The two things most associated with the advent of a new year are Celebrations and Resolutions. It is this promise of possibilities that a new year brings which many celebrate with much merriment. Starting anew, on a fresh note, is a time to make resolutions. This time of the year, when looking back and looking forwards go hand in hand, is also especially appropriate for reflecting.
Years, being the sum of many months, weeks and moments are always a mixed bag. The good and the forgettable. The pain and the joy. Hopes, frustrations, sorrows. Bittersweet moments and those that we hope never to relive again. Missed opportunities and surprises. Success and failures. Moments of self-doubt and affirmation. Decisions taken and paths that we missed. All of these come together in our thoughts as we look back. Not only do they coexist with each other; they complement each other. Like the yin and the yang, they make up parts of the whole and add meaning to each other.
So, as round ups, summaries and best and worst lists begin springing up everywhere; I took the opportunity to soak in the lovely winter sun and indulge in some reflections of the year gone by.
2022 was the year that my book “Stars from the Borderless Sea” was published. Of course, this was a huge milestone, one that I will always cherish and be grateful for. Putting my work- and myself-out there was a huge leap of faith for me, as it is not something that comes naturally to me. My steps into the literary world, were small, tentative -like those of my protagonists had been early in their lives. Would people find the foray into the soft gentle world of romance a disconnect in today’s world of violence, noise, and clutter? Would my book, these three stories that I held so dear to my heart disappear into a void? I also wondered how readers would react to the stories I had written; and the life scripts that the characters had etched out for themselves. Would they be judged for their unconventional choices?
The book took its tentative steps in the world outside, found its feet-and place in the hearts of readers. It was heartwarming to discover readers connecting with the protagonists. Geetika, Mahima, and Rachna’s conviction resonated with readers. Their aplomb in standing by their choices was not only accepted, but also appreciated. It was a beautiful feeling as an author and set off some reflections too!! Geetika, Mahima, and Rachna were courageous ladies who eked out their success against homogonous constraints laid out by society and the world they lived in. they charted their routes to success through a maze of setbacks. They stood by the decisions they took without apologizing for them. How had they done this? They had done this by listening to their inner voice, to being their authentic selves. Such a powerful force, that resides within each one of us, isn’t it?? A force which we can draw upon in the new year-Authenticity.
Authenticity is more than a word, or even a concept. It is simply the process of being true – to your own self. it is a process and a journey which takes work and courage. But like for the women in “Stars from the Borderless Sea”, it is a rewarding journey.
Poet T.S. Eliot wrote: “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” Let us begin the year that is waiting in the wings by listening to our inner voices, following our heart, detaching from our limiting beliefs being true to ourselves. Irrespective of what the world demands from us.
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