How to close out a year?

We all heard the idiomatic phrase that one should end the year on a high. But what does ending on a high really mean?

Does it symbolize wrapping up the year with a brilliant accomplishment?
Does it relate to closing the door on something which has been bothering you for a very long time?
Does it involve managing your health and finances extremely well?
Does it point to a family milestone? Or
Does it involve finding that sweet space in your life where doing less is more?

Well, the short answer is 'Yes' and 'No' to all of the above.

<Courtesy: Kateryna Hliznitsova>

If you have answered 'Yes' to any of the questions above then congratulations on completing a worthy year. You have every reason to celebrate.

If you have answered 'No' to all of the questions above then fret not. Welcome to the majority! We are all in the same boat. In this marathon called life, not every year bears the fruit we desire or deserve. But the real question to answer is whether the year has sown the seeds for something worthwhile?

Just as it takes a well streamlined process to produce a result, so also it takes several transitional years to produce that one phenomenal year where everything comes together. Ploughing through these transitional years is not straightforward. The lows most often trump the highs. Even the few highs that are obtained during the course of this time might not do enough for our spirits. But try as much as possible to take those small steps towards whatever you are aiming for. Most often than not those little steps give us the courage to believe in our pursuit and are also the perfect reply for the negativity that's brewing inside of us.

If you have made your year compelling through your efforts Or
Dedicated yourself to figuring out what works Or
Dove into clearing out obstacles in your path Or
Just Said 'No' to pessimism while keeping the spark alive

Then congratulations on completing a worthy year. You don't have the fruits of your labor just yet but no peak is unscalable for a lifelong climber. As you make your way slowly to the top, remember to take in the sights while you stop for a rest at various vantage points. It's these sights that will stay with you as memories when you finally reach the summit. Similarly, these transitional years make for a fulfilling life story.

Ultimately every life story involves challenging the mundane to churn out something exceptional. If you are wresting the reins of writing your life story then congratulations on completing a worth year. You have something to look forward to next year.

Until next time,

Your life analyst.

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