I was reviewing some old photos today, and my eyes stopped at one of my old diaries. I journaled my thoughts during my two pregnancies. It was a combination of talking to my baby and some self-conversation. I recall how wonderful I would feel while penning down my thoughts in my diary. And now, when I read it, it brings a soft smile to my face. I want to engage in self-conversation as we approach the end of 2023. I want to reflect upon the past year and want to share my vision for the year to come in the form of a poem.
One word to describe 2023…
Swarnali, the host of this blog hop started a thread where she asked one word to describe 2023. I have not just one but two words – “Nurture and Curiosity“ to describe 2023. In the past year, I have experienced these two words on several occasions and moments. Both these words are directly related to self-growth. Before we dive into our conversation, let me grab a cup of coffee. You also feel free to grab yours.
Dear Alpana,
How are you doing girl? Its been so long since we had long talks. Our last cool chat was a couple of years ago. It was such a wonderful feeling. I agree, with too many things on our plate, we couldn’t continue to talk at leisure (without any interruptions) on regular intervals. But today, I decided to connect with you.
As you know, for self-growth, I believe a lot on self-reflection and visualization. I like to reflect upon my strengths, which helped me reach my goals, and my weaknesses, which are also an essential part of my personality. They tell me what I need to fix or improve. A combination of these makes me who I am.
I like to challenge myself and learn new things. I always say that I do not believe in making resolutions; rather, I make promises to myself. 2023 was beautiful in many ways. It started with new adventures, new hopes, and new projects. In my teaching role, I get to experience adventures every day. In fact, our Kindergarten Hallway says, “Here, Adventure Awaits”. And it is so true when I work with little kids. They are full of adventure and give me every reason to smile and keep the child in me intact. With them, no day is dull. I will not lie. Sometimes, my days are tiring. But the next day, their cute faces and a warm hug make me forget all about it. They remind me of when my kids were at this age.
We want them to grow fast, but then we miss their younger days. Oh, yes, I can vouch for that.
My bundle of joy…
Shreya will be finishing 10th grade soon. In only two years, she will be embarking on a new journey. My friends often ask me how I feel about she going to the dorm soon. Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. Or should I say I don’t want to think about it right now. I am going with the flow. Sometimes, I feel that her school years after 5th grade went by so quickly that now, I want to slow down and cherish her presence and not think about her not being at home.
She is mostly busy with her study assignment deadlines; sometimes, it’s her teenage mood swings. We don’t get to have long talks. In a couple of years, she will be occupied with her college application process, and with her, we will enter a new phase of life. Keeping all this in mind, I am trying to make the best of whatever time I get to spend with her. We bake together as we used to do earlier or play indoor/outdoor sports, or go to watch movies. She is a Bollywood person and a Shahrukh Khan fan. Recently, we watched Dunki. As a mother, my heart fills with pride when she talks proudly about Indian culture. And that’s the tip I give my friends with daughters almost reaching teenagehood.
Talking about my younger one Om, he is truly a joy. He is always full of life, jumping around in the whole house. In the last year, he has developed a keen interest in wildlife and has amazed me several times. He enlightened (yes, that is a better word than educate) me so much about wildlife that our recent trip to the zoo felt as wonderful as it had ever felt before. This makes me realize that when we know about something, we enjoy it even more. He has declared that when he grows up, he will be either a zoologist or a wildlife photographer and have an exhibition. …that’s his visualization about his future, and I genuinely respect that.
India trip after 6 years…
And yes, how can I forget our trip to India? That was one of the significant happening events of 2023. We went to India after 6 years. This time, we traveled a lot. Can you believe, we covered 4 states and 7 cities in just 1 1/2 months! Everywhere it was hot, new climate and new ambiance but we enjoyed every bit. Shreya has traveled to India many times before, but it was Om’s first trip to India. He traveled as an infant, so I don’t count it. Both of them made me so proud. I don’t remember a single occasion when they complained about how things are different there, why it is so hot, or why houses do not have centralized AC. Their openness to change made the entire trip memorable. Om has already started to ask how many days until we will revisit India?
