Lessons on new year’s eve

I had an amazing 2015. I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better year- it met my expectations and went well beyond. I had managed to turn my life around 180 degrees- I had got a job of my dreams with one of the coolest startups in town, had done exceedingly well, had become one the most important members in the BD team (that happens when you are one of the early ones AND have added a lot of value) and was now being entrusted with bigger and better responsibilities.

But on New Year’s eve, I was in a funk. Where were all my friends? I checked with each one of them- everyone had different plans. One was on vacation in Sri Lanka, many were with other friends, and others with family. Even my mother had other plans. I was quite shocked that nobody had even considered checking if I’d like to do something together on Dec 31st. Was I so forgotten? Didn’t I matter to anyone anymore? Was I considered to be a robot meant to dish out work to but not share a few laughs with?

It all came upon me too suddenly. But now at least I realized that perhaps I should spend a little more time with people this year round! I hadn’t made any resolutions for 2016, but I think I know what I will be ‘working on’ over the next few months at least- reconnecting with people I love. Career is certainly important and I know will be my # 1 focus, but I won’t make it my #2, #3 and # n focus as well. Perhaps taking at least a day off every week to just catch up with people who are close to me would add a lot more intimacy at the same time bring the much needed balance to my life.

PS: Jan 1st was great though. A friend, realizing I wasn’t in the best of spirits, came over and pulled me out for some ‘retail therapy’. It worked wonders, of course. 9 new outfits, A coffee at Starbucks and an hour or so at the play arena later, I was feeling quite a different person.

Thank God for angels disguised as good friends! But seeing such acts of kindness only makes it that much more important to stay connected always- whether one is busy or not.