Thank you 2020 for the hardships you brought

While most of you will wonder on the timing of this post (these topics generally trend during the new years time), believe me, I too started getting my thoughts hovering around it, 3-4 months back. But, as most of us breathe and sleep business, the last 2 months of the fiscal year came and went by so quickly that my thoughts couldn't find appropriate words and the adequate time that they deserved.

I'm sure all of us have lived an entire era in last one year. With the Covid-19 pandemic hitting hard on the entire humankind, surviving with it, was a real roller-coaster ride. Surprisingly, those who've taken a rebirth in last year must be still wondering on the long lasting stability of this pandemic :)

I now try to look back and see what did I gain from these difficult and tough times:

Being alive and safe with family is a bliss - While many families lost their loved ones due to hunger, poverty and the pandemic, others survived. I did face a tough time when the news of my close relatives losing the battle of life to Corona, hit my ears. The phase was tough, but it passed. However, it made me realize the importance of family, being together and the fortune of being surrounded by your loved ones.

Go slow, but remain steady and consistent, things will happen with time From work standpoint, it was very critical to understand the priorities, keep the team positive,while I knew from the back-end that its not going to be that easy. I lost it sometimes and was even on the verge of giving up when my mentor extended a helping hand. I was counselled and told to slow down, channelize the energy and let go off things that are not under my control. Hence, I slowed down, but kept trying to see how things could be improved. Believe me, it helped me calm my nerves.

Working from home can be managed with kids being around - And this was the last thing I ever wished! With a tiny tot of 4 years at home, who excels and overpowers my trait of being talkative, this flexibility or mandate, whatever you say, was like living a nightmare. On top of that, virtual schools, my own virtual calls and household stuff - I was like a headless chicken with no clue whatsoever I was doing and the one I should actually be doing. But I survived and I'm sure every mother who has survived in last 1 year can now run any marathon and win medals!

Overcoming the fear of failure - I am not a big fan of false praise and temporary success, but failing and falling down inspite of endless efforts is something I fear. Some good work and appreciation in the past had become a benchmark for my self analysis and it was giving me sleepless nights. I am very clear when it comes to reward and recognition. If I do well, I'll pat my own back but if I fail, I'll slap my self very hard without waiting for someone else to come and point my mistake. I started meditating to get over this weakness of mine.

Survival without house help staff is possible - My life revolves around by house help. But these tough times taught me that I can survive, without them being around. Cleaning and cooking can be managed to some extent with work and baby sitting (the credit of this, however, also goes to my husband's patience and support ;) )

Time is precious, explore your passion and go mad with it - With the lifestyle being so monotonous and timed, I had almost forgotten what makes me go crazy. Although there was hardly any time left in the day, with so many things around, I went back to my moves and started devoting some time on my passion for dance and music. While the world was exploring dalgona coffee, I used to play music, twist and turn on some beats, forgetting about everything else on this Earth.

Empathy is magical, mindful difference between respond and react - I have hated to live with stupid mistakes and careless imperfections. Not that I don't do mistakes or blunders, but senseless dialogue and repeated mistakes used to transform me into a crazy roaring beast. This used to drag me into useless arguments, heated discussions and hopeless assumptions. This tough time helped me cope up my shortcomings and learn the magic that empathy can bring. Again, my mentor guided me in understanding the difference between "respond" and "react". It took a very long time, but I think I've somehow tamed my adrenaline and cortisol rush to some extent in last few months.

Perfection is not something to chase, it comes with consistence - this is what the year 2020 has actually taught me and I'll keep falling and failing but will make sure that the efforts and consistency is not compromised in the journey ahead. Wishing you all a very happy and successful year ahead!