Let's get going!

When has Time ever been known to wait for anyone? 

Sure enough, the first month of 2023 is fast approaching its close and we seem to have set the tones and vibes for the next 11 months ahead.

Personally, the first month of this year has been quite interesting. It started off with Love and Hope - a very dear friend remarried in a beautiful ceremony and we all celebrated the joys of new beginnings, irrespective of what the past might have served. In a world where marriages seem to be crumbling more than laying a solid social foundation, here were 2 people in their midlives, wanting to be swayed up in Love's roller coaster journey believing they could make it beautiful as long as they were together. And I want to believe that they will! And I hope Love will make a big comeback - for all .... the world needs much more of it, for sure. 

Professionally, a couple of random opportunities came up and whilst I have not firmed up any as yet, it's always good to know one has options and is blessed to be able to chose. A lot of my peers sadly still hold on to old school thoughts on "retirement" - as being confined to an armchair or the golf grounds and basically "doing nothing". From where I stand, I have retired from active corporate life and am happy not to be doing a 9 to 5 routine anymore. I am blessed to be able to focus on and chose to do only what makes me happy or fulfilled. Just as I do not see myself getting into my corporate avatar anymore, I equally do not see myself ever "doing nothing'. 

Apart from continuing to do things cerebral, I enjoy having more time to myself to grow personally in new ways, to practice general wellness, to appreciate all the wonderful blessings I still have around me and to look forward to the new and different. But all at my pace. And above all, I enjoy mindfulness and just "being". I guess those that still turn their noses up at retirement and "doing nothing" are either scared or ignorant - probably both. And I hope to be able to help more cross over with joy and intent. 

Another wonderful experience I had this month e to visit a literature festival - something I hadn't done for ages. Earlier this year, I had promised myself to get back to more reading and this impromptu trip to the Jaipur Literature Festival was encouraging to say the very least. I was happy to note that people still read - young and old alike. I was impressed to see that there seemed no boundaries on what one could write about these days (yes, even in a socio-political landscape like ours) and what one could read and be inspired with. Like music, literature has also broadened it's gamut so much that it makes the old timers squirm, But that is what it is. Who is to decide that Beethoven is music and Billie Illish is not? That Shakespeare is gospel and Durjoy Dutta should not ever be published? Just like music and all forms of creative arts, books are being written and read and discussed on so many kinds of topics and non-topics - some resonate with you, some are symptoms of the world order we may not like or identify with, but they are there and cannot be denied. Again, circling back to the concept of remaining open in a fast changing world! Or else you could well turn into a dinosaur... and that ain't in my plans at all. 

So, I look forward to the rest of the year. The tone and pace have been set and I have jumped right in. Onwards and upwards - the only way I know.


What have been your January (beginning of the year) vibes and where do you think they will take you over the next couple of months? 


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