2019 - A momentary reflection of the year gone by.

A few more days, and it’s bye-bye 2019, and hello 2020! As the years go by, it feels like time is bettering itself, picking up speed gradually, accelerating ever so smoothly, that we passengers riding in the car of time, are almost oblivious to the same. This year has been no different. It feels different though. I feel different. Older, hopefully wiser, more confident, more at peace with myself and my reality. A few years ago, I’d have called this year a roller-coaster ride, but compared to the years past, 2019’s been a relatively smooth motorboat ride through slightly choppy salty waters, the vibration and hint of turbulence only adding to the excitement of an otherwise fun cruise. No complaints there!

Fortune introduced me to a horde of varied individuals this year; people unlike myself, unlike many that I’ve met during my what-seems-to-me like a long lifetime, but probably short for many. Not until very recently, have I paused to marvel at the gazillion permutations and combinations in personalities, interpersonal interactions and expressions of self. Nature, always an exacting taskmaster and a sincere teacher, never fails to amaze! A smile here, slight wrinkling of the forehead there; a handshake here, swords crossing there, hugs elsewhere; walking side by side, maybe hand-in-hand with some, dodging a few; standing tall with some, bowing down before a few, voluntarily or otherwise; lessons in friendship, in discord, in trust;  in humility, in pride, in confidence, in self reliance; in naiveté, in pretentiousness, a hint of deviousness; in strength, in tolerance, in patience, in hope… quite the melee! I’ve soared high in the beautiful azure skies and been suddenly dropped into the abyss, with soft cushions to luckily break my fall. Somehow I remember only the highs. The lows having been accepted, have faded to a distant memory. Serenity wraps herself around me, as I gaze at the still white backwaters visible from my balcony, a favourite haunt for many a bird; simply enjoying the present minute. Expectations are few, hopes many and I remain open, to all that life has to offer. So, bring it on 2020! I stand at your threshold, looking forward to the party and with any luck, add to the festivities. 

Happy New Year, everyone! May the coming year be bigger, better and brighter. Wish you health in body and mind, bubbling energy and overflowing positivity. Raising my glass to you, cheers!