New Year, new outlook, same me.

I'll be honest. I'm not one for that whole "New Year, New me", 'make resolutions' type of person. Usually because well, the years are pretty disappointing and self reflection is a constant process with me. 

I'm always hard on myself. Nothing is ever good enough.  Take for instance, this re-launch. I’ve not done this earlier because something always just wasn’t quite right. Then I remembered some wise words taught to me by a previous consultant, done is better than perfect. So here we are.

I guess this time, the end of 2019 was different. It wasn't just the end of a year, it was the end of a decade. 

Also, it’s hard not to reflect when everyone is posting their highlight reels of the decade. I started to think about what my highlight reel would look like.

I have helped saved lives. Survived a really bad car accident, PTSD, divorce, migrated, remarried, established myself in a new country, volunteered with UNICEF, was invited to be a faculty member to medical students at an amazing College of Medicine. Had a baby, gave a presentation at Harvard Medial School when my baby was 6 months old, Started a master's when he was 9 months old and really enjoying learning more about public, population and global health.  These, among so many other things including perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe. 

And of course, starting this blog.

The migration process alone could give anyone adjustment disorder but we did it! The process of a matrescence, a whole other blog post. But sharing my life with you, even in bursts such as random emotional blog posts has been cheaper than therapy, and way more effective. Even better, I’ve made a lot of friends in the process.

So this year, I've decided not to form a resolution but to make an affirmation. Rather than attempting to change physical things, I'm changing my attitude. I'm finally at a happy, stable part of my life. It's time I look at it for all it is - rather than all it isn't. And what it is, is rich with love, life and joy.

I affirm to embrace the things I have, material and otherwise and give back to those who have not. I will accept the various facets of what make up those whom I love. The good and the less desirable. I will embrace the person that I am, know that my life is not where it was once, where I was willing to give it up. 

I'm ready to accept what I cannot change and fight for my dreams. This for me marks a transitional period, an evolution if you will. I vow to enhance all that I surround myself with, my living space, my time, my growth and especially Tea&Reverie. There will be more posts, recipes, guest muses. New additions like my Bookshelf and a shop are coming.

I’m really excited to share my growth and hey, maybe even some hiccups along the way. But most importantly I hope I can inspire you so that wherever you are in your life, no matter what it looks like to you or what you plan to achieve, you are able to face it with grace, grit and that appreciation for life. 

I believe in you, and I believe in us. 

Happy 2020 and welcome back to my blog!