The
last 3 to 4 years have really been emotionally and mentally challenging for me,
for my own reasons. What made me fight against those hard days and gave me a
breathing space?? It is the books that I read through those days and a few positive
affirmations which I conceived, again through the books. So, I was wondering on
how I acquired the skill of reading books. And I was surprised to know its roots
have begun when I was 7-8 years old. Those were the days, when me and my
brothers used to listen to my dad’s athai, Dhanam Paati’s stories (the same 7
mountain, 7 seas, and a parrot story and, various other Raja stories). The way
she narrated the story, we could see the scene with all colourful background, music
and all the necessary elements it all needed.
That
powerful narration had set a fire in me to read my mom's story books like Malaimathi
subscriptions, newspaper supplements and even the newspaper wrapper on the
groceries (Kandhai padipavan kavignan avaan endru enni).
I
still remember that I used to await my neighbour’s (Dhans Anna) visit from
Chennai as he used to get us Ananda Vikatan and Kumudam for us. The one and
only medium of entertainment and news for me then. Later, dad thought we should
excel in English and he bought us Hindu newspaper, India Today and Reader's
Digest. Believe me, nothing worked out. But, I was only keen on Hindu’s Young
World to solve some puzzles.
A
few years passed with random books like Swiss family Robinson, Black Beauty, Adventures
of Robinhood, Agni Siragugal and so on. Then, stepping into college life, I was
strictly given training to read all Ramani Chandran, Balakumaran and Sidney
Sheldon novels (thanks to Mathura J).
After
this, there was a break for a couple of years and I resumed it with Vairamuthu’s
Karuvachi Kaviyam. This is when I developed interest for Tamil novels and especially
historical novels like Ponniyin Selvan, one of the best and most brilliant novels
I have ever read.
As
I mentioned earlier, the books which helped me to hold myself strong were some
of the self-improving books, such as, How to get from where you are to where
you want to be, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Power of sub-conscious mind, Alpha dhyanam
and Power of positive thinking. These books have really made me to study and
analyse my thoughts and emotions to transform me into a better person. This
acquired knowledge/skill has made me battle against my emotional roller
coasters, mental disturbances, physical issues, financial troubles and what not??
All thanks to those self-improving books and my mentors Sathya Vantheymataram
and Ananthi Ragupathy for introducing those books to me.
#Moral
of my bookish story#
Read
books, be accompanied, engaged, knowledgeable and relaxed. Do not wait for
someone to help you, and it's only you to help yourself. Stay happy and
positive.
Loads
of love from Anitha Bharathi 😀😀😀😀
