January in 2025 hasn’t felt like January’s of other years. For once, a month has felt like a year. So, on the 1st of February, I would like to share with you all the lessons I have learnt in the last 31 days.
First lesson:
That gifting books you haven't read yourself can be a risky endeavor. During Christmas last year, I gifted a set of award-winning books to someone. These books were actually on my own wishlist, and I hadn't had the chance to read them before gifting. When the new year began, I finally read them myself and realized that they probably weren't the best fit for the recipient after all. They likely didn't enjoy them as much as I had hoped. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: it's important to only preach what you practice. Sharing personal recommendations or gifts should come from a place of genuine experience and understanding. This way, you can ensure that the recipient will appreciate and enjoy the gift as much as you intended.
Takeaway:
Always make sure you are familiar with the contents of the books you give, so you can genuinely recommend them to others.
Second Lesson:
Not directly urging people to take actions, except in situations involving my children or within my reporting line at work. This lesson hit home when I decided to meet a friend visiting from another city. My enthusiasm inadvertently prompted other friends to travel long distances, all while navigating Bengaluru's famously hectic traffic. It made me aware of how our well-intended actions can create situations where others feel compelled to follow, despite the inconveniences.
Takeaway:
Always be mindful of how your actions and decisions might unintentionally influence others. Reflect on whether you are subtly pressuring people into actions they wouldn't normally take if it weren't for your involvement. By thinking aloud and considering the broader impact, you can foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable making choices without undue pressure.
Third Lesson:
Not to label one person's choices as better or worse than another's. As people grow older, their priorities and preferences naturally evolve. Some may seek out comfort and stability, finding solace in a routine that brings them peace. Others might feel the need to take a break and step back from the pressures of life to rejuvenate and reflect. Meanwhile, there are those who remain driven, motivated to push themselves harder in pursuit of their goals and ambitions. It's crucial to recognize that none of these paths are inherently right or wrong. They are simply the diverse choices people make as they navigate through different stages of their lives. These decisions are influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, aspirations, and changing circumstances.
Takeaway:
The most important takeaway from this realization is that as long as the choices people make bring them happiness and fulfillment, and they don’t cause harm to others, those choices are perfectly valid and acceptable. This understanding fosters a sense of empathy and respect for the individuality of each person's journey. It encourages us to support one another, regardless of the different paths we may choose to follow, and to appreciate the uniqueness of our diverse experiences.
Fourth Lesson:
Humans, in their essence, are inherently flawed, and perfection is an unattainable goal for anyone. While nobody is perfect, there are some people whose beliefs, values, and outlook on life align more closely with our own. These connections resonate deeply with us and foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. It's perfectly acceptable, and often necessary, to gravitate towards those individuals whose values and beliefs mirror our own. Surrounding ourselves with people who share our core principles can provide a supportive and enriching environment, allowing us to thrive. Conversely, it’s also okay to distance ourselves from those whose values significantly diverge from ours. This isn’t a judgment of their character, but rather an acknowledgment of the importance of aligning ourselves with people who positively contribute to our well-being and personal growth.
Takeaway:
The most significant takeaway from this realization is that our time on this planet is finite and precious. We must choose our companions wisely, investing our limited time and energy in relationships that bring us joy, support, and fulfillment. By selectively nurturing these meaningful connections, we can cultivate a more harmonious and satisfying life, enriching our personal journey and the lives of those around us.
The picture below has nothing to do with the post but reminds me that Sakura-chan has recently made some cacti for me using Lego.
