If we’re connected on Facebook (either friends or you follow my updates), you’ll know that it’s Diwali, the Hindu New Year. Every year, I post a Facebook update during each of the days of Diwali, explaining the significance, how you celebrate and adding in a few notes of my own. I’m not sure when I started doing this but it’s become a bit of a tradition. It’s a way for me to educate and share a celebration with my non-Hindu friends and it’s a way for me to connect with the memories I hold near and dear of Diwali from home. Diwali is a five-day festival and today is the fourth day, Bestu Varas, which is New Year’s Day. We’d go to the temple where we’d literally run into everyone and their mom–which was a good thing! Per tradition, I’d touch the feet of those older than me to ask them for their blessings for the new year. There’s also this big food fest at the temple and there are literally hundreds of different food items that people made and brought in as an offering. It’s quite a sight!
Besthu Varas, like New Years on the western calendar, is a good time to also reflect on the past year and look forward to the next year. Personally, this past year has been really challenging and busy. So much has happened that I wouldn’t even know where to start. I’m just grateful to have gotten through it. There are some high moments from the past year but more lows than I expected, but then again, who expects or aims for low points? They just…well, happen. There were lots of moments where simply getting through the day and getting a “fresh” start tomorrow was tough enough. But I don’t regret it or think negatively about it or wonder why the challenges that I faced were put in my path. As cliché as it sounds, everything does happen for a reason and whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger (even though sometimes it doesn’t seem that way). 2069, you taught me many lessons, you brought upon many epiphanies, and you really tested my patience, as well as my friends’ and family’s, but I am SO glad that you’re over.
I’ve decided that this year, I’m going to regain control over my life. Or at least in the parts that I can control. That means exercise control over my choices, over my emotions (when I can), and over what I eat (yikes). As someone who lives to eat, not the other way around, that’s a tough one. But,, I’m getting a little sick of my pants feeling a bit too snug or pulling up my pants because of the lack of a derriere. A few years ago, under medical supervision, I went on a pretty strict diet to kickstart a health(ier) lifestyle. While I had success, I didn’t put the principles that I learned into practice and gained back the 30lbs (and then some) that I lost. After yo-yoing for a bit, trying a few different things, and learning more about my body and some of the issues it has, I think I’m ready to give it another go. I have a plan in place, I have my support system, I have my goals, now it’s time to put it all into action. Today starts the first day of the rest of my life–a happier, healthier life. My journey to someday (when it comes to being healthy) is really starting today.
Looking ahead, 2070 brings uncertainty. A lot of things are in motion without a clear direction–which usually makes me feel anxious. But I’m going to embrace it. I’ve always had a hard time enjoying the present. Usually I’m so wrapped up with getting thing “right” or looking ahead that I don’t pay enough attention to the present moment and end up reminiscing more than actually enjoying and savoring. I think it’s time to change that. To try to enjoy the present. To absorb and appreciate what’s happening right now, in this instance. To be fully present. Or at least try. My new year’s wish for all of you is to face and overcome life’s adversity with grace and gusto, to absorb and appreciate life’s laughter and love and to find humor, beauty and gratitude in your daily life–especially on the days when it isn’t easily found. Saal Mubarak! Nutan Varsha Abhinandan! Happy New Year!
