Life Notes :)

So as I bid farewell to the year 2013 – I’d like to cherish the great moments and leave behind the not so happy ones albeit not the lessons that came with them.

While I never draw up New Year resolutions, I thought this year let me pen down thoughts that sum up what this year has either taught or reinforced through the various experiences it brought me:

Here are some of the things:

1.       Not all movement is progress. Sometimes the good, old boring life maybe questioned by several around you – it makes you want to try something new. Here’s the thing though – it’s important to figure out if YOU really want the change – it could be anything – a new hairstyle, a new job, a relationship or even a new drink. The most important is for you to be happy. Do something because it makes you happy, not because it’s the expected/anticipated or cool thing to do. Most importantly do nothing that corrodes your peace of mind :)
 

2.       There is nothing in this world that will replace the solid relationships and friendships which have been inculcated over the years. Not the newness, not the excitement nor the crazy amount of adventure – these are important but will never be as real as the ones which have lasted the test of time.


3.       Trust actions and not words. This has been my biggest learning or should I say a learning which has been corroborated by the experiences this year. Like they say people may not always tell you how they feel, but they always show you! This has been my year of trusting too quickly and burning my fingers – but it’s been worth the learning I guess.


4.       I’ve also learnt that it’s important to rely on your own instincts about people and other big decisions that impact your life directly. You can seek all the opinions and advice from all and sundry but they will only tell you what they know from either what you’ve shared with them or based on their own limited perspective. It’s important to listen to everyone but not at the cost of your own inner voice. It knows – it always does – trust your gut!


5.       I don’t like that man, I must get to know him better said Abraham Lincoln a long time ago – this is what I believed in but here’s a caveat that this quote should come with – there’s no smoke without fire! What I mean by that is don’t believe everything you hear but if you do hear something – verify it from trusted sources – before testing the waters with both your feet!


6.       Life isn’t about tick-marks – it’s about your story! You’re the author, make it your best. While there’s a time and age for everything – there’s also something called not just doing something because everyone else is doing it. From the unfortunate experience of a couple of my really awesome friends I’ve learnt that it isn’t about doing something at the right age – it’s about being happy about doing it any age. Do something-anything -  when you’re ready for it – simply put – happy about doing it. No guarantee that this would work out – but don’t give in to the accelerated time lapse syndrome.


7.       The list of other people’s expectations is endless – it will never end – no matter what age you’re at. When you’re 60 they’ll tell you – you need to retire – whether you want to or not. As Robert Downey Jr. has so aptly said— 'Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the fuck you were gonna do anyway.'
 

8.       The last and most important – Don’t forget to throw your head back and laugh. Think about it – it’s another year gone by – you got through it – good, bad, ugly – it’s just another year – the more important one is the one yet to  come :)
 

      Like they say – Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think! Have a fabulous 2014!

Sanchita Johri – 30/12/2013