Lessons in Living from My Grandmother's Adventures and Our Travels Together

Back in 2008, I found myself in my grandmother's room at the Salt Lick Safari Lodge nestled in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Kenya. This place was a beautiful escape, with futuristic villas elevated from the ground to keep the wildlife at bay. From the vantage point of our window, we were blessed with a parade of elephants, deer, and giraffes. I thought there was more to see beyond the window though.

Cherishing Each Present Moment

"Nani, please join us, I really want you to see lions and zebras," I implored, eager for her to venture beyond her room to other parts of the sanctuary. Her response was the essence of simplicity: "No, I feel blessed as it is. Every animal I wish to see is right here at the window."

At the time, I was frustrated, thinking she was reluctant to leave her sanctuary. However, after she departed from this world a few months ago, my grief opened my eyes to the wisdom in her lifestyle.

Her Grateful Perspective

My grandmother embraced life with a minimalist philosophy, cherishing each experience that came her way without chasing after more. Her attitude was unwaveringly positive, inspiring me to mirror it in my life. When job anxieties clouded my thoughts, her comforting words reminded me, "What is meant for you is already happening," and indeed, I got the job.

Leaving familiar places was sometimes overwhelming for her—perhaps due to mild agoraphobia. Whether it was real or not didn’t matter, for her curiosity and stories were boundless.

Travel as a Pathway to Rich Experiences

Despite her inclination to stay home, she adored travel. During her younger days, she and my grandfather would embark on short trips to nearby spots like Mussoorie and Goa. There's a cherished black-and-white photo of them on a boat that speaks volumes of her rich life and joyful spirit.

Her stories unveiled her as a woman who relished dressing up, capturing moments, and forming friendships wherever she traveled. She exuded joy whenever she entered a room.

Connecting Through Compassion

Her knack for connecting with others was remarkable, rooted in her empathetic listening. During a family trip to Kenya, she formed a bond with the housekeeper, Awfa. Despite linguistic differences, they shared laughter and deep conversations.

Their friendship, bridging generations, blossomed swiftly. Awfa, who became fond of my grandmother, was deeply moved when we had to leave. My grandmother’s impact was profound.

Contentment as an Anchor

Throughout our travels, my grandmother never ticked off items from a bucket list or fretted over missed experiences. Her happiness came from a place of gratitude, and she imparted this to me. We had many simple yet unforgettable moments, like laughing and playing in the sand of Marina Beach in Dubai, reveling in each other's company.

After her passing in November 2024, I strive to find joy in each moment, a lesson she taught me through her actions. I wish I had another chance to express just how much these shared experiences meant to me.