Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024
January: Grand Beginnings in Guadalajara, Mexico 🌟 and Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024
- Welcoming the New Year with my grandsons & DIL, Karina, set the tone for a promising start.
- Reflecting on the challenges that awaited, the journey unfolded.
Embracing the Challenges: 10 Key Takeaways from 2023 🌈
- Continuous Self-Motivation and Self-Love
- Investing in Continuous Upskilling
- Navigating Long-Distance Friendships and Building New Bonds
- Always Having a Plan B
- Anticipating Life’s Twists with Backup Plans
- Living in the Present, Trusting the Process, and Letting Go of Negativity
- Living in the Moment and Embracing Life Fully
- Adopting a One-Day-at-a-Time Philosophy with Manifestation
- Trusting in a Higher Power’s Plans
- Expressing Gratitude for Resilience
February: Birthday Surprises and Mental Health Realities 🎂
- A lavish birthday celebration at The Faluknama Palace marked the beginning.
- A pivotal moment as mental health challenges surfaced, leading to a shift in perspective.
March: Finding Inspiration and Seeking Change ✨
- Participating in a blog hop on the theme “She: A Tribute to Her.”
- A soul-searching trip to Meghalaya and the decision to move to a gated community.
June: Settling into a New Haven and Pursuing Happiness 🏡
- Finding a haven in a green, welcoming gated community.
- Realizing the importance of seeking happiness within.
August: Battling Clinical Depression and Seeking Help 🌧️
- The onset of a severe depressive episode and exploring various avenues for help.
- Seeking solace in a day trip to Bidar Sahib and affirming financial freedom.
September: Manifesting Change and Financial Freedom 💸
- A drastic decision to sell the dream home for financial stability.
- Battling health issues, seeking help, and manifesting positive change.
October: Unexpected Challenges and Astrological Alignment 🌌
- Facing challenges in selling the property but overcoming obstacles.
- Astrological predictions align with newfound financial prospects.
November: A Rollercoaster Ride Towards Financial Security 🎢
- Selling the property amidst doubts and criticisms.
- A miraculous incident with a road accident reinforced gratitude.
December: Culmination of Financial Transformation and New Beginnings 🌈
- Finalizing the sale, attending weddings, and receiving compliments on newfound vitality.
- Welcoming the New Year with a disciplined lifestyle and a mantra for 2024.
Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024
- Embracing the journey ahead with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to self-value.
This is an abridged version of the year. I am going to share the detailed one below. Please read and let me know your thoughts.
Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024
2023 began superbly with my grandsons, Arian, Amir & DIL, Karina, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Looking back on the past year, I find countless things to be grateful for despite the challenges. It taught me many valuable lessons, and the most significant takeaways from this year were:
Embracing the Challenges: Here are 10 key takeaways from 2023 🌟:
- Continuous self-motivation and self-love are key.
- Invest in upskilling myself at every life stage—this investment is never in vain.
- Navigate long-distance friendships and build solid new ones.
- Always have a Plan B.
- Anticipate life’s twists and turns; it’s crucial to have a backup plan ready. Life is unpredictable!
- Live in the present, trust the process, and rid yourself of negative thoughts. Forgive but may not forget; hold no grudges.
- Live in the moment, letting go of past baggage and embracing life.
- Embrace the philosophy of living one day at a time. Manifest!
- Trust in a higher power’s plans—they often surpass our own.
- Gratitude for resilience.
Let me start my journey from 2023 to 2024 with a flashback. In December 2023, I randomly came across my Aquarius fortune reading for 2023. Let me list a few of what I read and how I manifested it all.
A year of finding solutions-2023
January
I will come back to this later. 2023 started exceptionally with my grandsons in Guadalajara, Mexico. Ringing in the New Year with them was exhilarating and rejuvenating. I was back in mid-January.
February
I am an Aquarian, and my birthday falls on 4th Feb. My daughter, Esha, had made plans for a lavish dinner at The Faluknama Palace. On the 4th morning, I woke up with a start, and as soon as I touched my mobile, Google Photos popped up on the screen with my son’s pictures highlighted in the memories. It evoked painful emotions, but I had to compose myself, as I didn’t want to let down my daughter.
Psychiatrist
My psychiatrist, Dr. NV Ramana Rao, has been a pillar of support for 30 years. He is getting on in years and suggested that I find someone in Hyderabad. After a list of suggestions, I zeroed in on Dr. Harihar, HOD @ Bhaskar Medical College. He heard me out and put me on Bupron 500. (side effect is anxiety attacks)My condition was not improving much, but I put my faith in him.
