Corinne, our wonderful friend, shared this empowering post with us, from Oprah which talks about the 11 Things Every Woman Should Write Down Before the Year Ends. I am list person, so sharing my story in this format appealed to me.
When the lovely and vivacious Richa tagged me in her post, I knew I had to list my 11 things before the year ends, too.
The post on Oprah’s site says, there’s no better way to celebrate the rich, full life you’ve lived so far—and the big, bright future ahead—than telling your story. I so agree with this, after all, life can only be understood backwards, in order to be lived forward.
So, here, I go with my 11 Things Every Woman Should Write Down Before the Year Ends…
1. What Younger You Would Like About Present You
I believe, the thing that younger me would approve of the present me is having learnt to ‘let go’. The journey to accept the things that I cant change and not getting too worked up over issues, has not been an easy one but then no exploration in life ever is. Over the years, I have learnt that if I cant change the thing I don’t like, changing my attitude about it is certainly better.
2. The Watched/Read It List
I last book that I read was ‘Aisle be Damned’ by Rishi Piparaiya. I usually don’t read non-fiction, but then I push myself to read it from time to time. And I am so glad that I read this one. ‘Aisle be Damned’ is a comical account of what to do and what not to do when travelling by air.
I am currently reading ‘The Almond Tree’ by Michelle Cohen Corasanti which is a brilliantly written novel. The story is about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reads like Khaled Hosseini’s ‘The Kite Runner’.
3. The Mistake You Never Want to Make
You get hit the hardest when the people you trust and love betray and run away when you are faced with life’s trials and tribulations. Having experienced this from close quarters, I want to be there for my family and friends, when they need me, no matter how big or small their problem is, no matter how deep I am in my own troubles.
4. Your Ideal Outfit
It is definitely Tees and Denims. In fact, 99% 98% of the time, I am seen wearing these only.
5. A Deep, Dark—Shhh—Secret
I guess, my life is fairly an open book for the people who matter to me. So, ‘a deep, dark – shhh – secret’… I guess, it is non-existent! And realizing this makes my inner life a bit more brighter and peaceful.
6. The Most Unexpected Compliment You Ever Got
I was traveling with my 45-days old baby from Mumbai to Jaipur. It was a hot and sultry day. The unusual delay in the flight take-off coupled with the then shut air conditioners made the aircraft a hot stuffy cabin. (The air conditioners in the aircraft were switched off and were to restart only after the take off). I don’t know what was the cause, but the little baby in my arms cried, howled, wailed, shrieked at top of his small but powerful lungs… non-stop. The brand new mother in me tried her level bestest to calm the child. But all my efforts of cooing, feeding, changing his position in my arms, loosening his clothes, fanning him… failed. Though I refused to make eye contact with the fellow co-passengers, I could sense their irritation and feel their stares and hear their exaggerated sighs. I was nervous and ready to burst into tears when my co-passenger who was sitting patiently all this while, said, “You are doing great.”
I knew, I wasn’t doing great at that moment but in an instant I felt more confident, more self-assured… and incredibly motivated.
Remembering this unexpected compliment at the most unexpected time, lights up my day, always.
7. That One Quote
Whatever goes around comes around. So keep your circle positive.
8. The Best Surprise You’ve Ever Had
When I meet friends and acquaintances, usually, I have to explain what a blog is and why I blog etc etc. Recently, there was this Diwali get-together in our apartment complex. Now, usually, I meet my neighbours only in the lifts or corridors, when I am either going out or getting back in. So, there was this lady, who was ‘complaining’ about my absence in their daily evening get-togethers. So, another lady whose son is Aaryan’s friend, replied before I could respond, “She is very busy. She has a blog and writes so well.” I was pleasantly surprised as I had never spoken about my blog with her. She then shared about some of the blog posts she enjoyed. Needless to say that I was on cloud 9.
She revealed that Aaryan had once told her about my blog, so she searched my blog and has been a silent but active reader since then.
9. Your True Happiness
That moment when the maids have gone, the boys are at their respective work places, the last of the chore has been done, the home looks spotlessly clean and all things are in place, my ‘Me Time’ of few minutes, before I lock the door and go out myself for work – sitting in my favourite corner with laptop or a book or sitting idle just like that and a hot mug of tea… total bliss… my best part of the day… my little island of solitude in a day.
10. Your Favorite Failure
A bad phase in business was the bestest teacher. It made me realize that real things do come out from fake friends… real lessons.
11. An Amendment to the Bucket List
My Bucket List looks great as of now. Only amendment I must do is that I must prioritize certain things from the long list. And learning to bake should be in the forefront. Though my interest in regular cooking is waning at a brisk pace, baking cakes and muffins is something that I am very keen to explore and experiment.
