30-Day Writing Challenge — April with Keeley

Shhhhh! Silence Is Golden

Day 11. What’s a tell-tale sign you’re nervous?

When I am nervous I just go quiet.

Sometimes our tongues run away, throwing words around and we wonder what the heck happened once we recover from the verbal diarrhea. So I seek refuge in silence. My grandmother’s words ring in my ears:

Don’t say anything you’ll regret. You can’t take back words once said.

During my childhood, I would write “Sri Rama jayam” (victory to Lord Rama) repeatedly on a sheet of paper. Or chant a specific sloka. My folks would be highly amused.

Picture this scenario

The family is playing carrom. Four players. Two pairs. My mom and uncle, and me and uncle. My mom, an acknowledged champion who has won trophies. Her partner, her brother/my uncle, very, very good.

Me, 10yo — good. And better, with direction from my partner, my uncle who is also a pretty bad loser.

The anxiety shoots up as the game is drawing to a close. So when that second-last shot is up and it is up to me, I am busy chanting away. And even before I can begin, mom’s partner taunts me– hey Vidya, I am not hearing the sloka! Strangely though, that makes me deathly calm. And I take the shot. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. When it doesn’t I leave it to my partner to have his tantrum.

And yet, the highlight is them teasing me for the way I tackle my nervousness. Go figure!

School and college competitions

Think elocution/singing/debates. These found me chanting in my head with a smile. A rather beatific smile. I wonder if that’s why people associate me with always being in a pleasant mood. If only they knew!

Later, during my sales career, major client meetings would find me prepping and…you guessed it…chanting away!

So when I am nervous, I have learned to do the following depending on the situation I am in. I mean, if I am waiting to meet someone and I am nervous, I can’t dance, can I? I mean, I could but, you know what I mean!

1/ I chant Slokas

Yep — it is a way to keep my mind focused, and calm and reduce the nervous feeling. I have one for every occasion, as I’ve mentioned earlier. For success, for overcoming fear, for recovering from sickness–you name it, I’ve got it. And yes, those prayers are transferable, as I have discovered.

2/ I play song-tag in my head

It keeps my mind off hyperventilating about the current situation and occupies me with a pleasant task–singing. In my head.Focused.

3/ I think of a topic and write

In my head. Of course, if I have paper and a pencil, I will actually write it out. It is a win-win really — zap nervousness, and have something usually publish-worthy.

4/ I walk briskly

In whatever space is available. These days I have my phone camera so I take pics. Takes the focus away from how I am feeling. Again, win-win. Walking is exercise, hello endorphins and mood improver. And take a few photos always lifts my spirits and makes me feel better.

5/ I make and have a cup of coffee

Hehehe. Best thing ever. Almost always works. The trick is in making the coffee. Once I pour it into my favorite mug, I sit and I sip slowly.

You are probably thinking now — heck, we’d never know when Vidya is nervous.

What can I say? Mission accomplished!

Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?

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Here’s Keeley’s inspiring call for April with some fabulous prompts. Join us, please!

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Tagging the Keeley-clan-family of fabulous writers

Adrienne | Autistic Widower (“AJ”) | Brett Jenae Tomlin | The Sturg | Trisha Faye | Karen Schwartz | NancyO | Katie Michaelson | Bernie Pullen | Michelle Jimerson Morris | Julia A. KeirnsCelia McKinley | Charisse Tyson | Julie KingGood | Amy Frances | Julia A. Keirns | Ravyne Hawke | Pamela Oglesby | Harry Hogg | Tina | Pat Romito LaPointe| Ruby Noir | Kayla Tackett | Pat Romito LaPointe | C Cap1 | Anna Itzel Cazita | K. Joseph | Brandon Ellrich | Misty Rae | Karen Hoffman| Brandon Ellrich | Misty Rae | Karen Hoffman | Deb Palmer | Susie Winfield | Vincent Pisano | Paari | Marlene Samuels | Ray Day | Randy Pulley | Michael Rhodes | Lu Skerdoo | Pluto Wolnosci | Paula Shablo | Bruce Coulter | Ellen Baker | Kelley Murphy | Leigh-Anne Dennison | Lauren Alida | Jennifer Marla Pike

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