And life goes on…

Time just flies! I am a year older. Thirty-five years of existence on this planet! And I didn’t mention my age to make any of you feel jealous – look I am younger than you! What’s in an age, as long as you are young at heart. But yes, once you cross 30, you are in a different bracket and frame of mind. And with every passing year, you feel there’s a lot to do and you haven’t even probably started.

Birthdays, especially mine, have never really excited me. While growing up, they were more of a family get-together than a celebration. At school, it was a day when I got to wear new clothes and distribute chocolates. During college, I would end up treating friends to lunches and dinners. And when I started working, the budget for treats increased.

My last six birthdays were memorable. I had my beloved wife putting something together to make my day special. And our little angel made the last four even more special. But things are not the same since last year. I don’t feel like celebrating my birthday. Not that I am not happy having survived another year. But only because there are many others who couldn’t make it to their next birthday and I miss the love of my life. Hence for me, it is not a celebration. It is just a date, when I was fortunate enough to pop into this world. And I can’t thank my parents enough for deciding to have a third child and putting up with me through all these years.

Now if I look at the past year that has gone by. Did I have a nice year? Did I do anything extraordinary? Would I like to have a repeat of the year gone by? Hell no! The last year was a difficult one and I am glad it’s over. Challenges in all spheres of life, and a lot of moments I wish I could erase from memory. I really haven’t achieved anything I yearned for, and it doesn’t give a good feeling. But the most important thing is not to dwell in the past and instead look forward to the future. I am not a person who has followed this principle but I have realised it’s time to change, in every aspect of my life. And get rid of all negativity and chuck it out.

On the other hand, I was also fortunate enough to have some really beautiful people in my life. So it wasn’t that bad at all. I have so many fine memories which can never be forgotten. I lived great moments that will help me stay strong and move forward. And there are some really special people whom I can’t thank enough. I’m sure you are reading this. A big Thank You from the bottom of my heart. I am glad I am part of your life.

So it was a mixed bag. What next? What’s going to change in the next year? First and foremost, all crap goes into the bin. Secondly, it’s high time I focus on myself, my dreams and life goals. I have a lot to achieve and I can’t afford to waste any more time. I have to raise myself to a level where I aspire to be, after which I will focus on helping others and start work on causes dear to me. It’s time to excel and raise the bar higher.

A little more on a cause that I am very passionate about. Incidentally, my birthday coincides with the World Cancer Day. You can read more about it at www.worldcancerday.org. What role do I play in this initiative? Even though I wasn’t afflicted with the condition, I have shared the excruciating pain with my wife who had cancer. And I have seen many others go through the same during hospital stays and it pierced my heart to see less fortunate ones struggle to get treatment due to lack of money. It’s my dream to set up a cancer research center and hospital in India where free treatment will be provided to the less affluent. But it’s a huge responsibility and it will take some time to see the light of the day. For now, I am working at the grass root level by helping to arrange funds for charity and raising awareness on the condition, especially breast cancer. This is my initiative to fight against cancer.

A lot to do and not much time in my hands. It’s time to get the ball rolling. Immense gratitude going out to all who are part of my life. Thank you all for being there.

Thank you Lord for another year of my life. Looking forward to a better year ahead.

Love and God bless!