WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS MAKE LEMONADE

The lemon tree in my backyard was bursting with flowers; we were expecting a good harvest this year. A thunderstorm struck that evening.

In the morning, I found the drain clogged with flower petals, leaves, twigs, and shattered hopes of a bountiful harvest.

There was mud everywhere. Neither a shelter nor a form of life was visible in the vicinity.

The shades of mud, though captivating, did not evoke the response nature does. There was a rumbling, and the earth metres away from where I stood caved in. I shrieked. I had experienced an earthquake in my dream.

Perturbed as I was, the view outside the window was of little consolation. I could hear the rustling of tree leaves. I saw green stains of algal growth on the exterior walls of neighbours. All seemed as it was to be. A feeling of impending gloom had stayed behind.

The thought of making a pivot had often crossed my mind; to start all over again had pushed it away. The idea of walking the road less travelled had always scared me. The Universe conspired against me and pushed me in a different direction.

My aim for the day changed, and now I was thinking of alternatives. A world of information opened. Here, I stood staring at the possibilities.

I began to etch a new link. Humming-

I am walking down the line

that divides me somewhere in my mind.

On the borderline

Of the edge and where I walk alone.

(From, Boulevard of Broken Dreams)

I began this journey.

The raging storm had left a lot to clean.

Life is more about lemons (They are sour) than about lemonade.

I was treading the ground; I still did not know about taking baby steps.

It is unrealistic to think that career pivots happen within short periods. They need hard work, a realistic approach, and an audit of one’s skills.

No matter how difficult it seems, upskilling and resilience are the only alternatives to walk that lonely road ahead. Once again, I began to work on myself, looking forward to this new journey.

When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade.

I started mixing sugar, salt, and ice. It was a refreshing reminder that I could think of making something sweet and rewarding. Here’s to embracing the journey and making the most of every opportunity.

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