Sunday 7 January 2024

Happy New Year Wishes

Each English calendar new year comes with hope and cheer and the possibilities are unlimited!

Darshan of Mahaprabhu

I remember the past celebrations when we started the year with a darshan of Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu at Puri Dham, Odisha.


Those were the days when there was no internet, smartphone or social media.

Now, we can end and start with darshan anywhere and anytime.

Now, what we want to do "darshan" and what we want to share is totally up to us!

Darshan of Digital Wish Messages

We get to greet a brand new year in the digital age with digital wish messages.

Like for every new year, this year too many of us received many "Happy New Year" messages via social media, especially WhatsApp.

When I spoke to my sister on New Year's Day, she said that she spent the majority of her time on 31st December and 1st January sending wish messages and replying to "Happy New Year" wishes!

Many can perhaps identify with this.


Awareness & Acceptance

Checking some beautiful New Year images/video messages, I could see many had fancy graphics, wise quotes and sincere wishes.

One had sparkling fireworks wishing "365 days"!

"Wishing you 365 days of sunshine and adventures galore in the new year."

Truly appreciate all the wishes. But, this year 2024, being a leap year, has 366 days.

Yes, an additional day- a full 24 hours!

Some had mindlessly copied messages and forwarded incorrect information.

I made mental notes to be more aware.

I believe we all need to be responsible and accountable.  

Accept that everything isn't the same and cannot follow the same pattern.

Agree that most years have 365 days.

But, time to accept- some have 366 too!

Just because every minute has 60 seconds, every hour has 60 minutes, every day has 24 hours, every week has 7 days, and every fortnight has 14 days etc., does not make them all the same.

Every moment is unique and special.

We need to be aware and take care and perhaps that will put life in things in the things in our life.


Change, Choice & Endless Possibilities

When the year ends, there is a lot of reflection, guilt and remorse for opportunities or deadlines missed.

But, we are richer with the lessons that we have learned and the experience that we have earned.

The saying goes, "The old order yields a way for the new."

These learnings are always there-

  • What is gone is gone
  • Change is inevitable
  • Time and tide wait for none 

"The more we change how we look at things, the more the things we look at change".

Change is in us.

A brand new year makes no difference as long as we do not change.

We are still the old wine in the old bottle perhaps in the same old room.

"The object of a New Year is not that we should have a New Year, it is that we should have a new Soul." - G.K. Chesterton

Each year, my father gifts me some diaries for the New Year.

The supportive soul that he is, he encourages with his hearty words and blessings.

There are so many blank pages. I can fill them with whatever I choose!

I am the writer, the creator of possibilities.

I can choose the colour of the ink in my pen.

If I do not feel like using a pen, I can use a pencil.

I may choose to write or not write at all.

I can document the stories of the artists, artisans, farmers and all I speak.

I can write only the good words I hear.

Or I can and must list all that they say behind my back with my solutions and counter-attack.

I can write about my pains and fears.

Or I can consciously list how many times I smiled and how many smiles I got back.

Should I write about those whom I helped with kind words and motivation?

The words of encouragement that I shared and the acknowledgements I received?

I can enumerate my expenses or what I did or have To-Do lists with things to do and tasks to accomplish.


Own My Own Time

My time is my own.

I got a one-page calendar. The whole year stares at my face.

The year has changed. Last year too there were many calendars and also one-page ones.

The days of the dates have changed. 

Last year's January 1st was a Sunday, this year it is a Monday. Days come and go with the years.

If 2024 is an ocean, I am still at my shore with my boat. 

Is my boat ready to sail and to face the storms on the way?

Sailing away to my destination depends on my navigational skills.

No one will steer my boat. I have to do that myself.

The time will pass if I just stand and stare, safely anchoring my boat and standing on the shore...


Resolution

A friend shared:

"Resolutions are meant to be broken."

There were some well-meaning suggestions: 

"Don't visit gym/park from Jan 1st to 5th- you will find many new faces. From 6th January onwards, they may no longer visit & gyms and parks will be back to normal!"

