What Keeps Me Going

I usually talk to God or the universe. (I call it Nanak.)

Since I was a kid, in our old home, we had one room, which was a bedroom cum living room, all in one — sleep, eat, play, and study — all in one place.

And so, the room was structured in a way that when you entered the room, there, in front of you, was a picture of Nanak.

For the first 20 years or so, I had seen that picture. I still have that picture.

And I used to talk to that picture — whatever the mood was, I just talked to it about how I felt, about my wishes, the situations.

I laughed with him,
I cried,
I scolded him (sorry, but for me, he is everything),
I said sorry, I showed gratitude — everything.

I still talk to him. Now, I don’t see that picture while talking.
I just talk to him like he is in me, with me, protecting me.

I question, I demand, I cry, I share my desires, show gratitude for whatever I have right now — and also ask for strength for the situations my mind can’t handle sometimes.

Because he is the one who put me in that situation, and now he himself needs to give me strength to handle my emotions.

As Gurbani says,
“ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ”
(Hukme andar sab ko, bahar hukum na koi)

Meaning: Everything happens under the Divine Will. No one is beyond it.

This line from Guru Granth Sahib Ji reminds us that everything in this world happens according to a higher plan. Nothing is outside of it.

If one truly understands this, then the ego — the feeling of “why this happened” or “I know everything” — naturally fades away.

What takes its place is humility, peace, and trust in something greater than ourselves.

One thing that has always given me strength and hope for life is that talk time with Nanak through the picture.

It was such an unconscious practice, which I used to do, and it has helped me till date to understand life.

I pray for everyone who is reading — may you find that strength in every breath you take.

If you’ve ever felt alone — maybe it’s time you start your own talk time. With whatever name gives you peace.