INTEGRAL BUT NOT INDISPENSABLE

By Christine Jayakaran

Playing Jenga with my older two over the weekend turned out to be more of rebuilding the blocks rather than actually playing since my daughter thought that it was most fun to remove the base systematically. She inadvertently destabilised the entire structure thanks to removing the most vital blocks. Those three bricks were indispensable to the game being a success (and from actually progressing beyond 5 minutes). On the other hand Caleb, my oldest, was skilful at moving around other pieces from up top without too much of a fuss.

It was interesting though, that if one crucially placed piece was moved the structure got shaky and was liable to fall.

It got me thinking as to what kind of person I am to the many people who walk in and out of my life. I definitely don't want to be indispensable because that would be prideful of me but I do want to be integral to them.

I aim to be someone who people find privileged to know. I desire to be someone who will build up one person at a time so that my words and my intentions match up.

I wouldn't want people to be so dependent on me that they can't do without my advice or my inputs but I would, that if ever asked for insight, speak from the heart and with love with no strings attached.

Being integral would also mean that I'm willing to put myself out there so that people see me for who I really am and not who I think I should be. It also requires wisdom, for it could mean times of staying silent and just listening rather than voicing opinions or advising. There is a time for everything after all.

I have many women of all ages who are integral to my life. Some are older, some are younger and some are peers. Irrespective of age, background or qualification they are so important to me as they add texture, flavour and layers to my life making it so colourful and rich in experience.