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Lessons , love and looking ahead.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself doing what I always do this time of year—pausing, reflecting about my blessings, losses; thinking about who stood by me, who drifted away, and what personal changes I can make as I step into a new year.

Every story, every moment—happy or sad—has taught me something valuable.

The year didn’t begin gently. It started with hurt, sadness, and the loss of a friendship of several years. It left a dull ache, one that wouldn't go away no matter how hard I tried. Yet, this same year also surprised me with immense joy as the months unfolded.

January brought healing in unexpected ways. I traveled back home to India and spent precious time with my father, my sisters, and my family. Visiting the tea gardens of Kerala was the highlight of that trip. Standing there, surrounded by green hills and calm skies, I felt something settle inside me. It was exactly what my soul needed.



February brought a dream come true. I stayed at The Taj Hotel in Mumbai on my birthday. As students, we used to stand outside, peering through its grand windows, imagining what it might feel like to be inside someday. To finally walk through those doors felt surreal—one of those full-circle moments life gifts you quietly.

March arrived with cherry blossoms. This year, we visited a state park to see them, pausing beneath the blue skies. 


April was filled with reunions and adventure—meeting friends from back home in Washington, D.C., spending time with family, and visiting Hawaii for the very first time.




May overflowed with pride. My firstborn graduated yet again—his third degree, an LLM this time. An undeniably proud mom moment. My sister and her family traveled to the U.S. to attend his graduation. As an immigrant, these are the moments you hold close—the ones that make all the sacrifices feel worthwhile.



June brought music and magic. We attended a Yo-Yo Ma concert as a family, something that had long been on my list. Sitting there together, listening to his music, I felt honored and deeply grateful.

July was about home being full again. Family visits, laughter, music through the house. August took us to Vermont. My firstborn led the trip, navigating roads while I sat in the back seat, quietly amazed at his confidence and sense of direction, another reminder of how quickly time moves.

September, October, and November were filled with travel to see my younger ones. This year also marked our 30th wedding anniversary. My husband planned a surprise gathering—one I will always cherish.


We attended several college football games, cheering from the stands. My children are in the marching band; my son serves as one of the drum majors. Watching them perform, confident and joyful, during their final year of college was heartwarming beyond words. Along the way, I also found time to admire wildflowers and fall foliage—nature always grounding me when I need it most.

Thanksgiving was quiet and simple, spent at home with family.

 December brought the children home again. On Christmas Day, we all traveled separately, yet reunited at the destination—meeting friends after almost a decade and cheering my kids on from the stands. Once again, we had traveled a full circle.

Throughout the year, my siblings remained my constant. They are my forever friends, my blessings. We live in three different time zones yet remain connected at the cord—at the core. Our conversations are deep, often lasting hours. They remind me of my strength, understand my struggles, and help me see the light when I forget to look for it.

I made it to the gym whenever I could and stayed consistent with my outdoor walks.

The Samsung walking app tells me that I have walked 4,578 more steps a day than the average for my age group and this year, I broke my personal record and walked 27,866 steps in a day, that's roughly 13 miles, almost half a marathon. Yeah ME!!! 

I didn’t read as many books this year  though as last, but Braiding Sweetgrass left a lasting imprint—heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. I spent many sleepless nights after reading Sooly .


Somewhere along the way, a truth settled in quietly: I am a mom. I gave up my so-called career to raise my three children. Seeing them, talking to them, being part of their lives, that is my happiness. I still haven’t fully figured out what comes next. A few months ago, I started working once a week for a few hours at a retail store. It offers the flexibility I crave, and surprisingly, I’ve been enjoying it. It has given me a fresh perspective—one I didn’t know I needed.

So, looking back, this year was rich—with gratitude, victories, struggles, and unanswered questions. And I am grateful for all of it.

As the year ends, I feel ready. Ready to turn the page. I am ready to write my story for the new year—one moment, one memory, one sunset at a time.





 What lessons are you carrying into the new year?

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