"I choose to be a woman"...kudos to that!

I experienced a 'first of it's kind' situation sometime back. A colleague who I knew as a man, underwent a sex change to become a woman. As difficult as it was for some of us who knew her in the past, I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for her. I give kudos to her for being so brave. To go through such a huge change and yet be among the same colleagues, friends...I am really amazed at her strength.

Coming from a patriarchal country where women still largely have an inferior status, it's fascinating to see that someone actually chooses to be a woman :) 

While in my country, women often wish/wished they were a man :) - sometimes just so they could get as much to eat/get some education/ survive...!!

This is for my colleague, and to all the fortunate women who can celebrate their femininity.

Finding myself: Part 1

At work, we need to play by the rulers of our managers, colleagues, larger organizational culture etc.
At home we need to play by the rules of our spouses, our respective families...
Everyone you call your friend finds his/her place in the pie chart of relationships - each different, each special.
While some of us dwell in the pleasure of being a parent, trying to keep pace with their kids...others trying to find a slot in their life for a new one...
At every such interaction, there is a layer we need to wear. So...

• Where in the grand scheme of things do you find 'yourself?' 
• How big is the slice for 'yourself' in the pie chart of relationships - does it exist?
• Where amidst all this is the place you can call your 'own?'
• a place where you drop all your pretentious and be yourself
• a place where you are connected to yourself, don't feel drawn to unsurmountable pressures & expectations
• a place where no one reassures you of all your weaknesses (oblivious of your strengths)
• a place where you can just breathe, smile, be happy & at peace with yourself to who you are, with all your imperfections.

While I delve deep into myself, I could do with some inspirations. Have you found this sacred place for yourself? If so, how? What's your story? 

Small pleasures

Warm weather, wearing my sports shorts, riding my bicycle through the woods..up and down the old wooden bridges over railway tracks...sunlight beaming through between the branches of tall trees, the thrill of riding down hill, fast, with the wind blowing on my face...I smile to myself!