2024 Reflections

As we approach the final hours of 2024, I find myself looking back on a year that has been both challenging and transformative. 2024 was a year marked by change, loss and self-discovery – one that has taught me the importance of true friendship, the value of loyalty, and the painful reality of disillusionment. Hoping the trials of 2024 will strengthen and help me face whatever comes next with confidence, courage and optimism. When we transition from one year to the next, it is always a time for reflection and this year I have a lot to process and be grateful for.

2024 was a year of farewells. Some friendships, which I once believed were unbreakable came to an end. In particular, I had to say goodbye to two incredible souls - Amrita Goswami (Kapaatee) and Sukesh (Suku Baba). They were taken from us far too soon, leaving behind nothing but memories. Memories of shared laughter, heartfelt conversations, and moments of pure joy. Their absence has left a void that nothing can fill, but I carry their spirits with me in every moment. The time we had together serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life truly is and how precious our time with loved ones is. To the friends I lost, I carry you with me in my heart. You were there when I needed you the most and I will always be grateful for the support you gave me during my good and bad times.

In times like these, the grief can feel overwhelming, but it's also an opportunity to reflect on the impact those people had on my life. Amrita and Sukesh, you were there for me when I needed you most. For that, I will always be thankful. Though you're no longer physically here, your love and friendship will continue to live within me. Rest in peace and know that you are forever missed.

2024 also shown me true value of friends who stuck around – genuine unwavering companions who stood by me when the going got tough. You guys have been my anchors, my sounding board and my laughter in moment of sadness. You have been the ones who have shown up no questions asked, ready to offer a helping hand or a listening ear.

Its easy to be there when things are going well but being with me in my lowest phase of life are true friends. You’ve been the light in the darkest of times and I cannot thank you enough. Your loyalty is something I will never take for granted. In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain, you are the constants that I can count on.

But not all friendships survive the litmus test of time, some just come to an end. 2024 made me take that difficult decision to walk away from people who no longer took a stand for me in my life. I let go of those who proved to be spineless, believed what they heard and unwilling to stand up for what’s right when it mattered the most. Sometimes it hard to accept walking away from someone who were once close to you. I have learned that being surrounded by those who are cowardly or self-serving on drains our energy. To those who I have disowned, I wish you no ill but I realized I am better off without you in my life. I no longer have room for people who are willing to let me down in moments of need.

As we stand on the cusp of 2025, I can’t help but feel a sense of hope and renewal. The past year has been a journey of letting go—of both people and situations that no longer align with who I am becoming. And while I will carry the memories of those who have left my life—whether through loss, betrayal, or simple drift—I am excited about the opportunities that the new year will bring.

So here’s to the friends I have lost, friends I have kept and friends yet to come. Thank you for being part of my story in 2024. Happy New Year and here’s to making 2025 a year of deeper connections and lasting joy. As we enter 2025, I wish for all of us a year filled with deeper connections, lasting joy, and the courage to embrace whatever comes our way. Happy New Year, and here’s to a fresh start, to new beginnings, and to a year that brings more love, light, and growth than ever before.

A Toast to the Past and Future