I hate starting every blogpost acknowledging that its been so long since I wrote the last one but particularly when you live in a fast pace city like Bombay, so much of you is consumed in mostly just about surviving it really becomes hard to actually find time you do something that you really enjoy, like for me, is writing, or updating this blog for me to read when I have retired and have nothing much to do
Work has taken over most of my life these days and I don't really know what all I have gained other than weight in the past 6 months because I have mostly spent my time as I mentioned earlier, surviving. Travel has been constant, but you know that's not really something I complain about. I did take the time out for 2 quick leisure trips, one to Goa for Holi which was hot but super relaxing and to Panchgani and Mahableshwar where I revisited my mum's childhood. It's crazy as to how when you are young you actually detest these experiences but once you are older you crave, nostalgia and memories. I'll post a few pictures at the bottom of this post from these trips. I also made a quick dash to Lonavala to celebrate W's 39th birthday. Truly when you hangout with your oldest friends, the feeling is incomparable to no other.
By the way, Bandra cafe scene has just been buzzing like crazy. Visited this place called August Moon few days ago, lovely, small cafe and such spectacular food. Sometimes I forget how much I like going and checking new places out. Lately have been in a recluse sort of phase, but hope to get my social butterfly phase back very soon. I will be headed to Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Pune, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh in the next few months and hope to try out some local experiences there as well of course keeping my diet in check sadly.
I was just thinking how without blinking an eye-lid most of 2023 is almost over.. While I hope to spend the rest of the year indulging in some self-care, not just physically but also mentally, I realized most of time goes in counseling others, the best part being, I don't even think they want my advice haha . Look, from the very beginning, I have been that person who people come to when they are sad. They tell me about their inner dark secrets, frivolous problems and various other issues and honestly, I always am really good with keeping all this information within me and offering advice whether they have asked for it or not. At the end of these exercises, they feel extremely light having downloaded all their issues on me. Me, on the other hand who is already dealing with a lot of my own issues (I am not really big on sharing as I usually dislike looking like a victim) is now burdened with their problems as well.
So basically, I am here offering therapy like an unqualified expert even when not asked for and without having no sense of balance in my own life :). And most of these people anyway are way more successful in life than me so really not sure what I can add to their life anyway. Hence, slowly but surely, I will work on being just a little bit selfish and concentrating on my self because that's an area I neglect the most and work towards at least being capable enough to be someone's unpaid therapist. And like my friend always tells me. Don't give advice until someone asks you for it. Well, I am going to try
Another area of my life that really needs work, is giving benefit of doubt to people especially that belong to the opposite sex. Funnily enough, my observation tells me that I am very very soft in my behaviour towards men (not necessarily romantic interests) due to which I am often taken for granted or even treated as a pushover, which I will definitely not want to be. Friendship is about effort. Give and take. And sometimes, be being me, I only want to give until i am completely depleted of everything including self respect. So henceforth, I will only have to offer what you are able to give me. For both sexes, all relationships in my life. This is going to be a mammoth task for me because being a Virgo, service is inherent in my nature and nothing makes me more happy than doing something that makes someone else happy. Which I will continue to do, only not at the cost of my happiness.
As I turn closer to the big 40 in 2024, I hope I am able to focus this year of my life working on bringing a balance back into my life. Something that I lost a few years ago. Something that I will have to work very hard to achieve. But what's life without some kickass goals right ? :)
Hope to be able to write more sooner than later! Take care.
Pictures- 1st row- Panchgani, 2nd row- Lonavala, 3rd row- Goa
