Tag: lessonsoflife

Grateful for 2025: A year that overflowed

As I sat down to put together an end-of-year photo dump, I realized something unexpected. I was scrolling and scrolling—and I hadn’t even made it past the last three months. That’s when it hit me: 2025 wasn’t just busy, it was abundant and for that I am eternally grateful.

This year overflowed in the best ways.

There was travel—loads of it. New places, familiar places seen with new eyes, long walks in unknown streets, airport goodbyes and arrivals that always felt a little like home. Travel stretched time in that magical way, making months feel longer and memories feel richer.

There was reading too. Pages turned on flights, before bed, in quiet mornings, and slow afternoons. Stories that stayed with me, ideas that reshaped how I think, and books that felt like companions rather than distractions. Reading gave this year depth—it slowed things down when everything else was moving fast.

Most importantly, there was family. Reunions that felt overdue, conversations that picked up right where they left off, laughter that came easily, and moments that reminded me how grounding it is to be with people who know you beyond your accomplishments or plans. These were not just gatherings; they were anchors.

2025 was also a year rich in celebration and tradition. We celebrated Ganpati festival with devotion and joy, welcoming Bappa with full hearts and loud chants for the first time in our Phoenix home. We were lucky enough to be able to celebrate Chhath Pooja that brought quiet discipline and gratitude—to the sun, to nature, to life itself. Diwali lit up not just our homes but our spirits, and Navratri came alive in full swing—music, color, energy, and faith all woven together. These festivals weren’t just checkboxes on a calendar; they were lived experiences that grounded me in culture, rhythm, and meaning.

Throughout the year, I found myself returning to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, words that felt especially relevant in moments of reflection:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
You have the right to your actions, but not to the fruits of those actions. (2.47)

A reminder to stay present, to do the work, to live fully—without constantly calculating outcomes.

And another verse that echoed softly in the background of a year full of change:

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥ (4.7)

A reminder that renewal is constant, that balance returns, that beginnings often arise from moments of transition.

Looking back, 2025 doesn’t feel like a highlight reel — it feels like a collection of small, meaningful moments woven together, many of which I only truly appreciate now.

As I step into 2026, I do so with gratitude first. Gratitude for a year that gave me more than I expected, taught me more than I planned, and filled my camera roll—and my heart—to the edge.

Here’s to new beginnings, fresh chapters, and the quiet excitement of what’s yet to unfold in 2026.

When the Canyon Whispers: A Lesson in Presence from the North Rim

We had planned to go to LA for the 4th of July this year. However, wildfires along the route forced us to change our plans. We decided to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon instead. I had never visited, and the chance to explore other gems along the way made the long road trip worthwhile.

It was a quiet escape to the North Rim. Nature felt untouched. The views stretched endlessly. The historic Grand Canyon Lodge hugged the rim like a secret waiting to be discovered. Nestled in pine forests, with cool breezes and golden sunsets, the resort promised a peaceful stay, and it delivered. The rustic cabins and the stillness of the nights felt timeless. The moment you walk out and see that canyon drop away is unforgettable.


And yet, just days later, we heard the heartbreaking news: the lodge had been destroyed by wildfires.

It is difficult to put into words the emotion. Shock. Grief. Gratitude. We had just been there, sipping coffee in the sun room while the baby tried out her new binoculars, watching light dance on ancient rocks. We had walked those beautiful wooden floors, attended the Junior Ranger Program (and even answered questions like a front bencher), waved to strangers as if we were all part of some secret club that got to witness something sacred.

And now it’s gone.

This experience hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It was a loud reminder of how unpredictable life is. Places, people, moments—they don’t last forever. Nature is powerful, beautiful, and, at times, unforgiving. But in that unpredictability lies the message: be present. Be present wherever you are, with whoever you are. The present never comes back.

I’m so thankful we didn’t rush through that trip, that we stayed for a day longer than we should have, appreciated beautiful sunsets, stayed up late looking at the stars, enjoyed beverages at the saloon, relished delicious dinners at the restaurant, stared at the canyons, and sat still in silence just to soak it all in. If I had known it would be the last time that lodge stood there, I wouldn’t have done anything differently, because we truly lived in the moment. I am glad we did.

