When 2024 began, I wanted it to be ‘my’ year. I was sure many good things will happen through the year. You see, I have a strong affinity to the number ’24’ and hence the hunch. As I look back, I think 2024 was my year but not in the ways I had imagined. In other ways that made me a stronger and a better person (I think so!)
I haven’t been on this space for last four years to talk about yearly round ups but why not? So here I am, looking back with you all and sharing those moments that were pivotable and memorable.
2024 stood out for the many moments I had with friends and family. A few weeks back, I shared with my peers that friends are the family we choose and I am glad I chose well.
So here are some highlights to share.
- January brought a big change in life. My in-laws moved to Bangalore and that is something that we were prepared for. Living closer, they know we are for them in times of need and in celebrations. 11 months on, we are all finding our spaces and resetting expectations.
- I worked on my health and I continue to make it my focus.
- I worked out 236 days of the year.
- This includes yoga, dance, weight training, swimming and walking (atleast 2kms)
- I maintained my weight and upped my stamina.
- My average steps for a day in 2024 were over 9000.
- I ate healthy food and have restricted sweets. This is hardest for me and working on it.
- I hosted friends, team and family for tea, dinners, breakfasts and more. I love when folks come home and to my good luck, managed to bring many home.
- I visited US for work and made some new memories this year. This included fishing and being on a farm.
- I explored a nearby forest on foot along with my workout buddies and loved it. I can choose being surrounded by trees over anything else.
- I visited my parents twice and loved my time with them. The first one was a surprise trip and I am glad I did not tell them I was going to visit.
- I spent my birthday with my parents and younger brother which was a really warm and cozy feeling.
- VT and I went to Bangalore Open and I crocheted as we watched the match.
- I crocheted a lot of new things and many went to friends and family. I also did some commissioned work and that was a good opportunity to try new things like a bouquet, a halter top and dining chair covers. If you haven’t seen my account yet – have a look!
- I teamed up with AS and along with her bakes, I put up a small stall of my crochet stuff which was a fun experience.
- I spotted a few rainbows from my balcony and many say I manifest them. It’s true that every time there was a rainbow, I felt there would be one. I would step out and find it.
- Through the year, I handled a lot at work and I feel proud of my professional self. I have a team of 6 at the moment and I believe they love me, which is a wonderful feeling.
There were many conversations, happy times and a whole lot of joy through the year. Many downs too but they are all a part and parcel of the life we are given.
In all, I had my people to lean on. And these people make the ride worth.
Here is wishing you all a happy 2025 and let’s step into the new year with gratitude and hope to embrace what’s to come each of our way.
happiness and food 
Is any year “my” year or “your” year? I love the implied optimism, but we all have to share and I think – I hope – there’s enough to go around. Let 2025 be “our” year. I agree that friends are the family we choose. I, too, have chosen well. No regrets on that score.
I haven’t done a resolutions OR a round-up post in a long time. Not that I haven’t written both in my journal.
Where in the US did you visit?
I also explored some wooded paths and even took one phenomenal photo of a buck that I posted on Facebook. I walked over 10 miles in a go – TWICE. I want to work up to twelve without pain (the only pain, though, was in my ankles – could be arthritis and that might just be unavoidable). Still, I think that if I did more walks of shorter distances (3-5 miles is easy!) I’d get there. I should aim for your consistency when it comes to exercise. I’ll do ten miles then be a couch potato for two weeks.
Hahaha…I’ve been known to read or crochet during professional baseball games! Ohhh, the bemused and downright disgusted looks you get for that, around here.
Have you ever stood in the strange light in the middle of a rainbow’s shaft? It’s really something. You can’t quite see the rainbow, but the light has a very particular character – sort of a shimmering gold.
Happy 2025 to you!
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Such a happy post and I love love love it!! So glad to see you stay regular here.
Let’s talk soon.
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Thank you! ♥️
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What a nice action packed 2024! So many things to be grateful for! They say hindsight is 20:20, and how true that is! During 2024 there must’ve been times of uncertainty or discomfort in the moment, but when you reflect on the year gone by with an attitude of gratitude it all makes sense!
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So glad you stopped by to comment, Roger ♥️ you are right! That attitude is what I’ve been working on.
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What a warm happy post Parul. I am in awe of your crocheting skills. Also 9000 steps is seriously amazing. I struggle to maintain my 6-days-a-week yoga routine.
A huge thumbs up to surprise visits to parents.
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Just glad to be back here Parul. You’ve had your share of moments (ups and downs), but I am glad you’ve come through standing tall Parul. It’s a pleasure to read your post, it’s heartwarming as always. I love your crochets, I am so glad you’ve explored it really well – putting up a stall must have been super fun too. Visiting parents wherever we are, is always time well-spent. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead of you.
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Just glad to be back here Parul. You’ve had your share of moments (ups and downs), but I am glad you’ve come through standing tall Parul. It’s a pleasure to read your post, it’s heartwarming as always. I love your crochets, I am so glad you’ve explored it really well – putting up a stall must have been super fun too. Visiting parents wherever we are, is always time well-spent. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead of you.
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What a lovely heartwarming post, Parul! So wonderful to know that you had such an amazing collection of blessed “moments” to be grateful for, last year—each so unique and gladdening! Our meetup is still due and I hope we do, soon! I really wish that this year turns out to be “your kind” ̦—just the sort of year that you are hoping for! May the things you manifest, only multiply and bring you more things to be grateful for, Parul!
Wishing you a blessed year in 2025, Parul! See you soon.
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