F̶o̶r̶c̶e̶d̶ Chose to Change
Hello Readers,
This is my last blog post for 2024 and there were many thoughts about what I should write that would be impactful on my Readers. Firstly, I wanted to list down all the movies/series that I have watched followed by all the places I have visited this year. On second thoughts, while these activities were immensely needed to keep my sanity intact however, these list downs are not something I want to leave here before we wrap up 2024 for good.
Readers, whenever I write something here it is based solely on my experiences, circumstances and interests and in no way is a to-do list or a preaching about a set of rules to follow. Everyone is entitled to their choices because at the end of the day nobody is coming to save you except your inner conscience and faith. It sounds a bit morbid coming from someone who actually has the blessing and support of many amazing people in life starting from family, friends and people whom I consider my mentors. But this is the bare truth. Nobody can help or save you unless you choose to help or save yourself first. Everything else follows.
Readers, how many times have you felt frustrated or suffocated by the overwhelming information, advice, or motivational quotes available on social media? I had found myself entangled in this vicious circle through many years until this year when I realised that using social media in balance is good for my sanity. I love social media but only to an extent that it helps me stay connected to the community and serves as a form of entertainment. Beyond that I do not find its usefulness. I am an old school person, I like my information and knowledge to be delivered to me through books or paper. In the wise words of the famous historian and author Yuval Noah Harari, we do not need any more information because we already have enough of it! This brings me to my third realisation that has made me more mindful of my relationships with others.
Do we need more information or do we need to cultivate the ability to have more wisdom? I remember by maternal grandmother. She did not have a college degree but the knowledge that she has passed down is far more valuable than any information I could read up in any books. She was one of the first progressive women I have come across in my life and Readers this is your take away to judge people by their values, character and truthfulness and not their educational degree or financial wealth. I am all for championing women’s rights to education and financial independence but not before I want to see them being emotionally rational and kind. Applies to other genders too, we do not differentiate.
“Failures are the stepping stones to success.” I think until this year’s end I had not realised the powerful meaning hidden in this quote. Success is not achieving a position rather it is a state of mind that allows us the freedom of choices. Last year when I had hit rock bottom emotionally, I set a few standards that I needed to achieve so that I can call myself successful. Guess what? I did not achieve all of those expectations. In fact all the things that I had ticked as the most important in life, either did not happen or have no chance of happening ever. Am I successful? Guess what? I changed the definition of success and decided that till the time I have the liberty and freedom of choices in life, I am successful. Looking at that, I am successful today.
Readers, choose your hard. You might have come across this quote too. But really, you have to make your own choices rather than getting carried away by what others expect from you. As I have said earlier, nobody is going to help or save you. Parents, teachers, mentors and friends can only guide and support us. At the end of the day we are the ones who will have to tread a particular path. Sometimes well wishers encourage and support us out of their affection and belief in our capabilities but only you Readers can know how much you can take or not take of something. Choose your hard so that in the long run you do not resent those who only wish the best for you even if they might not know what’s the best for you. It is time we pay heed to the old proverb “suno sabki karo mann ki” which roughly translates to listen to everyone but do as you wish. Readers, whichever way your 2024 might have gone, always keep that little spark and hold on to that little hope that 2025 will be more kinder and better to you.
Until next time, Readers❤
