Dear Abha,
It’s me—your 28-year-old self. These letters have become a way for me to pause, reflect, and process life—work, relationships, growth, healing, and the ever-persistent search for clarity.
Since June 2023, I’ve had complete ownership of my time. I’ve used it to explore what I once only dreamt of—traveling, learning, playing, and spending time with family. But if I’m honest, there are days when I miss the structure and routine that came with full-time work or school. I often find myself pulled in a hundred directions by a deep desire to learn everything, and at times, it’s left me overwhelmed.
But life, in its mysterious ways, has a way of grounding us.
A seemingly minor ankle injury from a friendly game of badminton changed my entire course. I had to cancel my long-awaited trip to Gokarna and pause my yoga practice. At first, I was devastated. But being still gave me something I hadn’t made time for—clarity. In those quiet moments, as I shifted to gentle asanas and pranayama, I found more peace and presence than I had in the last nine months of movement.
That’s why 2024’s mantra has been:
“Whatever happens, happens for the best.”
At the start of the year, I enrolled in a journaling course by Sandeep Kochar Sir, whose words became guiding lights in my healing process. I also joined a yoga class and met Nirav Sir, a modern yogi whose wisdom feels ancient, and whose presence helped me feel more rooted than ever before.
I picked up my Scaler course again and began learning machine learning—something that once felt so intimidating. Slowly, with patience and practice, the fog began to clear. I learned to sit through the resistance, the boredom, the fear—and to keep showing up anyway.
I also launched my first long-form YouTube video, and the love I received made me deeply grateful. It reminded me that we’re not alone in our journeys.
I traveled a lot this year. The year began with a family trip to Vaishno Devi—my first time there. I remember a line that made me smile: “Indians don’t like to hike unless there’s a temple at the top.” But there was truth in it. Faith carried us when our feet grew tired.
Then came Nainital in May, and finally visiting Kaichi Dham. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa at the ashram moved me to tears—and left me in a state of calm that lasted for days. I even stayed in a dorm for the first time. As someone who calls herself an introvert, I surprised myself by loving the experience.
From there, I visited Kasar Devi in Almora, where Swami Vivekananda once meditated. The peace I found there can’t be put into words.
Later, I visited Pune and Bangalore to reconnect with old friends. I thought I wouldn’t enjoy Bangalore, but I met some wonderful souls and shared evenings filled with laughter, clouds, music, and deep conversations. I met Shrutika, a friend who showed up for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Thank you for holding space for me when I was overwhelmed and unsure.
In Pune, Rati welcomed me with flowers and the warmest hug. Moments like these remind me how powerful and sacred female friendships are. Their love reaches into the darkest corners and lights them up with tenderness, care, and wisdom. These hugs, laughs, and quiet check-ins have saved me more times than I can count.
And then there were the unplanned blessings—like being in Pune during Ganapati Visarjan, visiting Dagdusheth Temple, and striking up heartfelt conversations with complete strangers who felt like soul friends.
One of the most honest moments came when a friend in Bangalore called me out for constantly complaining. I was defensive at first, but later, I realized they were right. I had unknowingly slipped into a cycle of negativity—blaming the job market, burnout, and life. That moment stung… but it helped me wake up.
Lesson: Keep honest people close.
They might make you uncomfortable, but they push you to grow.
Books That Held Me This Year
- The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
- Letting Go by David R. Hawkins
🎧 Favorite Podcast:
- Naval Ravikant on The Ranveer Show
This year, I started seeking clarity. And now, I feel like I’ve finally found some. I used to think I wanted to become a yoga teacher. But now, I know—I want to live yoga first. Deeply. Quietly. Authentically. And maybe, years from now, I’ll share it from a place of true understanding.
In the meantime, I’ve given myself permission to explore life, creativity, and curiosity—wholeheartedly.
To be honest, I miss the old days. And turning 30 next year makes me nervous.
By traditional standards, I might be seen as a failure:
- I don’t earn 100K a year.
- I don’t own an apartment.
- I don’t drive a fancy car.
- I don’t have a job title that makes people’s eyebrows rise.
- I don’t have life figured out.
But none of those questions ask about humanity, joy, or love.
They don’t ask if I’m at peace. Or if I feel alive.
And what I do have is this:
- Time. Space. Autonomy.
- The courage to slow down.
- The strength to begin again.
Last year, I left a stable path behind, believing I could build something more meaningful on my own. And while the road ahead is far from clear, I feel blessed to have taken that leap—to protect what I call my “Still Points.” Moments of presence. Pockets of peace.
So here I am, writing this letter to you again.
Still learning. Still stumbling. Still showing up.
And above all—still grateful.
With love,
Abha
December 2024