2008 wrap up

Something about the end of a year makes people want to reflect. Maybe it's the cumulation of events that lead up to the last days of December, or maybe it's the fact that Christmas - one of the most stressful holidays of the year - takes place just a week before January 1. Though it's meant to be a peaceful experience with friends and family, consumerism and a more messed up western value system has changed all of that.

Whatever it is, people (myself included) feel the need for some sort of cathartic experience leading into the new year.

Some spend time reflecting on the 364 days gone by, in hopes that the 365 days to follow will be filled with better moments and memories for them and their loved ones.

Today I find myself thinking of 2008 in a wholesome sense. A lot happened this year - trips, milestones... things that I anticipated back in December 2007, but never imagined possible.

Friends achieved goals that seemed far away; family members brought new additions into the world; some embarked on trips destined to change their lives, while others stayed in the status quo.

For me, 2008 was a melange of memories that will forever be stored in a happy place, and moments that I sometimes wish I could forget. I've gained a lot of momentum in a professional sense, and have learned about a lot of things I want to achieve personally.

A couple of birthdays ago, a friend of mine wished me and said, "I have a feeling this will be the year of the SC." I laughed when he said that because I thought he was being silly. I let it pass because I couldn't imagine giving myself that much attention. Instead, I spent the months that followed focused on school, work, and nothing else.

Well, I'm reverting back to that thought. 2009 is already presenting itself with a lot of changes, starting with two distinct opportunities that I hope will further myself professionally.

I promise to start taking more risks in '09. Someone once told me that life isn't worth it's value if we don't take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to us, just because they seem scary.

I remember a song that two good friends played on loop during a couple of car rides this past month. "Defying Gravity" is a song from the Wicked musical soundtrack. A verse in the song said:

Something has changed within me...
Something is not the same...
I'm through with playing by the rules
of someone else's game.
Too late for second guessing,
too late to go back sleep,
It's time to trust my instincts,
close my eyes.. and leap!

It's time to try defying gravity.

And in 2009, I hope to do just that. It's my time to try defying gravity.

Thanks for all the love in 2008. I look forward to writing for all of you in 2009. Best wishes and I hope you all are filled with peace and happiness in the new year.

I'll leave you with a song from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. The composer A.R. Rahman is a well known Indian musician, who has the ability to move people to another world with his compositions. Enjoy!



xo
SC