Some people say, “Here comes the last day of the year; let’s see what the new year brings.” Others, brimming with confidence, say, “What a fantastic year it has been! The next one will be just as great!” Some grumble, “What’s the big deal? Only age is increasing; nothing else changes.” Others declare, “Let’s eat cake and celebrate today. Who has seen tomorrow?”
Someone might wonder, “Will mom finally let me go out this year without doubts or questions?” And the same mom might think, “Where do these kids wander at night, making us worry? Oh God, grant them some wisdom this year!”
Some secretly hope, “Will she say yes this year?” or “Will I finally get that onsite opportunity?” or “Will my daughter-in-law finally behave properly instead of always doing things her way?” Others pray for a child, thinking, “Years just fly by!”
Everyone has some expectations from the new year. But the truth is, the year brings time; what we do with it is up to us.
I, too, have been making resolutions since I was young. At the end of each year, I review what I intended but failed to do, and then I make a fresh resolution. However, I end up refreshing my resolutions at least three times a year: on New Year’s Day, during the Marathi New Year (Gudi Padwa), and on my birthday.
One recurring resolution is to make time for some physical activity—whether it’s playing badminton, jogging or running, or at least going for a walk.
But I’ve grown tired of making the same promise repeatedly. So this year, I decided to change my resolution altogether, realizing that some things are just not meant to be….”Sometimes, we must forgive ourselves.”
Yesterday, I reflected on last year’s resolution—to exercise and play a sport. Out of 365 days, I probably exercised for about 150 days, discounting the other 215 without guilt.
As for sports, my journey ended long ago when computers entered my life in 2000. Games like Road Rash, Mario, and Bricks ruled my world. Later came mobile games like Angry Birds, Candy Crush, and Subway Surfers, which I played endlessly, breaking my own records.
But one game, “2048” challenged me in ways no other game had. 2-2, 4-4, 8-8, 16-16… I tried every strategy—planning moves, playing randomly—but I kept failing to reach the target number and it’s multiples. Yet, yesterday, after countless attempts, I finally won the game. Satisfied, I uninstalled it immediately, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Now, I’m ready to make a same resolution for the year ahead!
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