The incident shook me to the core, and along with it, a dear friend disappeared from my life suddenly. I started experiencing anxiety attacks and made my best effort to control them. I attended the dinner and enjoyed myself. However, the following days worsened, and I got sucked into the depression whirlpool. I chose the escape route and departed for Vijayawada, my hometown, and my daughter. The change of scene proved helpful, and I overcame the depression monster through sheer willpower.
March
In March, I signed up for a blog hop. The theme was -She: A Tribute to Her, hosted by Swarnali Nath. She asked me to write about a woman who inspired me to mark International Women’s Day. Without being opinionated or pompous, my story is about inspiration – She-is Courage.
April
In April, my girl gang and I embarked on our annual friends’ vacation to Meghalaya and had a blast. I came back and realized that I needed to move out more and be amongst people. Living in a stand-alone apartment building added to my loneliness. I started looking for an apartment in a gated community. You might think it is a simple task, but believe me, it took me from March to June to finally find a place.
June–Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024
The gated community I moved into is a beautiful green haven. As per my nature, I effortlessly made friends, and I soon started mingling with the ladies and kids. We keep chasing happiness in different things, wishing that once we get it, we will be happy. But in reality, this is not true. Happiness lies within ourselves, and we keep chasing a mirage. Almost a month and a half went by in settling into the new home.
August
I have shared my clinical depression journey repeatedly, including my recent personal trauma. One fine day, the depression monster struck again in August, and I took it very lightly, thinking that I was now a veteran and could slide through it. I am a fighter, and I was in full fighting mode. I took the Art of Living classes hoping that it would help, but it didn’t. When I see that I cannot cope, I cry out for help.
During my intense depressive episode in August, Dr. Harihar experimented with several medications that proved ineffective for me. It started as insomnia, and the sleeplessness was screwing with my mind. I would wake up with severe anxiety attacks. Doctor Harihar prescribed Trazonil 50 mg, which had to be increased every two days to reach 300mg.
The Angel
Between all this, I called Srinivas, my son, or rather an angel sent from Him. And he could tell from my voice that I was feeling low. Knowing that I enjoy going out, he asked if I would like to go on a day trip. In usual times, I would have opted for a resort, dinner, or a movie, but strangely, I wished to go to Bidar Sahib, a sacred Sikh Gurudwara. I am a spiritual person, but not very religious. Even I could not decipher my decision. It was like a divine calling. This has made me religious and am eternally grateful to the Almighty. The day went by fast, and at the end of the day, I shared my innermost thoughts with Srinivas, declaring that I would be rid of all financial struggles by the end of the year.
There was nothing concrete about my financial problems improving. It was just my gratitude and affirmations transforming into manifestation. Yes, I manifested it all.
Back to my Depression
The 50mg of Trazonil reduced my anxiety but inflamed my digestive system. I woke up with nausea, vomiting, constipation, and acute stomach pain. Despite it being intolerable, I increased the dosage to 100 mg as prescribed. My condition worsened, but, in my silliness, I was glad that the anxiety had reduced, though my stomach experienced discomfort. The doctor asked me to see a physician. I didn’t increase the dosage. I avoid googling my medicines, as the side effects of these psychiatric medicines can shake you to the core. But when I checked on Trazonil it was all there in black and white.
Emergency
I thought it would settle down in a week at the maximum. Even after a month, I was suffering, and one Sunday, I was rushed to ER at Apollo in the morning and KIMS in the afternoon. At Apollo Hospital, the doctor on call refused to listen to me. He sat behind a glass screen and didn’t even check my pulse or BP, or hear me out. I kept insisting it was trapped gas, but he silenced me, asserting he was the doctor and knew better
September
In September, I actively participated in a Truly Yours Holistic Wellness Blog Hop, reaching out to my blogger friends for assistance. Rakhi Jayashankar, a wellness coach, guided me through the next three months. Providing counselling, coaching, motivation, and encouragement. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to her. I have to thank Dr Garima, a Twitter friend as well, for being my motivator always. Simultaneously, I engaged with three other counsellors—two online and one offline. All three did not help me.
I received counselling from Dr Shalini, who I identified as a kindred soul, after my son’s demise. As I headed to meet her, I had complete confidence that she would guide me out of this challenging situation. I communicated to her that I acknowledged the fault within myself. Needed to come to terms with my loneliness, but lacked the knowledge of how to achieve that. I earnestly requested her assistance in helping me to help myself. To my surprise, she admonished me. Stating that no one could assist me and that I had to take charge of helping myself. This was the last straw. I lost all hope.
