As the world surged in cheerful celebrations, fireworks lighting up the sky, and the sounds of joyous events echoed through the night, I found myself on a different path, embarking on a journey to start a new era of self-love, and self-discovery, taking myself to dwell in complete solitude. This New Year’s Eve, I chose to break away from the familiar routine, customary traditions, and my known surroundings, to take myself on a journey of tranquility.
Parties that follow the same mundane tradition of celebrating the new year with firecrackers and binge drinking on New Year’s Eve are not my cup of tea anymore. Not that I didn’t do that before. I did that most of the time out of social obligations. Today, I felt courageous to break free from the usual and found a sense of true freedom.
My intention is not to suggest that one should abandon customary celebrations. Anyone can choose what they like. I am merely expressing my perspective on the choice to free myself to make more decisions where I feel most alive, rather than just being forced to do something I don’t like.
As I began writing this blog post, sitting near a window on my overnight bus ride, the clock changed from 23:59 to 00:00, and a brand new year got underway. At that precise moment, I felt so joyful and I looked out the window. I saw my reflection in the glass, and I fell in love with my smile. I completely felt in the present as I belong to this moment. I realized we do exist in moments and so does the magic.
Choosing solitude doesn’t mean isolation, it’s about intentional self-care and self-reflection. I firmly believe that solitude offers a chance for introspection, self-discovery, and the freedom to explore new perspectives without external influences, where you break your own self-limiting beliefs and explore the new dimensions of your personality. It can provide clarity of mind and help you focus on personal growth and aspirations for the future.
Finding happiness in your own company is an enriching experience. It is a gift to yourself in this world full of constant noises, and obligations. Try to listen to your inner voice, nurture self-love, and prioritize self-care. As we venture into the new year, let’s not shy away from moments of solitude, because it’s the key to understanding, embracing, and celebrating our true selves.
Embrace the new beginnings to set new goals, establish a vision for the year ahead, and observe what truly matters to you. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, journaling, meditation, or pursuing creative endeavors. That’s the true form of self-care. Never let anyone define who you are or what you are capable of. Break down your mental barriers, confront your constraints, and set yourself free from other people’s expectations – unless they contribute to your personal growth.
Crossing my fingers that my solitary journey into the realms of solitude philosophy hasn’t left you sleep-deprived! 😉 But if you’re up for it, brace yourself as I’m about to reveal the lessons I learned in 2023, in the second half of this blog post journey!
For me, 2023 was undoubtedly a year of self-transformation. It forced me to step outside of my comfort zone, dispelled my limiting beliefs, made me think out of the box, and encouraged me to follow my inner calling. A calling that was always there in me, yelling loudly in my darkest hours, telling me to listen to my heart and stop crying over temporary problems. The path to self-realization is not an easy one, but surely, it is worth every challenge and effort along the way. Now, I’m proudly being myself without any apologies. I am learning to embrace who I am.
So, here are some lessons I learned from last year that will help me this year to evolve into the next phases of my life. I hope they will help you too.
- Don’t be afraid of losing anyone, or anything in life. Remember, you entered this world alone and will leave it in the same way. Even if it takes everything away from you, still smile and let it go. Have the courage to start over and rebuild your life again from scratch. Cultivate deep trust in yourself and live a life guided by your higher purpose.
- Never give up on your dreams! Even if no one else is willing to support you or believes in you, stand firm. Who will make an effort for them if you don’t? Over a decade ago, someone told me the below lines which always echo in my ears:
“If you stand for a reason, be prepared to stand alone like a tree,
and if you fall to the ground, fall like a seed that grows back to fight again.” - Always be grateful for who you are, and what you have, and, despite how difficult your struggles may have been, try to find the good in them. Since it has shaped who you are today.
- “अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि” Knowing yourself is knowing the Divine. It’s not what’s on you, it’s what’s in you. Hence, understanding your true nature, thoughts, emotions, and purpose in life leads you to a deeper connection with the divine or higher power.
- Make mistakes, but don’t let them define who you are. Learn from them as every mistake holds valuable lessons.
