The Half-Empty Plate That Opened My Eyes
Have you ever paused to truly look around at the people in your life? Have you taken a moment to check in, ask them if they’re okay, or if they need something? Maybe you have. But here's a question: do you do the same at home? Do you check in with your parents—ask them how they’re doing or if they need help?
Sure, some of us might, but let’s be real—most of us don't.
Today, I want to talk about someone who is often overlooked. Someone who’s always stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is chilling in the living room, chatting and laughing. She’s the one who smiles through her sacrifices, the one who does more than anyone asks, yet her voice often goes unheard. She’s the one in the messiest state but always looks elegant in her saree. She’s celebrated for carrying life for nine months but somehow gets left out when she’s wrinkled and old.
Yes, I’m talking about our mothers.
But wait, this isn’t just another tribute to the most important woman in our lives. Yes, mothers are precious, but today, I want to highlight something deeper: "Equality". No, I’m not just referring to gender roles here. I’m talking about basic human kindness and the fair treatment of those closest to us.
Let me share my story.
As kids, we’re all a little selfish, right? We need our mothers constantly, expecting them to be there, no questions asked. And they do it all—complaining or murmuring under their breath, but still getting everything done. At the time, I thought it was normal. I noticed my mom always ate last, claiming she wasn’t hungry or that she’d already eaten while cooking. Whenever something special came home, everyone rushed to grab their share, and my mom would give us extra bits of hers.
I thought, "This is a mother’s love"—which, yes, it is. But
as I grew older, something didn’t sit right with me.
One day, I saw my mom hiding her plate and sneaking into the room. Curious, I followed her, only to find that her plate had barely any food—just a tiny bit of rice and a spoonful of curry. When I asked why she wasn’t eating more, she brushed it off, saying she wasn’t hungry. But when I went to the kitchen to get her more, I found the vessels empty.
That’s when it hit me. She wasn’t eating less because she wasn’t hungry. She was eating less because there was nothing left for her.
I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. All this time, I had never noticed. We all ate our fill, never once stopping to think if there was anything left for her. She had been sacrificing her share without a word, simply because she wanted us to have more.
From that moment, I knew things had to change. I started checking in on her every day, helping with chores, and making sure she sat with us at the table when we ate. I became her voice when she couldn’t speak up, ensuring that everyone got an equal share. I started serving food so that "everyone" had enough—including her. It wasn’t easy. My siblings even gave me the nickname “Equality Lady”—a title I wear proudly because fairness and balance are essential, especially within a family.
The change didn’t happen overnight. It took time to get everyone on board, especially since no one initially saw the importance of this simple idea. But eventually, we all learned. Today, we follow this rule without fail: "everyone gets an equal share, no exceptions". Whether it’s the youngest child or the oldest family member, no one is more important than the other.
I’m sharing this because I want you to pause and think. It’s not just about mothers—this could be your dad, your sibling, or anyone around you who quietly sacrifices without asking for anything in return. Just take a moment to look around and see. Ask them how they are, whether they’ve eaten, or if there’s something on their mind. You might be surprised by what you learn.
The simple act of sitting down together for a meal can create memories that last a lifetime. It’s about recognizing that everyone deserves to be treated equally, to be appreciated, and to feel valued.
Life moves fast, and before you know it, things change. People leave, situations shift, and some things are never the same again. So, why wait? Start now. Take a moment to check in with the people you love. Share a meal, ask them how they’re doing, and most importantly, let them know they matter.
Now, I challenge you: who is that person in your life who deserves a little extra love, attention, or care? Take a moment to reach out, check in, and share a meal with them. It’s the small acts of kindness that often mean the most.
What are your thoughts on creating equality in everyday life? I’d love to hear your stories or experiences—drop them in the comments below!
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