I am so glad that I listed these 11 things… gave me a kind of fresh and new perspective on where I was, where I am now and where I plan to go. Filled me with so much of determination and optimism.
Compassionate and creative, Vidya spearheaded this series and is the first in the chain. She then added dear Richa who then made me the 3rd link in the chain. I now pass on this to dear friend, the bubbly and wonderful Meena. So, over to you Meena, go ahead and share your life and extend this chain of love.
73 Responses
Cool list of 11 things Shilpa. Makes us understand you a bit more as a person. This seems like fun…since I have read Vidya’s, Richa’s and now yours….waiting for Meena to churn out hers, now 🙂
Oh yes, I so enjoyed writing this post! Sort of time travel from past to present to future! Meena’s post is live now, do check her 11 things too!
You are doing great with your blog Shilpa 🙂 Remember to mention this compliment in your next 11-things list… with a link back to my site 😛
Destination Infinity
Hahaha! Rajesh, Thank you… I will do that in case I do something similar on my blog next year! 😀
that makes an interesting 11… And “You are Doing Great”
Thank you so much, Shiva 🙂
Lovely list, Shilpa! I read Vidya’s spectacular post today on this. What a beautiful list this is. Loved the unexpected compliment incident the most. That was touching! And absolutely agree with your favorite quote as well! Wish you love and luck in the New Year!
Thanks a lot, Rachna. Glad that you enjoyed reading this post and Vidya’s too. Richa and Meena have done written their 11 things too. Yes, that compliment in the flight is truly a memorable one. Thanks a lot for your warm wishes and wishing you and your family a very happy and successful 2014 too! Cheers 🙂
Loved reading this list, Shilpa! Liked the ‘You are doing great” compliment that you received. I liked the part where you have written: “You get hit the hardest when the people you trust and love betray and run away when you are faced with life’s trials and tribulations. Having experienced this from close quarters, I want to be there for my family and friends, when they need me, no matter how big or small their problem is, no matter how deep I am in my own troubles.” That is so TRUE and aptly said!
Thanks a lot Swapna. Glad that you liked reading these 11 things and also that you relate to being there for family and friends in their times of troubles!
Good List, Shilpa ji 🙂 Superb way to end the year !! Gives us an insight into your personality, as well !
Thanks Sreeja! Glad you liked this post! 🙂
Nice list Shilpa. Got to know you a little bit better. 🙂
Thanks Suzy! 🙂
GREAT SHILPA! IT IS A SUPERB 💡
Thank you Alpana! 🙂 Good to see you here! 🙂
This is turning out to be amazing Shilpa…Vidya, Richa and then you…all your insights are really interesting…learning to let go is such an imp lesson to learn. I’m glad you are in that space where you can understand the situation and change your attitude rather than crib about the surrounding situation. The compliment you got it made me smile… So heartwarming to hear that no…bless that co passenger of yours. 🙂
Thanks Aditi. So glad that you are enjoying this series on our blogs. Letting Go… aah… not an easy thing to do but when we do that it has such a positive impact in our lives!! Yes, God bless that passenger for making my so many days! 🙂
Beautiful post.. Loved the compliment you got. Great list. Wishing you and your family a very happy new year. Have a blast.
Thanks a lot, Prats! And wishing you and your family a fabulous too! Cheers 🙂
I can so relate to you. Full time working and then blogging leaves me with no social space. And often I have to be the subject of taunts from people with respect to my absence especially from society gatherings. And then in such moments if someone comes out in full support of you and also accept how much they enjoy your blog is an amazing thing! Off late there has been a lot of discussion on what and what not to do in an aeroplane when with kids, your story might be a great eye opener to many people.
Shilpa, this is my second read in the series and it has turned out to be a another great piece. Inching closer to the year end, these writings are providing me a much needed, “I am not alone” motivation…
Oh yes, the feeling and the knowledge that somebody is reading you without you knowing about it is, priceless!! Love such moments!
Ohk… am not aware of the do’s and dont’s now for toddlers in a flight. The incident that I mentioned happened in 2002!
Agree, this post has done us so much good. I liked the reflections and the determination it has given me! Glad that we did this together, Richa 🙂
Oh another lovely read, Shilpa! I’m loving this series.
It’s amazing how our blogs are read quietly by non-bloggers and I often think of them when I write. It’s to them that our writing seems to matter the most, don’t you think?
About the compliment you received, I guess that person has forgotten the incident – but the ripples of kindness continue – makes one conscious of doing thoughtful little things for people.
Wishing you everything wonderful in 2014. I’m glad 2013 brought us closer, Shilpa. ♥
I am loving it too, Corinne. Thanks to you that we initiated this series! Agree with you…recently, I got to know about 2 non-bloggers reading my posts and one shares my posts on Twitter too and I was not even following her on Twitter then! Such a happy moment it was! So true, small acts of kindness can have such a big impact on somebody. Thanks a lot Corinne for everything and here’s wishing you a super 2014 too! ♥
Beautiful! I am going to make this post on my blog too! There is so much to write!
