Looking Back on 2013

2013 has been an eventful year, in more ways than one. It has had its share of highs and lows. But this year has had many things to learn from.
For one, I've experienced failure for the first time. Up till then, what ever I'd attempted had always been fairly successful, and I'd probably been taking it for granted. But failing an exam, a really important exam at that, gave me the shake up and reality check I needed, and it taught me never to take anything for granted. What it has also taught me, is that you always have second chances, and one failure isn't the end of the world. Life is so much bigger than that!

Secondly, I've learnt that insecurities are not worth keeping close, as they hurt no one but ourselves. The worst thing anyone can do, is constantly think about what other people are thinking about you. As long as you're secure, nothing else matters.
Thirdly, value the people who respect your worth. Forget those who don't. I've learnt this lesson the hard way. Obsessing over those friends who suddenly forget about you, who simply don't have time for you anymore doesn't help; It just gives you a lot of pain. Forget them, because they're just not worthy of your tears. Family is the best support there is.. Don't ever let go of them.
Fourthly, learn to forgive. This lightens the burdens and gives you closure. Opens the door to happiness.
Lastly, live life to the fullest. Enjoy, savour every drop of it. Remember the happy memories, let go of the sad ones, but learn from every experience you've ever had.
For me, this is the year before life in the real world finally starts, and I'm enjoying every bit of it! Possibilities are many, and are just around the corner. I can't wait to find them out!!! I've determined that 2014 is going to be the best year ever!!!

A letter to myself twenty years from now

Hello,

This may seem weird, but its your past self checking up on you.I have a vision of myself twenty years from now, and I really hope you've fulfilled at least part of it. Here are my hopes and expectations of you:

First, and most importantly, I hope you're a good person, a person to depend on. I hope you've kept and intensified the trust people have in you, and your relationships (friends and family) are intact. Remember, that nothing is more important than winning and keeping love, trust and respect.

Secondly, I hope you've become wiser and open minded. You should be open to learning from people, places and circumstances. You should have become less impulsive, and less presumptuous in making decisions. You should also have learnt to express/articulate yourself better, and have definite opinions.

Thirdly, you should be the best or at least one of the best in your chosen field. As of now, I don't know what that field will be, but whatever it is, you should have acquired the necessary drive and will to push yourself to be the best. There should be an unquenchable spark of spirit in you to go through with the task you've started, and be better than anyone else at it.

Fourthly, I hope you've seen the world, travelled and experienced as much as your heart wishes. I think, to have a really well rounded life, travel is absolutely imperative, and I don't only mean prosperous cities. I mean, the rural areas, the less economically stable places too. This way, you have a fuller appreciation of life, and the compassion to do more for others less fortunate. Which brings me to my next point.

You should, in some way, have given back to society, in a substantial respect. Whether, it is volunteering as a teacher for a few months, or just spending time with those who need it, you must make at least one life happier, because you have been in it.

Lastly, but definitely not the least, make people proud that they have known you. Be it your parents, friends, family.. They should be better for having you in their life. Follow your dreams, and help others to achieve theirs.

Two quotes come to mind, which seem particularly apt:

Up to a point, a man’s life is shaped by environment, heredity and movements and changes in the world around him. Then, there comes a time when it lies within his grasp to shape the clay of his life into the sort of thing he wishes to be. Only, the weak blame parents, their race, their times, lack of good fortune, or the quirks of fate. Everyone has it within his power to say, “This I am today; that I will be tomorrow.

- Louis L'Amour

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the 
affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and

endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the

best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy

child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life

has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)

Bye :)