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2021 Reflections

written by Parita Leave a Comment

I know I haven’t been sharing here much these past couple of weeks, but I’m changing things up today given we’re at the tail end of 2021 and sharing some of my key reflections (borrowing this idea from Brittany of A Healthy Slice of Life!). This isn’t a ‘look at all that I’ve accomplished’ list but more of a here’s what went down, what went well, and what could’ve been better.


Let’s jump right into it…

What was it like in the beginning?

To be completely honest, I started 2021 with a lack of clarity about whether or not I wanted to try for another child. I had an a-ha moment in my iPEC module in mid-January that led me to the conclusion that I did in fact want to try. By the end of the month, we were pregnant (very very fortunate).

I also had lots of hopes about Covid being a non-threat this year since the vaccine was starting to be rolled out.

And finally, lots of stressors about our move – would we find a place to live that we liked, how Kaiden would adjust, etc.

What worked well and what didn’t?

For the majority of the year, I wasn’t a great delegator and felt like I had to take the world on my shoulders. Later on in the year, I learned that I didn’t need to do that and that no one expected me to either. That realization was everything, and now I’m learning how to be a better delegator. Makes me a better human.

Also, with Kaiden, both Vishnu and I are learning what works and what doesn’t. For example, we can’t spring anything on him. He’s unable to pivot and adjust so we have to prep him waaaay in advance. Timers work, as well as positive reinforcement. Threats, punishment, and coercion don’t work with him!

Therapy works for me. Just thinking I can think my way out of certain thoughts/emotions, doesn’t/didn’t work.

My blog and IG space being truly for my own fulfillment works for me. What doesn’t work is posting and sharing for others, to drive up #s and engagement, etc. Leaving all of that in 2021!

What were the most important conversations and connections?

All of my conversations with Vishnu about parenting, our move, our career choices, our marriage, etc. were important and critical and continue to be.

My sister and I have had some amazing conversations as well this year, and I truly cherish my relationship with her.

And finally, reconnecting with all of my close friends in Atlanta has been super important/special to me.

What was the best entertainment?

Kaiden. Haha! He’s grown so much this year, it’s incredible when I think about it. He talks a mile a minute and always has a story to tell or a question to ask. Definitely my favorite form of entertainment is hanging out with him!

Who mattered?

My family. My friends. My online community. ME!

I’ve found a different kind of voice through my writing this year, and I’m so thankful for that, as well as my IG space and this blog. This truly is an outlet for me, and I love the community that’s grown along with me. So very special.

What changed?

The better question is what hasn’t changed. HAHA!

Well, we have an additional member of our family. We moved back home to Atlanta. Vishnu has a new job, so our finances have changed (lol!). I spent the last 3ish months on maternity leave, which was an adjustment at first, but I love it.

In a sense, everything changed for me/us, and in some ways, it’s all the same. We’re still the same crazy people we were a year ago, just in a different place.

Where did you find happiness and fulfillment?

I truly find the most happiness spending quality time with people I love. There’s nothing better than creating memories and having fun while you’re at it.

I also find a ton of fulfillment in processing my thoughts and ideas through writing. And secondary to that, connecting with people via my writing.

What did you learn?

I’m a lot stronger, mentally, physically and emotionally, then I give myself credit for.

And also, fear isn’t going to change the outcome of a situation. In fact, it’s probably just going to make your journey a living hell. Grounded hope is what I’m taking with me into the new year.

What is actually ending?

Not sure…will need this think about this one some more!

What do you want more of?

Quality time with family and friends. Travel. Time to write and reflect. More real life fun moments -> less online sharing of said moments. Hope. Lightness. Rest. Play. Laughter. Kindness.

The list goes on…

I hope you find some time to reflect on this past year and what you want your 2022 to look and feel like!

Written on December 29, 2021 Related:Life

Some Things Never Change…

written by Parita Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, I wrote a funny (to me at least) “Dear Diary” post.  I went back through my old journals yesterday and found a couple of entries that really struck a chord with me.  Lately, I’ve been in reflection mode.  I don’t know if it’s because of the engagement, the trainings I’ve recently attended or what, but I’ve been reflecting on a lot of different things…life, love, friendship, family, work, etc.  If you know me, you know that this is nothing new.  My friends would probably say that I’m always in reflection mode!  I don’t know if I agree with that completely, but deep thoughts/reflection are not new to me, as proven by a couple of old journal entries.

**********

*Note: Anything in italics are my current thoughts.

March 3, 2003

Context: This is towards the end of my freshman year.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about what I want to get out of life (still think about this one sometimes).  I know for sure that I want to enjoy myself while I’m on Earth (hehe).  I know that I want to make a difference in people’s lives.  I also know that I want to be a role model for my sister.  I want her to know that she can rely on me for anything.  I also want to be a daughter my parents can be proud of.  I want to make something out of myself.  I want to have a family.  I want to find that one person that makes me complete and happy (always the romantic).  This is what I want out of my life.  (Not much has changed except that I found the person that completes me…CHECK!) 

January 22, 2008

Context: During this time, I had my first big girl job and apartment in the city and was about to turn 24.  I think I found out about getting into business school around this time as well.

It’s almost my birthday!  I can’t believe I’m about to be 24.  I want to do so many things this year.  I want to build new relationships and strengthen the ones I have.  As I look back, I realize how lucky I am.  I have the best family in the world.  And I have Vishnu in my life.  He’s the best.  Not many people can say that they have four people in their lives that love them unconditionally, but I can.  I thank God for all them every day (still do). 

I saw (read) a quote the other day that started with “we were all born dying.”  I don’t know why, but it stuck with me.  I think it reminds me about how we have to learn to live more with each passing day.  We are never going to see today again.  Life is so short when you really think about it.  Time really does fly (oh does it ever!). 

I made Vishnu promise me that we will never leave each other angry, whether in person or on the phone (I think we need to work on this one a bit more).  I really think it’s an important policy to implement.  No one really ever knows what day is going to be their last (ok, Ms. Morbid…lol).  That thought really scares me sometimes, but lately it’s made me way more appreciative of the people in my life.  As annoyed as I can get sometimes, I really do love and care for everyone.

**********

As cliché and cheesy as it sounds, some things never change…so so true.  I still have thoughts just like these on a daily basis.  Hey, at least I’m consistent! Winking smile

Are you a reflective person?  Do you tend to get caught up in your own deep thoughts?

Written on June 25, 2011 Related:Inspirational, Self

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