Another Change of Psychiatrist
But, I reached out to all my friends’ groups on WhatsApp to refer a good psychiatrist in Hyderabad. A psychologist friend recommended Dr V Chandrachud, MD @Citi Neuro Centre in Banjara Hills. I could barely walk, yet I took a cab and went to see him. I wrote a brief history of my 40-year-old mental health journey on my iPhone Notes and shared it with him. He prescribed some medicines and sent me home. I was told that the effect of Trazonil would dissipate in a week. He asked me to come for a follow-up after ten days.
Schizophrenia??
My daughter came down to see me as I was in such bad shape and accompanied me to Dr. Chandrachud. He assured me that I was on the road to recovery and changed the prescription again. One medicine was Alkepin Odt 12.5mg Tablet used in the treatment of schizophrenia (a mental disorder that can result in hallucinations or delusions and also adversely affects a person’s ability to think and behave) My daughter left the next morning, and my condition worsened. I called my old doctor, Ramana Rao and pleaded with him to release me from my agony. He asked me to share the prescriptions. And assured me he would call me back the next morning after researching the medicines. Expressing shock, he informed me that Alkepin is prescribed for schizophrenia. He couldn’t believe I was moving around, walking, and doing yoga. Ironically, Dr. Chandrachud was a student of Dr. Ramana Rao. I visited Dr. Ramana Rao, and he altered my medications. Within a week, I showed improvement.
I pose a poignant and crucial question here: Do we allow doctors to go scot-free, or should we hold them accountable for their mistakes and the traumas they have caused?
September Continued
Life has always been a challenge for me. At one point, financial stability seemed like a hard dream. Now, my enduring hope and determination to create a comfortable life keep me positive. After persevering for 19 years, my husband’s family gave me a piece of land. I opted to put up the dream home I built from scratch for sale. Realizing that a true home is with family, not just walls. Going through writer’s block and dealing with nausea stopped my usual stress relievers: cooking and writing. Yet, despite the block, I shared My Roller Coaster Journey of Finances.
October
My horoscope–“In October, Rahu and Ketu will transit in your second and eighth houses. Because of this, you will suddenly get money. Money gained from the in-laws’ side. Your luck will fully support you in the last three months of the year. Suddenly some good news can come, which can be related to your income. Because of your intelligence, you will solve any problem between October and December. I read this a few days ago. I sold the plot of land within a week. Went through the registration process bent double with pain even in public.
Astrotalk – “You must have heard that problems make you stronger. Thus, in the New Year 2023, with every hurdle that comes, the Aquarius zodiac sign will become stronger; more struggles will come with Rahu in the last quarter of 2023. Influencing your health, the planet will be troublesome and affect things a lot. With the planets changing their positions one after the other, your financial situation will improve.”
Isn’t this uncannily true?
November
In November, putting my home up for sale proved to be no easy task, with so-called well-wishers declaring that it was not going to be possible to sell it as it was a huge property and the market was down. However, several buyers came forward within a week, and I sold it to the highest bidder. Do not think that all this happened effortlessly. There were many hurdles and hitches, some from extended family. On Gurunanak Jayanti, I had a meeting with the buyer that didn’t go well. It was after 8 pm, and I was driving home, disappointed with the talks, driving at around 20-30 mph when suddenly a lady ran across the road, hit my windshield, and fell on the road. Her head was bruised, and a crowd had gathered around.
Divine Intervention
Despite her husband’s lack of concern, her son and I persistently persuaded her, eventually bringing her to a private hospital. I paid 10k at the hospital for cosmetic sutures and the rest of the treatment. I dropped her home and placed 10k in her hands. Her husband was talking to a lawyer, on whose land they were staying, but God bless the simple lady who kept repeating that it was her fault and not mine. I reached home and broke down. The consequences of the incident loomed large in my thoughts. I could only express gratitude to Him for saving both her and me.
December
In December, finally, the buyer and I came to terms, and we decided to finish the registration within the next two months. Finally, it all came together, and I am now on the road to financial security after almost 20 years of struggle.
I attended a wedding in Bengaluru on the 9th and another on the 25th of December. It was a much-needed change. The loss of weight due to the traumas made me look slimmer and youthful, and I am floored with compliments from random people I meet. I was known as Santoor Granny way back in 2014, and after ten years, I think I still qualify for that acronym. For the first time in my life, I have started accepting compliments gracefully. How many times will I have to be a Phoenix rising from the ashes?
