My Ambition

I remember, as a child, having written this essay several times during my school days. My thoughts were clear. It had to be the ‘glorious’ one: ‘My ambition is to become a doctor.’ And why? Because my mum would want so. My dad wanted me to be a CA, but honestly, I didn’t know what they did. I still wonder, at times.
Cut to the present time. I am a mother of two lovely kids. As any other Indian mother, I took it upon myself to ‘pursue’ their careers for them.
I sat down to make a list of must-dos. It was time for some intense retrospection. A few blank stares and several doodles later, I realised that it was easier if I made a list of must-don’ts, rather. The first ones to be struck out were: Doctors and Engineers. I have family and friends who are in these fields. So probably, I am saturated. No offence to anybody, but I am allowed to be selfish. Being a mother tops it all.
After some self- motivation, I convinced myself that probably my children should do this on their own. You see, we all need some expert advice, at times. I had to listen to myself!
I persuaded them to pen down their thoughts. My daughter was more elaborate in her thought-process: she wants to become a teacher, a librarian and a lawyer, all at the same time. My son, who like any other Indian boy at some point of time or other during his childhood, wants to be … no prizes for guessing… a cricketer.  At least, they have some thoughts about it was my first thought.
My daughter says she needs to practise being a lawyer on who else, but me. Yes, your honour! Becoming a librarian is more of her passion being unfolded. This way she couldn’t be bothered by this mundane life and can immerse herself in books. (No complaints here, much like how Mark Zuckerberg’s mother would encourage him to spend more time on Facebook and WhatsApp. He has the coolest mother, by far!) Being a teacher…. easy peasy, lemon squeezy! We are born experts on giving gyaan, after all.
Coming to my son: he has his goals set. NO wasting time on something as futile as studies. Movies on cricket icons such as Dhoni and Sachin aren’t helping, either. He has quickly picked up tricks like how many marks are needed to clear the exam and playing in the nights is more of a necessity rather than a luxury. He is convinced now that he is born for great things on the cricket field. He has predicted that the day will soon arrive when we all will learn his real worth. As long as I don’t have to sacrifice my weekend mornings pulling him out of the bed for his cricket coaching.
All that is sorted for now. Till they get attracted by their next new passion. My daughter is getting inclined towards being a postwoman. Ringing people’s doorbells and running away never goes out of fashion. She asked me if I would drive her around.
Coming back to my ambition. My children still ask me what I want to be when I grow up. I know, I know. The best part of that question is – ‘when I grow up…’ I secretly believe that growing old is natural, growing up is optional. This is probably one of my weak spots. As my dear husband sugarcoats it for me: ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ is a much sought-after skill in today’s world.
So, here I am. With ‘The Drama Queen’. Not trying to be one, because we have many around us. A galaxy of my thoughts strung together by the pearls of wisdom that people around me have inspired me with. I thank each and everyone of you…. you would know if I am talking about you. You know me.
So, love it or hate it, but you can’t ignore it. Happy reading.