The Dominoes Learning

Jaya was a very hard-working woman, she always ensured to give 100% to her work, but at the same time, she was unaware that she was getting trapped in stress. Especially post work from home, her working hours had increased. And to make the situation worst, she never said no to anyone in the office, even if it meant she had to work on Sundays. And as a result, many times she ended up doing her team's work also. Office work was getting pretty stressful for her, sadly she had not talked to anyone.

She had a beautiful family, her husband Akshay who was very supportive and loving and adorable 8-year-old girl Khushi. 

Akshay worked with an IT firm and well understood the side effects of stress as a result, he ensured he maintained his balance. Not only this he supported Jaya in all possible ways so that she too could stay away from stress.

He often used to say, Jaya, Life can be pretty stressful sometimes, but what helps is finding a way to address and reduce your stress. But Jaya instead of understanding the role of stress denied it and mocked that Akshay was thinking too about stress.

She was having a tough time at work she was under extreme stress, unfortunately, was struggling to address the issue. 

Even Khushi noticed that her mom didn't look happy, she was not able to spend too much time with her. She said one day to her dad, 'Papa, does Mumma not love me or have I been a bad kid that she doesn't like spending too much time with me. The whole day either she is on her laptop or calls. I understand she works, but even on Sundays, she is working. I don't get to spend time with her. My friends tell me how their Mumma spends time with them, plays games with them, read them bedtime stories, has so much fun together, why I am deprived of it.

I know you spend a lot of time, I love playing with you Papa, but I miss Mumma a lot. It looks as if though being in the house, she is not with us.

Akshay was listening quietly to her, he could relate very well to what Khushi was trying to share. He gave a smile to Khushi and said, Khushi it's nothing like that. You know very well your Mumma loves you a lot. And yes, you are a very good kid, no doubt about it.

Kiddo, you know Mumma got promoted recently and you remember we were watching the Spiderman movie, in which there was a quote, "With Great power, Comes Great Responsibility. Now since great power has been bestowed to your Mumma, her responsibilities have also increased.

I guess we need to help Mumma to understand some important life lessons. I have some ideas, but I would need your help to execute it. This game would help Mumma to understand what she's missing in Life. So tell me, are you up for this game?

Yes, Papa. If this can help Mumma, I'll be glad to play this game. You just tell me what to do, I'll do anything for her. I love her so so much, Khushi replied.

There was excitement in her eyes since this game was for her Mumma.

So, as per the plan on a Sunday Khushi was playing with Dominoes and asked her Papa and Mumma to play with her.

Akshay was excited to play with her, however, Jaya refused stating she had some office work to complete.

However, Khushi was also adamant that she would make Mumma play with her. She requested with her innocent and loving eyes, that Jaya agreed to play with her.

Jaya knew very well that she was not able to spend time with her family and this was the 1st time that Khushi had requested to play with her. Hence she finally agreed.

Khushi suggested all 3 of them would prepare buildings with their respective dominoes, and whoever prepares the tallest building first would be the winner.

And the winner needs to share the learnings from this activity.

Jaya was not aware that Khushi and Akshay had planned this to remind her of the important lessons of life. The game started and to everyone's surprise, Jaya won the game.

Jaya was so ecstatic to win the game, after a long time there was a big smile on her face. 

Seeing Jaya won the game, Khushi was more excited that their plan was working.

Now, Mumma since you have won the game, you need to share the learnings of this game, Khushi said to Jaya with a big smile.

Akshay noticed after a long time, there was a smile on Jaya's face, this small game uplifted her spirit. He was very happy for her. The plan was working, but they were yet to see the result.

Jaya was happy to share the following learnings with them:

# Dont give up.

# Try harder next time, instead of quitting.

# Difficulties in life are temporary, don't focus too much on them.

# Enjoy the journey instead of focusing on destination

# Learn to balance your Life.

# Take a break from stress and spend time with your family. It does wonder.

Akshay and Khushi clapped hearing the learnings shared by Jaya.

There was a spark on Jaya's face as if this simple game helped her to discover the important life lessons. While both of them were busy congratulating in wishing her and winding up the game, she was trying to connect the dots.

It didn't take her much time to connect the dots and instead of asking about their plan, she said, "Akshay, Khushi, Thank you so much for letting me understand the important life lessons. I got so lost in my work that I completely forgot these important chapters of life. I now understand that life can be stressful at times, but it's important to take a break and address the issue instead of running away from it.

Work-life balance is important and more important is to spend quality time with your family.

I can't change what happened in the past, but I can promise that I'll remember these important lessons and shall adopt the same.

I am blessed to have you both in my life. I understand very well, you both have planned this game, and let me tell you, it worked beautifully.

You are welcome Mumma, Khushi smiled and said. Akshay said, "You are always a welcome sweetheart. Anything for you.

At the same time, Jaya's phone pinged, there was some message from her office. Both Akshay and Khushi looked at each other.

To their surprise she ignored and said, Hey, let's watch some good movie today. You guys select the movie, I'll go and quickly prepare some popcorns and snacks to go with it.

When Jaya left for the kitchen, Akshay and Khusi both gave each other a big high five and said, "Yes, We did it.