Let this be a reminder: don’t wait for “someday.” Take the trip. Check things off your bucket list. Watch the sunset. Sit by the fire (not in a forest, though). Life is fleeting—make the most of it.

Finding peace

We had an Airbnb trip with our friends last weekend. The property was surrounded by tall green trees, wildlife, and mountains. It had a beautiful patio, a hot tub, and, most importantly, loads of chill.

On the last day, I woke up early. The sun was shining, and the weather was sweet – summer in PNW felt like winter in Arizona. I looked outside the French windows. The patio looked like a perfect place to sip morning coffee. We had bought coffee beans, so making coffee meant grinding the coffee to the right consistency to begin with. Of course, I could not find the coffee grinder. Not everything needs to be perfect.

I wore a borrowed jacket and went to the patio. I sat on the couch, wrapped in the gentle quiet that only early hours bring. The sun stared straight at me. The world hadn’t fully woken up yet. There was just the soft rustling of leaves. Birds were chirping. Occasionally, I heard the sound of a breeze brushing past. I let the stillness settle into me. It was unbelievably beautiful and calm.

Surrounded by lush greenery, I felt the peace I had been seeking. The trees stood tall and serene, their leaves swaying gently with the breeze. The sky above was an obvious, endless blue, with no noise, no clouds, just openness. It felt like nature was holding space for me to simply be. I needed the peace.

At that moment, I wasn’t thinking about responding to Slack messages, to-do lists, or emails. I wasn’t rushing toward the next thing. I was simply present, anchored by the greenery around me, yet lifted by the sky above. It’s incredible how something as simple as a quiet morning on a patio can realign your entire mindset.

I didn’t miss the coffee I initially intended to include in my plan. This experience led me to realize that plans don’t need to be flawless. They don’t need to unfold exactly as we want them to. It is perfectly okay if certain elements are absent; sometimes, flexibility is key. Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, it’s more productive to embrace the original intent. Then, proceed with the journey as it currently stands. Every plan can have its own unique twists and turns. These deviations can often lead to unexpected discoveries and new opportunities. Such is life.

Sometimes, true peace doesn’t stem from the hustle of daily tasks or relentless ambition. Instead, it emerges when we take the time to slow down, step outside, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors. Nature reminds us of what truly matters.

Wishing you peace and calm, so you can appreciate the present moment and feel centered.

Not Flowers, But Tea

Over-the-top Bollywood movies have messed with our minds. We grew up with grand ideas of what love would look like—romantic dinners, surprise getaways, sparkling expensive gifts. However, I recently witnessed a quieter, more profound kind of love that changed my perspective on it forever.

My mother was sick for a while. Nothing dramatic, but enough to keep us awake for a few nights. During that time, my dad became her constant companion—reading articles on her symptoms, watching videos about remedies, and learning anything he could to help her feel better. He sat by her side, brought her tea, prepared new kaadhas, held her hand, and stayed present. All of this comes from someone who hasn’t set foot in the kitchen for 60 years. All of this comes from someone who would never read a book to save his life.

That is when it struck me: love is not always loud or flashy. Love does not need to be shown. Sometimes, it is in the quiet research done late at night. Sometimes, it is holding a hand and staying close without needing to say a word.

Love, I realized, isn’t in the big gestures—it’s in the small, steady acts of care that say: I’m here, and I won’t leave your side.

Return to work, be like…

After weeks of traveling, we finally reunited as a family via United Airlines. I flew into Phoenix with a bunch of high-fever-running-coughing family members. The flight was long, but seeing N’s face at the airport made it worth it. After being away for a hot minute, I looked forward to quality family time. Nothing could have hit me for what was about to come next.

All major companies implemented RTO policy, and N’s employer followed suit. I work from home, so the concept of working onsite was lost on me. N received us at the airport late at night on Monday. He left for work at 6:30 AM on Tuesday and returned 12 hours later. The pattern repeated all week. We grouped as a family only for a few hours before bedtime every day. We only had a few hours to pack a day’s love and stories. We deserve more family time than this!