I welcomed the New Year with a video call with my grandsons and a shopping outing with my daughter. It marked the ideal start to this New Year, offering promises of improved mental, financial, emotional, and physical well-being. I maintain a disciplined lifestyle incorporating gratitude, yoga, meditation, a 4 km daily walk, and sattvic food. A sincere thank you to 2023 for shaping me into a more resilient and adaptable individual.
Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024
2024, I’m ready for whatever you bring! 💪
Mantra for 2024 – Embrace Life, Rid Yourself of Clutter, Detach, and Delete anything that diminishes your life’s value.
This is what I said last year- Let’s Say Hello 2023 Blogging Activity hosted by Swarnali Nath
This post Navigating Challenges, Shaping a Bright 2024 is part of The Year & You Blog Hop hosted by Swarnali Nath
That was a roller coaster ride of a blog post to read. Thank you Harjeet for your candidness and vulnerability. I’m so glad you got the right help you needed despite curve balls. Your resilience is inspiring. May 2024 be gentler and kinder.
Harjeet, your words always spread positivity. Every year is a mix of upas and down and every day is a new chapter which we have to read. Whether to pay attention to its content or not is our choice. To me, your year looks like one such book.
You truly are a fighter. I was thinking of an appropriate word for your strength. “Phoenix rising from the ashes” is what it is. More power to you!!
Wow Harjeet, your 2023 was quite eventful. But it’s also true that you have faced many challenges and overcame them boldly. It’s lovely to see how you win over every obstacle and emerge into a better version. Thanks for joining us and making the blog hop successful. Gratitude. Wishing you Happy 2024.
That was quite a year for you. But as always you have been so strong and overcame all the struggles. Thank you for sharing your journey so honestly with us.
Wonderful images & candid expressions.
Embracing the challenges always makes sense.
So proud of you for being the fighter & cheerleader that you are!
Such an apt title for your post: “Navigating challenges, shaping a bright 2024”.
Am sure all will be great with your attitude & spirit.
Keep navigating! More power to you in 2024!
Through this post , I could appreciate the depth of your depression and how difficult it has been for you.As a doctor myself, it feels bad that you had to put up with callousness when in distress but I am happy that another good doctor was around to help you. There is always a shining light at the end of the tunnel, we just have to keep looking. The fact that you want to invest in upskilling shows your grit and positivity. All the best for the New Year , Harjeet!
You are a pillar of resilience, dear Harjeet. Life throws many unexpected challenges, and you are powering through. I think it is important to keep doctors accountable for their mistakes. It is so difficult to find honest doctors who can diagnose problems well. I have been visiting multiple doctors for my parents trying to find someone trustworthy and helpful. Good to know that you finally received the right medication for improvement. And yes, you definitely qualify for the Santoor granny tag still. 🙂 wishing you a kind year ahead. ❤️. Love and hugs.
I must say you have handled it all very well, Harjeet. Hats off for taking the year in your stride. You truly look beautiful in all the pictures. It’s so nice to know that you have found financial security after all those tiresome years. I hope you have a more profitable year ahead and do better. It’s also good to know that you have overcome your depressive tendencies.
You are a pillar of resilience, Harjeet. Life throws multiple challenges but you keep powering through. I think doctors need to be held accountable for their mistakes. It is so hard to find trustworthy doctors today. I have been visiting multiple doctors for my parents trying to find someone reliable to give the right diagnosis. Good to know that you eventually received the right medication to improve your health. Wishing you a healthy and kind year ahead. <3
Wow! Despite the lows, you’ve come out stronger and wiser. Happy that the women did not hold you accountable. Also, when you come to Bangalore next, make some time to meet me. I would be glad to have you over or treat you to something you love.
Hello Harjeet Mam,
The year 2023 remained a roller coaster ride for you but you came out as a stronger and better version of you. Obstructions are alike the waves of the sea which come and go at its own pace, but does that affect the beauty of the sea? No, never rather it enhanced the beauty. Harjeet mam you are like that sea in whose life barriers appeared and disappeared like the waves and you are still that elegant, beautiful and strong. I wish year 2024 gift you new hopes, happiness and meaning to your life.
Much Love
Samata
Thank you, Samata. That was a beautiful metaphor. I am just back from the seas and can relate so well with your thoughts ❤️
Harjeet Ji wishes you a healthy and happy New Year 2024. Loved every takeaway you have written for 2023. I don’t know always strongly believe that to speak about one’s mental health one has to have immense courage and you are such a courageous and inspiring person to all of us.
