Top five gifts of 2017

As I round up 2017 by being on the road I find myself veering towards a list. As most of you know I keep travelling for work mostly and also take breaks to reorient and rejuvenate my spirit. I often bump into new people, new friends, new languages to enrich the soul. This helps me to become more patient with each passing year.

2017 has been a very busy year with its share of ups and downs but happy to say ups were in greater measure than downs. I am extremely grateful to Almighty for that in this time of trials for so many on this planet today. The list of new places I have been to are endless, people I have mostly met have been fabulous barring a few here and there. On the whole a jolly good year! So let's get rolling with the top 5!

Lal Tibba, Landour

1. Acceptance

Since 2013 I have started this phase in my life where I have always tried to accept a situation that I have been challenged with. Initially, it was a struggle and I kept on analyzing it for answers where there were none. After walking through the last four years in 2017 finally in all humility I can say I have definitely stopped analyzing and simply have accepted whatever the hand I am challenged with will be dealt with simply humble acceptance. Tough but yes have now reached the ultimate goal.

This has actually freed me of many demons above all that of expectations. As the year draws to close I can say happily I have not only forgotten but have actually forgiven all the crosses I so long carried. I feel light and can almost see the spring back on my feet. 

Family Meet up 2017. Princep Ghat, Kolkata

2. Memories

The most important thing I cherish in life is to live every minute to the fullest with people who make you feel loved and are special. 2017 allowed me a whole lot of opportunity to be with them in sharing special moments. Each one of them took out time for me, each one walked that extra mile to make it special. I am so thankful to all of you. Rare opportunity of catching up and cherishing each other with love and joy came our way and we grabbed it. A relaxed Sunday transformed into a must have pic for that all time album.

3. Kindness

When my beloved author signed copies of his old book and peeped into the details of dates, names and scribbled love notes I couldn't be happier. You can see the fading book cover as I hold it.  I was touched by his generosity and kindness and few personal exchanges for my scrap book. 

With Ruskin Bond, India's most loved author, Cambridge Bookstore, Mussoorie 

4. Loved

I have always been my Father's daughter and feel so so privileged to have him by my side through it all. Although we do not stay under the same roof but this year I have had his constant companionship in all that I have set out to do and that makes me very happy. I have ceased to be the rudderless soul of last few years and brought home again by you in 2017, as always. Love you Baba.

Decoding the wellness diet at Fab Cafe, New Delhi

5. Friendship

My friends who are priceless and are the wind beneath my wings I feel blessed to have each of you in my life. May we always be each others strength in years to come.I feel complete with each one of you every step of the way. Not to mention each one of you are more precious than your weight in gold to me. Keep laughing, keep loving and forever stay mad.

Laughter first, Landour

Wish you all a fabulous 2018. Cheers!

Pictures courtesy: Bishalakhi Ghosh, Moon Das, Pragya Majumder