"Songbirds of the Soul: Harmonizing with 2023’s Melodies"

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey that was 2023. It has been a year of growth, both professionally and personally, and I am super grateful to all of you who have played a role in making it a transformative year for me — my deepest gratitude. You know who you are.?

The year-end marks a time for introspection, a moment to sift through experiences and discern what served us well and what didn't. In this year's tapestry, I encountered the duality of life with clear understanding, i.e., both the saddest and happiest versions of myself, as that is the natural way of life. It was a reminder that life is a dynamic interplay of highs and lows, and each moment contributes to our evolution.

Looking ahead to 2024, I am filled with a fresh and inviting spirit. Exciting plans lay in wait, ready to manifest in the coming year. Nevertheless, I've distilled my reflections from 2023 into a set of principles I carry forward, which I am pleased to share with my LinkedIn community.

What Inspires Me

I love calm people who choose their words wisely, not living to show off but to exist quietly and harmonically, trying to harm nobody. I find those people and situations inspiring.?

Letting Go

There is a place and time for everything, and there is a time for the things to go out of your life, be it a job, relationship, habit, or anything which does not serve you anymore in the best possible way. In the energy of 2024, my mantra is simple — love me well or leave me alone.

Know Thyself

As Socrates said, "Know Thyself". Live your authentic life guided by the values that resonate with you for a happier, calmer life unless you choose otherwise. A life grounded in values is inherently beautiful and will guide you through life's complexities. For instance - You can be kind and still want to avoid making friends with everyone.

Embrace the Unknown

While planning is crucial, you can only plan to an extent; leaving room for the unknown is equally essential. Life is best lived on the front foot, as the wise Rumi says, "Live life as if it is rigged in your favour."

Calm Nervous System

The best measure of success is a calm nervous system, not merely external achievements. Understand that all illness (mental or physical), stress and anxiety, negativity, hopelessness and anything out of order stems from anxious nerves. Do your best in every situation and leave the results to the universe (As advised in ancient sculptures of Bhagwat Geeta).

Mindfulness and Meditation

The path to a balanced life involves mindfulness and the daily practice of meditation. The good news is that it is not one size fits all; there are several ways to meditate and find the one your soul enjoys the most. For instance, you lose yourself in a form of art for the sole purpose of joy.

Enrich your Brain

Neuroscience says that the brain can enhance up to the age of 60; one can create new neural pathways in the brain, transforming your life completely. It's not fixed, though we must understand this power and work towards strengthening and enhancing it. For instance - engage in new experiences/learnings regularly.

Positive Thoughts and Feelings

Most people live unaware of their thoughts and feelings. Cultivate positivity and watch its transformative effect on?you. Comprehend that you can change your mind's and body's algorithm and neural wiring.

Cultivate Cheerfulness

Cultivating cheerfulness in a challenging world needs a mindful habit. Letting go of negativity, laughing, playing like a child and spending time with loved ones contribute to this state of being.

Quieten your mind chatter

Practice solitude; social media has successfully killed the ability to go within for most people of our generation; we seek outer validation of some form in nearly everything. Practising the natural way of being is essential for your physical, mental and spiritual health. For instance - daily journaling will help.

Navigating Life's Phases

Acknowledge that life is a series of phases, each with sorrows and joys. Detach from extreme emotional highs and lows, apprehending that every stage is transient and gives way to a fresh start. Address the present moment, watch it unfold, and let it go. All successes and failures are an amalgam of various factors; it's never just YOU; remove the pressure on yourself and credit happenings to fortune (good or bad).

Social Media Exposure

Listen to your body; sensations in the stomach may signify intuition, while those in the chest may denote fear. Be mindful of the impact of social media on your well-being. While it can induce a dopamine hit, moderation is key. Strive for a balanced approach to social media, allowing your body to guide you toward a healthier relationship with online platforms.

Strategic Planning for the Year

Develop a comprehensive plan for the upcoming year, regardless of size. Kickstart the process by outlining tangible actions to transform your aspirations into reality. For instance - start by writing them down, even if it is just a half-baked list.

Authentic Kindness in Relationships

Acknowledge and appreciate individuals in your life whose kindness is not a mere strategy but an ingrained way of living. Such people are like keepsakes and should be held close to heart; avoid the temptation of being jealous if they are better than you; that means they will help you grow.?

Embracing Growth's Breaking Points

Understand that personal and professional growth often entails demanding moments that may feel like breaking points. Recognize the transformative power within these experiences. For instance, when you decide to leave a toxic job, that phase is complex and filled with self-doubt.

Prioritising Self-Care

Recognize the reality of fatigue, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Dispel guilt associated with taking time for self-care. Disconnecting from a world that may not inherently prioritise your mental well-being is essential.

Mindful Breaks for Mental Health

Include stillness in your daily routine, and allocate a few minutes daily to give your mind a break from external stimuli. This intentional break creates a space in your thinking, facilitating a connection with your inner voice and compass, which nurtures a deeper connection with your inner self, fostering mental clarity and resilience.

As we move into the New Year, let's be mindful of our journey, stay connected with our core values, and cherish the moments that shape us.?

Remember, the true measure of success is a calm nervous system.?

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously."?

May gratitude be our guiding light in 2024 as we strive to be authentic in a world that constantly seeks to mould us into something else. I wish you a joyful, healthy, purposeful, and transformative New Year!