Just A Small Town Girl…

Well it’s official, today marks my second lockdown birthday! My 28th year of life has definitely been one for the books; a whirlwind 12 months marked by getting engaged (yay), Covid wedding planning (yay/ugh) and of course I dare not leave out my special journey with the one and only Invisalign 😀 .

Being 28 has honestly been like a rollercoaster ride of emotions with immense highs and gut wrenching lows, but truth be told I’m grateful for each and every moment…especially the lows. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? This past year I’ve found that saying to be entirely true!

With life looking so different in a Covid world, I’ve learnt to take solace in the little things. I’ve learnt to adapt and compromise. I’ve learnt that it’s really not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand. I’ve learnt how important it is to protect your energy. I’ve learnt that self-care isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity. I’ve learnt that acceptance of Hukam will lead to a life void of stress. I’ve learnt that time and physical contact are the greatest gifts. I’ve learnt that nothing is guaranteed: live in the present, forget the past and future. I’ve learnt that as tough as national lockdowns are to weather, they do allow you to distinguish between the genuine and surface level relationships in your life. And I’ve learnt that when it comes down to it, it’s really just about vibes and surrounding yourself with positivity and love.

But I think most of all, in my 28th year of life, I’ve realised the importance of just breathing. That it’s ok to hit the pause button every now and then because contrary to what I used to think, I’m not a machine. I do burn out and get overwhelmed sometimes, but that’s ok. It’s ok because when that happens I know how to handle myself, how to take a breather and then pick myself back up and carry on. Whether that means going for a walk in the evening, headphones in and admiring the colours of the sky, sitting by a body of water and watching the rhythmic movement of the waves, or just taking a minute to unclench my jaw, relax my shoulders and release the tension in my forehead…whatever feels right in the moment, I’ve learnt to just trust my instincts and go with it.

As much as I’d love to be able to do it all, I can’t. I have weaknesses and insecurities and I can admit that, I’m not ashamed of them because I know that inspite of all these things I’m still strong. With each passing year I truly feel like I understand myself a little bit more, like I’m one step closer to the version of myself that will be ready to execute my true purpose! So I’m genuinely excited to see what 29 has in store for me 😀 . In the words of Bruce Lee: I don’t pray for an easy life, I pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.

And as a final note, I would like to wish a very happy Vaisakhi to all of my Sikh brothers and sisters. We may not all be able to take part in a Nagar Kirtan this year, but wherever we are let’s keep our spirits high and our efforts united for the Kisaan (farmers) out there in Delhi…the battle isn’t over yet. ❤