You get some great,amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?

Whenever I receive incredibly fantastic news, my first instinct is to double-check the source. In this era of ‘fake news,’ verifying facts is crucial before celebrating.

Once I’m convinced it’s true, the next step is obviousI call my wife. A little context here: due to work commitments, I’ve been living alone lately.

Now, back to the story. I call my wife, eager to share the news. As expected, she’s busy with work and tells me to call her later. But within minutes, she calls backonly to ask if I’ve rechecked the source! Then comes the inevitable story, one I’ve heard a thousand times over the years. It’s about how her grandmother always said, “Never be too happy, or you might jinx it.” And just like that, my excitement is tempered.

Next, I call my son. Being a chartered accountant, his reaction is predictable. His first question? “Does this news benefit you financially?” Whatever my response, he’ll inevitably suggest there’s room for improvement. And just like that, I’m brought firmly back to the ground.

With my excitement thoroughly subdued, I step out into the garden, immersing myself in naturemy tried-and-true way of resetting my mind.