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Me to Aadi, my 7 year old: What is the best gift you’ve received so far?
Aadi: Mumma Papa hugs and kisses
Me to Aadi: And what was the best part of vacation?
Aadi: Right now
It was the end of a wonderful vacation, and as Aadi prepared to head back to school, I decided to ask him about his favourite moments. Two nights ago, during our usual bedtime routine, I thought it’d be the perfect time to have a little chat.
As we sat snuggled on the bed, I started with a simple question, “Aadi, what’s the best gift you’ve ever received?” Without hesitation, he replied, “Mumma, Papa hugs and kisses.” His answer made me pause for a moment. I had expected something along the lines of his new Lego set or new Rubrik cube (he had been obsessed with it all vacation!), but no—it was something far simpler and infinitely more profound.
Curious, I followed up, “What was the best part of your vacation?” He looked at me, hugged me tightly, and said, “Right now, Mumma.” My heart melted. In that moment, Aadi’s words were a powerful reminder of the beauty of living in the present. For him, the highlight of his day wasn’t a past event or a future plan—it was the here and now, sharing a quiet, loving moment with me.
That conversation has stayed with me. It reminded me of how uncomplicated happiness is when we’re young.
Children find joy in connection, love, and the present moment. But as we grow older, we complicate it. We chase after material things—bigger houses, better jobs, and endless achievements—believing these will bring us lasting joy. Yet so often, they don’t.
Aadi’s words brought me back to the essence of true happiness. It’s not about what we acquire or how much we accomplish. It’s in the warmth of a hug, the laughter shared with loved ones, or the quiet comfort of being fully present.
As adults, we’re so busy “doing” that we forget how to simply “be.” Children, in their beautiful innocence, live entirely in the now. They remind us of what really matters. For Aadi, the best gift wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper, and the best part of his day wasn’t a grand event. It was feeling loved, safe, and content in that very moment.
That night, I learned an important lesson from my son: Happiness isn’t complicated. It’s often found in the simplest moments, in the connections we nurture, and in the love we share. Maybe, just maybe, the best part of our day can be “right now” if we choose to embrace it.
So tonight, pause. Hug someone you love, share a laugh, and let “right now” be enough. Sometimes, the simplest answers are the most profound.
Centering Thought:
Happiness is not in the chase, but in the moment.
Takeaway Practice:
Tonight, take a moment to pause. Hug someone you love, share a laugh, or simply sit in silence and appreciate the moment.
Connection Idea:
What’s the simplest moment that brought you joy recently? Reply to this email or share your story with someone you care about—it’s a beautiful way to reconnect.
Closing Thought:
Sometimes, the best part of your day can be “right now.” Let’s embrace it.
With love and light,
Deepali