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As I sit typing this on my day off from work, the Sun has set and I have turned the lights on in the balcony. The nip in the air is not new anymore. It’s that time of the year when I pull out those sweatshirts and jackets.
It’s still unbelievable that October is over and from tomorrow, we will step into my favorite month of the year. Before we know, it will be time for year end gifts, Christmas cakes, planners and resolutions for 2023.
Looking back on the year and more, this space has been the most neglected. For reasons that can’t put to words, I do not want to bid goodbye here yet. So time and again, I write something and think of how can I do more and better here.
On my mind today is gratitude for the time gone by. I wasn’t regular to share what went well in the last ten months but I have felt good with things. Ups and downs have been around and given me many anxious moments but I know things can’t always be rosy. I am learning.
For today, I thought of sharing with you my little joys.
- This year I bought a corner table for myself. A corner office may be far away but a cosy corner in the bedroom gave away some place for my work desk. So I moved from the dining table to this nook and I love the window view and natural light I get.
- Talking of material things, I got myself a new Fitbit and a phone. The last two years have taught me that less is more so shopping isn’t important anymore. But if you know me, you know that when it comes to gadgets, more is less.
- Twice this year, I was able to do fifty four rounds of surya namaskars. That means fifty four times the ten steps on the left and then on the right. Did you do the math? It’s 1080 steps in total. My general health was good but my stamina can be better. That will be my focus in 2023.
- I also went back to swimming and learning to swim better. I am far from saying I can do a breast stroke or a butterfly stroke but I do try my best. Swimming has kept my back stronger and painfree. And I have to admit that floating is my meditation.
- We added many more plants in our home and if I am counting right, the two of us are surrounded by 100 plants. It’s a joy when my orchid blooms or when we spot new leaves on an old plant. Yes, we killed a few too but no one is perfect. Progress matters.
- Pongal became my new comfort food this year. I love it for breakfast at the next door Brahmin’s Kitchen over weekends. We also tried two new varieties of dosas – Mulbalgilu and Davangere Benne Masala
- We hosted friends over for meals and made many new acquaintances over chai, potlucks and get-togethers. The introvert in me can’t open up much but I feel good when people come over for meals. The list included a few from my workplace too.
- Did I mention my office is close to home? If not, I should share that the return to office has been good this side. On both aspects – the time taken for commute and then meeting work friends and working from office. It has a different sense of energy and joy.
- I guess you know of my crochet adventures. This year, most of my gifts were handmade and went to US and Copenhagen. Ofcourse to many cities in India when I met my folks up North.
- VT’s tennis kept him healthy and active. Not to mention free of cholesterol without medication which was important. It’s good he found a sport for himself.
- This August, I went to New Delhi and luckily the time coincided with Rakshabandhan. I was lucky to meet extended family. It was a lovely time after two years of not being able to meet anyone.
- I have a great support at home when I work late. I have two women who help us with meals and a clean house. They are hardworking, honest and good people. Always grateful to have them around.
To top the list above, VT keeps me calm and grounded. His silly jokes and sane advise keeps me going.
As I wrap my musings of the day, it feels like early thanksgiving. Isn’t it?
Tell me what are you grateful for and what keeps you going.