I started wondering what our future would look like. N and I would commute to work, drop the baby at school, struggle to cook, clean, and spend quality time together from 6 PM to 9 PM every day. Working onsite for all 5 days of the week feels like an alien concept, especially since Covid. It’s not so alien anymore.

On second thoughts, that is how we grew up. Our parents would commute to work, and we spent 3 hours together as a family in the evenings. Weekends and festivals were unique and treasured. That is how our lives will be, too. We will treasure weekends and long weekends, and we will find excuses to rush home early every evening. Our hearts will need time to accept the concept, but we will make it work.

Now, I think of ways to utilize the 3 hours to the fullest. I search for ways to play, read, run, eat, chill, laugh, connect, and make memories. Time flies, but it is up to you to catch the moments. Such is life, dearies.

Week 1, 2025: Updates

Welcome to the weekly diaries of 2025.

The week started with a lull. Most of the clients and teammates were still out. We were still hosting family (fun times) and struggled to be productive at work. On the 31st, we attended an NYE party with the baby. Of course, we returned home BEFORE the clock struck midnight. The baby was NOT in her regular element, and we had to slip as soon as the games were over.

On the 2nd, things were stormy at work. We were in trouble again as a team due to a lack of due diligence, technical expertise, and work overload. This was the fourth time we were in trouble over the last quarter. One time is a mistake; twice is negligence; the third and fourth times, it is a pattern. Of course, my manager was nice enough not to make it a big deal, but I know it is.

I would like to know what is in store for the remainder of the year if this is how the year has started. We have a few high-priority releases in the first quarter, and the thought shivers me. Maybe some extra praying will help? #notetoself Pray whenever possible. Pray hard. Pray very hard.

This incident made me ponder about mistakes and forgiveness. How easy is it to let someone make their own mistakes and not impart wisdom unless asked? How easy is it to let someone grow at their own pace? How easy is it to forgive and probably forget about someone’s actions that hurt you? As a manager, you need to know the perfect balance; maybe that is what I need to work on.

Hopefully, all goes well. More to come in week 2.

2024 in Review: Embracing Memories and Life’s Lessons

2024 ends tomorrow, and it is time to reflect upon it. I do not remember the resolutions that I made for 2024 and if I lived by them. All I remember were the beautiful moments that we spent with family and friends. Here are the highlights by month.

January 2024 – This was the toughest month of the year. Our grandmother passed away after being critically ill for a year and a half. I am glad we could meet her one final time before she passed away. We dwelled in our childhood memories. It is tough being away from the family at such times.
February 2024 – Mama A visited, and the baby was on cloud 9. Also, took a trip to Mexico for some good sun.
March 2024 – Aunts M&M visited Phoenix with families. The three siblings (N, M&M) met after four years. The baby turned 2. We packed for the temporary move.
April 2024 – We moved to Portland, OR, temporarily for 6 months. Being a PNW fan, I always wanted N and the baby to experience the summers of PNW, and my wishes were granted. We moved with our luggage, and our trunks followed. N’s employer put us in a beautiful, fully-furnished apartment, and the journey began. The baby was introduced to the color green, tulips, and rain. Beaches are beautiful when foggy. The struggle with the baby’s daycare was real.
May 2024 – May was one of the most happening months. It started with family visiting from India for Mama S’s graduation. The Kulkarni-Paranjape residence was filled with love and laughter. We took our first cruise trip as a family. We also traveled to the mountains of Washington with friends. We made beautiful memories.
June 2024 – June took us to the East Coast for our first International Cricket World Cup Match in New York! I will be eternally grateful to Mama A for taking the week off and caring for the baby while I worked. We basked in the New York vibes and explored new areas of Central Park.
July 2024 – Ofsunandsand turned a year older around her beloved friends in an Airbnb by the beach (which was not visible even when we went to the beach) with pani puri and ras malai cake in her mouth. What more can you ask for? I wanted to feel like my old self, and this trip helped.
The baby discovered how therapeutic ‘Me Time’ is and demanded the same.
August 2024 – Mama A visited, and we all took a road trip. The Oregon coast was explored. The best-smoked tomato soup was discovered.
September 2024 – We made our final visit to the beaches to pay homage to the beauty that PNW has. The baby parted ways with her best friends at daycare. We moved back to Phoenix. I could not recognize the cutlery. We had been living a minimalist lifestyle in Portland, and being back in a place with 950735636 utensils confused my tiny brain. The baby was happy to see her older toys.
We left Portland with mixed feelings. Though we loved PNW, we could not wait to move back. We missed the feeling of belongingness.
October 2024 – We spent a few days trying to place our dishes. We also spent a lot of time cleaning up things that did not fit/would never fit/were not needed – receipts, clothes, toys, and shoes. We took a spontaneous surprise trip to India. The smile on everyone’s faces was priceless.
Mom retired from her job after 35 years of employment. I realized that maybe none of us would have a retirement party like that one. Gen Y/Z have been switching jobs so often that the term ‘loyalty’ barely exists. Most of us are running the race for a higher salary and better perks. Will we meet an employer who will be loyal to us like we are loyal to them? One will never know.
November 2024 – The India trip continued and ended in the middle of the month. The annual health check-up reports were good! All of us traveled back to the USA with Tylenol down our throats. We celebrated Thanksgiving, our anniversary, and N’s birthday surrounded with love, laughter, light, and friends.
December 2024 – Things got slower. The baby had adjustment issues with her old/new daycare. We decided to start with traditions. We spent substantial effort on a Christmas tree and related decorations. I learned the concept of a ‘Christmas tree skirt.’ The train of friends, relatives, and good food halted at the house one after the other. The year will end with 4 hours of ‘sick leave’ because that is all I have left.

