FRIENDS AND BLOSSOMING RELATIONSHIPS
I made some lovely friends during this time, forming deep and meaningful connections. I was also popular among my cousins, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of family gatherings.
I took care of my body, maintaining a great physique through regular exercise. I visited the top beauty parlors and experimented with various hairstyles, expressing my individuality and embracing my femininity.
I insisted on buying a new outfit for every occasion, and my parents, seeing my happiness, gladly obliged. They just wanted to see me happy, to witness the transformation of their once-troubled child into a confident and glowing young woman. My mother never refused anything I laid eyes on.
Life was a whirlwind of activity, filled with college, work, and extra classes, and I embraced it all with enthusiasm and gratitude.
I flourished in everything I attempted and learned valuable lessons in discipline and self care. Finally, I got through my college finals with distinction, a moment of tremendous pride and satisfaction, not just for myself but for everyone who had faith, trust and believed in me.
My parents offered me a trip to the Far East, (Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan), where each destination enriched me with profound knowledge and a wider circle of friends. This was my time to reclaim the years overshadowed by personal hardship, taking advantage of every opportunity life presented. A deep hunger for experience fueled my desire to learn and achieve.
I found solace and excitement in the worlds crafted by my favorite authors – James Hadley Chase, Jackie Collins, Jacqueline Susann, and Harold Robbins – and the cosmic insights of Linda Goodman. My days were filled with vitality: the early morning jogs, the freedom of cycling, and the joyful energy of evening games in the park.
The bond with my younger brother deepened and we shared frequent trips with our parents, various adventures and cherished outings. Even the recurring challenges of my illness held no power over me. I had become the master of my own mind, understanding that my well-being was intrinsically linked to my thoughts.
I embraced the empowering truth: “you are only as limited as you allow yourself to believe”. By choosing mental strength and wellness, I lived fully, unburdened by the past and vibrantly engaging with the present.
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LIFE ON A ROLL, EMBRACING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
I was particularly fond of psychology and had initially wanted to pursue a master's degree in the field. However, due to my physical condition and the uncertainties it presented, I chose a different path, one that offered more stability and structure.
I joined a travel agency, one of the top agencies in Mumbai, and embarked on a new adventure. I started out as a sales executive, but my hard work, dedication, and natural talent for the industry quickly propelled me to the position of manager for international tours. It was unbelievable how my life had turned around, how I had gone from feeling lost and uncertain to soaring to new heights.
I felt like I was on a global giant wheel, visiting countless destinations around the world, each one offering a unique experience and a chance to learn and grow. I escorted tours, ensuring that travelers had unforgettable experiences, and also visited different places to finalize deals for hotels and land arrangements, honing my skills in communication, tourism and discovering new destinations.
I excelled at negotiating, securing the best deals for my clients and the agency. I planned customized tours for individuals as well as groups, catering to their specific needs and desires. Life could not be better; I was living my dream, traveling the world, and making a difference in people's lives.
Ah, reflecting on that period, I can see how the years of hardship gave way to what felt like a deserved upswing. Yet, looking back, I recognize that the pendulum swung a little too far. My parents' doting nature, a balm after so much pain, inadvertently inflated my sense of self ego beyond healthy boundaries.
I remember those trips abroad vividly. The thrill of picking out clothes in London boutiques and bustling Bangkok markets, the luxurious feel of Italian leather on my feet, the exotic swiss watches and the acquisition of unique treasures from far-flung corners of the world – it all contributed to a growing sense of importance.
And the safaris in Kenya! Exploring the raw beauty of the wild, not just once, but multiple times, further solidified this feeling of being someone special, someone fortunate. And the unforgettable beaches of Mauritius with the most expensive resorts to scenic tours to European countries.
Yes, all that extravagance undeniably went to my head. I started to see myself as a force to be reckoned with, someone whose experiences set me apart. And in a way, who could blame me? After enduring those difficult years, this newfound abundance felt like a rightful reward.
It's easy to understand how that sense of entitlement could take root. (Note how this was all going to change !!!! ? )
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