During one of my regular catch-up with an overseas colleague (Yumi), I learned about a new concept - A Year of Yes' which she recalled as the most vibrant and happy year of her life. As I was feeling bit stagnant in my life..one thing that struck with me was her lit-up face when she talked about that year. And I promised myself that I must give myself this Chance too :)
Before I go further...I want to confess that I messed-up with the date as I am unable to decode the format - DD/MM - 6th or 10th day of June or October but I know it was between year 2021 - 2022. Anyways it was a fantastic year and a challenge that helped me grow as a person. It also marked the year of many firsts of my life ...some to be cherished as long as my memory supports me and some I might struggle to leave behind.
How I plan to capture my Year of 'Yes' (getting into the uncomfortable 'Yes') is by jotting the key episodes or event or decisions and if any takeaways or reflections around it and if I plan to do carry forward anything from these or start something totally new.
1. I said Yes to going beyond fears and flowing with course of life.
This was about the Farm Land that Papa worked hard to negotiate and close the deal for. This originally belonged to a family of 20 - 25 cousins all settled at different cities but owned a share in that land. Even though I was reluctant of taking a loan....I went home, just stayed there and kept moving as life unfolded. One of my friend reassured that I am capable and blessed with abundance plus that this is the time I can change my perspective by seeing it as my chance to gift that land to Dad by supporting his purchase and that gave me the courage to say Yes to it. And the final moment was when unknowingly my eyes paused over the written words on my wooden door - A Year of Yes, getting into the uncomfortable yes and my heart was at ease.
When I reflect the biggest bottlenecks were - Mind chatter, trust in the process and people, Recessions predictions, commitments that I will have to continue working etc.
2. Unapologetically changing course of work-life in direction of sheer Joy.
For some reasons (as vague planetary position in ones horoscope...that I learnt just two days back) I had a tough time at work something that tested my patience, will to continue working and shuddered my trust and confidence in my own abilities... but today when I look back...It taught me a lot and helped me take work as work and just be. Knowing and accepting ones limitations and being vocal about it...being authentic about it.
I asked for team and manager change, learned something called as Stockholm syndrome, fought hard to establish trust on folks who wanted to support me and to believe that goodness exists and that this is not the end of work or life. Slowly, day by day became more comfortable to voice my concerns and being more real.
3. A trip with someone unknown...
This was a time in my life when I was feeling too lost in personal life and also was tired of waiting for my close friend to travel along hence, decided to join with another person I had only know from my GLIM (Great Lakes Institute of Management) days. We travelled from Bangalore > Mangalore > Navunda> Aversa> Goa> Gokarna & Back. Made a few beautiful & funny memories.
4. Yes to my first Gold Purchase
Gold ornament purchase is something I never indulged in as my maternal uncle's family is into jewellery business and Mom handles that department. But this time I had a craving and on 1st Nov. 2022, I went to Malabar Gold shop with an ex-colleague and exchanged a pair of upper lobe earrings with a new one. This ornament had a design that has a small golden drop. It was more like love at first sight and there was some eternal happiness associated with that shopping as I had a friend along...one who was so grateful that I took her and it was her dream coming true to go for gold shopping with a friend.
5. Yes to solo trips
Life was at it's best in teaching me lessons or helping me grow and every now and then I was hitting a brick wall. To escape that churning, I aligned myself to what is that my heart is seeking or calling for. And at diff. times during the rest of the year I travelled solo...One day, I just wanted to be near sea and the safest place that my soul resonated with was Pondicherry and I stayed there. One day the heart just wanted to breath the Crystal clear mountain air and I travelled to Ooty (A blog is pending to capture the bliss). After a heart breaking fight with Mom at home during hoilday's and when I felt almost like an orphan ...I wanted to find peace by immersing my mind and thoughts into art and I was drawn to Kochi and attended the long due - kochi biennale 2022 and I really thank myself for being that flexible and kind.
6. Yes, to Stretch assignments at work....and choose tasks that brings more joy and are driven by passion.
I chaired a Global committee (E/ABP summit) and later implemented those learnings for single handedly running a watch party in three different cities. The Joy, satisfaction and confidence I felt was most rewarding.
7. Yes to new experiences, Fun memories, Quirky gifts - Virtually attended a LGBTQ wedding and Gifted a sieve
8. Yes to lead & lead with grace.
9. Yes to Journaling (however BS but I continued & it helped me keep my calm)
10. Yes to open dialogues, great friendships & fun at work.
All thru my work life...I never had anyone as someone I can call as a go-to friend and many factors backed that - The nature of my work, My personal life and relationships and at times just that I worked for the sake of earning and nothing else. I nurtured a dual life ....one to keep me going (financially) and another to nurture my soul. But this last one year opened my eyes towards a new outlook for life and people at work. And I cannot express the immense gratitude I feel for that. Sometimes, I feel I am surviving because of that one bond @work.
11. Yes to more self acceptance, way of life and that In the end - It all works out. Intent is the Key.
(I know the way I captured it all isn't as beautiful and whole as it was in real but I din't want to miss this chance and solitude to capture it all. I feel grateful for this time and focus which is now-a-days becoming too hard)
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