2016 | A Year In Review

Credit | marekuliasz via Shutterstock

 

My sister always says that I’m an old person trapped in a young person’s body. Well, not that young anymore but you get the idea, don’t you?

 

I remember a 16-year-old me declining the class picnic because I rather stay at home studying than out in the woods with my classmates. Yes, sitting in front of the heater in that cold Shillong winter, I just wanted to be at home.

 

Even during my pre-university days, I would bunk classes and run back home to be with Mom. I don’t know, parties with friends never fascinated me even at that age. And during New Years? Well, while everyone I knew dreamt of partying with friends and those secret crushes, I just wanted to be home. And so many years down the line, I don’t think anything has changed. With my husband and sister, though, it’s just some other story. Talk about being stuck with opposites, right?

 

Well, this year too, I just want to stay at home, snuggled with M and a book, probably. But S loves going out and maybe we will. The plans are still sketchy.

 

2016 has been a year of many firsts. From a clueless new mum, I have become a clueless mum. See what I did there? Every day is a new challenge and a new experience with M. It has been hectic but rewarding too because I honestly never knew I could love this way before. She is slowly turning a sceptic into an emotionally high-strung mother. From being worried about her all the time to consciously trying to avoid the parenting race, it has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.

 

On the work front, it has been quite a journey as well. Coming back from maternity leave has been a rude awakening. The obstacles faced by working women, I have experienced first hand. There have been days when all I wanted to do was shrink into myself, cut off all ties. But thankfully better sense prevailed. I have worked harder than I ever have before. I have moved out of my comfort zone and given it my all. It has not been easy and I know for a fact that it isn’t ever going to be easy but I’m not going to give up. Sulk a lot and cry, maybe, but never give up. Well, at least, that’s the plan as of now.

 

From a clueless new mum, I have become a clueless mum. #2016 #YearInReview Click To Tweet

 

2016 has been great in terms of reading. I have read so many wonderful books and ventured into new genres. All the light we cannot see, The Nightingale, Lean In, Thrive, Infidel, Lilac Girls, A Gentleman in Moscow to name a few. Reading makes me happy, gives me perspective and not to mention, peace. It was more special this year because I was able to continue reading in spite of donning a new hat as a mother. So, that really is reassuring to me. I hope 2017 turns out even better for the reader in me.

 

One of the highlights of 2016, has been making this space self-hosted. It was a move I had been considering for a long time. I guess 2016 has also been a good year in terms of blogging, writing and freelance work. This is a part of my identity now, what I am and I hope I keep learning and bettering myself every year.

 

While doing all these things, I had the support and love of my family to fall back on. There is nothing that I’m more thankful for than them. I hope they stay safe and healthy all the while spoiling me with love. Touchwood.

Some of my favourite posts from 2016.

 

The Final Push | My Birthing Story

How Do I Make My 4-Month-Old Fall In Love With Reading?

I #PledgeForParity. Do You?

#ViewFromMyWindow | School Girl

#MommyTalks | The Mommy Lunchbox

#ViewFromMyWindow | Women Still Can’t Have It All?

#Poem | One Last Time

How Indian Inc Forces Women To Quit Jobs Post-Motherhood

 

Well, that was my 2016. What about yours?

 

And yes, Happy New Year to you. See you on the other side.

 

12 thoughts on “2016 | A Year In Review”

  1. Thank you for sharing your year in review – and congratulations on becoming a new mum! Here’s to a happy and fulfilling 2017!

  2. I have loved reading every post of your Naba. I’m not a fan of parenting blogs but what ever you seem to be doing with M seems right and it is how I would raise my child if I ever have one. You give me parenting goals. 🙂

    That’s a nice list of books you have completed this year and I’ll be picking some off your list for my next year challenge.

    Stay happy and blessed Naba. More power to you and more love to M and her chubby cheeks <3

  3. Eventful 2016, Naba! You’ve packed in so much! May you have a wonderful 2017 filled with happy memories! Be well!

  4. If there’s one thing I’d associate with YOUR 2016, it’s that you’ve had access to some sort of writing potion! I mean, you’ve been posting like every other day – and I’m rather envious of you.
    As for being a clueless mom, well, parenting in general is ‘learning on the go’ – so you’re in very good company 🙂

    Have a great 2017, Naba!

  5. 2016 had been about getting married, traveling and reading books! And a lot of Twitter Rage 😀
    Congrats on becoming a new mum. I am sure you ll have a busy 2017! Happy New Year 🙂

  6. I’ve noticed that you’ve churned out some inspiring posts this year, Naba. I hope your 2017 is so so good. And pack your bags and go, lady. (I wish I did that too) 🙂

  7. You, for sure, had an exciting year and I had absolutely loved reading your posts. Your honest take on life and how you keep everything real keeps me coming back 🙂 I am not a partying type as well. I just love dining with friends at home and talk and laugh…
    I wish you a great year ahead 😀 Have fun 😀

  8. It has been a pleasure reading more from you, Naba in 2016. Do keep writing. I hope to keep visiting you in 2017 too. Hope you have a great year head! 🙂

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