happiness and food

Goodbye 2017.

When I think of you, I feel scared, happy, excited, shocked and contented. You were one of those years that took some and gave some. You taught me some good lessons of life and you also shaped me. 365 days went by in the blink of an eye. I know that’s not true and the Earth went around the Sun as always.

You know what I mean, don’t you?

Looking back at you and the experiences you gave me, each of the 12 months had many moments that I am grateful for. There are memories that I will cherish for life.

I like balance in life and I feel that 2017 got that blend right for me. It kept me calm and excited enough to face what came my way. I traveled, edited Wikipedia and worked (hard). In between things, I forgave, loved and clicked lots of pictures.

Like 2016, I would like to share my happy and grateful moments of 2017. So here they are and this time in order.

January: Health is the most important and in the initial days of the year, when VT’s father got home from a major heart surgery, this belief got stronger. I am  grateful that things started looking up for us. VT and I were able to manage work from his home town and shared good times in the cold weather up North. I bagged a Runner-Up prize for LGBTQI writing  and it was very encouraging when my favorite bloggers broke the news to me while I was traveling.  I am very grateful for my blogging community and the fact that I draw a lot of inspiration and strength from all these fabulous writers. 

February: I picked up a new role at work and boy, it scared me initially. But like they say, “If it doesn’t scare you, it won’t change you.” This new role has been a good career move for me. I am grateful to work for a company that encourages employees to try out new career experiences and soar with strengths. This month, I introduced healthy food in our pantry and it was a good change. I also kicked off the #100HappyDays challenge and like always it was fun and a positive addition.

March: The third month is the only month in the year when I take a day off and cook Holi delicacies. It was a month with friends and focused on good food. At home and outside. It was also a special month for my blog. A million hits and I am so grateful to all my readers. March was also when ThursdayTreeLove was kicked off on the blog. Since then, it has been going strong and spreading the love I wanted. Hugs and thanks to Corinne,  Esha, Angela, Archana, Balaka, Sunita, Ramya, Alana, Natasha, Barbara, Nupur, Geethica, Shalini, Anamika, Mayuri, Amrita, Arvind, Lata, Shilpa, Tulika, Vinitha, Stephanie, Minakshi , Shilpa, and Suzy. These folks and more have supported me all along this journey. Thank you guys!

April: By this month, I had got serious about my physical activity and on the non Yoga days, I started the C25K challenge. It was a good change on the lazy days and brought me some action. April was also when Soumya gave me the idea of starting the Instagram handle for this blog and I am so grateful to her. My photos have found a new home. April also came with the A to Z challenge and though I thought I would not be able to participate, I did manage to complete it. It’s truly in the mind. I am grateful that I am able to pursue what I like. 

May: More happiness as VT and I completed 11 years together this month. I always wonder what if I hadn’t met him. Life is beautiful after one marries a friend. He makes life easy and better to enjoy. This month also brought some cycling and dog-love. Junie, our guard’s pet is close to us. She is such a lovely addition to all of our lives. I continued working out and that helped me stay free from my back ache. I am grateful for love and ache free back (some days it gets painful which I can manage) in life. 

June – July: June was bright as parents came over. It was a very short trip but a memorable one. The weather by then had too turned beautiful. On and off showers and then the pressure of CFA was off VT’s mind. July was all about work but also a travel to the head quarters for work which made it different and a great experience. Unique food and travel experiences made this month better. Apart from Minneapolis, I was able to step out to Duluth and Chicago adding to the fun. I am grateful to friends who made this work trip a bit relaxed and fun. 

August: August was one of its kind.  A much-needed break from work came in the form of a trip. VT and I went on to our first ever 12-day long road trip to the Ladakh region. We have made some memories that will last both of our lives. When they say that the journey is beautiful than the destination, they must be talking of the Himalayas. We stayed in remote villages of the region and fell in love with the mountains. I am grateful to Indian Army for keeping us safe. We never realize how much they sacrifice for our safety and carefree lives. 

September – November: September was quiet and still hung over on the Himalayan escapade. I kept my focus on health and work outs. It was upsetting to see my Yoga center get closed but Cult hasn’t been bad either. I am grateful to (re)learn that when one door closes, another opens somewhere else.  October was a trip back home for Diwali and it was full of love and food. The birthday month too turned out to be memorable with friends. At work and home, I had lovely time ringing in another year of my life.

What just happened! #aalta #happinessandvideo #happydiwali #festivetimes #traditions #homesweethome

A post shared by Happiness and Food (@happiness_food_and_photo) on Oct 19, 2017 at 11:04pm PDT

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I’m grateful to have loving, caring and encouraging people around me. Have you ever realized as social beings we need each other so much and if we have the right set of folks, life becomes so much more enriching? . Thank you for being you and helping me be my best. #thanksgiving2017 #gratitude #happinessandphoto #lovelife

A post shared by Happiness and Food (@happiness_food_and_photo) on Nov 23, 2017 at 3:51am PST

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December: And then just like that, we were almost done with the year. December started with a news that shook me. Life is not about those things we think matter. Life is short and it is the people who matter in our lives. Nothing more or less. December was also a month of taking stock for the year and VT and I spent some time talking about life and what we want to make out of ours. Like 2016 year-end travel to Andamans, we decided to travel to Rajasthan. Again a road trip and this time too, it went well. I am grateful to life for giving me yet another year to be happy and contended about. 

There were times when I was hurt or learnt a few new things about myself but that is how life is. With ups and down. Nothing stays the same forever. I wish for a 2018 that’s calm and helps me learn more. Hey 2017, I will miss you but I am also ready to welcome 2018. Hugs and Love!

How was your 2017? Any top highlights that you would like to share?

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This post was intended to be the last for 2017 but here I am, slightly late. Nothing better than starting 2018 with gratitude. Isn’t it? Like always, linking this post with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle and wishing you all readers a 2018 full of happiness and food.