Another message:

"Every year you make a resolution to change yourself.

This year make a resolution to be yourself."

My resolution is to manage my mind better so that I realize my potential better now and for the rest of my life. 

I resolve to make genuine efforts every day.

I always remind myself that- "Rome was not built in a day"

For every moment & not just for this New Year, here's my goal-

Whatever I do, I will strive to do it with all my heart and soul.

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."- H.D. Thoreau


Celebrate Indian New Year

Things didn't go as per what was planned?
Not happy with the change or resolution?
The "Happy New Year" start is not that grand? 
Next- our Indian New Year celebration!

Where there’s sunrise 🌄,

There’s sunset 🌅,

Then, new sunrise 🌄,

For sure, all can bet!


The new is what we seek!

New hope, new cheer,

New day, new week,

New month, new year 🎊


Clouds drift; the sands of time shift.

We may not walk the same way...

Each second is a precious gift!

Rejoice in the NOW today.


My wish for 2024: "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah".

May all stay blessed, healthy, happy & celebrate every day.

Sending prayers, optimism, love, peace, smiles ...your way!


Written for "The Year & You" Bloghop hosted by Swarnali Nath.

You can check out the super posts by awesome bloggers here. Do read and comment :)

What is your New Year's wish?
Do you share Indian New Year wishes too?

43 comments:

  1. I think the new year, new soul is the perfect way to spend your time on Earth. May there be peace in your life as well, and I hope we all keep renewing ourselves with every year. However, the messages from varied groups, on social media, add to the fun, it's great to see the enterprising spirit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. New year, new soul is perfect. G.K. Chesterton's words resonate.
      As the new makes its presence felt, surely a time to grab the opportunity & renew!
      Happy New Year messages also do that! :)
      Thanks for reading & sharing, Ambica.

      Delete
  2. A bran new year makes no difference unless we change. This is very true. Whether it be 365 days or 366, unless we decide to bring positive changes, nothing is going to change. There is no tomorrow to do what we want to do. What matters is today and what we do with our present.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Alpana. Thanks for sharing.
      We need to work & initiate the change & "be the change we want to see" as Gandhiji had said.
      We have to make the days count rather than counting the days!
      Yet be aware of our total days no matter what the world says!

      Delete
  3. Change is in us - I love that sentiment. Without us making an effort, nothing is going to change. I also loved what you said about writers being the creator of possibilities. I'm going to ruminate on this for some time. Happy New Year and may these 366 days be joyous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing, Suchita.
      Happy 366 to you too!
      Efforts can drive change. We need to be "change agents" & "drivers of change."
      As writers we can create & impact - possibilities are unlimited!

      Delete
  4. This is such an incredible blog post. Every bit of it is worthy to read and ponder upon. Especially I liked the one page calendar, this is so awesome. Thanks for sharing Mahaprabhu's photo so we could pray to Him. Thanks for joining us in the blog hop and making it successful with your glorious presence. Gratitude. Happy 2024. - Swarnali Nath

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for hosting & for inviting & giving us this opportunity to participate & contribute, Swarnali :)
      Glad you liked the post.
      Yes, the one-page calendar always intrigues me. It serves as a reminder that everything is right there in front of us in a single page!
      In reality- The year is quite another story where there are so many different pages- and not of the same colour or size too!
      The deadline was approaching & the linky would have been closed. Raced to submit on time & succeeded in publishing this post as the last but not the least :)
      May Mahaprabhu bless us all! Enjoy 2024!

      Delete
  5. This was a very interesting post, Anita. I had totally forgotten that 2024 was a leap year too! The new year comes with a whole new set of changes and challenges , here’s wishing you an amazing 2024! 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading & sharing Dashy.
      Yes, 2024 is leap year with 366 days :)
      9 days are already over.... Cheers for 2024!

