Jan 2, 2018
Twelve months of Gratitude
Ending 2017 in retrospect
Exactly one year ago this day I published my very 1st article on Medium and here I am writing the first piece in this New Year thinking about all that has happened during these past twelve months. Memories of happiness and sad both cross my mind but it has definitely been an eventful and ‘drama-free’ year to which I am utterly grateful for.
In January I officially started writing on Medium and I couldn’t love it more! I always used to be the quiet, reserved, ‘keep-my-thoughts-to-myself’ kinda girl and yet somehow I had the courage to open up with my writing. To write and share in public about topics I wouldn’t have even dared to think about. At first like any newbie I was anxious that my writing wouldn’t be good enough and that I was crazy stupid to be even trying it out.
I come from a line of creatives. Writers, Poets, Musicians, and artists; I have them all in my genes. Since I was a little kid I was talented in music and art but nobody knew I wrote too. My writing was strictly between my notebook and me. The writing and poetry department always belonged to my sister so I guess it took my family by surprise when I showed them some of my stories. The best part was that now not only do I have the support and encouragement from random readers on Medium but from my friends and family too! That tiny sense of accomplishment when someone likes your story means so much more than any prize on offer. I know now that I can connect to people with my writing too. Thank You January!!
I always love February because it’s my birthday month and I think even when I’m Eighty and hobbling on a walking stick I’ll still be excited for my birthday. J This year was the best birthday I have had in a long time. It was a small and simple but lovely celebration with loved ones who kept spoiling me with surprise gifts throughout the day. Knowing that I am surrounded by true friends who love me like family means the world to me. Having one fantastic day was enough to keep me going for the rest of the month ;) Love you February!!
March rushed by with preparations for the trip to Bangkok. Endless searching on Top things to do, Attractions to visit etc etc. (Travelling is another thing I get super hyped up about =D). This was also when I made the itinerary for the trip on TripHobo which led to me publishing my first Travelogue with them during the latter part of this year. It was such a happy and unexpected achievement. Hallelujah March!!
Going to Bangkok for five whole days with friends was by far the best adventure I ever had in April. Add to that getting front row tickets to watch Coldplay perform!!!! The excitement and joy will probably be unmatched unless I get to see Backstreet Boys perform live too =D The whole experience of travelling without elderly supervision gave me a sense of independence I longed for. I could count on myself to be responsible and have a good time. Trying out different flavors and concoctions of shaved ice, eating my favourite Thai noodles dish all five days (I can be tiny bit weird like that :p), going crazy at the sight of cheap products at BigC (and loving the sugar coated tamarinds :D), I realised my friends and I have a unanimous love for food. Apart from all the time spent on eating, we rode a ferry on a reeking canal, managed to see Coldplay, get lost on the way back to the hotel, say hi to sharks and sight-see Bangkok city all lit up while on a cruise. April you rock!!!
May — I honestly cannot remember anything significant happen during this month. :s
June began with shocking news…that still feels unbearable. One of the nicest friends I had…died. The worst part was that she never said goodbye and we had no idea she would leave us so soon. It made me feel wretched to have lived to see the death of a friend who was one of the nicest people I had met. It just wasn’t right. With her passing on, I noticed how humble and considerate my bosses were towards me as we both worked at the same company. It made me have a newfound respect towards them. My friend’s death also made me understand how judgmental people can be and how quickly we tend to blame suicide victims even without knowing their side of the story. If only there was a way to identify depression and help people fight it and live happy…wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing? June, Respect!
There were times when I wanted to scream my guts out at colleagues and times when I couldn’t have been happier working there but in July I finally quit my first job. Something I gave long thought and was certain I had to do. No regrets ever since! Now I am working at a different job where I am content. Sometimes you got to make a move when you realize this is not what you want from life. July was a month where I was able to make a stand and decide what was best for me and to make it work. Way to go July!!!
In August my ‘brother from another mother’ migrated for higher studies to the US. He and his wife are like family to me. I can always count on them whenever I need some advice or just to chat with. It was sad to bid farewell but distance never became a barrier because we still continue to to talk whenever time permits and be in each other’s lives. Adieu August!
September was a month of accomplishment. With the guidance of a kind friend, I became a writer for 5 publications on Medium. After being on Medium for nine months I wanted to make that big break but didn’t really know how and I remember that particular time period I was hitting rock-bottom with no topics in mind to write about, no recent followers or claps for my previous work. De-motivation and insecurity was all I had when one day a kind stranger commented about liking my stories and helped me to improve my writing. It’s true that happiness and inspiration can come from complete strangers. It made me be more encouraging to upcoming writers to boost their confidence. Hooray for September!!!
There is nothing better like going shopping for books! For the first time in October,there was the Big Bad Wolf book fair in Sri Lanka and it’s safe to say all book lovers fell madly in love with it spending more than they should (including me) on books. We just kept coming back for more until we could shop no more. I think I would have brought around fifteen books. I just love the smell of fresh paperbacks. The month ended on a high with a surprise Candlelight dinner by my boyfriend to celebrate a special occasion! I had always wanted to have a candlelight dinner with him and it was such a sweet gesture for him to arrange everything despite his busy schedule. Good food…great view (both guy and environment)…romantic ambiance…Love love love October!!!
November was when lil’ ol’ shy me became a Top Writer in ‘This happened to me’ category on Medium and I couldn’t have been more happy. I had many personal stories to share and I’m ever so grateful and always will be to the people who helped me grow in writing and believed in me. Humble Happy November!
December ended just the way I wanted it to. Filled with the Christmas spirit, lots of laughter and fun memories! I met my best friends after a long time and it felt like nothing had changed despite the fact that one has two adorable babies already :p Our crazy selves emerged as soon as we met and we didn’t give a care about the outer world. All that mattered that we were together laughing away to glory just like when we were back in school. What would we do without each other I honestly don’t know. ❤ The month ended by celebrating Christmas and New Year with my loved ones! (Nothing can beat the joy of being surrounded by friends and family whom you love to bits!) Amazing December!
So Thank you and bye bye 2017. Cheers to an amazing 2018 and wishing you all a very happy and successful new year!
If you liked my story please clap, share, comment to let me know that I have, in a tiny way made a positive impact to you! :)