- You are never too late to restart your life. Life is an evolving journey and it is not bound by a predetermined timeline or an expiration date for a change.
- Okay! Now on a serious note! Be witty, keep smiling, try to make the environment joyful wherever you go, be kind, spread love, and keep that inner child alive. The world needs all of these magical ingredients. After all, happiness and love never go out of style!
- Don’t be afraid to ask what you need to improve. The answer is always a ‘No’ when you don’t ask. When you are truly seeking something, the universe aligns your interest in the form of people, events, or things on your way. You just need to keep your mind open and your heart full of joy to receive it. Remember SRK’s dialog from ‘Om Shanti Om’ movie. I don’t need to recall it, do I?
- Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerable side to people whom you trust and admire. I believe vulnerability is a courageous act that allows genuine connections to flourish. It helps to build authentic relationships based on honesty and mutual understanding.
- Trust your instincts, it will guide you toward the truth. Whenever you sense that something is not aligning with your vibrations, be it place, event, or people, follow your intuition and listen to that inner voice.
- Be financially independent. You never know when circumstances around you will change. Spend money on things that bring you joy, but also make it a practice to set aside some money for yourself in times of need.
- Do more things that make you happy. For me, it’s traveling solo. I urge you to give it a try. You will learn the most delightful secrets about your personality that you were previously unaware of. Every time I ventured overseas solo, I conquered my fears, and in contrast, had some truly amazing experiences that gave me goosebumps.
- No Job is big or small. Keep your higher vision in your mind and keep going on your path. Take the opportunities coming along your way and give it your best. Success isn’t solely about the grand achievements but also about the dedication and effort poured into every step along the way.
- Surround yourself with the ones with whom you share not only your joy but also your pain. Those who understand you, care for you and encourage you in difficult times. Pure love and kindness are rare to receive. You blossom differently in such environments.
- Never be afraid to take criticism. I am not saying to accept crap from others, but if you take feedback constructively, that can lead to both personal and professional growth. Welcome criticism with an open mind and a willingness to learn. In such moments, I remind myself a Doha by Kabir Das:
“निंदक नियरे राखिए, ऑंगन कुटी छवाय, बिन पानी, साबुन बिना, निर्मल करे सुभाय।” - Putting the most significant note at the end. Not only your physical health but also take your mental health seriously. Seek out help in times of distress. Don’t feel you are alone. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. Don’t criticize yourself, as the world exists to do that job for you. Accept yourself. Don’t play a victim. Be a victor.
As we set out on our new journey into the year 2024, repeat this with me:
- My mental health, self-care, self-love, and self-reflection are on top priorities.
- I make conscious choices about what I consume, be it thoughts or the food.
- I am not giving up on myself and my dreams.
- I’m eager to learn new skills and acquire knowledge and wisdom.
- I will learn a new hobby or a bunch of them.
- I’m creative. – decorate that space, paint a canvas, or create a music piece. possibilities are endless.
- I declutter my surroundings. – not only things and thoughts but everything that makes your place, mind, and soul chaotic.
- I will check more boxes on my bucket list this year.
- I will travel more and break more stereotypes. The world is wide and we are here only for a while.
- I will appreciate more- complain less, understand more- judge less, walk more- worry less.
- I will spend more time around my loved ones and not on social media. No, really! 😬
I hope you are not taking another nap already. Lol! But I am happy in that case too, as it worked as a drug to your insomnia. 😁
Now that you’ve got all that you need, Just be ‘YOU’ and do ‘YOU’. Rest world will fall around you. Take care. 🫶
I hope you enjoyed this read. I’m not here to advise you on what to do or how to live your life. My goal is to touch the hearts of my readers and use my writing to spread some happiness and positivity. And I believe I did that. 😉
Thank you and have a prosperous new year that challenges you to push you out of your comfort zone and shape you into the human you always want to be. 😎
Let me know in the comments below, what are your new resolutions. Or do you already feel resolved? 😇
You are a nice person, and ever since I got to know you, I see in you a strong person, and I really liked everything you mentioned, and what truly touching words they are.
