A customary goodbye post.

Time to look back. I looked back and smiled.

I traveled a lot in 2013 – Bali, London, Brisbane, Dubai, coastal Australia and Bangkok. I soaked it all in. I am itching to get back to London and explore the city more. The city that brought books to life. I inevitably dream about Thailand and in my dreams I live there. I showed off the deserts of Dubai to kuttyma and watched her face reflect the joy. It was a great year.

I traveled to places I call home – Chennai, Madurai and Houston. I shared joys and tears with family and friends. My daughter built relationships. I watched in awe.

I packed up and moved to the most beautiful place I have ever lived in. Within minutes I am at the Great Barrier Reef. Life is different Down Under. It is an experience.

I experienced strong feelings for the city-country I called home for 2 years. Bitter-sweet.

I understood people better. I realized somethings are really not worth fretting over. I learned to accept the best in every situation.

I caught up with friends I have not met in a decade or more. I cannot thank modern technology for keeping us connected.

I realized how much I missed dancing and the high it gives me. I watched in pride as kuttyma danced on stage and moved on to being an independent girl.

I am strong. I proved it to myself and to the world.

I renewed my vows with the blog and got it glamorized. I hoped the words will heal.

I got off Facebook and found peace.

I heard things that gave me mixed feelings of fear and jubilation. Kuttyma stars in those.

I made friends and relationships that would last a lifetime. I finally made my peace with relationships that are not meant to be.

I plunged into reading challenges and discovered worlds I never knew existed.

I tried the working from home route and sorted through my priorities. I think I understand myself better. I just need it all.

I fought demons within me. I took steps to equip myself for the battle. I am still fighting. I hope I have it in me to fight till I see the light at the end. It is a part of me – a part of my dreams. Hopefully 2014 will make it real.

Thank you 2013 and welcome 2014