“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can, and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” ― Gautama Buddha

Ending the year with a whirlwind of experiences sure makes you stop and think. When I look back, it’s pretty wild to see just how much things have changed in the past year. I mean, from the excitement of moving to a new place to scoring a sponsored trip to the U.S., the highs have been absolutely amazing. Getting involved with Impulse New Delhi through volunteering has been such a blast, and rubbing shoulders with inspiring folks at a U.S. summit and joining in on the impactful G20 summit has been truly eye-opening.

Amid all these big moments, I’ve come to realise that tough times can actually help you grow and understand others better. Work has been a rollercoaster of thrilling travels and teaming up on meaningful projects with some seriously talented peeps. But you know what they say: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Even with all these incredible experiences, my everyday life has pretty much stayed constant.

Then, the latter half of the year threw me a curveball with an unexpected health challenge. It hit me out of the blue at the airport and ended up with me having my gallbladder removed in December. It was a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be.

On top of the physical hurdles, my relationships have gone through some major changes—making new connections while also navigating the end of some long-standing ones. Through it all, I’ve come to realise that our personal journeys can often feel lonely, but these moments of solitude can also be opportunities for personal strength and deep reflection.

In the end, all these experiences have really highlighted the importance of resilience and self-reliance, especially during tough times. It’s crystal clear that while challenges may pop up, keeping a positive attitude and inner strength can make a huge impact not only on our own well-being but also on the relationships we build. As I mull over these lessons, I’m reminded of some wise words from a dear friend: during hard times, it’s crucial to stay positive because nobody wants to be around someone who is downhearted or gloomy.

As we step into the new year, let’s embark on this journey with unwavering optimism. Let’s remind ourselves that we hold the power to shape our path and create a year filled with joy, growth, and fulfilment. Every step we take and every decision we make contributes to the unfolding of the year ahead. As we visualise the possibilities and set our intentions, we pave the way for a transformative and rewarding year. Let’s greet each day with gratitude and determination, embracing the opportunities for learning and new experiences. Through our actions and mindset, we can infuse each moment with positivity, resilience, and purpose. Here’s to a year of embracing challenges, celebrating milestones, and crafting a tapestry of moments that reflect our aspirations and innermost desires.