In the quiet space between switching years (already…that went by so fast!), I find myself pausing to reflect on the moments that have shaped not only my journey but also the connections I’ve built with you – my community of those who inspire, encourage and share in this unfolding story.
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This year has been an intricate dance between chaos and calm, creativity and contemplation. From unexpected detours, like mysterious water pooling in my temporary home, to the everyday hustle of balancing work, art, and life, each moment has been a lesson in resilience and adaptability.
I’ve come to realize that there’s growth in embracing the imperfect, something that hasn’t always come easily to me as I’ve struggled with things not going according to plan.Â
Whether it was navigating delays in launching my shop or realizing that creativity thrives in both order and unpredictability, I’ve realized that growth doesn’t always look neat.
Infact, it often shows up in unexpected moments, and sometimes the process itself teaches more than the final outcome ever could.
And through it all, I’ve leaned into the stories that make us human. Highlights of my year included teaching calligraphy to kids, where their unfiltered curiosity reminded me of the joy of discovery. Also creating bespoke art pieces that now live as part of someone’s story. Each of these experiences deepened my belief that art is more than a creation; it’s a conversation, a bridge, a shared vision.
A conversation with my music teacher about creativity and decision-making also stood out for me this year. It reminded me that creativity often resides in the space between certainty and doubt. By trusting both my logical brain and intuitive heart, I’ve found a rhythm that feels uniquely mine.
In a world that often pushes us to conform, I’ve found it difficult yet vital to stay authentic. Authenticity is not always easy to maintain, especially when there’s pressure to fit in or be something we’re not. But I’ve come to realize that authenticity is a quiet act of courage—it’s not always the loudest voice, but it’s the one that rings true.
Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for your encouragement and the way you’ve embraced my stories and art- some repetitive, some new, some still unfolding in unexpected ways.
Looking forward, I’m excited about new beginnings, ideas, and collaborations that will feed the curious and that very hungry student inside of me.Â
The lessons of this year will guide me as I continue to create, connect, share, and hopefully inspire another Arathi somewhere in some corner of the world to keep going!
As I close each year, I usually ask myself these 7 questions, sometimes more, to set the tone for the year to come and to leave behind what does not serve me.
1.What sparked unexpected joy this year, and how can I welcome more of it?
2.Which small moments felt like quiet victories or disappointments, and did I pause long enough to celebrate or reflect upon them?
3.What story did I rewrite about myself this year, and how has it changed my outlook?
4.What decisions felt the most aligned with my heart and intuition, and where did they lead me?
5.Who or what became my anchor during times of chaos, and how can I honor that support?
6.What did I not go ahead with because of my fear?
7.What was the recurring lesson that life kept bringing to me this year and what new did I learn this year?
