2022 - A year to remember!
As I watched many reels of saying goodbye to 2022 and made a couple of my own it practically dawned on me that this year is coming to an end in just few more hours.
It was a year of enormous change for me as a person and us as a family. Even though we moved to another country in late 2021 the side effects trickled down to the beginning of 2022. It became a struggle to survive socially, emotionally and we all were a beginning to feel the twinge of covid + move + all the seasonal depression times 3! We had started to almost give up when came summer and just like the trees around us were filled with bounty our hearts were filled with joy and started to feel a lot less lighter. The sunlight, the long drives together, the fun and laughter with family visits, the innumerable dips in the pool helped us to see the country in a different light altogether. And just like that in the middle of all the chaos came the idea of moving AGAIN! But something had snapped inside. And it had made a big change on how I perceived things. For once I wanted to embrace, hug and accept the change. It took convincing - believe me. Took speculation and consideration and multiple rounds of estimates. But we took the plunge. For a content-where-you-are person like me, it was a HUGE change. To push the family to move out, enjoy along the way and prep for the next round of changes... it took a lot of guts. But woh kehte hain na, You should never test the power of a Mom whose child's well-being is in question. I think that was my goal and it drove me... 400 miles...And it helped me do everything required.
The change of place, change of weather and change of surroundings came with a blast of surprise. It was one of the best decisions we took together. And no don't take me wrong. It wasn't easy to settle down. As soon as we started getting into a routine I had to start working on a different project. Having never worked outside my home in this country it was a journey in itself to find myself a job and convince myself that i can work full time. N being little I kept taking either part time or WFH projects for a while now. It took a lot of effort to accept that I am not inevitable and she will continue to thrive if I am not around her for few hours after school. If it wasn't for J pushing me to do this - I would have been content in a part time job I think. I am glad he did and I didn't take it. Prepping for the journey ahead took another level of change in me as a person and as a mom. I was able to make peace with the mom guilt but then came down the apprehensions. Questions like What if? Why not? How come? Is it even possible? made their way in my rested brain and it was a challenge to not let them come in my way. I was either lucky or deserved it not sure - but the professional journey didn't take long to kickstart. When I accepted the offer my heart thanked not only J but also all those people who had coaxed me to do this for years. And to date I thank all those who believed and supported me no matter what!
The last 2 months came and went by like a storm. An hour of drive to reach for training and learning things that I never imagined I would do. Taking care of the household chores had a new meaning after all those years of SAHM. I just didn't have the time to do stuff. Big chores were compressed to the weekend and up until Thanksgiving I didn't get any time off at all. It was as if I am learning to do things all over again. This time with a different purpose. This time as if my family was learning to do it too! There are skills we need our children to learn before they are a certain age. And having a tween with her own set of challenges is no fun - trust me! For all the BTDT moms reading and nodding their heads - please take a bow! I am a novice and feel like I am failing so many times. But then one of you shares your story with the absolute truth in your heart and I know I am not alone. In all these times if there has been 1 constant in my life then it has been my Mom. Strong and my constant supporter always. No matter what happens I find her with me in all the ups and downs. I know now what it takes to give this to your daughter, Ma. And I cannot imagine how you did for 3! I bow down with tones of respect!
I have been lucky, graced with right things at the right time and needless to say the right people. I believe in the quote your vibe attracts your tribe! And I like to feel proud today that I have got a bunch of great people around me. Be it my friends or colleagues now. It has been a tremendous support to know that I have some very good people having my back on the drop of an sms. As the year draws to close I just want to thank my stars and my family who supported me unconditionally in my journey!
From a person who used to hate the snow, cold and chill to a person who wants to go and experience magic of holidays in -6 degrees...
From a person who was happy with salt n pepper hair and kurtas to a person who wants to experiment with hair color & different sweaters....
From a person who was happily SAHM or WFH to juggling a full time job in a new industry...
From a person who used to hate change to a person who is willing to accept and embrace what the universe has thrown in front of her...
I think I have come a long way! And when I say it was a LONG Way! It was a darn LONG way!! :-)
Thank You for being there - each one of u!
Thank You for teaching me things.. that I needed to learn!
Thank You 2022! You will always hold a special place in my heart. As this was the year I challenged myself and was able to see myself in a different light!
May 2023 ring in with the same vibe and we are able to see the spark inside of ourselves and ignite it with passion and kindness!
Comments