Dear 18-Yr-Old Bhavna, Your Ma and the Sound of Music Inspired You

When you turn 40, you’ll look back and see that nothing of you has changed. You’re still mama’s bubbly li’l princess

The five important lessons you learnt by yourself were from your own list of favourites.(Photo: Harsh Sahani/The Quint)

Dear 18-year-old Bhavna,

Remember that the five important lessons you learnt by yourself were from your own list of favourites.

You wrote them down in your secret pocket diary called Life and promised to read them every day. Take out those notes and continue reading them whenever you are happy or sad, or even when you stand victorious or defeated.

# “Better beware, be canny and careful; Baby, you’re on the brink.” – line from your favourite song from Sound of Music – a lesson on being a woman.

#Your favourite superhero, Salman said: “dosti mein no sorry no thank you”– a lesson on friendship.

#Your best friend promised, “We will remain friends forever.” – a lesson on trust.

#Your mama told you, “Dearest, make your decisions wisely. And don’t worry if you fail, I am there for you to lean on.” – a lesson on faith.

#You told yourself, “Time of my life, I have never felt this way before.” – a lesson on Life and Hope.

Remember these five lessons and I promise you gal, you will turn out just fine. And when you turn wise @ forty you can look back at yourself and see that nothing of you has changed. You are still mama’s bubbly, cheerful little princess.

As you gear up to take the roller coaster ride of life, remember that you are going to love every moment of this ride, from start to finish. So buckle up and take on the ups and downs of the ride and hum the song you sang for yourself….

Now I've had the time of my life; No I never felt like this before; Yes I swear it's the truth and I owe it all to you....

To the future! Cheers!

Bhavna Singh

(Bhavna Singh is Director of Communications at OPPI – Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers in India)