Grateful, Blessed, and Slightly Stressed: My 2024 Gratitude Roll Call

2024 was a peculiar but beautiful year for me. It came with its fair share of curveballs, lessons and heartwarming surprises. As the year wraps up, here's my ode to the people, moments and a little furball that made it unforgettable.

1. My Dad: My Rock and My Inspiration

They say that if you'd like to know more about a father, just look at his daughter's face. Mine will probably tell you that my father is the most supportive parent anyone could ask for. If there's one constant in my life, it's his endless support. A self-made man, he inspires me every day to dream big, work hard and be grounded in humility. This year, he taught me so much about our business, trusting my ability to learn quickly while encouraging me to aim for my own accomplishments that matter. He's my biggest cheerleader, my harshest critic (when needed) and the person who reminds me that the greatest success comes from being a good person. His lessons in selflessness and hard work are gifts I'll carry forever.

2. My Evolving Bond with Mom

Mom’s always been my protector, but 2024 turned the tables. I now feel this primal need to protect her. Whether it’s shielding her from life’s stressors, convincing her I can manage adulting (sometimes), our bond has shifted in the most beautiful way. She's always been my safe space, but I would like to be hers too, but hey, I'm still learning.

3. Sanya Didi and Sachet Bhaiya: My Yin and Yang of Advice

Sanya didi and Sachet Bhaiya have been my pillars of wisdom. Sanya didi's advice often comes with a mix of yelling and tough love, while Sachet Bhaiya patiently explains the logic behind his thoughts. They complement each other perfectly and always steer me in the right direction. Their presence in my life is a blessing and I'm forever grateful for their guidance.

4. My Closest Friends: The Ultimate Cheerleaders

They say friendship is about understanding and my friends nailed it. They don't get upset when I cancel plans last minute (I'm sorry) or disappear for weeks at end when the work pressure is intense, but still let me rant at 12 am about a random idea I had for Pickup Foundation. Between their motivational pep talks and letting me bounce ideas off them, they're like my personal hype squad. When my grandfather passed away and I told Ansharah, my best friend who immediately said, at 12 am, "You want me to come over?" and I'll never forget that. My other closest friends checked up on me every single day, just to ensure that I was alright. Truly, where would I be without their constant reminders that I'm 'kinda awesome'?

5. My ZB: Tiny Dog, Big Lessons

My little furball is proof that great things come in small, furry packages. From waiting near the bed, just so I'd pick him up, to waiting by the door for me to come back, he taught me patience, unconditional love, and that all you need in life is a warm blanket so you can sleep. He's also a master at reminding me to enjoy the small things in life - like a quick grocery shopping drive.

6. Finding Myself (Finally!)

2024 was the year I officially met... Somya. Turns out, I've grown more spiritual, more trusting and less panicky about life. My faith in God has become my compass, guiding me through the chaos called life. Trusting his supreme powers has been liberating. Sure, I still worry, but now I do it with more faith in God's bigger plans.

7. Sanya Didi: My Sister, My Best Friend, My Partner in Crime

I've always been told romantic stories about soulmates and that there exists a person who knows all your thoughts without you saying a word. I'm not sure how true this is, but for me, my sister is no less than a soulmate. It's so odd that she's the one person I can just sit with all day while we're both busy working on our laptops. She's the one person who can see my face and tell what's going on and I can do that to her too. From random video calls about funny little incidents, to us cheering each other up, we are each other's constants. Sure, she bosses me around a lot, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The newest addition to our little club is Sachet Bhaiya, who is now my go-to person for all things I want to talk about.

8. Life Itself and the God Behind It All

I was saving this one for the end, because how could I possibly convey my unconditional love and gratitude for the one who's given me everything - God. Life, in all its beauty and unpredictability is a gift. This year, I've learned to trust Him more, to see his hand protecting me from all the challenges, but still ensuring that I learn my lessons. He makes me work harder for things now, as opposed to just sending blessings my way, but that's because he wants me to appreciate those blessings even more. So, hey, I appreciate everything that he's given and I know he'll only do what's best for me, even if I can't see it yet.

2024 wasn’t just a year; it was a vibe—a mix of hard work, deeper connections, and plenty of laughs. Here’s to carrying all the lessons, gratitude, and jokes into 2025.