The teacher named 2014

As I made my new year resolutions (and broke one within 3 hours of writing it down), I was forced to reflect on how far I had progressed with my 2014 resolutions. The answer was a disappointing and demotivating 0%. I hadn’t managed to fulfil a single resolution. Was 2014 a waste? No. It was probably the year that brought me closer to myself, my fears, hopes, dreams and insecurities. A year that made me pause and think. It was the most difficult year I have had in a long time and was emotionally and physically draining…but has taught me lessons that will stay for life.

It was a year in which I lost a lot that I had formerly held very dear, whether it was the best work project I had ever done, the best colleague I had ever had or some personal relationships that were so close to my heart that I could feel searing pain when they ended. But that was perhaps the biggest learning I had- to let go and move on... to become emotionally detached from my work and from people.

In the solitude and the act of picking up pieces of my broken heart, self-respect and self-esteem, I found myself. I learnt how to stand up for myself and for what I thought was right. I cut off from anyone that made me feel unfairly bad about myself or that didn’t treat me with the respect or love that I deserved.

Was it a bad year then? No..not in the least. I cant remember the last time I have felt emotions to this degree of severity. I cant remember the last time when each month has come with a lesson so great, that it would remain etched in my memory for life. 2014 made me realise who really cared for me. It helped me understand and work towards becoming the person I aspire to be.  It got me to me witness some dear friends settle down, nudged me to do some high impact social work after a long time, ensured that I look after my health and helped me to develop the courage to express myself through this blog.

I have no idea whether I will tick  off  even a single item when 2015 ends…but I do know that I am entering into it wiser, stronger and braver. Wish everyone all the best for 2015!