First Day (New Year) Reflections

On the very first day of the new year 2026, let there be some reflections on how we want this year to be. Not so much into foreseeing the future, for it will take its own course irrespective of how we want it to be. The universe is largely pre-decided and extremely interconnected and interdependent. Not just our actions, but a gazillion other forces, actions, and events will decide each of our future moments in 2026.

We take stock of the past and put some targets and goals for this year, just to allow ourselves a few good thoughts for now.

For example, God willing, I want my son to be married this year. Whether that happens or not, and not even sure if he is ready to, it gives some good vibes when I foresee a traditional Hindu marriage being performed—with my handsome son in bridegroom attire and a vague outline of the bride. I see this scene amidst a host of friends and relatives, near and dear.

All this gives a good vibe now. So why not? Every moment can be made special by how we look at it. I see a bright one on the first day of the year.

Yesterday was a day of mourning, with a good friend passing away young and leaving family in distress. But if I see the positive side, this may further strengthen the bond between the mother and her only daughter, a 15- or 16-year-old now. Perhaps this was destined—to help the girl grow into a fine lady and handle her life more efficiently than most women do. Hardships make us stronger and better equipped for the future.

Does it mean we should invite hardships? Hell no. I am only thinking that while good moments have positive vibes, so do the seemingly hard ones too. Maybe we need to see everything with a positive lens.

As I write this note today, with somewhat poor handwriting and smaller letters, I notice that I am able to write faster—allowing thoughts to free-flow, uninterrupted by concerns about how my handwriting looks.

I have been on One Meal a Day for over two weeks now. I have also given up a primarily raw-food diet—something I had followed for nearly nine years. Is that a bad thing? Maybe it is. I will come to know its effect in the coming months.

For now, I have a feel-good moment knowing that I have reduced high-sugar, high-glycemic-index fruits to about 80% less of my total intake. I still consume the remaining 20%, knowing that it is adequate for micronutrient requirements.

I also feel good that One Meal a Day may give my digestive system some rest by avoiding multiple meals. I am already feeling good over the past two weeks since I started. Right now, even the expectation feels nice. And if someday I realise it was a bad idea, then the feel-good will be in learning.