Picture this: It is Monday morning, pre-COVID times, where we all used to go to office 5 days a week – Yikes! The office is still shrouded in weekend regrets, and the coffee machine is having an intense argument (and ‘heated’ debate) with itself. The weight of weekend indulgences is palpable where the collective groans of coworkers’ echo through the office.
So, on one of those Monday mornings, back in the day, I was being ME, going through the aisles of endless cubicles smiling away and wishing people a good morning. Suddenly, a perplexed colleague halts my parade and exclaims, “Mandar, it’s Monday morning! How are you so cheerful? We just bid farewell to the weekend, and now we are here at work. What gives?”
Caught off guard, I surprised myself with an answer that seemed to have taken a detour through the corridors of profound wisdom. “What’s not to smile about, buddy?” I answered. “I woke up this morning, still alive and kicking. 😊 Isn’t that sufficient reason to face life with a smile, even on a Monday morning?”
I saw eyebrows arching in disbelief.” Are you for real? Mr. Zen Master”
Waving my hands dramatically I said, “As real as Monday traffic, my friend.” I do surprise myself with my positivity at times and thank profusely whoever instilled that mindset into me.
But seriously, it is all about perspective. Isn’t it?
In India (where I grew up), we were wired to find contentment in what we have, and appreciation for life’s simple blessings. The emphasis was on being grateful for what we have rather than perpetually yearning for more.
The fusion of this ingrained mindset with the whirlwind of experiences that followed my migration to America in my early twenties created a unique concoction. I found myself straddling both worlds, yet I feel like I have the best of both worlds. India laid the foundation for gratitude and contentment, and America taught me to embrace change, risk taking and dreaming big. It is a perfect symphony of positivity when applied in ‘right’ amounts.
So, next time Monday morning blues threaten to cast a shadow over your week, I urge you to draw inspiration from a profound sentiment I hold within me till today.
This was my FB cover for years.
What are you grateful for? This transformative philosophy redirects our focus from the perceived lacks in our lives to the abundance of blessings we already possess. It involves a conscious effort to acknowledge and appreciate even the smallest positive aspects, fostering a profound sense of contentment.
And for things that we are grateful for, we don’t have to look too far. We can find emotional richness woven into life’s seemingly ordinary threads—for example, think about a caring partner who tenderly makes the bed just so that you can lay your dresses (or shirts) properly as you get ready in the morning or surprises you with a comforting cup of tea or coffee, affirming the existence of telepathic connection. Reflect on the unwavering support of a friend who consistently answers your calls (or texts), no matter the circumstance. Picture the kindness of a grocery worker who walks you through the aisles to locate that elusive spice for your next culinary experiment, or the Amazon worker who delicately places your package on the porch, sheltered from the impending rain.
These examples, among countless others, are the gems that sparkle amidst the routine. Each instance represents a manifestation of human warmth, thoughtfulness, and diligence. As you encounter these moments, allow a smile to bloom on your face, and embrace the profound appreciation for life’s simple joys. Remember, your mindset serves as a magical wand capable of transforming even the most mundane occurrences into extraordinary experiences.
It would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge MLK and his profound philosophy as we commemorate him today in America. One of his quotes and a brief video resonated with me, particularly on the subject of grace and gratitude, which I am incorporating here.
“Early on I learned that the highest human virtue is compassionately serving others. We were taught, as most others, that life is a gift, and we ought to be grateful for it.“
The journey from my humble Indian upbringing to the dynamic landscape of America taught me that life is all about how you look at things, even on a Monday morning.
So, repeat after me. Everything in moderation, except Grace and Gratitude!
Happy Monday, and Happy MLK day, everyone!
Liked this? Please subscribe and get new stories 2–4×/month. No spam, just clarity and a smile.
Want help turning ideas into action? I run mPath Services: empathy + execution and hands-on help for solopreneurs or anyone needing a bit more TLC. Visit mPath →
Want to just say hello? drop me a note at: mandar@mpathservices.com or contact me →
Hyphenated-Homestead 
Your thoughts? (& name) – I promise, I will respond promptly 🙌