2023 - The Highs, Lows and everything in between!
A personal reflection of the year that has gone by and (hopefully!) the way forward!
This last year has been one of many learnings and unlearnings!
And in this edition of the newsletter, before we dive into climate completely in 2024, I thought let me take a pause and share some with you.
Most importantly, I learnt to leave behind my 'fear of failure'. I began to push boundaries and take on projects that I never expected to come my way.
In the past I would feel like I was not ready or good enough to take up a certain role or that I didn't deserve a certain project. But this year, I said yes to whatever came my way and it has been a fantastic learning experience.
Entrepreneurship for instance! The idea of becoming an entrepreneur was almost laughable to me a year ago. But now, through this newsletter, I aim to create my own 'micro media enterprise'! There is a long way to go, but I am proud to have marked the beginning in 2023.
The year also saw a couple of more highs -
1. Being a freelancer is not easy. But this year I unlearned the hesitancy I had in sending pitches and got my first ever article published in an international website.
You can read it here - THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON CRICKET
2. I worked on creating the first Tamil glossary to be published by the Tamil Nadu government!
3. Movies and movie research is my passion! So imagine when I got the chance to work with the director of Jai Bhim, TJ Gnanavel, on the research for his film 'Dosa King' which will be produced by Junglee Pictures! Not only did I have a great time doing it but I also realised this is something I am very good at and can possibly do again, very effectively.
4. I took up a job at a company that believes in working on climate at the grassroots and communicating it in a manner that is accessible to all!
5. After multiple injuries, I learnt to work out to become stronger, not slimmer. Comments on my weight and body bother me less now! We do what we can do, and hope for the best!
6. I realised the power of a loving partner and good friends. When I injured my leg a day before my holiday to Malaysia, they literally dragged me along in a wheelchair and made sure I was part of every activity!
The social media page I run is doing better than ever with more enquiries coming via DMs and more walk-ins to the clinic! (Click the image to view the page)
But with these highs came some lows -
1. My new job has meant more travelling and this has been harder on my neck, which is already injured, than I thought it would be. Sigh.
2. I am confused. I want to do so many things that sometimes I feel like my mind is racing in a million different ways! This often left me brooding and introspective.
3. I love being on camera and this year I haven't got the opportunity to do video at all. I hope that changes in the coming year.
What I want for 2024 -
1. Paraphrasing Kareena Kapoor in K3G - Good health, good health and Good health!
2. To pour my efforts into this newsletter, be consistent and work towards making it engaging, informative and reflective of the everyday climate impacts we face.
3. To learn more about the climate, heat and the energy nexus. Pitch and write more whenever I can and possibly get a chance to do more videos and documentaries!
4. I plan to begin my own podcast - Won’t reveal more about it now!
5. Explore more of digital marketing - I already have completed courses in social media marketing and I have experience handling a brand.
But I think there is so much more to learn in this space that can add to my everyday work and improve how I put out information on climate!
Well, that is already a tall order. In between all this, I want to give time to family, friends and lead a holistic life (Always the dream!). Importantly, I want to drink my morning cup of tea in peace.
Here is to a wonderful 2024 for everyone! What are your plans for the coming year? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a comment on the subjects you would like me to discuss in the coming year!
A tumultuous journey Priya....Here's wishing you good health and success this year