In hindsight, 2024 was a beautiful year. I saw some highs, some lows, some very lows, and some much-awaited comebacks. A few things I realized were that our parents are getting older and life is fragile. Make memories while you can. One must live in the moment because the present does not last forever.

Wishing you all loads of light, love, laughter, and good food in 2025. Wishing myself the ability to finish my train of thought, and complete a conversation without being interrupted, peace, snow, and pani puri in 2025. God speed.

Belated Happy Birthday To Me

Place: Portland, OR
Time: Pretty late in the night
Mood: Grateful
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Song: Gulabi Sadi
Favorite Movie: Bhediya
Favorite Place: Dubai
Favorite Outfit: Travel denims + pink t-shirt

PS: This is a belated happy birthday post.

The last year has been very different. It started with a new job and continued with new experiences, unexpected travel, lovely family time, and beautiful memories.

Incidents around me have made me more fitness-conscious. The inability to lose pregnancy weight has made me eat better. I have realized that being a Mom is a thankless job. Raising the child is not the hardest part, but maintaining your sanity and health while raising the child is. I ignored myself when Baby N went from 0 to 1. The stretch marks on my body, messed up body fat %, and failing texture of my skin is evidence enough. I am trying to be better about looking after myself while she is going from 1 to 3.

I have also realized the thin line between hoping and being overtly optimistic that could result in heartbreak. I am happy to have achieved that balance in the past year. I have also learned to be detached while being attached to ideas and vice versa. I’ve learned that your happiness lies in your own hands. This last year has also changed my perspectives about life, loss, love, and laughter.

The past year has taught me to be grateful and content. It has taught me that every moment with loved ones is valuable. You never know which moment you spend with somebody is your last time with them. The past year has also made me a little more God-fearing than I was before. It has taught me that nothing is permanent in life – emotions, relationships, memories, ghosts, and situations. Time heals the deepest of wounds, and you can walk away from emotions that would have otherwise killed you.

What life hasn’t been able to teach me this year is the technique to make unparalleled rotis like our cook back in India and tips and tricks to travel light. I am yet to finish reading a book this year. I have noticed my patience levels fluctuating with people and situations. I have developed a sweet tooth. I can finish cake or anything sweet in a minute, and pani puri is life. Diet and sleep regressions happen when my paranoia about impending diabetes and blood pressure issues kicks in. I lack the energy to pen down my thoughts at the end of the day. I cannot believe that I have gone from partying till 3 AM on most Friday nights to hitting the sack at 8 PM on Fridays because “my body needs to recover.” Life has changed, and I am rolling with it.

