Thank You 2024 For Precious Lessons

Amazing how 2024 sped by! In the blink of an eye, it feels like New Year 2025 is around the corner - and yes, it is! A year that made me cry, laugh, sparkle with joy and experience the deepest lows of despair - oh 2024 - what a rollercoaster year!

1. Time is precious - don't waste it. Spend time with your loved ones. Learn new things. Or more importantly, intensify your sadhana through meditation.

2. There are no permanent friends in any relationship - the earlier we focus on our inner serenity and detach from toxic relationships, the better.

3. There will always be people who choose to misunderstand how you communicate - that's not your problem.

4. Whether it is among family members or friends, a relationship built on accusations and grudges will never work - walk out.

5. Relationships are about how you make others feel and vice-versa. If someone is continuously targeting you and disrespectful, remove yourself from there.

6. Life is short. You don't know what happens the next moment.

7. Don't wait till another day to apologise for your mistakes or to say you love someone - do it now - the future is tricky!

8. Those who treat you like dirt and act as though only their choices in life matter - steer clear from their narrow thinking and judgmental bias. Detach yourself.

9. Help others as much as you can. Expect nothing from anyone. If you've read the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the message is clear: Trust in God.

10. Life is precious and fleeting. Prioritise what makes you happy.

Why not rise out of 2024 with inspiring thoughts?

How to Build New Habits in 2025

It could be as simple as waking up at sunrise, journaling, sky gazing and taking at least 2-3 hours off the Internet to simply enjoy one's own solitude, even if it means zoning out of continuous pings or notifications?

"In solitude, a dialogue always arises, because even in solitude, there are always two," Hannah Avendt observes.

How About Waking Up Early and Digital Detox

Not easy - I am sure - especially if your work schedule keeps you glued to your smartphone, not to mention other online distractions including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and many more.

The point is you deserve some time to enjoy clear thinking and nurture peaceful zone within.

If it means switching off from social media for 2-3 hours daily, it's a good habit to start in the New Year.

Structure your time in an impactful way and review it daily.

Go for a jog.

Take a brisk walk.

Gaze at the sky, feel the warmth and enjoy being briefly in sync with Nature.

Read a book. Check out Japanese fiction - it's my current favourite!

Join the Listening Room and experience stillness and mindfulness.

Write poetry or get started with journaling. Listen to soulful music.

Learn something new. You may have more fun!

Tell yourself, "I'll live the focused life, because it's the best kind there is," as Winifred Gallagher observes in 'Rapt'.

I look back with gratitude to the year 2024 for teaching me precious lessons.

Wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2025

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