Rachna says

If I had to sum up the year in three words, these would be it: reflections, realignment and travel The year didn’t so much walk by as sprint past me, occasionally dragging me along for the ride.

It all began in full panic mode with the younger son juggling not one but two major exams. I was a bundle of nerves. Guiding, reminding, nudging and yes, apparently “going nuclear hyper” (his words, not mine). I genuinely don’t remember being this stressed during my own student days. Motherhood really does come with a whole new level of anxiety, doesn’t it?

We pressed pause on holidays, family visits, basically life, until the exams were done. Then came the next phase: college admissions. Multiple exams, presentations, interviews and that agonizing wait for results. When he finally got into the college of his choice, we were over the moon… until reality hit. He would be moving to another city in a matter of a few days.

Those days vanished in a blur. And just like that, the husband and I were driving back home, waving goodbye. I shed a few tears (okay, more than a few). The husband, true to form, kept his calm, neutral exterior intact.

Coming back to an empty home felt strange, almost eerie. Thankfully, routine came to the rescue: work, cooking, workouts. I even said goodbye to our cook because, honestly, cooking for two is is easy. Also, can we talk about how little two adults eat? Mothers of growing boys will know exactly what I mean. Estimating quantities suddenly feels like guesswork at best.

This year was heavy on reflection and realignment. I have been itching to redo parts of the house – declutter, go minimal, but I want everything related to the kids to remain untouched. The husband, however, is a committed hoarder (until the sky falls, apparently). Negotiations are ongoing.

There have also been deeper reflections, about life, purpose and the endless cycle of morning turning into night while we all seem to be running a race without a clear finish line. Am I turning spiritual? Maybe. Religious? Not quite. Will I take to prayer and rituals someday? Seems unlikely… but who knows!

Realignment has been unavoidable. With both kids out of the house, our roles as parents have shifted dramatically. We are no longer managing the daily logistics of their lives; they’re doing that themselves. A lot of routine has gone out the window. I wake up later now, and I love it. I certainly don’t miss the frantic mornings.

Professionally, this year was kind to me. I ticked off a few goals I had set, and my work continues to energize and engage me. That is something I am deeply grateful for. I’m curious to see how this next phase unfolds for my husband and I.

Somewhere between all the life changes this year, I rediscovered reading. It began innocently with one Reacher book and quickly spiraled into twelve, so much for self-control. I loved slipping back into the habit of reading again, and I am ending the year on a calmer note with Chimamanda’s Dream Count, which is my final read of the year.

Travel played a starring role in the second half of the year. We spent a couple of wonderful months in the US with our older son. Lots of travel, reconnecting with friends and family, and plenty of good times. There were multiple trips to Mumbai as the younger one settled into college life, along with visits to extended family and my mother-in-law in Hyderabad. We wrapped up the year beautifully with an anniversary trip to the Rann of Kutch in early December, traveling with my sister’s family. Pure joy, laughter and memories.

As the year winds down, I feel genuinely grateful for all the beautiful moments it gave us. I feel calmer, more centered. I don’t have grand goals for the new year; just a desire to build on good habits and take life as it comes. Choose ease over bucket lists. There is beauty in the steady rhythm of everyday life and in spending time with family.

Let me know how the year has been for you, and what do you look forward to in the new year?