      Delete
  6. It is so important to own our time. Very insightful post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Owing our time gently or by force.
      Time is the most precious resource.
      Like the sand in an hourglass, it flows...
      Thanks for reading & sharing, Leha.

      Delete
  7. Yeah even I saw those memes and laughed because there are people who do such things. It's good that you have decided to own your own time. I like the way you put it. It's great that we realize such things as we grow! All the best!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for your wishes & for sharing your thoughts, Cindy :)
      Nice that you too noticed. Most of us just accept whatever comes our way & do not even think/check.
      Owning the time is quite a challenge! But, at least there'll be a sincere attempt & effort!
      Best wishes to you too!

      Delete
  8. These were some very insightful observations and comments, Anita.
    You made me look at things in a new light so thank you for that.
    A few of the lines you said in the post connected with me deeply. Like:
    1. A brand new year makes no difference as long as we do not change
    2. If 2024 is an ocean, I am still at my shore with my boat
    3. Whatever I do, I will strive to do it with my heart and soul

    Wish you a great 2024 and hope it brings you everything you wish and work for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for sharing your kind words & takeaways, Manali.
      So glad that my post resonated with you deeply.
      Truly appreciate your appreciation :)
      Wishing you a wonderful 2024!

      Delete
  9. Every year many of us make yearly resolutions and by end of year sometimes a few and sometimes none of the resolutions are executed. It happens because there is a huge gap between making resolution and effort to fullfill those resolutions. So in short making resolutions does nothing untill and unless we wish to fulfill it Work on the possibilities and surely 2024 will gift you some new achievements and I am confident about it. All the best for the new year and just rock. Love .... Samata

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally agree, Samata.
      There's a gap between making resolution and effort to ensure fulfilment. Nothing will work unless we work.
      Thank you so much for reading & for sharing your positive words :)
      May 2024 gift us all new achievements!

      Delete
  10. Every New Year opens the door for newness.Helping us to forget the past and step forward with new energy , vigour and many a times hope for a brighter future. Its to discard the the bad and be a better version of yourself. Best wishes dear for 2024 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for reading and sharing.
      New energy, vigour & cheer & hope do accompany a brand new year. Being the new/best version will be great! Have a great 2024!
      Would love to know your name. Please reply & post when you see this.

      Delete
  11. Very beautiful that you have written this post. As we embrace a new year, it's like turning a page in the book of life. The promise of a fresh start gives us hope, allowing us to shed the burdens of the past. It's an opportunity to set new goals, learn from experiences, and approach the future with optimism. Best wishes dear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for reading and sharing, Anjali.
      We have a new book of life with blank pages that we get to fill.
      There are many opportunities and learnings. Much depends on us, our choices & approach.
      May 2024 be wonderful!

      Delete
  12. I agree that merely copying wishes is no use. we need to be mindful and aware to be the change. We need to set our boat sailing and meet whatever challenge comes our way. If it breaks us, we learn, if not we are successful. But keep going, that's my mantra. You post was filled with lots of food for thought. Thank you and good luck with your boat too. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and sharing, Janaki.
      No matter what we do, we gain experience/learning. There is no failure or loss as we learn. That is the way even I see things :)
      "Just keep swimming"- just as the movie "Finding Nemo" states.
      Let's all keep our boat sailing to the best of our ability in 2024!

      Delete
  13. It has been quite a while since I have visited your blog and glad to connect with you again. Completely agree on copying and forwarding messages. It has become so impersonal. Many of us don't have the time to pick the phone and call, and some of us don't really want the other person to. Wishing you the best the New Year has to offer. I hope to be back on your blog soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for visiting and sharing, Ritu!
      Yes, it's been a long time - and we have a great bond thanks to IndiBlogger.
      Glad we could reconnect thanks to Swarnali's blog hop :)
      Agree with you. Time is scarce. Technology has connected us. While people are a phone-call away, many still send a common impersonal text message - "send to all contacts".
      Have a great 2024! Hope to stay connected.

