2023 is here already!!! :O
Where has the time gone?
Even though I am not big on NYE, there’s something sentimental about closing out a new year and beginning the next. This year I decided to follow the Japanese culture of cleaning the home ahead of the New Year. The idea is to deep clean your house remove any broken/damaged items and clothing, and clean off all the dust and dirt so as not to carry it into the new year.
Since 2023 is here, now seemed like a good time to slow down and reflect on all the time that has passed. Here are five things I have learned this year, recorded in my phone now to the blog in the hope that I remember them in the years to come.
l) We Are All Alone
One of the saddest yet most sobering and powerful realizations is that you’re on your own. No matter how many friends you have. No matter how much love you receive, it’ll always be you in this life. There’s so much power in accepting this. Not even in the pessimistic sense. Don’t let it break you. Let it empower you and lift you. Even if you have no one, you have yourself. Plan and improve yourself. Move forward.
2) Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Have you ever wandered on purpose? An essential part of living is always to maintain your curiosity. To wander just for the sake of wandering is an act of curiosity. It’s an opportunity to rekindle your curiosity. Remember the sheer joy of discovery you experienced as a child when you learned things just because you were curious? Wandering around is an opportunity to slow down, listen to your heart, and discover what matters most.
3) You Stop Making Friends After Sometime in Life
A sad but an unavoidable fact of life is that we lose friends as we age. I won’t speak for everyone. I’ll speak for myself. As I got older and acquired more responsibility, I got busier. That made me picky with who and how I spent my time.
You’ll realize that you have stopped making new friends at some point. I am not saying it doesn’t happen. But making meaningful and genuine friends becomes really, really, really hard.
And while we are on the topic of time passing…
4) Make Friends With Change
What will the unknown bring? Will we be able to adapt? The fear of the new can stop us from taking chances altogether – even if they could open new doors for us. Fear of change can be explained in one sentence: “what if I fail?.” We were conditioned to believe that we should not fail at anything. But let me ask: is this the way you want to live? This year I learnt and experienced that embracing change is more fulfilling than playing safe.
5) Let Love Be Your Guide
When something feels fantastic, do more of it. Start with your peace, your love, and your compassion. Go from there. Allow your heart and soul to walk you home. Love everything and have faith that it will never lead you astray.
Thank you so much for being here, whether you’re a regular reader or are just stopping by. I am grateful for this beautiful small community. Happy New Years. Sending lots of love and virtual hugs and kisses.
xo
Yachna
