Sakshi Daral

A few years ago, I took up a personal challenge of a writing project. It dragged on for a couple of years until 2023. Upon suggestion from a friend, I determined that I wouldn’t carry it forward to the next year.

When the world was preparing for the dawn of 2024 on the eve of 31st December, I quietly sat in my room and gave the final touches to the project. I came to a point when there was nothing more to write. The project had reached the milestone that I had planned for 2023. I stood up and took a victory walk in my home. The Sun had gone down by then, and the holiday lights twinkled in the buildings around. The New Year’s Eve traffic had picked up pace.
It dawned upon me that I was the only person aware of my momentous feat as the world went by its business as usual. It was a milestone, at least for me.

For many, a new year is an end and a beginning. For me, 2023 seemed like an end to a chapter that unfolded over fifteen years. Although, I was consciously aware of that chapter for only the last two years.
The New Year bells rang, and the fireworks erupted across the world. It felt like they were all celebrating my milestone, even if they were unaware.

I woke up the next day to the first snow of the season. However, I felt a sense of disorientation over the next few days. The project that was the centre of my life for a while had reached a milestone. I thought, “Now what”? The next milestone looked even more jarring. The year had barely started, yet I felt uncertain as I looked towards the future.
As the first few days settled in, I reflected on the last seven to fifteen years of my life. The person at the start and the one at the end of that period were from two different solar systems. My life has taken numerous fresh beginnings, including moving countries, letting go of people, welcoming new people, and growing spiritually, to name a few. So now, as I stand at the juncture of yet another one, I remind myself of this old saying:

If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.

Nichiren Daishonin

So, as I repeated these words in my head, I jotted down a few lessons I had learnt multiple times in my last seven-year era. I reminded myself that the future is for me to create.
For those who find themselves at the juncture of a fresh departure or a fresh beginning in any area of their lives, I hope this helps you in your journey.

To start is easy, to continue is difficult

The start is simple and easy in any endeavour. We have the energy, hopes and aspirations for our New Year resolutions. However, obstacles appear as the initial honeymoon phase wears off. A few obstacles that I have experienced time and again are:

• Self-doubt – the fundamental darkness prevalent in life where we doubt our inherent potential and value
• Fear – of failure, judgement, regret

When I moved to Canada to build a life from scratch, others in my circle were either getting married or starting a family. The comparison bug would bite me now and then. In such times of comparison, I would remind myself that my path is different, and I’ll pave it. But the same bug reappeared when I pursued writing. I felt so far behind other established writers and artists. Looking at the long road ahead in writing, I told myself that my voice matters, even if imperfect.

To win is perseverance

Have you ever been stuck in the 11th hour? When you exert yourself for a long time, the destination still feels like a mirage in the desert. Nichiren says on this:

The journey from Kamakura to Kyoto takes twelve days. If you travel for eleven but stop with only one day remaining, how can you admire the moon over the capital?

Nichiren Daishonin

Here are a few lessons I have learnt to cover the last 12th hour in an endeavour.

Know your why

I go to the basics when I get stuck in writer’s block. I ask myself, why did I start it in the first place? If the answer to that question is hazy or unsure, then I need to tackle that first. Once the why is sorted, one can figure out the how of the path.

Knowing the why makes it easier and more compelling to continue despite any obstacles one may come across.

Acknowledge the signs

The universe sends us signs as a constant reminder of our path. We can choose to dismiss, ignore or deny them, but the signs keep appearing until we take note. These signs can be – strangers who shape and direct our path or cheerleaders who remind us of our potential. No matter where and how they appear, as long as we are open to reading them, we will always find our way back. I had numerous souls around me who sent me a gentle reminder, an inspiring quote or reminded me of my potential that kept me going.

Have compassion for oneself

This one deserves a special mention, specifically for my life. The theme of my life for the past fifteen years has been impatience. I have had to go through numerous lessons to develop better patience with my journey, no matter how slow, twisted or long it may seem.

Show up for yourself

I used to feel run down to write anything after a day of full-time work, volunteering and social time. So, I would force myself to wake up early and write with limited distractions. My alarm would go off, and I would debate in bed if I should get up. Then an inner voice would say, you need to show up for your dreams! That voice would spur me out of bed and make me sit down to write, even if I could manage a paragraph a day.

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So, the message I give to myself at the beginning of this fresh departure:

Honour the past and its lessons, look to the future only I can create. 
Walk a step at a time, no rush to figure out all today.
As I take the step ahead, the next will open up straight.