#139 Reflections, Lessons, and Unfinished Tales
Saturday, December 30
As we wrap up the year, it's time to switch gears, leave the doing behind, and step into a reflective mode. The journey ahead calls for a neutral gear, a fresh start from square one. This marks the completion of my second full calendar year with The Passion Pad, reaching a milestone of 100 publications. I take pride in the fact that this venture continues to thrive, teaching me something new every week. Reflecting on the past, my favorite English word, 'HOPE,' perfectly encapsulates my year and outlook. I recall a poem from my school days, 'Hope is the thing with feathers' by Emily Dickinson, which has guided me through dark phases. As I look ahead, the year has instilled in me the wisdom to refrain from making rigid plans, understanding that even our plans have their own plans. It's a lesson in embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the spontaneity of life. As I look back, here are a few lessons I carry forward into the next year -
You don’t lose hope: Even on the darkest days, remember that the light is just around the corner, and keeping hope alive is crucial.
Professional goals are temporary: Prioritize the people in your life, recognizing that relationships are enduring, while professional achievements can be fleeting.
Stop thinking subjectively and start thinking objectively: Encourage a shift from narrow perspectives to a more objective and inclusive mindset.
The world is unfair: Acknowledge the inherent unfairness in the world, understanding that challenges are a part of life.
Realize your privileges: Reflect on your privileges and recognize the role of luck in your journey. Give credit where it's due.
Be content with what you have: Find contentment in the present and draw inspiration from those who have achieved more, viewing it as a ladder to climb with appreciation.
Enjoy the moment: Avoid excessive worry about the future or dwelling on the past; instead, savor and appreciate the present.
Explore and learn: Embrace a continuous learning mindset, understanding that the goalposts should keep moving as you explore new opportunities for growth.
Silence is Powerful: In the noise of everyday life, we discovered the strength in moments of silence, allowing for introspection and peace.
Embrace Imperfections: Perfection is an illusion. Embrace your flaws and imperfections; they make you unique.
Happiness is a Choice: Despite external circumstances, choosing to find joy in simple things can greatly impact your overall happiness.
Listen More, Speak Less: Actively listening to others fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.
Surround Yourself with Joyful Connections: Prioritize relationships with those who bring positivity and joy into your life. Invest your time and energy in people who uplift and support you.
Forgiveness Frees You: Holding onto grudges only weighs you down; forgiving others, and yourself, can be liberating.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Taking breaks from technology fosters genuine connections and promotes mental well-being. Try getting off social media.
As far as 2023 is concerned my novel remained a work in progress – didn't quite get the jumpstart it needed. Blame it on the fascinating world of AI; I spent my days exploring all sorts of tools. How about you? Got any unfinished business nagging at you? Maybe a project or a goal? How are you planning to tackle it? As for me, I'm determined to wrap up that lingering novel and make resolutions that stick. Let's catch up next year, share our triumphs, and maybe a few challenges too. What's on your agenda for the coming year?
Here's to wrapping up the year! Wishing you a joyful New Year ahead. May it be filled with accomplishments, new adventures, and the satisfaction of checking off those to-dos.
Happy New Year!
So proud of you for being consistent with passion pad. Thanks for the bits of information you shared with us ! Wishing you the best year ahead :)