Lessons of 2023

As the time takes 2023 to it's end, its time to look for the events occurred in the course of the last year. For me, 2023 has been an year which passed like a high speed train having no stop on the platform I stood. Life has been a blend of emotions- happy, sad, joyous, pathetic, and many more. But, above all I spent most of my time in search of peace, and serenity in the chaos, I find myself enveloped in.

This year taught me many lessons and I think some specific ones are worth sharing. So, I'm penning them here....like last two years. I'm also including people's ideas and thoughts that I got through my insta stories @heart_and_pen. Lets have a look-

1.) Learn to say "NO". Being pampered creatures of our mums, our innocence rules our head and we find it tough to say no. But, the life needs to recognize that not everyone and everything deserves your YES. It's crucial to understand the fine line differentiating the both.

2.)If you remember someone's birthday(or any other special day), I urge you to go and wish them at sharp 00:00 AM itself. What's faulty in it? I've seen people counting, how many wishes did they get at sharp 00:00 AM. And the thing is....they feel special, happy, and cared....and nothing better than a feeling of being cared, and loved as a gift, you can owe them. (PS- on my last birthday I got exactly 8 calls at 00:00 AM itself....some texts too....Hoping next year, it'll turn to 10🙂..if some of my friends didn't sleep by then😂).

3). You should acknowledge that, friendship or any other relationship is never supposed to be 50-50. There is always an uneven distribution. We should focus on our own efforts and thought process to keep the bonds happy, joyous, and peaceful. Owning their flaws, and feeling secure around them.... that's everything.

4.) Be clear with your intentions. If you want just friendship, be clear about it. If you want relationship, be clear about it. Just be clear about what you want from the other person. Lest, you're gonna mess the things up, and you'll end up losing everything. Just know yourself, and be clear about that.

5.) Life is too uncertain, and fleeting/transient. Any moment can be our last(hard but true). So, live fully, love hard, spread happy smiles, be kind, and cherish the beauty this life comes wrapped in. Never let the alterations turn you down. Be patient, content, and happy. 

6.) Depression, and anxiety are real things. Please never fake them. Go get a good treatment, care for your mental health, and never deny it. Just, know that emotional pains are bitter than the physical ones. Meditate, and have faith.

 7.) Peace is in accepting the truths and abiding by them rather than faking the reality and feeling cool with illusions.

8.) There is no friend as loyal as books. This year I read a cup of books and I felt better having them on my table. They enrich your life experiences, and the way you are supposed to live it. (My recommendation of the year- "The Alchemist" by Paulo Cohelo). 

9.) Prioritise actions over words. 

10.) We're living in a society of broken people. I knew this, and I also tried to get a closer look through questions on my insta stories. How sad everyone is and are faking happiness! But, the thing is ....we're supposed to bear everything patiently. To be kind, compassionate, and to help others heal. Things are inevitable....and everything is beautiful. Beautiful in the sense.... we're supposed to be excited to live this life. Never loose that excitement, and the enthusiasm to live, and love more.

- I hope, this year was cheerful for you, I wish you a very new year for 2k24. What was your lesson of the year?

• Signing Off :- Arpit.

•(PS- 2k23 turned Aashiqui 2 and it's eternal songs a decade older....yet "TUM HI HO" remains my favourite....and it always will❤️💙).