It is said that what matters is whether or not you stand up after you fall down and not the fact that you had a fall. We are in the last few hours of 2021, at this moment, whoever reading this, I would like to say that I am proud of you. You made it. Even after all the things you went through this year, you are here standing happily glowing and growing. I am proud and happy for you. 

Before you go into the New Year, I would like you to reflect on the lessons this year taught you and remember them. This might have been the toughest year for some people and on the other hand the best for some other people. I want you to take a moment and answer the following questions to know how 2021 changed you.  

1. What made you happy this year?
2. What made you unhappy this year?
3. How do you plan to continue to do the things that made you happy this year in next year?
4. What was your biggest success?
5. What was your biggest failure?
6. What is the toughest lesson you learnt this year?
7. How did you refuel your energy?

Inspired from Jay Shetty's podcast “On Purpose”

This year has been one of the toughest years in my entire life. I have learned a lot of lessons. I am happy I went through all the pain because that pain made me look at the world in a different way. Here are some things I have learned this year. Take the things you find useful and leave the rest. 

• Always Choose You
  Keep in mind that when it comes to your happiness or someone elses’ happiness, please please choose yours. Because there is no chance that they gonna remember what you did, in say after 10 years, so make yourself the priority. (it is not selfish)

• Don’t water dead plants. 
  Do you know what I mean? Do not try to continue in a relationship where you are not valued and respected. A relationship is healthy only when both are putting effort, so if you feel like your efforts are not being reflected, walk away. It is not worth it.

• Nothing last forever. 
  Don’t indulge yourself in any kind of hope that some relationship or some person is going to be with you forever. The only person who is going to be with you till your last breath is you. So, don’t hope for forever because they are just a fantasy. Enjoy each moment before it becomes a memory.

• Keep your plans secret. 
  A friend once told me that it is better to do things rather than say about them. This is one of the most valuable lessons I learned this year. Do not tell everyone what you are doing instead surprise them with your achievements.

• Choose your circle wisely
  People are important in your life but be wise to choose whom you open your heart to. Keep your circle small.

• Do first, worry later. 
  If you think doing something will make you happy, do it. You don’t know whether you will be alive tomorrow. Life is neither yesterday nor tomorrow, it is today. So do whatever you want.

• Be rational when you make decisions.
  Some people say to follow your heart and others say listen to your head but I think both are wrong. Try to listen to both your head and heart while deciding something. Keep a balance.

Even if you stay optimistic there will be times in life when you feel like quitting, ending it all but remember, you are stronger than that. You are brave to face it all. You are valued and loved. Keep going. 

Happy Newyear! 

Ganga Ambily Gopi