8 Lessons I'll carry into 2025

As we make way for a new year, let’s reflect on the past year and carry the best lessons forward.

1. Sometimes the climax is not the best part

   Every ending doesn't always have to be the best; some are mundane, some tragic, and a few even unsolicited. The essence lies in all that leads up to it. The sorrow that followed the joy cannot nullify your journey—It simply means you experienced it all. So appreceate the good parts of the ride and move on. Just because it didn't end well, doesn't mean it wasn't beautiful.

   
   

2. The worst delay is the time between planning and execution

   An action cannot be compensated for by its planning, nor by the discussions surrounding it. The timing is never perfect, preparations are never enough, and there will always be something seemingly more important than the task at hand. But to reap a good harvest—or even a bad one—you must first sow the seeds. Execution is far better than the apprehension caused by delay.

   
   

3. If they disrupt your peace, then you don’t need them.

   No matter how much you love them or how good they’ve been to you in various instances, if being around them costs you your mental peace and sanity, they aren’t worth it. They might be good people, but if they fail to treat you right, the best thing you can do is leave. They weren’t meant for you. Don’t rationalize it, don’t justify their behaviour—respectfully leave and choose better. This applies to a person, a place, or even a habit.

   
   

4. Self respect is earned by keeping the promises you make to yourself

   If you decide to treat yourself better, then follow through—wake up on time, stick to your commitments, and prioritise your well-being. The easiest way to build self-worth is by taking care of yourself. When you deem something unworthy of your attention, you let it remain as it is—your room becomes messy, and your mind follows suit. Treat yourself the way you will treat the important person in the world, because that person is you.

   
   

5. Practice is better than "born talent."

   We hate being bad at something, which is why more often than not we quit something midway with an excuse of, 'Oh, I'm not good at it.' Truth be told, the chances of you improving through practice at what you put your heart to are way higher than one figuring out what they are naturally gifted in. Think of a gifted basketball player never having played a game. So you might as well pick something that interests you, practice it repeatedly, and get good at it. If it still excites you, keep at it; if not, move on and pick up something else. The reality is you will never fully know what you're capable of unless you give it a shot.

   
   

6. It is easy to find like-minded people

   While it might seem like a trial-and-error, one can simplify the process by choosing their area of interest and participating in focus groups or community events. It goes without saying that an ideal place to find a fellow reader is a library. So take to social media, find the events around you that interest you, and go! It doesn't matter whether or not you have company. This initial step may be daunting, especially if you are not of an extroverted mindset. But you will be astounded by the number of people you can relate to.

   
   

7. Delulu can sometimes be a good solulu

   It might not always work, but on the days you really need it, a little bit of delusion won't hurt anybody. When grief overstays its welcome, a deliberate ignorance of it is something you could try. It is almost like pretending to be happy and then soon forgetting that you were pretending in the first place. So on days you feel blue, close your eyes and smile as wide as you can. Stand in front of your mirror and say, "I feel good. I am happy. It is a fantastic day to be alive." You never know when a lie could become true.

   It is like a whirlpool—sadness; once you get sucked in, you'll find yourself in the deep end, struggling for breath. The key is to be aware of your thoughts, and when you do start to spiral, nicely call yourself back and say, "You know what Tintu Mon would say?".

   
   

8. The people you love need to know that you love them

   You will be surprised to see how many of them don't really know. We humans are forgetful beings. we need to be told over and over again, and still, it wouldn't be etched in our brains. It is also too easy to take people for granted, specially the ones you love the most. So let them know how much they mean to you.

   There are also way too many alternatives to saying "I love you"— a checking in text, an apology for absence, a hug and a little peck on the cheek or even a Happy New Year wish.

   
   

   Happy New Year, everyone. May this year surprise you with fortunes you can't even fathom. Cheers to a good year.