Our experiences are a treasure trove of life lessons. I love making note of these and taking them forward. 2023 had been a year that went by in a blink, so much so that it took time to actually recall everything that happened!
Now, as I step into 2024 I thought of how I want this year to shape up. Writing these thoughts down helps me never to lose sight of them when the going gets tough. Here’s a list of aspirations that is not exhaustive.
Identifying and breaking stereotypes
I’ve always been someone who aims for an unconventional way of living. The only way to do that is to identify, question and break stereotypes that don’t work for us anymore. Breaking free from outdated stereotypes is isolating but also immensely rewarding.
Breaking stereotypes may also mean creating a new path.
Create the things you wish existed.
One day you’ll look back and realize how hard it was and how well you did.
Being bold enough to have an opinion and also change it
We all have opinions on things, but we often suppress them because of the fear of judgement or because of the importance society places on conformity.
I’ve learnt that it is okay to have opinions, even if they make you a non-conformist. (As long as we’re also respectful of others’ opinions). It is also okay for those opinions to change as we grow and evolve. It’s all part of becoming the person we are meant to be.
Charles Bukowski’s The Laughing Heart speaks volumes on resisting submission, seizing opportunities and beating death in life, which includes expressing ourselves wholly.
The Laughing Heart
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
there will be chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous.— Charles Bukowski
Embracing routines for mental peace
I am a creature of habit, I love routines and I’ve noticed that each time I find myself in a dilemma or difficult phases in general, reestablishing a sense of stability through returning to a familiar routine—one I can regulate, becomes a reliable anchor that helps me cope with the unpredictability of life. This way I get to shape my immediate surroundings and my emotional landscape- two elements within my sphere of influence. This eventually helps me find a way forward through the tough phase.
Choosing myself
Because if we don’t, who will?
In a world that is filled with expectations, obligations and pressures, the decision to choose ourselves and our needs may come off as being rebellious, but it is crucial to being authentic. By choosing ourselves we are acknowledging our worth, and affirming that our dreams matter.
Society glorifies self-sacrifice, and this reclamation of personal sovereignty is a revolutionary and powerful act.
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips her wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky…
— Maya Angelou
Setting fire to the rain
When Adele sang Set Fire to the Rain I had goosebumps. The truth is that long as the sun rises we will have dragons to slay, battles to face and overcome. We forget ourselves in the process. We’ve got to keep going back and remembering how far we’ve come, as cliché as it sounds. We’ve got to believe once again that no matter how heavily it rains down on our life, we will have the ability to set fire to that rain.
These are the learnings to begin with and I know 2024 will give me much more to add to this list.
Despite having learnings and notes, life as it is will also possibly bring many situations that could derail us and a thought I tweaked from one of my favourite shows Grey’s Anatomy is something I’d like to wrap up with,
There are many things that might seem dreamy in life, but those are not the sun, you are.
This post is part of The Year & You Blog Hop hosted by Swarnali Nath.
The Literary Affair 
Well written. It feels so good to read it. Happy New Year to all of you as well and keep writing. While I love listening to Alan Walker’s “Fire burning in my eyes” song! All the best. Stay motivated.
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That’s a fab song! Happy New Year to you too.
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Following your path can be isolating but it is equally rewarding. I love it. I also think as soon as you start being authentic, help and support shows up in mysterious forms. What a great way to begin the new year!
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So true Suchita. Support wonderfully shows up and reassures us that we’re doing the right thing.
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I also believe in being authentic and true to yourself. We cannot wear mask and pretend to be someone else. People may like us or may not like us..but….who cares. I feel this way we will stay away from toxic people and allow only those who truly deserve to be there.
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yes, absolutely. Thanks for reading, Alpana.
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Oh, that smile is gorgeous! Your smiling face speaks it all, Leha. Rightly said, habits can bring us more calm and peace of mind so we can find balance. I always cherish reading your posts as they give me a sense of self-esteem and living life with my own rules. Thanks for joining the blog hop and making it successful with your glorious presence. Gratitude. Wishing you Happy 2024.
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Thank you so much Swarnali. You are always so kind 🙂
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Wonderful musings, Leha!
I share your views.
“It’s all part of becoming the person we are meant to be.”
Love Charles Bukowski’s The Laughing Heart & Maya Angelou’s words too. It’s time to “dare to claim the sky”!
After all, we are marvellous & we are the sun!
Keep shining!
Wishing you a great 2024.
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Thank you so much Anita. Charles Bukowski definitely makes us think.
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I loved the part about being bold enough to having and owning your opinion but at the same time being open to change. That I think is one of the most important parts of our own personal journeys.
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Loved the poem by Charles Bukowski, thanks for sharing Leha. Despite the gloom, your post fills me with hope and tenderness. Here’s to looking forward- Cheers!
