New Year, Same Old Me

Another year has come to pass. Now we’ll be getting calendars from Daboo Ratnani and IndiaPicture and picking out favourite months based on the best photographs. New diaries. New resolutions. And that same old vow: This year will be different. This year, I will be different.

And, I will be! Two months ago, I decided to be healthier. Physically and mentally. Less than a month ago, I retired my wings and stepped into another role. But a lot will be the same, like this tradition of making the first blog post of the year at midnight and chastising myself for not being more disciplined with this. I was supposed to write 24 short stories in 2017 and even when I had the inclination, I let myself go loose. And the gazillion online courses are in a limbo somewhere, too. Ted Talks, documentaries, podcasts are nearly forgotten.

The last few hours left are as much for recollection and retrospection, as for vow-making. A year in review, that’s what people call it. I did well, come to think of it. I travelled, met with professional growth, made an effort to stay in touch with friends (and not become a recluse), and I mostly did whatever the hell I wanted. Two international holidays and many work travels later, I am wiser and happier. And stronger, for I did say goodbye to a job that wasn’t giving me any pleasure.

Oh, 2018! I’m not doing this with a coke, chocolate cake, and pizza as always. That’s a darn good sign for what is to follow! I promise to finish my reading challenge this year and write at least 12 short stories (God willing). I promise to be more levelheaded with money matters. And like every year, I promise to be less judgemental and more patient with people.

I don’t always know where I’m going when I start a year, but I like where I am right now: Procrastinating like a pro and watching Footloose. What a life!