<p>Austerity of speech is a difficult habit to imbibe but certainly not impossible. Think before you speak is a popular adage which is used extensively when tempers flare and bitter words tumble out of our mouth. It’s quite easy to let anger win over us and weaken familial bonds, however it takes a lot of will power and empathy to defeat rage. But conflicts can get resolved if one person at least decides to practice austerity of speech.</p>.<p>Here, I must narrate a true-life story of my maternal aunt who through austerity of speech and positive demeanor overcame many life’s struggles, thereby becoming a role model for me and probably many others who were fortunate to cross her path. My aunt was quite young when she married my mother’s younger brother over 4 decades ago. Born and brought up in a remote village near Sringeri with ten siblings, she entered our household as a coy bride in awe of the city life and the anxiety of living with a new family. </p><p>Adjusting to the idiosyncrasies of her in-laws, husband and brother-in-law was no mean task but she sailed through with flying colors thanks to her consistent efforts in speaking consciously and responsibly. Soon, relatives and neighbors started taking notice of her kind and helpful nature and she quickly earned the sobriquet of an ideal woman. Be it in dealing with a short-tempered father-in-law or cooking for a dozen unannounced guests, she seldom displayed her angst or displeasure.</p>.Fathers must embody love.<p>“My mother would cook with a smile for over 30 people at a time, I have picked up many tips from watching her manage a huge family”, she would often tell me. It’s true that parents play a pivotal role in transmitting their values and beliefs to their children and Vasudha aunty was a fine example of that. </p>.<p>However, life tested her without mercy by repeatedly throwing tough challenges in her way.</p>.<p>She would buckle down, albeit temporarily and rise like a phoenix, to become a best version of herself. To sum it up, her life’s journey taught me that each challenge that we confront and overcome can make us stronger and wiser.</p>.<p>In fact, she is one of the few people whom comes closest to living up to the meaning of her name –Vasudha translates to Earth or the one who contains all. In Indian mythology, the Earth is personified as a goddess who provides sustenance and nourishment to all living beings- She is all this and much more!</p>
<p>Austerity of speech is a difficult habit to imbibe but certainly not impossible. Think before you speak is a popular adage which is used extensively when tempers flare and bitter words tumble out of our mouth. It’s quite easy to let anger win over us and weaken familial bonds, however it takes a lot of will power and empathy to defeat rage. But conflicts can get resolved if one person at least decides to practice austerity of speech.</p>.<p>Here, I must narrate a true-life story of my maternal aunt who through austerity of speech and positive demeanor overcame many life’s struggles, thereby becoming a role model for me and probably many others who were fortunate to cross her path. My aunt was quite young when she married my mother’s younger brother over 4 decades ago. Born and brought up in a remote village near Sringeri with ten siblings, she entered our household as a coy bride in awe of the city life and the anxiety of living with a new family. </p><p>Adjusting to the idiosyncrasies of her in-laws, husband and brother-in-law was no mean task but she sailed through with flying colors thanks to her consistent efforts in speaking consciously and responsibly. Soon, relatives and neighbors started taking notice of her kind and helpful nature and she quickly earned the sobriquet of an ideal woman. Be it in dealing with a short-tempered father-in-law or cooking for a dozen unannounced guests, she seldom displayed her angst or displeasure.</p>.Fathers must embody love.<p>“My mother would cook with a smile for over 30 people at a time, I have picked up many tips from watching her manage a huge family”, she would often tell me. It’s true that parents play a pivotal role in transmitting their values and beliefs to their children and Vasudha aunty was a fine example of that. </p>.<p>However, life tested her without mercy by repeatedly throwing tough challenges in her way.</p>.<p>She would buckle down, albeit temporarily and rise like a phoenix, to become a best version of herself. To sum it up, her life’s journey taught me that each challenge that we confront and overcome can make us stronger and wiser.</p>.<p>In fact, she is one of the few people whom comes closest to living up to the meaning of her name –Vasudha translates to Earth or the one who contains all. In Indian mythology, the Earth is personified as a goddess who provides sustenance and nourishment to all living beings- She is all this and much more!</p>