For the next year, I wish for more travel, increased fitness, money to pay for travel and fitness, and less sugar cravings. Godspeed.

Mamma Panji

She was everyone’s pillar of strength.
She went above and beyond for everyone at length.
She loved you like none else.
And made laddoos that in your mouth melt.

She was unstoppable
until she was able.
She knew when you were being shady
For she was the Boss Lady.

We met when I was a few minutes old – she could have been the first person to hold me. During childhood, Mamma would arrive during our final exams and whisk us away on our last day of exams for our summer vacations. Summer vacations would start with Papa Ajoba making Rasna (Go 90s!) and Mothi Aai (Mamma) making laddoos and other delicacies. She made sure we were well-fed, bathed, and had what we needed. They took us to amusement parks. Excursions with Mothi Aai-Papa Ajoba included going to the mandir, bank, doctors, and whatnot. Soon ‘Mothi Aai’ graduated to ‘Mamma’ and then ‘Mamma Panji’ when the Baby was born.

I remember her being worried when our family struggled – she treated our problems as hers. Even though she and Papa Ajoba lived away, they were always around if we needed them – mentally, physically, and financially. We would not have been able to achieve our dreams without their wholehearted and unconditional support.

Mamma was very proud of her grandkids’ achievements – big and small. Her love was always wholesome. She had the biggest heart and had a corner for everyone. She managed to make everyone feel special. That was Mamma for you – strong, independent, brave, caring, empathetic, fearless, giving, priceless, irreplaceable, Boss Lady.

I still cannot believe that she is gone. I hope she is with Papa now. May her soul rest in peace.

Love you and Miss you, Mamma, now and forever. ❤

The tunnel is curved

It was a Saturday afternoon. N was catching up on his favorite series. I was on my laptop identifying ladybugs, porcupines, and daisies in the captchas to submit job applications. 

The last few months’ post-layoffs have been disappointing. The ratio between applications, rejections, and interviews is 10000+: 11000+: 1. I may have been rejected for roles I have not applied for. 

In the past, tough times have led to unique opportunities that helped my career. Over the last decade, I have jumped positions, domains, and technologies and thrived. I have picked up many transferable skills in my previous roles and used them to my advantage. This should ideally make me a good fit for many positions. But will I succeed in every/any role? What would make me happy and successful? What would make me feel that I can still have a semblance of a career? Boy, layoffs suck the confidence out of you! 

Figuring out the next step was easy, but keeping at it has been heartbreaking. Finding employers that offer sponsorship has been a hurdle. I have been constantly ghosted by recruiters and hiring managers. Submitting applications has been tiring. Fatigue has set in, making it even harder to stay motivated. I look for motivation in every conversation and situation. One such talk with N that Saturday afternoon gave me a new perspective.

In a dramatic conversation, I used the word ‘tough’ 10 times in a single sentence. I told N that everything in life had been tough – landing jobs, being in labor, having a baby, being a pseudo-housewife, and being laid off. Everything seems extra challenging when you are in a trench. We have a notion about tunnels – you need to keep walking to reach the end, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I have been walking in the dark tunnel of the job hunt and rejections for 7 months, and I cannot see so much as a torch to light the way, leave alone the light at the end of the tunnel that Ada Adams promised. The tunnel seems never-ending. And I am tired.

N heard patiently and said that maybe the tunnel was not a straight road as I assumed. The tunnel could be curved this time, and I needed to keep walking. The light at the end was not visible because I needed to take turns and pivot. The light could be at the next curve. 

I always considered the tunnel this long, straight path where you see the light at the end and continue walking toward it. The light is your motivation to walk. But the tunnel I am walking this time is curved, and I must pivot to reach the light. Of course, I need to keep walking, like the 5.8M unemployed people in the country. 

For most of us, life has been less than ideal. But we must do what we can to survive, thrive, and overcome. Take that trip you always wanted, binge-watch your favorite show, spend time with your loved ones, eat what you want, or keep away from someone because you cannot deal with them right now. Also, be kind and encourage, uplift, and motivate those around you who suffer. Remember that the tunnel can be curved, and continue walking. Sending you lots of Love and Light.