What did 2024 teach you?

Did 2024 teach me anything different?  Anything significant? Yes! I am happy to acknowledge that 2024 has been a defining year in my life. It is not as if the other years did not teach me anything, they were definitely all very enriching. However, 2024 was different for me, probably it was the first time in my retired life that I spent a whole year at home with neither children nor grandchildren to look after, really, none of the typical activities I am used to. Of course, discounting the Covid years when it was an extraordinary time. So what did 2024 teach me? 

With temporary responsibilities taking a backseat, finally I got some time for myself. I decided to invest in my health which involved mindful eating and mindful exercising, apart from several other steps which I undertook to bring about a healthy lifestyle. The first lesson 2024 taught me was that the level of discipline one needs to change one's life is nothing short of crazy.  The most difficult of these was mindful eating.  I found this challenge to be most formidable followed by a daily regular regimen of morning exercises and evening walks. I soon realized the rewards of the enhanced physical activities were many and even though it has been a tough process, I am happy to say that I have emerged, triumphant.

 I undertook a long pending visit to my paternal home town this year. The visit filled me with a sense of joy and happiness. I felt something profoundly fulfilling. It helped root out many imagined fears and guilt, which on deeper analysis, probably stemmed from my feeling of rootlessness. I wondered why I had suffered so long and hadn't  made this decision earlier. I was happy to discover that the world around me is more beautiful when I am at peace with the world within me! 

I have spent my life believing that I am an introvert and finally reading the book 'Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking' by Susan Cain, gave me solace that an introvert can also be a very happy person in the company of others. I often feel stressed by loud noises, strong smells or even crowded places but I have come to understand that sensitivity is not a weakness, it is just a different way of processing the world around me. I have learned to embrace it and take care of myself. I gave up trying to force myself to fit in where I didn't belong. I am sure I was overwhelmed with the extrovert personalities of several family members and believed that it was the only way to enjoy a social life but I was so mistaken! Finally, I did find people whom I could relate to, people with whom I would come alive and I'm so grateful to God for having given me the sense to understand and hold on to these friends now.

Another fall out of my self-effacing nature was being stingy with smiles. I'm pleasantly surprised to discover the gifts of a smile; it has earned me all of my new friends. And this has made my days worth living!  Whether it was the group in my Yoga class or strangers on my daily walk at the beach, I found and made friends.  It also helped me rediscover some of my old friends. And through this process, I have met some people you could call 'human medicine' - you spend an hour with them and every thing feels better!  How much they added to the quality of my life! I have learnt to be more generous with my smiles!

2024 taught me that it's possible to love unconditionally, and when I am the recipient of that largesse, I am overwhelmed. I had returned after a long stay with my grandchildren and as much as I miss them, I know it is not possible to be always with them. I revel in every opportunity I get to talk with them. Sometimes, I am so moved, I can barely stop the happy tears - especially when one says, "I love you Nani," and the other retorts, "I love you more, Nani".  These protestations of love leave me grateful and often make me wonder what I have done to be the recipient of the love of my truly wonderful grandchildren and I now understand that it is possible  to give back as good as you get. 2024 has taught me that trivial and petty matters can be left behind and forgotten and that immense love and gratitude can take its place. Remember....

  "Nothing comes from nothing, Nothing ever could!      So in my youth or childhood,                                   I must have done something good!"

It took me a while to conquer some of the conditioning I found myself tethered to. Strangely, they included friends and friendship, music and merriment- all of which were considered a waste of time, frowned upon and never encouraged during my growing years. But they bring me so much solace! Every time I switch on the radio to listen to Mohammad Rafi's soul stirring love songs, I am plagued with guilt. Thankfully, the very same numbers have helped me overcome them.

बहुत शुक्रिया बड़ी मेहरबानी, मेरी ज़िन्दगी में हुज़ूर आप आए......
Many thanks for the great kindness you have shown by coming into my life.....
Reveling in my date with Mr. Monsoon the other day, I was returning home, listening to another of Rafi's soulful numbers as the monsoon drizzle accompanied me fervently....
जो गुज़र रही है मुझ पर उसे कैसे मैं बताऊँ!
वो ख़ुशी मिली है मुझको मैं ख़ुशी से मर न जाऊँ!
I'm unable to convey what I feel.....I'm so enjoying the happiness which I have received.
The year 2024 also dispelled my ignorance but thankfully, didn't dampen my enthusiasm for it also taught me - it's Lady Monsoon! And in this context, clearly it didn't make a difference! Dear Delightful Music, thanks for always cheering me up, clearing my head, healing my heart and lifting my spirit!































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