Du bist ein netter Mensch, und seit ich dich kennengelernt habe, sehe ich in dir einen starken Menschen, und mir gefiel wirklich alles, was du erwähnt hast, und was für wirklich berührende Worte das sind.
Vielen Danke Liebe Layan 🙂
Truly Inspiring words❤️ Keep writing… keep motivating
Thank you for your kind words 😇✨
Very well written Vrushali love it!!!
Thank you Shwetal. Sending you lots of positive vibes ✨✨
so well written and genuine. Relatable yet uniquely special. I wish you more power and strength along the journey girl. What a terrific start to the year this is. Congratulations Vrush:))
Thank you Prutha ☺️ 💕 Wishing you the best in everything you decide to venture this year. Love and power to you 🤗
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts with such wonderful new year motivating goals.
After reading your blog I got motivation to believe in myself and work towards my goal no matter what the situation is.
Keep sharing such wonderful posts.
Happy new year 2024🎉
Aww thanks my girl ❤️ Sending you all the positive vibes along your way, I am pretty sure you will get everything your heart desires. 🫶
I was feeling like that the writer is my own self☺it’s full of attention seeker… And beautiful overall….. I loved it 🤩
Thank you Ankita. 💕 Yes, sometimes all of us are riding in the same boat and we only realize that, when one of us breaks the silence 😇 Much love and power to you my girl 🫶
Dear Vrushali,
Firstly, cheers to your new blog and the perfect start of the new year. I could truly connect to each and every word shared. It’s so weird to know that we all go through the same but still wait for someone to write or for us and connect with the feelings. Thank you so much for sharing such kind inspirational thoughts. Wishing you a very happy new year and fabulous year ahead 💖 🍾
Dear Kinjal, I appreciate your words of acceptance! & I couldn’t agree more that feelings are relatable in most of us, for some of the situations of our lives. It only gives us liberation when we accept them and move ahead.
Sending you all the positivity and more power to deal with it and embark on the beautiful life, awaiting you. 😍❤️
Happieee New year 🎊
Blog is as amazing as you are 🙌
Very inspirational and thoughtful indeed 👌
Staying fit is my first resolution for this year… Followed by below which tops my priority list:
-Peace
-Happiness
-Saving money and Travelling
-Spending quality time with my son, family and close friends…
Anyone who is kind and respectful will be thoroughly admired…
Thank you my babe 🥰 It is so inspiring to know your New Year’s resolutions. I am also copying some of them to my list 🤩 Sending you love and lots of hugs 🫶🤗
Dear Vrushali,
Your inspiring blog eloquently emphasizes the significance of self-love, reflection, and the choice to embark on new paths of solitude. The courage to break away from traditional celebrations and your experiences and lessons from 2023 convey wisdom and positivity. The message to stay true to oneself and recognize the power of solitude is inspiring. Your New Year resolutions provide a guide for personal growth. A touching post that encourages authentic living. Thank you for sharing these motivating thoughts!
Thank you so much Anjana ji for your kind words and appreciation. I wish you a prosperous New Year ❤️
Much love and power to you to grow with your words and touch hearts of millions with you writing !
Thank you, my all-time favorite person, powerbomb of energy and positivity. Most of the love and power I am radiating is coming straight from you ❤️❤️
It was an absolute pleasure meeting you today. Your write-up is beyond fantastic—it’s insightful and inspiring. Your genuine words really resonated with me, and the takeaways you shared were incredibly valuable.
Congratulations on embarking on this new journey with such courage. It’s admirable how you’re embracing new paths and sharing your genuine insights along the way.
Thank you so much Yojna ji for your encouraging and kind words. It was a pleasure meeting you as well, and I’m glad to hear that my insights resonated with you.
I had an amazing evening with all the dignitaries around, like yourself. 😇✨
Enjoyed reading this post. Easy to digest.
Thank you Avantika! Happy and prosperous New Year ❤️
Thoughtful writing Vrushali ❤️
May this solitude leads you to Spirituality 🙏🏼
Thank you dear Ekta for your kind words and wishes ❤️🙏🏼
Stay blessed 😇✨