When I stop and think about what makes me (me) the little habits, the quirks, the things I love it all leads back to my parents. It’s a humbling thought, really. The things I sometimes call my “uniqueness” aren’t just mine. They’re pieces of my parents, their passions, their dreams, living on through me. I’m not just myself; I’m a reflection of them
Take my love for movies, for example. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a movie buff. I could talk for hours about plots, get lost in the beauty of cinematography, or geek out over a timeless classic. But compared to my dad? I’m just a beginner. He was the real movie enthusiast in our family. He once told me he watched the same movie 17 times in the theatre. Seventeen times! I don’t think I’ll ever beat that record. Growing up, I remember how he could recall the tiniest details from films he’d seen years ago every line of dialogue, every actor’s expression. His excitement was contagious. Sitting next to him as a kid, I didn’t just watch movies; I learned to feel them. They became more than entertainment they were windows into emotions, into stories, into life. Now, every time I watch a film, it’s like he’s right there with me, sharing the experience.
Then there’s my love for cooking. That’s something I always connected to my mom. She was the heart of our home, filling it with the smell of delicious meals. Every dish she made was made with love. But here’s the funny thing: my dad could cook too. When he was younger, he’d experiment with recipes from a cookbook he bought to try new things. When I first heard that, I couldn’t help but laugh. He had his recipe book, and now I have YouTube different tools, but the same curiosity, the same joy in creating something that brings people together. Every time I cook, it feels like I’m honouring both of them, blending tradition with my own little twists.
And then there’s my love for books and writing things. That’s a gift from my mom. She is a reader and occasionally used to write, always lost in some story. Through her, I discovered the magic of words and how they could take you to places you’d never been, and make you feel things you’d never felt. Now, when I pick up a book, it’s like I’m having a quiet conversation with her, a connection that goes beyond time and space. When I write blogs it makes me feel like it is coming from her actually.
When I think about what defines me, I realize it’s all inherited. Every passion, every talent, every little thing I’m proud of it’s all a gift from my parents. I’m just carrying forward what they gave me, adding my own touch along the way. Without these things, I wouldn’t be who I am. Without them, I’d feel empty.
But this doesn’t make me less. It fills me with gratitude. My parents, in their own ways, gave me a foundation so rich and meaningful that it feels like my life’s purpose is to honour them. This article is my way of saying thank you. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making me who I am. Every movie I watch, every dish I cook, every book I read and for every blog/article I write it’s all you. It’s your love, your passion, your essence.
Life moves fast, but these little things movies, meals, books and writing keep me connected to the people who shaped me. They remind me that love is the greatest legacy of all
To anyone reading this, I, Rustam Khadka, hope it reminds you to pause and think about the gifts your parents have given you, even if they didn’t realize they were doing it. You might find that your identity, too, is a beautiful continuation of their legacy. And if you do, hold it close. Cherish it. Because it’s the most precious inheritance of all.
It’s fascinating how deeply our parents shape who we become, even in the smallest ways. I can totally relate to inheriting passions from my parents, like your dad’s love for movies—it’s such a beautiful way to feel connected to someone. But seriously, 17 times in the theater? That’s dedication! I wonder if there’s a movie you’ve come close to watching that many times, or if you’ve developed your own quirky film habit because of him. And the cooking part—it’s so heartwarming how you blend tradition with your own style. Do you have a favorite dish that reminds you most of your mom or dad? I think it’s incredible how these little things keep their spirit alive. Would you say you’ve ever surprised yourself by realizing how much you’ve mirrored them without even trying?
This text is in English.
It’s fascinating how deeply our parents shape who we are, even in the smallest ways. Your reflection on how your love for movies and cooking connects to your parents is so heartfelt and relatable. I can almost feel the warmth of those shared moments with your dad during movie nights and the aroma of your mom’s cooking. It’s beautiful how you’ve carried those passions forward, blending tradition with your own creativity. Do you think your parents ever realized how much their interests would influence you in such a profound way? I wonder if they’d be surprised to see how their quirks and habits have become such a big part of your identity. What’s one habit or passion of yours that you hope to pass on to someone else someday?
That’s such a beautiful reflection on how our parents shape who we are. It’s amazing how their passions and quirks become a part of us, almost like a living legacy. Your love for movies and cooking, inspired by your dad and mom, feels so personal yet universal. I can’t help but wonder, though, do you think you’ve passed on any of these traits to someone else, or is it something you hope to do in the future? It’s fascinating how these little things connect generations. I also love how you’ve blended tradition with your own style—it’s such a meaningful way to honor them. Do you think your parents ever realized how much they influenced you, or is it something you’ve only come to appreciate over time? This really makes me want to sit down and think about the pieces of my own parents that live in me. What’s one habit or passion of yours that you’d want to pass on to someone else?
When I read this, it made me reflect on how much of who we are is shaped by our parents. It’s beautiful how the author sees their love for movies and cooking as a direct connection to their parents. I especially loved the story about the dad watching the same movie 17 times—that’s dedication! It’s amazing how these little things become such a big part of our identity. Do you think we ever truly realize the full impact our parents have on us until we stop and think about it? I also wonder, how do you think the author’s parents would feel knowing how much they’ve influenced their child? It’s a touching reminder to appreciate the people who’ve shaped us.
Beautifully written, we get shared qualities form our source. I can tell you’re connection with movies and your cook is yet to be revealed. Wonderful articulation, your writing is full of nostalgia. Keep up the great work.
Don’t forget, our dad put power glasses because he weakened his eye watching too much movies.
Our childhood was filled with movies, music and bhajans. I still remember how Dad used to wrap the TV in a bed sheet and hide it in the cupboard during our exams. That was a real Dad Move.
Such a nostalgic memory!! He had a deep love for entertainment but also was strict when it comes to our studies.
This line “Every movie I watch, every dish I cook, every book I read and for every blog/article I write it’s all you.” reminded me of a song “could cry just thinkin about you” by Troye Sivan. Here’s my little take on it too.
Every scene I watch brings me back to you,
Every dish I cook carries the warmth of you,
Every page I turn whispers tales of you,
Every word I write is a tribute to you
Slowly babu is picking up the legacy