
My Journey Of Self-empowerment And A Journal of Gratitude!
Like millions of girls from the lower socio-economic background in India, she got married at 14, and had her first child at 16.
She never went to school, and could not read or write.
I worked in a multinational company, lived in one of the most elite localities in the city, and traveled around the world on holidays.
Every time I look at my life closely, I realize that I owe every bit of the professional success, self empowerment and liberation which I achieved in last few years, to this uneducated, poor woman. She liberated me, made me who I am today, helped me fulfill my lifelong dream of being self independent.
It was the summer of 2010. I was planning to visit my husband who was then posted in the United Kingdom, with my two kids,7 and 4 years old. I was a full-time, stay-at-home mom, living in India with my two kids and my ailing father-in-law. My husband had been working in the United Kingdom for the previous three years.
Throughout my entire childhood and early adulthood, I had only one persistent dream – to have a successful career. I wanted to see myself economically empowered and independent.
But destiny had planted many obstacles almost at every corner of my life – be it the chronic poor health of my kids, constantly moving from one country to another for my husband’s job, or having to take care of an elderly family member – I never ever got the ‘chance’ to start working. But, I just could not give up on my dream of having a career one day. As my second child became three, I grew extremely ambitious and positive about being able to start working.
But for several months, I could not successfully hire a nanny for my kids. Multiple behavioral and psychological issues of my father-in-law made it impossible for any adult to live in our house. Sending the kids to daycare was not a solution. Leaving my father-in-law alone at home was the biggest challenge. Finding a caregiver who would agree to live with him was an impossible task.
In my husband’s absence, I became a full-time stay-at-home mom and caregiver of my father-in-law for more than three years. Apparently, the more I was trying desperately to get closer to my dreams, the more they were moving further away from me. But, I could not stop dreaming even for a single day. I used to always fancy being economically independent and empowered one day though I knew my dreams were not in sync with my reality.
My realities were, I could not stay away from home even for half an hour if my kids were not with me. It had been several years since I got my last degree and I never had worked anywhere. Apart from possessing some general proficiency and being hard-working, I did not have any proven skill sets or training. Moreover, I lived in a country with a huge unemployment rate, where getting a job was difficult even for those who had many years of experience.
But, I could not afford to abandon my dreams even for a day. I constantly nurtured them in my heart.
One day, a friend suggested I attend an interview at a start-up. They were looking for someone to manage their basic administrative work, having previous experience was not mandatory. I went for the interview. They asked me to join immediately.
After coming back home, I desperately started reaching out to all my contacts and resources in search of a nanny or a caregiver, without any luck. There was a lady who worked for us as part-time help. My kids were quite comfortable with her, and she was quite familiar with the overall situation of my family. I asked her several times in the previous three years if she would consider working with us full-time. She always declined as she herself had three kids at home. This time I went back to her once again with the same request, a lot more desperately. She politely refused. I decided to call the employer the next day to inform them that I won’t be able to join. The next morning, she came back and told me she changed her mind and wanted to give me a chance to work!
For the next five years, she took care of my kids, and my father-in-law probably much better than I did. She loved the kids unconditionally. She would be there in the morning before they get up and would not go home until I am back home in the evening. At times, she neglected her own kids for mine. She would hardly be absent, she used to genuinely care about my situation and knew I could not be frequently absent in a new job. She was the primary and the only reason for which I could pursue my lifelong goals and dreams.
Whenever I look back at my life, I feel overwhelmingly grateful to this lady who changed my entire life in a significantly positive way. I always fall short of words to express my deep gratitude towards her and wanted to share this story with the world as a mark of thankfulness to the woman who gave me my wings. This story could also inspire women who are trying to follow their dreams in spite of many odds and hurdles, as giving up on our dreams is not even an option.
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19 Comments
Yourdreamtale
This is really an inspiring story of two strong individuals. One who never stopped believing in fulfilling the dream and other who sacrificed and provided much needed help unconditionally.
We at yourdreamtale.com also share such kind of Dream Life Journey. You can drop your story via email at editor@yourdreamtale.com
Nominal Nomad
unfortunatelly we dont apreciate our freedom and things we take for garanted with enough gratitude ! i´m glad you can apreciate the fact that she changed your life for better and be thankfull
travelwisesr
Your story is more than inspiring. Also what I like best is your humility and the fact that you are so grounded and truly a great human being. Not many have either the inclination or the feelings that you have expressed for this wonderful lady who may not have the education but has a big heart. God bless her wherever she is. And God bless you with lots of success
Scott J DeNicola
What an inspiring story of fulfilling your dreams. Everyone needs an “angel” like this woman in their life. My wife stayed home after our first because what she was earning at the time woudl have just covered childcare and it wasn’t worth it for us. She got to go back to work by the time our second was born and I’m so glad she got to explore her dream to teach.
karilife
This is so beautiful! It’s the greatest blessing when we have people come alongside us who believe in us and our cause. What a courageous soul she is…and what a courageous soul you are!
Despite Pain
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. This lady was there for you, and it’s lovely that you appreciate how much her help meant. It must have been difficult at that time, but I’m glad that you had the determination to keep your dreams alive.
Lindsay Rae
Beautiful story! It can be so difficult to feel stuck like that. Especially with very little experience to fall back on work wise. I’m so happy that she found a way to make it work! This truly is an inspiring story!
lforsythe7040
That’s a great story! Your description of this lady reminds me a lot of the nanny I had growing up who was wonderful. Finding child care if often the most difficult part of both parents working.
Anna
That’s an inspiring story, for sure. I think life is wonderful when at our lowest, it throws at us some salvation, like the woman in your life. It is such a challenge sometimes to find the right people to make our circumstances work out. I’m so glad you found her.
Candace
Wow! This is so eye-opening. Bless that generous woman for stepping up to help you. Amazing story!
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
I look at my best friend and feel the exact same way. He prepared me to follow my dreams, even before I knew what that dream was. It is amazing when someone comes into our lives and it changes us completely. This was an amazing story and really does remind me to never give up on my dreams.
ashleeunscripted
This to my mind is what women power looks like. I’m ecstatic that you did not give up on your dream, even when it would have been so easy and even acceptable for you to and that in the end you also had someone who agreed to help you reach your goals. I love that you also realise her sacrifices and express appreciation and gratitude for it. What an inspirational journey!
Megan Kerry
What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing woman! i really enjoyed this!
Livelearnbetter (@livelearnbetter)
Many parents struggle with raising kids or chasing a career. It’s a blessing when you get to follow your passion without hurting the family dynamics.
tcleland88
Finding good caregivers is always a blessing. I’m so glad this woman was able to help out, allowing you to pursue your dreams.
In The Pastel Bag - by Joanna (@inthepastelbag)
This is an inspiring story, which reminds us that we can have our dreams fulfilled when we believe in our inner strength. And that we all deserve to be valued and appreciated.
Nina
Hats off to women like you who have the courage to pursue their dreams! You are amazing and what you went through is such an inspiration!
Becky: The Owlet
What a beautiful tribute. Happy international women’s day <3
Elease Colcord
It’s stories like this that remind me to be more grateful and grounded. How inspiring– you’re sharing this is a gift of it’s own.