excelling in all competitions, authoring your first ever book at the age of 17 and a lot more that you have done in your life so far.  Just don’t let that get to your head. Life is always about being the best Human that you can be and I am sure you will become one.

Making us proud always.

Cheers to those crazy moments of taking quirky photos and Dad Jokes that you hate.

Happy Birthday once again..