Does time change? Or does it remain constant? If it does remain constant, do only the things around it change?
Well I’m no physicist to ponder upon these trivialities of time and relativity. But be whatever may, if time does change, it changed at a rapid pace in 2023. And if not, then things changed at an unfathomably fast pace in the year gone by, at least for me.
The past year was a mix bag really. On one hand, it tested me to my core, questioned me as to who I am? poked around to see how strong I am, and tossed me around to see if I can stand up again. The only way I survived those moments was because I chose not to give up every time I had a fall. On the other hand, the year brought a lot of positive changes with it. Job change and pay hike :), worked closely with CEOs, got an opportunity to work with a unicorn founder, became slightly more fit, Anu started working, gained more courage, became more resilient, started reading again, made new friends, deepened existing friendships, traveled (experienced -5°C for the first time), did some adventure sports etc.
I must add, traversing the year wouldn’t have been possible without the support of some of the most beautiful people in my life across friends and family. Whenever I felt weak, I found strength from knowing that you are there for me. A big thank you for this from the bottom of my heart!
If I were to put words to some of the things and moments of the past year which mattered to me, touched me in some way or things I started, the word cloud would look something like this :
Onto 2024:
What am I looking forward to?
First of all, being a stronger, happier, fitter and a more confident version of me. This couldn’t have been overstated, because everything that I do this year hopefully contributes to this or flows from it.
Strong, in the sense of being able to withstand things, no matter what.
Happier to be able to appreciate moments, laugh and also spread happiness among those around me.
Fitter to be able to go on treks and cycle around Bangalore maybe 🙂 I’m glad that I was able to hit 30K in 2023, a feat which I felt wasn’t possible when I had purchased my MTB. Plus, eat healthier and lose that stubborn fat!
A more confident me. Maybe how I used to be once upon a time? Oozing energy to shake things up around me, never doubting your own self and yet being receptive to change, learning, unlearning and relearning.
So how do I actualise these goals? Through more reading (hopefully 10+ books this year), traveling (definitely overseas this year), going on more short vacations, being consistent at gym and cycling, letting go of things that bother me unnecessarily, learning to play guitar, becoming more disciplined at savings, taking care of my near and dear ones etc. The list may be huge and inexhaustible, but the goal and direction are key.
Probably, I wanna start giving as well in some form. This could be through volunteering or via mentoring i.e. if someone can come to see me as their mentor :). But yeah, I’ll be thinking of more ways to give this year.
And last but not the least, find a partner with whom I can navigate life through all of the above, someone who is my equal, to whom I can be a pillar of strength and support and someone when being with time loses its meaning. Someone with whom I can be with when the clock turns 00:00 at the end of the year (and hopefully everyday of the year). But most importantly, someone who wishes to be with me in those moments, hopefully much more than the other way around 🙂
To 2024, here I come.
Gyan