Happy Birthday to Asha!

Past weekend, we celebrated Asha’s 12th Birthday.

She didn’t sign-up to be my guinea pig in parenting as the first-born, but she has embraced the role with immense love, patience, and forgiveness. She really makes me wake up every morning wondering what good karma I must have accomplished in my past life to be her mom in this one.

Her birthday included bowling and hanging out with some of her friends, followed with dinner with family at one of our favorite dosa restaurants, and capping the night with a game of monopoly which we managed to finish in one go (thanks to some really good scheming learned from her cousin).

It really was the best birthday yet.

Before Asha came along, my ability to look at life was limited to how I could please others. It isn’t the best way to feel fulfilled as you can imagine, but I grew up a people pleasure and so it remained for a long time.

But now, with Asha in my life, every problem that stumps me, I tend to turn it around and imagine what I would say to Asha if this was her situation. And let me tell you, the answer jumps out so quickly. Like DUH!

I have become more sure of myself. I have learned to stand up for things I believe in even if they are different from what others expect. I have never loved myself this strongly. I have never felt so happy for being just as I am.

All because my first born is a girl named Asha.

Happy Birthday Asha, May you always be surrounded by happiness and kindness no matter what life brings. I love you.