Waiting at the threshold in anticipation,
as the final page of the calendar turns,
shadows of the year slowly fade,
to be blanketed under the duvet of the setting sun.
We reflect on the year gone by,
ready to usher in the new year.
As the midnight bells ring, we pray for,
A new beginning,
filled with hope and happiness
for a better tomorrow!
May the year 2023 bring in all things good for you and your family.
Happy New Year to all !
Grappling with the virus for a couple of years now, we are still trying to understand its variants and mutations. Scientists around the world are working tirelessly to bring in a panacea of sorts. While the vaccine does mitigate the effect of the attack, convincing the masses to take the jab, has also been a daunting task. Every time we seem to tread towards a semblance of normalcy, a new strain comes out, causing dread among the people.
Plans went awry, virtual and online modes became a way of life, mental health challenges came to the fore, sealed borders kept family members away, livelihoods were lost, dreams crushed… life derailed for many. The world experienced devastating effect of the virus. While we heard many endearing instances of people fight a brave battle against the invisible enemy, death knocked on the doors for many. The medical fraternity rising above their call of duty with relentless service, the common man joining hands together to garner help in every way possible was truly heartwarming, filling us with the hope that not all is lost. Man has learnt to accept, adapt and bounce back with resilience.
A cauldron of emotions flowed out during the year. Pain, agony, grief, heartbreak, fear and anxiety dominated our lives. Yet, on the other hand, bravery, kindness, empathy and selfless helping hands also rose up, adding a silver lining to the otherwise bleak scenario.
As we get ready to bid adieu to 2021, I look back at the year that it was and move forward with my learnings from it.
The pandemic definitely taught us to be prepared for unpredictability. Going by man’s callous attitude towards the environment, the frenzied pace at which he seems to be devouring the resources of the planet, volatility could just become a part of life. We need to brace ourselves with it.
Health is a priority. Invest in it, indulge in self-care, exercise without excuses. Make” balance and moderation” a key motto in life.
Each new dawn we wake up breathing, is a precious gift. Appreciate the gift of today, be mindful of the blessings it showers on us and lace it with a prayer of gratitude.
We create excess baggage in life, burdening ourselves with never ending desires and frivolous wants. The pandemic taught us that one can lead a very comfortable life, being a minimalist.
Seek happiness in little joys, befriend a positive attitude, contribute to sustainability, lend a helping hand, stay away from all forms of toxicity and cherish the love and blessings of family and friends.
Finally reflect within. Along with material wealth, enrich your soul with spiritual growth as well.
As I type this, the Omicron strain is gripping the world at large. Hoping that the effect of this strain, will not be as bad as its predecessor.
Here is wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2022! Take care and stay safe !
This began like any other year. People ushered in 2020 with gusto. Traveling, partying, New Year resolutions, setting targets for the year and so on. Things were moving along until the pandemic hit us like bolt of lightning. The world came to a grinding halt.
A list of new vocabulary became the language of everyday. Corona, lockdown, isolation, positive, virus, pandemic, quarantine, spike, vaccine and so on. Life has never been the same since.
The anger, frustration and helplessness of people spiked along with the cases worldwide. It brought out emotions in mixed bag. Some counted on blessings and bonding while for others it was separation and desperation. Along with physical setback, emotional well being took a toll on people. With work from home and virtual classrooms, meet and greet, celebrations, everything was in an online avatar. Unlock brought in a breather for the economy. People are getting back to work, but fear still looms large. The vaccine coming out brings in a gentle ray of hope.
As we enter the last couple of days of 2020, what are some of the thoughts and prayers that you want to fill in 2021 with? I would like to paint the coming year with vibrant hues of positive vibes, eclipsing the melancholic monochrome of this year.
Lets start afresh wiping the blemished yesterday,
filling the clean white slate with tomorrow’s hope.
Praying for the grey clouds of the pandemic to pass over
banishing the black monstrous villain into exile.
Let’s usher in the mellow warmth of a new crimson dawn
as the rays of bright yellow blow a kiss of happiness.
Listening to nature, croon the lyrics of vibrant green,
as the tranquil blue waters, serenade our stressed out mind.
May the year motivate people to get into the pink of health
as embers of the brown hearths keep hunger at bay
Hope a purple cloak of spirituality and growth embraces mankind
to paint the future with a kaleidoscope of colors .
Prayers to all the departed souls who fought bravely against the virus. Heartfelt gratitude to all the Health care workers, Sanitation workers and the innumerable kind souls who lent a helping hand by contributing in their own way, in this fight against corona.
Wishing all my WP family a very Happy 2021 ❤ ! May the world see better days ahead!
Loving thoughts are always comforting
Errant thoughts play mischief, inviting trouble
Gnawing thoughts give sleepless nights
Divine thoughts envelope a calm
Dreamy thoughts enliven the mood
Frozen thoughts thaw with time, to take action
Kind thoughts spread a positive aura
Intuitive thoughts save the day
Reflective thoughts help the soul evolve,
Fearful thoughts sprout sweat beads
Anxious thoughts steal your peace
Ignorant thoughts brand you a moron
Wandering thoughts do well with direction
Profound thoughts kindle wisdom
Depressing thoughts sap your energy
Tempting thoughts are a total distraction
Emotional thoughts expose vulnerability
Slithering thoughts slip away before action
Immature thoughts need counselling
Radical thoughts garner a movement,
Contemplative thoughts untangle the conundrum
Creative thoughts inspires a magnificent composition!
“And suddenly you know………It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings!”
That’s precisely what made me accept the A to Z challenge this year, and I am truly glad I undertook this challenge. Before embarking on it, I did have a fair bit of apprehension and doubted my ability to hold the readers interest for all the 26 letters of the alphabet. The theme I chose was “Kaleidoscope of thoughts”! I tried something new and different with each letter, yet getting them to reflect my thoughts and personality.
Looking back, I can smile with a sense of accomplishment. Each tiny step successfully taken, is progressing ahead in the right direction. This journey was filled with learning, awe and meeting some splendid bloggers from across the globe! The plethora of content I got to read was phenomenal. Be it fiction, poetry, photography, travel chronicles, impromptu writings, I was absolutely impressed with the ideas and the variety I got to read! I Would like to congratulate all the bloggers who successfully swam through the challenge.
And I am happy I tried. Thank you all for the constant support you have given me all through the month. Your feedback and likes kept me motivated.
radhikasreflection 