Self-growth…
Btw, I got back to my studies and am very excited about it. With work, studies, and home, life has gotten busier than before, but I am happy that I am continuously moving forward on the journey of self-growth. Along with that, I am also pursuing a 22-week course. As per the course expectations, there are better times to discuss it. I can shed more light on it once I finish it.
16 questions to end 2023…
Here is a list of 16 questions that I found over internet. And if you wish, answer these questions.
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
My work
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
None
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
It was a pleasant surprise when I was offered a very responsible role at work within two months of my joining. But I had some other plans, so I declined it.
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
Thank god haven’t faced any
5. Pick three words to describe this past year.
Nurture, Curiosity, and Patience
6. What was my most significant personal change from January to December this past year?
I found my career goal.
7. In what way(s) did I grow emotionally?
I got more positive.
8. In what way(s) did I grow spiritually?
Started a new course (I can talk more about it after finishing it)
9.In what way(s) did I grow physically?
My allergy season was much better than before. For the first time, I included Zumba in my workout routine and I loved it.
10. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
Helped a couple of friends in handling their emotional and mental challenges.
11. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Working with kids keeps the kid in me alive. And that energy helps me at home.
12. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Working with special needs kids sometimes becomes mentally exhausting.
13. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
None
14. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Spending time with family in India.
15. What was the most significant thing you learned this past year?
One has to be positive. If you are sincere in your approach, you will see its results sooner or later.
16. Create a phrase or statement that describes this past year for you.
The universe is listening to you. So always send excellent and positive vibrations, and they will be returned to you in positive answers.
I’m all for starting a fresh new year, dreaming up ideas, and finding that particular word to make 2024 fantastic. I am sharing my vision for 2024 through this poem..
View this post on Instagram
Now, I request you to honor the past year. Give yourself space and freedom to reflect on it. Isn’t it amazing another year has passed? And so, the earth goes round and round, about to orbit once more.
Whatever you’re doing to celebrate, New Year’s Eve is a great day for reflection. A whole year has passed since the last one. You’re a year older. Are you a year wiser?
A pleased and blessed new year!!
Yours,
Inner Self
This post is part of the Year & You Blog Hop hosted by Swarnali.
These are some vital questions to ask ourselves for a nice reflection of the year and also the inner self. I have written a post on these too. I loved how you write about your self-growth and it really helps us to grow in abundance when we give abundantly. Thanks for joining us, your glorious presence makes the blog hop successful. Gratitude. Wishing you a Happy New Year.
Thank you Swarnali. I am glad you liked the post. Also, thank you for hosting this bloghop.
India trip after 6 years! Can understand how memorable 2023 has been for you, Alpana!
Hearty answers to Sweet-16 questions!
The universe is indeed listening.
Be your light & keep shining bright.
Lovely New Year message in your Instagram post too.
Have a great 2024!
Thank you Anita..
No year is good or bad for me completely but yes the percentage of good and bad varies on the way I observe it. I am glad that you found 2023 positive and happy for you.
Taking care of self growth is very important and you are on the right track 👣 and I am sure whatever course you are pursuing will help you find a new you whom you will find as a better version of you.
Keep going keep exploring life and my best wishes are with you.
Much love ❤
Samata
Thank you so much Samata for your kind words. I am already feeling so uplifted in just a few weeks of starting the course.
Great to know about your kids and their interests through the post. It’s amazing how much we can learn from the younger generation, isn’t it? Your question, “You’re a year older. Are you a year wiser?” seems like the perfect precursor to my year end post (you’ll realize it when you read it) You’ve peaked my interest by including the 16 questions to end 2023. They made me reflect on some things and I think I’ll have to give some more time to some of the questions because I was drawing a blank of quite a few. Reading about your India trip made me so happy and I’m sure you’re a proud parent for raising such unfussy kids.
Wish you a wonderful 2024, Alpana. Keep writing. And I’m sure eager to learn about this course you’ve taken up.
I have read your pot Manali and know what you have mentioned in your comment.
