The Best Birthday Gift

The two childhood friends Anjali and Meera met after a long time. Though being in the same city, time has always been a challenge for them. But today was a different day since it was Anjali's birthday and Meera didn't want to miss this golden opportunity.

Anjali and Meera had been buddies since school days and, the bond they shared grew stronger and stronger.

Though being buddies, they were a completely different person. Meera always had a positive approach to life; whereas Anjali was always pondering on the troubles in life.

Anjali was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, born in a rich family, she had a pretty comfortable life, yet she struggled with her demons. Her parents loved her and provided everything even before she named it. She had had everything in her life still, yet she always felt the void in her life.

For Meera, things were not easy. Her father died when she was very young, hence was raised by her mother. Life was a struggle for her, however, her mother was such a strong and confident lady that Meera never realised that her father was not around. She took care of her and, Meera loved her mother more than anything else.

For Meera, her Mother was an inspiration, she always looked up to her. Her mother, never stopped to amaze her, how wonderful she was. Even amid crises, she managed her cool and always found a way out. She had never seen her mother stressed no matter how rough things were in life. She always seemed happy there was always a smile on her face.

There was something about her always happy that intrigued Meera, how could someone be so happy always?

Was this possible? Was happiness a choice? How could I follow my mother's footstep and be always happy?

These questions were bothering her too much and, so one fine day, she decided to confront her mother.

She was eager to know what was the secret behind being "Happy"?

Meera - Mom, I love you a lot, and you impress me, as to how can you be always happy? Even when things are not in a favourable condition?

Mom, you know, you are my inspiration, you have imbibed such good values in me that has changed my perspective towards life. Would you teach me how to be always happy?

Meera's mom looked at her, hugged her and said, "Yes, baby, Offcourse I will share the secret. I am ecstatic that you asked me for this. You know this is no ordinary secret, this was shared by mom, when I was young. And when you came into my life, I had decided to pass on the secret to you.

Now, you must be thinking, why I did not share this secret with you yet, because my mom took a promise from me that I shall not share this secret till the time someone specifically asks for it. 

And you know, this rule for there, you don't ask for it, until you are prepared for it. You wish to embrace happiness for life and that's why today, you have approached me to get this secret.

Meera, before I share this secret with you, I need one promise from you, you'll not wait for someone to ask this secret from you, instead, whenever in life you meet anyone who could use this secret and, this could help the person, you'll share this secret with that person.

That person could be anyone and that person needs to forward this secret to another person in need of the same.

Let me get that box for you, that has the secret ingredients and share it with you.

Her mother handed over a small unique box and asked her to open it. As she opened it, she saw there was a paper in the box, that had the secret ingredients of happiness.

After reading the secret ingredients of happiness, Meera's life changed drastically. She got everything she had dreamed of, her professional life, personal life could have never been better than this. But more importantly, she was happy.

Today after seeing Anjali, Meera knew her friend was going through a tough phase and hence decided to help her friend to be happy.

Meera - Anjali, You know Life is challenging, but even in the midst of it, you can always choose "Happiness".

I came across an interesting "The Let Go List" that talks about the secret ingredients of welcoming the most favourite guest '"Happiness" in our lives forever.

So, today on your b'day I am sharing the secret ingredients with you; try it, my friend this works like magic.

But before I share it with you, let me tell you that this was shared by my mother. These ingredients transformed my life my dear friend and I am sure this would transform yours too.

However you need to promise me, you'll not keep these secret ingredients to yourself, but would share them with anyone who needs it. Don't break this chain, your one small effort could bring a big difference in someone's life.

She then handed over the small piece of paper to Anjali that read as follows:

The Let Go List to welcome "Happiness in your Life:

1. Need for approval

2. Need to impress others

3. Dwell in the past.

4. Resistance to change.

5. Negative self-talk

6. Limiting Beliefs

7. Blaming others

8. Complaining

After reading the list, Anjali was in tears, she hugged Meera and said, "Thank you Meera, This is the best birthday gift I could have asked for. You don't know what you have done for me.

I promise you that I'll follow and practice these secret ingredients in my life and also I'll pass it on to someone who requires the same.

Meera said," You are welcome Anjali. Now, don't say "Thanks".Common now, let's eat. I am hungry. I hope you have made my favourite "Chole bature"

And as both friends, enjoyed their meals together, happiness was spreading its wings around them.