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Thank you Preeti. Glad you resonated 🙂
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Today’s society leaves little room for mistakes, especially when it comes to expressing opinions. Sometimes we gather more information, get a different perspective, and opinions change. And that’s fine. And it is absolutely important to choose yourself. You have strong and relevant points here, Leha. Wishing you a fulfilling year ahead 🙂 .
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So true! Thank you so much for stopping by
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Aptly put Leha, “as long as the sun rises we will have dragons to slay”. Much as we don’t want to slay all of them, we have do it. Yes, choosing yourself is important, because only that can help you slay those dragons and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Wishing you a good year ahead.
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Thank you Ambica. Let’s slay in 2024!
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Dear Leha,
Following self-chosen path overlooking the one decided or appreciated by the society will always make us feel isolated. But that what makes you unique and your efforts different from the rest. All I strongly believe is that ” Its my life and its my choice”. There will be many who will point finger at us for our personalized opinions…. but remember our distinct opinion about life choices is what made us stand distinct in the crowd. Leha you are just wonderful in your thoughts and just trust your instinct and keep going. The universe will return you back for the efforts and hardwork you are doing in life.
Love you
Samata
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Such comforting words. We do need that reminder every now and then. Thank you so much 🙂 Sending love.
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I’m glad that you chose to embrace routines if it works well for you. And choosing yourself you should, in every walk of life. All the best for your 2024, Leha! God bless!
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Amen to that, Cindy. Have a wonderful year 🙂
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Leha this post is so soothing to read. life and its difficulties will always be there but winning over each one to the best of one’s ability and becoming the sun and glow from within is the only way.
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Thank you so much Sivaranjini 🙂
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Life’s lessons truly are hidden gems, and jotting them down is a genius move. And yes, I too started practicing in ‘Choosing yourself’. I believe that choosing yourself is the first step towards a fulfilled and authentic life.
This is my first time reading your post, and it feels like a roadmap for living authentically. Cheers to an incredible 2024, full of breaking barriers and welcoming change.
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Such kind words, thank you Anjali. More power to you this brand new year.
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Embracing routine is something I’ve found mental peace with too. The things I do in my everyday life bring a sort of semblance to my existence I feel. This is a very optimistic post and a wonderful approach to enter the new year with. Wish you achieve everything you aim for in 2024, Leha. What a compelling line this was by the way and I’m sure to remember it for a long time, “As long as the sun rises we will have dragons to slay, battles to face and overcome.”
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Thank you Manali, glad it resonated. More power to your new year.
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You said it ! Following your own path can seem a lot lonely and it is really difficult. And yes, setting a routine helps though I am really bad at it. I loved reading it. Wishing you a fabulous New Year.
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Thank you Chinmayee, have a fantastic 2024.
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That is so very true, Leha. I am a creature of routine too and it is comforting. Every year is going to have its highs and lows. We take it in our stride, learn from our mistakes, and move on. Wishing you the best 2024 has to offer.
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Amen to that! Have a fab 2024, Ritu
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I agree with all that you’ve said and one thing will stay with me, Bukowski’s lines. And yes, as long as we don’t hurt or infringe upon other’s rights, we must speak our minds too. Good luck for 2024, Leha. I wish I could be as disciplined with following routine as you are. I’m poor at it. 🙂
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haha I struggle with it too, Janaki, but we gotta keep trying :))
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Imagine you dare to break stereotypes while staying connected to the routine. It sounds weird but honestly, the right path to bring about the difference in society. My best wishes for your future endeavors 🙂
Keep smiling!
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Thank you Aditi 🙂
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Lovely post, Leha. The last line “ There are many things that might seem dreamy in life, but those are not the sun, you are.” and your gorgeous smile says it all. I truly believe in routines it makes you disciplined and helps you to become a better version of yourself each day. Wishing you a happy, healthy and wonderful year !!
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Thank you so much, hope you have a wonderful 2024 🙂
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Leha, your post is truly beautiful! I love your reflections on 2023 and your plans for 2024. Learning from experiences, breaking stereotypes, and choosing yourself are powerful goals. Here’s to facing challenges and experiencing even more growth in 2024!
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Cheers to that, Abha 🙂
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Strong opinions subject to change, breaking stereotypes, setting fire to rain, you seem to have made up your mind to be a rockstar in 2024, Leha! I love your spirit and how you like to plan ahead. Wish you great experiences in the coming year, and yes I’m heading off to listen to that Adele’s song now. 🙂
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Thank you so much Varsha. You’re an absolute rockstar too!
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our reflections for 2024 are inspiring and resonate deeply. Breaking stereotypes, embracing evolving opinions, finding solace in routines, and prioritizing self are powerful aspirations. The poetic wisdom from Charles Bukowski and Maya Angelou adds a profound touch. Remembering Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” metaphor beautifully captures the strength to overcome challenges. Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and the unwavering belief that you are the sun. Shine on in 2024!
Best wishes,Leha ❤
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