Thank you dear 😍
Firstly, Harjit Ji, I must express how much I adore every moment captured in your pictures. Embracing life’s challenges truly adds depth and meaning. Your journey as a fighter and cheerleader makes me proud to witness your strength. Your story is a source of inspiration for many, including myself. Keep shining 😊.
Thank you, Anjali. Each one of us have our battles to fight.
We keep chasing happiness in different things, wishing that once we get it, we will be happy. But in reality, this is not true. Happiness lies within ourselves, and we keep chasing a mirage. Such beautiful words! Your question: Do we allow doctors to go scot-free, or should we hold them accountable for their mistakes and the traumas they have caused? is something I’ve often pondered over too and have been a victim myself and I feel they should be questioned on their practices and policies if not held accountable. I’m glad you finally found some respite for your mental health and are doing better now. Reading about that accident gave me goosebumps and I’m just relieved the lady and you both are fine; also sending a silent thank you to the universe for the lady being so kind and understanding. Congratulations on finally being able to sell your dream house. It must’ve been a difficult decision for you and of course the entire selling process must have brought in its own set of problems and challenges. So kudos on that!
You’re most definitely a Santoor Granny and I salute you for your such poise, charm and embracing all your struggles with a beautiful smile. Hope 2024 turns out to be a better year full of smiles, and less frowns for you.
Wow, Manali 🙏 I am humbled and speechless ❤️
I always love reading your blogs for they showcase the power of resilience and the pics are super awesome 👌. I am an Aquarius too. I wish you a very bright new year filled with a lot of opportunities ✨️
You have been through the wringer this year, Harjeet. Hats off to your resilience and the ability to see the positive side of it all. And coming out tops. 100% agree on doctors being held accountable although I do belong to a family of doctors. I too have been on the receiving end with my allergies. Wishing you all the very best 2024 has to offer. Caught up on your recent vacation pic and you are positively glowing. Touch wood. Tight hugs!
Thanks a ton, Ritu. I have lost faith in doctors. It was worse a few years ago. Vacation was awesome, thanks. Totally much needed.
Harjeet, 2023 has been so bad and yet, you inspire us with your resilience and ‘never give up’ attitude. Its not easy, but you are a fighter. How are you now? Take care of yourself and we are all a phone call away. I know you may have heard this from many, but I really mean what I say. May be I cannot solve your problem, but sometimes we also need people who just listen and don’t judge. I can promise to be that. God bless you. May you have a wonderful year ahead.
Thank you, Janaki. I never realized or owned my inner strength until recently. If I give up then my life is finished.
You are truly a Phoenix rising from the ashes. We look up to you for life guidance. Loved your article, pictures are amazing !:)
You know Harjeet, very few people have the courage to get up after falling……and you are amongst the best of them.
Thank you, Aditi.I didnt know I had this strength seriously
First of all you look ravishing in all pics especially the December ones, Harjeet.Your posts are always inspiring and spread positivity. I always admire your fighting spirits and salute you for the way you fight your battles out. You are truly a Phoenix as very few have the courage to bounce back from the ashes. Wishing you a happy, healthy and wonderful year ahead !!
Your life has been very dynamic with each month going forward last year. And congratulations to you for attaining financial security after 20 years. Money may not be everything in life but most life hurdles are solved because of money and every individual should be financially independent.
Wish you all the luck in 2024
What a journey, and your resilience is truly inspiring! The way you faced challenges, navigated through them, and shaped a brighter 2024 is commendable. Your openness about mental health struggles and the steps you took to seek help are not only brave but contribute to breaking the stigma. Here’s to embracing life, detaching from clutter, and deleting anything that diminishes your life’s value in 2024! Wishing you continued strength and positivity in the new year.
Its amazing that despite so many mental health issues you managed to travel and write so much, Harjeet! It’s so important to keep yourself motivated during rough times but you’ve always been an inspiration for the positive attitude you have towards life. Wish that you enjoy lot more amazing vacations with your girl gang and have less to none trips to the doctor in 2024!
Thank you for this brave post. It is not easy to share ones deepest feelings but you have done that so well. I am sure your words will help others who needed to hear this. Despite the turbulent year, I am so happy that it ended on a positive note and that you are on your way to financial freedom. Good luck for 2024!
Your article is so optimistic. Really liked it.
All I can say is May Allah bless u with a Happy Healthy and peaceful life
May Allah blessu witha happy healthy and peaceful life
Thank you dear
U have braved all the challenges with your fighting spirit.Keep up your positive attitude and wishing u a wonderful year ahead and Good luck for 2024..
Thanks, Usha. Just keep on pushing myself. Never give up is the mantra