Snowflakes: A New year's note of Gratitude to everyday heroes

2013 went by, and while nothing extraordinary has happened in my personal or professional life I think it was quite an incredible year because of all the unseen inner changes that happened, as I lived another year and went through my share of experiences, ups and downs. In growing a bit more, gaining a bit more strength and courage, in becoming myself more, and a little more loving, I also realized how blessed I've been to have so many inspirational people in my life.  

We lost a great idealist in 2013 - Nelson Mandela. But the values that Mandela, and others before him, fought for are not lost. I see them being lived everyday in my friends and family, as they fight their quiet little battles: The Heroes of our everyday world. And I'm incredibly fortunate, and honored, to have met you. You'll know who you are as you read on. 

I know a few inspiring individuals promoting female literacy in Bangladesh and neighboring countries. I know another fighting for polio eradication in Nigeria. Others striving to improve our healthcare systems, or simply being caring doctors, public or mental health professionals. Some helping to bring valuable Eastern traditions of Ayurveda or Chinese medicine to the West. Others doing their part to preserve our planet, working on environmental issues or helping conserve our oceanic wildlife. Some fighting for human rights. Others running marathons. Some bringing love, beauty and joy to this world through their music, songs, dancing or acting. Others doing it by way of their paintings, writing, pictures, pastries, cooking, building, charity work, or humor. Many going through much to bring little bundles of joy into this world, and then striving to be good parents, raising wholesome offspring - our important future. Others being amazing teachers, professors and mentors to our next generation. Many striving to work hard for their families. Many working hard at their relationships, not giving up on those they love, rather being there for them, caring enough to challenge them, and helping each other evolve. Others simply making the effort to smile or be helpful to a stranger, or some bringing love to pets adopted from animal shelters. Some taking their struggle against their own illnesses to help bring awareness to others. Some using their experience of grief to bring comfort to grieving kids. While others simply listened, or were shoulders on which friends could cry on. Some working to find cures to diseases. And others striving to make the world a little more philosophical, while taking on the hardships of a dual existence. 

Many falling, but having the courage to get back up again. Others willing to risk making mistakes, and learning from them. Some losing those they love and yet carrying on. Others willing to challenge the status quo, even if that may be a lonely path. And many willing to stand up for that which is right and good. 

And not to mention the amazing hardworking generation before ours, that instilled in us these values of bringing meaning to our lives through a sense of duty and commitment, putting in our best in all that we do, and being of service to the community. Some of who may not be with us anymore. 

And you may notice that I didn't mention a single nationality or religion. For my friends and family hail from anywhere and everywhere, are of different faiths or non-faiths, and yet remain united in the similarity of our strifes and joys. 

Like snowflakes, each one of us is uniquely beautiful, yet our substance remains the same. And each one of us has something special to contribute to this our world.  

So I start 2014 with an immense sense of gratitude to all you snowflake people, for letting me be a part of your struggles and happiness (even if just through facebook); for letting me learn through you; for inspiring me to be better; and for doing your part in our world, to make it a bit better, a bit more loving. For the great ocean is but a multitude of us tiny drops. And as Rumi says, within each drop is contained the ocean. And in the end, all that matters is how much we've loved.

P.S: On Jan 2nd, the day after I wrote this note, I awoke that morning to see a snowfall outside... and...intricately beautiful snowflakes stuck on my window...

When the heart opens up, magic happens :)