One year...not very long in the grand scheme of things

By Rupa Datta of Portfolio People

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone on the tube is an unfriendly 'don't-talk-to-me, don't-look-at-me' type! Having just returned from a trip to the the Pacific Northwest where people are more open and communicative in public places than in the UK, my experience yesterday evening was most refreshing. Though the couple I spoke with for three stops were not the average highly strung London commuter, they were from Essex and perhaps the fact that I was wearing my new Havaianas made me a little more approachable than most...I was drawn into their conversation about having been married for seven years and commented that it was great to see that their banter was raw and funny (clearly, I've no idea what it might have been like at the beginning!).

I am writing this post in a particularly reflective mood. This week last year a lot happened which shaped how the year since played out in certain areas of my life. It's funny how a song, photo or a date can take you straight back to a moment and you can remember exactly how you felt at that point. Over the past few days, I have indulged in a little Facebook investigation (or what some might call 'Facebook stalking') to try and verify what someone I met recently told me. In so doing, I noticed the date water-prints on some of their photos and the dates when they were posted. Whilst I believe what said individual has had me believe, this exercise further evidenced my view that things can change in well, what seems like an instant.

I remember two separate conversations with two great friends, the conclusions of which suggested that periods of time can be summarised into a set of life-changing moments. So my moments for the year just gone, I became a Godmother, started a new business, finished my dissertation, allowed distance in some relationships to allow new ones (and reigniting old ones), battled with cancer in my immediate family and grappled with identifying the distinction between infatuation and romantic love (whatever that means!). 

What were your significant moments for the past year? 
Has much happened and little changed? Has much changed but little has happened? 

If you can imagine the moments to come until this time next year, what will the journey be like to get there? Set yourself some objectives and strategies. I hope when you take a moment to reflect in a year or seven, you will be happy with the experiences.  

​Written in summer 2014 Rupa Datta

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