Five things that will never change

Much has been said, written and debated over the word ‘change’. In an age where ‘being different’ is the professed goal and ‘front of the queue’ the preferred position, change as a means to achieve these assumes a distinctive relevance. While a great deal of cerebral effort has been spent on the nature, process and rewards of change, I am forced to wonder about things that will never change. I am inclined also to believe that there is comfort to be found in the unchanging, a certain sense of relief felt at a familiar sight, and strength derived from the everlasting.

In this post specially written for my son who recently became a teenager I am listing down five things that will never change. As he steps into adolescence I hope that he will use this as a quick reference guide.

The Number of Hours in a Day
Each one of us, from the meek to the mightiest, from the busiest to the inactive, from the most important to the insignificant, from the smartest to the silly, from the richest to the not so favorably endowed; animals and plants, birds and flowers, all of us get 24 hours in a day. Not more. Not less. Great strides in science are not going to be able to invent more hours in a day or a way to recycle used hours. And however thrifty you get you are not going to be able to save time to spend on a rainy day. So remember to use it wisely. While it lasts. Everyday read a good book, play a while, learn a lot, do a good deed, laugh, have fun, discover, explore new things, indulge in an art, set goals and achieve them.

What you are
Your name. Your language. Your ancestry. Your roots. The country of your origin. The color of your skin. These will stay with you forever. These make you, You – a being like none other, unique and incapable of imitation. Love and respect yourself, and all things associated with you. At all times be yourself, ape none, and by harnessing your strengths you will realize your potential. Always uphold the values that have been instilled in you and as far as is practically possible protect and preserve your culture, heritage and traditions. I borrow Emerson’s words to explain: ‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.’

The smell of a rose
The colors of a rainbow. The beauty of a sunset. The serenity of the ocean. The dots on a ladybug. The flight of an eagle. The sweet sound of a nightingale. The soft velvety taste of chocolate. The mysterious smile of Monalisa. Life is full of surprisingly beautiful things. Some bestowed upon us by nature and some created by man. And beauty is eternal – its one of the things that will never change, end or diminish. So grab any opportunity you may get to travel, see the world, and experience the beauty. And once in every while, stop, sit back, enjoy the view. Every now and then take a break, smell a rose.

Words spoken and actions taken
Once spoken, words cannot be changed or taken back. You are accountable for what you say so choose your words well. A simple rule could be: ‘mean what you say and say what you mean.’ Much like words, actions once taken, deeds once done cannot be undone. So think well before you say or do anything.

History
World history is dotted with acts of atrocities, battles, wars, hostility. These can not be reversed. But as citizens of the future your generation can certainly work towards bringing about peace and understanding.

I would like to end this on a heart warming advice:
‘Walk in the rain, jump in mud puddles, collect rocks, rainbows and roses, smell flowers, blow bubbles, stop along the way, build sandcastles, say hello to everyone, go barefoot, go on adventures, act silly, fly kites, have a merry heart, talk with animals, sing in the shower, read childrens' books, take bubble baths, get new sneakers, dance, laugh and cry for the health of it, wonder and wander around, feel happy and precious and innocent, feel scared, feel sad, feel mad, give up worry and guilt and shame, say yes, say no, say the magic words, ask lots of questions, ride bicycles, draw and paint, see things differently, fall down and get up again, look at the sky, watch the sun rise and sun set, watch clouds and name their shapes, watch the moon and stars come out, trust the universe, stay up late, climb trees, daydream, do nothing and do it very well, learn new stuff, be excited about everything, be a clown, listen to music, find out how things work, make up new rules, tell stories, save the world, make friends with the other kids on the block, and do anything else that brings more happiness, celebration, health, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, grace, self-esteem, courage, balance, spontaneity, passion, beauty, peace, relaxation, communication and life energy to...all living beings on this planet.’ – Bruce Williamson, It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood

P.S: I would like to say to all of you out there especially to my ardent critics that the list of things that will never change is by no means exhaustive. So please go ahead and send me comments and I will be only too happy to add those as well.