Ma, Me & Mangoes - Episode 26: Where you sow, you reap.

This conversation took place in February 2025, on the serene banks of the River Ganges during the Maha Kumbh Mela.

It was a deeply reflective moment that reignited my desire to continue writing the Ma, Me & Mangoes series, nearly three years since the last episode.

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Ma and I had taken a flight to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

A long-overdue trip and some much-needed mother-son time. After years of back-to-back work, deadlines, travels and never-ending Zoom calls, I was finally slowing down.

We sat quietly by the Ganges, the evening aarti filling the air with chants and lamps floating like fireflies on the water. That’s when Ma gently nudged me.

Ma: Chinmay, so many of my friends and relatives keep asking me, “Why isn’t Chinmay posting the Ma, Me & Mangoes stories anymore?” They say they miss it!

Me: (Smiling) That’s nice to hear, Ma.

You know, being here, just sitting by the river with you, it reminded me why I started this series in the first place.

Ma: Hmm… so, now seem to have slowed down a bit, tell me, what’s been on your mind lately?

Me: Something simple, yet profound - What you sow, so you reap.

Ma: (Nodding) Of course! That’s age-old wisdom.

Me: Yes, but more wisdom lies in the extended version - Where you sow, there only you can reap.

Ma: Hmm… explain.

Me: For years, I invested my time and energy into work with long hours, building my business, training, networking, you name it. But I realized that while I was ‘sowing’ in my professional field, I was expecting to ‘reap’ a happy and fulfilling family life.

Ma: (was looking at me without blinking her eyes)

Me: Yes, I have realized, that’s not how it works!

I can’t work 16 hours a day in the office and expect my relationship with my wife and children to be fantastic.

Ma: (was thinking if I will continue or she should say something. And then she did after a brief pause)

Ah, like watering only one row of mango trees and expecting the whole orchard to thrive.

Relationships, just like mango trees, need time and nurturing. You can’t plant a seed today and expect mangoes tomorrow.

Me: Exactly!

I made a conscious decision to invest time in my family to set things right, to rebuild trust. And because of that, my business and other activities had to take a back seat for a while.

Ma: That was wise I suppose. And now?

Me: I’ve found a new balance, Ma.

Not perfect, but getting there. And with that, I’m ready to refocus on my work with boundaries and with awareness.

Ma: There's another wisdom in it, Chinmay,

"you cannot reap before you sow, and you cannot reap immediately after you sow."

Everything needs time to grow. And remember, And if you sow tomatoes, you won’t get mangoes!

Me: (Laughing) So true, Ma!

Ma: So, what are you going to sow next?

Me: More stories, yes, Ma, Me & Mangoes stories!

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Reflections for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs:

Over the past few years, I’ve realized a few fundamental truths that I believe will resonate with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs:

• Where you sow, you reap: Time is a seed. If you plant it only in business, don’t expect deep family bonds or inner peace to magically appear. Choose your fields wisely.
• Patience is key: Just like farming, both business and relationships require nurturing. You cannot expect overnight results. Allow things to take root.
• Priorities require intention: You can’t be everywhere, do everything, and expect excellence. Decide what matters now, and invest in that.
• You can’t sow tomatoes & expect mangoes: Don’t sow anxiety and expect peace. Don’t invest in shallow wins and expect legacy. Actions and outcomes must match. Misaligned actions will never produce the desired outcomes.

Finally, this might sound philosophical,

• Life happens in seasons: Some seasons are for scaling. Others are for healing. Embrace the now. Regrowth often starts after rest.

So, dear readers,

What are you sowing today?

And more importantly, where?😊

#MaMeAndMangoes #BusinessLessons #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessStorytelling