2020: A Retrospective
What I did and didn’t do.
It’s been over five months since I last wrote a blog, so that’s my excuse for this one being a little rusty.
But since it is the last day of this pretty phenomenal year, it is imperative that I tell you what I’ve been up to, mostly as a reminder to myself that I didn’t piss away 2020.
1. I turned vegan. To be precise, I turned very sharply towards veganism in an inspired moment while reading one of Steve Pavlina’s daily blogs, (which I recommend highly) that I resonate with greatly. Why? The life-changing lockdown begged for some life-changing (not just my own) decisions that’s why. Also the planet could currently do well with a dose of veganism, don’t you think?
2. I learned yoga from teachers online, discovered some gems, who have helped me progress on my yogic journey. I also continued to teach my handful of faithful students who have made me a better teacher than I was a year ago.
3. I did a hip-hop course for two months; locking, popping, whacking, house, old school, all of that yummy stuff; religiously turning up for every class (almost), practicing, making notes, researching theory (yeah, yeah, I’m a nerd), choreographing moves to my favourite songs (which you may never see), and then promptly forgetting everything when the course ended.
4. I started an online course on moral and political philosophy called ‘Justice’ from Harvard University, which was so interesting, that I’ve left it midway to complete it for a time when I have more time, so I can do nothing else but study. Really.
5. Amongst other sundry work stuff which do not require mention, I made three films in two weeks, producing, scripting, directing a cast of 15 models. Of course I forgot to breathe in those two weeks, but the films turned out great, so that’s okay.
6. I learned to cook. And clean. So I am now officially self-sufficient at the lovely age of 41, which also I turned this year, but that’s nowhere near an accomplishment as to being able to make Mattar Paneer in under an hour (in my pre-vegan days).
7. I engaged with music more fully this year. I listened to more music, more deeply, discovering new artists and genres, but I also started singing again after many years. At some level I felt the need to have my voice heard and it was truly therapeutic. I also picked up a musical instrument after decades. So I can now play five chords on the guitar and sing half a song while playing it.
8. I discovered the joy of driving. I mean, I have been driving for over twenty years, in cities, on highways, all manners of cars, but have always seen driving as something that needed to be done for transportation from Point A to Point B. So imagine my joy at finally realizing that this can be a fun activity! A much-needed girl’s trip and a lovely, lovely Skoda car did this for me. I hit speeds like never hit before (140 kmph, if you must know), feeling the thrill that until now I have only ever rolled my eyes at. I felt like I was in a video game. No, I felt like I was running a marathon! Super focused, not even caring if music was playing. Gasp! Is there anything a bunch of girls can’t turn around? I don’t think so.
9. I kayaked in the Arabian Sea alone and watched the sunset. No pictures or words can describe how that felt. So just imagine, okay?
10. I have made some progress in the emotional, psychological and spiritual departments. I started therapy again, and got gifted a coaching course by a dear friend (who is the coach). It’s going amazing. Besides, I discovered Eckhart Toll whose brand of spirituality suits me perfectly. I also took refuge in meditation and have managed to put a small distance between my self and my thoughts and emotions. Which is huge. I also learned to set boundaries with people and situations. I cannot recommend this enough.
11. I wrote a book. Or rather, I finished the first draft of a novel. And then a second. It is nowhere yet ready for you to read, but I did manage to see my first novel to some level of completion. So yay!
12. And lastly, I made it through the year without getting Covid.
But it has not all been pretty and productive. I should tell you that the walls of my home were so well-stared at, that the paint is now peeling. I also lay on my bed like a zombie for days (which is what I suspect finally broke it), hyper-ventilated so much that it drove me to a cardiologist, started some pretty serious asthma medication (which has probably prevented me from getting Covid), read fewer books than I would’ve liked to, scrolled on social media so much that my eyes turned googly and I finally had to wear spectacles, ran way less than I would’ve liked to, and watched a shit ton of Netflix with my son (which I loved).
There is also an equally long list of things I DIDN’T do, like become a billionaire, find love etc., but you have enough problems of your own, so I won’t get into it.
And oh, as a way of celebrating the New Year all the way to the end, I have decided to post a poem every day for 365 days in 2021. Yes, my very own lyrical cross to bear. But hopefully this will rid me of my shyness (it’s real) and work on my poetic muscle. They can be found on my new Instagram page created for this very purpose @poet.gypsy . Do follow if you’re feeling voyeuristic. Your support will be much appreciated.
So, how was your year? I can’t wait to hear…
