Saturday morning musings

In the beautifully made movie 'Mitr, my friend' the lead actress Shobhana tells her virtual friend that one of the things she likes to do is to drive up the freeway in full speed alone in the car. That idea fascinated me as a young 20yr old girl in India, without a car, surrounded by slow moving traffic and always dependent on someone or something for transportation.

Now, years after I started driving in the West and Southwest US..with wide, open roads and beautiful landscapes around, I relate to what she said. That feeling I get when I drive myself on the road, while playing the music of my choice, something loud...but fun and melodious, and when let my mind think through stuff in my head...with wind from the open windows messing my hair up ....I just love that feeling! Writing this post after one such drive on an early Saturday morning...

2023 in retrospect

Calling this post retrospective maybe a bit pre-mature. After all, 2023 ended just a few hours ago. Maybe this is more of a summary of highlights. 

I'll remember this year as the one where I got out of the comfort zone - both personally and professionally. It's the year I stopped taking things for granted and pushed myself to make an effort. Made an attempt to stress less - and mostly succeeded. This has been a year of some humbling moments as well as one of adventures. I balanced my strength with some vulnerability and in most cases it's given me peace. I've been more conscious of what I am doing to my health - physcial and mental. And have taken steps to make changes where I could. It's also the year I continued my path to establishing, and re-establishing, connections with dear ones - both at home and away. 

Maybe this had more to do with being a newly turned 40-yr old? Or the fact that I'm finally getting back control of my time. Whatever it is, it's welcome! There's more work to be done though - and that's what the new year is for afterall. Here's hoping to better myself a little bit more this year. 

Ending this with a succinct, yet comprehensive new year message I came across - hope all of these and more come true for you this new year !