LAST YEAR OF THE DECADE

I’m 29 years old. I know. I’m just as surprised as you are. This time around, I didn’t check around for wrinkles. They aren’t there and they wouldn’t be there for a while, so why worry? This morning I was largely excited about the prospect of spending it with people that mean a lot to me in my life, but also worried that I may be expected to have more answers about more things from now onwards. And I don’t. (Exhibit A: I had no idea what happened to Turkey last weekend, until someone told me on Monday night.)
 
The past year had been a major milestone in terms of learning things about life the hard way. Most of the things centred on ‘love’, and I mean that in every sense of the word. Taking care of my father before, during and after his triple bypass surgery. Watching and caring for my grandfather’s deteriorating health until his passing a week ago. Family members who grew into very different people than you, but understanding that it does not mean you should love them any less. The idea of loving a boy means very differently than what it did 2 years ago. And finally, loving and accepting yourself and staying true to who you are with minimal concerns about other people’s ‘perspective’ – it’s a rough climb but once you get there, it is extremely liberating.
 
Here are some highlights from my 28th year.

1. There is never a good time to wear cat-printed dresses. I should never have bought one.
2. Peer pressure doesn’t seem to pressure me anymore. In fact, true ‘peers’ will always support your life choices.
3. Happiness is not defined by a job, a boy or a baby. I was both single and in a relationship for the past year – they were both wonderful times.
4. Bravery takes you places (amazing places!)
5. It is about compromise, acceptance and being with someone who gives you joy in life, and makes you a better human being. (also, preferably cute)
6. Coldplay’s ‘Ghost Stories’ is one of the best albums I’ve heard recently.
7. Honestly, Meat Free Monday is much, much, much nicer than it sounds.

    8. There is a way to fix everything in life.
 
Honestly, I love turning 29! I have learned that age gives me an upper hand in making smarter life decisions and highly improves my dressing skills (have you seen my hideous getups in my early twenties? Yuck.). I am at a place in my life where I am very happy to be where I am at this moment and am surrounded by the most wonderful people – there is such goodness to be within such a positive energy. Life challenges are inevitable, and all of us will face some in our personal ways. But what is the meaning of life if it is all just fun and dandy?
 
Here goes my last year of being in the twenties! Better tie up my shoelaces, I have a feeling it will be a good one.