2016, you've no idea what you're getting into!

So you probably got off FB and detoxed yourself, and hence got a life (in which case you aren't reading this anyway) or maybe you travelled to new places and got yourself into the elite category of new-age people who are ready to take on the world. Maybe you quit your job and started that shack you dreamt of. Or maybe you did plain mundane things like got married...

 

You must have figured and re-invented yourself somewhere in 2015. No? At least something? I hope you aren't lost and still with me. There has to be something you did in 2015 that was a highlight...ending a bad relation or buy a car/house, start your dream job, got a passion, new friends or hobby, maybe ran a marathon. No? Oh. Dear lord. Such a waste. Now you are at the very end of a year and you did nothing.

 

I have two things to say. One, eh not a big deal. Do something now if you care enough or well otherwise, its just a change of calendar month that will create worldwide confusion in writing dates for one month. Nothing really would change.

 

Technically speaking, 1st January is important only because of hype, expensive parties, fireworks and resolutions. Why should it be so important? It shouldn't really be. You can choose any day to reinvent your life or get one or culminate/initiate something. This will swirl in the discussion of why Valentines' when you love someone all year or why Birthdays, celebrate life 365 days. Yes that's true. but its just that few dates have an impact to give you a little push.

 

2016 will be a new year. It will reset clocks. You can reset your clock whenever you want but this time the whole world will give you company. It's easier to carry on that way. Hope and aspirations have a knack to thrive on company (so does misery though; be careful) So I do take sides of making New years' a big deal and starting it with zest and renewed energy. I go full tank and no breaks....

It is of course also time to kiss goodbye and pick the baggage you want to check in on your flight to another year. Choose wisely. Intangibles are heaviest and you ain't got all the allowance in world.

 

What I have understood, as I became older and wiser in 2015 is this.

 

To begin with, the sooner you can understand yourself, the easier it becomes to do what one wants to do. Now understanding yourself doesn't come with an exam that you can graduate and be on the other side. It's like love, or anxiety or surround sound...you can't exactly pinpoint but you know it exists. When I say understand yourself, I don't just mean understand what you want or what your passions are. I mean understand in a broader sense what kind of person you are. A phase comes when you can predict how you respond to varied stimuli in life. You should know how your body reacts in physical stress. You must know how you respond to emotional crisis, social stigmas, professional situations and financial accomplishments (or lack of it)

 

This is not important to achieve something in particular. It is important because once, and only when you understand these things about yourself, you will know when to push and when to let go. Only then you will know what limit gives you glory and beyond what you burn out. In simple terms, it's a trade off. Know yourself so you know if you are making a good deal.Your relationship with yourself should be least complicated.

 

For second thing, I am drawing a parallel to what a wise old man told me recently. I met this guy who was old and has lived in multiple countries as he worked with United Nations. He told me this in a very different context but it made sense.

There are five things that can truly drive you: Love, Revenge, Money, Interest or Curiosity. If you can honestly find one of these to chase in any form, it can drive you for a long time, in a fulfilling way.

 

If there is something I have truly appreciated and understood deeply as the months and years pass me by is the fact that one needs to be happy. Despite the norms, peer pressure, material prejudice and socially perpetuated milestones. Not giving a single fuck is way too deeply admired and abused but least understood. You will realize if you truly want to be happy, your indifference to multiple things around you will itself reach a level where not a single fuck will be appreciated...

 

So here, I said it. I am happy for an adventurous year behind me. I am happy for the people I met and places I saw and experiences I had. I look forward to more. I always feel I should have done a few things earlier and then I meet older people who tell me the same. I always feel I did a few things prematurely and I meet younger people who have been there already. It's never too late or early. There is no concept of 'right' time. You have no commitment and calendar dates with yourself.

 

So long and so strong. Aloha 2015. 2016, we'll do some crazy memorable stuff together, you have no idea what you are getting into!

 

P.S. Leap years are my favorite.