      Delete
  14. Jay Jagannatha. This post of yours is filled with reality infused with positivity. Yes, change is within us and a conscious choice can only open up new possibilities. I agree that we do not connect on a deeper level and I sometimes struggle with bonding with my own self. So yes, this year, I shall try and be more aware and mindful. Wishing you and your family a fabulous New Year !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jaya Shree Jagannatha! Thanks a lot for reading & sharing, Chinmayee :)
      Conscious choice & bonding is up to us. So wonderful that humans have been bestowed what none other in the animal kingdom have- high intellectual skills and awareness.
      We have the mind and we better mind it!
      Time to mindfully make the most of our mind every moment!
      Wishing you a blessed 2024!

      Delete
  15. Hi Anita, thanks for reminding that it's a change of mindset that matters and not a change in the calendar. Wishing you another 366 days to explore, learn, and write your experience:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for reading and sharing, Aditi :)
      Yes, it's a reminder that we all need to be constantly aware and take action. Seconds are ticking by and days are flying by. Already 15 days of 2024 are over! This way, calendars come and go.
      Explore, learn & write- lovely action words!
      Wishing you the same for 2024!

      Delete
  16. It's funny but it's my 9yo who kept correcting others that it's a leap year. How blindly people tend to ignore simple things, isn't it? Your wish for everyone is perfect, thank you for that. Hope you have a great 2024 too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for reading & sharing, Varsh!
      Hugs to your little one who's so aware and mindfully shares! It's a leap year indeed and it needs the respect & title it deserves!
      We ignore what we do not give value to.
      Many will argue- How does it matter if the year has 365/366? We all get the whole year anyway!
      But, being aware and taking action is important. That'll make all the moments & days count!
      Have a great 2024!

      Delete
  17. You are apowerhouse since I have known you, Anita. You can't be more aware than you are every new day. We should definitely celebrate the Indian calendar. Wish you all the luck in 2024

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for reading & sharing, Geethica :)
      Happy to finally see this- so a big shout-out & thanks to you for being the first commenter of this post to have mentioned about the "Indian Calendar" New Year!
      Our awareness, action, culture, tradition & celebration is our responsibility.
      Have a wonderful 2024!

      Delete
  18. Manage my mind better so I can manage my potential better. These words really spoke to me. I have also been trying to do the same for the last years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading & sharing your views, Sakshi :)
      Managing our mind is a much-needed management skill that we all need to master.
      Best wishes for 2024!

      Delete
  19. Great poem and yes change is in us unless and until we believe we can change to become better none can help. Happy 2024 dear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading and sharing, Sivaranjini :)
      Yes, indeed. Nothing will change unless we'll.
      We are our best friend and we need to help ourselves.
      Have a great 2024!

      Delete
  20. Wow, its lovely that u had visited him. Also I liked the fact about acceptance. Also I believe it it hard to write what you feel completely but with extreme honesty and beautifully you have written it all. Happy New year 2024.

    Lots of Love
    Monidipa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and commenting, Monidipa :)
      Yes, they say that He calls and then one can visit him. Happy to have got calls several times in the past. Hope to visit the Shree Jagannatha Temple Puri in 2024 as well.
      Glad you liked it. Thanks for your nice words & appreciation :)
      Have a lovely 2024!

      Delete
  21. Making new year resolutions is common, but they only matter when we actually make a change. It's not just about saying it; it's about doing something different. Anita, your post is a delightful read. Wishing you a joyful and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and sharing, Abha :)
      True that New Year resolutions can be possible with our efforts for change.
      Doing different and making a difference is up to us.
      Glad you liked the post!
      Have a great 2024!

      Delete
  22. Thanks a lot for reading and commenting.
    Absolutely. A New Year serves as a reminder to do things right. And also to do the right things.
    A new day also does the same- offers the same opportunity.
    However, January 1st has its own significance and celebration!

    Will be great to know your name. If you get to see this again, please do share.

    ReplyDelete

Your words mean a lot to me.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...