I wish everyone here a beautiful and blessed year ahead! I hope you all had a blissful Diwali with family and friends.

It was 2 days ago that I saw a picture of a stately looking Lighthouse.

Something about that picture caught my attention. The lighthouse stood tall at the edge of the water, the waves lashed across the base with varying strength.

Despite the relentless effort of the ocean and its waves, the lighthouse stood its ground and stayed put. It also did its duty continuously, diligently, sincerely and with great pride. One can almost see all these qualities, especially the pride with which the lighthouse carries on its duty. I can see a proud, dutiful soldier in every lighthouse.

Whoever thought of a lighthouse must be saluted. It was Mr. Henry Winstanley. The first lighthouse built there was an octagonal wooden structure, anchored by 12 iron stanchions secured in the rock, and was built by Henry Winstanley from 1696 to 1698.

As my mind drifted from the majestic stature of the lighthouse, what came to my mind was “Who is my lighthouse?”, Who is that person who acts as a beacon of light for me when I am troubled or have lost my way? I thought long and hard. I went over many people – my mother, my father, my brother, my husband, my best friends…but NO. I could not stay on any of these people. There are of course countless episodes when these beautiful people in my life have guided me, helped me, pulled me ashore. But….I was not convinced about appointing just one and either of them as my lighthouse.

After some more thought, to my utter surprise I realized that my beacon of light was my very own conscious. I was immediately at peace. As though I had finally found the answer that I was looking for.

Think about it. Our conscience never leaves us. It stays put even when we are doing something we shouldn’t be doing. It shows us the right path when we want to return home. It always does its duty of showing that shiny light to guide us back. So, yes…I am happy with my answer.

My lighthouse is Within me. With me at all times. I only have to look within myself when I feel lost or need to shine the way out of some sticky situation. My lighthouse shines the light, shows me signs to warn me of danger, speaks to me in whispers, it communicates with me in so many ways! I just have to pay attention, be mindful of it and I am sure to find my way back to where I belong.

(Picture Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/512706738808273845/)