The Season of GoodByes

"Baby won't you tell me why, there is sadness in your eyes...I don' want to say Goodbye to you..." - MLTR

What is it about goodbyes that makes us feel so melancholic. Why is it that we do not want to part ways - with people, with objects, with places, with memories too? I once heard somewhere that in order to appreciate the joy of meeting, you need to endure the pain of separation. How true it is still why is it that we are all down and blue at the prospect of separation...

I came here an year ago with a barren landscape greeting me out of the beautiful french windows of the bedroom. The Dry and Spindly branches, brown with age and parched in the heat; dry twigs, brown leaves, dusty earth and a surreal stillness all around. Time passed and with the rains, the barren landscape was brought to life - New Life, Green Life, Vinrant and Fresh Life, a Promising life; The greenery gave way to bright flowers and shade, the comfort it brought made me feel good about life and now again the cycle is almost completing itself, the life has faded away and the barren landscape is reforming in my backyard. The sunlight seems to be draining away the energy as if the vegetation is being forcibly pulled away from something it loves dearly. A solemn indication that it is time to leave the place that has served as home for the last year - the year of weeks. A full circle has been completed.

In this day and age, how difficult is it to stay in touch? I feel, it's all in the mind, you just need the will to connect and your friends and family are near you. Objects/Possessions et al are all perishable (pretty philosophical) and can be upgraded/lugged along; It is, however, the people around us that we miss the most. I am a firm believer that it just takes one phone call and an updated phone directory to get in touch and relive all the moments all over again.

Goodbyes should not be undertaken with a heavy heart, they are an opportunity to explore newer vistas, newer people, newer places and newer things. It is only when the human spirit is not bound by any shackles (physical or emotional) that we can appreciate the change. B-schools worldwide, typically have a change management course. I have not studied the same so i am not an authority to comment on the content but i feel it should teach more of personal change enduring capabilities and the capacity to adapt to change in life per se. You should become strong enough to face any problem in life with a smile and an optimistic attitude.

All I see these days are countdowns for days to leave, farewell parties and future plans...topped off with a generous dose of rememberance and a lost gaze as people drown themselves in the uncharted sea of their own thoughts. Emotions - beautiful , good, bad and ugly are all in a whirlpool distracting you from all that is far more important and needs immediate attention. It's the safety of the past that everyone is seeking as the future is unsure. Why do we keep forgetting at all times that the future is in fact secure due to the wonderful set of people around us that makes our present. We all have a cushion and no one is alone. Even if we do not realize, there are people around you to take care of your persona, your emotions, memories and whims. Just call out loud!!!

Life is not a full stop at any junction, its an opportunity to slow down, reflect, learn and carry on. Its only due to these pauses that we become wiser by the day.

So, please do not let the dry branches, tree stumps and harsh sun dry your spirits in your quest to move on. Everyone is there just for you.

"In my search for freedom and peace of mind, I've left the memories behind...Wanna start a new life, but it seems to be rather absurd, when i know the truth...is that I always think of You...Someday...Somewhere, together we'll be baby...." - MLTR once again to the rescue :)