PURPOSE OF LIFE - "THE TRIP"

     The other day my friend aske me - " what's your goal in life?" OMG !! I don't have a goal ! And I never thought I should have one..
     When I was in college, my purpose of life ( POL ) was to finish off studying and find a job. I was'nt even sure of the type of the job I wanted ! But, then I had met my husband and got married. "THE JOB" took a back seat. Now, my POL was to have a home, and we did have one - right from the scratch ! Next, the focus shifted to my kids and to be the bestest mom. I am one. I have tried to be a loving and good daughter to my ailing mom...then, my POL was to make her happy. So, all through my life, my POL have been short term and achievable goals or purposes.
     There are people, specifically woman, who do all these things and much more. But, does this make me any less of a person?? I am happy and content. Isn't that a purpose in itself? I do things which I like, at my own pace, things that give me satisfaction - be it reading, yoga, gym or something as mundane and routine as cooking. Not having a goal does'nt make me a shallow person. I am not lazy or laid back, nor am I giving excuses. I know my limitations and accept myself for what and who I am.
      In the movie, ' The Last Samurai ', the Samurai warrior stands admiringly before a perfectly blossomed cherry tree and says :
 " A perfect blossom is a rare thing,
   You could spend your life looking for one.
   And it would not be a wasted life."

No TV Day

Today is "NO TV DAY" and there has been a stand-off between me and my son. Why? cos' he is addicted to TV. TV has not only invaded our homes but have practically taken over our lives! Our outings, our shopping, our lunch and dinner time are scheduled around TV progammes.
     My elder daughter, being in 9th standard, does'nt have much time for TV..not as much as my son. On weekdays because of his school timings, he cannot switch on the box first thing in the morning. But on weekends, it is TV first thing in the morning, even before he brushes his teeth ! He cannot have his breakfast, lunch or dinner without TV. The first thing he does after coming back from school is to switch the damn thing on! Then the rest follows...
     So, how did he get addicted? Must admit, though sheepishly, that I am the culprit. This is one of the major disadvantages of a nuclear family....well, most families. When our kids are still babies, our hands are full juggling between household chores and the needs of the baby. So, the TV is switched on...used as an instrument of distraction so that I could finish with my chores.
    Today, I am adamant and not giving in to his demands. And he is adamant that he will irritate me. Usually when the TV is on in our house, he plays with his football or practices his TT, adding to the already blaring decible levels. Today, he does'nt want to do any of it...does'nt want to go down and play with his friends, nor want to call them over to our place for a game of chess or carrom, does'nt want to read books, does'nt want to play on computer.....none of it !. So, the whinning and sighing continues from his side...the reasoning and the threatening from my side. He knows I am on the verge of losing my cool and I know I am going to give in to get him off my back...so the stand off continues.