New Journey

It is more than a year since I wrote on this blog. So many things happened in last one year. Some of the things were really tragic so I did not want the reflection of those thoughts in here. I always wrote this blog with the thought that anybody who is reading it, should feel happy, feel appreciation of small treasures and find inspiration and/or motivation. There are so many things wrong with the world, people and situations around, there has to be a place where one gets belief that everything ends well :)

Today I am writing this blog from Manhattan New York. Wow, right? Such a huge transition from Omaha, NE to Manhattan, NY. I think that is the magic of life. The life has its own turns and twists. Sometimes when it happens, we experience impossible. That's how my journey has been in last one year. I am not into divulging details of personal life onto a blog, so the story will remain private. What will become public are the lessons learned. Following are my lessons from last one year.

1. Always believe in your instincts. When the instinct tell us to stop and revert back, believe in it.
2. Always love family and friends unconditionally. When the tragedy strikes, these are the only people who will guide us through it.
3. If things do not go as planned, be brave and explore a different path. Who knows there might be a treasure hidden on that path. Always believe in the warrior inside you. Please do not give up.
4. Always take care of your health. When bad things happen and you have to be on your own, good health will help in your journey.
5. Do not wait for miracles to happen. They do happen but on the path which we did not think of.
6. The world is filled with both good and bad people. Once in a while, we meet two-faced people. Our job is to believe in good people and their love, care, prayers and thoughts for us. 
7. Do not assume that a person is good just because he/she comes from a good family or has good education. Some people acquire degrees but not education. We cannot change these people, possibly pray for them.
8. Do not think that people of certain age has accumulated wisdom. Some people just grow old.
9. Sometimes unknown people help us in our time of need. Be thankful to those people and remember that their kindness should be reflected in our own behavior for somebody else in future.
10. Sometime the greatest tragedy can be turned into the greatest opportunity, one just needs big enough heart to accept the challenge. Not every journey is pleasant but every journey is valuable.
11. There comes a time when we question our faith, our place and our values in this world. When that time comes, just remember this is also a passing. Without thunderstorms and rain, one cannot see the rainbow.
12. Trying new things, new cuisines, new places, new activities has its own value. Newness tell us how much capable we are of change. 
13. One last lesson, one becomes a better human being only if we can pray and wish good for the people who put us in tragedy. When that feeling appears in our heart, we have achieved a new level of self knowledge and love. Forgetting is the first step, forgiving is the second step, praying for those people is the last step, which signifies meaningful end of the tragic journey. We are now ready to embark on a new journey. I know that I am ready for the new journey.

With these thoughts, I want to tell you how much I have been in love with my new life. I am trying to enjoy every single day, because I know now that life is a gift from the god. Now every day is meaningful, every person I meet is valuable and every activity I do is interesting.

                

This morning I did something that I am really proud of. I ran a 5 mile race in Central Park. Running activity was very out of character for me, I guess last one year helped me shape a whole different character, for which I am grateful. I started running since February of this year. I ran a lot in Brooklyn and on Coney Island. Getting up at 5AM in February took a lot of motivation but I did. When I came home with flushed red cheeks, I knew I was on right track. Today's event was meaningful in a lot of ways. It happened around the same time as my one year anniversary of NewYork stay. It was also a testament of good resolve and efforts. 

I have something special to share with you this evening. My 5 mile finisher medal!!! Its a simple medal but it signifies fight of so many people who cared for me particularly in last one year. I dedicate this medal to all of them - my family, my friends and kind people who made this impossible journey possible for me. I am forever in their debt, a debt that cannot be repaid but only acknowledged! 

With Hope, Possibility and Love from Shilpa!!!!