#GoodBye2023 #Welcome2024

As we step into the new year, it's an opportune time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. The year 2024 holds the promise of new beginnings, challenges, and opportunities. As we embark on this journey, these are my learnings and reminders to navigate the year with resilience, purpose, and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities that unfold.

1.????? Embrace Change: Change is inevitable, and 2024 will undoubtedly bring its share of it. Embrace change with an open heart and a flexible mindset. After all, life's most profound learnings often come from navigating through uncharted territories.

2.????? Pursue Passion: Reignite your passions and pursue activities that bring you joy. A hobby, creative endeavor, physical pursuit, professional goal – whatever makes your heart sing. Connecting with your passions adds depth and fulfillment to life.

3.????? Attitude of Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude has the power to shift your perspective, fostering a more optimistic and resilient mindset. Well, in the current economic scenario, if you have the basic pillars in your life i.e. health, food and income, there is a lot to be thankful for.

4.????? Prioritize Self-Care: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to overlook self-care. Make a conscious effort to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it is taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, volunteering, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance, invest time in activities that rejuvenate your spirit.

5.????? Foster Connections: Human connections are the fabric of a meaningful existence. Nurture your relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. In this digital age, it is easy to become isolated. Make a conscious effort to foster genuine connections, well - both online and offline.

6.????? Learn Continuously: The world is ever-changing, and staying curious and informed is key to personal and professional growth. Commit to continuous learning – seminars, workshops, podcasts, self-directed exploration...

7.????? Celebrate Progress: Perfection is a myth, and the pursuit of it can be exhausting. Instead, celebrate progress and acknowledge the journey. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to growth and resilience.

In 2023, I have been very happy with my progress on #1,2,3,4,7; and need to do better on #5,6 in 2024.

• While I have formed more connections with runners and athletes, I haven’t connected with as many friends from my school/college days as I would have liked to; and look forward to reconnecting with at least 24 friends (2 each month) in 2024.
• Being the voracious reader that I have been, I haven’t read as many books or attended workshops as I have had in the past years. I look forward to reading at least 12 books in 2024.

I feel truly blessed with the way the Universe has conspired to make things happen on all four fronts:

Professional:

An awesome work environment, that allows and encourages me to be myself, believes in me and accepts me for who I am.

Family:

A highly supportive family, who inspires me to fuel my passion and “run” the extra mile. They play a pivotal role in my self-fulfilling coaching and running endeavors.

Self:

• Invested 527 hrs in physical endeavors: 405 hrs running, 122 hrs strength/core workouts
• Running mileage for 2023: 4225 K (100 marathons’ equivalent distance)
• Biggest race thus far: 24 hr track ultra logging 184 K
• Three successful pacing endeavors with RUN VAN: BMO Vancouver Marathon, Great Trek, and First Half

Society:

• Raised $3,000 for #SaveTheChildren in support of children impacted by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey
• Spreading “summer cheer” in the local community

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Another useful learning: You may not fit in everywhere. In groups where you feel ‘not included’, listen to your gut. May be that’s not the right setting for you. If you are more stressed in that setting, it is certainly not worth it. Find your space, your zen, your happy place ??

And these ones from Anthony Hopkins resonate with me 100%: (Thank you Christine De Beer for the timely post :))

• Stop showing up for people who are not interested in your presence.
• If you are excluded, insulted, forgotten or ignored by the people you give your time to, you are not doing yourself a favor by continuing to offer them your energy and your life.
• The most valuable thing you have in your life is your time and energy, as both are limited. The people and things you give your time and energy to, will define your existence.

Cheers to a year of growth, learning, and embracing the beautiful chaos of life. Happy 2024!!!