Here's to 2012

2011 has taught me that hard work reaps rewards. It's taught me that I'll get back what I put into my relationships, my spirituality and my work. It's taught me to appreciate and savour those precious little things and moments that make life so beautiful. It's taught me not to focus on broken friendships, but to focus on those wonderful people who Maharaaj has blessed my life with, who continue to help, inspire and support me, even in the smallest of ways.

I've realised that there are too many people in the world for us to be able to please and get along with everyone, so we shouldn’t be so attached to the idea of being liked by everyone we meet. But we should understand that every person who has stepped into our lives has taught us something, and has changed our lives, even in the tiniest of ways. The world and people in it are full of hypocrisies and faults, but rather than dwelling on them, we should learn from them and move forward. I’ve learned that it’s important to accept that you can’t always change someone for the better, but you can continue to help them, and that despite everything, the love you show them never goes unappreciated.

2011 has thrown some hard times at me, but it's shown me how to smile through losses, failures and hard times. 2011 opened my eyes to how little we really are aware of, and how little we know. There is so much that is beyond our understanding, but we should accept that it all happens for a reason and we should make the most out of it. . I've been shown the beauty of open mindedness, simplicity and contentment. It's shown me that peace and happiness is internal, and that if I want to attain it, I need to keep my mind clear of negative thoughts and full of love.

This year has pulled me a step closer to realising how blessed we are to have what we have, and how beautiful our Sikhi and our Guru really is. If we accept the mindset and the lifestyle, we can reap the benefits of it. This year has taught me that our only true relationship is with Maharaaj, and that if I want to love my Guru, I have to learn to love myself first. Life is not something that should be taken for granted. Each and every second we spend on this Earth is a blessing. I ask for Maharaaj to bless us all to use wisely and to learn from the year ahead. Roll on 2012!  ♥