Life: A Journey of Give and Take

Srisal – a 12-year-old girl arrived at my home with her intention clear: she came to receive a signed copy of my book. But there was something more. As a return gesture, she handed over one of her beautiful paintings, a vivid piece of art reflecting her young yet focused mind.

As her mother Lakshmi Veeramani PMP®, PSM I sat alongside her expecting a conversation about the book, the focus shifted. I took interest in Srisal’s painting. What unfolded was the discovery of a young mind passionate about creativity and literature. Her focus in life surprised me. She is unaware of the so-called celebrities, the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and that Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are iconic couples. But she has a keen interest in researching William Shakespeare and Rabindranath Tagore. I learnt a new word from her - “old tongue”! By the way, she showed me the manuscript of a play that she is writing.

“Life is a journey of give and take”. Often, we believe that by giving, whether knowledge, guidance, or personal achievements, we inspire others. But in the act of taking - accepting a painting by a young artist and taking an interest in her world - the cycle of inspiration multiplies.

By avoiding the conventional path of preaching, and instead engaging in an authentic conversation, a new dynamic emerges. It is not just about talking, but also about listening; not just about teaching, but also about learning; not merely about touching someone’s life but allowing oneself to be touched. This is the essence of human connection, where giving and taking blend seamlessly into moments of mutual learning and inspiration!

So next time you find yourself in conversation with someone who has come to listen to you, try talking less and listening more, and experience the magic of life…