My life in words, many words.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Yearly Reflection: 2017

Hi friends.

I've been on Blogger for 7 years. I've missed a few years in between and I don't write like I used to before. But I haven't changed. I always have a mental blog formulating in my mind. I am always thinking of things to express but they never end up in writing. That is because - I had a lot of free time on my hands back in the day.

It's almost the end of the year. I figured... why not do a self-reflection? It's something we should all do. I am sure, most of you already have. Ever feel, that time is running out while you've got a lot to accomplish? Welcome to the crew!

2017 has been a better year for me. As I mentioned earlier, 2016 was a disastrous year. I was NOT happy. I was able to get a lot of love and laughter this year - which is essential to everyone's soul. We moved into our new house on Boxing Day last year. I got a great job this year. We were able to make this house into a home. Most importantly, we were able develop deeper understanding of each other's thoughts and emotions. Ever go through that phase in life where you feel that you're living with a roommate, not a husband? (It's normal, BTW). I went through that phase in 2016. This year has rekindled our love in the most amazing way possible. And this is without kids, lol.

My parents live in the same neighborhood. Needless to say, they are a constant pillar of support along with my godly grandmother. Therefore, I am grateful for that. My brother has completed yet another year of Optometry - moving closer to his goals. Things have been fantastic.

I saw a self-reflection quiz on Pinterest that really got me thinking about myself. I am going to answer those questions in this post. Perhaps, as you guys are reading - you can also answer these questions for yourself. Introspection is a great thing.

1. What are my strengths?
I think my greatest strength is to build and maintain relationships. I go out of my way for family and friends that are close to me. I make sacrifices - wanted or unwanted. I cannot have mental peace if people are upset with one another - be it my parents or friends. I want everyone to feel at peace when they go to bed at night.

2. Who matters the most to me?
I think this question is better felt - than answered. You guys already know who you are. Lots of love and good wishes for all of you that have been nothing but supportive.

3. What am I ashamed of?
I am ashamed of my constant rebounds and yo-yo cycles of weight loss. I have not been successful in making it a lifestyle. It's always a "short-term" goal. I go back to my old ways of eating carelessly and living a sedentary lifestyle. I am ashamed at my weak will. It shouldn't be as difficult as I make it to be.

4. What do I like to do for fun?
Talk to people. Drink wine and dance. Stay in and cuddle with my husband while watching movies on the couch. Spend weekends with my family - laughing about nothing and everything. Shopping for absolutely no reason.

5. If I wasn't afraid.... I would...
If I wasn't afraid, I would try to be pet-friendly. I have lived a life being scared of anything that moves other than humans - whether it's insects, pets or harmless animals at the zoo. I used to be scared for my life upon encounters with dogs in the elevator in my old apartment building. No one should be subjected to such phobia. I can't help it - I had a traumatic incident in my childhood. But do I wish to continue living with this phobia till the day I die? Maybe, not.

6. What am I passionate about?
I am passionate about a couple of things. Having a change of direction in careers - HR. I don't regret my legal studies because it has helped me in this field as well. But I have a newfound passion for HR - especially to change it's age-old reputation. HR is a lot more than administration and hiring and firing. I have a great mentor at work - my boss - who teaches me the real values of HR.
I am still passionate about makeup and always will be. It doesn't matter if I wish to pursue it in a career direction - which I have been told all the time. I enjoy it as a hobby and I'll be a sassy, glamorous grandmother at 70 still putting on that Chanel lipstick. 

7. What am I grateful for?
I am grateful for everything in life. The house I live in. The safe country I live in. The quiet neighborhood I live in. My lovely parents and parents in law. My siblings. My husband. My friends. My acquaintances. The food that I get to eat. The clothes I get to wear. The luxury splurges I get to have - that being said, I don't throw money out the window on useless things. I utilize whatever I purchase. I am grateful for my job. I am grateful to be alive. Thank you, God.

8. I know I am stressed when...
I am definitely stressed if I ignore your calls or messages. I am stressed when all I want to do is curl up in a blanket. I am stressed if I am watching Friends - because I watch it to calm myself down. I am stressed if I am stress eating at a random drive-thru somewhere. I am stressed if I sleep for prolonged hours.

9. What does my inner critic tell me?
My inner critic tells me that I need to create a better lifestyle for myself - it's a work in progress. It also tells me that I am too gullible, sometimes. I need to speak up for myself instead of crying as a victim later. I need to get mentally tough to tackle difficult situations. I need more interpersonal development - to face senior leadership at work with confidence. I lack knowledge base in HR because I am relatively new- but I have common sense and intuition. Everything takes time. My inner critic also tells me that I will be where I want to be :) if I stay persistent (not much of a critic, huh!) 

10. What are my values? What do I believe in? 
Hmmm.. this is a good one.
I've written multiple posts about my values and moral system. Let's focus only on what has changed this year. I no longer believe in being honest all the time. I am sorry to say this. But I've learnt the hard way. Sometimes, you have to give people a taste of their own medicine. My values will always be based on one fundamental theme: equality. Everyone knows - Libras are all about balance. We cannot tolerate disturbance of our equilibrium. I just believe in doing the right thing - every time you can, with a few exceptions as I mentioned earlier. It's important - not be hypocritical and always stick to your values. It's not a value system if you don't follow it yourself. Everyone has a purpose in life - whether we know it or not. My values have always been to share knowledge - not hide it for one's selfish interest. I always share good or bad information with my family and friends.  I don't believe in comprising my moral values for any type of gain. It's a short life, guys. Live it in the best way possible, to it's fullest.

To bring this post to a positive end, here's my favorite Tibetan proverb: "Eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure."

My own Hindi commentary in addition to the above: Baatein sab yahin reh jaani hai doston, chhoti-chhoti baaton par khud ko chhota na banayein, khush rahein, doosro ko bhi khush rakhein. Issi se aapki or aapke parivaar ki sehat bahut achhi rahegi. Negative baaton par react mat kijiye. Insaan ka aadha dukh reactions se hi aata hai. 1 chup - 100 sukh is a kahawat for a reason. Positive baaton ko embrace kijiye. Doosron se woh na expect kijiye jo aap chahte hain. Aap doosron ki strengths aur weakness dekh kar expectations rakhein. Unke flaws ko accept karein - naa ki discourage karein. Duniya mein koi perfect nahi hai. Hum khud bhi nahi. Hum jab is duniya se uth jayenge - to baaton ko leke nahi jayenge apne saath. Aankhein band karke, aakhri lamhon mein apni khushi ke pal yaad karenge. Isliye - voluntary dukh ko bulane ke bajaye - let's make more khushi ke pal in the coming year. Happy Holidays everyone! :)


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