To Do list!

I walked into the store, fiddling with the pockets of my winter coat. I was searching for my list of items to buy. A small green Post-it note where I had written a few things to remember. I pondered if I'm becoming too 'British'. Then I looked around and realized I wasn't there yet. Neither did I have a notepad with a pencil in one hand, nor am I checking the aisles of the store in a straight line. I am still very much Indian, looking at the price tags and converting GBP to INR to understand the value. I continue to buy things beyond the Post-it list, assuming I might need them later.

At times, I ponder the ways we have evolved in terms of shopping, spending, and the quantity of items we purchase. Perhaps we are spoiled for choice. Our shopping trolley gets full beyond our needs. At times, the checklist of items swells to accommodate discounted items that we might not even need. And rarely do we verify our list vs the bills; I tend to forget unless it's a big-ticket item. I noticed this is also the case with our lives at times. We tend to plan hundreds of things to do, buy, eat, see, and visit. Often it is termed as a bucket list. Many items on that list motivate us to strive forward. Many of those might become our passion, giving us purpose and drive for life. However, many might be just a mirage of happiness. The list might also dampen our energy and enthusiasm.

When I started 2025, or for that matter any year, I too tend to plan a few things to do, see, buy, etc., which means a lot of lists. And then leave a lot of room for randomness in the hope that life will take over. Often it's the mundane cycle of doing the groceries, washing, cooking, and all other things. But I do enjoy a shot of surprises, at times. As per my list, this time last year, I was busy planning for a trip to Barcelona. By the time I returned, it was the new year, and I was still basking in the artistic and chill vibes of Spain. Which meant everything else on the list was forgotten. Come February, I was blessed to visit the serene Malta, which calmed and inspired me that even small actions have a profound impact. Like taking time off, resting, and restoring, which are often ignored or put off for a later date.

Come Spring, I was happy to see the flowers and leaves blooming, giving hope of new beginnings. Come easter, I had a blissful time roaming on the streets of Sweden with my loved ones. The British summer brought the much-needed warmth, and in fact, heatwaves. It opened opportunities for unplanned garden parties. I loved the warm air and bright sunshine, an excellent atmosphere for picnics. Lying mat on the grass beneath a tree, with a small snacks box and an interesting book. My random plan to attend the JLF London 2025 was the highlight of this year. Meeting and listening to Shashi Tharoor's spellbound wisdom and knowledge, and later getting his autograph on my books, was beyond my dreams and any to-do list I had made for the year.

Come autumn, it was blissful to walk in the colours of nature. A thick carpet of leaves on the ground, the sound of crunching beneath the boots taught me that there is so much grace even in the endings. It taught me that there will be beginnings and endings, but what matters is how gracefully and beautifully we handle them. Now it's winter here, the cold and dark days are inspiring to hibernate, relax, and restore. So we are up again in spirits, facing the new world and a new us! However, yet again, I am busy making my list of things before the end of the year, hoping I manage to tick a few off.

As we close out the year, I am reflecting on the blessings, learnings, and joys of writing and publishing these blogs. I truly appreciate you taking the time from your busy lives and various to-do lists to read them. It's an absolute pleasure receiving your feedback, suggestions, and thoughts. I am always delighted to read or listen to them in any shape or form. You have my deepest gratitude and best wishes always. You continue to inspire and encourage me to write ever better. I hope the New Year is exciting, healthy, and full of happiness for all of us. I wish many of the items on your 'to-do list' get ticked off.

Wish you a very Happy and healthy year ahead!