Glad that you have written your 11 things too, Pratibha! Cool list it is! 🙂
Loved the list — thought about each one as I read them. Especially loved the compliment — those kind are always the most unexpected and appreciated.
Thanks a lot Carol. So glad that this list made you ponder too. Are you listing your 11 things?? Yes, our small random acts of kindness may mean a lot to someone somewhere… must attempt to spread the cheer! 🙂
Loved your list Shilpa. I liked the point you mentioned above that if we can’t change a thing we don’t like we can change our attitude towards it and that would make us feel much better. Loved this point the most.
Thanks Diana. Glad you enjoyed this list! Somebody said, when we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves… and that’s the best strategy to adopt!
Wow!Got to know you more Shilpa 🙂
Thanks Sunita 🙂
You are cool.
😛 😛
Point 3 … totally totally agree (having faced this myself).
Aah… it hurts the mostest! 🙁
Great reading indeed Shilpa! Hope the New Year rings in even more happiness!
Thanks Mr Bhatia and wish you a very happy and fab 2014 too 🙂
that’s a lovely list … you have inspired me to write my own 😀
I believe in point 7 too.
Cool. Do write, Raj … would love to read yours 11 things! 🙂
Oh, that’s satya vachan!
Beautiful shilpa ! thanks for inspiring me, I am motivated to reflect a little more deeper into my life ! thanks for sharing !!! Loved reading this post …
Thanks Genevive. Glad that this post inspired to reflect on your life’s past and present and future too! 🙂
Shilpa it’s awesome. Loved reading it. Especially the episode on your compliment was touching.
Wish you a wonderful new year.
Thanks a lot for reading, Sugandha! And wishing you a wonderful new year too 🙂
Shilpa, I love how diligently u do the post – but my takeaway definitely has to be the bit abt letting go – something I hv to consciously work on.
Thanks Meena. They say letting go is so important… unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward. Wishing you the very best for 2014, Meena 🙂
I agree wholeheartedly with that quote,Shilpa!
Thanks Michele! 🙂
Loved your list. Oprah is always inspiring, I am a great fan of her shows. I really miss watching her shows everyday. I also like the way you challenge yourself.
Be happy and spread happiness too.
Happy new Year Shilpa!
Thanks a lot, Rama for your warm words and wishes! Wishing you an enchanting new year! 🙂
That was a wonderful list.. Loved the compliment you got.. something like that sounds sooo good when you’re low. And the next happy thing.. someone unexpected reading your blog… what a feeling that is. Lovely!
Thanks a lot, T. 🙂
Nice list Shilpa. That’s wonderful, getting compliments for your blog from a neighbor 🙂 Wishing you a very happy new year 🙂
Thank you A and wish you a very happy 2014 too 🙂
I’m heading here right after reading Richa’s blog and I’m going to say the same thing. I find a lot of similarities. Only then when I read all your answers again, the core of certain things are similar for most of us. Be it about the quote, or what the younger person in you would like about the present you. It’s also a nice chance to get to know you 🙂 Wish I could also write about it.
Happy New Year 🙂
Thanks a lot, Ashwini. Glad you enjoyed reading our posts in this series! You must write too… go ahead and share your 11 things. I am sure, you will enjoy the experience! 🙂 Happy 2014 to you too 🙂
Shilpa I must say you are AWESOME. You do things in a very systematic way.Every project that you take up is completed with great finesse. My best wishes for the New Year for you, K and Aryan. God bless you.
BTW,I am inspired by you and will write eleven things I will do.
Thank you so much Ma’am for your kind words and warm wishes. A very happy and healthy 2014 to you and your family too 🙂
Great things to write about. Loved the compliments you received from your co passenger and from Aryan’s friend’s mom. Wish you a very happy new year.
Thanks Sulekha and a very happy and joyous 2014 to you too 🙂
Shilpa, it will be a sin if I don’t tell you how much your and Vidya’s post helped me write mine. I read it many times, so cannot say which one is good over other…lovely list..the unexpected compliment, is such a lovely one 🙂
I am so glad Latha that you wrote your 11 things too! And thank you so much… glad that you enjoyed our posts 🙂
Shilpa,the way and the speed at which are moving,day is not far when you will get international recognition as a blogger……please don’t forget your present friends then.
A very happy new year.
😛 😛 😛 😛
Loved the compilation Shilpa, writing down lists like these give us fresher and surprising insights into ourselves.
When are you writing yours??
Loved your list!
Happy 2014 Shilpa 🙂
Loved your list too P 🙂
Happy 2014 to you too 🙂