The Year That Was!

Thank You… yes, you.. !! I would like to say that again – Thank You!! Shall explain the reasons later 🙂

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So, it’s that time of the year when you look at the past, regret the choices or decisions made in the last year and resolve to turn over a new leaf. Some resolutions you stick to; others get tossed out the very next day. Only for the cycle to repeat itself the same year-end.

This year has been good and bad for me. No, make that the best and the worst. I have regretted a lot of decisions I made this past year, and yet discovered or did certain things that turned my life around.

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,100 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 3 trips to carry that many people.

No, I didn’t lose 15 kgs over-night. Nor, did I discover the secret formula to reverse the process of ageing.

This life-altering discovery was that I could write. I had written when I was younger, but first, studies and then career had taken precedence. Over the years, I had started to believe that I couldn’t write anymore. But some bad decisions and some good ones, got me to start writing again.

And, it did turn my life upside down. Okay, not to that extent maybe. But, it did bring a large transformation in my life. Yes, I always knew how to write with a pen and paper. Thank you, very much! In fact, I even knew how to type with two fingers, in case if you were wondering. Oh, and put my foot in my mouth from when I was three. But, you already know that.

I am digressing. But, what the hell? 2015 is finally coming to an end! So I am allowed to. Does that mean I am allowed to do anything? Even buy a new phone? I put that question to my mother, who peers at me, without saying a word. Yes, Ma, I know you often wonder whether it was really you who gave birth to me.
Not willing to give up (It’s a new year tomorrow, after all!) I put that question to Dad, who replies vehemently, “No!”
Ok, point taken, Dad! You don’t have to holler like I am in another continent.
I quietly slink away as I observe the swaying chandeliers and rattling windows.

With a new phone out of the question, I come back and not wanting to offend my beloved 5-month old gadget, I gaze at my old phone lovingly.

I resign myself to my fate and turn my attention to my blog. Where was I? Oh yes… so coming back to my experience in writing. I have quite a bit of that. Unfortunately, boring business emails were the only thing I wrote for a long time. Ok, not always. Sometimes, I wrote boring sales reports too.

But when I decided to start writing creatively, I started off with a blog on WordPress. This free blog-hosting platform not only gave me an opportunity to write but also introduced me to different bloggers and writers; some of whom have become an important part of my life already!
Also, my beloved readers, whom I love dearly.

As per the Yearly Review sent by WordPress, the busiest day of the year was December 8th (the day after my birthday) with 247 views. Thank you for giving me such an amazing birthday present!

Within 2 months of blogging, I have learnt a lot and achieved far more than expected.

• I had set a goal for myself to have 200 readers by the time 2016 came around. I am currently at 196. So, Thank You.
• I had aimed to re-discover myself through blogging and writing and I have been able to do exactly that. I know, now, that I can indeed write on a variety of topics, and sometimes, even without it!
• When starting out I had wanted to discover, learn and grow via my writing, and by interacting with other writers/authors/bloggers.
  Sure enough, met some amazing people who pushed me to do better, inspired me to venture into unknown territories and even gave me ideas through their own writing.
  Lost and its ensuing series were a result of Dr. Sorick’s and Rashmi’s encouragement. Revenge Mocha was written as a spin-off, after reading V.’s story titled, Hello, It’s Me.
  I have recently ventured into romance and as per feedback from my new found family (Rashmi, Dr. Meg Sorick, Sandra, Visakha and 190+ other followers),  I am doing reasonably well.
• Another goal I had set for myself was to have my writings/articles published in an online/print magazine and sure enough, one of my articles was picked up for an online humor magazine – Quirky, Snarkey, Malarkey Magazine – Humor, Satire and Parodies. If you haven’t yet subscribed to it, you must do so now. It’s an amazing read, I promise you. Thanks, Anand for making me a part of the QSM family!

Now to the future. As 2016 brings with it new beginnings, new hopes, new promises and new goals, I intend to become better at blogging and writing. I wish to write more, read more, get more readership and interact with my followers more. I wish to get published more often and may be even get paid for it. (High hopes, I know!)

I will, of course, continue to set new goals, strive to achieve them, try new things (this does not include any kind of weird foods!), try new genres of writing and learn, grow and develop more in 2016.

So, that’s the reason for my heartfelt Thank You – for your constant support, encouragement and kind words. You push me to do better, each time.

Wandering Soul – Conversations with an Alien! would also be undergoing a transformation in 2016. In fact, I am considering a complete revamp, including a new look, new features etc.

Please do come back again, next week to check out the new, updated blog. If in case, you do not notice any changes, it could be that I haven’t yet got down to doing it. Because, either I am still recovering from all the partying and celebrating on account of above reasons; or I haven’t even figured out what changes to implement, in which case I would urge you to come back the week after that.

Wishing you, a very Happy New Year! May 2016 bring with it all that you dream and desire. (Will at least someone please ask my groom when he plans to make an appearance!)