31st January 2026 has passed by — already!

It’s like our blue planet is running in Super Sonic mode across the galaxy, chasing the Sun, so that by the time you blink, a month has gone by. No, seriously, how fast has time been passing since the pandemic years? Nevertheless, the daily grind has been grinding (Yes, I speak Gen Z/Alpha occasionally) and as usual my head has been upto completing so many things at once, that technically nothing gets done.

The Good

I can say with a few exceptions, I have managed my days better than before. I have been more disciplined and productive than usual, and it is entirely thanks to Cook (Manisha Tai), who had to take care of her own health, due to which I had to bring myself and my house in order. This taught me a couple of things. Firstly, women all over (Manisha Tai or me in this case), do not seek medical attention immediately, and moreover, when they do, it is almost when things go so wrong that it becomes an emergency. Hoping for good sense to prevail in womankind to be more cautious about their health and prioritize themselves.

Secondly, when it comes to housework, the more you dread it, the more cumbersome it becomes. One hour early each day has helped me immensely, and though I have yet to make it a routine, I am working on it cautiously.

Life of a very reluctant Yogi

In other wins, I attended Saurabh Bothra’s free yoga class for at least 18 days. Considering attending my mom’s chemo sometimes and a lot of family functions, this in itself is no mean feat. Also, I resent all forms of exercise, though I do manage my yoga stretches fairly well. I see myself getting better with my fitness journey.

Clarity in the closet

But hey, the biggest win is definitely getting my wardrobe back in order. I, like every other woman, have too many clothes (at least I admit it), but I never seem to find the right ones at the right time. One Republic Day Holiday was put to good use to set things right, and I can now find things in a minute instead of the usual 2-hour to 6-month time period.

The space in the wardrobe actually helped declutter my mind and though I am not in my nirvana stage yet, I still feel I am asking myself the right questions and seeking the right answers. Case in point, I find myself blogging, completing writing tests online and finishing up pending office work on a Sunday instead of plonking myself against the TV and doomscrolling on my phone.

Realization – Declutter, my friend, is the answer to most of life’s problems!

That and sleep, oodles of sleep actually, and loads of books. See, just reading this seems to make the world a better place already!

Putting myself out there

This month, I also overcame my inhibitions and appeared on an Upgrad podcast as one of the alleged achievers who have completed their courses there. I was “IMPOSTER SYNDROME” personified, watching my panelists who were absolutely brilliant and doing so very well for themselves. I feel as clueless as a fresh college graduate lately. What is it that I want to do next? I know not!

Nevertheless, it was an interesting conversation, and I enjoyed sharing my experiences. I am not sure how inspiring anyone would find my very dramatic, constantly transforming career journey, but I definitely came back motivated and happy.

I also realized I loved public speaking and was very comfortable talking to an audience. (Manifesting, always!)

Speaking of which, I returned to my son’s daycare as the host of their Annual Day function (for the third time, must be doing it right) and, as usual, loved everything about it. Always great to be amongst little ones, children are such pure joy givers!

The Not So Good

Seeing your parents in ill health always seems like impending doom, and watching my mom endure her chemotherapy side effects is the worst moment ever. I feel like breaking down so often, yet I stay calm on the surface. She believes I am the stronger one in the family (yes, I do, in fact, have a heart of steel, as I joke to her often). You just have to give it to my very fragile and sweet-looking mamma, she can be such a warrior! Wishing and hoping and praying she wins this battle again. (Always, always manifest!)

In all of this Undomestic Goddess business, I had to let work take a backseat, just when projects and assignments were coming in full stream. It has caused next level chaos, one that I hope to bring down to tranquility soon.

What’s Next

This year has started with a huge realization of the importance of discipline and being in the NOW! So much uncertainty must be borne by taking the next immediate step and letting the path unfold. One thing remains certain, though: the path will be new and will take me to places, people, and prospects I never considered before. And I wish the same to everyone who has read this with me.

I’ve always believed winter months are meant for slowing down, clearing the mind, conserving energy, and quietly making room for the blessings of spring.

Maybe that’s what this January really was — not a race ahead, but a gentle reset.

So here’s to discipline, small steps, messy strength, and paths that reveal themselves one step at a time. Cheers!