Lakshmi Kothaneth - lakshmiobserver@gmail.com - We have begun a new page. Just like reading a new book, we have no idea of the direction the narration is going to take. Suspense is what makes a book a good read. The book we have started on January 1, 2018 might have the same title, but the content is going to be different for each one of us because we are our own authors. There are going to be many surprise elements.
Going back to being our own authors, there is so much out there to convince us that we are where we are because of destiny. On the other hand, there is enough evidence to prove that individuals, through their actions, have managed to achieve their goals.
“Some things are not just meant to be,” say many. In contrast, there are others who are living their dreams.
There are people who are focused but so focused that they only think about what they want and forget about others.
Appreciating someone else, in a way, helps us practise mindfulness — the term that has become one of the most essential tools in recent years. What is the point in building a path only to find later that you have lost your family and friends somewhere along?
It is their influences that make us unique. Family and friends are an important part of a system in which they can be the best critique and healers.
So, this book we have just begun is going to have 12 chapters. Although we wish each other a ‘Happy New Year’, we all know there would be some surprises and some heart-breaking moments. Most importantly, it is these heartbreaking moments that make us stronger.
While happy moments will be beautiful memories for next year, it is the pain that makes us grow. Just like the happy moments have a tendency to make us stay in our comfort zone, there is also a tendency at times to stay behind after going through pain. These two situations lead us to stagnate out of fear of change or because of fear of the unknown.
It is natural to be apprehensive at first, but it only takes us to remember something to take charge of the situation — we are all born with an ability to cope.
Change is an opportunity to try something new or to try something differently. We must remember that time will heal and move on because we have promises to keep.
We live for others and that might be good, but if we do not live for ourselves, we might never know the true call or the reason we were born. For, it must not be just a coincidence that we are all born with unique finger prints.
So, I would like to wish you a great story for the year 2018, in which you are the central character sharing moments with many other leading characters. There might be elements of suspense and emotions, but may the director in you think of solutions to resolve.
Time will heal but may you also be a healer with words and actions. Almost all stories must have conflicts and even villains, but may we have the sense of humour to laugh at ourselves and intelligence to overcome conflicts peacefully and inspire the villains to make a turnaround.
But not many people who we think are villains are bad. It might be just that they are representing a challenge which we do not appreciate for the moment. You can rest assured that this too will help you grow. May you have the patience to emerge a winner.
Here’s wishing you the best to make 2018 a delight. Respect, accept and grow. Happy New Year.
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