VITAMINS AND VALUES! #BLOGCHATTERA2ZCHALLENGE

 

"Your body needs Vitamin D. Take these tablets once a week, and then once a month," said the doctor.

In a country like India, where the sun shines bright and clear, more than three-quarters of the population are deficient in Vitamin D. Mind- boggling, isn't it? Of course, I had a quarter of a course of the tablets, and then forgot my next dose, which put an end to the treatment.

                                                                                                     IndiaMART

Feeling rundown? Exhausted? Have multivitamin tablets, says the general rule. That is something that G and I take regularly. When we got to Johannesburg, our first jaunt was to Clicks where we picked up a bottle of Centrum  Active.

                                                                                                    Amazon.co.za

While these vitamins are essential for the body, I have grown up with a few other vitamins which have done me good, or at least I think so.

One is Vitamin N, which my mother was particular about, and she gave my sisters and me regular doses of it. Vitamin N translates to the art of saying 'No'. We had an enjoyable childhood, but whenever we went overboard, as children are prone to do, she would curb our high spirits by saying 'No' firmly. A teacher and later the inspirational founder of a school, she was a stern disciplinarian, and did not condone extravagance, bad behaviour or indiscipline.

                                                                                                        Freepik

All of us imbibed the lesson and handed it down to the next generation. P has taken to it like a fish to water, and along with V, she ensures that Zo and Sam are given healthy doses of Vitamin N.

Another essential vitamin is Vitamin H, which stands for humour, a quality that is so required to survive in a world that is growing grumpier over the decades. As a family, we all have our little jokes and puns that make every gathering a fun occasion. The references could be from movies watched, or books and cartoons, or just day-to-day incidents. Whatever the source, we end up in splits. Having a funny bone matters, and staying optimistic helps us stay afloat. One saying has always nestled in my heart -

"Two men look out through prison bars;

One sees the mud, the other the stars."

If we can fill the hearts of our children with optimism, it would make them happier individuals. Not that it means that they should view the world through rose coloured spectacles, but laughter does make the world go around.

                                                                                                Happify

The other day, we were at a friend's house for dinner, when father and daughter began a discussion. G aired his views about how we as grandparents should enjoy the company of our grandchildren as they were still young.

“When they grow up, they will get busy with their own lives and may not have time for us.”

P responded vociferously, saying, “Pa, it is a matter of upbringing. If we teach our children the right values, they will never stray. I am so close to all the elders and everyone in our family even though I am so far away in Johannesburg.”

                                                                                                  Pinterest

That set me thinking. The world today is struggling with a whole lot of problems. There is a definite divide between generations, between parents and children, leading to maladjustment, misunderstanding and unhappiness. Earlier, we were fortunate enough to have our grandparents with us. While we learnt a lot in school, it was these elders who told us stories, sang to us and helped us imbibe the vales which made us the people we are today. Wouldn’t you call those learnings doses of Vitamin V – values?

So, there you have it. Vitamins to get us all going! As I watch Zo and Sam, I hope, deep within my heart, that we will be able to help them get all the vitamins that they need to grow into beautiful and wise individuals. As of now, it warms the cockles of my heart to see that they have made a good start.

 

                                                                                           Not on the High Street

I am participating in the #BlogchatterA2ZChallenge2025.

https://deepties.blogspot.com/2025/04/vitamins-and-values-blogchattera2zchall.html