A look back at 2011

Last year was special for me. While the year started out stressful, it rolled along and became one of my most defining years. It was a highly emotional year in terms of experiencing intense misery and intense delight. The various life roles I play give me utmost delight and satisfaction, here is a look at 2011 as:

A mother: I became a mother! This was definitely the most defining moments for me in 2011. Mid year, I became a mommy. I learnt quickly that motherhood was deeply connected with spirituality for me. I continue to experience immense love, gratitude, appreciation and peace with my little one. Lesson learnt: You need to stay mentally healthy, mindful and calm so that your little one can grown uninhibitedly and with joy.

A spouse: My love, gratitude and appreciation for my husband grows every day. 2011 was again a special time for us. I saw and experienced a caring, kind and wonderful husband and father-to-be. I also had to make some shifts in perspective when it came to understanding how my husband expressed love. Lesson Learnt: Just because your husband doesn't show you affection, love and gratitude in the way you want him to, it does not mean he doesn't show you any at all.

A career woman: As I started out this year, I was a psychological counselor who was pursuing MPhil in Clinical Psychology in India to get licensed to practice. My career has given me utmost satisfaction personally but I've had to struggle to get recognized ever since I came to India three years so. As the year rolled by I had to make some difficult decisions. I took a year long break from it after the birth of my little one. While the decision came with a lot of tug and pull I was so immensely happy after I made it! And what do you know, I began to tap into some of my other strengths. I began to write more and I landed a writing job which I love to do while I stay home taking care of my little one.I also discovered peace.love.swap - a great initiative to stay green and mindful along the way. Lesson learnt: Don't hold on to your vision on who you are NOW so tightly, there is so much you can be once you let go and learn to live in the right now.

A daughter: I got to spend some amazing months with my folks after my little one was born. Their love for my little one and their love for me has given me the insight to love and grow mindfully. I still continue to be surly with them, loving as well and parenthood has definitely given me the lens to look at them with more compassion, gratitude and love.

A sister: In 2011 I got to spend some precious moments with my little sister. She stayed with me for a couple of months while i was pregnant, she attended lamaze classes with me, she witnessed my birth and she stayed back to take care of her niece. Our love for each other grew with the birthing of my little one. I cannot imagine life without her and I am eternally grateful for her presence in my life. Thank God for her. Lesson learnt: You never know how deeply you are interwined with some precious few until you are thrown at sea trying to battle a storm.

A friend: I wasn't much of a friend to anybody this 2011 but I had the grace and love of a friend I call my own this last year. My friend Prathama spend some precious time with me and little Anika over the several months. I was so delighted when she came back to India and I continue to check in with her in times of need. Lesson learnt: There are some few who will stand by you and through some testing time. Stay in touch with them and let them know you love'em.

Overall 2011, you've taught me the need to be more balanced, mindful, and open to life whatever comes. Thank you, thank you.

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