The year is drawing to a close. 31st of December carries a certain weight. The significance that creeps up almost unnoticed. Around us, the world buzzes with the energy of resolutions and reflections, of tallying gains and losses. Our social media feeds are filled with photographs – snapshots of joy, togetherness, plans coming to fruition, and dreams still in the making. In the realm of reflection, it’s crucial to acknowledge the influence of social media in our lives.
Our feeds are often a kaleidoscope of beautiful vacation photos and remarkable accomplishments, a glossy showcase of life’s highlight reel. These images, while inspiring, can sometimes lead us down the path of comparison, subtly shaping our perceptions of success and happiness. It’s important to remember that these snapshots represent a mere fraction of the full, complex chronicle of life, often omitting the struggles and mundane moments that are equally integral to our journeys.
When was the last time you took a pause?
As we reflect, let’s strive to appreciate these images for what they are – fragments of a larger story, not complete narratives in themselves. In this whirlwind of activity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I hate to be a dampener, but I can’t help but wonder: When was the last time you took a moment for yourself, a true pause from the unending hustle of everyday life?
The Pause We Often Forget
The best thing about the new year is that these 12 months start all over, and you can decide your ‘pause’ in the new year! In the constant stream of notifications and the endless scroll through social media, the art of stillness often gets lost. Our days are marked by a relentless pace, where moments of pause are fleeting and rare. But as the year ends, it’s perhaps more important than ever to find time to just stop. To put down our devices, step away from the endless buzz, and embrace a moment of quiet to cut through the noise of daily life. Isn’t it true that we block out unwanted noise with more desirable noise with AirPods or a headphone?
The Power of Present
If you ever want to witness the ‘power of present’, then scan your laundry basket. It’s remarkable, it never stops giving. 90% of the time, it will encourage you to take that ‘pause’. There is something profoundly powerful about being present. It’s in these moments of stillness that we allow ourselves to be truly reflective, to look beyond the surface of our busy lives. It’s not just about reminiscing or planning for the future; it’s about being deeply rooted in the now. It’s an opportunity to listen to our thoughts, to acknowledge our feelings, and to truly connect with ourselves.
Reflections: More Than Just Memories
Beyond digital portrayals
As we scroll through photographs and memories on social media, it’s easy to get caught up in a narrative that only skims the surface. But our lives, our journeys, are so much more than what can be captured in a photograph. Right? Imagine the perfect photograph of your family – Nobody can capture the struggles of getting that shot. Isn’t it? These are the pictures of lessons learned, challenges faced, and small victories celebrated. This year-end, let’s aim to dive deeper into our reflections, beyond the digital portrayals of our lives.
True reflection involves looking inward and acknowledging our growth, mistakes, and achievements. It also means looking outward – at the relationships we’ve nurtured, the connections we’ve made, and the impact we’ve had on those around us. It’s a balanced introspection that celebrates our journey while recognizing areas for growth.
Embrace the Stillness
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let’s remind ourselves of the power and necessity of these pauses. They are the breaths between life’s sentences, the spaces that allow us to absorb, reflect, and grow. In the act of pausing, we find ourselves – our true, unencumbered selves – ready to embrace the new year with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of presence.
Wish you all a very Happy New Year! Here’s to spending time with your loved ones!
Much love
Suranjita
