Time to return the sea shell

Back from my last connect of the year—with my ex-manager—I was in a cab back to the office. I was having this "FOMO" sort of feeling; a strong impulse to go somewhere.

After all, no one is in the office or working! Why is it that I am the one taking all the responsibility to show up?

My heart couldn’t buy into the justification of my mind. I dialed a friend to ask if I could visit the campsite and checked train tickets, but they were only available for tomorrow noon. That would have dropped me at the location by the end of the day, meaning I would have entered the New Year, 2026, while on a train or sleeping after a long journey.

I was also looking for company, so I called my ex-neighbor; I knew she would be free to join me :). On the call, I asked her, "Shall we travel to Shimoga or Sakleshpur?"

Her response was that she had already been to those places, and she suggested, "Why don't we go to Pondicherry?"

And the rest is history! 😂😂

I updated my office return to 1:30 pm and made sure to book the bus, accommodation, and tour schedule. I got back home and attended to some tiny guests (my owner’s kids and visiting kids). They painted, we chit-chatted, giggled, and ate some fruits—and then I had to shoo them off! 🫣

Later, I had a call with my therapist. It was a beautiful session with even more intense insights and some light-hearted awareness that she inculcated in me. I am deeply grateful for her being in my life 🙏🌹; however, this was our last official call.

In the evening, after packing my luggage, I sat down to light the lamp. While doing so, I remembered a shell gifted to me by a school girl I met during a trip to this land. To avoid hurting her feelings, I had previously decided I would return it to the sea when I visited again... but I kept forgetting it at every opportunity. This time was different. While sitting in front of the lit lamp, the reminder came on its own, as if it were predestined and the time had finally come. I felt happy that it was so effortless!

I applied some ash to the shell (like a mini lady-priest), coronating "The Shell" and sending it home. I waved some blessings from the lamp toward it, thanking the shell and the love the girl showed when she gave it to me.

My heart felt deeply peaceful and happy.

31st Dec 2025

Here I am...

With love and gratitude, I bade adieu to it, and it was handed over to the ocean through the waves. 🌊

With love and gratitude I bit adieu to it and it was handover to the ocean thru waves 🌊


during Breakfast, I clicked this calendar ...


--
Love & Grace 💞🫰