Turning the Page: Starting 2025 with Purpose and Positivity

The first day of a new year always brings with it a fresh set of resolutions. For some, it’s about chasing grand dreams and conquering the world; for others, it’s simply about surviving and holding on. And then there are those who revisit the same resolutions year after year, armed with a renewed sense of determination—like Sunny Paji’s iconic dialogue,

“Tareek pe tareek, tareek pe tareek, tareek pe tareek milti rahi hai, my lord, magar insaaf nahi.” 

Only here, it’s not about justice delayed but about resolutions deferred, waiting for the right time, the right push, or perhaps, the right mindset to finally make them happen.

Today, as I sit on a wooden bench in the chilly weather, sipping my coffee, I find myself reflecting on the year gone by and realize what a whirlwind it’s been—a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. It started with the completion of my Ph.D. thesis in January, followed by three excruciating months of waiting for expert reviews. When the approval finally came through, it was a moment of pure relief and joy. Holding my printed thesis—five years of unwavering effort wrapped in those pages—was surreal. The chills before my final presentation, the immense pride of receiving my Ph.D. degree at the convocation, and, above all, the joy I saw on my parents' faces when I held that degree—those moments will forever be etched in my heart.

But 2024 wasn’t only about academic milestones. It was also the year I found solace and purpose in writing. During the long, anxious wait for my thesis reviews—a time that felt like one of the most challenging parts of my Ph.D. journey—I turned to writing as a way to cope. What began as a distraction evolved into a passion project: I wrote a poetry book, got it published, and even won an award for it.

Travel was another highlight of the year. After defending my thesis, I rewarded myself with a trip to Thailand (for an academic conference though). Traveling to another country on my own savings was a liberating experience in itself, but it also became a journey of connection and discovery. I met some incredible women, formed new friendships, and came back with stories that could fill another blog entirely—something I intend to write soon.

Visiting one of the seven wonders of the world—the Taj Mahal—was another remarkable moment of the year. Its timeless beauty left me in awe and reminded me of the grandeur that exists in the world when we take the time to explore it.

Finally, the year culminated in a new professional chapter as I stepped into the role of an Assistant Professor. It’s been six months into this journey, and I’ve gained invaluable insights and grown significantly, yet I continue to grapple with finding a balance between my professional commitments and personal life.

Amid all these accomplishments and experiences, one thing I let slip was my love for writing blogs. The long, demanding 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts often leave me drained, with little energy or motivation to write—or perhaps I’ve been hiding behind that excuse to cover up a lingering laziness or waning enthusiasm. I deeply miss the joy of pouring my thoughts into words, of crafting something purely for myself—a creative outlet that once felt so liberating and fulfilling.

So, as 2025 begins, I’m making a promise to myself: to get back to writing regularly. It doesn’t have to be daily, but at least once a week. For me, writing is more than just an activity—it’s my way of finding freedom, a space where my thoughts can take flight.

Here’s to a year of reconnecting with my passions, cherishing the relationships that uplift me, and carving out time for what truly matters—because life is about more than just work, and I owe it to myself to embrace every facet of it.