I can imagine what a proud mom you must be considering how well you’re raising your kids. I love how you do activities with your daughter to spend time with her. I remember quite well about your mantra to make promises rather than resolutions and I think that’s a wonderful perspective. There is always some takeaway from your posts for me, Alpana. Wishing you a beautiful year ahead ❤️.
Awww.thanks. I am glad you liked it.
Nature and Curiosity. Wow. Something unique I’ve read this time around. But hats off to you for being calm despite knowing your older one is leaving home soon. It’s hard I’m sure. Here is sending positive vibes your way, too!
Thank you Cindy!
Alpana reading your post gave me a strong sense of positivity. The 16 questions summed up your beautiful journey of growth and the poem in your voice reflects joy in every word. Being what we want others to be for us is the way of telling the universe to bless us with the happiness we deserve.
Thank you for stopping by..
Hey Alpana. It’s nice to be back on your blog after a while. Hanging out with teenagers is pretty cool, they are full of knowledge and energy. I’m enjoying every bit of time with my 14-year-old son. You mentioned not wanting to think about when your child goes for further studies, and I totally get that. When my friends’ kids leave, I get all teary-eyed too. Can’t even imagine how I’ll handle it when my son goes in 2 years. Talking or writing about it just makes me super emotional for some reason.
And yes I remember messaging you about your visit to Lucknow, but I guess I was a bit late. Anyway, hoping we get to meet someday. 🤞 Take care.
Yes, you are right. It is an emotional moment. We cannot stop them from growing so better to enjoy whatever time we get with them. Yes, this time, Lucknow trip was super short. If I had even a slight idea about you being there, I would have surely tried to meet you. Next time.
A beautiful summary of the year, Alpana. Love the way you used the term “promises to myself” instead of resolutions. I agree about the universe always listening. It also knows the when and how much. So glad to connect with you again thanks to the blog hop. Wishing you the best in 2024.
Thanks Ritu.
The way you summarized 2023 is wonderful. Children grow up and move out of the home to study or work. We should find our goal before that. I’m happy about your career goal and commendable achievements in 2023.
You are so very right. Thanks you for stopping by.
I enjoy reading your post, Alpana as much as I enjoy listening to your podcast. When you wrote that how you enjoy working with kids I remembered my days . Its joy to work with kids and loved the quote that your Kindergarten hallway has “ Here, Adventure awaits”. Wishing you very best for 2024 !!
Thanks Debi.
Congrats on work and studying, Alpana! Glad your 2023 was good with family time in India and the USA. Best wishes for 2024! Talking to you on the phone always made me feel good, and I learned something new every time.
Thank you for your kind words.
First of all, let me express how beautifully you’ve captured the essence of your reflections on 2023 through your self-conversation and the subsequent poem. Your writing is heartfelt, engaging, and paints a vivid picture of the moments that defined your year.
Your choice of words, “Nurture and Curiosity,” to describe 2023 is not only unique but also deeply meaningful. It’s evident from your narrative that you’ve embraced these principles in various aspects of your life, from work and studies to family and personal growth. The connection with your children and the awareness of the fleeting nature of time, especially with your daughter reaching a milestone, adds a poignant touch to your reflections.
Your journey through India after six years is a standout moment, and the openness to change exhibited by your children speaks volumes about the values you’ve instilled in them. Your son’s budding interest in wildlife and your return to studies demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
The list of 16 questions is a thoughtful addition, allowing readers to delve deeper into their own reflections. Your responses are honest and reflect a positive mindset, appreciating the best parts of the year while gracefully handling challenges.
The vision for 2024 in the form of a poem is a lovely touch. It encourages readers to take a moment for self-reflection, appreciating the passage of time and the wisdom gained. The phrase, “The universe is listening to you. So always send excellent and positive vibrations, and they will be returned to you in positive answers,” is a powerful mantra for approaching the new year with optimism.
Lastly, for your question in the end, yup I’ve learned a lot last year. So, it will be a yes from me.
Your comment has made my day Monidipa. It feels very special when you come across readers like you who pay close attention to the details. It felt so good to read how carefully you have read my reflection. Thank you for that.