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My sister always says that I’m an old person trapped in a young person’s body. Well, not that young anymore but you get the idea, don’t you?

I remember a 16-year-old me declining the class picnic because I rather stay at home studying than out in the woods with my classmates. Yes, sitting in front of the heater in that cold Shillong winter, I just wanted to be at home.

Even during my pre-university days, I would bunk classes and run back home to be with Mom. I don’t know, parties with friends never fascinated me even at that age. And during New Years? Well, while everyone I knew dreamt of partying with friends and those secret crushes, I just wanted to be home. And so many years down the line, I don’t think anything has changed. With my husband and sister, though, it’s just some other story. Talk about being stuck with opposites, right?

Well, this year too, I just want to stay at home, snuggled with M and a book, probably. But S loves going out and maybe we will. The plans are still sketchy.

2016 has been a year of many firsts. From a clueless new mum, I have become a clueless mum. See what I did there? Every day is a new challenge and a new experience with M. It has been hectic but rewarding too because I honestly never knew I could love this way before. She is slowly turning a sceptic into an emotionally high-strung mother. From being worried about her all the time to consciously trying to avoid the parenting race, it has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.

On the work front, it has been quite a journey as well. Coming back from maternity leave has been a rude awakening. The obstacles faced by working women, I have experienced first hand. There have been days when all I wanted to do was shrink into myself, cut off all ties. But thankfully better sense prevailed. I have worked harder than I ever have before. I have moved out of my comfort zone and given it my all. It has not been easy and I know for a fact that it isn’t ever going to be easy but I’m not going to give up. Sulk a lot and cry, maybe, but never give up. Well, at least, that’s the plan as of now.

2016 has been great in terms of reading. I have read so many wonderful books and ventured into new genres. All the light we cannot see, The Nightingale, Lean In, Thrive, Infidel, Lilac Girls, A Gentleman in Moscow to name a few. Reading makes me happy, gives me perspective and not to mention, peace. It was more special this year because I was able to continue reading in spite of donning a new hat as a mother. So, that really is reassuring to me. I hope 2017 turns out even better for the reader in me.

One of the highlights of 2016, has been making this space self-hosted. It was a move I had been considering for a long time. I guess 2016 has also been a good year in terms of blogging, writing and freelance work. This is a part of my identity now, what I am and I hope I keep learning and bettering myself every year.

While doing all these things, I had the support and love of my family to fall back on. There is nothing that I’m more thankful for than them. I hope they stay safe and healthy all the while spoiling me with love. Touchwood.

Some of my favourite posts from 2016.

The Final Push | My Birthing Story

How Do I Make My 4-Month-Old Fall In Love With Reading?

I #PledgeForParity. Do You?

#ViewFromMyWindow | School Girl

#MommyTalks | The Mommy Lunchbox

#ViewFromMyWindow | Women Still Can’t Have It All?

#Poem | One Last Time

How Indian Inc Forces Women To Quit Jobs Post-Motherhood

Well, that was my 2016. What about yours?

And yes, Happy New Year to you. See you on the other side.