Being a Naval Captain’s wife, I have had more
than my fair share of traversing through choppy tides and enjoying the calmness
of the sea. Life, as we all come to experience, is much like this. A couple of
weeks ago, an old friend called to congratulate me for the launching of our
second Kangaroo Kids preschool franchisee, at Lokhandwala. We go back quite a
number of years and we have always shared our trials and tribulations over cups
of coffee. I was pleased to know that she was doing pretty well for herself
too. As we filled each other details of other lovely developments, we reminisced
about the times, coincidentally, years ago, when we were both somewhat at a
standstill in terms of our respective careers.
The only thing that was constant was a strong
underlying sense of purpose – to create spaces that foster meaningful
education. Starting off something entirely on one’s own needs tremendous courage
also since self-doubt plagues you at many junctures. Most of the times, you are
your best counsel. There aren’t any shortcuts and no readymade answers. But, I
have come to experience that when your mind is still, answers come through. The
thing is to believe in oneself and get up after each fall and prepare for that
marathon, again. Even when it is about taking one single step at a time, do so, and
believe that things will fall in place.
Optimism is contagious and is critical if you
are fostering a team, aiming to reach a common goal – without, you know…
shortcuts. It is especially difficult when one is consumed by doubts which are
also very normal. The second third time when you are faced with challenges is when
you know that you must focus and what you can perhaps eliminate. Apart from
knowing your challenges one needs to work around them. Making people believe in
your vision and journey also is not hard but it route is longer, so it is
important to not lose your passion. It is a life-long journey of taking like-minded
people along with you and creating a repository of shared values and sharing
your life and work. Inculcating an empowering environment infused with fun,
humour - that is how great organisations are made. Schools are no different. In
fact, it matters even more to create a culture of respect, value and a
passionate commitment to serve your stakeholder/customer. In education of
course, our biggest stakeholder is our children.
Notwithstanding our biggest achievement of being
adjudged as among the top three preschools in the city by the reputed C-Fore
Education World Survey 2016, in just under four years of operations, when a
parent walks up to you and says that this schools has a soul which is why
children thrive here… That feeling is unparalleled. We live by celebrating the
smallest achievements of our children. So, when a two year old begins eating
his own chapatti, vegetables and fruits on his own, lays his own mat, says his
prayers and clears his table that brings a joy like no other.
Celebrate smallest joys with élan! It will change your life. In fact, even with my friend, as we discussed our experiences about the one thing which helped us, it was this – an unwavering sense of gratitude. We weren’t really surprised at all to find out that it was that had helped us stay afloat when tides were turned against us, so to speak. I have had plenty of people and friends share their experience of staying positive and grateful for the smallest of blessings and it has worked wonders. It did so for me too when the tides got rough and lo and behold, it did turn!
“Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.” — The Hausa of Nigeria
